Category Archives: The Weekly News

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

My husband was not invited to walk his daughter down the aisle at her wedding. She chose a close family friend instead. My husband and his ex-wife had a horrible relationship which made it impossible for him to have a decent relationship with his daughter. He is very down on himself and feeling depressed. I don’t know how to help him. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

-Ali V.

Dear Ali:

Maybe your husband’s ex-wife was able to influence his daughter when she was a child, but most women who are getting married are adults. Certainly he had access to his young adult daughter without the influence of her mother.   In my experience, no one can keep a good parent away from their child (especially an adult child). If the bride is not interested in a relationship with her father, he should do his best to find out why. Everyone is an adult now. Try for a fresh start when they return from their honeymoon. Do not add any additional stress to their lives before the wedding.

-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.

Not Again

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Many years ago, my wife suggested that we add a small mint plant to our vegetable garden.  We had a beautiful bed of strawberries and never thought the mint would be a problem. But over the next few years, the mint completely took over the garden.  We discovered that mint is like a weed.  It grows quickly and spreads rapidly.

I actually wrote an article about this problem and asked for advice on how to get rid of the mint in my garden.  One person sent me an email with a simple solution: Never plant mint in your garden in the first place!

The only way I was able to get rid of the mint was to dig up every square foot of my garden and sift every shovel of dirt through a screen.  It took many weeks and many hours to completely remove every small twig and root of mint.

That was several years ago.  Since then I have planted a variety of vegetables in my garden. This year we have enjoyed fresh tomatoes, bell peppers and zucchini squash. But, a few days ago I saw something that I never expected to see again.  Several small twigs of mint appeared in my garden.  I had not seen any mint for years. How could this be?

It reminded me that there may be old habits and sins in our lives that we think we have conquered and defeated, but they reappear when we least expect it.  I wonder if there are things from your past that might resurface and invade your peaceful life unexpectedly.

All of us are vulnerable to temptation and sin.  All of us have our weaknesses.  All of us can fall back into some old habits if we are not careful and prayerful.

If you see a small “twig” of mint resurfacing in your life, don’t ignore it.  Ask God for help and strength to face the temptation.  Ask a friend to help keep you accountable and have the freedom to speak into your life.  Don’t try to handle it alone.

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.

 

Walnut: WV School Board Approves New Administrative Positions

BY KELLIE GILE

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees has approved the following administrative positions for the 2014-2015 school year. Congratulations to the following team members!

  1. Sergio Canal is the new Director of Pupil Personnel Services/Secondary Education in the Educational Services Division. Canal brings 18 years of expertise in the K-12 educational system. Most recently, he served as principal at Nogales High School. He has also been an elementary teacher, middle school assistant principal, and a high school administrator.

David Suarez was approved as Director of Maintenance, Operations, Transportation and Facilities.  Suarez comes highly recommended and brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the District. For the past five years, he supervised over 300 employees as director of maintenance at Foothill Transit. Suarez is also a retired Air Force E-7 Technical Sergeant and served our country for 20 years.

Jeanette Koh is the new principal at Quail Summit Elementary School. Koh brings 22 years of experience in education to her new post and she has been in Walnut Valley for the past 18 years.  Last year, Koh served as Assistant Principal at Suzanne Middle School.  Previously she was the Title I Coordinator at Vejar Elementary and a teacher at Maple Hill Elementary. Koh is the GLAD (Guided Language Acquisition Design) trainer for the district and was honored as the Outstanding Contributor to Literacy by The American Literacy Corporation. She spent 19 years as a teacher and earned the prestigious National Board Certification.

  1. Resma Chamadia-Byrne has been approved as the new principal at Castle Rock Elementary School. She brings 19 years of experience in several school districts including Pasadena Unified, Ontario-Montclair, and Corona-Norco. Chamadia-Byrne has taught several grade levels, served as a teacher on special assignment, and worked with various school programs and parent groups, and most recently served as assistant principal for one of the largest elementary schools in Southern California serving nearly 1,800 TK-6th Grade students on a multi-track calendar.

Jennifer Alcazar is the new Assistant Principal at Chaparral Middle School. For the last three years Alcazar has implemented technology with staff and students as a Technology Coach at Chaparral. Jen has been a science teacher for 19 years, with ten of those years at Chaparral. Alcazar has been implementing professional development for the past decade through the University of California, Irvine.

Amy Smith has been approved as the new Assistant Principal at Suzanne Middle School.  For the past four years, Smith was a teacher at Vejar Elementary School. She has taught at several schools during her career, including Quail Summit Elementary. Amy began her career as a middle school teacher and brings 14 years in education to her new post.

 

 

Fall In Love With Autumn

BY: K.P. SANDER

This is one of the hottest summers that I can remember. The barometer hasn’t even glanced toward anything less than 90 degrees in what seems like months. Being of British descent, it’s in my DNA to appreciate downright cold weather. It’s invigorating! As of late, however, I’m feeling a bit lazy. Normally one to enjoy dressing the part, I am reduced to t-shirts, shorts and a wet pony tail. The thought of getting out the blow dryer is, well, ewww.

The hissing of summer lawns is overshadowed by the whirl and whine of air conditions trying to keep one step ahead of the sweltering heat and humidity. Like me, you’ve probably had the electric company reduce your ability to run the A/C at peak times – and rightly so. At 106 degrees, a hot community could bring a grid to its knees.

So you try to enjoy the slightly cooler temperatures of the evenings by sitting outdoors, but then those little darlings of the West Nile [virus] start sipping on you like you’re a piña colada. Back indoors you go and make an attempt not to sweat and sleep at the same time.

But enough complaining, already. Let us turn our thoughts to all things autumn. Ah, sweaters, scarves, warm fires, hot chocolate, Pumpkin Spice Lattes, trips to local mountains, colors changing, the baking of pies and breads, apple cider, and jack-o-lanterns. It’s no longer hot, but most wonderfully cool. The word ‘Crisp’ comes to mind (although a friend who lived in Wisconsin once told me I didn’t know the meaning of the word).

Fall Festivals start cropping up and electric bills go down. Wardrobes change, dinner menus start to include casseroles and turning the oven on is no longer a crime. Lawns start perking up as they feel able to muster up a bit more green, and if you’ve planted a summer vegetable garden, you’re gathering the last of the harvest.

Soon, Halloween costumes will be selected and Thanksgiving plans will start to formulate. It seems the whole color palette around us changes to burgundies, golds, reds, greens, and plums. As leaves begin to drop and decorate the neighborhoods, the air feels fresher, and life just seems a bit cozier. People, in general, seem to generate a warmth, and appear a little friendlier.

As the poet, Lucy Maud Montgomery wrote, “…Pile high the logs till the flame be leaping; at bay the chill of the autumn keeping; while pilgrim-wise, we may go a-reaping – in the fairest meadow of memory!”

‘Tis autumn, at last!

 

 

Walnut: Mt. SAC Art Gallery Revisits Exploration of Figurative Art

BY MIKE TAYLOR

 

Walnut – The Mt. San Antonio College Art Gallery will kick off its 2014-15 season with, “The Way of Flesh II,” which runs Sept. 18 through Oct. 16, at the Art Gallery. This exhibit is free and open to the public.

“The Way of Flesh II” displays the legacy of figurative art through the eyes and hands of three generations of contemporary artists, without geographical limitations. By contextualizing, juxtaposing, and challenging the limitations of traditional media, this exhibition offers the audience a complexity of inventive approaches to rendering the figure in the classical tradition. “The Way of Flesh II” picks up 20 years later, after the original “The Way of Flesh” exhibit at the Mt. SAC gallery in 1994.

Participating artists are Sigmund Abeles, Sharon Allicotti, Juliette Aristides, Steven Assael, Ron Brown, Dawn Butler, Thomas Butler, Wes Christensen,Domenic Cretara, Dirk Hagner, F. Scott Hess, Jared Linge, Pamela Diaz Martinez, Daina Mattis, John Nava, Odd Nerdrum, Ryan Schroeder, Robert Schultz,Luis E. Serrano, Betty Shelton, Richard Shelton, Cynthia Sitton, Thomas Stubbs, Ruth Weisberg, Jerome Witkin, and Peter Zokosky.

A special opening reception will be held Thurs., Sept. 18, 4:30 to 7 p.m., in the Art Gallery, Building 1B. An artists’ panel for the exhibit will be held Sun., Sept. 28, 1 to 4 p.m.  Gallery hours are Tuesdays through Thursdays, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., and Tuesday nights, 5 to 7:30 p.m.

For more information, call the Art Gallery at (909) 274-4328.  .

Walnut: WVUSD Seniors Named Semifinalists in Scholarship Program

BY KELLIE GILE

Walnut – 42 Diamond Bar and Walnut High School seniors have been named Semifinalists in the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program.  The nationwide pool of about 16,000 Semifinalists represents less than one percent of U.S. high school seniors in each state.

The following students have been recognized for demonstrating exceptional academic ability and potential for success in rigorous college studies:

Diamond Bar High School: Kyu Seo Ahn, Saakib Akbany, Athena Chen, Zhen H. Chen, Matthew Chiu, Justin J. Choi, Kali A. DeCambra, Sophia Y. Deng, Gregory J. Gunadi, Shyam F. Hassan, Jeannie C. Huang, Mandy Hung, Christopher L. Ivanoff, Rena Jiang, Catherine H. Larcheveque, Young D. Lin, Michelle Lyu, Alvin R. Ma, Alexander J. Song, Emily K. Wong, and Jordan C. Wong.

Walnut High School:  Ao Henry, Bobbie Chen, Jackson T. Deng, Joanna Hao, Jefferey S. Huang, Mindy A. Huang, Yu Ting Kuo, Andrew S. Lee, Xiang Li, Rhea Lin, Theresa T. Lo, Ethan Ma, Johnny Mok, Christopher Qian, Allison Y. Tang, Yun-Ta Tsai, Rachel Wang, Brian S. Weng, Manyue Zhang, Xin Zhang, and Ted N. Zhu.

About 1.4 million juniors in more than 22,000 high schools across the country entered the 2015 National Merit Scholarship Program by taking the 2013 Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying Test, which served as an initial screen of program entrants. The number of Semifinalists in a state is proportional to the state’s percentage of the national total of graduating seniors.

These academically talented seniors will now go on to compete as Finalists for 7,600 scholarships worth about $33 million that will be offered next spring by the National Merit Scholarship Corporation, private companies, colleges, and foundations.  Students submit detailed applications, recommendations, essays, and SAT scores.  All National Merit Scholarship winners are selected from the group of Finalists on the basis of their skills, accomplishments, and potential for success in rigorous college studies without regard to gender, race, ethnic origin, or religious preference.

Congratulations students, parents, and teachers on this outstanding accomplishment!

 

 

City of Industry: Football Stadium? Not Yet.

BY GLENN FREEMAN

Los Angeles football stadium

Architect’s model of the proposed NFL stadium in the City of Industry. (Photo Courtesy: http://www.losangelesfootballstadium.com)

City of Industry – In early 2008, the NFL proposed a new stadium coming to Southern California, slated for the City of Industry. Now, six years later, we seem to be no further along in the process.

In April of 2008, Ed Roski, Jr., the billionaire head of Majestic Realty Co., announced his plans for the $800 million, 75,000 seat stadium, to be constructed off Grand Avenue near the interchange of the 60 and 57 freeways. The location seems ideal for its centralized access to 15.5 million people across four counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, and San Bernardino.

Roski’s plan to bring an NFL team back to greater Los Angeles was contingent upon receiving the necessary approvals. After 20 years without a team, the NFL appears to be no closer to returning to Los Angeles other than saying they would like to. Perhaps Commissioner Roger Goodell has his hands full with the recent public relations crisis centered on player domestic/child abuse allegations.

In recent queries to the City of Industry, Senior Planner, Troy Helling, stated that the only actions proceeding on the 600 acre site at this time are the mass grading, landscaping, and installation of the major infrastructure, as part of the former Redevelopment Agency’s obligations – as the State dissolved all such agencies.

“This will in essence create a table top onto which one of two approved projects will be developed in the future [the NFL stadium, and industrial/commercial use],” said Helling.

Local fans will have to continue to focus on their television screens, or travel to Phoenix, the Bay area or San Diego to get a taste of live action football.

 

Who Determines Our Path?

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

While driving one day, I noticed a young man sitting on a park bench. You could tell he was in despair, the way he was just sitting there, staring at the ground. He looked like he had given up.

The man was wearing a muddy shirt, dirty tan pants, a large trash bag that he used as a backpack, and a pair of almost unrecognizable tennis shoes. His hair was filthy and matted, and he sported an untrimmed beard that looked as though it had been chopped in sections with a dull pair of scissors.

He sat there as though he had no place to go. His head hung down; his eyes seemingly entranced on the ground. The scene reminded me of a small child, bored, thinking he didn’t have a friend in the world. I could see hopelessness and sadness in this man’s demeanor.

As the cars sped by on the street, the man got up and walked in a slow-paced journey to nowhere. Had he stepped into oncoming traffic, I would have been horror-struck, but not surprised. It would have appeared as though another tragic life had ended without a cause, without a clue, and without a care.

He didn’t look angry, but had he been I could have imagined him attacking. Why not lash out at society if you don’t care what happens to you? Why not “get even?” This is a sad logic, but as one who watches the news, its today’s reality.

As I looked at the man, I wondered if society had failed him; but how much truth does that hold? How responsible is society for the ones that are lost? I believe we have to ask ourselves, who determines our path? Who maps out our life? We’ve heard so many excuses about responsibility through blame and denial that we allow ourselves to label our lives as dysfunctional. And then we wonder why we turn out differently than others.

After the experiences I’ve had in life, I now believe we are the creators of our own destiny. We determine where we go, who we are, and who we become. After pointing the finger at society for too long, we need to take responsibility for ourselves. HOWEVER, I will add that as parents, we ARE responsible for providing an honest and fair life, a loving and caring environment, a responsible and healthy example, and a thorough and extensive education for our children. Of course, we shouldn’t condemn ourselves if our children do not turn out the way we had hoped. As human beings, there comes a point in time where we need to look ourselves in our own eyes and say; “I honestly did the best I could, with no regrets.” Why wish for the chance to do things over, when that is not a possibility? You can only change who you are right now, and move forward doing your best.

I believe that there will be a day of judgment. And on that day we will be forced to look into our own souls and really see who determined our path. So to that young man on the park bench, I hope you are happy with your path.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

STAFF REPORTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Prescription Drug Take-Back Event

When: September 27, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Upland Police Department, 1499 W. 13th Street, Upland

Details: The Upland Police Department and the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will give the public its ninth opportunity in four years to prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs (the DEA cannot accept liquids or needles or sharps, only pills or patches).   The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked. Last April, Americans turned in over 780,000 pounds of prescription drugs at nearly authorized 6,100 sites.

 

Citizenship Information Session

When: September 27, 11 a.m. (with a follow up workshop on October 25)

Where: Azusa City Library, Auditorium

Details: Azusa City Library and Central American Resource Center have partnered to strengthen citizenship education efforts in the San Gabriel Valley.

Contact: (626) 812-5273, or email evilla@ci.azusa.ca.us.

 

Walnut High Presents, “The Understudy,” by Eddie McPherson

When: October 1 – 4, 7 p.m., with a 2 p.m. matinee on October 4.

Where: Walnut High School Performing Arts Center, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut

Details: Acting can be murder! The Walnut High School Drama Department is bringing this charming murder-mystery comedy to theatre-in-the-round. Tickets are $10 in advance; $12 at the door.

Contact: Tickets may be purchased online at www.seatyourself.biz/walnutdrama, or at the door. For more information, call (909) 594-1333, extension 34212.

 

Wheel Food Fest

When: 1st Friday of the month through October 3; 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.

Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.

 

Friends of the Taylor House Artist on the Porch Summer/Fall Series

When: October 12; 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Heritage Gardens Park, 3510 East Cameron Avenue, West Covina

Details: September event will feature craftsman period stained glass with Renn Hjellum-Lim.

Contact: For this and future events, visit facebook.com/taylorhousecraftsmanhome

 

The Chino Hills Historical Society Presentation

When: Monday, October 13

Where: Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive

Details: Local historian, Allen P. McCombs will give a presentation on, “Chino Valley’s Role in How the West Was Won.” This event was previously scheduled on Sept. 15.

Contact: Call (909) 597-2051, or email chhistory@aol.com

 

City of Hope Blood Drive

When: Thurs., Oct. 16, 12:45 to 7 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, Gymnasium, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.

Contact: Call (909) 861-2740 for appointments, and be sure to bring your ID to the event.

 

Bark For Life 5K

When: Saturday, October 18, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Boys Republic High School, 1907 Boys Republic Drive, Chino Hills

Details: The American Cancer Society Bark For Life honors the care-giving qualities of canine companions. Bring your best Canine Friend and join the non-competitive walk around the track, followed by demos, games, contests, awards and dog adoptions. $25 per dog; $5 per person. Raise funds and awareness in the fight against cancer.

Contact: Visit www.relayforlife.org/barkchinoca, or email Jennifer Rudin at bflchinoeventchair@gmail.com.

 

Free Intervention Information Sessions

When: Third Tuesday of each month, 6 p.m.

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

Details: Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addition. Open to the public, space is limited and reservations are recommended.

Contact: Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.

 

Free ESL and Citizenship Classes

When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.

Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Bookstore Blowout

Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).

Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.

 

Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS

When: Second Tuesday of every month.

Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.

 

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

 

Diamond Bar: City Council Recap Sept 16 Meeting

BY ARIEL CARMONA, JR.

Diamond Bar – Local homeowners are angry over the Millennium Development. At their Sept. 16 meeting, the

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Diamond Bar City Council heard from members of an exclusive gated community consisting of 751 home sites and more than 800 homeowners. They are concerned with an ongoing development project which dates back to 2005, which residents say was not properly advertised by City officials and could result in environmental hazards, as well as disturbances to homeowners adjacent to the construction.

At an informational meeting held on Sept. 9, City officials presented information to residents on the Millennium Tentative Tract 53430 project, a residential development of 48 single family custom lots inside the gates of the Country Estates on 80 acres at the terminus of Alamo Heights Drive and along Horizon Lane.

Although the City granted approvals for a conditional use permit, tree permits and an Environmental Impact Report to the developers, Millennium Road Partners, a geotechnical report, as well as on and offsite stability assessments of the site are currently under review, according to documentation made public by City officials.

Members of the Homeowners’ Association spoke during the public portion of the council meeting voicing concerns over the project. Citing the possible wear and tear of streets, noise and pollution, and the danger of heavy vehicles losing control on hillside streets, City officials were accused of arbitrarily granting the tentative tract map without considering the proper impact, and of not properly notifying all the association members.

“Eight plus years later, and many [homeowners] are just finding out they have been hoodwinked by the City that refers them back to a Board of Director which knows little or nothing about this development,” said association member Cassandra McGuiness.

“It is time to readdress this tentative tract map. Eight plus years have seen much change in protecting habitat for humans and plant life. The cost to the homeowners will be staggering and we are not prepared to support staggering costs,” said McGuiness.

Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Tye, overseeing the meeting for the absent Mayor, Carol Herrera, said, “I think it’s important for people to understand that this City Council (or any previous City Councils) didn’t hoodwink anybody.”

Other members said many questions had yet to be addressed, including a switch from a 26-foot wall along Alamo Heights Drive to two 15-foot walls, and how the development would geographically affect the location of the wall as well as the debris basin.

City Manager, James DeStefano, said the City held a meeting on Sept. 9 to inform residents about the details of the project and received feedback from them. “This project was processed over many years; it was noticed to 180 property owners in late 2005 into early 2006. The project was advertised and discussed in multiple public meetings at the time,” he said.

Association members speculate the development is being revisited as a result of a healthier real estate market, as well as the resolution of other complications facing the developers.

DeStefano added, residents and homeowners were notified of the project and were engaged in the planning, and members of the Association’s board knew about the project as far back as ten years ago when signs were posted on the property and advertisements were carried out as required.

“Back in 2005-06, the Planning Commission advised the City Council that the wall heights should not exceed 15 feet,” DeStefano said in reference to the retaining wall.

City officials indicated there was a substantial turnout for the informational meeting held Sept. 9, with more than 250 people in attendance. The purpose was to provide residents information to help them understand the project. DeStefano said the City is moving through all the questions they received in writing and will respond to them accordingly.

“The more we learn about this, the more we realize it’s a disaster,” said Association member, Michelle Yi. “The City of Diamond Bar owes us, every one of us should have been notified,” she said, adding that the area was a region that didn’t lend itself to development because of the disruptions to wildlife and other regional impacts.

In other matters, the Council was informed by Public Works Director, David Liu, that the City was notified that a Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery grant (TIGER) was awarded to Diamond Bar by the federal government in the amount of $10 million for the 57/60 freeway confluence construction project.

According to staff, the program was created by the 2009 Economic Stimulus Bill, which allows states and cities to apply for funding for transportation projects that have a significant impact on the nation, a metropolitan area or a region.

Liu said the application process was an incredibly competitive process. This is the sixth year of the grant program, and the City’s second try in pursuing this grant. $600 million in grant dollars were appropriated in the current grant cycle. 72 projects were selected from the U.S. Department of Transportation, with grants awarded from applications in 49 states. Liu added that the award validates the project as a national priority.

The grant will be matched with $4.5 million in Los Angeles County MTA funds, $10.6 million in City of Industry funds, and $9.4 million in federal funds – for a total of $34.5 million – to be used for the ongoing project. The funds will be used to implement the first three phases of the project to accelerate the congestion relief, starting in early 2016.

“The folks that travel that every day probably would attest to the fact that it is the seventh most congested interchange in the United States,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tye. “It will get worse before it gets better, but now we know that the funding is there and it’s on the horizon to get better.”

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is on October 7 at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.

 

 

 

 

Pomona: Jay Walkers Beware

STAFF REPORTS

 

JAYWALK            Pomona – Traffic Safety has been a topic in the news quite a bit lately. With the seemingly increased number of pedestrian and bicyclist accidents and deaths, cities are cracking down on the rules of the road that apply to everyone.

As the Pomona Police Department says, Be Safe, Be Seen, and Be Smart, schooling us with the encouragement of the “3 Es of Traffic Safety: Education, Engineering and Enforcement.” Pomona has been working tirelessly on their campaign to reduce collisions and keep pedestrians and bicyclists safer. They have deployed electronic message boards reminding drivers to be attentive with over 250 hours of messaging. The next phase is to enforce the teachings.

You may be aware of the recent “Three Feet For Safety” law that went into effect on Sept. 16, mandating motorists to allow at least three feet between their vehicle and bicyclists moving in the same direction, or slow down and wait until it is safe to pass. Keeping that safer distance in check will help to reduce the number of collisions.

We’ve all heard that pedestrians have the right of way, but there are rules for them, too. According to the Pomona Police Department, there were 79 pedestrian related vehicle collisions in 2013. These collisions resulted in 69 injuries and 3 fatalities. The causes of these collisions can be attributed to drivers not yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks as well as pedestrians who unsafely walk onto the roadway, not conscious of their surroundings.

But we’ve all come upon the pedestrian that takes their right-of-way status a little too seriously. They cross in the middle of the street, and seem to slow down upon your approach. Sometimes they even look you in the eye, daring you to move.

Pomona Police investigators have concluded that some of our pedestrian related collisions were the cause of pedestrians disobeying a lighted traffic signal, suddenly running or crossing into the path of a vehicle, misjudging the speed and distance of a vehicle and alcohol consumption by the pedestrian as a contributing factor. UC Berkeley researchers have found that 30% of all pedestrian fatalities are related to improper street crossing.

The California Vehicle Code (CVC) prohibits pedestrian crossings at very specific locations, which leads us to the concept of “jaywalking,” or crossing between adjacent intersections controlled by traffic signals. Pedestrians do have a requirement not to cross a roadway that puts them in an immediate and dangerous conflict with a vehicle, and must use due care for their safety.

The Pomona Police Department says that now, pedestrians who suddenly walk or run onto the roadway, which can make them a hazard to vehicles, can be cited per the CVC. Pedestrians are also obligated, when they are not in a marked or unmarked crosswalk, to yield the right-of-way to all vehicles so as to not become an immediate hazard.

Remember: Be Safe, Be Seen, and Be Smart. Pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists all must take steps to ensure safety by following traffic signs, signals and rules.

If you would like more information about traffic safety, contact the Pomona Police Traffic Services Bureau at (909) 620-2081.

 

 

Walnut: City Approves Park Property Abandonment For Aquatic Center

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

 

three oaks parkWalnut – After years of litigation and a lack of development, the Walnut City Council overruled objections to the abandonment of 16.49 acres of land in the Three Oaks community, with plans to use the gained funds for an aquatic park.

The original objections originated from representatives from Standard Pacific Homes – the previous owners of the property – who claimed that the abandonment violated the Quimby Act.

Michael Battaglia, Standard Pacific’s Vice President of Project Development, stated that under the Quimby Act, the City was obligated to give Standard Pacific Homes “at least 60 days notice … before vacating, leasing, selling or otherwise disposing of the dedicated property.” Furthermore, Battaglia stated that the Council had a misconception of phrasing used in a previous agreement with Standard Pacific Homes, with language stating that the lot was dedicated for community center purposes.

During the Aug. 13 City Council meeting, Mark Weiner, Community Development Director, said the abandonment was legal under the Municipal Park Abandonment Law since its original agreement for the lot was for a park or open space area, and that the area had not been improved.

To appraise the validity of the abandonment, the City hired special legal counsel, Barbara Leibold, an attorney with Leibold, McClendon and Mann of Laguna Hills, and mentioned that the previous owners have not threatened the City with a lawsuit should it approve the abandonment of the lot.

“[Standard Pacific Homes] does have a different opinion, but it’s our position that the dedication falls within what we call the Municipal Park Abandonment Law and that the abandonment of the park purpose is lawful, and we followed the lawful procedural steps,” said Leibold.

According to Leibold, the Municipal Park Abandonment Law is old, but straight forward in its wording that, “Any property that is dedicated for park or open space purposes can be abandoned by the act of a City Council if that park has not been improved and used for park purposes and was dedicated for that purpose.”

Leibold also said the plan conforms to the City’s general plan, adhering to safety standards considering that a community center would cause unsafe traffic increases because of the singular exit in the Three Oaks community.

The abandonment and sale of the property was met with disappointment from some residents, including Richard Sorenzky, who said that a lot of planning done by the City and various architects went to waste.

“I’m very saddened that the City is trying to sell it and move on,” Sorenzky said. “I think it’s a loss to the residents of the City in general.”

Sorenzky said the abandoned land offers some of the best scenic views of the City and San Gabriel Mountains, and that it would be wise for the City to retain several acres to develop a neighborhood park to take advantage of the landscape’s beauty.

However, the abandonment plans are not seen as a total loss to some, since the funds gained from the sale are planned to go toward building an aquatic park.

The “Walnut Aquatic Park” group’s primary goal is to push the City to establish a community pool and community center for the enjoyment of all residents.

Claudine Stines, member of the group, said that she had more than 1,000 residents give their support for the project during the 2013 Walnut Family Festival, stating that the need for a community pool is paramount since residents are limited to using Mt. San Antonio College and Walnut High School’s pool.

Stines said she sees the abandonment of the lot and its upcoming bids for sale as a positive step toward constructing the aquatic park, and that residents should take the resolution as a victory for development.

“I know we have a long way to go; we waited a long time for this,” Stines said. “[The abandonment] is one more small step, getting us closer to where we’re going to have the aquatic center.”

Schools Remember 9/11

By KELLI GILE

 

Diamond Bar – Last week, Walnut Valley schools marked the 13th Anniversary of the 9/11 tragedy.

Photo Caption: Walnut High students placed nearly 3,000 flags in front of the campus to mark the anniversary of 9/11. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Photo Caption: Walnut High students placed nearly 3,000 flags in front of the campus to mark the anniversary of 9/11.
(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School band, orchestra, and choir performed patriotic songs to honor and remember those who lost their lives on Sept. 11, 2011.

“We want to make sure that we never forget what happened 13 years ago on this day,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.

The 8th Grade band, directed by Leslie Schroerlucke, performed the National Anthem and the Battle Hymn of the Republic. The 8th grade Orchestra played God Bless America and Honor and Glory.

“Honor and Glory was written as a dedication to all of the first responders, fire fighters and police officers,” conductor Greg Rochford said.

Social studies teacher Nancy Miles read the Presidential Proclamation for Patriot Day. She challenged the Chaparral students to perform service for others in the coming weeks.

“It’s as simple as writing a thank you note to a first responder, donating to a charity, or holding the door open for someone. How will you mark this day? What will you do for service?” she said.

The program concluded with the choir performance of Blowing in the Wind and Let It Be.

“These songs reflect on war and peace,” said director Richard Langham.

At Walnut High School, a score of students placed nearly 3,000 American flags on the front lawn of the campus during lunch and after school on September 10.

The event was organized by the Teen Republicans Club, who had support from the Young Democrats Club, Key Club, Sophomore Class Cabinet, and numerous volunteers.

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 09.20.2014

2014-0920-weekly-01

The 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 Sept20WeeklyAll to access the complete Sept 20th, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Did You Know?

BY K.P. SANDER

 

autumn_leaves_scene

(Photo Courtesy: ScienceMadeSimple.com)

Ah, glorious fall! That time of year when nature just bursts in amazing Technicolor and dazzles us with the beauty of the season and cooler temperatures. Okay, maybe more so east coast than here locally, but one can dream.

Technically speaking, the Autumnal Equinox will happen specifically on Tues., Sept. 23 this year. ‘Equinox’ generally refers to the point in time when day and night are of nearly equal duration. In the fall, the days thereafter grow shorter; in the spring (Vernal Equinox) the days begin to grow longer.

Wikipedia says that an equinox occurs when the plane of the Earth’s equator passes the center of the sun, and the tilt of the Earth inclines neither away nor toward the sun – let’s just say that the sun is directly overhead. The Earth is really smart; it knows what to do.

And so does nature. The trees in particular understand that the days will be shorter and they undergo a vibrant metamorphosis. But how, exactly, do leaves change color?

ScienceMadeSimple.com continues our autumnal science lesson. Trees actually store “food” during the summer months. In winter, when there is less light and water, the trees stop making food and start to rest. The chlorophyll – or what makes the leaves green – begins to disappear, fading leaves to yellow and orange. In some trees, like maples, glucose gets trapped in the leaves and the cooler nights turn foliage into reds and purples.

Whatever the science, it is nature’s masterpiece, and it is beautiful to behold. Enjoy autumn!

Being on Probation

By NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist and therapy dog Midnight

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with her certified therapy dog Midnight.

I have worked with many families that have had children on probation. This can cause a lot of stress on the entire family.

There can be many responsibilities that go along with probation, depending on the crime. I have usually found that there seems to be some sort of private or group counseling, parent education, and community service required pretty globally. In addition, anger management, drug and/or alcohol counseling, and perhaps some sort of weekend work program could be required. It is also important that the person on probation is doing well in school, following any curfews imposed, and whatever else the court papers specify.

I have talked with many families that have had children in juvenile hall or a work camp. They have told me it’s very hard to go visit your child in such a facility, especially when the parents get to go home and the child has to stay.

Encourage your child to behave well if they are locked up. I have known children to obtain special privileges for good behavior, and this can make the time go by faster. If your child is on probation and not locked up, remind them how serious things could get if they violate their probation.

Many parents feel they really pay the price for their child’s crime. Usually the parents have to coordinate and enforce all the things the court is requiring, attend parent education, and pay fees and attorney charges. So I think the whole family pays when a child commits a crime.

My advice is to try to become a stronger family and take advantage of all you are being asked to do by the court. Maybe these things are necessary to finally get your family on track.

 

This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with a private practice in Diamond Bar, and is currently accepting new clients. Nancy also runs free family support groups, anger management groups, and special groups for seniors and teens. She is also available for motivational speaking engagements. For more information on any of these services, contact Nancy at (909)229-0727.

 

The Love Of My Life

By Michael Armijo

I once saw a young couple walking together, and their interaction made me pause for a moment and admire them. They looked often into each other’s eyes, and the world seemed to stand still for them. All time seemed to cease and the love between them flourished. It was like watching two birds soar through the sky in a synchronized motion; in true harmony. They were on the same flight, in pace, within the same realm of mind, emotion and feeling.

I believe that in life, you earn the love you have, with your intentions and your actions. You earn the right to love and be loved. If you have not earned love because of what you’ve done in the past, you still have a chance to be deserving of this gift. You ask for forgiveness, first to your God, and then to yourself. Once you believe you are forgiven, your heart will be open to receiving love.

I don’t believe that God has intended us to make the journey of life without profound love; with that feeling where you think, “Being with this person and knowing their smile, their touch, and their love just for a moment, is worth more than a thousand years of living without it.”

When you find that kind of love, you nurture it – forever – so that your hearts become one. For the times you don’t feel as one, you have to remember that love isn’t fading, but the distractions of your insecurity, problems, and other weight-of-the-world issues are simply blurring your vision. True love, well taken care of, will persevere.

I have this love; this ‘love of my life’. I have loved her since I met her, and every moment in between. I have been loved in return, and it has given meaning to my life that I once felt I had no right to expect. But no one can every take that from me, and I have no regrets.

If you have that love, earn it; nurture it. Like that young couple, find your synchronization and harmony. Find the purity and honesty that it is all derived from. Experience that kiss that says, ‘I love you, I trust you, and life is richer because of you.’ Find the love of your life.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.

 

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

My boyfriend is still friends with three of his ex-girlfriends. I think this is inappropriate when he is in a committed relationship with me. What do you think?

-Debbie A

 

Dear Debbie:

In my opinion your immaturity and insecurity are inappropriate for a committed relationship. Adults should be free to choose their own friends. You either like this guy or you don’t. If you need to control him, spare him the drama and move on. I think it’s a good thing when people have shared hard times and they can still manage to be friends. Stop shopping for problems. Join a drama class if you need an outlet.

-Danice Akiyoshi ND

 

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.

Fast Food

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Most people have their favorite “Fast Food” restaurants.  The list is endless.  Some of my favorites include In-N-Out Burger and Chick-Fil-A.

The idea behind the fast food business is that you can get your food quickly without a long wait. The service is good, the food is good and you are able to be on your way.  There are usually plenty of places to park, and most include a drive-thru lane.

Recently, my son and I stopped at a fast food place on Labor Day.  We actually wondered if it would be open.  We knew that banks and post offices were closed.  We learned that other businesses had reduced hours. We were surprised to see that our restaurant was not only open, but packed with hungry customers.

While we were waiting in a rather long line to place our order, a man suddenly dashed into the restaurant almost knocking people down as he hurried into the restroom.  It happened so suddenly that I did not get a good look at the intruder.

Moments later, at least five police cars pulled up and surrounded the restaurant.  There were well-armed police everywhere.  Several entered the restaurant and someone pointed them to the men’s restroom.

As more police cars arrived on the scene, one officer entered the rest room and emerged with the fugitive.   There were so many policemen and police cars that it looked like a law enforcement convention.

Thankfully, the police quickly had the situation under control and no one was hurt.  The suspect did not resist arrest and everyone remained calm.

As my son and I ate our fast food, we reflected on what had just happened.  We realized that if the fugitive had possessed a weapon, it could have been a very dangerous situation with a very different outcome.

We were amazed that the employees did not stop working.  They kept taking orders and serving food. We were surprised that the customers did not panic or try to leave.  It all happened so quickly that no one really had time to react.

We were also thankful for the quick action of the law enforcement officers.  They arrived quickly, acted decisively and treated the suspect carefully.

As we left, my son and I were thankful that we were safe and that the restaurant got our order right.  The food was fast and the experience was one we will remember for a long time.

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.

 

SGV: Medical Assistant Programs Offered At Diamond Bar And Walnut High Schools

BY CANDICE MARSANO

 

SGV – In collaboration with the Walnut Valley Unified School District, the East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Technical Center just opened two new Instructional Service Centers for aspiring Medical Assistants.  The class is a pathway from high school to post-secondary offered as part of the Medical Programs at Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools, and is also open to community residents.

The ESGVROP Technical Center, which bases its post-secondary programs out of its West Covina location, opened the Certified Medical Assistant program at the Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools earlier this year. The program will allow graduating high school students and community residents the opportunity to transition into the program seamlessly throughout the year through its open enrollment.  The program allows students to begin their career in the medical field, gain valuable work experience, and continue to pursue their education at the university level.

With support from Walnut Unified officials, ESGVROP Technical Center set up the Medical Assisting program at the high schools to help students transition into a fully-accredited college-level vocational program.  The program is accredited by the Commission on Accreditation of Allied Health Education Programs (CAAHEP), which qualifies students to compete for a national exam, the AAMA.  The AAMA Certification is highly desired by employers in the medical field.  It’s a perfect program with a high demand choice.  For information on enrolling into the program, call (626) 472-5101.