Category Archives: The Weekly News

Two Arrested After Stabbings in Chino

Staff Reports

Chino– On Friday, Oct. 2, two suspects were in custody after an altercation that resulted in three victims suffering non-life threatening stab wounds.

Chino Police Officers responded to the 12200 block of Arlington Avenue before midnight regarding individuals fighting in the street.

Shortly thereafter, officers attempted to stop a white Dodge Charger seen leaving the area. The vehicle failed to yield and after a short pursuit, collided into the public right of way in the 12600 block of San Antonio Avenue

The driver, Brandon Coats, 19, of Chino, was immediately taken into custody. A second suspect, a 15-year-old male who had fled on foot from the scene, was later located in the area and was taken into custody without incident.

Coats was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for driving under the influence and evading police. The teen was booked at the San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Center for assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909-628-1234.

Green is the New Orange this Halloween

Discover new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle this Halloween season

 

 

Courtesy of Waste Management of Southern California

Inland Empire – Halloween is just around the corner and in the next few weeks, residents will begin transforming their homes into haunted castles. Before they do, Waste Management of Southern California wants to remind residents that there are several ways in which they can get into the spooky spirit without scaring off Mother Nature.

“Between the candy, costumes and decorations that are typically used once before being tossed to the curb, Halloween is notorious for accumulating trash,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California. “To help keep the spirit of the holiday without making it a nightmare for the environment, we’re offering our customers a handful of tips that they can easily use to reduce waste and be green during the Halloween season!”

Zombies, princesses and superheroes can keep their Halloween celebrations festive and eco-friendly by using the following tips from Waste Management:

  • Give your pumpkin a second life. Instead of tossing your used jack-o’-lantern to the curb after Halloween, remove the candle and add it to a compost pile. Organic waste, such as unwanted pumpkins and fallen leaves, is nutrient rich and can help enrich fertilizer and produce healthier lawns, plants and flowers.

 

  • Hand out eco-friendly treats. Health food stores offer a wide range of candy from organic chocolates to organic lollipops. These tasty treats are produced using methods that are not damaging to the environment.
  • Use recyclable bags for your trick-or-treaters. Create a unique candy basket or simply put a reusable bag to good use. Avoiding the plastic jack-o’-lantern containers will clear up space in the home, save money and add a dash of originality to your child’s costume.
  • Make your own costumes. Put less stress on your wallet by opting for costumes made of reusable or recycled materials. You can find Halloween costume materials from thrift stores or yard sales.
  • Walk instead of drive. Rather than drive to other neighborhoods, stay close to home and trick-or-treat in your neighborhood. By walking from house to house you are reducing fuel consumption and air pollution.
  • Throw a green Halloween party. Purchase organic pumpkins for carving and apples for bobbing from local organic farms. Once the jack-o-lanterns are carved and the bobbing is complete, use the apples and pumpkins for pies, soups and other tasty dishes.
  • Help keep neighborhoods clean while trick-or-treating. Carry an extra bag and pick up litter along the way. Candy wrappers can be a big source of litter on local streets during Halloween.

Inland Empire: Traffic Delays on Archibald Avenue

Resurfacing began on Oct. 7

Staff Reports

Eastvale– Road construction on Archibald Avenue north of Limonite Avenue will cause traffic delays over the next couple of weeks.
Traffic delays are expected on both north and southbound lanes on Archibald Avenue.
A developer in City of Ontario is resurfacing Archibald Avenue between Limonite Avenue and north of City limits, say Eastvale Public Works Department officials.
The work will continue until Oct. 15.
Local access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout all construction activities.
Commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes during resurfacing process.
According to a city-issued news release, flaggers will be provided as needed to assist traffic through the work zone.
Road work will continue through the weekend to minimize weekday traffic congestion.
For additional information, contact the City of Eastvale Public Works Department at 951-703-4470.

Chino Valley Chamber Expo Makes Connections

IMG_1422Staff Reports

Chino– On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chino Valley Medical Center, hosted its annual Business Expo featuring more than 100 vendor booths and drawing more than 500 attendees to the at the Shoppes at Chino Hills.
The crowd mingled among booths while learning about local companies, including Delicate Smiles, Cruise Planners, Pampered Chef, Welborn Media, ABC Public Relations/Armijo News, Nutrishop Chino Hills, and Smileland Orthodontics.
In addition, a variety of local agencies were represented, including The Chino Valley Police Department’s, Supervisor Curt Hagman, City of Chino, City of Chino Hills and Chino Valley Fire District. Kids also enjoyed a variety of fun activities including pony rides, petting zoo and a children’s corner.
The Chamber was delighted to see such a great turnout from vendors and visitors, the visitors and vendors themselves all seemed pleased to have taken the time to be a part of the expo.

IMG_1475 IMG_1479

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

A Letter From Loretta:

Q:  I just found out that my 38-year-old son is planning to move in with me.  He is in the middle of a divorce and apparently things are getting desperate for him financially because of attorney fees.  I heard this through the family grapevine.  I am a widow and I’ve lived alone for three years.  I don’t want a roommate at this stage of my life.  I would be more willing to loan him the money for his attorney fees.  My brother-in-law says this is cold hearted of me.  I love my son, but want a peaceful home.

A:  If living alone feels best to you, you should be honest about your preference. Living with someone is a big deal. Family grapevines are not always accurate, but if your son does approach you to pitch this arrangement, you should definitely express the ways you’re willing to help him while at the same time explaining that living as roommates does not work for you.  It is quite generous of you to offer financial support during this difficult time in his life.  You can offer emotional support in many different ways as well. Good luck!

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

L.A. Sheriff Search And Rescue Teams Prepare For El Niño Season

Staff Reports

LA County– The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s eight search-and-rescue (SAR) teams are training and planning for the anticipated El Niño storms predicted for L.A. County. Earlier this month, 36 SAR specialists trained for swift-water rescue response. The focus was land-based operations which primarily deal with how to rescue a victim safely out of a fast flowing river or channel without having to enter the water.

Upcoming future training will certify these SAR team members as Swift-water Rescue Technicians.  Many current SAR team members already possess this certification, which deals with how to rescue a person trapped in a river or channel by entering the water and making contact with them.  Swift-water rescue responses are the highest level of risk to the public safety agencies who respond.  One-third of all swift-water deaths are rescuers who attempt to save someone from a river or channel.

The eight SAR teams consist of team members who live in the immediate area and they will be pre-identifying likely areas prone to flooding.  They will coordinate with our public safety partner agencies who are stakeholders in flood responses.  Once identified, the teams will pre-plan rescue sites for those areas including the identification of possible hazards.

SAR teams work closely with LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau Emergency Services Detail (SEB/ESD), a highly trained and multi-mission bureau which staffs Air Rescue 5, the premier helicopter rescue platform. SEB/ESD deputies operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to their tactical operations, all SEB/ESD deputies are certified paramedics and rescue divers. SEB/ESD is responsible for coordinating and participating in mountain search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, and swift water and flood rescue operations for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They staff the Air-5 Rescue Helicopter, the SEB/ESD Ocean Rescue Boats, and are Special Weapons Team members.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team members are Reserve Sheriff’s deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free. There are 200 members of the eight Search and Rescue teams of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They are all Emergency Medical Technicians and certified mountaineers.  These rescuers were activated for 597 search and rescue missions last year, making it one of the most active counties for search and rescue missions in the nation. Reserve deputies and civilian volunteers are supervised by full-time sheriff’s deputies.  For more information on the ongoing El Niño event, please visit http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/.

Holiday Getaway At Comfort Suites

Photo Courtesy: Comfort Suites Comfort Suites in La Puente.

Comfort Suites in La Puente.

Staff Reports

La Puente – The holidays are quickly approaching, with Thanksgiving and Christmas just around the corner.  With all the planning, cooking, shopping and cleaning at hand now might be a good time to take a little mini vacation and recharge your batteries to stay productive.  You may not have the time to make major travel plans, but staying local at Comfort Suites might be the perfect solution.

If you are planning to have family and friends join you from out of town for the holidays, why not have them stay at the nearby Comfort Suites?  Comfort Suites is always dedicated to making your visit enjoyable, and they will make sure you and your guests are happy with their stay.

With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, Comfort Suites can make you feel as comfortable as if you were at home. With a three-diamond rating from AAA, the Comfort Suites’ staff ensures that guests are always satisfied with their stay (AAA is one of the most widely respected information sources for travelers throughout the United States and recommends hotels on a 1 to 4 scale).

Comfort Suites offers a wide variety of amenities including free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite on a flat screen plasma TV, a fitness center, 100 percent smoke-free hotel, and every guest can enjoy a complimentary hot breakfast each morning.  And don’t forget, every room is a beautiful suite.

Maria Mendoza, General Manager of Comfort Suites, personally invites you to come enjoy your stay at their hotel and take advantage of the unique opportunity to experience the area’s rich history, culture and urban energy. Visitors of every age and interest can enjoy a wide range of activities. La Puente Comfort Suites is located near the Irwindale Speedway, Industry Hills Expo Center, Raging Waters, the beautiful Huntington Library, and much more.

Located at 753 Glendora Avenue in La Puente, Comfort Suites can be reached at 626-330-0030, or visit their website at www.industryhillshotel for more information and photos of their site.  Be sure to check out their ad on page 8 of this publication.

 

Facing Grief Head On

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T.

I know from lots of personal experience the loss of a loved one is devastating.  I know it can dump a person into a very severe depression.  It can make us feel like we just can’t go on and that life isn’t worth living without that loved one.  I have literally helped thousands of people heal from the death of a loved one.  I know it’s important to understand that we all must leave this world when it is our time.  Death has no logic or fairness it just is and is the hardest part of living.  I also know that we heal when we find a way to live that honors ourselves and our loved ones still here and our loved ones that have passed away.

The worst thing we can do is feel guilty that we are still alive but a very special loved one has passed away.  No matter what we do, say or feel, nothing can bring that loved one back to us.  All we can do is live our lives fully, live our lives for ourselves and for all of our loved ones that have passed away.  The truth is that our loved ones don’t want to die and make us feel such unbearable pain because they are no longer here.  So it’s very important to fully appreciate the life of a loved one when they are alive and with us.  One of the tricks of a very successful life is to take nothing for granted especially those closest to us.

So when you lose a loved one grieve but don’t give up on your life.  Remember we are all only here for such a short time so live well and love well and I promise then you will have no regrets.  Don’t waste your life because we only get one time to do it all.  Tell people you love them, be affectionate and when they pass away carry them in your heart forever!

Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy has a private practice in Diamond Bar. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and teen groups.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727 or email, nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s   books, “Live, Heal and Grow,” and “Midnight the Therapy Dog” at Amazon.com.

Bark for Life, Chino Valley!

Bark-CMYKFeaturing K9 Demonstrations, the Batmobile, Sheep Herding and Fly Frisbee

Staff Reports
Chino– Loyal and loving canines bring comfort to a sick person, and man’s best friend will be the honored guest Saturday, Oct. 17, during the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life of Chino Valley.

“The fifth annual Bark for Life of Chino Valley is a family-friendly, noncompetitive walk honoring our furry friends as caregivers and comforting pets for loved ones who are fighting cancer,” Bark for Life Chino Valley Event Coordinator Jennifer Rudin said.

The Chino Valley Bark for Life will include demonstrations by the Chino Police Department’s K9 Unit and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Bloodhound K9 Unit, entertainment, food, dog games and dog contests. Sheep herding, fly frisbee, barn hunting, and animal adoptions will all be featured, Rudin said. In addition, participants can take their photograph with a replica 1966 Batmobile (www.charitybatmobile.com), owned by Chino resident Leonora Foddrill who brings out the celebrity ride to various charity functions across the Inland Empire in memory of her late husband Jimmy Foddrill.

More than 100 booths will offer products and services.  “We have a great mix of vendors and informational booths including onsite microchip services and grooming for pets,” she said.

“One of the highlights this year is our ‘Ask the Doctor’ booth featuring the event’s Grand Marshal Dr. Greg Ogilvie and Dr. Darlene Sanchez, founder of Loving Hands Animal Hospital, Inc. in Chino, where the public will have the opportunity to ask leading veterinary doctors questions about their pets,” Rudin said.

“This year, our fundraising goal is $15,000 and we hope the entire community will join us in this great cause, all while having fun with their pets,” Rudin said.

Pets will also be available for adoption from Priceless Pets Rescue, a Chino Hills based no-kill, volunteer animal shelter serving the Inland Empire.

A registration fee is required for all pets. Rudin encourages pet owners to registration their dogs early to receive a discount. To register, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/barkchinoca. Admission is free and open to the public.

Proceeds will be used by the American Cancer Society to assist local cancer patients, for community education.

“The first 200 dogs will receive a commemorative bandana. We also have goodies for the humans,” she said.

The event will be held at Boys Republic High School, 1907 Boys Republic Drive in Chino Hills, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Rudin at 909-529-0505 or email, JenRudn@msn.com.

Chino Valley Chamber Welcomes 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness

9Round-BWBy Gel Delos Santos

Chino– Say goodbye to the boring, big box gyms because a new fitness circuit is in town!  Chino Hills residents John and Selina Licea opened 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness franchise club on July 30, 2015 in Chino Hills, located at 14230 Chino Hills Parkway, Suite E.  John and Selina are true fitness gurus who fell in love with the concept of a 30-minute full body circuit training routine. It is a high energy fitness program for every body type. Designed for both young and old, from age 10 and up, there is no limit. Full customizable family plans are available for the entire family.  Reasonably priced, 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness is a more affordable option than those large gyms.  With the price that a member pays, membership includes a personal trainer who will guide and coach them through the 9 different stations, or better known as 9 Rounds. Members also have access to an online nutrition program.  John and Selina encourage everyone to stay fit.  Selina says, “Don’t be afraid because at 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness you get fit, never hit!”

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome its newest member, 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1:30 p.m.  The ceremony will be followed by a grand opening raffle where all proceeds will be donated to Gifts 2 Help, a non-profit organization that benefits local families in need during the holiday season.

Come join the Chamber, city officials, local elected officials and other community members in welcoming John and Selina Licea to the Chino Valley business community.

Do You Have A Passport?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Everyone who travels outside their own country is required to carry a passport.  We are now required to have a passport to even visit Mexico and Canada.

A passport reveals a lot about a person. A passport identifies you as a citizen of a specific country.  My passport clearly states that I am a citizen of the United States of America. I am thankful to carry a US passport.

In addition, a passport tells a lot about you.  It includes the date and location of your birth.  It includes your photograph so that you can quickly and easily be identified with the information in it.   It tells when your passport was issued to you and the date it will expire.

Your passport also contains a record of the places you have been.  When you enter a foreign country, they usually stamp your passport to record the date you entered and the date you departed.  It indicates if you arrived by plane, train or by automobile. It is fun to thumb through the pages in your passport and remember the adventures you have shared and the places you have been in the past.

Sometimes airlines will put a sticker on the outside of your passport.  This indicates that you have been interviewed or screened for security purposes before they allow you to board their airplane.

Today, many countries are relying more on electronic screening.  They can scan or swipe your passport and immediately know a lot about you. You may find this comforting or you may feel concerned that there is so much information about you in their records.

I don’t know if they had passports in ancient times, but I do know that citizenship was a big deal even in Bible times.

The Apostle Paul invoked his rights as a Roman citizen on several occasions (Acts chapters 16 and 22). Citizens of Rome had additional rights and protections that were not granted to non-citizens.

In one of his letters, Paul says “Our citizenship is in heaven…” (Philippians 3:20).  Paul was both proud and thankful to be a citizen of Rome, but he was even more thankful to be a citizen of heaven through his faith in Jesus Christ.

If you have a passport, let me encourage you to dust it off and look through the pages.  It will be a helpful reminder of the places you have been to.   And, if you are not sure about your citizenship in heaven, let me encourage you to dust off your Bible and read some of the things that the Apostle Paul wrote his letters to the Romans and Ephesians about how you become one.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.

Annual Walnut Family Festival, Oct. 10

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut Watch local equestrian groups such as the Rising Hope Ranch (pictured) and the Walnut Valley Riders parade through the streets of Walnut in celebration of the 39th annual Walnut Family Festival Event this Saturday, Oct. 11.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut
Watch local equestrian groups such as the Rising Hope Ranch (pictured) and the Walnut Valley Riders parade through the streets of Walnut in celebration of the 39th annual Walnut Family Festival Event this Saturday, Oct. 11.

Family Fun Featuring Parade, Kid’s Fun Zone and Live Music

 

By Alicia Jensen

Walnut– The 39th Annual Walnut Family Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Suzanne Park, located at 625 Suzanne Rd in Walnut. The Festival highlights include a Community Parade (with free giveaways and prizes for the audience) Live Entertainment, Kid’s Fun Zone (with special guests from the movie “Frozen” – Elsa and Anna of Arendelle), Food Booths, Arts & Crafts vendors as well as a variety of service clubs, youth organizations, businesses, and environmental services, all aimed at improving your quality of life in Walnut.

The day kicks off with the annual Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a parade down La Puente Road. Then the fun and entertainment kicks into high gear at Suzanne Park.

Arrive early to get the best seats along the parade route. The Festival Parade starts at 10 a.m. The parade route moves east along La Puente Road from Lemon Avenue to Suzanne Road.  Parade highlights include the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, Walnut High School Marching Band, Walnut Valley Riders, LA Extreme Cheer, AYSO, community floats, and much more.

Live entertainment kicks off on the Valley Vista Stage at 12 p.m. featuring special musical performances by DSB (Journey Tribute Band) from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Box Car 7 playing the best in R&B, classic rock and swing from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and The Filharmonic from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., an acapella group as seen on TV show “The Sing Off” and movie “Pitch Perfect 2”.

There will be plenty of fun kid activities with carnival attractions, a petting zoo, race car train rides, special guest appearances and a sing-a-long with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle.

The food court will feature several non-profit groups cooking up an assortment of delicious foods while earning money for worthy causes. Come enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Walnut/Diamond Bar Lions Club will be flipping flapjacks from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. so you can get a great start on a jam-packed day of fun.

Join us for a day of fabulous food, terrific entertainment, wonderful exhibits and lots of fun!

For more information about the Festival, call the Walnut Community Services at (909) 598-5605.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 10.10.15

2015-Oct10-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2015-Oct10-Weekly-WEB

Redemption

By Michael Armijo

One day, my friend told me a story about a freshman in high school named David that touched me so deeply. This is what I call, Redemption:

David saw a kid named Ron walking home from school.  It looked like Ron was carrying home all of his books, which was strange because classes aren’t all on the same day. He thought to himself, “Why would anyone bring home all his books on a Friday? He must really be a nerd.” But he shrugged his shoulders and went on.

As he was walking, David saw a bunch of kids running toward Ron, knocking his books out of his arms and tripping him. Ron’s glasses went flying and landed in the grass. When David handed the glasses to him, he looked up he saw this terrible sadness in Ron’s eyes. Somehow he felt his pain.

David said, “Those guys are jerks. They really should get lives.”

Ron looked at him and lowly said, “Thanks.”

There was a slight smile on Ron’s face. It was one of those smiles that showed real gratitude.  David helped him pick up his books, and as it turned out, Ron lived near David.  They talked all the way home and Ron turned out to be a pretty cool kid.

Over the next four years, Ron and David became best friends. When they were seniors, they began to think about college. Ron decided on Georgetown, and David was going to Duke. They knew that they’d always be friends, and that the miles would never be a problem.

Ron became valedictorian of their class, and had to prepare a speech for graduation. David was so glad that he didn’t have to get up there and speak.

On graduation day Ron looked great.  He was one of those guys that really found himself during high school. All the girls loved him. David was just jealous. He could see that Ron was nervous about his speech, so David smacked him on the back and said, “Hey, big guy, you’ll be great!” He looked at David with one of those looks (that really grateful one) and smiled.

As he started his speech, he cleared his throat, and began.

“Graduation is a time to thank those who have helped you make it through those tough years; your parents, your teachers, your siblings, maybe a coach…but mostly, your friends. I am here to tell all of you that being a friend to someone is the best gift you can give them. I’m going to tell you a story.”

David looked at his friend with disbelief as he told the story of the first day they met. Ron talked of the day he had cleaned out his locker. He talked of how he was distraught about his life. He talked about how lonely he was. So lonely, he had planned to kill himself that weekend. But he didn’t, because his new friend unknowingly stepped in. He showed kindness. He showed compassion. He showed, by his actions, that life is worth the struggle. Ron looked hard at David and gave him a little smile.

“Thankfully, I was saved,” David continued. “My friend saved me from doing the unspeakable.”

David heard the gasp go through the crowd as this handsome, popular boy told them about his weakest moment. He saw Ron’s mom and dad looking at him and smiling with that same grateful smile.  Not until that moment did David realize its depth.

It was then that David realized how important it is to never underestimate the power of one’s actions. With one small gesture you can change a person’s life – for the better, or for the worse.

The most compelling element about the story of Ron and David’s friendship is how it relates to so many lives. Personally, I’ve hoped that somewhere within my past that I’ve been a “David” to someone I’ve met. And what fills my spirit with even more emotion is that I know I’ve felt like a “Ron” many times.

What perplexes me is that I don’t know which role I’ve felt more often.

Someone once said, “Friends are angels who lift us to our feet when our wings have trouble remembering how to fly.”

To so many, each day, this is true. I’ve always valued my friends with depth and sincerity. I’ve always believed in the importance of being friends, and the importance of having friends.

As the story continues, it emphasizes that there is no beginning or end. Yesterday is history. Tomorrow is mystery. But today is a gift. This reminds me that giving the ultimate gift of friendship is what I call the inner spirit of your heart, and that gives us the true feeling of redemption.

Diamond Bar: Teaching Kindness

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Chaparral Middle School teacher, Sherry Robertson, with students Noah Macalino and Ashley Jong, completed 40 random acts of kindness.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Chaparral Middle School teacher, Sherry Robertson, with students Noah Macalino and Ashley Jong, completed 40 random acts of kindness.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – When Chaparral Middle School teacher Sherry Robertson turned 40 this year, she didn’t want gifts or a party. Instead, she decided to complete 40 random acts of kindness to mark the day.

“I wanted to do something original and when I mentioned it to my students they thought it was a great idea and wanted to join in.”

The educator made a spreadsheet to share her ideas with the 6th Graders. Her goal was for volunteers to complete acts individually and then meet at a local shopping mall for the remaining gifts of kindness.

Three students joined the compassion day in honor of Robertson’s 40th birthday on Aug. 8.

7th Grader Ashley Jong, 12, baked chocolate chip cookies and delivered to staff members at the Diamond Bar Library and Kaiser Emergency Room.

“I’ve watched my mom bake cookies, but this was my first time. They were good!” she recalled.

Classmate Noah Macalino, 12, chose to open doors for strangers.

“I really like helping people and it’s fun to do!“ he said.

Student Ethan Yee was on vacation with his family in Las Vegas and also completed two acts of kindness.  He presented a surprise gift card to a hard-working waitress and made a charity donation.

Jong also left a shovel and pail and bottles of bubbles at a local park with a note that read, “Please enjoy this random act of kindness and pass it on!”

The do-gooders took photos of their kindness acts to document the day.

“Every act included a note with the social media hashtag, “RAKbirthday2015, so people could check out the pictures,” Robertson said.

In total, completing 40 Random Acts of Kindness birthday took over eight hours. Robertson and her family covered the community with kindness.  She had the help of her husband, Mario, and son Riley, a Quail Summit kindergartner.

“It has always been a priority for me to help my son grow up in an environment where he learns helping others is the norm,” Robertson said.

They handed out crayons and coloring books to children in a hospital emergency waiting room.  The family brought thank you photos to a caring fire chief, and left laundry soap, fabric softener and quarters at a local Laundromat.

“Enough for a few loads,” she said.

At Toys R Us, the Robertson’s put quarters in all the toy vending machines at the front of the store.

“I wanted to wait to see all the kids come!” the bubbly teacher said.

The educator purposely asked her students to choose acts that were low in cost or free.

One approved random act was sending a thank you letter.

“The note had to be handwritten – no emails or text messages,” Robertson said. “It takes effort and it’s the effort that makes people feel special.”

One of her favorite acts was leaving sticky notes with affirmations in women’s dressing rooms at Kohl’s.

“As I was leaving I heard one lady say, ‘Yes, I do look fabulous today!’ when she saw the note.”

“The cool thing is if you get to see or hear someone receive it,” she commented.

In the afternoon, the group met up at the Shoppes in Chino Hills.

“We taped little bags of quarters to parking meters,” Jung proudly reported.

The trio randomly passed out gift cards to customers in Barnes and Noble bookstore. They even hid a few inside books.

Recipients were surprised at the caring gifts throughout the day.

“At first they thought we were joking,” Jong recalled.

“Some were suspicious, but most were appreciative and excited when we explained it.” Robertson shared.

“I had to tell one lady that there were no strings attached. These are my students and it’s my birthday. I just wanted to include them on what it feels like to do nice things for other people,” she added.

Robertson is happy that she offered a lesson in kindness to mark her milestone birthday.

“I’ll always remember that these kids went out of their comfort zone to help spread kindness. I’m so proud of them.”

“It was an awesome day!” Macalino said.

Chino Valley Fire Launches Red Flag Community Alert Program

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

Chino – The Chino Valley Fire District is launching a Red Flag Community Alert Program. The Red Flag Program is designed to promote awareness of critical wildfire weather conditions and community preparedness. During red flag warning conditions, all Fire District facilities will fly a red flag until the warning has expired. Information on red flag warnings will be disseminated via Public Service Announcements and through all Fire District social media platforms.

Critical weather conditions that would trigger a red flag warning include severe heat, low relative humidity, high winds, and low fuel moistures (dry vegetation).

During a red flag warning, residents are urged to use extreme caution when operating spark or flame producing equipment in grass or brush areas. Residents of the Sleepy Hollow community in Carbon Canyon will be asked to restrict street parking to provide necessary clearance for firefighting vehicles.

The Fire District encourages the community to be prepared by knowing about the wildfire action plan, Ready! Set! Go! The plan offers tips to residents on creating defensible space around their homes, making their homes fire safe, and having a good evacuation plan.

For more information on the Ready! Set! Go wildfire action plan, visit http://www.chinovalleyfire.org and click on Emergency Preparedness under the Community Relations tab.

Walnut: Citizens Oppose Mt. SAC Solar Farm

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – Residents once again spoke during the public comment section of the latest Walnut City Council meeting to disagree with Mount San Antonio College; however, this time complaints were made not against the ongoing concerns about a proposed parking structure.

This time, residents were opposed to the location of a planned “solar farm” project that would have the college integrate a 2.2 megawatt, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system, that could save the campus nearly half a million dollars in annual energy fees.

The location in contention is the Mt. SAC-owned property at the corner of Grand Avenue and Temple Avenue/Amar Road – which is commonly known as the “Christmas tree” lot – where Christmas trees, strawberries, and pumpkins are sold at different times of the year.

Walnut resident, Patrick Johnson, said the proposed solar farm looks bigger than any building that the college currently has, and called the proposed project, “disgusting.” Johnson stated that he knew several lawyers that could help stop the campus’ clean energy project.

Many of the residents that spoke out against the solar farm all shared the same sentiment – that they were “not against solar power,” but that Mt. SAC should not build the solar panels because the rows of panels would ruin the resident’s views of the hills, cause traffic congestion during its construction, and others even questioned if Mt. SAC had the authority to build the solar farm on their parcel of land.

Jill Dolan, Director of Public Affairs for Mt. San Antonio College, said the college administration has the best interest of the students and environment in mind, since the solar farm will help the campus on its way to energy independence.  The campus would save $480,000 in annual energy costs.

According to Dolan, the solar farm project has been a long-time objective for Mt. SAC, and that the campus did an Environmental Impact Report in 2013 which showed that the construction and finished solar farm would have “no new or exacerbated signification environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.”

As of Sept. 9, the college chose Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. to perform the construction of the venture, and is funding the $5 million project through Proposition 39 Clean Energy Funds, California Solar Incentive Funds, and California Energy Commission loans. Dolan said the college is planning to start construction in late spring/early summer of 2016.

“Mt. SAC is deeply committed to pursuing opportunities through which we can be thoughtful stewards of both the environment and taxpayers’ funds,” Dolan said. “Mt. SAC is proud to be a leader in energy efficiency and water conservation efforts, and we have been recognized at both the local and state level for our cost-savings accomplishments. This solar project would save the college nearly half a million dollars a year and move Mt. SAC even closer to energy independence.”

Due to the outcry of residents, however, the City Council members agreed to discuss the solar farm project during its Oct. 14 meeting.

Diamond Bar Princess Party

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – On Sat., Sept. 19, Miss Diamond Bar – Queen Alexandra Ornelas – and her court of princesses (Rebecca Wang, Megan Quon, Katherine Hermosillo and Cynthia Preciado) hosted a very special Princess Tea Party at the Diamond Bar Library.

The Court enjoyed meeting, dancing, singing and story time with all the little princesses, who were dressed in their very best princess attire.

Linda Headlee, Director at the Miss Diamond Bar Scholarship Pageant, Inc. – who is the event sponsor – said over 90 little princesses attended the annual Tea Party, and as you can see in the photo, they had a very delightful experience.

Declining Enrollment at Chino Valley Public Schools

Budget issues loom as district closes books on 2014/2015 school year

 

Courtesy of Chino Valley School District

Chino – Declining enrollment, the possibility of charter schools moving into the area, increased contributions to employee benefits and pensions, and the probability that special taxes will expire within three years could adversely affect Chino Valley Unified School District’s long range budget, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Sandra Chen told the Board of Education at its Sept. 17 meeting.

Chen made her comments during a presentation on closing the financial books for the 2014/2015 school year, prior to an annual audit.

The loss of more students than expected is particularly troublesome, Chen said. The district has experienced a steady decrease in student enrollment by about 500 students annually for several years. The district is down 745 students from the same time last year, Chen reported at the Sept. 17 board meeting. Current enrollment is coming in at approximately 100 students lower than what was projected at budget development, Chen said. “We will have to make adjustments to revenue at the First Interim Report (in December),” she said.

The district receives money from the state, based on student enrollment.

Declining enrollment can also be an open invitation to charter schools, Chen said. The district’s enrollment decreased from about 32,000 in 2009 to below 31,000 in 2010 when Oxford Preparatory Academy public charter school opened its doors that fall.

The district, along with others in the state, is responsible for contributing more money to employee pension programs. “We will need to continue to address that in our multi-year budgets,” Chen said.

Proposition 30, which provided additional funding to education beginning in 2012, is set to end in the next three years. The 0.25% sales tax portion of the proposition ends in 2016, and the personal income tax in 2018. An initiative, backed by the California Teachers Association, is underway to extend the proposition to 2030, Chen said.

The district is also watching other developments that could affect its finances, including AB 1522 which provides up to three days paid sick leave a year to employees, including those that are temporary and part-time; compliance penalties regarding the Affordable Health Care Act; and a cap on how much districts can keep as reserve for emergencies.

The district’s 2014/2015 expenses increased $14.3 million when compared to the 2007/2008 school year, but revenue has only increased by $2.1 million, or 1% when compared to the same period, Chen said. The District’s expenditures are outpacing the incoming revenues. Chen expects the district will continue its deficit spending trend if no action is taken to adjust its expenditures.

Chen said it is very costly to run a district as large as Chino Valley Unified because employee costs account for $9 out of every $10 in unrestricted dollars that the district spends. Costs for employee salaries and benefits average about $900,000 a day, and about $19 million a month.

The district does expect to get some one-time funding from Governor Jerry Brown this school year, amounting to about $600 per student based on 2014/2015 attendance. The funding is part of the Governor’s plan to pay back school districts what they were owed by the state for previous mandate

claims. The district has budgeted this funding for use in its continuous effort to implement Common Core state standards.

The district began the 2014/2015 school year with a $50.7 million balance. It had $209.8 million in revenue, but nearly $217.9 million in expenditures, an $8 million deficit. It ended the year with a $42.7 million balance. Of that, approximately $23.1 million is reserved for revolving cash, equity distribution to employees, economic uncertainties, and other costs, leaving an unappropriated amount of $19,560,793.

The district began the 2015/2016 fiscal year on July 1 with $42.7 million. Chen expects the district to take in $249.2 million in revenues, and spend $241.2 million. Included in the $249 million revenue is the one-time funds provided by the Governor for mandate claims settlements and implementation of Common Core state standards.

Following an independent audit this fall, the district will file its First Interim financial report with San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in December.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

A Letter From Nora:

Q:  My older sister accompanied me on a business trip to Las Vegas last year.  I invited her as my guest because she doesn’t get out much and I wanted to see her have a little fun.  On the first night she lost most of her money and consumed too much alcohol to the point of embarrassing me in front of my co-workers.  I never said anything about how uncomfortable I was.  Our annual trip is coming up again and she just assumes that I’m taking her again, but I don’t want a repeat of last year.  I don’t know how to tell her that I’d rather take someone else.  She is very sensitive and I don’t want to hurt her feelings. Thank you.

A:  Unfortunately, your sister is a social rookie.  Maybe she is just a lovable light weight who gets goofy when she drinks too much once in a while, or maybe she is a true social liability.  Be honest with her and explain that based on last year’s performance, she isn’t a suitable fit as your companion on a business outing, but you’ll keep her on the guest list for your next house party. Enjoy!

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her atstraighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.