Category Archives: The Weekly News

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

A Letter From Jen

Q:  I was out for a business meeting on Saturday night that was about ten minutes from my parent’s house.  I decided to visit and didn’t call in advance.  As I walked up the driveway, I could hear my mom and dad laughing on the patio.  I let myself in with my key and headed toward the patio.  I was pretty surprised to see my parents in a party mode like I have never seen before.  In order to avoid embarrassment for all of us, I left without making my presence known.  My cheeks are still burning.  My parents never did these things when my sister and I lived at home.  Should I pretend like I never saw this?

A:  Yes, you should pretend that you never stupidly interrupted the privacy of other adults.  When parents are finally done raising their children they often go back to enjoying themselves in ways that are inappropriate when youngsters are around. Never show up anywhere uninvited or unannounced.  If your family shares house keys it’s probably for emergency reasons at this point in your lives.  Is it also possible that you might be caught in a private situation if your parents decided to let themselves into your home uninvited and unannounced?  Learn from this one, Jen. Please be respectful and keep their business to yourself.

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.

Chino Hills: PD Arrest Two In Carjacking

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., June 25, Chino Hills Deputies arrested a carjacking couple and were able to recover the victims’ vehicle, money, stolen electronics and cell phone, as well as the firearm used in the crime.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Esteban Silva Carrillo, 42, of Pomona, and Genesis Soto, 24, of Pomona were arrested after an elaborate crime spree that spanned from Pomona to Chino and Chino Hills. Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the case, as Deputies were the first to find the suspects and take them into custody.
Carrillo and Soto met the victims at a store in Pomona to buy electronics the victims had loaded into their car. Carrillo and Soto told the victims they wanted to purchase the electronics and made their way from Pomona to the area of Pine Avenue and the 71 Freeway. One of the two victims got into Carrillo’s grey Mercedes with both suspects, while the other victim waited in his car near the 71 Freeway.
Carrillo and Soto robbed the victim who was in the car with them and left him in a rural area near Euclid and Pine avenues in Chino. A person who witnessed this called police and Chino Police responded to the robbery. Chino Police immediately released a broadcast to surrounding law enforcement to be on the lookout for the suspects’ gray Mercedes.
Minutes later, Chino Hills Deputies received a report of a carjacking. Carrillo and Soto returned to the other victim, who had been waiting in his car, pointed what was later to be determined to be an air-soft pistol at the victim and stole his car. Silva left driving the victim’s stolen vehicle as Soto followed him in the gray Mercedes. The victim was able to get the license plate of the gray Mercedes and report it to Deputies. The victim also gave a very detailed description of both suspects.
Deputies immediately responded to an address in a mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Montclair where the Mercedes was registered. The Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division assisted in the area check. Carrillo and Soto were found walking in the mobile home park, in the direct vicinity of the gray Mercedes, and taken into custody without incident.
Electronics and one of the victim’s cell phones were recovered from the suspects’ gray Mercedes. The victim’s vehicle was found at a park in Ontario near the corner of Riverside Drive and Campus. The air-soft firearm was recovered, as well as additional evidence linking the suspect’s to the various crimes.

The Chino Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation regarding the robbery of the other victim that occurred in the city of Chino.
Carrillo and Soto – who is on parole for home invasion robbery – were booked at the West Valley Detention Center for carjacking. Investigators will also seek charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and carjacking.

Walnut Valley #1 in So Cal!

Best schools for your buck

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Walnut Valley’s high performing schools have been named #1 in the Best School Districts for Your Buck in Southern California report. Shown: Walnut High School Class of 2015 super star seniors, Jefferey Huang, Louisa Lee, Samantha Wu, and Ted Zhu.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Walnut Valley schools are the most impressive in Southern California according to the Best School Districts for Your Buck report issued on June 29.

Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) is ranked #1 by the financial advisory organization, NerdWallet.  The report studied 153 unified and secondary school districts by affordability to live there, standardized test scores, college readiness, and student-to-teacher ratio. All information was provided by the California Department of Education.

WVUSD tops the list with one of Southern California’s strongest graduation rates – 98.30% – as well as a high SAT average of 1722. The 2013 median home value in WVUSD is $597,800.

“I am so proud of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community. It takes a lot of commitment to get to this level. It’s truly a team effort!” said Board Member Cindy Ruiz.

Some of the best school districts in the nation are found in sunny Southern California. But it is one of the priciest places to live. For example, in Orange County, the median housing price is upward of $700,000, according to the California Association of Realtors.

NerdWallet researched So Cal schools to find great facilities for families and affordable homes. A total of ten counties in the region were compared from San Luis Obispo, Kern, and San Bernardino counties to San Diego and Imperial counties.

Nearly 14,600 students attend 15 WVUSD schools, where there is a student-to-teacher ratio of about 24:1. Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools offer International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.  Castle Rock and Cyrus J. Morris elementary schools offer International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

Many schools have been honored as California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools, and this year, Walnut Valley’s three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – were designated California Gold Ribbon Schools, the award given during the hiatus of the distinguished schools program. In addition to general academics, the District also features targeted learning in areas such as Chinese languages, STEM, health, design, performing arts, college prep and advanced placement.

In addition, WVUSD was ranked 6th in the entire state, out of over 1,000 school districts, in the 2015 Best Schools for Your Buck in California report in March.

See the full report at https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-school-districts-southern-california-2015/

Designing Your Own Life

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

Why do you let everybody run your life?  Why do you feel you have no choices and that life can’t ever get better?  What is it that seems to keep you stuck?  How many times have you asked yourself these questions?  Let’s see if we can’t answer some of them.

I think we let others run our lives because we feel we don’t know how to, and out of fear we allow others to run things for us.  In terms of feeling we have no choices, I think it’s just a bad habit of limiting our expectations and not having faith in ourselves.

I believe we stay stuck because we get comfortable even if we are miserable.  It also takes a lot of energy to change and many times we don’t want to put forth that kind of energy.  The alternative is to do nothing and to just stay stuck.

We ask ourselves the same questions over and over and at the time, we tell ourselves this time we will finally change.  I believe people mean it at the time they say it, but then they get lazy when it comes to actually doing the work involved to get to where they want to be.

Please stop assigning blame to everyone and everything else for why you don’t have the life you want.  We all have things that get in the way of our journeys, but it’s also up to us to overcome that adversity that literally stops us dead in our tracks.

I get so tired of people telling me they can’t when I know they can if they try harder and fight for the life they want.  People are always putting off having the life they want by telling themselves once they get though this or that, life will improve and be what they want it to be.

The truth is that all they are really putting off is life!

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.

Huff’s Attempts To Veto Bill In Vain

Senator calls Mandatory Vaccination SB 277 an “Unwarranted Insertion of Government” – Brown makes it a law

 

Staff Reports

Sacramento – Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) called on Governor Jerry Brown to veto mandatory childhood vaccination legislation headed for the Governor’s desk after passing off the Senate Floor on Mon., June 29.  In a veto request letter sent to the Governor, Senator Huff called SB 277 an “unwarranted insertion of government into an area that has rightly been the domain of parents.”

“The sweeping nature of SB 277 is all the more problematic when one considers the actual magnitude of the recent measles outbreak that spawned the bill,” wrote Senator Huff in his veto request to the Governor. “In a state of nearly 39 million people, only 131 measles cases are likely linked to this outbreak. This can hardly be considered a breakdown of ‘herd immunity.’”

Senator Huff also argued that the need for SB 277 was premature; noting that previous legislation introduced by the author (AB 2109 in 2012) actually led to a decrease to the use of personal belief exemption (PBE) requests. The prudent course, Senator Huff stated, is to monitor the effectiveness of AB 2109 over several years to see if PBE usage continues to decline.

“If this downward trend does not continue, then and only then, should an extreme measure like SB 277 be considered,” Senator Huff wrote in his veto request letter to the Governor. “A strong case can be made that our current policy works. Now is not the time for this measure (SB 277).”

Despite the efforts of Senator Huff and others, Gov. Brown signed this legislation into law on Tues., June 30. This bill eliminates vaccination exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs and will require all children entering kindergarten to be vaccinated unless a doctor certifies that a child has a medical condition preventing it.  The legislation is reportedly prompted (in part) by an outbreak of measles traced to the Disneyland Resort late last year, and ultimately spread to more than 130 people in California, as well as other states.

Chino Hills Construction Project

Major paving work on Butterfield Ranch Road now in effect

 

City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills – The second phase of major road improvements on Butterfield Ranch Road began on Mon., June 29, when Hardy and Harper, the City’s contractor, started the process of rehabilitating and paving the roadway between Shady View Drive and the Vila Borba residential project, as part of a $950,000 project.

During the week of July 6 to 10, the contractor will repave the roadway with asphalt overlay. One lane of travel will be maintained in each direction at all times. Once the paving is completed, traffic signal loops will be reinstalled, striping will be added, and a buffer bike lane will be striped to provide a three-foot buffer between cyclists and traffic.

The project started in April with the installation of accessible sidewalk ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first phase of the project repaved Butterfield Ranch Road from Pine Avenue north to Soquel Canyon Parkway last summer. The final phase will rehabilitate and repave the section in front of the Vila Borba project once the developer completes work in the roadway.

The overall project will construct over $1.8 million in street improvements and is funded by the Gas Tax.

Let’s Go To The Movies

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

The City of Diamond Bar provides free movies at Sycamore Canyon Park every Wednesday night in the summer.  They also have a free concert before the movie.  It is a nice place for people to gather and enjoy.

We will also have Free Summer Movie nights once a month at our church again this summer.  Each evening includes FREE pizza, popcorn, juice drinks and candy.

We will be showing “Tangled” on July 10, and “Planes: Fire & Rescue” on August 7 – beginning at 6:30 p.m.

It takes a lot of people to put these evenings together.  We have parents of young children, empty nesters and college students leading these events.  Many of these leaders come early to help with set up and serve the free food.  Others stay late, long after the movie is over, to put our worship center back together.  It really is a team effort.

My favorite part of the evening is getting to meet the parents and kids who come.  We frequently have new guests who read about the Free Movie Nights in the local paper or who are invited by another family in our church.

Let me suggest that you clip out this article and put it on your refrigerator to help remind you about the Free Movie Nights at our church this summer.  If you come, I hope you will allow me to meet you and introduce you to some other young families in our church.

Let’s go to the movies this summer!

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.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 07.04.15

2015-July4-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, 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-July4-Weekly-WEB

Did You Know?

DeclarationofIndependence-WEBBy K.P. Sander

 

Fourth of July – fireworks, picnic, barbeques, parades, vacations…baseball, hot dogs and apple pie!  Our nation’s birthday is cause for celebration and remembering that our freedom was hard won and is much cherished.

Imagine the celebration commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence back on July 4, 1776.  The legal separation of the original Thirteen Colonies from Great Britain happened just two days earlier, and the American Revolution finally had its reward.

According to Wikipedia, the Second Continental Congress voted to approve a resolution of independence, and a poignant statement – penned principally by Thomas Jefferson – was brought forth to forever capture the decision:

“We hold these truths to be self-event, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights that among these are Life, Liberty and the Pursuit of Happiness.”

These words contained in the Declaration are so powerful that they have been called “one of the best-known sentences in the English language [containing] the most potent and consequential words in American History.”  Abraham Lincoln made this view of human rights the foundation of his political philosophy.

Interestingly enough, three of our nation’s founding fathers – who became U.S. Presidents – died on July 4: good friends John Adams and Thomas Jefferson died within five hours of each other in 1826 (on the 50th Anniversary of Independence Day); and James Monroe in 1831.

The Declaration of Independence became the cornerstone of building this great nation, and the political upheaval rejecting the authority of the British monarchy became victorious in the founding of the United States of America.

This Fourth of July, remember our history and those that gave all for our freedom and independence.

Our Life: Cherish The Moment

Sarah- NEW croppedBy Sarah Sanchez

In today’s society, doing things “faster” is always promoted. The latest phone is faster; MapQuest gives us the fastest route; the latest hard-drive is faster than the one before; “get cash fast” emails are constantly sent; we want the weekend to come by faster; we want to know the quickest way to get promoted; we want work/school to end sooner, and on and on.  Basically, we are programmed to think that faster is better.

We are so used to this lifestyle, that we don’t even realize how fast time is really going by. After my niece was born and I was an aunt for the first time in my life, I said, “I can’t wait until she gets older so I can play with her and watch her personality develop.” But now that she’s about seven months old and crawling, giggling when you smile at her, trying to walk, and showing a clear personality, I wish time would slow down. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing, and now I just want her to stop so I can enjoy her at this age. But I remember my first wish was that I wanted her to grow. Do you see the contradictions that we all come across in day to day life?

Society will always tell us to go faster, but I think we just need to take some time away from what society says – away from the busy routines – and just slow down to enjoy what’s happening in front of us.

My husband and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary and we went on a cruise to Ensenada, where we didn’t have cell phone reception or WIFI. We spent the weekend without phones and without social media. We spent this time talking with each other and enjoying each other’s company. When we came back, we had a new spark in our relationship, which we didn’t even know we needed.

My husband said that before we left, we were too caught up in our routine: work, dinner, sleep, and repeat. We were too caught up and focused on the future: house, future family, careers, etc. We needed time away from the world in order to gain a new perspective. We needed to slow down and appreciate the time we had with each other in the moment.

You may not have an opportunity to take a vacation, but you always have the opportunity to change your perspective. Instead of looking forward to tomorrow, take a moment to appreciate today. Stop, put the phone down, take a look around at your life and your loved ones, and enjoy the time right now. Then, cherish that moment, for these are the moments that make life worth living.

Orange County: Nation’s Birthday Celebrated With A Bang

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – Join the Mayor and City Council for family style fun and a spectacular fireworks show at the City of Santa Ana’s 2015 Independence Day Celebration.  The event will be held at Centennial Park on Sat., July 4, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.

“Santa Ana’s annual tradition on the 4th of July is to have fun, show your patriotism, picnic at the park, enjoy great music, learn about history, and watch a spectacular fireworks show over the Centennial Park lakes,” said Santa Ana Council Member, David Benavides.
The Independence Day celebration will feature live performances by the Full Spectrum Band and Santa Ana High School. The celebration will also feature a History Walk with costumed characters from our nation’s history educating children, a kid’s zone play area with three bounce houses and games, Civil War cannons, and recognition of our Armed Forces. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.  Bring a picnic basket or enjoy the various food vendors throughout the park. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to arrive early to find a spot in the park.
Council member, Roman Reyna, who leads a group of youth to volunteer in helping produce the event, said, “I am particularly thrilled that every year we get Santa Ana Youth more and more involved in these types of events. This is the best way to engage and motivate our youth to become leaders.”
Centennial Park is located at 3000 W Edinger Ave, in Santa Ana.  For more information, contact Enrique Marban at Emarban@santa-ana.org, or call (714) 571-4254.

Chino Valley: Stay Safe This Fourth Of July Holiday

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to remind residents that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the city of Chino Hills, and that only State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be used in the city of Chino.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks do not fly or blow up and are registered with the California State Fire Marshal as a “Safe and Sane” firework.  In the city of Chino, these fireworks can only be used or possessed in residential areas from noon on July 1 through midnight July 4, and not on school grounds, parking lots, commercial areas or parks.  No fireworks of any kind are permitted in Chino Hills and in the unincorporated County areas.  Also, fireworks are not permitted in the city of Chino in the area south of Pine Avenue and in the area east of Euclid Avenue between Merrill and Kimball avenues.

The Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Chino Hills Police Department will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks.  The penalty for using illegal fireworks is up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.  Parents/guardians will be held liable for any fire suppression costs, damages or injuries caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

The Chino Valley Fire District encourages residents to enjoy the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county.  Below are some helpful tips for the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

  • Always read and follow the directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Buy from a reliable fireworks vendor
  • Ignite fireworks outside and have a water source available
  • Never experiment with fireworks, modify fireworks or try to make fireworks of your own
  • Ignite fireworks one at a time
  • Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Never throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket

For additional information regarding fireworks, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Orange County: Citizen Helps To Arrest Robbery Suspect

Anonymous caller sees suspect vehicle shown in TV news story

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Heriberto Escalera Contreras

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Heriberto Escalera Contreras

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Mon., June 15, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a woman entered a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2242 S. Grand Ave.; her 10-year old daughter waited in the car.

A man parked his van next to the woman’s vehicle and was able to look down into her car and see a wallet in the center console.  The man exited his van, opened the woman’s car door, grabbed the wallet and got back into his van.

The 10-year old got out of her car and opened the man’s van door in an attempt to retrieve the stolen wallet.  The man attempted to close the door, and a struggle between the two ensued with the door opening and closing for about a minute’s time.  Eventually, the man handed the girl the wallet.

As the man was about to leave, the mother exited the store.  When the girl told her mother what had happened, the mother ran up to the suspect and told him she was calling the police.  The girl used her cell phone to photograph the van’s rear license plate as the suspect drove from the parking lot.

The child was not injured, and the wallet – containing cash – was retained by the victim.

On Thurs., June 18, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Officers responded to the Mobile Gas Station at Edinger and Main streets after an anonymous citizen called to report that the suspect vehicle that was shown on TV news of the robbery that occurred at the 7-Eleven on June 15 was currently parked in the gas station lot.  Officers located the subject in question – Heriberto Escalera Contreras, 36, of Santa Ana – in the vicinity and detained him without incident.

Contreras had the keys to the vehicle in his pocket and acknowledged that the van was his.  Officers arrested the subject on an unrelated warrant for Burglary and possession of Methamphetamine. The suspect was also found to have concealed narcotics on his person while being booked into the Santa Ana Jail Facility. Contreras was interviewed by Santa Ana Police Department Robbery Detectives, where he made statements placing him at the robbery scene. Contreras was positively identified by the victim as the suspect in the June 15 robbery.

Happy 4th of July From The Whole Enchilada!

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – Add some fireworks to your Independence Day Celebration with spicy chili or sizzling fajitas at The Whole Enchilada!  And help cool down the summer heat after your meal with some Mexican Kaluha Flan or Rio Grande Mud Pie!

Having a 4th of July celebration at home?  Why not let the party come to you by having The Whole Enchilada cater your celebration? Delectable handmade tamales – available year round – as well as street tacos and taquitos with all the fixings can be the hit of your party.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada.

From specialties and favorites of the house to healthy, lighter options, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland. They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift to celebrate summer!  And be sure to ask about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and Kids Club.

The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of tasty Mexican dishes and outstanding service.  The Whole Enchilada wants to become your local favorite, and they look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

Don’t deny your taste buds this 4th of July; visit The Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com.See their ad on the back page of this publication.

Pomona: PUSD Awarded $75,000 State Grant

Expansion of After-School Learning Program

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Three Pomona Unified School District schools are among 67 schools in the state selected to share $4.6 million in state grants aimed at expanding before- and after-school programs to give students safe places to go outside of school hours, while also providing them opportunities to participate in enrichment activities.

The State Department of Education selected Barfield Elementary, Harrison Elementary and Lexington Elementary to receive $7,310, $37,060 and $31,277, respectively, to expand The Learning Connection (TLC), Pomona Unified’s after-school tutoring and homework assistance program.

“We are thankful that three of our schools will be able to use these grants to not only continue strengthening the valuable TLC program, but also provide our working parents and students, many of whom are low-income, academic assistance in a safe environment,” PUSD Board President Andrew Wong said. “I also want to thank our TLC instructors for serving as role models and inspiring students to achieve their maximum potential.”

The grants are part of the state’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program, which is known as The Learning Connection at PUSD. There, students can receive homework support, academic enrichment in the core subjects of literacy, math and science and additional enrichment that includes healthy living activities, exploration of the visual and performing arts, technology, engineering, service learning and leadership development.

TLC, offered at several school sites throughout the District, is staffed by credentialed intervention teachers who supervise enrichment activities that reinforce skills learned during the regular school day and act to build self-esteem and social skills.

“This is a true community effort, allowing our children access to a secure learning environment where they can both thrive academically and enjoy time with their friends after school,” said Superintendent Richard Martinez. “We are extremely grateful to our Learning Connection staff and to the California Department of Education for their generous funding to support student achievement.”

The program runs from the end of the school day until 6 p.m.

For more information about the program, visit www.pusd.org/TLC.

Walnut: 4th Of July Celebration

Staff Reports

Walnut – Come and join the City of Walnut’s Fourth of July celebration at Suzanne Park on Sat., July 4, from 5:30 pm to approximately 9:30 pm.

This free event will be kicked off with a Patriotic Pooch Parade scheduled for 5:30 pm. There will also be live music from Young Guns, playing the best of the 80s; face painting; Food Trucks; and our famous Pie-Eating Contest.  The Fireworks Show will begin at approximately at 9:00 pm.

Bring your whole family and your lawn chairs/blankets and celebrate America with us!

Suzanne Park is located at 325 Suzanne Road. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. For more information, please call (909) 598-5605.

Sorry, no alcohol, smoking, BBQs, grills or other cooking appliances allowed in the Park.  Due to the loud and crowded nature of the event, people are discouraged from brining their pets (assistance dogs are an exception).

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met once again last week for its remaining June meeting, which included naming a new Business of the Month, extending the City’s landscaping services, and denying a hotly debated conditional use permit allowing T-Mobile to build a new wireless telecommunications facility at 1355 Maple Hill Road.

To begin, Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Haggen, located at 240 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., as the new business of the month. Tye and the City Council members were joined on stage with the new supermarket’s manager, thanking him and the organization for bringing its business to Diamond Bar.

A presentation was given about Haggen, outlining the corporation – which is from the northwest, and expanding into the west.  In the last six months, the company has purchased 146 storefronts to bring specialty items, including organic and gluten-free products, into new areas.

After the Business of the Month award, the Council was given an update by Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief, Troy Flath, regarding the recent Tonner Canyon fire exercise, and an overview of the Department’s involvement in the Napal earthquake recovery.

The schedule of future events was then read to include the Planning Commission meeting on June 23; the next Concert/Movie in the Park on June 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring Southland Band/“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” both at Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on June 25; Independence Day City offices holiday closures from July 3 through July 6; 4th of July Blast, 5 to 9 p.m., at Diamond Bar High School; cancellation of the next City Council meeting on July 7; the July 8 Concerts/Movie in the Park featuring The Kings 88/”Maleficent” at Sycamore Canyon Park; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on July 9; the Planning Commission meeting on July 14; , the July 14 Concerts/Movie in the Park featuring Stone Soul/”The Box Trolls” at Sycamore Canyon Park; and finally, the City Council meeting on July 21.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes for the June 2 City Council and May 12 Planning Commission meetings; ratification of check register dated May 28 through June 10, totaling $299,901.49; contract extensions for the Community Services Department; award of contract to AmeriComp Group Imaging, LLC, for printer service and toner in an amount not-to-exceed $90,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018; award of contract to Ameritech Business Systems, Inc., for copier service in an amount not-to-exceed $50,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 20, 2018; award of consulting services agreement to Comdyn Group, Inc., for as-needed information technology services in an amount not-to-exceed $250,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020; the approval of maintenance services agreement with Woods Maintenance Systems, Inc., DBA Graffiti Control System, to provide graffiti removal services for the fiscal year 2015/2016 with an option for four one-year extensions; approval of the execution of the first amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with Los Angeles Gateway Water Management Authority for the implementation of the watershed management program and coordinated integrated monitoring program for the lower San Gabriel River watershed group; approval to deny the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a conditional use permit to T-Mobile to install a new wireless telecommunications facility; and the adoption of a resolution approving a five year enterprise agreement with Microsoft Corporation through Compucom, for software licenses in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.

And finally, the Council adopted a resolution approving a tentative tract to subdivide air space for a 10-unit warehouse condominium located at 614-646 Brea Canyon Road.

After the Council member’s reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet on July 21, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Lake Fire Update

June 29 Update: 30,726 acres with 60 percent containment.

Photo Courtesy: SB County Fire

Photo Courtesy: SB County Fire

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – As of June 29, the Lake Fire is reported at 30,726 acres, with 60 percent overall containment.  The cause is still under investigation. The estimated cost to date is $30.2 million and there are four reported injuries.

On the afternoon of June 24, the fire turned and is currently burning south and east of Onyx Summit in a northward fashion.  Unified Command has identified key decision points that may result in evacuations of Lake Williams, Erwin Lake, and Baldwin Lake.  If the Lake Fire reaches the pre-designated trigger points, residents in these areas will be notified to evacuate.

According to the San Bernardino County Fire Department and the Big Bear Sheriff’s Station, a message has been issued to these lake areas to give residents advance notice in order to prepare for an evacuation – particularly those with livestock that were encouraged to relocate their animals early.  As of 8 a.m. on June 25, the fire was only 1.5 miles from the first trigger point.

The fire has burned down into Little Morongo and Big Morongo canyons, and firefighters have been focusing on the area south of 10,000 Foot Ridge where the fire is in steep, rocky terrain.  The fire is spreading by burning vegetation rolling downhill.

Mandatory evacuations are currently in effect for the Burns Canyon and Rimrock areas; Pioneertown is under voluntary evacuation.  The shelter for evacuees in these areas is located at Copper Mountain College, 6162 Rotary Way.  Small animals for these areas may be taken to the Town of Yucca Valley Animal Shelter, 4755 Malin Way.  Large animals may be taken to the Yucca Valley Equestrian Center, 7429 Avalon Avenue – all in Yucca Valley.  The Red Cross Evacuation Center is located at the Big Bear Community Church, 40946 Big Bear Blvd., in Big Bear.
Closures:  The fire perimeter is currently six air miles from Big Bear, 11 air miles from Pioneertown, and nine air miles from Morongo Valley.  Within this area, all campgrounds and hiking trails, as well as Highway 38; and the Barton Flats area are closed.

The Lake Fire started on June 17, and more than 113 Engines, 54 Crews, 18 Helicopters, 3 Air Tankers, 18 Water Tenders, 10 Bulldozers and 1,922 personnel have been assigned to control and extinguish this massive fire.  While the cause is still under investigation, the cost has been estimated at close to $12 million.  So far there have been four fire-related injuries.
High temperatures and low humidity are making conditions formidable, and fire personnel are under considerable threat as they continue to work around the clock toward 100 percent containment. You can help contribute to their safety by staying away from the risk region, evacuating areas when instructed to do so, and respecting road closures and other emergency warnings.  If you live near the area but out of evacuation danger, make every effort to keep family and pets indoors to avoid inducing respiratory emergencies from skies full of smoke and ash.

If you are in a risk area, stay tuned to local news and radio stations (including KBHR radio 93.3 FM) for additional information, updates and evacuation instructions.  There is also information available by calling (909) 383-5688, or visit inciweb.nwcg.gov (Lake Fire); https://twitter.com/sbcountysheriff; https://twitter.com/SBCOUNTYFIRE.

Baldwin Park Playful City USA

City’s Playability Recognized

Photo Courtesy: City of Baldwin Park

Photo Courtesy: City of Baldwin Park

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Baldwin Park is being honored with a 2015 Playful City USA designation for the seventh time.  The national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable. Baldwin Park is proud to be selected once again as a leader in creating more opportunities for play.

This year, the City will be developing new play opportunities at four summer lunch school sites. The school sites are located in neighborhoods that are park poor and where access to play space is limited. Children will be allowed to access the playground area for 60 minutes after enjoying their lunch through the City’s summer lunch program.

Teens will also have an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors by participating in a new program at the Baldwin Park Teen Center where at-risk adolescents participate in various outdoor activities such as hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains.

By integrating these components into play initiatives, local Baldwin Park youth will have the opportunity to use all their senses to learn, explore, and imagine through play.

Hopscotch sidewalks, structured recess programs, mandated neighborhood play spaces, city-wide play days and mobile recreation vehicles are all ways in which these communities are appealing to residents, and attracting and retaining residents.

“Playability is crucial to the success of our future communities, and we are proud of the work these cities and leaders are doing to provide a better quality of life for all residents, and especially families,” says KaBOOM! President, James Siegal. “Play provides a competitive advantage for cities looking to attract and retain residents. With these esteemed leaders, and our friends and partners across the country, we continue to prioritize play for all kids.”

To learn more about these cities, see the full list of the 241 communities named 2015 Playful City USA honorees, or to gather more information on the Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

A Letter from Chrissy

 

 

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Q:  What is your opinion about people who are always late?  Why do you think some people have no respect for time management?

A:  In my opinion, I think personal power plays a role here.  People who are habitually late generally don’t have a good sense of their own personal power.  They are often passive-aggressive, imagining that they have power over others by keeping them waiting.  Of course, some people are just poor managers of their time, but I think the personal power thing comes into play more often.  They are misguided in thinking that their time is more valuable than yours.  Let’s not forget the people who are basically clueless and have poor manners.

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.