Category Archives: The Weekly News

Above The Tavern Again

By Michael Armijo

Once again, I’m above the tavern in the office where I attend grief therapy sessions.  And just like on my previous visits, I am leaving with a lot of things to contemplate.  I’m unsure of what I learned at this particular session, as it was awash in emotion.

We touched on the fact that it was my sister’s birthday.  This particular sister is one of six that I have, and she passed away a few years ago.  Her heart gave out and she succumbed to her addictions. The way that she departed from our lives always left such a void; I loved her very much, and I feel like I should have tried to help her more.

My sister not only left us, she left her own children behind as well.  What saddens me even more is that while she was here, she stayed in a bad marriage for so many years.  Even though my sister eventually found the courage to walk away, her life still ended tragically.

I blame this on the way that we were brought up.  With all of the dysfunction and abuse we endured, my parents never split up.  I believe this subconsciously taught us to stay married despite unhappiness.  Our low self-esteem made leaving or being left too fearful.

I have everything I’ve ever wanted:  an easy job, my dream car, a home by the beach, money in the bank, and a loving family.  Yet I continue to try and fill a hole that seems without end.  You can search for someone or something to make you feel complete, even when you don’t understand what is missing.

Above the tavern I am learning what will fill that void.  I feel like I’m on the brink of finding answers and solutions.  I hope you find what is missing in your life, too.

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Kids’ Night Out

When:  Mar. 21; 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.

Free Tax Return Services

When:  Feb. 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21; Apr. 11 – 8 a.m. to Noon

Where:  Ganesha High School, 1151 Fairplex Drive, Room 12, Pomona

Details:  IRS-certified volunteer students who have been officially trained and tested in current tax law will offer free tax return preparation services to community members during eight Saturday sessions.  No appointment is necessary; the service is available to those whose annual income is $53,000 or less.

Contact:  Jackie Jones, (909) 397-4400, ext. 30012.

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly:  Feb., 28, Mar. 28

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.

First Friday Food Trucks

When:  Mar. 6; 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.

Chino DairyAire 5K & Fun Run

When:  Sat., Mar. 7

Where:  Ruben S. Ayala Park, 5575 Edison Ave., Chino

Details:  This community event helps raise funds for the Chino Youth Museum.  Register before March 1: 5K $30/Fun Run $10; register on or after March 2: 5K $35/Fun Run $15.  Pre-register today at www.dairyaire5k.racewire.com. USATF Certified 5K Course.

Diamond Bar Birthday & Business Showcase

When:  Sat., Apr. 11; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar

Details:  Be part of the DB Birthday Celebration by getting a booth at the Business Showcase.  Over 6,000 attendees!  Sign up while premium exhibitor space is still available.

Contact:  www.diamondbarca.gov/bday

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

La Verne Double Homicide Still Unsolved

Staff Reports

(Image Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Department) Composite sketch of the Person of Interest in the Isom double murder investigation.

(Image Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Department)
Composite sketch of the Person of Interest in the Isom double murder investigation.

Pomona – On Dec. 26, at approximately 1 p.m., Armie Troy Isom, 89, and his wife, Shirley Isom, 74, were brutally murdered inside their home in the 300 block of Roughrider Road in La Verne.  Near the time of the murder, neighbors saw a white or Hispanic man in his late 20s or early 30s, dressed in a dark hooded jacket and carrying a large backpack on his shoulders, leaving the hillside community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau, along with Deputies from the San Dimas station, FBI, COP Bureau, and the Pomona Police Department conducted a Vehicle Canvass Operation on Fri., Feb. 13 in the City of Pomona in an effort to find possible witnesses who may have knowledge regarding the person of interest (see composite sketch), or anything to do with this case.  Deputies also contacted passengers aboard the San Bernardino Metrolink line at the same time.

Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance by asking anyone with information to contact the Sheriff’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.  Those wishing to remain anonymous can call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-8477.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met on Feb. 17 for its last meeting of the month, with heavy consideration being given to the Grand Avenue Beautification Project.

Before that, the Council overheard the schedule of future events which included a Planning Commission meeting on Feb. 24, a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Feb. 26, and the next City Council meeting on March 3.

The Council then moved onto approve all items on its consent calendar, which included the minutes for the Council meeting on Feb. 3; the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes on Nov. 20; the ratification of a check register dated Jan. 29 through Feb. 11 in the amount of $1,246,456.02; the award of contract to ICG, Inc. in an amount not to exceed $49,750 for the design of the Steep Canyon Connector Trail and the Pantera Park Trail; an award of contract to Ortco, Inc. for the removal and replacement of playground surfacing at Maple Hill, Ronald Reagan and Pantera Parks in an amount not to exceed $66,856.10, plus 10% contingency of $6,685.61 for unexpected conditions; approval of notice of completion for the traffic signal battery back-up system project; adoption of a resolution authorizing participation in the National Intergovernmental Purchasing Alliance to purchase janitorial supplies for City facilities from Waxie Sanitary Supply as distributor for network services in an amount not to exceed $65,000; and the award of contract to And 1 to officiate the City’s youth and adult basketball programs for the period of Sept. 14 through June 30 in an amount not to exceed $35,000.

Finally, the Council adopted the last item on the consent calendar for the award of two items for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The first being the construction administration services contract to Onward Engineering in the amount of $114,855, plus a contingency amount of $10,000, and appropriate Prop C savings of $53,000 from fiscal year 2014-15 Arterial Zone 1 CIP budget, Prop A exchange funds savings of $44,000 from fiscal year 2014-15 Residential Area 2 CIP budget, Prop C savings of $100,000 from fiscal year 2014-15 Dial-A-Cab Transit program, Gas Tax Savings in the amount of $180,000, and Unrestricted Traffic Mitigation Funds in the amount of $165,014 from fiscal year 2014-15 Grand Avenue Beautification CIP budget; adopting the resolution for approving plans and specifications and establishing a project payment account, rejecting the lowest bidder and awarding the construction contract for the project to All American Asphalt in the amount of $1,939,190, with a contingency of $193,900, for a total of $2,132,900.

After the final item was approved, the Council entered its committee reports and adjourned for the evening with plans to meet at 6:30 p.m. on March 3 at the Diamond Bar City Council chambers at 21865 Copley Drive.

3 Men Charged In Human Trafficking Porn Ring

Staff Reports

Riverside County – On Tues., Feb. 17, the Riverside County District Attorney’s office announced that charges have been filed against three men for their involvement in a significant ring of human traffickers and child pornographers.

John David Yoder, 43, of Desert Hot Springs, has been charged with one count each of oral copulation of a child under 14, human trafficking of a victim under 18, conspiracy, lewd acts with a child under 14, and aiding to avoid the arrest of another. Yoder entered pleas of not guilty to all charges at his arraignment on Feb. 9.  If convicted as currently charged, Yoder faces a maximum of 35 years to life in prison.

Erick Alan Monsivais, 29, of Los Angeles, has been charged with four counts of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a victim 10 years old or younger, three counts of oral copulation by force or fear of a child under 14, and one count each of lewd acts on a minor under 14 by force or fear and of human trafficking of a victim under 18. Monsivais entered pleas of not guilty to all counts at his arraignment on Feb. 5.  If convicted as currently charged, Monsivais faces a maximum of 167 years to life in prison.

William Clyde Thompson, 54, of Las Vegas, Nevada, has been charged with one count each of sexual intercourse or sodomy with a victim 10 years old or younger, oral copulation or sexual penetration with a victim 10 or younger, sexual assault of a child under 14, lewd and lascivious acts against a child under 14, procurement of a child under 16 for lewd and lascivious acts, human trafficking of a victim under 18, use of a minor to perform prohibited acts, sending or bringing into the state child pornography, and conspiracy to commit child pornography. There also will be a sentencing enhancement of multiple victims. Thompson is currently being held in federal custody in Nevada. Because of his federal case status, his arraignment in Riverside County has not yet been scheduled. If convicted as currently charged in Riverside County, Thompson faces a maximum sentence of 85 years to life in prison.

The Riverside County Sexual Assault and Felony Enforcement/Internet Crimes Against Children (SAFE/ICAC) task force began an investigation into this case on Jan. 28, after receiving information from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children about the arrest of Thompson in Nevada.

Among the items seized by authorities subsequent to the arrest was Thompson’s cellular phone, on which was found the phone numbers for Yoder and Monsivais. Investigators believe that Yoder was paid by Thompson to recruit minor boys to be photographed for use in child pornography.

On Jan. 30, investigators determined that Yoder had adopted sons and was a licensed foster care provider in Riverside County. It was also discovered that Yoder worked as a special education teacher’s assistant at Desert Hot Springs High School in the Palm Springs Unified School District (PSUSD). PSUSD is said to be cooperating completely with the District Attorney’s Office and all law enforcement officials.

Riverside County District Attorney, Mike Hestrin, said, “The District Attorney’s Office is committed to doing everything we can do to ensure that those who prey upon our children are brought to justice and to ensure that our children are safe.”

Authorities believe it is possible that there may be additional victims who investigators are not aware of. Anyone who believes they may have had suspicious or illegal contact with any of these defendants is asked to call the SAFE/ICAC task force toll-free at (866) SAFE595 or (866) 723-3595.

Nearly 40 Percent Of Walmart Workers To Get Pay Raises

By Anne D’Innocenzio

(Photo Courtesy: Walmart) Walmart’s Corporate Headquarters, Bentonville, AR

(Photo Courtesy: Walmart)
Walmart’s Corporate Headquarters, Bentonville, AR

Walmart Stores Inc. is spending $1 billion to make changes to how it pays and trains hourly workers as the embattled retailer tries to reshape the image that its stores offer dead-end jobs.

As part of its biggest investment in worker training and pay ever, Walmart told The Associated Press that within the next six months it will give raises to about 500,000 workers, or nearly 40 percent of its 1.3 million employees. Walmart follows other retailers that have boosted hourly pay recently, but because it’s the nation’s largest private employer, the impact of its move will be more closely watched.

In addition to raises, Walmart said it plans to make changes to how workers are scheduled and add training programs for sales staff so that employees can more easily map out their future at the company.

“We are trying to create a meritocracy where you can start somewhere and end up just as high as your hard work and your capacity will enable you to go,” CEO Doug McMillon told the AP during an interview this week at the company’s headquarters in Bentonville, Arkansas.

The changes, which Walmart announced Thurs., Feb. 19, as it reported fourth quarter results, come at a time when there’s growing concern for the plight of the nation’s hourly workers.

Thousands of hourly workers and their supporters have staged protests across the country in the past couple of years to call attention to their financial struggles. Business groups and politicians have jumped into the fray, debating a proposal by President Obama to raise the federal minimum wage from $7.25 to $10.10 an hour. And a new Associated Press-GfK poll found that most Americans support increasing the minimum wage.

At the same time, the competition for retail workers is becoming increasingly stiff. As shoppers get more mobile savvy, retailers are seeking sales staff that’s more skilled at customer service. But in the improving economy, the most desirable retail workers feel more confident in hopping from job to job.

Walmart, which has struggled for two years with sluggish sales, follows other big retailers that have announced plans to increase pay for its workers. Swedish home furnishings retailer Ikea this year gave thousands of workers at its U.S. division a 17 percent average raise to $10.76 an hour. And clothing chain Gap Inc. raised its minimum hourly wage of employees to $9 last year and $10 this year.

Walmart has faced growing pressure by organized labor groups to raise its starting hourly wages to $15 and provide workers with more consistent hours. With its changes, the company’s average full-time wage for worker will be $13 an hour, up from $12.85. For part-time workers, the hourly wage will be $10, up from $9.48.

That’s below the $14.65 average that hourly retail workers in a non-supervisory role earn, according to government data that includes people who work at auto dealers and other outlets that would likely pay more than discounters like Walmart. But it’s above the $9.93 average hourly pay for cashiers and low level retail sales staff, according to Hay Group’s survey of 140 retailers with annual sales of $500 million.

Ed Lazear, a Stanford University economics professor who served as an informal adviser to Walmart during the past year for the program, applauded Walmart’s moves.

“It’s positioning itself to be competitive,” he said. “This is a step in the right direction.”

Here’s a breakdown of some of Walmart’s plans:

  • Start raising entry level wages to at least $9 an hour in April and to at least $10 an hour by February of next year. That includes the less than 6,000 workers who make the federal minimum wage. Sam’s Club locations will offer a starting hourly wage of at least $9.50 or higher in all markets, and at least $10.50 by next year.
  • Raise the floor and ceiling of its pay range for each position in most stores. For example, the pay range for cashiers is $7.65 to $16. The new range will be $9.00 to $17.55.
  • -Raise the starting wage for some department managers to at least $13 an hour by this summer and at least $15 an hour by early next year.
  • Give newly hired workers a $9 per hour training wage and when they successfully complete the six-month training program, raise it to $10 an hour. Those workers can pursue one of three career paths: hourly supervisor, a specialty path like working in a bakery or deli or expand their skills in their current role.
  • Give hourly workers hands-on training in areas including teamwork, merchandising, retail fundamentals and communications. Store leaders like hourly supervisors will get refresher training on people leadership skills so that they can help workers grow and advance.
  • Roll out a program that offers some workers fixed schedules so they can be able to choose the same hours each week. The program is being tested in Wichita, Kansas.
  • Team up with its nonprofit, Walmart Foundation, to invest a total of $100 million spread over the next five years to support programs that help advance careers for entry level workers in the industry.

McMillon, whose first job at Walmart was an hourly position loading trucks during college, said the company is making the changes in both wages and training because it realizes it needs to do more than just pay more. In a survey Walmart conducted of 24,000 workers, it found that many don’t know how to move up at Walmart.

McMillon, who became CEO last year, said he’s hoping that if the company invests in its workers, they will provide better customer service. And ultimately, he hopes that will encourage shoppers to spend more.

“We want to make it really clear that working at Walmart is a great opportunity,” he said. “Time will tell what the significance of the decisions will be.”

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I am very attracted in my friend’s ex-girlfriend.  They broke up over a month ago, and I can tell she’s looking at me in a new way, too.  We all go to the same gym.  I don’t want to hurt my friend, but I want to ask her out.   How should I approach this?

-J.S.

Dear J. S.:

This is a tricky situation.  I’ve seen it go well, and I’ve seen it go horribly wrong.  I have a few questions for you to consider.  Are both parties completely over each other?  Are they mature?  Will anyone suffer humiliation? Do you have mutual friends, therefore making the situation awkward?  Do you want to take the risk of losing your friend over a new person to date?  Has enough time really gone by?  Please look ahead a few months into the future and decide if you can live with the possible consequences that may occur if you date your friend’s ex-girlfriend.  My personal opinion is to wait six months.  If you still feel the attraction, then approach your friend and see what his views are, and make your decision at that time.  Don’t rush on this if you value these relationships.  Thanks for writing.

-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.

Ganesha Students Provide Free Tax Prep

Ganesha business and accounting students are certified IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Eldery (TCE) volunteers.

(Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)
Ganesha business and accounting students are certified IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counseling for the Eldery (TCE) volunteers.

 By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Tax season is here and for those who need assistance completing their returns, Ganesha High School business and accounting students are here to help.

A group of 12 students are offering free tax preparation services to the Pomona community now through April 11. They held their first session on Feb. 7, and are gearing up to hold the next one on Sat., Feb. 21.

This is the third year the students – who are IRS-certified volunteers, have been officially trained and tested in current tax law, and can provide assistance with a variety of IRS forms and schedules – are offering the services.

“This is an incredible opportunity for our students to gain real life, hands-on experience as accountants, learning what it takes to accurately file their clients’ returns and helping Pomona Unified’s working families in the process,” said Pomona Unified School District Board President, Andrew Wong.

The student volunteers were brought together by Ganesha High Accounting instructor, Jacqueline Jones, who has guided her students through a rigorous qualification process that includes 20 hours of training. As part of the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, students must also pass two IRS certification exams.

“Our students have shown an amazing aptitude to comprehend complicated IRS tax code,” said Jones, who acts as on-site coordinator overseeing and approving all of the students’ work. “They receive valuable work experience, as well as college credits, and the community also benefits through this free service. It’s a win-win for everyone.”

Senior Bianca Celis volunteered to be a tax preparer due to her enthusiasm for numbers and math.

“I’ve always loved numbers and I would love to be an accountant and help my family,” said Celis, who will graduate in June and plans to attend Mt. San Antonio College this fall. “My dad wants to start his own business someday, and I’m definitely interested in being the bookkeeper.”

In Ganesha’s year-long accounting program, students learn how to record journal entries, write checks and prepare bank reconciliations, prepare payroll, post to the general ledger and prepare financial statements.

“Thanks to the unwavering commitment of our teachers, our students are gaining the knowledge, experience and expertise to excel in their chosen academic paths while still in high school,” said Pomona Unified Superintendent, Richard Martinez. “We are proud that they are learning the skills to help our community, and I want to thank them for their efforts.”

Sessions will take place from 8 a.m. to noon in Room 12 of Ganesha High School, 1151 Fairplex Drive, Pomona, and be held on Feb. 21, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21; and Apr. 11. 

Appointments are not required. Those who wish to drop off their returns and pick them up later may do so.

Filers must bring W-2 forms, a copy of a 2013 tax return, social security card, proof of identification, information for other income and proof of foreign status if applying for ITIN. Additional items may be required. Some returns may be referred to a professional tax preparer.

For more information or to obtain a full list of required paperwork, contact Jones at (909) 397-4400, ext. 30012.

Assemblywoman Chang Seeks Accountability For Veteran Funding

By Chris Wangsaporn  

“I think that when it comes to helping our veterans, we should make sure that we are doing all that we can.” -Ling Ling Chang

(Photo Courtesy: ad55.assemblygop.com) Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang, 55th District

(Photo Courtesy: ad55.assemblygop.com)
Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang, 55th District

Sacramento – On Wed., Feb. 18, Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) introduced Assembly Bill 388, legislation to ensure that funds generated by Proposition 41 are spent efficiently and effectively.  AB 388 will place a requirement on those who receive Prop 41 generated funds to report on the effectiveness of their housing programs for homeless and low-income veterans.

“$600 million dollars is a large sum of money which will create real possibilities when it comes to providing homes to men and women who have served our country,” said Chang. “I think that when it comes to helping our veterans we should make sure that we are doing all that we can.  I am confident that the voters who approved these bond funds will agree that accountability is necessary in order to make sure we are helping as many veterans as possible.”

Proposition 41 was approved by voters in June 2014, authorizing $600 million in bonds.  Those funds will be allocated to various local governments and non-profits in order to provide multi-family housing to low-income veterans and supportive housing for homeless veterans.   While the language of Prop 41 imposes reporting requirements on the Department of Housing and Community Development as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, AB 388 strengthens the efficiency of reporting by requiring those who receive the funds to demonstrate the effectiveness of their housing programs.

Chang added, “It is shameful that veterans who serve our country come home and end up sleeping in shelters or under freeway overpasses.  I want to know that the programs that are put in place to help them are working and that we are showing them the gratitude they deserve.”

The 55th Assembly District contains parts of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. It includes the cities of Diamond Bar, Walnut, City of Industry, Rowland Heights, West Covina, Brea, La Habra, La Habra Heights, Placentia, Yorba Linda, Covina, and Chino Hills. Follow Assemblywoman Chang on Twitter @AsmL2Chang

Top Quality Auto Body Repair and Towing

By J.D. Alberts

03 10 x 3 75 05-16-08 Ad for publication.pubWalnut – For over 25 years, California Coach Auto Collision has served its community with top notch repair and assistance services, reaching from “Diamond Bar to Chino and beyond.”

Under original ownership, California Coach takes great pride in their quality service reputation and understands the importance of automotive safety. Their highly trained, certified mechanical technicians take great care of every vehicle they service.  And with a 16,000 square foot “state of the art” collision repair shop and one acre adjacent storage space, California Coach is well-equipped to take care of all of your auto collision needs, including:

  • Estimating
  • Complete Auto Repair, Auto Body and Paint
  • Frame, Unibody and Metal Repair/Replacement
  • General Repair
  • Refinishing
  • 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance
  • Towing (Light, Medium and Heavy Duty, and Recovery)
  • AAA Battery Service Program
  • Battery Jumps
  • Tire Changes, and much more!

California Coach has earned a reputation for courteous service, high standards, and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings since they opened in 1998.  Most new customers are a result of referrals by happy customers, and this is a standing they don’t take for granted.  They understand the stress associated with an accident or tow, and their goal is to take care of your car and reduce your frustration.  They will work hard to restore your car to its original condition and keep you updated throughout the process; and all insurance claims are welcome.

In partnership with Mercury Insurance Group and Diamond Honda of Puente Hills (as an approved repair facility), California Coach is also ASE certified, and a AAA Roadside Assistance Provider and Patrol.  They are also members of the California Auto Body Association, the California Tow Truck association, and the Walnut Sheriff’s Booster Club.

California Coach Auto Collision is located at 22064 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Body Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can reach them at (909) 595-9448, or (909) 595-6970 for their 24-hour towing service. For more information visit their website at http://www.calcoachautobodytowing.com, or send them an email at info@CalCoachAutoBodyTowing.com.  And see their ad on page 8 of this publication.

The Spies Inside Your Phone

By Ginny Grimsley

You just had a flat tire along a dark country road. Luckily, you downloaded a flashlight app into your cell phone and now can put it to use.  But that flashlight, handy as it is, may be just one of many doors you unwittingly opened to let spies take up residence inside your phone.

“Most free flashlight apps are creepware,” says Gary S. Miliefsky, CEO of SnoopWall (www.snoopwall.com), a company that specializes in cybersecurity.  Creepware is malware that spies on you and your online behavior, and could pass along information to others.

For example, Goldenshores Technologies, the company behind the popular “Brightest Flashlight Free” app for Android phones, agreed in 2013 to settle the Federal Trade Commission’s charges that the software secretly supplied cell phone locations to advertising networks and other third parties.

The problem doesn’t begin and end with flashlight apps, though. Many seemingly innocuous apps that people carry around with them on their mobile devices have the capability to eavesdrop on their activities.

“Consumers trust first and verify never,” Miliefsky says. “As a result, most of their Smartphones are infected with malware that they trust in the form of some kind of useful app or game.”

Miliefsky offers these tips for ousting those spies inside the phone:

  • First, assume you’ve already been compromised. It’s nice to think all is probably well, but most likely it’s not. Somewhere in the phone the spies are at work and it’s time to take the privacy behaviors and privacy policies of these apps more seriously.
  • Verify the behavior and privacy risks for apps before installing them. Do some research and ask the question: “Why does this app need GPS, microphone, webcam, contacts, etc.?” Most apps don’t need these ports unless they want to invade your privacy, Miliefsky says. Find an alternative before installing risky apps.
  • Do a Smartphone version of spring cleaning. Delete all the apps you don’t use that often. Replace the apps that take advantage of too many of your privacy settings, such as GPS, phone and text message logs, with similar apps that don’t.
  • Turn off WiFi, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication and GPS except when you need them. That way, Miliefsky says, if you are at a local coffee shop or in a shopping mall, no one can spy using nearby (proximity) hacking attack. They also can’t track where you were and where you are going on GPS.
  • Check to see if your email has put a tracer on you and your phone. “If you use a Google email account and have an Android phone, you’d be surprised that even with your GPS off, it’s tracking your every move,” Miliefsky says. You need to go into the phone’s settings to turn off that tracking feature, he says. In your Android phone, go to “settings,” then “location.” Select “Google location reporting” and set “location history” to off.

Happy Birthday Mom

By Nancy Stoops

 

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

This week is my mom’s 90th birthday, and so I dedicate this one to my wonderful mom.

She is such an amazing woman.  No matter what life throws her way, she just keeps going.  She has lost both of her sons and her husband but she refuses to give up, and I admire her so.  She tries to enjoy each day and does it with a positive attitude.  I know it’s that attitude that has kept her alive.

Let me tell you about my mother’s heart.  She is so loving, kind, and is always giving to others.  She’ll always lend an ear to hear somebody else’s troubles and is just such a good human being.  She’s very generous with what she has and would never let anybody go without.  She’s continually helping her friends and her family.  She just wants the people she loves to have what they need and to be happy.

I’m very proud to have this wonderful woman as my mom.  She has taught me many valuable lessons and has always been there for me.  As a little girl, she told me I could fly, and I believed her.  She taught me there are no limits for what I can become and what I can do in this world.  She always praised me so that I would grow into a confident woman, and it worked.

So, Mom, I thank you for believing in me and teaching me to believe in myself.  It was those lessons I know have enabled me to become a successful human being. It was your words that made me never give up and settle.  I want you to know I wouldn’t be who I am without all of your love, guidance, encouragement, support, and all of the faith you have always had in me.  I want you to know that it is an honor to be your daughter, and that every year you are here with me is a gift!

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.

OC Councilman Charged With Campaign Sign Theft

Staff Reports

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook) Adam Nick

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook)
Adam Nick

Newport Beach – On Wed., Feb. 11, a Lake Forest councilman was charged for removing campaign signs on public display belonging to another city councilman.

Adam Nick, 50, of Lake Forest, who, at the time of the crime, was serving as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Lake Forest, is charged with one misdemeanor count of petty theft and one misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property. He is also charged with violating a Lake Forest Municipal Code section regarding campaign signs. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, on Oct. 9, 2014, at approximately 2 a.m., Nick is accused of driving and parking his vehicle in a no-parking zone at the intersection of Bake Parkway and Trabuco Road in Lake Forest. He is accused of instructing a fellow passenger to get out of the car and remove a campaign sign on public display that belonged to Lake Forest Councilman, Scott Voights.

An Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) vehicle was patrolling the area at the time and approached Nick’s car. Nick is accused of possessing approximately ten other signs belonging to Voights, found stored in the back of his vehicle when OCSD conducted a search.

In 2014, Councilman Nick amended the Lake Forest Sign Code to allow for harsher penalties for those who tamper with or remove campaign signs without permission, and requested that a violation of this municipal code section be prosecutable as a misdemeanor.

Nick is scheduled to be arraigned on Mar. 2, at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

 

Chino Hills: “Getting 2 Zero”

By Claire Lewis

 

(Photo Courtesy: ipaws.com) A microchip reader shows this pup is protected.

(Photo Courtesy: ipaws.com)
A microchip reader shows this pup is protected.

Chino Hills – Last November, the Chino Hills City Council adopted a resolution making a commitment to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable dogs, with a goal of becoming a “No Kill” community by Jan. 1, 2016.  Their “Getting 2 Zero” program is at the helm of their commitment, helping to focus on the prevention of animal abandonment and avoiding euthanasia.

In order for the program to be successful, the community will need to be educated, adoption centers will have to become more prevalent, and the provision of low-cost veterinary clinics – including the installation of microchips (now a requirement, along with licensing, for dogs over four months of age) – will need to be made available.  In addition, the sales restriction of dogs and cats at Chino Hills pet stores and the Municipal Code legislation banning the sale of unhealthy puppy mill and cat factory animals also helps to encourage adoption.

The Inland Valley Humane Society has recently adopted a strategy to eliminate euthanasia in healthy and adoptable animals, and a multitude of local cities have been contacted with the request to adopt the policy.  Kudos go to Chino Hills for being way ahead of the game by already introducing this compassionate and common sense approach to the community.

In fact, Chino Hills has launched a dog microchip rebate program as an important component of their “Getting 2 Zero” plan.  Microchips – an easily injectable GPS-like tracker – helps reunite pets that become lost with their owners.  Now a requirement of dog ownership, Chino Hills will provide a rebate of up to $30 for dogs that are properly licensed through the Inland Valley Humane Society, and registered to a Chino Hills Address.

According to the City of Chino Hills website, the dog’s microchip must be registered with the microchip company, and the expenses incurred after Oct. 28, 2014.  This rebate program is funded through the City’s General Fund as part of Animal Control Services.  Residents can bring their dog license paperwork, the microchip receipt and proof of registration to Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive).  The rebate check will be delivered in approximately 15 days after approval.

If you are considering becoming a pet owner, or getting a companion for a pet already part of your family, take a look at your local shelter.  There are dogs and cats of every age and breed, just waiting and hoping to become part of a loving home environment.  The City of Chino Hills and the Inland Valley Humane Society have implemented programs to make adoption a viable and positive choice.

Ask your city if they are part of the “Getting 2 Zero” program.  For more information, please contact the City of Chino Hills at (909) 364-2714.

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

“You have only one way to convince others; listen to them.”  –George Washington

 

Image Courtesy: Omnitrans.org

Image Courtesy: Omnitrans.org

On Mon., Feb. 16, we celebrated the legacy of all United States Presidents, from the original, George Washington, to the present, Barack Obama.

According to Wikipedia, there have been have been 44 presidencies, but 43 men sworn into office (Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms as 22nd and 24th presidents).

The youngest president to serve was Theodore Roosevelt, who was sworn in at 42; the oldest was Ronald Regan, who was 69.  The average age of our presidents on inauguration day is 55.

Four of our nation’s presidents died of natural causes while in office (Harrison, Taylor, Harding and F.D. Roosevelt).  William Henry Harrison spent just 32 days in office in 1841, and Franklin D. Roosevelt was not only the longest-serving president at over 12 years, but he was the only president to have served more than two terms.  He died shortly into his fourth term in 1945. A constitutional amendment limited the number of terms to two after Harry Truman in 1953.

17 U.S. presidents have been reelected to a second term in office; three of those men were unable to complete those terms – two due to assassination, and one due to resignation.  Richard Nixon is the only president to have resigned from office.  Overall, four of our nation’s presidents were assassinated:  Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy.

The celebration honoring our U.S. Presidents was originally established to honor George Washington, who at the time was venerated as the most important figure in American history, according to History.com.   In 1879, President Hayes signed the date into law, and it was traditionally celebrated on Feb. 22, Washington’s actual birthday.

The shift from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day began in the late 1960s, and it officially became known as President’s Day as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act – celebrated on the third Monday each February – passed by Congress in 1971.

 

Melissa Aguilera contributed to this story.

Home Sweet Home

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife and I bought our first house in Arizona in 1975.  It was a brand new tract home on the west side of Tucson with about 1,200 square feet under the roof.  We were thrilled.

I had finished graduate school without any debt.  But, we also didn’t have any money.  My starting salary at our first church was $1,000 a month, so buying a house was a big step of faith.

When I asked one of the church leaders if he thought we should try to buy a house, he thought it was a good idea but added, “I worry about those monthly payments”.  The principle, interest, taxes and insurance were just under $300 a month!

Where would we get the money for a down payment?  I think we needed about $1,200 down to buy the house.  The realtor suggested that we look into my wife’s school retirement fund.  She had taught school for two years in Dallas, Texas, while I was in graduate school. We discovered that she had about $1,000 in her retirement account that we could use. Both of our parents and my grandmother gave us some money, and we were able to make the down payment and become home owners.

When you buy a new home, you discover that you lack just about everything you need to get started.  We didn’t own a rake or shovel or garden hose.  We did not own a washing machine or dryer.  But, we were excited to have a house.

The washing machine was a top priority since we had an 8-month old child in diapers. In those days, parents still used real cloth diapers. Since we didn’t have the money to buy a dryer, we discovered that a clothes line worked just fine in the dry Arizona climate.

The landscaping provided by the builder included five one-gallon plants, two five-gallon plants and gravel to cover the front yard.  It wasn’t much, but we were thrilled to have a house.

During the 13 years that we lived in Tucson, we added three more children to our family.  We also built two room additions to the house.  First, we added a large family room to the back of the house.  Later, we added a new master bedroom and bath to the side of the house.  As our family grew, our house grew, too.

During the whole home buying process, we saw God provide in some remarkable ways.  We had no idea how we could afford a house or how we would find the money to make the down payment.

We also saw God provide money for a back yard fence through a tax rebate program for first-time home buyers.  A used clothes dryer was provided by some friends who were replacing their old one.  Later, a dish washer was provided through someone who was remodeling their kitchen.

There is a wonderful verse in the Bible that says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:19). We have seen this principle to be true many times in our married lives, and especially when we bought our first home!

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 02.21.15

Weekly WebThe 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 the following link to access the complete Weekly News February 21st issue in PDF format: 2015-Feb21-Weekly-WEB

Seven Things They Don’t Tell You About Marriage

By Sarah Sanchez

I married my best friend this past June, and I believe I’ve settled into the routine of my new married life.  I can look back over the last year and honestly say that no one prepared me and my husband for marriage. Even though we took a pre-marital course and were given advice from family and friends, there are still things that no one told us about.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and I love our marriage. This is not a complaining session, but an informative piece. If I had been given this list before the wedding, I don’t think I would have been so shocked with the changes. So pass this along to any engaged or newly married couples you may know, and you’ll save them a few surprises.

#7 – Communication And Compromise Are Key:  Marriage is about becoming one unit, and this “all for one, one for all” mentality can be a little tough to get used to. You will be making sacrifices throughout your marriage, mainly because it’s not just about you anymore; it’s all about the “we”. You are a team now and you need to constantly be on the same page. But if you communicate and compromise with one another, then both of you can be happy with the decisions that are made.

#6 – You Will Become One; But So Does Your Bank Account:  If you and your spouse put all your money into a joint bank account, all of it now belongs to both of you and you have to learn to budget EVERYTHING. This can be tough because budgeting your money makes you realize how much you need to cut down on going out to eat, and how much groceries and gasoline really cost.  My suggestion is to print out a budget sheet online, fill it out every month, and – oddly enough – actually follow it by writing down every expense you make every single day. Dave Ramsey has an awesome book and class you can take that will benefit you as well.               

               #5 – Men And Women Are Wired Differently:  This particular point actually became quite clear to us after reading a daily devotional called, “The Love and Respect Experience,” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. We learned that men and women are very different in almost every aspect: emotionally, physically, sexually, etc. As expressed in the book, a way to look at it is that women wear pink glasses and hearing aids, and men wear blue glasses and hearing aids. When you are in a disagreement, men occasionally need to put on the pink glasses and hearing aids, and women occasionally have to put on the blue glasses and hearing aids, in order to understand how the other is feeling.  Sometimes it’s just about perspective.

               #4 — When You Say ‘I Do’, You Marry The Family Too: When you get married, it’s a package deal, meaning the in-laws come along with the spouse. Therefore, it’s better to put your differences aside and try to be civil with one another.  A trick my husband and I use is that we confront our own families, and not our in-laws. For example, if the problem is with my side of the family, then I will be the one to confront the family member. But if the problem is with my husband’s side of the family, then he will be the one to confront the family member. That way, the relationships with our in-laws aren’t jeopardized with the confrontation. The bottom line is to try to find a way to keep the peace and don’t let the little things bother you. Also, remember that every family is different, so the way your in-laws act may be very different than the way you grew up. It’s not wrong, just different; keep that in mind.

#3 – Pick Your Battles:  There is a difference between a disagreement and a fight. From my experience, disagreements are more about bickering, while fights are the escalated form of a disagreement that usually includes some form of yelling at each other; perhaps a slammed door or two. My advice is to pick your battles, otherwise you’ll fight about the most ridiculous things. Our first fight as a married couple was about boxes.  No underlying issues.  Just boxes.  Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and there will be conflicts in your marriage; so aim for disagreements, not fights.

#2 – Learn to Embrace Your Spouse’s Differences:  You have to remember that you are two very different people who grew up in very different homes. There are certain habits, flaws, and pet peeves your spouse will have that may be very different from what you are used to.  As long as their habits aren’t hurting anyone, life will be much easier for you if you learn to accept your spouse’s differences instead of trying to change them.  You know how hard it is to change your own behavior, even when you want to.  The pressure increases significantly when someone else wants you to change a behavior that you’d rather not.  Refer to #3.

#1 – Your Spouse Is Not – And Will Never Be – The Same Person You Married:  This is the number one thing that they don’t tell you about marriage. It sounds bad, but it doesn’t have to be.  One of the most common reasons people get divorced is because their spouse is “not the same person they married”. Every relationship has phases.  For example, you start with the person you date (on best behavior); then comes the person you’re engaged to (you still know the person, but the façade starts to crack a bit); and finally, you end up with the person you marry (where, oh where, is my fiancé?).  So if you go into the marriage knowing there will be changes, your expectations will be better balanced.   I’ve only been married to my husband for eight months, and I can honestly say we both have already changed since the day we got married. I learn new things about him every day, even with dating him for four years prior. He has new dreams, new goals, and new personality traits I’ve never seen before. He’s noticed the same in me, too, and that’s okay, because we married each other for who we were to become, not the people we were at that moment.  You can be very different, and still grow together, which is the goal anyway.

Marriage is an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Yes, by the list above, it is tough and there is a lot of learning you have to do. But once you get it down, it’s so wonderful to have someone who cares for you, who loves you, who supports you, and is there by your side through all of life’s adventures.  For better or worse…”The best is yet to be, come marry me.”

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

San Gabriel’s First Lunar New Year Festival

When:  Sun., Feb. 15; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:  San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel 91776

Details:  This free community event will have food, music, dancing, merchants, a beer/wine garden, and much more.

Contact:  http://www.sglunarnewyear.org

Financial Literacy Course

When: Mon., Feb. 16, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where:  Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills

Details:  The Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) is offering a financial literacy course, “Invest in Yourself.” The class will provide information to help participants learn how to understand their cash flow and improve how they handle their finances. The course is free.

Contact:  Luz Segovia, (909) 984-2254, x. 118.

Kids’ Night Out

When:  Feb. 21; Mar. 21; 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.

Free Tax Return Services

When:  Feb. 21, 28; Mar. 7, 14, 21; Apr. 11 – 8 a.m. to Noon

Where:  Ganesha High School, 1151 Fairplex Drive, Room 12, Pomona

Details:  IRS-certified volunteer students who have been officially trained and tested in current tax law will offer free tax return preparation services to community members during eight Saturday sessions.  No appointment is necessary; the service is available to those whose annual income is $53,000 or less.

Contact:  Jackie Jones, (909) 397-4400, ext. 30012.

San Gabriel Valley Orchid Hobbyists

When:  Thurs., Feb. 19; 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Details:  Learn how to grow orchids in Southern California, and get a private tour of the greenhouses at the Huntington Library.

Contact:  www.SGVOH.org

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly:  Feb., 28, Mar. 28

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.

First Friday Food Trucks

When:  Mar. 6; 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.

Chino DairyAire 5K & Fun Run

When:  Sat., Mar. 7

Where:  Ruben S. Ayala Park, 5575 Edison Ave., Chino

Details:  This community event helps raise funds for the Chino Youth Museum.  Register before March 1: 5K $30/Fun Run $10; register on or after March 2: 5K $35/Fun Run $15.  Pre-register today at www.dairyaire5k.racewire.com. USATF Certified 5K Course.

Diamond Bar Birthday & Business Showcase

When:  Sat., Apr. 11; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar

Details:  Be part of the DB Birthday Celebration by getting a booth at the Business Showcase.  Over 6,000 attendees!  Sign up while premium exhibitor space is still available.

Contact:  http://www.diamondbarca.gov/bday

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

SGV Hikers Rescued

Relieved hikers post with Rescuers in the San Gabriel Mountains. (Photo Courtesy of LASD)

Relieved hikers post with Rescuers in the San Gabriel Mountains. (Photo Courtesy of LASD)

Staff Reports

San Gabriel – Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Teams were activated to look for eight missing UCLA students who had become lost and hypothermic in the snow.  The students are members of the UCLA Hiking Club. Five members of the group were able to navigate their way out of the forest, while the remaining eight were lost.

The search area was near Throop Peak at an 8,200 foot elevation.  The conditions were snowy and icy, with some drifts causing the rescuers to plunge thigh-deep into the snow.

Rescue teams from San Dimas, Crescenta Valley, and the Palmdale Sheriff’s Stations responded to the 911 call.  The hikers were located at 12:30 a.m. on Sun., Feb. 8, by the Montrose Search and Rescue Team from the Crescenta Valley Station.

It took rescuers six hours to hike the students out of the area due to the treacherous conditions.  To prevent the students from falling, the rescue team placed harnesses and ropes on them to safely lower them down icy slopes.

The students were elated to see the rescue team, some being mildly hypothermic.  None of the students required medical attention, and they were taken back to their cars – safe and sound.