Category Archives: The Weekly News

Pomona: Heat Related Toddler Death

3-year old left in hot car by accident

Image Courtesy: Google

Image Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Sun., June 21, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the Pomona Police Department received a 911 call regarding a heat-related injury on Rancho Jurupa Place.

Upon arrival, a female child was found unconscious in a vehicle after a family outing. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital in grave condition, but never regained consciousness and died as a result of the incident.

According to the Pomona Police Department, investigators do not suspect foul play at this time.  Initial findings are consistent with this incident being a tragic accident.  The parents and other siblings all believed that the victim – Kiara Li, 3, of Pomona, exited the vehicle at the same time as everyone else.

An autopsy and additional information related to his accident are still pending.

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a car’s windows act like a greenhouse, trapping sunlight and heat.  On a summer day – when temperatures outside range from 80 to 100 degrees, cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures of up to 131 to 172 degrees – and dangerous, life-threatening temperatures can escalate within ten minutes of closing up the car – even with the windows rolled down slightly. Unfortunately, 25 children die each year from being trapped unattended in a hot vehicle.

The Pomona Police Department would like to remind citizens that this is a tragedy that can be prevented.  Be sure to check vehicles completely before exiting, and never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended – even for a moment!

Summer Details At Alamo Car Wash

If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut. For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.

If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut. For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.

Staff Reports

Walnut – You’re a busy person with a lot to do.  You need a car wash, an oil change, a haircut, and you haven’t even had lunch yet.  You could run all over town trying to get all of this done, or you could get it all done at one stop: Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center.

Dan Gerstner and his wife, Sylvia, opened Alamo more than 18 years ago, and they have run the business with a simple philosophy ever since.

“Our philosophy is to always have satisfied customers. We want them to be satisfied with what we do here, and 99.9 percent of the time, they are,” Gerstner said.

Situated in a four-acre complex at the corner of Nogales and Francesca Drive in Walnut, Alamo features a hand car wash, a Mobil gas station and an Xpress Lube oil change center, as well as restaurants, a beauty salon, dentist’s office, locksmith and a bookkeeping service.

“We even have a shoeshine guy.  It’s really a one-stop shop,” Gerstner said.

Alamo offers full-service hand car washes and detailing, which includes waxing, buffing and interior cleaning; as well as an express wash – just $6.95 – for people on the go.  And now is the perfect time to get your vehicle vacation-ready for summer with an oil change and detailing to help protect against the high temperatures.

Asked why people should visit Alamo instead of other area car washes, Gerstner said, “I don’t know what other car washes do, but I know what we do. We’re very picky about service and the little details. And usually, when the car comes out, it’s cleaner than it’s ever been.”

Package washes are popular, Gerstner said, especially the Silver Package Wash.  It includes an air freshener, sealer wax, polish wax, rainbow wax, clear coat sealant and Armor-All on the tires.

“If people need something at the last minute, like greeting cards, we have a wide selection they can choose from while they’re waiting for their car.  We also carry just about any kind of auto accessory you might need,” Gerstner said.  And, a multi-wash book is a great gift for anyone with a car.

Alamo’s oil change service is also extremely popular, and runs just $30.99.

“Our quick lube service is very complete and includes transmission, power steering, brake fluid, cooling system and fuel emissions services.  Plus, oil change customers receive a free car wash.

Gerstner admits that Alamo is not the cheapest place to have your car washed or serviced, but maintains that the services they offer make them competitive with just about anybody else.

“We offer a higher level of service than many other places, and that’s why we’ve been so successful.  People love their cars – their car is like their baby. We see customers who come in twice a week, and their cars look clean, but they still want them washed here,” Gerstner explained.

If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut.  For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.

Baldwin Park Unified Runs E-Textbook And Chromebook Pilot

Just four U.S. school districts chosen to try out system

Image Courtesy: Google

Image Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – The first of two electronic textbook pilot efforts at Baldwin Park Unified has returned overwhelming praise for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt materials used on Google Chromebooks, according to District leaders.

Some 36 8th Graders at Sierra Vista Middle School, and 30 10th Graders at Sierra Vista High School, conducted a semester-long trial of electronic curriculum on the Chromebooks this past spring as part of an effort to determine engagement levels.

“This was a rare and valuable opportunity to see how our students responded to new technology interfaces with the latest electronic texts,” Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano, said. “As expected, we received valuable insights that will help us sculpt our approach to technology even as we prepare for a second round of pilot testing.”

The first pilot was originally scheduled to run nine weeks, but middle school teacher, Gabriela Lopez, and high school teacher, Rafael Marquez, received an extension allowing them to continue the program through spring.

A second Baldwin Park Unified pilot effort will be conducted at four middle schools and two high schools during spring 2016. In the meantime, the District is launching an effort to expand wireless capacity to support use of additional computer devices by students.

Baldwin Park Unified is one of just two districts in California, and four across the U.S., authorized for the pilot by Google and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

Your Child’s Best And Most Productive Summer

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

I am a very big believer in rest and relaxation and feel summer is a great time to do that.  I take a lot of time off in the summer to do exactly that, but I must feel my summer is productive as well.  I force myself to move at a much slower pace and I do play a lot more, but I try to remember the concept of balance as well.

Summer also allows for some unique activities.  I see summer as a time to work on special talents and projects.  Having a project can be very grounding and give you something to be working toward, which I believe is a very important concept.  This doesn’t in anyway, take away from a very well deserved break.

The other really great piece about all of this is your child won’t lose all of their skills over the summer if you keep them engaged, and returning to school will be easier.

Common sense tells us if we don’t use something for three months, our skills can become rusty    By allowing our children to do absolutely nothing over the summer we are not doing them a favor, we are doing them a grave injustice.  Encourage your children to read a book, write a story about something fun, walk the dog to keep their muscles strong, help you add and subtract how many miles you’ll be traveling this vacation, understand why when you throw the ball up, it always comes back down – and just keep learning the whole summer through.

Teaching children the way to find that balance that will enhance their relaxation, make them feel good about their productivity, and allow them to have more fun than they ever have!

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.

CHPD Seeking Public Assistance

Suspect Jonathon Heinz wanted for Burglary

 

Photo Courtesy: CHPD Jonathon Heinz

Photo Courtesy: CHPD
Jonathon Heinz

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Chino Hills Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for stealing three custom road bicycles – valued at more than $5,000 – from a victim’s garage in the middle of the night.
Jonathon Heinz, 29, of Chino Hills, is wanted for burglary and a $125,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest.

A 17-year old female was arrested in the case, but has not been cooperative in helping authorities locate Heinz. Detectives and Deputies have made contact with his family and friends in an attempt to convince Heinz to turn himself in, but he remains outstanding.
On June 22, at around 3 a.m., Heinz entered the victim’s garage located in the 5800 block of Brushwood Court in Chino Hills, and stole the three bicycles while the female stood watch in the car. When the victim woke up in the morning, he noticed his garage door was open and his bicycles were missing.
Later that day, Deputies contacted the female juvenile who had one of the stolen bikes in a nearby park. The investigation led them to Heinz’s home in the 17400 block of Kelsey Way, where the other bicycles were eventually recovered. The juvenile, who had been reported as a runaway a week prior, was arrested for Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property.
Heinz is known to drive a small, light blue Honda, or is known to be on foot in the area of Butterfield and Hunters Hill parks. The photo of Heinz is from his California Driver’s License and is outdated.  The suspect may have changed his hair style or facial hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Those who want to report information anonymously can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Chino Police Department Launches Social Media

Staff Reports

Chino – In keeping with Chief Karen Comstock’s strong community ties, the Chino Police Department has launched its social media pages. Chief Comstock’s goal is to enhance communication with the community and maintain an open dialogue with residents, businesses and partners in safety.

Social media has proven to be a valuable tool for Law Enforcement agencies to use as a means to communicate timely and effectively with topics such as crime prevention, community programs, incidents and investigations.

“The Chino Police Department values the positive relationships and interactions it has with the community,” states Comstock. “Having social media as another tool to communicate and engage with residents will only enhance our relationships.”

The City of Chino has been successful in increasing community engagement through their use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As government social media continues to grow, the Chino Police Department sees an opportunity to expand its efforts by creating additional accounts specifically for the Department and the Chief of Police.

For more information, connect with the Chino Police Department on the following sites:

facebook.com/chinopolicedept; facebook.com/ChiefComstock; twitter.com/chinopolicedept

Police Explorer Post Shines In Competition

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Staff Reports

Pomona – Pomona Police Explorer POST 160 participated in the 2015 Ex-Con Games in Las Vegas, the weekend of June 13-14.  This is a highly competitive Explorer Competition with approximately 34 teams from California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah in attendance.

The Explorers, ages 15-19, performed well individually and as cohesive teams in various law enforcement related categories. This was the first competition for the majority of this new group of Explorers and they exceeded expectations.
With the support of each other and their dedicated Police Officer Advisors, the Explorers were able to achieve the following awards in several scenarios:

  • 1st Place – Female Obstacle Course: Sabrina Valle
  • 3rd Place – Team Vehicle Stop
  • 5th Place – Team Active Shooter
  • 1st Place – Male Advisor/ Obstacle Course: Police Officer Mike Lee

Police Chief Paul Capraro expressed his pride and appreciation for these dedicated Pomona teens and Advisors that volunteer thousands of hours a year to make Pomona a safer community.
“It is our hope that these outstanding young adults pursue their careers in law enforcement in the community where they have already given so much,” said Capraro.

Pomona Police Explorers have a long and successful history of becoming Pomona Police Officers and members of other law enforcement agencies, as well as serving in the military.

Why Work-Life Balance Is The Wrong Idea

By Brian Mohr

The corporate world is susceptible to fads.  Work-life balance, a push to properly prioritize work in relation to lifestyle, features the kind of faddish thinking that can lead gifted people down the wrong path.

Think of those who love their job; for them, it’s not exactly “work” as they exercise their capabilities fully toward a goal that they believe in.

Finding the right fit – whether an organization is searching for leadership or an individual is seeking the right job – is more important than people realize. The problem of work-life balance starts farther upstream. When the appropriate person is aligned with the appropriate goal, balance is natural.

A concept like work-life balance is a claim on how we should prioritize our lives, which, if believed, can be confusing.

  • Don’t buy into the notion of the “work you” as being separate from the “real you.” We spend 8.8 hours of each day working, according to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics – the largest amount of time spent in any single activity (sleeping is second at 7.6 hours). Work-life balance enforces a strange notion that you are essentially different on the clock than off the clock, which hurts both employers and employees. Who wants this divided personality? Why not be yourself while doing what’s important – providing for your well-being and that of your family? Costumes are for Halloween.  In my line of work, I want to offer a leader who is authentic and not some impostor version of who they really are.
  • Not everyone is working for the weekend. Rather than work-life balance, it’s more helpful to think of your role in a company or nonprofit as work-life symbiosis. Just do the math. Working nearly nine hours in a role that you do not like doesn’t stack up well with two days that quickly pass by (assuming you hate your job). How many years of your life do you want to waste not doing what would make you happier?
  • Most important of all is aligning the right people with the right role. That means aligning the purpose and values of an organization to the purpose and values of the right people. Everyone owes it to themselves to find the right organization.
  • Take a cue from your technology. In today’s world, we simply cannot compartmentalize different areas of our lives like people used to. You can communicate with your spouse at any time and know people better through social media than through real-life interaction. And, for work, most of us carry our work around in our smart phones. If not text messages, then we get emails sent to our phones.
  • Whether through our technology or the software running in our brains, we don’t simply turn off work when we leave the office. We should drop the idea that “work” and “life” are somehow separate. They’re not.

Brian Mohr is co-founder and managing partner for Y Scouts (yscouts.com), a purpose-based leadership search firm that connects organizations with exceptional leaders. Y Scouts operates under the belief that people are the only real competitive advantage in business and the best employer/employee connections start by connecting through a shared sense of purpose and values.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 06.27.15

2015-June27-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-June27-Weekly-WEB

4th Of July In West Covina

Ready, Set, Fireworks!

 

Staff Reports

West Covina – Looking for some family fun this 4th of July?  The City of West Covina and the West Covina Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) invite you to join them for a day filled with festivities!

Bring your whole family and friends out on Sat., July 4, for a fun-filled day beginning with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., at Hurst Ranch, for only $5.00 per person (includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee).

Then from 3 to 11 p.m., head on over to Edgewood Middle/High School for carnival rides, entertainment, food, and games. The band, Cold Duck, will have the crowd dancing to classic rock favorites from 6 to 9 p.m.

Finally, end your night with a firework spectacular that is sure to cap off your whole day.  The fireworks show is sponsored by the City of West Covina and Athens Services, and will begin at 9 p.m.

The entrance fee for the carnival and fireworks show is $1.00 per person, beginning at 3 p.m. Please note that a hand stamp will be given this year in lieu of wrist bands, so plan accordingly.

As a friendly reminder, no alcohol is allowed and bags are subject to search.  The school grounds will be secured prior to 3 p.m., so any personal belongings placed on the event grounds beforehand will be removed by the Police Department.

“City staff has planned a great day for the whole family and I hope everyone is able to come and celebrate our country’s Independence Day at Edgewood School,” said Mayor Fredrick Sykes.

For any additional information please contact the Community Services Department at (626) 939-8489.

Hurst Ranch is located at 1227 S. Orange Avenue, West Covina.

Edgewood Middle/High School is located at 1625 W. Durness Street, West Covina.

CVFD Seeks Nominations For Prestigious Award

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District is seeking nominations for the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award.  Nominations will be accepted until midnight of December 31.  Award recipients will be announced in January 2016.

The Fred L. Burns Award was established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Fire District in the area of furthering the District’s Mission Statement and/or who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Community in the area of community service in support of Public Safety.

The Fire District’s Mission is to protect the lives and property of the community from the detrimental effects of fires, medical emergencies and other hazardous conditions.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.chinovalleyfire.org by accessing the Community Relations tab, News Flash section, or by clicking on the Fred L. Burns Award page on the hot links section of the Fire District website’s homepage.

Help This US Army Ring Find Home

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook
Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

By Claire Lewis

Chino – Chino local, Laurie Utter, has a heart of gold for our Veterans.  While perusing Facebook, she came across a post from the other side of the country, and she reached out to the Weekly News for help.

Rachel Farris, who lives in Saucier, Mississippi, posted the following information on her Facebook page:

“Ok Facebook world, I need some help. My grandpa found a United States Army service ring buried in the dirt at his farm in South Dakota. The name on the ring is Patrick J. Dierick. It’s a very old ring and he would like to find the owner – or at least the family to return it to. Please share this post so we can try to find the rightful owner or family member.”

Utter thought she might be able to help the ring find its way home

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook
Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

because somebody knows somebody who knows the owner.

“I just have a big place in my heart for our Vets and military men and women; they do so much for us and don’t seem to get much back,” says Utter.

There is a story on how the ring belonging to Patrick J. Dierick found its way to a farm in South Dakota, and both Utter and Farris are looking for answers.

“I just thought what a nice thing to do by finding him, or even a family member,” Utter continues.

The U.S. Army takes care of its own, and hopefully – as a collective effort – we will be able to return this U.S. Army ring to its home.  If you have any information about Patrick Dierick, or anyone who may know him, please contact the Weekly News via email at editor@anapr.com.

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook
Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Sheriff’s HOPE

Positive Change, Not Spare Change

Image Courtesy: SBSD

Image Courtesy: SBSD

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department HOPE (Homeless Outreach and Proactive Enforcement) Team is launching the “Positive Change, Not Spare Change” community awareness campaign. The goal of this campaign is to educate the public on those asking for spare change or holding “Homeless” signs seeking help.
Statistics demonstrate that 65% of panhandlers are not homeless.  When you provide money to a panhandler you may be contributing to a drug or alcohol addiction.
Legitimate homeless service providers can channel your donation to real solutions for moving people beyond homelessness.  Signs, posters, flyers, and bumper stickers will be posted throughout the county and are available to anyone who wishes to support this effort.
If you are interested in obtaining promotional materials, please contact HOPE at (909) 387-0623, or toll free at (844) 811-HOPE (4673).  You can also email your request to HOPE@sbcsd.org.

The One That Got Away

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Anyone who loves cars has a story about the one that got away.  I’m not sure if women feel this way, but most men can tell you a story about a car that they wish they still owned.

My first car was a ’57 Chevy.  I was in high school when some friends of my parents asked if I would like to buy their son’s car.  Their son was graduating from college and the parents were buying him a new car. They were selling the ’57 Chevy.

I had delivered newspapers during my high school years and had saved enough money to buy my first car.  The two-door, ’57 Chevy with a small V-8 engine and chrome wheels was a nice car!  I’m sure I did not realize how special it was or how valuable it would become.

A few years later, as I prepared to enter college at Arizona State, I decided to sell my ’57 Chevy and get a car with better gas mileage.  I would be commuting to college and the V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor got terrible gas mileage.  So I sold my Chevy and bought a used Volkswagen!

It seemed practical at the time, but pretty dumb today.  Many times I wished I had kept the ’57 Chevy.  I can’t begin to imagine what that car would be worth today.  I always regret letting that one get away.

You may have a similar story.  I have heard many over the years.  But, there are a number of people who have kept those old cars and didn’t let them get away.

They love to show their cars and share their stories with others.  You can come and see a variety of cars and motorcycles at our church on Sat., June 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This is our second Car and Cycle Meet.  We will have some older vintage cars and motorcycles and some new ones, too.

If you would be willing to bring your car or motorcycle to this event, please contact our church office – or just show up at 9:00 a.m.  There are no entrance fees.

If you would like to see some nice cars and motorcycles, we look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.

Our church is located at 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, across from the new Willow Heights home site near Brea Canyon Road.

I hope you will come and see these cars and motorcycles.  And, I hope you will be ready to share your story about one of your cars that got away!

La Puente Barricad Suspect Death

Staff Reports

La Puente – On Sun., June 14, at approximately 12:25 a.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Industry Station personnel received a “possible domestic violence – welfare check” call for service.  Additional information led responding Deputies to contact the wife of the suspect at an undisclosed location.  The wife informed Deputies that she had been assaulted by her husband, that he was armed with a rifle, and that he had threatened to kill her and himself.

Deputies quickly formulated a plan and responded to the couple’s residence located in the 900 block of Willow Avenue in La Puente.  At the location, Deputies observed the male suspect walking around the garage area of the residence with a rifle.  As a safety precaution, containment of the residence was established and neighboring residents were immediately evacuated.

Despite several verbal commands from Deputies, the suspect refused to cooperate and surrender peacefully.  He then barricaded himself inside the residence – beginning a 12-hour standoff.

LASD Special Enforcement Bureau (SEB) Special Weapons Team, along with LASD Crisis Negotiation Team (CNT) personnel were on scene.  CNT made dozens of attempts over the course of the entire incident to establish communication with the suspect; however the suspect was unresponsive to the communication efforts.  Additionally, SEB introduced gas into the residence and utilized a distraction device in order to gain compliance from the suspect.

After an extensive and constant effort by SEB, Industry Station Deputies and CNT making all attempts to bring about a peaceful resolution, SEB deputies made entry inside the residence and located the suspect with a self-inflicted gunshot wound.  He was pronounced dead at the scene.

The suspect’s rifle was recovered and no Deputies were injured. The suspect’s wife was treated for minor injuries sustained during the assault.

The identity of the deceased suspect will be determined by the Los Angeles County Coroner.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact LASD Industry Station at (626) 330-3322.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Fontana Man Arrested For Abuse

Suspect arrested for continuous sexual abuse of multiple victims spanning more than a decade.

Photo Courtesy: SBSD Suspect Jose Manuel Carrillo

Photo Courtesy: SBSD
Suspect Jose Manuel Carrillo

Staff Reports

Fontana – In April 2015, multiple female victims who were suspected of being sexually abused as minors notified Deputies at the Fontana Sheriff’s Station.  Deputies were advised that the suspect was known to the victims, and immediately began an investigation.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, it was discovered that the victims had been sexually abused on several occasions and at multiple locations – including their family home – over a span of at least ten years.

After an extensive investigation, Detectives identified Jose Manuel Carrillo, 48, as the suspect.  During the course of the investigation, Detectives discovered additional victims who came forward.  An arrest warrant was secured for Carrillo’s arrest while Detectives conducted a surveillance of his residence located in the 14800 block of Merrill Ave. in Fontana.

Carrillo was subsequently taken into custody, interviewed and arrested.  He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Child, and is being held on a no-bail warrant.

Detectives are concerned they may be additional victims.  Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the Fontana Sheriff’s Station at (909) 356-6767.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous may contact the We-Tip Hotline at (800) 78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at http://www.wetip.com.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

————————–

A Letter From Nina

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Q:  My daughter is dating a man who has special diet restrictions connected to his religion.  When we have social gatherings at our home, my daughter asks us to include several members of his family.  My husband and I have no problem including his family – the more the merrier – but I find it irritating to be asked repeatedly if the food I’m serving falls in line with their dietary restrictions. We’ve had eight such gatherings and I’ve taken their needs into consideration every time, but it’s wearing thin.  The whole thing has started to feel rude to me.   I would like to return to my regular party menus and entertaining routine.  Or maybe I should move the gatherings to a restaurant in the future which would eliminate the problem for me.  I don’t want to upset my daughter so I haven’t said anything to her.  Am I being unreasonable?

 

A:  This is a touchy subject because it involves religion.  We live in a time when everyone wants their religion respected, and those that have no religious beliefs want that respected as well.  However, when an invitation is accepted, it’s my opinion that it’s proper to accept the offerings of the host and hostess without additional or special requirements.  Having special expectations or making demands in any way is poor manners.  Just because your daughter is interested in this man, doesn’t mean that you have to overly alter your lifestyle to accommodate his differences.   Would you expect special treatment at the homes of his family members if you had special requirements for your meals?  These are her choices, not yours.  If it irritates you, discontinue your offers of hospitality and dine in restaurants.  It’s really that simple.

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 Valley Makes MLB Draft

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com
Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

By Claire Lewis

Chino Valley – If you keep up with Major League Baseball, you probably know that the 2015 Draft took place recently – June 8 through 10.  A total of 1,215 individuals were selected in the 40-round draft, and three Major League Teams selected young men from the Chino Valley.

Bailey Falter, the 6-foot 4-inch, left-handed pitcher from Chino Hills High was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 5th Round, 144th overall.  With exemplary high school statistics behind him, he was the first pitcher selected by the Phillies.  Falter is signed to play for the University of California Santa Barbara come fall.  He has a tough decision to make about his career.

Christian Kelley – a graduate of Don Lugo High who has played for Cal Poly Pomona for the last two years – was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th Round, 337th overall.  Reportedly the lead-off hitter for Cal Poly this past season, Kelley’s most recent stats read .341 in 72 hits with one home run, 28 RBIs and 43 runs scored.

And finally, outfielder Kyle Garlick – who also played for Cal Poly Pomona after three seasons with the University of Oregon – was drafted in the 28th Round, 852nd overall, by the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Garlick, who is a graduate of Chino Hills High, was a member of the All-West Region First Team, as well as the All-CCAA First Team.

Congratulations to these Chino Valley men, who obviously have great careers ahead of them.

PUSD Celebrates Distinguished Class of 2015

More than 1,500 seniors commemorate rite of passage

Photo Courtesy: PUSD On May 29, 270 Pomona High School graduates turned their tassels to cap their high school careers.

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
On May 29, 270 Pomona High School graduates turned their tassels to cap their high school careers.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Academic achievement was the prevailing theme as 1,500 Pomona Unified School District graduates participated in commencement exercises during the first week of June. Students in the Class of 2015 received diplomas and turned their tassels from right to left, many of them looking forward to the next step of their educational careers.

The PUSD graduates will be headed to an impressive number of leading universities, among them UCLA, USC, UC Davis, UC Irvine UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, Cal Poly Pomona, Pitzer College and Vassar College. Jeremy Tran, the Valedictorian for Diamond Ranch High School, earned the District’s top grade point average, at 4.944. Tran will attend UC Berkeley.

“The rewards of a rich and diverse education will resonate emphatically throughout a graduate’s life,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong. “Our mission is to provide for our students the foundations of accomplishment and to develop the skill sets necessary to meet the challenges in the 21st century. We applaud the Class of 2015 and wish them the best of luck.”

Diamond Ranch led the way with 450 graduates; Garey High with 313 grads; Pomona High with 270

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Diamond Ranch High School celebrated 450 graduates during its commencement ceremony June 3;

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Diamond Ranch High School celebrated 450 graduates during its commencement ceremony June 3;

grads; Ganesha High with 250 grads; Village Academy with 95 grads; Fremont Academy with 68 grads and Palomares Academy with 28 grads. Among PUSD’s alternative education campuses, Park West High graduated 43 students and the School of Extended Education Options and the Pomona Alternative School combined to graduate 39.

The District has also seen a steady rise in graduation rates since 2010, the year that the California Department of Education adjusted its reporting to track students over all four years. In 2010, the grad rate was 71.8 percent; today it is well over 83 percent, topping the state average of 80.8 percent and the Los Angeles County average of 78 percent.

“These tremendous results demonstrate that we are succeeding in our mission to see our students earn their high school diplomas and leave our schools with the tools and skills they need to excel in the next steps of their lives,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “Helping our students reach their goals takes the dedication of our entire Pomona Unified family, including our staff, our parents and our community. I wish our Class of 2015 graduates continued success and we cannot wait to see all they achieve in the future.”

 

Dear Dad

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

Dear Dad:  I’m writing to tell you about some things that have really changed this year.   I will always miss you and my brothers, but I have so very much in my wonderful life to be grateful for.

Mom is still here with me and I’m very grateful for her.  You picked a good mom for me, and I thank you.

I have this amazing son that I couldn’t be prouder of.  He has turned out to be quite a terrific young man.  If I could have hand-molded a son, I couldn’t have done any better than what I already have; I couldn’t ask for a better son.

I have a husband that would go to the ends of the earth to make me happy.

My best friend is my dog, Midnight.  He is such a blessing!  I honestly believe you sent him to me. He is so healing for me.

Oh, and my business has grown into something I could have only dreamt about.  I think you’d be amazed by how well things are going.

While I will always miss you, I have this new sense of peace around Father’s Day; I feel like everything is going to be alright.  I feel like I can breathe and that it’s okay for me to get on with my life.  I know you and the boys would want that for me.

I think this is how I honor your memory – by just being the best I know how to be.  So I will continue to do my best to make you proud of me.

I thank you for all that you gave me during your lifetime, and I am truly honored to be your daughter. I’m grateful for all the years that I did have you with me on Father’s Day!

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.