Category Archives: The Weekly News

Pomona’s National Night Out

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Tues., Aug. 4, neighborhoods throughout the City of Pomona are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out is sponsored by the Pomona Police Department Crime Prevention Unit and the City of Pomona. They will join in the celebration with over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in America’s Night Out Against Crime.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Join the Pomona Police Department from 5 to 8 p.m. at 400 Civic Center Plaza (in front of the Library) in a FREE celebration that will include raffle prizes, entertainment, kid’s games and crafts. All Pomona residents are encouraged to attend.

This is a night for all of America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.

Please contact the Crime Prevention Unit with any questions at (909) 620-2318.

Rowland Heights: RUSD Student Wins Poster Contest

Staff Reports

Rowland Heights – Rowland Unified School District/Killian Elementary Student, Marlene Tjutiwaty, recently became the 3rd Grade winner of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s, “Junior Fire Chiefs Poster Contest.”

The contest was designed to help send the message to “Visit a Professional Fireworks Show,” in an effort to promote Independence Day safety.”

Tjutiwaty – daughter of a Rowland Unified School District employee – was selected from more than 200 3rd Grade entries. She was recognized – along with all the 2015 Junior Fire Chiefs – on July 2, at a press conference at Los Angeles County Fire Department Headquarters.

Orange County: Disney Employee Arrest

Cast Member attempts to trade park tickets in exchange for sex with minor

 

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On July 1, a Disneyland Resort employee allegedly posted an ad on Craigslist seeking women willing to engage in sexual acts in exchange for tickets to the Resort parks.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s Office (OCDA), the suspect – Darreck Michael Enciso, 27, of Adelanto – is accused of communicating with a Huntington Beach Police Department (HBPD) Undercover Officer, whom he thought was a 14-year old girl, interested in the tickets.  On July 9, Enciso showed up at the designated meeting place on Beach Blvd. in Huntington Beach with condoms and Disneyland park tickets in his possession.

Enciso was arrested and charged with one felony count of attempted lewd acts upon a child, one felony count of contacting a child with the intent to commit a specified sex crime, and one felony count of meeting a minor with the intent to engage in lewd conduct.

Enciso was scheduled to be arraigned on Mon., July 13.  If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of four years and eight months in prison, as well as mandatory lifetime registration as a sex offender.  He is reportedly being held on $100,000 bail at the Santa Ana Central Jail.

The Disneyland Resort reportedly terminated Enciso following his arrest.

The OCDA and the HBPD are seeking the public’s help in identifying potential additional victims of Enciso, who is accused of posting several similar ads on Craigslist.  Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Supervising District Attorney Investigator Mark Gutierrez at (714) 347-8794, or HBPD Detective, Angela Bennett, at (714) 536-5960.

San Gabriel Valley Organizations Honored

Kaiser Permanente BPMC Awards Nearly $300,000 in Community Benefit Grants

Photo Courtesy: KP Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Leadership congratulates some of the grant recipients whose programs improve access to primary and specialty health care services throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Photo Courtesy: Kaiser Permanente 
Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Leadership congratulates some of the grant recipients whose programs improve access to primary and specialty health care services throughout the San Gabriel Valley.

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center recently hosted a Community Benefit Partner Reception to award and recognize 34 local nonprofit organizations from the San Gabriel Valley with community benefit grants totaling close to $300,000.

“Kaiser Permanente is driven by our social mission to improve the health and well-being of the communities in which we serve,” says Maggie Pierce, Executive Director, Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center. “Through our work with local agencies and our community benefit grant program that enables us to address some of the health and social issues facing our communities, we are able to realize this mission. In these challenging economic times, it is even more crucial that our social commitment remain strong. We are honored to work with all of our community benefit partners to help build healthy communities impacting current and future generations.”

Funding to organizations is based on the findings from a community health needs assessment conducted in 2013, which included data research as well as community consultation with local community leaders and residents. The priority areas of need identified in the assessment include programs that improve access to primary and specialty health care services, programs that reduce obesity and the onset of complications from chronic diseases, and social service programs that respond to the needs of at-risk youth, alcohol/substance abuse, violence prevention, and the provision of basic needs for the underserved.

Among the recipients is East Valley Community Health Center (EVCHC) in West Covina, that received a $15,000 grant.

“For many years, East Valley Community Health Center’s uninsured patients have received much needed medical procedures through Kaiser Permanente’s Community Surgery Days,” said Chinhnam Hathuc, DO, Chief Medical Officer, EVCHC. “We are pleased to receive a grant through Kaiser Permanente’s Community Benefit Program to provide dental services to underserved low-income adults.”

Chino Valley: CVFD Board of Director Election

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As part of the Nov. 3, 2015 Consolidated General Election, a general district election will be held for the Chino Valley Fire District to fill three seats on the Board of Directors. Each seat is designated for a four-year term, beginning December 2015 through December 2019.

Candidates must legally reside within the District boundaries and must be registered voters at the time nomination forms are issued to qualify as a candidate.

Official filing forms may be obtained from either the Chino Valley Fire District’s Fire Administration, located at 14011 City Center Drive in Chino Hills, or from the San Bernardino County Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters located at 777 E. Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino. All completed forms must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2015, at the Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters.

The Fire District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that serve four-year staggered terms. Directors are responsible for overseeing the formulation and evaluation of policies.

Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6:00 p.m.

San Gabriel Valley: Church Youth Leader Arrested

Photo Courtesy: SBSD Yanhao Ren

Photo Courtesy: SBSD
Yanhao Ren

Staff Reports

Rowland Heights – On Sun., July 12, just before midnight, CHP Officers conducted a welfare check on the occupants of a vehicle parked in a turn-out of Highway 330, near Fredalba Road in San Bernardino County.  A 24-year old male and a 13-year old female were found in the back of the vehicle. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – in cooperation with personnel from the California Highway Patrol’s Lake Arrowhead Office and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Twin Peaks Station – Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Detail arrested Yanhao Ren (aka Eric Ren), 24, of Fullerton, on Mon., July 13, for engaging in a sexual relationship with the victim, 13, of Rowland Heights.

Ren has been a youth leader for the Evangelical Formosan Church of Rowland Heights for the past two years, and has attended that church since 2006.  The victim met Ren while attending youth programs there. They told officers they have been involved in a sexual relationship since May. Investigators have determined that during the following months they engaged in several sexual acts in the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.

Ren was booked into the Central Detention Center on charges of Sex Crimes, Sodomy, Oral Copulation, Penetration with a Foreign Object and Kidnapping (all with a child under the age of 14).  He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail and was arraigned on July 15 at the San Bernardino Justice Center.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective John Everman at the Crimes Against Children Detail, at (909) 387-3615.

Inland Empire: ERHS Student Named Athlete Of The Year

Jasmyne Graham is California Girls Track & Field Standout

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale Gatorade Track & Field Champ, Jasmyne Graham

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale
Gatorade Track & Field Champ, Jasmyne Graham

Staff Reports

Eastvale – In its 30th year of honoring the nation’s best high school athletes, The Gatorade Company, in collaboration with USA TODAY High School Sports, recently announced Jasmyne Graham of Eleanor Roosevelt High School as its 2014-15 Gatorade California Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year. Graham is the first student at ERHS to be selected for this honor.

“Wow. This is big! So excited for Ms. Graham and her family.  Great job to the staff at Roosevelt for keeping her on task both athletically and academically.  Great job!” said Corona-Norco Unified School District Board of Education member, Bill Newberry.

The award – which recognizes not only outstanding athletic excellence, but also high standards of academic achievement and exemplary character demonstrated on and off the track – distinguishes Graham as California’s best high school girls’ track and field athlete. Now a finalist for the prestigious Gatorade National Girls Track & Field Athlete of the Year award, Graham joins an elite alumni association of state award winners in 12 sports, including Allyson Felix, 2001-02, Los Angeles Baptist HS, CA; Derek Jeter, 1991-92, Kalamazoo HS, MI; Candace Parker, 2001-02, Naperville Central HS, IL; Abby Wambach, 1997-98, Our Lady of Mercy HS, NY; Mark Sanchez, 2004-05, Mission Viejo HS, CA; Lolo Jones, 1997-98, Roosevelt HS, IA; and Bianca Knight, 2006-07, Ridgeland HS, MS.

The 5-foot-2 senior won the 100-meter high hurdles with a time of 13.17 seconds and the 300-meter intermediate hurdles in 40.73 at the state meet this past season, leading the Mustangs to fifth place as a team. Her 100- and 300-meter hurdles times at the state meet each ranked as the nation’s number one prep performance in 2015, and among the 15 fastest performances in U.S. prep history at the time of her selection.

Reginald Thompkins, who is an Administrative Director for CNUSD, as well as CIF State President, said, “This is a great accomplishment that the Eastvale community can be proud of.  It really is a huge recognition for Jasmyne.  It’s one of my duties as President to hand out the awards to these awesome athletes; it was very special to be there, witness her performance and give her this award.”

Graham – who is also the Citrus Belt Area Athletic Directors Association Female Athlete of the Year – chipped in by running the opening leg for the eighth-place 4×100-meter relay quartet that finished in 47.54 seconds, as well as the second leg of the ninth-place 4×400-meter relay squad that crossed the line in 3:49.90.

Graham has maintained a 3.14 GPA in the classroom. In addition to donating her time as a running instructor and guest speaker for youth track athletes, she has volunteered on behalf of the Black Coal and Red Roses mentoring program for girls.

“Jasmyne is the most fierce high school competitor I have seen,” said Eleanor Roosevelt coach, Aaron Shires. “Her parents have instilled in her the discipline, desire and commitment to excellence that John Wooden would be proud of in an athlete. The reason Jasmyne can take over a race the way she does is because of her preparation. She attends extra training sessions; she treats her body properly with the right nutrition and sleep. She lives a life that is not just committed to being great at track, but [to] being the best she can be at anything she does.”

Graham has signed a National Letter of Intent to compete in track and field on a scholarship at the University of Southern California this fall.

The Gatorade Player of the Year program annually recognizes one winner in the District of Columbia and each of the 50 states that sanction high school football, girls volleyball, boys and girls cross country, boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer, baseball, softball, and boys and girls track and field – and awards one National Player of the Year in each sport. The selection process is administered by the Gatorade high school sports leadership team in partnership with USA TODAY High School Sports, working with top sport-specific experts and a media advisory board of accomplished, veteran prep sports journalists to determine the state winners in each sport.

For more on the Gatorade Player of the Year program, including nomination information, complete lists of past winners, and the announcement of the Gatorade National Player of the Year, visit www.gatorade.com/poy.

Straight Talk With Danice

A Letter From Jason

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Q:  My best friend is in a relationship with a woman who seems to be controlling every move he makes.  Even his opinions on worldly matters have drastically changed to match hers.  He looks unhappy, but he never complains.  I hate seeing him this way so I don’t socialize much with them anymore.  I can tell my friend is hurt and puzzled when we see each other at business events.  Should I be honest about my feelings?

A:  Yes, be honest.  Tell him your concerns.  Make sure he knows he can count on you in times of crisis, but that you’re not interested in casually socializing with them as a couple.  Do not put her down in any way; this is unnecessary.  Be clear that you would like to see him whenever he can break away. Do your best to keep in touch and try to show up for his major life events.

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.

New Walmart For Diamond Bar

Neighborhood market offers affordable groceries and new jobs to area

 

neighborhood-market-california-WEB

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Wed., July 8, Diamond Bar’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened its doors amid fanfare and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are excited to be part of the Diamond Bar community, providing residents a variety of merchandise at a convenient location,” said store manager, Jorge Orozco.

The new store employs up to 95 full- and part-time associates. Orozco began his Walmart career in 2003 as an hourly unloader associate.

The store will provide local residents with low prices on a broad assortment of merchandise, including groceries and a drive-through pharmacy.

Fresh produce and a full line of groceries from leading brand names, including organic selections, are available. By working directly with growers, Walmart is able to provide farm-grown, quality produce at added convenience and low prices. There is also a wide variety of meat and bakery selections, including fresh baked breads and tortillas.

The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services, and pharmacy team members are ready to assist customers with product and prescription questions. Diamond Bar residents can easily transfer prescriptions and order refills on the go with the Walmart mobile app for iPhone and Android.

The 41,000 square foot store is dedicated to meeting the needs of local shoppers.  In addition to groceries, the store features health and beauty aids, pet products and cleaning supplies. Customers can also shop an additional 7 million items online, including toys, electronics and home decor on Walmart.com through Walmart Pickup, which will offer free shipping to the Diamond Bar Walmart Neighborhood Market.

In addition to grants given as part of the grand opening, the new store will further Walmart’s pledge to fight hunger in America. As part of Walmart’s and the Walmart Foundation’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in California donated approximately 23.1 million pounds of food, in fiscal year 2014, or the equivalent of 19.3 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $47.1 million in fiscal year 2014 in California alone. For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit http://foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger

The new Walmart is located at 1180 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.  Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/walmart4762.

Pruners Garden Restoration

The common sense alternative to California gardening

Pruners_logo-WEB

Staff Reports

It’s no secret that we are long into an historic drought for the state of California.  Water departments are encouraging lawns to turn to “California Gold,” and landscapes and curb-appeal overall are suffering.  You can even be fined if you water more that your allotment just to keep a little green in your yard.

Is there anything you can do to keep a beautiful yard and comply with recent drought regulations?  Yes, says Pruners!  It is much easier than you think.

By removing thirsty lawns, and installing synthetic sod, artistic gravel or rocks and planting vegetation that requires less water are all options that can lower your water bill and still show off an enviable garden.  Drought-friendly landscaping can even support a possible rebate from your local water department.

Achieving a common sense alternative to California gardening is easy, especially if you work with a professional in the field who loves his work.

David Hetland, owner of Pruners, is a licensed landscape artist who designs individual gardens.  He opened his full-service design landscape contracting business in 1997.  The difference between Pruners and other garden places is that Hetland specializes in garden restoration.

“We’re different because of the restoration side of gardening,” Hetland says. “I work with the idea of being able to save some of what’s good and take out what’s bad.”

Hetland, who has been landscaping for over 25 years, offers a free, brief consultation to analyze the damages, estimate the cost, and arrange the fix.

Through restoration, your garden can be added on to, brought back to life, or simply be used to build a brand new garden.

Hetland works closely with clients, on a one-on-one basis, and is able to finish the work at one time, so there are no monthly fees.

The hottest part of the summer is upon us.  Rather than be disappointed with a thirsty, lack-luster yard, call Pruners to discover the beauty of an ecologically transformed landscape.

All Pruners today at (909) 468-5017, and see their ad in The Weekly News.

Pomona: G.R.E.A.T. Campout Success

Pomona Police Department hosts over 300 Pomona kids

Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD

Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD

Staff Reports

Pomona – The Pomona Police Department in partnership with the Community Engagement Group, City of Pomona and the Pomona Fairplex, held the Annual GREAT Campout, the weekend of July 10-11.

The Campout was for Pomona residents, ages 9-12, who stayed overnight under the stars in a safe environment at the L.A. County Fairgrounds. During the Campout, activities and booths were used to promote responsibility, respect for others and positive decision making.  All campers were provided with a new sleeping bag, and dinner and breakfast were served by local community groups.

Activities during the event were sponsored by local businesses, individuals or local charitable organizations such as the Elk’s Lodge, Pomona Police Officer’s Association, Kiwanis, Western University, Lions Club, Partnership for a Positive Pomona and the Pomona Unified School District.

The event was chaperoned by Police Officers and selected citizen volunteers from the community, and provided a rare opportunity to bond with Officers in a relaxed environment – and win some fantastic raffle prizes.

If you have questions about this or any other community program offered by the Pomona Police Department, contact the Crime Prevention Unit at (909) 620-2318.

Forgiveness

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

Over my lifetime, I have gotten hurt from time to time.  Many times, I will think one way and somebody else will see things differently.

I know I hurt myself when I hang on to the hurt when somebody disappoints me, or I disappoint them.  I have come to understand that we are all human and we all make mistakes.

This last year, when I had my near death experience, I changed.  I have always appreciated my life, but now more than ever.  I don’t want to waste time being hurt or angry.  I want to learn to deal with things as they hurt me, and learn to let go of them.  I want to be free of anything that isn’t productive for me.  I guess coming so very close to death has really changed my perspective, and has made me a healthier being.

I find I keep my relationships cleaned up because I have learned how very fragile we are, and that we just don’t know when our time here will be over.  I have learned that it doesn’t matter who is right or who is wrong, as long as we are lucky enough to surround ourselves with those that love us and those that we love.

People seem to believe there is disgrace in admitting you are wrong and just apologizing to someone.  I am learning it can be a very humbling experience.  I don’t want to live my life with any bad feelings between myself and another human being.  I know I am going to make more mistakes and I will be doing more apologizing.  I know I will need to be forgiving, and hope others can be forgiving with me as well.

I hope this article will inspire you to forgive or ask for some forgiveness.  I hope reading this will help you understand how precious our time here is.  I want to spend my time here being happy and peaceful, not hurt or angry.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, including a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727, or via email at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  Nancy’s books, “Midnight the Therapy Dog,” and “Live, Heal and Grow,” are available at Amazon.com.

Fallen CHP Officer Honored With Highway Designation

Photo Courtesy: Cahp.org

Photo Courtesy: Cahp.org
William B. Wolff, III

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – On Mon., July 13, a resolution was passed designating the 1-10 and I-605 Interchange in Los Angeles County as the “CHP Officer William B. Wolff III Memorial Interchange.”  Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 86 recounts the lifetime accomplishments of Wolff, who was a father, husband, veteran, and a proud officer of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

ACR 86, authored by Assembly member Roger Hernández (D-West Covina), passed the Assembly Committee on Transportation with bipartisan support. The resolution designates that, “Officer Wolff exemplified true selflessness and leadership as a member of our community,” said Hernández.  “It is a true honor to carry a resolution memorializing his valiant public service and the sacrifices he has made for the State of California and the San Gabriel Valley.”

Born on Jan. 22, 1946, Officer Wolff graduated high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona.  Upon graduation, Wolff served in the United States Navy and later as a vocational nurse. His desire to continue serving on behalf of the public led him to pursue a career and life as an officer of the CHP.

Wolff was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 30, 1977, when he was struck by a drunk driver while making a traffic stop.  Officer Wolff is survived by his two children, Eric and Carrie Ann, and granddaughter, Kaylee Rose.

This resolution is sponsored by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, the labor organization that represents California Highway Patrol Officers.

 

Did You Know?

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

By K.P. Sander

45 years ago on July 21, 1969, spaceflight Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, with American astronauts Neil Armstrong, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, being the first humans to ever step foot on the lunar surface.  They spent 21 hours on the Moon, and about two and a half hours outside the spacecraft.  The third member of the mission, Michael Collins, piloted the command spacecraft in lunar orbit, waiting for his fellow astronauts to return for the trip back to earth.

According to Wikipedia, the mission was launched on July 16 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida.  The spacecraft had three components:  the Command Module (CM), with a cabin for the astronauts (the only part coming back to earth); the Service Module, providing support to the CM with propulsion, electrical power, oxygen and water; and the Lunar Module, for the actual landing in the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon.

Armstrong became the very first to step onto the lunar surface on July 21 at approximately 02:56 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time).  His famous words were transmitted via live television broadcast back to earth for all to hear, “That’s one small step for [a] man; one giant leap for mankind.”  He described the surface as very fine-grained dust, almost like powder.  When Aldrin joined him, he described the view as “magnificent desolation.”  Armstrong and Aldrin collected 47.5 pounds of lunar materials to bring back to earth for study.

The astronauts planted a U.S. flag on the surface, and received the most historic (and farthest) phone call from then-President, Richard Nixon.  The astronauts left behind scientific instruments: an Apollo 1 mission patch, a plaque with two drawings of Earth and an inscription that read, “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon, July 1969 A.D.  We came in peace for all mankind;” the plaque also had the signatures of all the astronauts and President Nixon.  They also left behind a memorial bag containing a gold replica of an olive branch symbolizing peace, and a silicon message disk containing goodwill statements by U.S. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, as well as the leaders from 73 countries around the world.

In the television broadcast from July 23, the night before splashdown, Aldrin said, “When personally reflecting on the events of the past several days, a verse from Psalms comes to mind. ‘When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the Moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou art mindful of him?”  What those men experienced was beyond profound.

The three astronauts landed back home in the Pacific Ocean on July 24.  The mission fulfilled the goal proposed in 1961 by the late President John F. Kennedy when he spoke before congress stating, “…Before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.”  Mission Accomplished, Mr. President.

Who Are You Going To Call?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

One of my favorite TV series in recent years was called, “24”.  The lead character was Jack Bauer – played by Kiefer Sutherland – who tried to prevent terrorists from blowing up buildings or injuring innocent people.

In one episode, I remember Jack Bauer tried to rescue a hostage, but gets trapped in a building by some bad guys.  When the hostage asked Jack what he was going to do, he replied, “I’m going to call the only person I know I can trust.”

In the famous game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” contestants were given three options to help them answer a difficult question.  One of those options was, “Phone a Friend.”

Many years ago, I was driving a group of high school students on a back pack trip to the Grand Canyon, when my van blew an engine.  We struggled to get back to a service station on the northern edge of Phoenix, but who could I call for help at one o’clock in the morning?

Thankfully, my former youth leader lived in north Phoenix.  When I called him in the middle of the night, he gladly got out of bed, helped me get to a car rental office, and back on the road.  I knew if I called him, he would help.

I think it is helpful for each of us to think about who we would call when we need help.  Who is a trusted family member or reliable friend that you know you can call on a moment’s notice?  Who can you call in the middle of the night or in an emergency?

It is good to know that we have friends we can call on for help at any time.  It is also important to know that we can call on God for help at any time, too!  The Bible says, “Let us draw near to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).

When we call out to God in prayer, He is ready to help us in our time of need.  Maybe it is time for you to bow your head, open your heart and ask God for His help today.  He is waiting to hear from you!

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 visithttp://www.efreedb.org.

We Live In A World

By Sarah Sanchez

We live in a world
where we can’t spend time with family
without looking at our phone
We live in a world
where we have thousands of “friends”
yet, we constantly feel alone

We live in a world
where we don’t know the time or directions
without relying on technology
We live in a world
where we’ll say and do everything
BUT actually admit we owe an apology

We live in a world
where we teach kids to speak their minds
but only behind computer screens
We live in a world
where they tell us our sexuality
is determined by our genes

We live in a world
where our kids can be kidnapped
outside the house within our community
We live in a world
where children are starving around us
while we’re calculating server gratuity

We live in a world
where we throw out food and water
because we feel full
We live in a world
where we take 30 minute showers
while others bathe in a lake or a pool

We live in a world
where people are greedy and selfish
because it is normality
But are you living IN the world
or OF the world?
What’s your reality?

 

Diamond Bar Community Foundation Helps Kids!

Photo Courtesy: DBCF

Photo Courtesy: DBCF

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC U17B Team recently won the President’s Cup Title for California.  From there, they went on to Snohomish, Washington, to play in the President’s Cup Region IV – which they also won!

The team has now journeyed to Kansas, July 8 – 12, to play in the U.S. Youth Soccer President’s National Cup, where the best teams from all over the US will play for the National Title.

This excursion – including 22 players and three coaches – costs approximately $20,000. To help the kids reach their goal of a national title, the Diamond Bar Community Foundation has donated $1,000 to offset costs.  The DBCF is pleased to be a part of their Legacy and help give these athletes a chance to play for the National Title.

The Diamond Bar Community Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life in the City of Diamond Bar by establishing programs and facilities to address the cultural, recreational and social needs of the community. A renewed emphasis is to raise funds to eliminate the shortage of sports fields for the thousands of kids playing youth sports in Diamond Bar.  For more information, visit thedbcf.org.

The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC is a nonprofit organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Baldwin Park Unified Invests In STEM

District adopts a local accountability plan to prepare students for college and careers

 

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Baldwin Park Unified will invest in a host of programs in 2015-16 – including an International Baccalaureate program, an alternative learning academy, STEM programs and added rigor for Advanced Placement and honors classes – to prepare students for success in college or careers as part of its 2015-18 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

The three-year plan, adopted June 23, is the second such plan required since the state altered its school funding system. It identifies goals for each of the three years covered, strategies to achieve those goals and funding sources.

Some programs target all students, while others focus on the state’s three high-needs groups: economically disadvantaged students, foster children and English learners.

Baldwin Park Unified expects to spend $13 million in 2015-16 on its high-needs students, who make up 89.4 percent of the District’s enrollment.

“Our LCAP will transform how Baldwin Park Unified serves its students, adding depth and breadth to an already rich instructional program,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano. “We will provide avenues that prepare students to compete successfully for high-demand college majors and careers.”

Programs include Project Lead The Way, a leading provider of hands-on educational curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Baldwin Park High School will add a robotics course and Holland Middle School and Santa Fe Elementary School will provide the STEM program for the first time.

Baldwin Park Unified will also boost the rigor of Advanced Placement and honors classes with an eye at how those courses can help the district develop an International Baccalaureate program (IB). IB degrees are highly valued by colleges and universities; programs can take three to five years to establish.

The District will also launch an Independent Learning Center at Baldwin Park High, where at-risk, disengaged students or those who need alternative approaches may pursue their diplomas. The Center will provide a blend of rigorous online and brick-and-mortar classes with flexible hours. Enrollment is expected to range from 75 to 120 students in its first year.

Other efforts are designed to improve student opportunities for success at all levels and improve student climate. These include:

  • Holding a District-wide college fair.
  • Expanding visual and performing arts resources.
  • Boosting partnerships with community colleges, California State University, University of California, Regional Occupational Program and the City’s Teen Center.
  • Implementing a Cal State readiness class to prepare students in high school and middle school for the demands of college.
  • Creating online local assessments to better sculpt instruction to student needs.
  • Extending the school year at the elementary level for struggling students.
  • Enabling students to improve grades or take courses they may have missed.
  • Creating professional learning communities to foster collaboration among educators.
  • Creating a bridge program to help students transition from middle to high school.
  • Investing $2.5 million to improve educational technology.
  • Implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a discipline system that uses positive feedback to minimize conflicts, suspensions and expulsions.

San Gabriel Valley: Church Burglar Arrested

Media websites help identify the suspect

 

Staff Reports

SGV – Over the course of the year, a male Hispanic suspect burglarized several churches in the Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station’s areas.  The churches had fixed post surveillance cameras which recorded the suspect at the locations, and he was described as having “tribal band” tattoos on both legs and large tattoos on both arms.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect entered churches, stealing large amounts of cash from locked donation boxes.  The burglaries occurred during the day when the churches were open to the public.

Detectives from two stations worked diligently to identify the suspect – who appeared responsible for all of the burglaries – but were unsuccessful. Special Bulletin flyers were distributed to local police agencies seeking additional information and assistance in identifying the suspect, but he remained unidentified.

Industry Station Detective, Charell Heard, who was the lead detective, created a Special Bulletin flyer with the suspect’s photograph from the surveillance videos. Industry Station personnel contacted Sheriff’s Information Bureau personnel seeking media coverage and the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

On July 2, Heard conducted an interview with television and radio media personnel at the Industry Station. Shortly after the interview, and after the suspect’s photograph was televised and posted on media websites, anonymous community members identified the suspect as Hacienda Heights resident, Carlos Montiel, 36.

Heard immediately queried Department resources and confirmed the suspect’s identity. Industry Deputies conducted surveillance on the suspect’s location, positively identified him, and arrested him without incident.

Detectives authored a search warrant for Montiel’s residence and his vehicle to recover evidence related to the crime.

The collaboration of the Detectives from Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, Sheriff’s Information Bureau, media personnel and the community, led to the successful arrest of Montiel.

Orange County: 4th Of July Trouble

Photo Courtesy: SAPD

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Ryan Matthew Brown

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Sat., July 4, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Santa Ana Police Officers responded to the 2500 block of North Linwood Avenue to assist first responders with a male who was lying in the street, unresponsive.  Officers arrived to find Orange County Fire personnel performing CPR on a 55-year old male.

The victim was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he was pronounced deceased.

In their preliminary investigation, Homicide Detectives found that a fight occurred during a large neighborhood Fourth of July party.  The victim was a participant in the fight, but it is unclear is the male sustained an assault injury, or died as a result of a medical condition.  The cause of death is pending autopsy.

Anyone with information regarding this incident as asked to call SAPD Homicide Detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

In another incident that occurred on Wed., July 1, at approximately 6:47 p.m., SAPD Officers responded to the 900 block of West 17th Street in reference to a fireworks complaint.  Officers were advised that a resident at a complex had thrown a makeshift bottle bomb at a juvenile victim as he was walking in the alley.

Remnants of the device were recovered at the scene which consisted of a legal firework that was modified to explode inside of a bottle.

At the time of the initial investigation, the suspect – Ryan Matthew Brown, 37, of Santa Ana – fled the scene through the rear of his residence.  Officers returned to the suspect’s home at approximately 10:30 p.m., and took Brown into custody without incident.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad assisted officers with this investigation, and Brown was booked on felony charges of Using a Destructive Device Causing Bodily Injury, and Willful Cruelty to a Child with Possible Injury or Death.