Category Archives: The Weekly News

Mt. SAC To Host “Cash for College” Fair

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – With more than 1,200 attendees expected, Mt. San Antonio College will offer free financial aid assistance to area high school seniors and their parents during its annual “Cash for College” fair on Sat., Feb. 21. The event kicks off with opening presentations by Congressman Ed Royce, Assembly members Freddie Rodriguez and Roger Hernandez, and Senators Ed Hernandez, Bob Huff, and Connie Leyva, starting at 9 a.m. in Mt. SAC’s Sophia B. Clarke Theater.

“This event is all about helping students fill out the necessary financial aid forms by the March 2 deadline so that they don’t miss out on thousands of dollars that may be available to them,” said Mt. SAC Financial Aid Director, Chau Dao.

Cash for College provides hands-on assistance to college-bound students and their parents in completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for the 2015-16 academic year. The event also helps students maximize their financial aid prospects by meeting the March 2 priority financial aid filing deadline. Assistance with the California Dream Act application will also be available. Filing applications early is recommended.

Parents and students must bring a copy of students’ Social Security cards or permanent resident cards, and a 2014 federal 1040 tax return and W-2. If 2014 information is not available, a 2013 tax return may be used along with 2013 W-2 forms. The workshop information and assistance can be used to apply to any college, not just Mt. SAC.

Information and application forms will also be available for Admissions, Extended Opportunity and Programs Services, and other Mt. SAC student support services.

A free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and participants may also be eligible for a $1,500 scholarship sponsored through the California Student Aid Commission.

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office at (909) 274- 4457, email for more information at scholarships@mtsac.edu, or make a reservation online at http://www.mtsac.edu/financialaid/cashfair.html.

SGV Toilet Arsonist Caught

Staff Reports

David Lin (Photo Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.)

David Lin (Photo Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.)

SGV – Suspect, David Lin, 42, a local transient man (formerly of West Covina), was arrested on Tues., Feb. 3 for an unusual arson spree taking its toll on retail establishment restrooms in and around the City of Rowland Heights since December 2014.

Lin, in multiple acts of dangerous bravado, allegedly paid visits to local restaurants during business hours and set fires in toilets, using toilet paper, seat covers and other flammable materials as kindling.

In total, seven fires were set in local establishments within approximately two months (three within one day), including L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Walnut; Rolling Wok, McDonald’s, Del Taco, Ten Ren’s Tea Time, and Office Depot in Rowland Heights; and Guppy House in Hacienda Heights

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, surveillance photos, witness accounts and other information led detectives to Lin, who was spotted by a patrol on the afternoon of Feb. 3.   Although no injuries were reported from the fires, thousands of dollars in property damage occurred from Lin’s alleged arson binge.

Lin was arrested on suspicion of arson, felony evading of police and drug possession.  Lin – who is reportedly living out of his car – was arraigned on Thurs., Feb 5, and is being held on $250,000 bail pending a Feb. 19 hearing.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail at (323) 881-7500.

Friends Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers

(L to R) Councilmember Jimmy Lin, Loretta Nelson, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons, Mayor Steve Tye, County Librarian Margaret Todd, Kathleen Newe, Rick Rogers, Tony Torng, Lauren Pong, Angie Valenzuela, and Ruth Low. (Photo Courtesy: DB Library)

(L to R) Councilmember Jimmy Lin, Loretta Nelson, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons, Mayor Steve Tye, County Librarian Margaret Todd, Kathleen Newe, Rick Rogers, Tony Torng, Lauren Pong, Angie Valenzuela, and Ruth Low. (Photo Courtesy: DB Library)

By Kathleen M. Newe

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library is fortunate to have many excellent volunteers who work year-round to make the Diamond Bar Library the great and welcoming place it is for the community.  Each year we recognize a few of these dedicated individuals at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

Gathering at Heritage Park on Sat., Jan. 24, over 100 people honored several of these great volunteers.  Diamond Bar City Council members along with representatives from Supervisor Don Knabe’s office and Congressman Ed Royce’s office joined County Librarian Margaret Todd, Diamond Bar Librarian Pui Ching Ho and the Diamond Bar Friends’ board to acknowledge our outstanding volunteers for 2014.

Outgoing President, Ruth Low, and incoming President, Chris Ko, presented the “Outstanding Friend” award to Congressman Ed Royce and recognized him for his commitment to literacy and libraries.  Congressman Royce was instrumental in bringing David S. Mao, the Law Librarian of Congress, for Read Together Diamond Bar in October 2014.  They also presented the “President’s Award” to Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng as the “Three Amigos” for their huge commitment as co-chairs of the annual Wine Soirée for many years.  The 22nd Annual Wine Soirée will be held on Sun., April 26.

Loretta Nelson was awarded the “Bookstore Volunteer of the Year” for her dedication to Basically BOOKS; Shery Fan, CPA, received the “Business Volunteer of the Year” award for her professional expertise to the Friends; and Kathleen Newe received the “Volunteer of the Year” award for her many years of service to the Friends.  All of these awardees – along with so many of our volunteers – have made positive and significant contributions to the Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  Thank you all!

For more information, visit www.dblibraryfriends.org

Suzanne Students Meet Local American Idol Contestant

By Kelli Gile 

Walnut High 2014 alumna, Adanna Duru, recently spent time with Suzanne Middle School students at the Walnut Teen Center. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut High 2014 alumna, Adanna Duru, recently spent time with Suzanne Middle School students at the Walnut Teen Center. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – A group of enthusiastic Suzanne Middle School students met up with singing sensation, Adanna Duru, at the Teen Center on Feb. 3.  The 2014 Walnut High graduate is competing against 220 other contestants on Season 14 of “American Idol.”

Duru shared favorite memories from her years as a Suzanne student.

“I loved middle school!” she said reminiscing about favorite teachers and classes.

One standout season was playing an Umpa-Lumpa in the cast of “Willie Wonka” in the 7th Grade.

“I thought that was funny since I’m 5’ 8”!” Duru exclaimed.

The 18-year old Diamond Bar resident advanced to Hollywood Week after her successful audition in San Francisco.  Duru adeptly belted out Lady Gaga’s “You and I” before the trio of judges.  She recalled when Jennifer Lopez commented that she “had the total package.”

“I told myself ‘I need to remember this!’”  Duru gushed.

The following day, Duru received a Tweet from Lady Gaga that said, “Congratulations, you killed it!”

The teen believes she has grown as a performer since appearing on “The Voice” as a sophomore.

“Since then I’ve learned so much. I have so much fun on stage!” said Duru, who shared her strategy for the singing competition after receiving famous “Idol” golden ticket to Hollywood.

“I’m so grateful and happy. For me, it’s about staying focused, being in the moment, and doing my very best.”

Duru was eager to answer questions and sing for the 40 tweens.

“How does it feel to be famous?” asked 6th Grader Eddie Banda.

“I feel the same, but sometimes I get recognized now,” Duru replied.

The young fans cheered when she offered up Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love.”  After the meet and greet, Duru happily took pictures and signed autographs.

“It’s cool she went to my school,” said Aaron Rubio, 7th Grade. “She’s pursing her dream as a singer. My dream is to be in the MLB.”

“It was great seeing her today,” said 6th Grader Sharon Suarez who watched the audition on YouTube.

“She’s beautiful and awesome,’ added Elijah Christian, age 11.

“I want her to go to the top and make her own album,” said 7th Grader Jocelyn Cole.

“I’d go see her in concert!” Rubio exclaimed.

Duru gave the middle-schoolers some advice about reaching for their dreams.

“A lot of people will tell you that your dream is stupid. I’ve been told that so many times,” Duru explained. “Honestly, you’re capable of everything you believe you’re capable of if you really believe that you can do something and you have the discipline to know that when you fail it’s not the end. When you fail, you learn from your mistakes and keep changing and growing. It’s all about believing in yourself!”

Why does the teen want to be the next American Idol?

“Because there’s nothing else on Earth that I want to do besides making music; I feel like it’s my calling, it’s what I’m best at,” Duru said.

 

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Members of the Walnut City Council congratulate Jose Luis Angel and his wife Mayra Angel, for having their business - Los Amigos Restaurant – named as the Winter 2015 Business of the Quarter. Los Amigos Restaurant is located at 20835 Valley Blvd. and is known for its friendly customer service and well-liked Mexican food. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Members of the Walnut City Council congratulate Jose Luis Angel and his wife Mayra Angel, for having their business – Los Amigos Restaurant – named as the Winter 2015 Business of the Quarter. Los Amigos Restaurant is located at 20835 Valley Blvd. and is known for its friendly customer service and well-liked Mexican food. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut – Walnut’s City Council met for its first regular meeting of the month on Feb. 11.  The meeting opened with the commendation of Los Amigos Restaurant, located at 20835 Valley Blvd, as the official Winter 2015 Business of the Quarter recipient.

Mayor Nancy Tragarz was absent from the meeting.

In place of Tragarz delivering the congratulatory speech, Mayor Pro Tem, Eric Ching, spoke to owner Jose Luis Angel and his wife Mayra Angel, commenting on the family owned business and how Angel’s work ethic should stand as an inspiration for the residents of Walnut.

“This is a role model we need to look up to,” Ching said. “Many people like his food, (Angel) is good to kids; he gives a lot of opportunities for kids to work in his shop…that’s why he is chosen (as the Business of the Quarter).”

Ching also commented that he loved the restaurant’s ceviche and that he wished the restaurant luck as it continues to do business.

Following the award ceremony, the Council approved the only item on its public hearings schedule, which was Ordinance No. 15-02 to establish Article XXVIV for historical preservation of the Walnut Municipal Code.

After that, the Council approved all the items on its consent calendar, including a resolution of certain claims and demands in the amount of $869,983.61; a joint resolution approving and accepting a negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from annexation of the territory to the Walnut Valley Water District; a resolution regarding the payment of salaries, sick leave, vacations, leave of absences and other regulations by revising authorized positions/salary Schedule A; and an additional appropriation request for Leibold, McClendon & Mann to provide special legal services in connection with the proposed disposition of Lot 269 in Three Oaks.

Finally, the Council moved onto the successor agency consent calendar, approving both items for the adoption of Resolution No.15-02, approving the ROPS for July through December 2015; and adoption of Resolution No.15-13, approving the administrative budget for July through December 2015.

After Council announcements, the members then adjourned into closed session to discuss negotiations of real property pursuant to Government Code 54956.8.

The next City Council meeting will take place on Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., in the Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

Corona Bank Robbery Ends In Fatality

Staff Reports

Johnson, inside the Corona bank during the robbery. (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Johnson, inside the Corona bank during the robbery. (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Corona – On Wed., Feb. 4, the Pacific Premier Bank, located at 102 E. Sixth Street, was involved in a robbery with a man, who reportedly forced employees at gunpoint into the vault where he proceeded to rob the bank and its employees of a large sum of cash.  The man threatened to kill the employees if they called the Police.

According to the Corona Police Department, Officers responded to the bank at approximately 4:07 p.m., to find the suspect had fled after an alleged carjacking.  Through the use of a tracking device bank employees were able to place with the money, Officers were quickly able to locate the suspect vehicle and a chase ensued.

Patricia Cheree Smith, the driver and accomplice, who lied about being carjacked (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Patricia Cheree Smith, the driver and accomplice, who lied about being carjacked (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

As the Officers attempted a high risk enforcement stop, the vehicle briefly stopped near San Antonio and Bickmore avenues in Chino.  The female driver – later identified as Patricia Cheree Smith, 26, of Hemet – exited the vehicle and was contacted by Police. The suspect fled the area in the vehicle with Officers in pursuit.

Smith initially told Officers she had been the victim of a car-jacking, and the unknown suspect had a gun. Corona Police Detectives conducted a follow-up interview with Smith and determined that she was involved in the robbery. Smith was arrested for robbery and additional criminal charges are pending.

Deceased bank robbery suspect, Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Deceased bank robbery suspect, Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson
(Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed off the 71 Expressway.  As the suspect exited the vehicle, he was struck multiple times by Police gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The suspect was identified as Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson, 59, of Hemet.  Further investigation revealed a large sum of cash, an unknown type handgun, and additional evidence linking Johnson and the vehicle to the bank robbery in Corona.

Corona Police Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation related to the Pacific Premier Bank robbery. Based on the information gathered, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence located in the 26000 block of Cortrite Ave. in the City of Hemet.

On Fri., Feb. 6, Officers from the Corona Police Department’s Special Response Team served the search warrant seeking additional evidence to support their investigation, additional suspects and other similar bank robberies throughout Southern California.

This particular incident is a large, multi-jurisdictional investigation. The Corona Police Department is handling the bank robbery and vehicle pursuit, while the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting in their jurisdiction. All officers are currently on paid administrative leave, per Department policy.

The Corona Police Department is seeking public assistance and is asking anyone having information related to the bank robbery to please call Senior Detective Dan Bloomfield at (951) 817-5767.

Candle Fire Safety

Staff Reports

Chino – According to the Chino Valley Fire District, Firefighters have responded to two residential structure fires since Jan. 1 that ignited as a result of unattended candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 29 residential structure fires reported each day that are related to candles, with nearly half of those fires occurring when some form of combustible material was left on or came too close to the candle.

Do not become a statistic, use candles safely. Candle fires can be very damaging, but they are completely preventable. Below are some tips that will help you prevent this type of fire in your home.

  • Always keep a burning candle within sight
  • Never burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire
  • Always keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets
  • Never use candles as a source of heat
  • Always use an appropriate candleholder and place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface
  • Extinguish all candles when leaving the house, room of use, or when going to bed
  • Ensure that you have smoke alarms correctly installed and that they are in good working order

For more information on fire safety and smoke alarms, please visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I am in my early 20s.  I have worked as a secretary for my uncle’s company since I graduated high school.  I have finally saved enough money for the down payment to buy a new car.  When I was applying for the financing, I discovered that my uncle used my social security number and credit to buy himself a car.  When I confronted him, he admitted that he didn’t have enough available credit to buy his car.  He said I would have no problem getting financing because he would co sign for me.  He also asked me not to tell my dad (his brother) about what he did.  Now I don’t trust my uncle, but I don’t want to lose my job.  Please help me know what to do.

-Theresa

Dear Theresa:

I’m just going to come right out and say it.  Your uncle is a criminal and a rotten relative.  What he did is illegal and you could easily press charges against him.  He has no right to “borrow” your social security number, along with your financial identity to buy himself a car.  At your young age, I’m doubtful that you have the developmental skills to know how to deal with a person like this.  He has no regard for your well-being and you should definitely tell your dad what has happened.  I think you’re going to need someone with experience to help you correct this situation.  Start looking for a new job immediately.  Do not rest until his fraudulent charges are cleared from your credit.  This is so important for your future.  Good Luck.

-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.

PUSD Discusses Shift In Elections

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – The Pomona Unified School District Board of Education discussed a potential shift from at-large to trustee-area elections during a special meeting on Jan. 28.

In recent years, many school districts have moved to trustee-area elections in response to federal, state and voter rights laws designed to ensure underrepresented groups have equal opportunities and access to voting and representation.

The meeting provided board members with an overview of the voting history in Pomona Unified and served as a forum for community members to provide feedback on the topic. Community-wide forums on the potential shift will follow to ensure all voices are heard.

“When you view Pomona Unified’s election history, our community has consistently selected board members that reflect the makeup, values and priorities of our community,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “However, we are presenting our board members with this information for consideration as we evaluate the legal trends and possible ramifications in sustaining at-large elections.”

With at-large elections, registered voters are able to vote for any board member candidate on the ballot regardless of where in the PUSD District boundaries they reside. Trustee-area voting requires voters to cast a ballot for only the board member residing in their voter district, which is typically based on geography.

PUSD’s voting track record is strong, but in some districts groups are using the courts to raise issues, leaving school districts vulnerable to lawsuits, litigation fees and special elections, according to District Legal Counsel, Kasey Haws.

“Litigation regarding the California Voting Rights Act is sweeping municipalities and school districts across the state,” Haws stated. “To avoid this costly process, stay ahead of any potential court action and preserve the District’s ability to determine the outcome, we are taking the prudent step to discuss what viable options are available.”

At-large voting requires every board member to campaign to and be responsive to all constituents in the school district, with an opportunity to run for a board seat every two years.  Board members consider the district as a whole.

In trustee-area elections, it is less expensive to run for office, campaigning is less intensive because candidates have a smaller voter base, and board members typically focus more specifically on the needs of schools and neighborhoods in their specific district. Candidates would be eligible to run once every four years.

Trustee-area elections provide for more diversity on a board. However, the PUSD community has traditionally voted in a diverse board of representatives.

The District has two options.

Option 1: The District can oppose trustee areas through a resolution, which would result in holding a series of public hearings and presenting supporting evidence against the move to a county committee. The committee would have the option of setting the matter for a public vote, hiring its own demographer to draw boundaries and requiring a special election in early 2016.

Option 2: Board members could pass a resolution agreeing to move to trustee-area voting and seek a waiver of an election from the California Department of Education. The District would then hire a demographer to draw several possible trustee maps for public discussion, hold multiple hearings, vote for a final map and present the plan to the committee for final approval. A likely result is that two areas would be up for vote in 2015 and three in 2017.

“At this point, we are just discussing this issue and weighing our options,” said Board President Andrew Wong. “Our goal was to hear what the public had to say on this issue and take a hard look at what will be in the best interests of Pomona Unified and our community.”

The board was expected to come to a decision during the board meeting on Tues., Feb. 11.

CH Council Seeks Healthy Cities Applicants

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Residents who are interested in serving on the City of Chino Hills Healthy Steering Cities Committee (Healthy Cities) are invited to complete an application for consideration. The Council voted recently to accept applications so that each member may appoint one resident to serve on Healthy Cities.

Each council member will recommend an individual for appointment, which must be affirmed by the Council. The term of the appointment matches the term of the appointing council member.

Healthy Cities was formed in 1994 and revamped in 2014. The Committee was established to assist in assessing community needs, defining health priorities, and developing programs to enhance the quality of life within the community. Meetings are held quarterly, on Mondays at 6 p.m., to evaluate and recommend programs that meet the Committee’s goals through the use of a variety of service providers.

Programs operating under the Healthy Cities umbrella are as varied as enrichment programs for all ages, fitness and hiking programs, opportunities for youth involvement, health and wellness seminars, and more. A complete list is noted on the application.

The Healthy Cities Committee will be comprised of 25 people including City Commissioners; students at the high school and college level; and representatives from Chino Valley Unified School District, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, Chino Hills Police Department, County of San Bernardino, Chino Valley YMCA, Chino Valley Fire District, five residents appointed by the Committee, and five residents appointed by the City Council.

Completed applications must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, by 4 p.m. on Fri., Mar. 6.  Council members will review applications and schedule interviews. Selections are expected to be announced at the March 24 or April 14 City Council meeting.

The next Healthy Cities Committee meeting is on Mon., May 11, at 6 p.m.

Applications are available online at http://www.chinohills.org/HealthyCitiesApplication and at Chino Hills City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills 91709, on the second floor in the City Clerk’s lobby.

Completed applications can also be mailed to the address above.  To request a faxed application, please call (909) 364-2620 or send an e-mail to www.cityclerk@chinohills.org.

For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (909) 364-2620.

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

Staff Reports

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in heating and air conditioning, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analyses, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.  They are also committed to the community.  Owners Jason and Athena Hayes have lived in Eastvale for over seven years, and as homeowners, they love to see Eastvale flourish. Advanced Improvements has been the platinum sponsor for the Eastvale Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournaments, and they will continue to invest in the City and support its growth.  Make sure to ask about their $500 discount coupon for Eastvale residents only.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761).  Their office is located at 1200 North Barsten Way, in Anaheim, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at www.AdvancedIMP.com, and see their ad on page 14.

To Win – Make It Fun!

Coach-Mike-Green-Graphic-WEB

By Mike Green

As a youth coach, you may feel like your goal is to have a winning season. The fact is a winning season is a by-product of a good process, based upon having fun.

The key feature in a winning season for a youth coach is that your players MUST enjoy themselves. If the coach makes the experience a positive one, the players will want to put the extra effort into the process.

I’m not saying all you do is mess around and not provide discipline, structure or accountability to your team. Those attributes are present within every winning team. Children need those responsibilities to learn and grow, and if you can create an enjoyable environment they will work very hard without even knowing it.

The best coaches are the ones who create a passion for the sport they are coaching, regardless of the win-loss record. The only way to do this is to respect and treat every player as a valuable member of the team while making the experience a fun and positive one. When your players say, “Practice is over already?” you’ll know you’ve done a great job as a coach.

Mike Green is a coach for The Sports Family Club, a website dedicated to enriching the lives of children through sports and activities. For more information on The Sports Family Club visit http://thesportsfamilyclub.org/home

Marshall Middle School Celebrates 60th Anniversary

School receives $1,500 Walmart grant to fund e-readers and new mural 

Marshall Middle School Principal, Juan Ortiz, is presented with a $1,000 school grant from the Pomona Walmart, which provided an additional $500 in other school grants to the school for its 60th anniversary celebration. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Marshall Middle School Principal, Juan Ortiz, is presented with a $1,000 school grant from the Pomona Walmart, which provided an additional $500 in other school grants to the school for its 60th anniversary celebration. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

 By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Marshall Middle School is kicking off its 60th anniversary celebration in style, thanks in large part to Walmart, which awarded the Pomona Unified school $1,500 in school grants. The funds will be used to help refurbish Marshall’s cafeteria and buy new e-readers for the school library.

“It is wonderful to see such leadership and collaboration between our schools and local business partners to improve the learning environments of our students,” said Pomona Unified Board President Andrew Wong. “We believe that strong bonds and engagement between students, parents, educators and local businesses make us a stronger, more accountable school district.”

Named after the nation’s longest-serving Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Marshall, the school opened its doors in 1955 as a Grade 7 to 9 junior high. Now a 6th through 8th Grade school, Marshall (located at 1921 Arroyo Ave.) will celebrate its longevity and success during a ceremony tentatively scheduled for April.

“As part of our 60th anniversary, we plan to update and upgrade some items on campus so that over the next six decades, Marshall students can continue to feel a sense of pride in their school,” Principal Juan Ortiz said. “On behalf of Marshall Middle School, I want to thank our brand new Walmart store in Pomona for its generosity and helping us build on our sense of community.”

The celebration will focus on the complete refurbishing of the school cafeteria and its centerpiece – a new mural depicting three different color representations of the school mascot, the Marshall Mustang.

“This mural has welcomed students into our cafeteria for the last 30 years and we are ready to create a modern mural that our children can enjoy,” Ortiz said.

The Walmart grants will partially fund the new mural, as well as assist in the purchase of three e-readers for the school library to better help students in the transition to new digital learning technologies.

“It is our continuing mission to provide our students with the most modern learning facilities available,” PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez said.  “We are grateful to Walmart for its commitment to our schools. Every child deserves an opportunity to excel.”

More information about Marshall Middle School can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Middle-School/138200929561507.

Calling For Responsible Pet Owners

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

It is on behalf of dogs everywhere that I write this article.  Being the proud owner of Midnight – the black lab/black shepherd mix shown with me in my photograph – is truly a joy and honor.  Midnight is almost 8-years old and very healthy.  Midnight and I take lots of long walks in our neighborhood and he has many buddies along the way.  Some of his buddies are very well cared for and live safe lives.  Some of his buddies aren’t so lucky and are let out to walk themselves.

I can’t believe how many wonderful dogs I have seen without tags that are let out to walk themselves.  I can’t believe how many dogs end up hit by cars and die because they are illegally let out.  Legally, dogs are supposed to be licensed, vaccinated and leashed when they are out off their property.  They should be walked by humans that can help guide them on what is safe and what is not when they are outside of their house or yard.

A dog is a huge responsibility and an enormous joy.  Caring for a dog properly involves feeding them healthy food, cleaning them, vet visits, walks, licensing them, cleaning up after them, and always providing clean drinking water and shelter…and lots of love, affection and attention.

It’s not okay to have a dog – or any animal – that is neglected.  There have been many new laws passed to help protect animals, and people lose their pets every day because of neglect.

So I ask you to think about all of this before you get an animal.  I beg you to stop allowing your dogs to walk themselves.  I ask you to understand how helpless they are and how much they count on us to care properly for them.  Please take the time to be a responsible and loving pet owner!

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.

DB Through My Lens Winner

Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above” won the Grand Prize. (Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar)

Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above” won the Grand Prize. (Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar)

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The 2014 “Through My Lens” photo contest turned up a new batch of winning photos skillfully capturing moments and sceneries of Diamond Bar.

One photo in every division and category was selected as the front-runner, and another 17 images were chosen for honorable mention distinction, for a total of 22 winning entries.

Top prizes in the youth division went to Mikaela Pham, Lynn Lee and Garrett Masuda; and the winners in the adult division were Chuck Wong, David Moreno, Alfred Bertulfo, Steve Sustayta, and Tom Zeller.

Honorable mentions were presented to youth entrants Daniel Xu, Garrett Masuda, Mikaela Pham, Kyle Liu, Aish Rane, and Mustafa Arif; and adult entrants Amanda Pechy, Jet Long, Chuck Wong, Diana Dieu, Teresa Wang, Long Pham, Bruce Davis, William Anderson, and Robert Burns.

Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above,” won the Grand Prize.

All winners were congratulated at the Jan. 20 City Council meeting.  Each winner took home a special certificate and a cash prize, courtesy of the Diamond Bar Community Foundation.

A panel of judges selected the winners from each division based on composition, creativity, originality and visual appeal, and how well the photographs illustrated the theme.

Co-sponsored by the City and the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, the Through My Lens contest is now entering its eighth year, and will reopen for entries this April. More information about the contest as well as the list of the winners and their entries can be viewed online at http://www.diamondbarca.gov/throughmylens.

Arrest In OC Transgender Homicide

Staff Reports

 

Liborio De La Luz Ramos, 44, arrested for Voluntary Manslaughter. (Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana PD)

Liborio De La Luz Ramos, 44, arrested for Voluntary Manslaughter. (Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana PD)

Santa Ana – On Wed., Jan. 28, at approximately 10 p.m., the Orange County Coroner’s Office notified the Santa Ana Police Department of a suspicious death that occurred on Thurs., Jan. 22.  The decedent was a 40-year old transgender woman who died of silicone embolism syndrome related to a silicone injection to the buttocks for cosmetic reasons.

Homicide Detectives initiated a death investigation which revealed that the victim – Felipe De La Riva (who also went by the name of Katya) – went to a “silicone party” in the area sometime in late Dec. 2014.  On Jan. 1, De La Riva admitted herself into Kaiser Hospital due to a respiratory problem.  Silicone embolism syndrome symptoms include fever, chest pain, coughing up blood and altered consciousness.

On Jan. 21, at 7:06 p.m., De La Riva died of an embolism related to the silicone injection. Because the injection was received in a non-medical facility – possibly a hotel room – Kaiser contacted the coroner’s office.

On Thurs., Feb. 5, Santa Ana Police Homicide Detectives arrested Liborio De La Luz Ramos, 44, of Santa Ana, in connection with the death of De La Riva.  Ramos faces one felony count of voluntary manslaughter and two felony counts of the unauthorized practice of medicine, and is being held on $500,000 bail.  Detectives believe there may be additional victims who received injections from the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Santa Ana Police Detectives at (714) 245-8390.

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

Antique Valentine’s Day Card (Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Antique Valentine’s Day Card (Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Ah, l’amour!  It’s the stuff that makes the world go ‘round, vous ne trouvez pas?  St. Valentine might have a thing or two to say about that.

This Sat., Feb. 14, millions of people around the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day with their sweetheart by way of candy, flowers, cards, dinner out – or with extravagant gifts of jewelry and marriage proposals.  Elementary school children still pass out cards to their classrooms, making little girls think of a secret admirer (and little boys think, “Ew!”).

More factually speaking, it all began as a church celebration centered on early Christian saints named Valentinus, and was often associated with martyrdom.  Wikipedia states an account of Saint Valentine of Rome, who was imprisoned by Roman Emperor, Claudius II, for Christianity.  This particular St. Valentine healed Julia, the blind daughter of his jailer – according to legend – and in a farewell letter sent to her before his execution, he signed, “Your Valentine.”  The jailer, Asterius, and his household of 44 family members and servants came to believe in Jesus because of this miracle and were baptized.

Before the greeting card industry embellished it to what it is today, St. Valentine’s Day was first linked to romantic love in 18th century England, when courtly love flourished.  Lovers often expressed their love through the presentation of flowers, sweets and special cards called, valentines – traditions that are common today.

However you spend your Valentine’s Day, remember to tell someone that you love them, in remembrance of St. Valentine, who lost his life for the love of Jesus.

Run Forrest Run

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

I don’t remember the words to a lot of songs.  The tunes may be familiar, but I don’t remember all of the lyrics.  But, I do tend to remember words and phrases from movies.  Many of these memorable phrases are often quoted in other movies in the entertainment world.

For example, in one of the Indiana Jones movies when someone asked Indy what he was going to do next, he replied, “I don’t know. I’m making it up as I go.”  And, when he was being questioned by some FBI agents about what the Ark of the Covenant was, Indy asked them, “Didn’t any of you ever go to Sunday School?”

In the movie, Apollo Thirteen, when the spacecraft is damaged by an explosion, one of the astronauts speaks the famous words, “Houston, we have a problem.”  In the movie, Forrest Gump, you hear the famous phrase repeated several times, “Run, Forrest, run!”

I know that millions of people watched the Super Bowl recently.  It was an exciting football game as each team made some mistakes and each team made some amazing plays.  But, in case you may be one of the few people in our country who did not watch the game, let me explain how it ended.

The Seattle Seahawks drove the football deep into the New England Patriot’s end of the field.  The Seahawks were trailing, but a touchdown would put them ahead and assure them of another Super Bowl title.

With the ball on the one-yard line and only 30 seconds on the clock, Seattle did the unthinkable.  Instead of running the football into the end zone, they surprised everyone by throwing a short pass.

If the pass was caught, Seattle would likely score and win the game.  But, the pass was intercepted by New England and Seattle lost the game.  Everyone was stunned.  Everyone thought Seattle would run the ball into the end zone and win the game. Instead, Seattle lost and New England won.  It was one of the most unexpected endings in Super Bowl history.

Later, as I reflected on the unexpected outcome, I remembered the famous phrase from the movie, Forrest Gump, “Run, Forrest, run!”

I don’t know if the Seattle coach watches many old movies, but he might want to watch Forrest Gump again.  If Seattle had only run the ball, they would probably be the Super Bowl champions. Instead, they elected to pass the ball, which was intercepted, and New England is the 2015 Super Bowl champion!

Someone may want to send a copy of the movie, Forrest Gump, to the Seattle coach and remind him that next time his team is on the goal line, they should, “Run, Forrest, run!”

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 02.14.15

Weekly 2015 0214 ScreenThe 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  2015-Feb14-Weekly-WEB to access the complete Weekly News February 14th issue in PDF format.

DB Construction Alerts

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – There are two major utility upgrade projects in progress, aimed at improving service delivery reliability.  The projects – which began on Jan. 28 – include the installation of new SCE electrical circuits, and replacement of a deteriorated vault; and the replacement of a Gas Company 3” gas main with a 4” line to accommodate the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s operations.

Construction will be carried out in phases, with various road closures and cautionary detours.  Please note the following traffic concerns, and make time allowances or avoid these areas altogether, if possible, during construction times.

  • The eastbound right-turn lane along Grand Ave. will be closed for approximately three weeks beginning Feb. 17.
  • The #2 eastbound through lane along Grand Ave. will be intermittently closed on weeknights from 8 pm to 5 a.m., and fully closed on weekends from Feb. 17 to Mar. 2.
  • One through lane along Golden Springs Dr. will be closed from Copley Dr. to Grand Ave. for one week beginning mid-February.
  • One through lane along Golden Springs Dr., as well as two right-turn lanes near Grand Ave. will be closed for two weeks beginning late February.

Both projects are scheduled to be completed on or before March 2.