Category Archives: The Weekly News

Spectators or Participants?

Image Courtesy: Google Images

Image Courtesy: Google Images

By Felicia Oblea

There’s no denying the Information Technology Revolution has changed the way we live. The Internet has brought us Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, SnapChat and other “social networking” applications that claim to help keep us connected with the ones we love and the world around us – but in what sense? Sure, we may know what’s going on out there, but how many of us have turned into spectators instead of participants due to the preoccupation of “staying in the loop?”

It could be argued that technology and the Internet is one of the biggest normative history-graded influences of our generation. Larry D. Rosen, PhD, claims, “Young kids look at technology the way I look at air… It’s not just a tool to them, they sleep with it, they wake up with it, and it’s part of their world.”

Rosen’s study on the relationship between the study habits of middle and high school kids in association with how often they checked their phone/Facebook during that study time, shows these distractions caused students to get worse grades than those that stuck to their schoolwork until finished. That’s just the tip of the iceberg. People have become so interested in what others are doing that they seem to have a hard time completing their own tasks and living their own lives.

Are people more comfortable interacting with a screen than with other people? What affect might this have on their socioemotional development? Next time you’re out and about, take a look around. What do you see? So many people have their eyes glued to their phone that they’re missing the people, the sights, the sounds, and the potential social interaction all around them. They’re being what this generation likes to call “social,” but to the outside world (at least the ones that aren’t glued to their own phone long enough to notice) they’re looking pretty antisocial. High school and college is where people develop interpersonal skills for the job force, but these days more and more people seem to be just fine in their own little bubble.

Going further, in the article “Facebook Makes Us Sadder and Less Satisfied, Study Finds,” researchers tested the influence Facebook had on the happiness of the participants and found that, overall, Facebook “led to declines in moment-to-moment happiness and overall life satisfaction.” However, that same study showed that when people felt lonely, they would turn to Facebook anyway.

People are becoming addicted to comparison. It’s easy to become unhappy with your own life when you see how exciting everyone else’s life is. Are they forgetting that people only present their best?

It turns out there is a solution to these empty, lonely feelings we sometimes get from Social Media – it’s called human interaction. Direct interaction with other people actually makes a person feel better. We are made for real community, and face-to-face interaction. It’s a beautiful thing.

“People so often whip out their cameras – almost mindlessly – to capture a moment, to the point that they are missing what is happening right in front of them,” said Linda Henkel of Fairfield University in Connecticut.

Instagram, SnapChat and other photo sharing apps are gaining ground in Social Media. Are we so desperate to show the world what we’re doing (or eating), that once we get the perfect picture to share we stop normal participation in order to prove to the world that we live exciting lives (not to mention letting our food get cold!)?

Please, let’s think about this. Are we becoming so involved in the World Wide Web that we are missing out on what’s happening in our own community? Although there are many benefits to Social Media, let’s not forget to stop and smell the roses once in a while.

Mt. SAC Students Win 15 HOSA Medals

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College health career students won a total of 15 medals, including nine gold medals and four silver medals, at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) state leadership conference held March 25 – 30 in Sacramento. More than 2,500 students competed at the state competition.

Daniel Lee (Fullerton), Holly Miller (La Habra), Noehly Partida (Pomona), and Leilani Soto (Ontario) won gold medals in the creative problem solving competition. Amy Barraza (Cudahy), Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Yvonne Prempeh (Fontana), and Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park) won gold medals in the biomedical debate competition. Miller also won a gold medal in the human growth and development competition.

Jessica Benavente (Hesperia), Patrick Chan (La Puente), and Nicole Villanueva (Pomona) took silver medals in creative problem solving. Lee also won a silver medal in the human growth and development competition.

Villanueva also took a bronze medal in the pathophysiology competition, and Campos took bronze in trans-cultural healthcare competition.

All 11 Mt. SAC students will advance to the national HOSA competition to be held June 24 – 27 at the Anaheim Hilton.

HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.

CH Deputies Arrest 2 For Identity Theft

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Police Department has been investigating a series of crimes associated with credit card and identity thefts.  One of these cases led members of the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team to the city of Upland to locate and interview a person of interest.

On Tues., Apr. 14, at approximately 5:24 p.m., the Team contacted the residents of an apartment located on the 170 block of Armstrong Way.  During the course of the investigation, Deputies determined that residents Lan Le, 31, of Rowland Heights, and Adam Le, 32, of Upland, were in possession of stolen credit cards, stolen personal information used to obtain fraudulent credit, and equipment used for counterfeiting credit cards.

Deputies arrested both men for investigation of conspiracy to commit a crime, identity theft, and credit card fraud.  The suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center, and held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputies from the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team at (909) 364-2000.

San Dimas PD Investigates Cyber Threats

What parents can do to protect their children

Image Courtesy: Slideshare.net

Image Courtesy: Slideshare.net

Staff Reports

San Dimas – According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department San Dimas Station, when threats to any person occur, they take them very seriously and investigate to whatever extent possible.  When threats involve children and teens, it necessitates significant attention from law enforcement, schools and parents.

Recently, threats were posted via a social media account from anonymous persons. The threats and denigrating messages were directed at a student at a local school in San Dimas. Immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of the intended target of the threats, and to address the safety of all students at the school.

School officials have cooperated and assisted investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in identifying potential sources of the threats. The forensic investigation – the legal and technical process of identifying the persons who created the accounts and the devices or locations used – will take some time. In the meantime, school and law enforcement personnel will take the reasonable steps necessary to protect the students. The Sheriff’s Department will continue the investigation to conclusion.

Conflicts and bullying at schools are very real problems. When the conflicts expand to social media, parents are often unaware of the communication occurring silently on cell phones and computers. Parents should remain aware of the online activities of their children, and educate them of the serious consequences of bullying and threats. Children are sometimes suspended or expelled from school based on the serious nature of threats, often considered crimes, or at least violations of school policies.

What can parents due to protect their children from harm when the threat isn’t so obvious?  The website, Web MD notes that “Teens are teens, online or off,” and has the following advice:

“With such online perils, tried and true parenting skills, such as letting children know you love them and setting clear, consistent guidelines, may be more important than ever.”

“Parents should be proactive and fold the Internet into engaged parental activity,” says Anne Collier, Executive Director of Net Family News, Inc. Collier advises parents to talk to their kids regularly about their online activities: what sites they visit most often, and if they ever see things that make them uneasy.

Parents should recognize that an Internet-enabled phone (i.e. any device capable of downloading “apps” or accessing the Internet) is an Internet machine, capable of almost anything a stand-alone computer can do. As such, users can fall victim to predators and anonymous bullies, or be exposed to harmful material from anywhere in the world. Would you allow your child to walk unsupervised at any hour of the day or night, anywhere? Consider the Internet a space where parental attention and supervision is just as critical as any other place.

Not only can minors fall victim to others, they might choose to do things illegal, or harmful to others. Parents should counsel children on acceptable behavior and activities online. A simple standard that might apply is, “Don’t do anything online or with your phone that you wouldn’t do in front of me.”

Many advise that parents should possess, and use, the passwords to all devices and accounts for minor children. As one local parent said, “Getting a smart phone or tablet is a privilege, not a right.”

While the free Internet has many powerful and useful qualities, parents should be mindful of the potential for abuse by, or against, children. Please monitor these activities, and report threats or other crimes to local authorities.

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

My husband has recently started taking a new medication.  It has drastically changed his personality.  It helps his medical problems, but it takes away his interest in spending personal or intimate time with me.  Our marriage is suffering.  I can tell he is uncomfortable when I mention the subject. We are too young to be in this situation (late 40s).  Help!

-S.W.

Dear S.W.:

If he is taking blood pressure or diabetes medicine, this is a common side effect and can often be remedied by simply changing the prescription.  Some acid reflux medications are also hard on a man in this way, as are anti-depressants.  Please encourage him to discuss it with his doctor right away.  Quite often, it’s as easy as trying a new medication.  If it turns out that there are emotional issues at hand, consider counseling so you can get to the bottom of it before it becomes a bigger problem.  It’s in your best interest to start the conversation.  Don’t delay. Allowing resentment to settle into your marriage is a mistake.  I wish you a smooth outcome. Let me know if you need any further guidance.

-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

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.

DEL Records Donates $12,000 To Nogales HS

By Gina K. Ward

DEL WEBRowland Heights – On Fri., Apr. 10, the Rowland Unified School District announced that DEL Records – the largest regional record company in the United States – along with SONY Latin U.S., has donated more than $12,000 to RUSD for student and teacher scholarships.

“On behalf of DEL Records, we are pleased to make a difference in the lives of future leaders,” said Nogales High School Alumnus and Executive Vice President of External Affairs for DEL Records, Brian Gutierrez. Of the funds donated, DEL Records will contribute $5,000 to Nogales High School for student scholarships that will be awarded to graduating seniors and one underclassman student.

“We want to recognize students for their academic efforts, good citizenship and commitment to their community. DEL Records believes that students today are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Gutierrez.

Nogales High School students can apply for the DEL Records Scholarship beginning the week of Apr. 27.

An additional $3,000 will be used for RUSD teacher classroom grants.

“It is important that teachers are recognized for their hard work and dedication to students. This grant will allow them a shopping spree to buy materials and other items for their classrooms and students,” said Angel Del Villar, owner of DEL Records.

A donation of $4,200 was also made by DEL Records to support this year’s “Principal For A Day” event, which supports schools and student scholarships for the Bassett, Hacienda, La Puente, and Rowland Unified School Districts, and the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program.

DEL Records is the largest Latin Regional music record label in North America and is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Latin U.S. For more information, visit www.delrecords.com or www.Facebook.com/DelRecords.

 

 

DB Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met for their first meeting of the month on Tues., Apr. 7, beginning with two proclamations:  one for designating April 2015 as DMV/Donate Life California; and the other naming April 24 as Arbor Day.

Mayor Steve Tye said becoming a donor of organ, tissue, marrow and blood is a life saving act and he encourages all Diamond Bar residents to become donors due to the shortage of donated organs and blood that leads to thousands of deaths each year.

Following the first proclamation, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons stated that this year’s Arbor Day would be on April 24. Lyons noted that the proud tradition of Arbor Day not only helps save the planet, but also provides countless resources and continues Diamond Bar’s tradition of being a “Tree City USA” designee.   The day will be marked with an event at Pantera Elementary Park at 9:15 a.m., with school children giving presentations about the history of Arbor Day, the planting of several new trees, and each child being given a seedling to plant their own tree.

After the proclamations, the schedule of future events was listed to include the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Apr. 9, the City’s birthday celebration on Apr. 11 at Pantera Park, the Planning Commission meeting on Apr. 14, the Pop-up City Hall on Apr. 18 at the Towne Center, and the next City Council meeting on Apr. 21.

The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar including the City Council minutes for Mar. 17; the Planning Commission minutes for Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and Mar. 10; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of Feb. 26; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Jan. 8 and Feb. 12; the ratification of check register dated Mar. 12 through Apr. 1 totaling $1,005,308.73; the Treasurer’s Statement for Feb. 2015; the approval of a contract amendment with Tait and Associates, Inc. for a Comprehensive Groundwater Drainage Study in the amount of $9,070; the approval of a contract amendment for storm water compliance and environmental engineering services with John L. Hunter and Associates for a total amount of $67,133, plus a contingency amount of $6,000; the approval of fiscal year 2015-16 City Council Goals and Objectives; a resolution accepting the easement for public street and slope purposes over the Brea Canyon Flood Control Channel;  authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract for annual independent audit services with Lance, Soll and Lunghard, LLP, for fiscal years 2015-16 through 2016-17, with an option for two one-year extensions; the adoption of a resolution declaring the City’s intention to levy and collect assessments for Landscape District No. 38; and direction for the City Clerk to advertise the Public Hearing before the Council at the May 19 regular meeting.

Following the consent calendar approval, the City Council adjourned with plans to meet on Apr. 21 at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Is Nestlé Ignoring The Drought?

Nestlé ’s perspective in the wake of finger pointing.

Photo Courtesy: Arrowhead.com

Photo Courtesy: Arrowhead.com

By K.P. Sander 

Riverside County – By now you have most likely heard of Gov. Jerry Brown’s (D-California) declaration of a statewide drought emergency, urging all Californians to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.  Not surprising, with California facing one of its most severe droughts on record.

Municipalities and individuals alike are trying to do their part: shorter showers, landscaping changes, fixing leaky faucets, and more.  But what about Corporate America?  Is everyone doing their part?

There is some controversy surrounding corporate giant, Nestlé Waters North America, owner of Arrowhead Water.  Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water is sourced from a natural spring located on the reservation for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, located at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Nestlé leases tribal land and has been extracting the water from wells near the spring for about 15 years.  With underground water stores declining due to the drought – in a desert area that only gets a few inches of rainfall each year – many are wondering how much water Nestlé is extracting, and what accountability measures are in place.

The Morongo Reservation is in itself a sovereign nation, and as such is not required to comply with Gov. Brown’s drought mandate.  But is that allowing Nestlé to make environmentally unconscionable decisions?

The Desert Sun reported that Morongo filed a 2013 accounting with the state for 598 acre-feet of groundwater being pumped: “Those amounts translate to about 200 million gallons a year,” or enough water for approximately 400 typical desert homes.”  Nestlé allegedly stopped releasing annual reports of accountability in 2009.

The spring in question was sold by the Cabazon Water District to the Morongo tribe in early 2000, and the Arrowhead bottling production started shortly thereafter.  While no one is questioning that the plant helps the economy in terms of jobs, some say bottling the water in the midst of a severe drought is not the best use of the resource.

The truth of the matter is that U.S. consumers are drinking more water – specifically more bottled water.  And Nestlé is not the corporate villain they have been made out to be.

Jane Lazgin, a spokesperson for Nestlé Waters North America, Inc., provides a different perspective, and one that is more in alignment with California’s drought concerns than previously thought.

Nestlé does, in fact, have five springs in Southern California, and one of those springs is on Tribal lands belonging to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.  Nestlé employs a team of geologists who manage and measure each of these springs for sustainability.

“Our water use needs to be reported to the governing body, and in the case of the Morongo spring, it is the Tribal officials – who, incidentally, are great conservationists and hold Nestlé  to a very high standard,” says Lazgin.

Overall, water consumption is up due to health consciousness, and Nestlé supplies drinking water as an alternative to sweetened, caloric drinks; good for health and good for the environment.  Lazgin says that Nestlé’s job is to be sure that they have a sustainable supply of water available to meet demands.

“By nature, the bottling of water is an efficient process,” she says.

Nestlé’s production plant has received a silver LEED rating (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to guide and provide sustainability standards).  To earn points for this environmental leadership rating, they need to limit water and energy loss; so, yes, they definitely share the concerns for California’s drought.

Nestlé is an obvious water user, but of the 108 facilities that bottle water in California, Nestlé owns only five of them.  And even this is only a “drop in the bucket” of water used by industrial manufacturers.

Says Lazgin, “This is the equivalent of watering two golf courses over the period of one year.”

To further share in environmental consciousness, Nestlé has been able to extract 60% of the plastic used in all of their water containers, and the bottles themselves are manufactured with 50% recycled materials.  Working in concert with the CarbonLITE recycling plant in Riverside, California, Nestlé strives to further reduce carbon emissions and environmental waste.

“It creates an eco-friendly domino effect of savings to the environment – less plastic, lower shipping costs, less energy being used,” says Lazgin about their commitment to the environment.

Perhaps it’s all about perspective, but Nestlé appears to be working with – not against – the efforts to assist with California’s drought initiatives.

Chinese Actress Lipo Li Entertains At Mandarin Taste

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For reservations, or more information on special entertainment with actress, Lipo Li, call (909) 861-1819. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For reservations, or more information on special entertainment with actress, Lipo Li, call (909) 861-1819. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – Mandarin Taste is well known in the city of Diamond Bar for its delicious, authentic Chinese cuisine, but beginning May 1, they will add a very special show to entertain guests on Friday evenings.

The beautiful and talented Chinese actress, Lipo Li, will be visiting Mandarin Taste for a limited engagement.  Li gets rave reviews for her performance of Face Changing, a magical dance.  Face Changing is part of a three-century-old theatrical tradition that originated in the Sichuan Province of China.  In the performance, each rapid face change represents a different character in Chinese opera, and each character assumes a unique body posture, stance and gait.

“I am delighted and honored to bring the traditional Chinese performing art of Face Changing to the Asian American, as well as mainstream communities,” says Li.  “Through my performances, I wish to further introduce and promote Chinese cultural heritage and further enrich the cultural diversity in Los Angeles.”

Li is a graduate of the Sichuan Province Art Institute, and has performed on many stages, television programs and movies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing cultural performance, and take advantage of a wonderful dining experience.  With delicious food, great service and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder customers return again and again.  Mandarin Taste has been in business for more than 31 years and is a favorite among locals.

From the popular Champagne Sunday Brunch to the new Friday entertainment, and everything in between – even orders to go! – Mandarin Taste invites you to visit for a taste of China.  Specializing in Honey Walnut Shrimp, Fried Dumplings and Sizzling Rice Soup, there is something for everyone.

For more information, call Mandarin Taste at (909) 861-1819, or just stop by their location at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar.

DBHS Orchestra Cup Grand Champions

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile) The 140-member Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 1st place Orchestra Cup award while sightseeing at New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
The 140-member Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 1st place Orchestra Cup award while sightseeing at New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra has been crowned the best in the nation.  The 140-member orchestra won the National School Orchestra Finals at New York’s Lincoln Center.  As Grand Champions, Diamond Bar High received the prestigious Orchestra Cup award.

Guest Conductor, Sey Ahn, and Instrumental Music Director, Steve Acciani, led the stellar performance of Brahms 4th Symphony.

The top eight schools in the country were invited to compete in the Finals, held Mar. 8, in the Alice Tully Hall.

“Just to be invited is fantastic,” Acciani said.

Two years ago DBHS came in second place.

“This year we picked a very difficult piece. Every person in the entire group has to be at a very high level just to even attempt it,” the orchestra director explained.

The elite musicians at Diamond Bar High were up for the challenge.

“We had the right combination of great wind players, great string players, and great percussion players,” said Acciani, a 2015 Grammy Music Educator Finalist.

“At the beginning we all knew the Brahms was a super difficult piece and we’ve played difficult pieces before,” said senior violinist Grace Chin. “Eventually it all paid off.”

Leading up to the festival the dedicated musicians put in weeks of after-school and weekend rehearsals.

“It was a really good moment for us because we had put in so much work,” shared junior cellist Eric Zhu.

“The kids were just phenomenal. To be able that pull it off at the level they did is remarkable,” Acciani said.

The DBHS performance earned a standing ovation from the other competitors and high praise from the judging panel.

“The judges commented that it was one of the finest orchestras they’ve ever heard,” Acciani said.

The 40-minute presentation was everything the group hoped it could possibly be.

“When we played in the big hall it sounded really amazing. Everything was on point and it felt like it was like worth the time and effort we put into it!” Zhu stated.

“It was one of those moments where everything connects. You’re able to take what the composer intended and communicate that to the audience. It was something pretty spectacular,” Acciani added.

Diamond Bar High School is the 2014 National Grammy Signature School.

 

Free Counseling Available

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

For the past 18 years, I have had the honor of facilitating a free counseling group every Monday evening.  Our group meets at the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium located at 21003 La Puente Rd., in the city of Walnut.  We meet year round from 6 to 8 p.m. (unless that Monday is a holiday).

Even though this group meets at a Teen Center, I invite people of all ages, with all types of issues, to attend.  This group helps parents, students, and all those that are just struggling in their lives.  My goal is to make our community healthier, and help individuals be more effective and successful in their lives.  We work on an array of issues that many people present day are dealing with. There is no reason for anybody to be stuck in an unhealthy place.

If you are tired of the fight between you and your child regarding homework, or need some more effective ways to communicate, this is the group for you.  Maybe depression or anxiety seems to be holding you or a loved one back; this is a place to find solutions that could be life changing.  If you or somebody you know is struggling with drugs or drinking, this group is a great place to get some coping skills to help you get clean.  We even talk about ways to deal with bullies and how damaging that can be for someone’s self-esteem.

Bring in an issue, and I promise you will feel hopeful and have new tools to help you confront the situation head on.  Don’t let embarrassment stop you or a loved one from getting the help you need to reclaim the wonderful life you are so deserving of.

All are invited, and you do not need an appointment to attend this group.  Additionally, this program also satisfies many court-mandated needs.

For more information, contact me at (909) 229-0727; or call the Teen Center at (909) 444-0089.

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. Nancy is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. She runs free family support groups, 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 Nancy at (909) 229-0727; or you may e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Fun In The Sun At DB Birthday Party

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – Local residents of all ages enjoyed a sunny day of food, games, rides, and fun at the 26th Annual Diamond Bar Birthday Party last week. The birthday party is the City’s largest annual event that is held in partnership with community organizations, school districts, law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and non-profit service agencies.

Birthday3-WEBThe event took place on Sat., Apr. 11 at Pantera Park. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., cars were lined up around every street corner nearby. Local residents filled the park as they were dressed in red, white and blue attire to support the “Spirit of Diamond Bar.”

A Ferris wheel towered over the park next to whirling swings, a giant slide, a kid’s Merry-Go-Round, and a wide selection of other carnival rides that were run by local organizations. Nearby, a line of white tents showcased a variety of games that supported different non-profit service organizations. Some of the organizations included the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club, the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club, Walnut Solar Car, and local Leo Clubs. Children of the community were able to play the games and claim their winnings at the Prize Booth.

Local musicians and groups performed on the main stage as birthday party entertainment. Around the stage were blue tents with local groups selling delicious food and snacks, including tacos, cotton candy, and kettle corn. Organizations running the food booths were Pop Warner, Boy Scout troops, Heart of Hope, and the local Rotary, just to name a few.

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Beautiful antique cars were also displayed on the park grass.  The Diamond Bar Car Show is an annual event, and volunteer judges examined the cars and picked their favorite as the winner. Residents were also in on the fun as they were allowed to vote for their favorite in the Car Show’s People’s Choice Awards. In addition to the antique cars, local law enforcement displayed their police vehicles nearby with the doors open, so residents could take a peek inside.

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Local law enforcement and the fire department were very supportive of the event.  Police Captain Jeff Scroggin was in attendance, along with a variety of other Police Deputies and Sheriff Volunteers. The Los Angeles County Fire Department also provided a Shakey Quakey Earthquake Preparedness Truck that moved to reenact an earthquake.

Birthday4-WEBA Business Showcase was available for residents to enjoy, hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Local businesses came together under one tent, advertising their wares to the community. Residents were able to go around to each booth, win prizes, sample treats, and collect information.  Smaller tents were lined up nearby to display a variety of informational booths and organizations, such as Walnut Valley Unified School District, Marine Corps, Walnut Valley Water District, and the City of Diamond Bar Environmental Services.

At around 3 p.m., the City Council and City staff gathered together to announce the Outstanding Volunteer Awards. The Diamond Bar Council honored adults and youth with this award for good deeds and community service. Residents throughout the City were previously given the opportunity to nominate who they felt deserved this award, and the winners were announced at the birthday party.

Birthday1-WEBMayor Steve Tye, on behalf of the Council, honored the following awardees: Alex Lee, Jeff Koontz, Sameer Sharmal, and Richard and Rosette Clippinger. Former Diamond Bar Mayor, Aileen Asari, also honored Rosette Clippinger with flowers for her work as the President of the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club. The last awardee was Lori Ingoglia, who was unable to attend the event.

After the awards, the newly announced 2015 Miss Diamond Bar and the Princess Court were called to the stage to help cut the birthday cake. City of Diamond Bar staff and the City Council surrounded the stage as Mayor Tye led the Happy Birthday song.  Streamers filled the air as everyone cheered for another year in a great city.

After the event, local high school student volunteers and City staff gathered together to help clean up the party that took months to plan.

The birthday party has been held annually at Pantera Park for 26 years. If you missed this year’s party, make sure you don’t miss out on the fun next April!

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 04.18.15

2015-Apr18-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-Apr18-Weekly-WEB

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Kids’ Night Out

When:  Apr. 18; May 16; Jun. 20; Jul. 18; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where:  Chino Youth Museum, 13191 6th St., Chino

Details:  Participants enjoy a fun Saturday evening at the Museum while parents enjoy a nice evening out.  Art projects, games, dinner – all with a caring staff.  Ages 4 to 10.  $12 members/$15 general.  Pre-registration is required.

Contact: (909) 334.3270 during normal operating hours, Wed. – Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or visit www.chinoyouthmuseum.com.

11th Annual Intergenerational Art Show

When:  Apr. 20 – 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road

Details:  Group exhibition featuring mix mediums including oil, watercolor, photography, writings, jewelry and more.  This event is free, open to the public, and artist submissions are currently being accepted.

Contact:  Walnut Senior Center, (909) 598-6200

“Puttin’ On The Hits” Scholarship Fundraiser

When:  Fri., Apr. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Apr. 25, 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Clarke Theater, Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut

Details:  For the 17th year, you can see stars such as Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Queen and Pharrell Williams on one stage, at the Mt. SAC Faculty Association Scholarship Fundraiser.  Tickets $25 and up for general admission; $15 for students with ID.

Contact: Call the Performing Arts Box Office at (909) 274-2050, or visit http://www.tickets.mtsac.edu.

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly: April 25, May 23, June 27, July 25, etc.

Where:  First Baptist Church of Pomona, 601 N. Garey Ave., Pomona

Details:  Come help serve the homeless and economically disadvantaged at monthly dinners.  Volunteers meet in E202 (2nd Floor) at 12 noon for prayer/devotion, followed by orientation, clothing and hygiene kit distribution, and instruction for serving dinner to the homeless.  Ministry ends by 4:30 p.m.

Diamond Bar’s 22nd Annual Wine Soiree

When:  Sun., Apr. 26

Where:  Diamond Bar Center; 1600 Grand Ave.

Details:  Wine tastings, delicious foods, benefit auction and more!  All proceeds benefit the Diamond Bar Library.  Tickets: $60 advance; $65 at the door.

Contact:  Tickets available at the DB Library and Basically Books, 21800 Copley Drive; and online at dblibraryfriends.org.  Call (909) 861-2002.  21 and over only.

First Friday Food Trucks

When:  May 1; June 5; July 3; Aug. 7; Sept. 11; Oct. 2; Nov. 6; Dec. 4

Where:  WVUSD, Parking Lot, 880 S. Lemon Ave., Walnut

Details:  Enjoy gourmet food, great weather and good friends while supporting education!  Truck line-up:  The Slummin’ Gourmet; Piaggio; Me So Hungry; Street Food; Bakery Truck.

Peddler’s Market

When:  Sat., May 2, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road

Details:  All residents are encouraged to clean out their cupboards, closets, garages and become a vendor.  18×18’ booths are just $35 ($45 including table/2 chairs)

Contact:  Walnut Senior Center, (909) 598-6200

Chino Corporate Challenge

When:  May 2 – 15

Where:  City of Chino

Details:  Commit your company and yourself to a healthier lifestyle by joining the two week event where company teams can complete with other local businesses in a variety of games, including Kickball, Bunco, Softball.

Contact:  Carolyn Owens, Community Center, (909) 334-3258; email communityservices@cityofchino.org; or visit the website at www.chinocorporatechallenge.com

Irwindale 35th Annual Golf Tournament

When:  Thurs., May 7; 10 a.m. Registration; 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start; 5:30 p.m. Catered Reception Dinner

Where:  Sierra La Verne Country Club

Details:  The tournament is open to every level of golfer and offers an invigorating day of business networking, socializing and sporting fun. Registration is limited to 144 players and sells out every year.

Contact:  Call the Chamber office at (626) 960-6606, or visit http://www.irwindalechamber.org

 

REGULAR EVENTS:

Alcohol and Addiction Intervention Information

When: Third Tuesday, monthly; 6 p.m.

Where:  Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, 1161 E. Covina Blvd., Covina

Details:  Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addiction.  Attendees can expect to learn what the intervention process consists of, when an intervention is appropriate, and what local resources are available.  Space is limited and reservations are recommended.

Contact:  Call (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

Did You Know 2

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia) Earth Selfie

On Wed., Apr. 22, we celebrate Earth Day, the annual event demonstrating support for environmental protection of the place we call home.

First celebrated on Mar. 12 – the first day of spring – in 1970, the idea was proposed as a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, by activist, John McConnell.  A separate Earth Day was founded just a month later, on Apr. 22, by U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson.  He was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his work.

According to Nelson (and Wikipedia), the moniker “Earth Day” was the most “obvious and logical name,” and a friend suggested that it rhymed with “Birthday” – making it a good choice for the occasion.

In a recent press release from EarthDay.org, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries around the globe participate in related activities and events, making it the largest civic observance in the world.  Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries.

On this 45th anniversary, do something kind for our Earth.  Plant a tree or native foliage; reduce, reuse and recycle; buy or make Earth-friendly cleaning products; conserve water; and most importantly, educate yourself and your family in an effort to make good choices to be kind to our Earth.  The changes you make will help preserve our planet for generations to come.

Arrest In 2008 OC Cold Case

Man arraigned for entering home and sexually assaulting sleeping child.

(Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana Police Department) Cold Case Suspect, Dustin Lee Morgan

(Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana Police Department)
Cold Case Suspect, Dustin Lee Morgan

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – A man was arraigned at the Central Jail in Santa Ana on Mon., Apr. 13, for entering the home of a girl under 10 years old and sexually assaulting her while she was asleep in her bed.

Dustin Lee Morgan, 36, of Texarkana, Texas, is charged with one felony count of performing lewd acts upon a child under 14, one felony count of sexual penetration of a child under 10, and a sentencing enhancement allegation for performing lewd acts on a child under 14 during the commission of a burglary. If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
At approximately 5 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2008, the Morgan is accused of breaking into the Santa Ana home of Jane Doe, who was under the age of 10 at that time. The defendant is accused of walking into Jane Doe’s bedroom while she was sleeping. The defendant is accused of pushing the victim’s face down after she woke up and covering her mouth to prevent her from making any noise while sexually assaulting her.

Morgan is accused of fleeing the residence through a sliding glass door from the victim’s bedroom to the balcony after the victim screamed. Jane Doe’s family members contacted the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) that night, and SAPD began investigating this case.
In Feb. 2015, SAPD’s Family Crimes Unit conducted an additional DNA analysis of evidence recovered from the 2008 crime scene, and linked Morgan to the crime. On Mar. 26, Morgan was arrested by the United States Marshall Service in Texarkana, Texas. He was extradited back to Orange County on Mar. 31.

 

Road Trip (Part Two)

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently I shared about my memories of driving from Arizona to San Diego for family vacations when I was a kid.  It was a long, hot drive across the desert to get to Mission Bay in cool, beautiful San Diego.

My first article reminded me of another “Road Trip,” when I was in graduate school in Dallas, Texas.  Our first child was born in October, and we were hoping to drive home to Arizona to celebrate Christmas with our parents.

Since our car was not very reliable and we did not have a lot of money for gas, we asked my wife’s sister and her husband if we could carpool with them.  They lived at Fort Riley Kansas at that time, so they drove south and picked us up in Dallas.

It seemed like a good idea at the time, but I didn’t realize that they were bringing their large Irish Setter with them.  The result was that my wife and her sister sat in the front seat along with my brother-in-law, who was driving.  I rode in the back seat with the Irish Setter.

I know this sounds terrible, but we were not required to use car seats for infants and children in those days.  So my wife and her sister took turns holding our two-month old son on their laps in the front seat, while I shared the back seat with the dog.

The dog’s name was Shadrach, like one of the men found in the Bible, in the book of Daniel, Chapter 1.

Shadrach was a good dog.  He had a friendly temperament and was pretty obedient.  He was also a big dog, and he liked to lean on people.  He was a leaner.  He took up three-fourths of the back seat, and I was always squished against the door.

It is over 1,000 miles from Dallas to Phoenix.  It usually takes two days to drive that distance.  I rode in the back seat with that big dog leaning on me for two days.  It was a road trip that I have not been able to forget.

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Be humble and gentle, patient and tolerant with one another in love,” (Ephesians 4:2).  It took a lot of patience and tolerance to endure driving 1,000 miles to Arizona, and another 1,000 miles back to Texas,

You may find yourself in an unexpected or uncomfortable situation that you did not foresee.  You may have people leaning on you.  It may be that the only thing you can do is be humble and patient as you endure the situation.

Ask God to give you the strength to complete the journey.

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.

They Call Me Coach

Coach-Mike-Green-Graphic-WEBBy Mike Green

There are few job titles in this world that are absolute. Doctor, Chef and Nurse are a few that come to mind. With the exception of Doctor, you rarely hear someone say, “Hello, Nurse,” in passing on the street.

To me, my job title of “Coach” is by far the best! Being called Coach by players, friends, parents and peers is quite an honor. I feel pride every time I hear it. However, anyone can be called Coach regardless of experience, knowledge or education.

The great thing about being called Coach, is once you’re a Coach, you’re always a Coach. You could have coached a single season and those players will always remember you as Coach.

There are good coaches and bad coaches. The type of coach you’re remembered as is entirely in your control. To be a coach that is respected you must provide respect. If you’re enjoying yourself, your players will also. The rewards of being a brief part of a young life are simply invaluable.

Being a Coach is a privilege, and the memories you gain will last a lifetime. If you have spare time and your child is participating in an activity that requires a coach, take a chance and join in.  You never know…it just may transform your life!

Mike Green is a coach for The Sports Family Club, a website dedicated to enriching the lives of children through sports and activities.

 

Feeling Safe Above The Tavern

By Michael Armijo

My grief counseling session in the office above a little tavern has concluded for the day, and once again, I am moved.

I love to talk to people and share life experiences; it’s like reaching for the light.  Bright and vivid rays project from others as they share love and friendship, and I enjoy hearing other perspectives on life.

Recently someone shared with me that they felt safe when they spend time with me. I was happy that I could make someone feel that way in a platonic relationship. When you’re dating and feel safe, it’s usually love that provides protective feelings.  But if you subtract the love and can still make someone feel safe, to me, that means you are generally a good person. I feel like I am, and have held onto that concept and carried it around for a while.

While in therapy, we talked about the verbal and physical abuse my siblings and I suffered as children.  And then that concept of safety slipped into the conversation.

“Michael, when was the last time you felt safe?” my therapist asked.

I sat there silent.My mind spun around with images of the different stages of my life.  I saw flashes of particular times and places as they ripped past my eyes.

I realized that I couldn’t remember the last time I felt safe. I didn’t even know how to describe what it felt like to feel safe. It was just a concept that was too far away for me to understand.

I believe these feelings have come up mainly because my mom is ill and may never recover.  And generally, moms have the ability to make a child feel safe.  Now that my mom may be leaving us, that feeling of safety she brings has already begun to depart. She is here physically, but mentally and emotionally her dementia is starting to rob us all of her presence and the safety it brings.

So another obstacle comes into my life. Another hurdle to leap, another bullet to dodge. Another situation that requires me to overcome while trying to continue to “keep moving forward.”

I’m sitting outside the tavern, admiring the serenity of the tall trees.  I am enjoying the moment, and for now, I will try to embrace the place that I am in; serene and quite, like the trees.  Right now I am at peace.  There is no turmoil, no expectations of me.  As I close my eyes and shut out the rest of the world, right here in this moment…I am safe.