Category Archives: The Weekly News

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

 

January 17 will mark the birth date of a man who some say was “the very first American.”  Benjamin Franklin was born in Boston, Massachusetts in 1706.  He was one of ten children born to Josiah Franklin – an English-born businessman – and his second wife, Abiah Folger.

According to Wikipedia, Franklin was a “leading author, printer, political theorist, politician, postmaster, scientist, inventor, civic activist, statesman and diplomat.”  He was quite the Renaissance man, and certainly one of the most influential and gifted men of his time.

While this Champion of American Independence’s accomplishments are too numerous to list, Franklin is most widely known as being one of five men to draft the Constitution of the United States.  He is famously quoted as saying to John Hancock at the signing of the document, “Yes, we must, indeed, all hang together, or most assuredly we shall all hang separately.”

Most of us can remember our elementary schooling lessons about Franklin with a key on a kite string in a lightning storm, but in fact, he conducted many electrical experiments.  He was the first to label electricity under different pressures as positive and negative. He also used a kite to collect some electric charge from a storm cloud, which led to the understanding that lightning was electrical. His experiments led to the invention of the lightning rod, helping to prevent buildings from lightning strikes.  In 1753, Franklin received the Royal Society’s (a scientific advisor to the British government) Copley Medal in recognition of his work with electricity.  He was later elected as a Fellow of the Society – one of very few invited.

In his lifetime, Franklin held many positions, including:  6th President of Pennsylvania; United States Minister to France; United States Minister to Sweden; 1st United States Postmaster General; Speaker of the Pennsylvania Assembly; and Member of the Pennsylvania Assembly.

Franklin died at the age of 84 on April 17, 1790 at his home in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.  It is said that approximately 20,000 people attended his funeral.  Franklin left behind two children, William Franklin, and Sarah Franklin Bache (his first son with common-law wife Deborah Reed – Francis Folger Franklin – died in 1734 of smallpox at the age of 4).  Deborah Reed Franklin died of a stroke in 1774 while Franklin was away in England.

Interestingly enough, Franklin – always clever – bequeathed £1,000 (around $4,400 at the time) to his beloved cities, Boston and Philadelphia.  The money was to be held in trust gathering interest for 200 years.  By 1990, Philadelphia had accumulated more than $2 million – some was used between 1940 and 1990 for mortgage loans – which was ultimately spent on scholarships for local high school students.  The Boston trust fund had amassed almost $5 million, which funded the Franklin Institute of Boston (a trade school).

Happy Birthday, Benjamin Franklin.  Thank you for a lifetime of contributions for our betterment.

 

One Year Of Love

By Michael Armijo

 

There’s a song by Queen called, “One Year of Love,” that brings me peace. The lyrics say, “Just one year of love is better than a lifetime alone.”

I’ve chosen to apply this song and this philosophy to my life and to the passing of my friends.  At times, I have chosen to sulk and miss those who were close to me, but are now gone.  Now, I reflect on how lucky I am to have had many years of love, instead of “a lifetime alone.” I am very fortunate to have such beautiful memories when others have none.

Today marks the anniversary of the death of one of my closest and most loving friends. I can cry about missing our past, or I can remember how fortunate I am to have had so many years of love and friendship. I choose the latter.

It’s during these trying times that our abilities and our philosophies are tested. I believe that how we spend these times of pain and reflection is a testament to how appreciative we are for that love and friendship. I also believe if we do sulk and wallow in pain, then we are, in a way, insulting that friendship. We are ignoring that love. The people that we love throughout our lives are placed there for a reason. We are fortunate to have such experiences and wonderful memories.

So today, I will not insult the love I received from these individuals. Today, I will appreciate that I was fortunate enough to have such valuable and priceless relationships given to me. It’s just like giving a gift to someone.  When you receive a gift, like a jacket or a warm scarf, you wear it and it comforts you when you’re cold and alone. You have that feeling of warmth and memory of their thoughtfulness with you. When that person is no longer in your life, do you throw out that jacket or scarf? Or do you keep wearing it and using it for as long as you can?

My friendships and loving memories should be the same.  I will not discard them and throw them out by being hurt and feeling sad. I will not sulk and wallow in selfishness. I will not abandon those wonderful and priceless times that enhanced my life and contributed to the success that I worked so hard to achieve and deserve. I will remember those precious gifts that were given to me and I will continue to wear them to warm my heart and comfort me during cold and lonely times.

So, today I smile. Today I enjoy. Today I remember and cherish those wonderful gifts of friendship that were given to me. And I will be thankful that I will, once again, have “one more year of love.”

A Brand New Start

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

A brand new year is here.  It offers a fresh start and a new chance for all.  Happy New Year to everybody!  I hope you had a peaceful and joyful holiday season.  I bet you’re thinking about what you would like to accomplish this New Year.

Let me start by saying, don’t look backward or forward, just look at today.  What would you like to do with today?  What are some behaviors you would like to change?  What do you want from today?  If you can answer these questions and do what you need to, you are on your way.

All we have is today so behave in a new way that moves you closer to your goals.  If you continue with that new behavior for the days in your future, you will eventually meet those goals.

Start this year being filled with hope and a new found belief in yourself.  Please don’t pay attention to past failures.  Instead focus on the here and now, because it truly offers a new chance.  Isn’t the thought of a chance for a brand new start exciting?  All you need is to believe, and I think anything is possible.

So learn to believe in yourself and in brand new starts.  Just for a moment close your eyes and see yourself meeting your goals and how very great you feel.

Brand new starts require brand new, positive attitudes.  So leave that negative attitude with your past and for today and all the new days to follow, believe you can fly and that there are no limits.  Make this year about making your dreams come true.  Take this New Year and become who you are truly intended to be.

I wish you peace, joy and luck in learning to embrace your very wonderful life!

 

Pomona Unified School District Celebrates New Dental Health Center

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – The Palomares Academy of Health Sciences held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Jan. 9 to celebrate the opening of a new school-based oral health center run in partnership with the Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) College of Dental Medicine.  This is the fourth school-based comprehensive dental clinic in PUSD.

PUSD has worked in partnership with local universities, including WesternU, to offer students unique educational experiences and services. Since fall 2013, WesternU, in partnership with PUSD, began providing free and low-cost oral health services – including free dental exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants – to uninsured and underserved children ages 17 and younger. While meeting the needs of these children, the program also serves as a teaching laboratory for third- and fourth-year dental students, who perform all procedures under the supervision of licensed dentists.

Palomares is the opening of the fourth dental clinic at PUSD, with others located at the Mendoza Center, The Village @ Indian Hill and Alcott Elementary School.

Cal Fire Riverside Promotes New Division Chief

New Northwest Division Chief, Silvio Lanzas (Photo Courtesy: Cal Fire)

New Northwest Division Chief, Silvio Lanzas (Photo Courtesy: Cal Fire)

Staff Reports

Riverside County – On Mon., Dec. 1, 2014, Cal Fire’s Riverside County Fire Chief, John R. Hawkins, proudly announced the promotion of Silvio Lanzas to Division Chief, during their Executive Staff Meeting.

Lanzas began his career with Cal Fire (then CDF) as a Fire Explorer in 1992 in the San Bernardino Unit. He then furthered his career in the positions of Firefighter I and Firefighter II serving the communities of Highland, Devore, Chino Hills and Yucaipa.

Between fire seasons, Lanzas worked in Cal Fire Riverside’s Perris Emergency Command Center. He remained in the unit as a Fire Apparatus Engineer assigned to fire stations in Menifee, Sun City, Canyon Lake and Moreno Valley. He also worked two special assignments at the Perris Emergency Command Center.

Lanzas promoted to Fire Captain and held assignments in the San Bernardino, and later Riverside, Units.

In 2009, Lanzas promoted to Battalion Chief where he was assigned to the Moreno Valley Battalion prior to his final assignment as a Battalion Chief overseeing the Perris Emergency Command Center.
Lanzas now oversees the Northwest Division, which includes unincorporated areas of Riverside County, the Cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco and the Rubidoux Community Services District. His additional responsibilities include operational and administrative supervision of the Cal Fire/CDC Norco Conservation Camp. Lanzas holds two Associate’s Degrees and is a California State-Certified Chief Officer.

Lanza is married to wife, Kara, and they have two sons – Isaiah, 16, and Jakob, 4.

CHP’s Holiday DUI Statistics

Staff Reports

California – The holidays are cause for celebration, and sometimes the celebration that involves alcohol consummation can go too far.

In an effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries over the 2015 New Year’s Holiday, a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) was conducted beginning at 6 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 31, and continued through 11:59 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 4. During this MEP period, all available CHP Officer were on patrol.

The MEP results for this past holiday weekend were, unfortunately, significantly increased over last year. 28 people were killed in collisions statewide (more than double over last year); and 1,158 DUI arrests were made by CHP Officers statewide (triple over last year). In Los Angeles County alone, six people were killed and 236 DUI arrests were made (only one person was killed and 104 were arrested for DUI last year).

CHP’s goal is to reduce the amount of roadway deaths, and they strive to educate the motoring public that the use of safety belts saves lives, and driving under the influence is never a good idea. The results can be deadly.

Drinkinganddriving.org wants to help educate you and remind you about the dangers of driving under the influence.

Follow these tips:
• Know the truth about blood alcohol levels and how drinking affects your actions.
• Know yourself (what’s at risk?).
• Think about the “3 Fs” – Family, Friends, and Future (who will your actions affect?).
• Understand what a costly mistake underage drinking is.
If you plan on drinking:
• Get a ride;
• Get a room;
• Appoint a Designated Driver
If you are offering drinks:
• Be an excellent party planner and be accountable for what (and to whom) you serve;
• Don’t be afraid to confiscate car keys, offer a room or couch, or call a taxi for those that overdo it;
• Stop serving alcohol well before your guests are expected to leave.
Have a Happy New Year, but don’t become a statistic. Don’t drink and drive!

If You’re Happy And You Know It, Fill Your Tank!

gas=prices

(Courtesy: GasBuddy.com)

Staff Reports

USA – Noticed anything at the gas stations lately?  That’s right, it’s almost affordable!

The price of gasoline has been on the decline for months, and it economists are correct, 2015 should continue to see prices drop; Bankrate.com measures that American drivers could save about $500 on gasoline this year.  Considering the prices were upward of $5.00 per gallon several years back, this is a considerable relief on our wallets and budgets overall.

The average price in the Walnut-Diamond Bar area is about $2.40 per gallon, but it doesn’t stop on a personal level.  A boon of $100 billion could be realized in the American economy if the price of crude oil stays low.

The European economy is behind some of the speculation, but since 2008 America has increased domestic supply by as much as 50 percent.  States like Texas and Oklahoma have doubled their production in recent years, making us less dependent on Saudi, Arabia.

Let’s hope this is a sign of the times for years to come.

 

 

Five Arrested in Grand Terrace Homicide

Staff Reports

Murdered Security Guard, Richard Williamson (Photo Courtesy: NYDailyNews.com)

Murdered Security Guard, Richard Williamson (Photo Courtesy: NYDailyNews.com)

Grand Terrace – On Thurs., Jan. 1, at just before 2 a.m., Grand Terrace/Central Station Deputies responded to a call of shots fired.  They were dispatched to Cal Skate, located at 22080 Commerce Way in Grand Terrace.

Upon arrival, Deputies located three male victims outside the location suffering from gunshot wounds.  The victims and approximately 400 people were attending an all-night New Year’s Eve party at Cal Skate.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD), two of the victims were security guards at the event.  One victim was treated at the scene, and two were transported to a local hospital for treatment.  At approximately 3:10 a.m. on Jan. 1, one of the victims – Security Guard, Richard Williamson, 48, of Riverside, was pronounced deceased at the hospital.

SBSD Homicide Detectives immediately launched an investigation in pursuit of the suspect(s).  On Mon., Jan. 5, five suspects were identified and arrested in the shooting incident:  Ezekiel Isaiah George, 18, of Perris; Topaz Prince Crummie, 20, of San Jacinto; Adrian Gentry, 17, of Adelanto; Laquan Trice, 15, of Perris; and Maurice Lamont Martin, Jr., 17, of Perris.  The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office has charged all five suspects each with one count of Murder; two counts of Attempted Murder; and one count of Shooting at an Inhabited Dwelling – with Gang Enhancements filed on each count.  Gentry, Trice and Martin are all being charged as adults.  All five were arraigned on Jan. 6.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Ryan Smith or Sergeant Jason Radeleff of the Sheriff’s Homicide Division at (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
 

 

 

Walnut Valley Begins 2015-16 School Registration

By Kelli Gile

 

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) will soon begin registration for the 2015-2016 school year, for children entering transitional Kindergarten/Kindergarten through 5th Grade.  Registration dates are:

  • 21 – 23 (for children with siblings already attending school in the district;
  • 26 (for elementary children new to the district at any grade level.

 

You may register for transitional Kindergarten if your child turns 5 years of age any time Sept. 2 through Dec. 1. Students must be 5 years of age on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in Kindergarten for the 2015-2016 school year.

At the time of registration, parents will be asked to present a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of the child’s immunizations, and for Kindergarten and 1st Grade, proof of an oral health examination.  For residency verification, parents will also need to provide either final escrow papers, mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement, along with a current utility bill (gas, water or electric bill) and a driver’s license (or California I.D.) with the current home address.  Enrollment is on-going, and your residence address determines the elementary school where you should enroll your child.

The WVUSD offers quality day care programs at all elementary sites, both before and after school hours.  You may contact the Child Care office at (909) 444-3460 foradditional information and fees.

 

 

New Diamond Bar Council Member

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar Council Members

Council members Jack Tanaka (L), Carol Herrera (R), Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons and Mayor Steve Tye welcome Jimmy Lin as the City’s newest council member. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council kicked off its first meeting of the new year by not only shielding the City from prostitution dens from masquerading as massage parlors, but also by welcoming its newest councilmember, Jimmy Lin.

After having several weeks off because of Christmas and New Years Day, the Council met on Jan. 6 with its first major action being the announcement that Lin, a former Diamond Bar Planning Commissioner, would take over for Ling Ling Chang.

Chang was elected to the California State Assembly during the November General Election and left the vacancy open for new candidates. To circumvent a costly election – estimated at $150,000 by Mayor Steve Tye – the Council decided to fill the vacant seat by interviewing candidates.

Tye said Lin was chosen out of 11 other candidates for having an exceptional background in public involvement, entrepreneurial skills and professional aptitude.  Lin said he felt very privileged to be selected as Chang’s replacement and to be able to serve the City and its residents.

“I’ve living in a lot of places in the world, over 60 different countries around the world,” Lin said. “But when I ended up (in Diamond Bar), I knew this was the place I would retire in. It’s such a livable city and I have devoted about eight years of my time serving as a volunteer for committees.  I pledge to give my best to not only sustain, but to enhance the quality of life in this city.”

After the appointment of Lin, Tye said the Diamond Bar City Council was back to “full strength.”

Following the announcement of Lin’s appointment, the schedule of future events was listed to include a Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Jan. 8, a Planning Commission meeting on Jan. 13, Winter SnowFest on Jan. 17 and the next City Council meeting on Jan. 20.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including the minutes for the Dec. 16 Council meeting, the ratification of a check in the amount of $1,726,352.29, the treasurer’s November 2014 statement, the second reading and adopting of an ordinance amending the parking of motor vehicles in city parks, the exoneration of surety bond number CMS-244886 to complete grading improvements at 20405 Walnut Drive, the reduction of 55.6 percent of surety bond number 929590937 to complete in-tract street improvements for Willow Heights, the award of a professional consulting services contract for a pavement management system to Nichols Consulting Engineers in the amount of

$43,000 and the adoption of a resolution approving the final tract map for subdivision of Air Space for a 19-unit office condominium at 660 North Diamond Bar Blvd.

The Council then approved the only public hearing item, pertaining to the interim ordinance which temporarily prohibits the establishment, expansion or relocation of massage establishments in the City.

The ordinance, which will take effect for 45 days, is seen by the City as a way to limit possible prostitution dens, since massage parlors in Southern California have come under scrutiny for being hotbeds for illicit activities.

The Council then adjourned at 7:20 p.m. with plans to meet in the Diamond Bar City Council Chambers at 21810 Copley Drive on Jan. 20.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I am 51 years old.  I have recently lost an incredible amount of weight and everyone is commenting on how sunken in my face looks.  I lost weight hoping I would look and feel better and avoid people’s constant comments about my appearance.  It almost seems worse than before.  Can you recommend any face plumping products that might help me?

-S. Sanchez

 

Hi, S. Sanchez:

I recommend that you not be so tolerant of people who pick your appearance apart.  Seems rather rude, but you didn’t request advice about that issue so I will move on.  J

Regarding facial filling products, visit a plastic surgeon or a dermatologist for advice on this topic.

-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 atstraighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Mt. SAC’s Spring Semester Begins Jan. 14  

By Mike Taylor

Mt. San Antonio College

Mt. San Antonio College

Walnut – Online registration for Mt. San Antonio College’s spring semester credit classes begins Jan. 14.  Classes begin on Mon., Feb. 23.

All credit students must register for classes online at my.mtsac.edu. New students must submit an admission application online. For students who do not have computer access, computers and assistance are available in the Student Services Center during business hours. The Admissions Office is open Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Before registering, new students are required to activate their personal Mt. SAC portal account, “myportal.mtsac.edu” through the college website. Instructions on how to do this, along with your username are sent to the new student’s email address the student used when applying to the college.

Through myportal.mtsac.edu, students will be able to view their registration date and time but will not be allowed to register before their assigned time. New students must also sign up for their assessment tests at the Assessment Center.  Appointments can be made at www.mtsac.edu/assessment, by calling (909) 274-4265, or in person at the Assessment Center.

Students are urged to prepare for assessment testing by reviewing the information available on the Assessment Center webpage.

In addition, new students must also sign up for the required new student orientation session before registering for classes. For more information about required orientation sessions, call the Mt. SAC Counseling Department at (909) 274-4380.

The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents, and all fees are due upon registration. Assistance in applying for financial aid is available in the Financial Aid Office, also located in the Student Services Center, or contact us at (909) 274-4450.

For more registration information, call the Mt. SAC Admissions & Records Office at (909) 274-4415, or visit www.mtsac.edu.

Christmas In A Foreign Country

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently we traveled across the ocean to spend Christmas with all of our family. Since some of our adult kids live in foreign countries, we flew from Los Angeles to Europe so we could celebrate Christmas with them.

We don’t travel often, but when we take those long ten to 12-hour flights, we are reminded of just how far it is. We typically leave L.A. in the evening and fly through the night to arrive in Europe the next day. And then, there is usually a layover in a foreign airport before we get our connecting flight to our final destination. It often takes 18 to 20 hours.

It is hard for me to sleep sitting up in a narrow seat on a crowded airplane through the middle of the night. Thankfully, the movie selections were good this time, but the meals were some of the worst we have experienced on an international flight.

We arrived at our destination at about 10 p.m. European time and got to our destination an hour later. It was a long trip. The grandkids were already in bed so we tried to sleep and adjust to the eight hour time change. We quickly remembered that jet lag is real.

On most international airlines, you are allowed one check-in bag and one smaller carry-on per person. Since we were going for Christmas, our two large check-in bags were filled to capacity with Christmas presents, and we packed our limited amount of clothes in the two small carry-on bags. Clearly, the presents were the priority!

When we were greeted by our smiling grandkids the next day, we knew that all of the hours of travel and the expenses were worth it. They were thrilled with all of the gifts that we brought and we enjoyed all of the time we shared with them.
This was the first time in three years that we had all of our kids and grandkids together. And, we think it was the first time in a decade that we were all together on Christmas.

I hope you enjoyed a wonderful Christmas with your family and friends. This was a Christmas that we will remember for the rest of our lives.

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.

OC Christmas Burglar Shot

Staff Reports

Fullerton– A man has been charged for burglarizing a home on Christmas and fleeing the scene after being shot by the homeowner.

Jeremy William Bell, 29, of Fullerton, has been charged with one felony count each of First Degree Residential Burglary, Aggravated Assault, Attempted First Degree Residential Burglary, with a sentencing enhancement for the personal use of a deadly weapon, and a prior prison conviction in 2012 in Riverside County for a felon in possession of a firearm. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of nine years and four months in state prison.

At approximately 11:30 p.m. on Dec. 24, 2014, Bell is accused of attempting to break into an Anaheim home. He is accused of removing the sliding screen door of a room at the residence, but was unable to get inside. The family inside the home noticed an unknown man wearing a ski mask and contacted 911. The defendant is accused of fleeing the scene. Anaheim Police Department (APD) officers arrived at the residence, but were unable to locate the defendant.

At approximately 3:30 a.m. on Dec. 25, 2014, Bell is accused of breaking into an Anaheim home in a different neighborhood by gaining access inside the home’s closed garage. The homeowner heard noises coming from the garage and went to investigate. The defendant is accused of striking the homeowner in the face with a metal wrench as the victim opened the garage door. The homeowner ran back inside the home and retrieved a shotgun. The defendant is accused of fleeing the scene and stealing items from the residence after seeing the homeowner armed with a shotgun.

The homeowner fired one round of birdshot which struck the defendant in the back. APD arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect after finding him hiding outside a nearby garage at a different residence.

Bell is being held on $500,000 bail and was scheduled for pre-trial on Wed., Jan. 7, at the North Justice Center in Fullerton.

Suspect At Large In La Verne Murders

La-Verne-Homicides-800

Staff Reports

La Verne – On Fri., Dec. 26, at approximately 1:30 p.m., Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Homicide Detectives responded to the 300 block of Roughrider Road in the city of La Verne to investigate a stabbing incident. At the scene, a female adult was pronounced dead, and a male adult was transported to a local hospital in critical condition; he succumbed to his injuries shortly thereafter.

Detectives learned that a Grounds Keeper found the married couple unresponsive inside the location and contacted the San Dimas Sheriff’s Station. Further investigation found the victims to be Shirley Isom, 74, and Armie “Troy” Isom, 89.

According to LASD, a multitude of detectives and forensic specialists have been involved in the investigation since the beginning. The expansive residence of the victims and its large-scale surrounding property led to a crime scene investigation that spanned several days. In addition, detectives have interviewed family members and many area residents in an effort to determine the identity of the suspect(s) and a possible motive.

At press time, no definitive conclusions have developed and diligent investigation will continue.
Detectives are working to identify and locate a Hispanic male who was seen walking on the roadways in the area around the time the crime was discovered. He was wearing a hooded jacket and was carrying a backpack on his back. It is unknown if this man is connected to the crime, but detectives are seeking to interview him.

LASD held a Press Conference on Jan. 7 to discuss the double-murder investigation thus far, and to seek the public’s assistance in identifying a suspect.

Anyone who has information about the person of interest, or anything to do with this crime, is asked to call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

No NFL In LA?  Hold That Thought

By Glenn Freeman and K.P. Sander

 

football-image            Industry – While it is true that NFL Commissioner, Roger Goodell, recently said that the league will not support relocation of a team in Los Angeles for the 2015 season, there is reason to speculate that the local football future looks promising.

Goodell’s statement was directed at three teams in particular:  the Rams, Raiders, and Chargers.  These outfits have lease terms and clauses that will be expiring, and all have been mentioned as possibly looking into a move to the nation’s second-largest television market.  There is movement, however, by Rams’ owner, Stan Kroenke.

Speculation of a move by the Rams ramped up last year after Kroenke purchased a 60-acre parcel in Inglewood adjacent to Hollywood Park.  The San Diego Chargers – who draw a significant amount of fans and sponsors from the Los Angeles area – are reportedly staying put while they look at their own stadium negotiations.  And Oakland Raiders owner, Mark Davis, was approached recently by San Antonio for relocation. According to ESPN.com, Davis was “impressed” with the city’s pitch.  All of this makes the Rams move to Inglewood look pretty viable.

Goodell’s statement does not keep teams from filing an application to relocate for 2015. Yet it’s highly unlikely any team that files for 2015 will garner enough support needed to relocate given the Commissioner’s directive. Instead, Goodell indicated that 2016 may be a more favorable time for relocation.  Barring a miracle, however, a new stadium to house a relocation would not be completed for the 2016 – or 2017, for that matter – season.

While officials in St. Louis are working to keep the Rams – USA Today recently reported that Missouri Governor, Jay Nixon, has sought advisement on options to “ensure that St. Louis remains an NFL City for years to come,” – Kroenke is moving behind the scenes.

On Jan. 5, Kroenke and the redevelopment company for the former Hollywood Park racetrack announced plans to incorporate an 80,000-seat sports stadium into an already approved multipurpose entertainment venue.

The fully capitalized project – which was approved by the city of Inglewood in 2009 – has a total of 4 million square feet awaiting retail, office, hotel, residential and other options in design.  The stadium would not only provide an ideal location for an NFL team, but other sports (think soccer) and large-scale events (think Staple Center) could take place there as well.

Residents in the city of Inglewood must vote approval of the arena, but officials from Hollywood Park Land Company say the proposed stadium will come to fruition whether an NFL team makes the move to the Greater Los Angeles area, or not.  Kroenke’s venture does not guarantee anything.  It could mean a move for the Rams or simply a capital venture for billionaire Kroenke.

The St. Louis Rams – who played in Los Angeles (and later Anaheim) from 1946 to 1994 – are reportedly less than happy with their current situation.  With Nixon looking for ways to keep them, and Kroenke (possibly) looking to move them, at this point there is no official nod in either direction.

Kroenke’s control of a new stadium project raises an eyebrow in the direction of Greater Los Angeles, and even though many stadium proposals have come and gone in the last 20 years, this encourages a more concentrated hope for a local NFL team.

 

 

 

 

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 01.10.15

The-Weekly-News-Cover-01.10.15The 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  The Weekly News 01.10.15 to access the complete Weekly News January 10th issue in pdf format.

Walnut: Walking In A Wrangler Wonderland

By Kelli Giles

First graders rocked out during “Christmas Conga.” (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

First graders rocked out during “Christmas Conga.” (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Westhoff Elementary presented its annual Spark of Love toy drive and holiday extravaganza on December 19. Students filled boxes with hundreds of new toys for needy children.            “For 22 years we’ve been making the lives of other children really special at this time of year,” said Principal Denise Rendon.

The Spark of Love toy drive is co-sponsored by Southland Firefighters and KABC7. Firefighters from Walnut Station #146 delivered the donations to needy children in the Los Angeles area.

“This holiday spirit restores the true meaning of Christmas. It shows us that everyone here has a chance to give to the less fortunate. And you’ve all truly done that here,” commented Captain Russell Blackschleger.

Each grade level took to the stage to perform a special holiday song. Westhoff parents and family members filled the school amphitheater for the school’s signature event.

Kindergarteners wearing adorable oversized t-shirts and red scarves and mittens opened the show with “White Christmas.” 1st Graders took the stage for “Christmas Conga” and 2nd Graders sang and danced with giant candy canes during “Candy Cane Jane.” 3rd Graders joined the holiday program with “Christmas Cookies” followed by the 4th Grade class singing, “Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree.” 5th Graders showed their gymnastic, roller blade, dance, and baton talents during the high-energy “Big Time Rush.”

Westhoff staff members performed a holiday line dance with Santa and his elves during the Walking in a Winter Wonderland finale.

 

 

 

Forecast For Diamond Bar: Snow!

Staff Reports

 

diamond-bar-winter-snow-fest            Diamond Bar – Unlike the weatherman, we know exactly when it’s going to snow in the City of Diamond Bar. Winter Snow Fest is coming!

On Sat., Jan. 17, 2015, Pantera Park will be transformed into a glorious winter wonderland. From 9am until 3pm, this fun family festival will feature a snow play area including four snow hills; a children’s craft area, games and food booths, and lots of fun!

Admission to the Winter Snow Fest is free of charge. Sleds will be provided for the snow runs, but children should be bundled appropriately and must wear closed-toed shoes. $5 wristbands will be available for unlimited sledding fun. Tickets are also available for the game area; just $1 to play four games.

This is a cash-only event, and non-profit community service organizations are participating by operating the food, game and craft booths. The music and drama departments at local schools, as well as children’s performing groups, have been invited to entertain at this festival.

Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at (909) 839-7070, or visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/wintersnowfest.

So dig out the warm scarves, mittens and boots, and join in the frozen fun of Diamond Bar’s Winter Snow Fest! This is a great opportunity to get the community together and kick of the New Year with style.

 

 

Walnut: South Pointe Choir Serenades Homeless

By Kelli Gile

 

Walnut – The choir from South Pointe Middle School spent the evening serenading the homeless at the Pomona Cold Winter Shelter on December 12.

Students and their families weathered the rain to bring food, clothing, and music to the lives of our local homeless.  The evening was filled with the music of the Beatles, traditional choir music, and Christmas carols.

“This was the most meaningful event of my life,” 8th Grader, Paige Asprec, told fellow choir members.

“I was inspired by how grateful they all were to us even though they don’t have a place to live,” added 7th Grader, Ernie Perez.

Community member Rachelle Lynn Pitre and her parents run the shelter.

“They are amazing people!” described Choir Director, Robin Wadsworth.

“Thank you to our South Pointe Choir and Mrs. Wadsworth for remembering the power to ‘Do ONE Thing’ to make the world a better place!” said Principal Susan Arzola.