Category Archives: The Weekly News

La Puente: Local Girl Runs For Charity

Blanca-Ramirez-of-Operation-Smile

Blanca Ramirez at the Great Wall of China (Photo Courtesy: Operation Smile)

STAFF REPORTS
La Puente – 12-year old Blanca Ramirez is running for charity. She has a goal to become the youngest person ever to run seven marathons on seven continents…before her next birthday.

It sounds more than ambitious, but Ramirez is nearly half way there already. She has run marathons in Africa, Asia and the United States, and is looking forward to running in South America this month, Australia in November, and Europe in early 2015. That just leaves Antarctica, which is scheduled next March.

Ramirez took to running as a family affair, but then she had the idea to globalize her running for charity. She runs to benefit Operation Smile, one of the largest surgical organizations in the world, and also the largest volunteer-based medical charity providing free cleft surgeries. They have provided over 220,000 free surgical procedures to children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities. Every three minutes a child is born with one of these conditions, which makes it difficult to eat, speak, hear and breathe properly.

Ramirez’ effort to raise awareness for such a worthwhile cause is definitely something to smile about. You can follow her journey and find out more about Operation Smile by visiting Team Blanca at http://teamblancausa.com/#operationsmile.

 

San Gabriel: Flash Flood Kills 1 In Mount Baldy

STAFF REPORTS

Mount Baldy – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station, has issued a statement that Joohwan Lee, 48, of El Segundo, was killed in a flash flood accident on Sun., Aug. 3, between 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.

The San Gabriel Mountains experienced heavy rainfall which created a flash flood condition that overflowed Bear Canyon Creek. Lee, who was driving northbound on Bear Canyon Road, was caught in the flash and the force of the mud and debris pushed his vehicle 200 feet south on the road where it came to rest against a tree.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies patrolling nearby located Lee’s vehicle, and with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, he was extricated. However, Lee succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Coroner has yet to determine the exact cause of death.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department San Dimas Sheriff’s Station responded and assumed control of the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station, Sergeant Rodriquez, at (909) 450-2700. 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.

The Weekly News Complete Edition 08.09.14

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Aug9WeeklyAll  to access the complete Aug 9-15 issue in pdf format.

Rain, Rain, Go Away

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

 

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

We don’t get a lot of rain in Southern California in the summer.  In fact, we usually don’t see a drop of rain between May and November.  We get most of our rain in the winter and spring.

On our recent trip to Central Europe, we experienced the exact opposite.  It rained day after day for a week.  The creeks were full and the hillsides were covered with lush green grass.  It looked like a picture postcard. We all enjoy a light drizzle or an evening shower, but this rain wouldn’t quit.  It rained hard for days.

The farmers may appreciate all the rain, but young grandchildren and visiting grandparents can get a little cabin fever after a week of rain. Usually we got out each day to walk or ride bikes to a local park.  It is fun to get out and the grandkids loved the play yard at the park.  But it was hard to go anywhere with rain every day.

One solution we found was to drive a few miles to a nearby town and go to the shopping mall. This provided a good alternative and got all of us out of the house.

One of the best things about this part of the world is enjoying the outdoors.  It can be cold and barren in the winter, but spring and summer are beautiful.  We love it and the grandkids do, too.

Whether you live in Southern California or Central Europe, rain and water are essential. In the Bible it says, “God has shown His kindness by giving us rain from heaven and crops in their season, providing us with plenty of food and filling our hearts with joy,” (Acts 14:17).

The rain and the weather are good reminders of how blessed we are to live and enjoy the world that God has made, even when it is more rain than we would like. I’m sure we all hope to see some more rain soon in Southern California.

 

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.

Straight Talk With Danice

BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

There is a guy I like at my neighborhood bar. I go there three times a week hoping I will run into him. He is always polite to me when I talk to him, so I thought I had a chance with him. He hasn’t been there for the past two weeks now, and some of the waitresses told me that it’s because he thinks I’m stalking him. I have heard this before a few times from other guys I like. I swear I am just being friendly. What is wrong with people? Why are they so mean? How should I show men I am interested in them?

Hannah

 

Dear Hannah:

If the word ‘stalker’ has been used to describe you a few times, then you have some social malfunctions going on. You are probably not able to read body language very well, and are coming on way too strong. If you are willing to really take a look at this, I have plenty to say on the subject, but this is not an adequate setting to have this sort of discussion. Call my office if you’d like to see me privately.

This is a very important issue, and I hope you will address it quickly. Be careful, until you get this sorted out.

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.

Depression

BY NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

Do you seem to be always sleeping or not able to sleep at all? Are you eating everything in sight or suffer from no appetite at all. Have you lost pleasure in doing the things that once made you so happy? Are you unable to focus and concentrate? If you are able to answer yes to the questions above, you may be suffering from some type of depression.

Depression comes in many forms. Dysthymic Disorder is a very mild form of depression. People suffering from this are very functional but just don’t feel happy. People suffering from severe depression aren’t very functional and need to be treated. Severe depression can lead to suicide and must be taken seriously.

Bipolar Disorder involves a cycle of very manic moods and then a fall into a very severe depression. Many times the mania is accompanied by severe spending or some other risk taking behavior. People suffering from Bipolar Disorder need to be on medication. There are subtypes within these main categories that I won’t expand upon.

Depression comes from a lack of serotonins, a chemical produced in the brain. Many people choose to take a pill that will put the serotonins you are lacking back into your body. Exercise is also a great way to increase your body’s serotonins and to do it in a natural way. Many of my clients are asked to keep a daily feelings journal as a way to help combat their depression as well.

Don’t let your depression or the depression of a loved one become a way of life. Everybody should be able to feel joy, and depression stops us from doing that. Take the time to journal, exercise and possibly get some professional help so you can feel the joy in your life.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. For more information about any of these services feel free to page her at (626) 935-3818. You may also email her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. Nancy’s book, “Live, Heal and Grow” is available for purchase at http://www.RoseDogBookstore.com or Amazon.com

Be Careful What You Wish For

BY ROBERT S. HUFF

A country preacher decided to skip services one Sunday and head to the hills to do some bear hunting. As he rounded the corner on a perilous twist in the trail, he and a bear collided, sending him and his rifle tumbling down the mountainside.

Before the preacher knew it, his rifle went one way and he went the other, landing on a rock and breaking both legs. That was the good news. The bad news was the ferocious bear charging at him from a distance, and he couldn’t move.

“Oh, Lord,” the preacher prayed, “I’m so sorry for skipping services today to come out here and hunt. Please forgive me and grant me just one wish. Please make a Christian out of that bear that’s coming at me. Please, Lord!”

That very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to its knees, clasped its paws together and began to pray aloud right at the preacher’s feet. Then the bear said: “Dear God, please bless this food that I am about to receive!”

Walnut: Mendoza Sworn In As Mt. SAC Student Trustee

BY MIKE TAYLOR
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College student, Paola Mendoza, was sworn in as the new student trustee for the 2014-15 academic year during the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees’ July 23 meeting.

As student trustee, Mendoza, 19, will present the student perspective on policy issues before Mt. SAC’s governing board. She will have only an advisory vote, which does not count toward the passage or failure of a motion. The advisory vote helps the board know how the student trustee stands on issues and strengthens the student role in the college’s shared governance process.

Mendoza, a resident of Ontario, is a Psychology major and carries a 3.6 GPA. She has served as a senator with the Mt. SAC Associated Students (student government) and holds memberships in the campus Psychology Club and IDEAS Club, which serves as an advocate for undocumented students.

After she graduates from Mt. SAC, Mendoza plans to transfer to UCLA as a Psychology major.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

STAFF REPORTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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.

 

Calvary Lutheran Summer Kids’ Day Camp

When: Monday, Now through Wednesday, August 20; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Schools, 23300 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar 91765 Details: A fun, safe, Christian environment for your school age children. Kids’ camp is a summer day camp program based on fun, personal and spiritual growth, and the celebration of God’s Word through various activities, field trips, and daily devotions.  All children ages 5 – 12 are invited to attend.  Check out the Mt. Calvary Lutheran website for more information about daily activities, registration, and fees.

 

West Covina Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday evenings, now through August 7; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: West Covina Civic Center, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue

Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes and enjoy this summer entertainment:

  • Aug 7: Mariachi Divas
  • Aug 16: Food Truck Frenzy and Concert

Contact: Community Services Department, (626) 939-8489.

 

Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series

When: Wednesday evenings through August 13; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive

Details: Free admission and free parking

  • Aug 06: Cold Ducks (70s Tribute); The Lego Movie.
  • Aug 13: Little Lies Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute); Despicable Me 2

Contact: www.ci.diamond-bar.ca.us

 

Chino Youth Museum Family-Friendly Programs

When: Now through August 2014

Where: 13191 Sixth Street, Downtown Chino; Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nominal fees.

Details: There are some amazing events taking place this summer, from art projects and entertainment, to edible art creations and Kids Night Out. Enjoy special activities like You & Me Time, Beat the Heat cool activities, and special day Museum Birthday Parties.

Contact: (909) 334-3270 to find out more about the summer-fun schedule.

 

Wheel Food Fest

When: August 1, September 5, October 3 (1st Friday of the month); 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.

 

Chino Relay for Life

When: Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave, Chino

Details: 24-hour event that helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Run, Walk, Sponsor!

Contact: Kristine Travis, at kritravi1978@yahoo.com

 

Youth Citizens Police Academy Class VIII

When: Monday – Thursday, Aug. 11-21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue

Details: High school teens, 14-18 years of age, who live or attend school in the City of Chino, can get an inside look at all the functions of their local law enforcement agency. Participants will get hands-on experience with SWAT, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, K-9, CSI, Narcotics, Traffic and much more!

Contact: Olivia Le Van, (909) 334-3087, or olevan@chinopd.org for applications.

 

Irwindale Poker Tournament

When: Aug. 22 through Oct. 3; Tournament on Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Participating restaurants and The Pub at Miller-Coors.

Details: 6th Annual World of Food Poker Tournament, an innovative program designed to provide a fun way for poker players to earn bonus chips while driving business to local participating restaurants Registered players are encouraged to visit participating restaurants from Aug. 22 through Oct. 3 collecting chips for purchases. A Texas Hold-Em’ elimination tournament will be held on Fri., Oct. 3.

Contact: Detailed information is available on the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce website at www.irwindalechamber.org. Register no later than Aug. 7 to ensure full access to all materials.

 

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale featuring the Simpsons!

When: Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).

Details: Journey from the animated Springfield Bowl to the Hollywood Bowl for this unprecedented event as the famous orchestra accompanies your favorite scenes from the Simpsons on the big screen. Seats are located in Section F2, Rows 5, 6, and 7. The fee is $55 per person, appropriate for all ages.

Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.

 

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

 

Riverside: UPS Driver Accused of Stealing Guns

STAFF REPORTS

 

Riverside – A United Parcel Service driver was arrested on Fri., July 25, on federal gun trafficking charges for allegedly stealing dozens of guns going through the shipping company’s Ontario hub, and providing them to an associate who sold the weapons in underground transactions.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Curtis Hays, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, was arrested without incident by special agents with the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). Hays was expected to be arraigned that same day in United States District Court.

The associate who allegedly sold some of the firearms – Dennis Dell White, Jr., 35, of Moreno Valley – will be summoned to appear in federal court for an arraignment in the coming weeks.

The 16-count indictment, which was filed on July 23, alleges that Hays stole a series of packages containing guns that were supposed to be delivered to the Turner’s Outdoorsman retailer in Rancho Cucamonga. The indictment also accused Hays of stealing jewelry and mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to other retailers. This merchandise was also allegedly given to White.

Hays purportedly provided the firearms to White, who illegally sold the weapons to other individuals, and some of the guns were then sold to others. The firearms included 12-gauge shotguns and .45-caliber handguns.

Hays and White are charged with conspiracy; six counts of theft of firearms; six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms; and two counts of theft, receipt, and possession of goods in interstate commerce.

White is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The conspiracy count carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The weapons charges each carry a potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The stolen goods charges each carry a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. And, if convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, White could face up to an additional 10 years in prison.

The investigation into the stolen firearms was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Ontario Police Department.

Chino: Police Arrest Robbery Suspect

STAFF REPORTS

rafaella-benoit

Rafaella Benoit (Photo courtesy: City of Chino)

Chino – Officers of the Chino Police Department arrested a subject believed to be the suspect of the Bank of the West robbery, which took place in Chino on Mon., July 14.

Rafaella Benoit, 18, of Moreno Valley, allegedly entered the Bank of the West and passed a note to the teller demanding cash. The suspect – described as a black female in her 20s, wearing light colored hospital scrubs, a tan knit cap, and sunglasses – fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Through the investigative process, Detectives identified Benoit as a potential suspect. Benoit was out on bail for a previous bank robbery she allegedly committed on Fri., May 9, at the BBVA Compass Bank, located in Moreno Valley.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Fri., July 25, Officers arrested Benoit in the 1200 block of Autumnwood Lane as she was leaving her residence in Moreno Valley. A search of the property was conducted and evidence was found linking Benoit to the crime. She was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on robbery and committing a felony while out on bail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

Diamond Bar: Burglary Suspects Caught, Reward Paid

THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR

Diamond Bar – Two more criminals have learned the hard way that it does not pay to attempt a home burglary in Diamond Bar, and the resident who helped identify the suspects is now $500 richer.

The attempted burglary occurred last May on the 300 block of San Leandro Drive. A resident was working from home on a Wednesday morning when he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle pulling up in front of a neighbor’s home. Moments earlier he had seen his neighbor drive off, so he knew the home was empty.

He watched as the driver exited the vehicle and casually walked up to the front door. As he continued to watch, the suspect appeared to knock and ring the doorbell. After getting no response, the suspect made his way to the side yard of the home where the neighbor saw him peer through the windows and eventually move to the back of the house and out of view.

The resident immediately called the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station with a description of the suspect and vehicle. He was still providing an account of events to the station dispatcher when he heard a Sheriff’s helicopter circling overhead. Through his office window he saw the suspect run from behind the house and get into a car. He then saw him drive toward Golden Springs Drive.

A team of Sheriff’s personnel pursued the vehicle and stopped it in the City of Pomona, at which time they found a second suspect seated in the front passenger seat. They also found a worn tire iron and a black fleece glove; the matching glove fell from the suspect’s clothing during the pat down search.

Based on the initial statements and positive identification by the witness resident, Sheriff’s deputies arrested the suspects for attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools, and transported them to the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station for booking.

Under the City’s newly implemented Report for Reward program, the witness resident was nominated, and presented with a $500 reward last month.

Report for Reward aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary. The program is open to everyone; however, City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

A phone call to the Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595.2264 (call 911 if the burglary incident is in progress) is currently the only way to report suspicious activity as part of the Report for Reward program.

For more information about the program, visit diamondbarca.gov/RFR.

Walnut: Suzanne Students Join Global Math Olympiad

BY KELLI GILE

Suzanne-7th-grade-math-olypians

Suzanne 7th Grade Math Olympian winners show their awards, showing with teacher Amy Erickson. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Suzanne Middle School students were among the 110,000 students worldwide to participate in the 2013-2014 Math Olympiad program. The team participated in a series of five monthly contests, with five problems each, from November to March, and weekly practice sessions with Suzanne math teachers and coaches, Amy Erickson and Victor Lu.

The Math Olympiad contests challenged students to solve unusual and difficult problems and to think creatively. Students were awarded trophies for top scores in each grade level as well as pins and patches of recognition.

“The students responded well to the challenge and were recognized for their achievements during an end of the year awards celebration,” Erickson said.

For the 6th Grade, William Lin came in first with a total of 21 correct out of 25. Lin, Darren Chen, Derek Wang, John Chou, Amber Tsao, Jennifer Zhang, Tyler Xu, and Melony Yu all received silver pins to signify a top 10% score. An embroidered patch was also awarded to Liwen Xia, Nicole Chiang, Katherine Lee, Catherine Wang, Curtis Lin, Daniel Ahu, Marco Chan, Jeremy Hsiao, Louis Wong and Kevin Chen for placing in the top 50%.

For the 7th Grade, Aaron Chang was awarded the 1st Place trophy, along with a patch signifying a top 50% score. Alice Zhang, Ethan Lin, Oscar Chou, Sylvester Yue, Angela Zhu, Jordin Wang, Felianne Teng, Yi Chen, Jerry Guo, Sheldon Zhu, Derick Tseng, Phillip Leung and Jing Wong also received patches for their 50% scores.

For the 8th Grade, Eugene Lo was awarded the 1st Place trophy along with a silver pin recognizing his top 10% score. Christopher Wang was also awarded a silver pin. Kevin Jensen, Lydia Chan, Fabiola Delvillar, Charles Gu, Matthew Nguyen and Irene Zhou received patches for their 50% scores.

 

The Complete Weekly Edition 08.02.14

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Aug2WeeklyAll  to access the complete Aug 2-8 issue in pdf format.

Chino: Illegal Sterilization At Chino Prison

STAFF REPORTS

chino-womens-prison

(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Chino – In a review concerning female inmate sterilizations occurring between fiscal years 2005-06 and 2012-13, state auditor, Elaine M. Howle, reported on some disturbing facts discovered in some California prisons.

The June 19 audit revealed that during the aforementioned period, 144 female inmates were sterilized by bilateral tubal ligation, and the Receiver’s Office of the California Correctional Health Care Services at times failed to ensure that the inmates’ consent was lawfully obtained. 39 inmates received the procedure – 11 of those women incarcerated at Chino – with deficiencies in the process.

In 27 of those cases, there was no evidence that a physician signed the required consent forms asserting that the patient was mentally competent and therefore understood the lasting effects of the procedure; in 18 cases there was a violation of the required waiting period between consent and procedure. In some cases, the physicians falsified the consent forms, indicating that the proper waiting period had passed when it clearly had not. In all there were numerous illegal surgeries and other violations of the state’s informed consent law.

For one case in particular for a pregnant inmate at the Chino prison, a physician filed a form requesting approval for a pregnancy evaluation and treatment. Nothing on the form indicated a request for sterilization; the woman was sterilized, regardless, during a cesarean section delivery which was performed 17 days before the woman’s expected delivery date. A review of her medical records did not indicate any emergency conditions requiring an expedited delivery or sterilization.

Auditors have begun to urge federal officials to give the names of the physicians involved in the illegal surgeries to the Medical Board and the California Department of Public Health for further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Prison advocates and former inmates say that prison medical staff targeted those who were deemed likely to return to prison in the future. The audit states that all the women who received tubal ligations had been in prison at least once before, and were repeat offenders. The prison medical officials have denied any ill intent; however, the integrity of all these incidents is in question.

This integrity, or lack thereof, leads one to remember California’s dreadful history regarding such things, labeled Eugenics. Wikipedia states that as an early leading force in the field of Eugenics, California became the third state in the United States to enact a sterilization law, forcing 20,000 sterilizations between 1909 and 1963. By 1921, California had accounted for 80% of the sterilizations nationwide. This continued until World War 2, after which the number of sterilizations began to decrease, largely due to the fallout of Hitler’s eugenics movement. It is reported that Nazi Germany sought the advice of the California’s eugenics leaders in the 1930s. More current reports tout the sterilization as a way to avoid welfare benefits for unwanted children.

In response to the audit, the state prison health department generally agrees with the findings, and noted that steps have since been taken to improve the situation. A bill has now been introduced that would ban all inmate sterilizations for birth control purposes. In May, the Senate unanimously approved SB 1135, and the measures are now being taken up by the Assembly.

Tiana Goegebuer contributed to this article.

 

 

 

Orange County: Major Layoffs At Broadcom

STAFF REPORTS

 

Irvine – Orange County chip manufacturer, Broadcom, has plans to cut at least 240 jobs at its Irvine headquarters. A plan was recently announced to eliminate 20 percent of the technological company’s total staff, including 630 throughout California and more in North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Broadcom, whose wireless and broadband communication business was founded in 1991, has been a long-time supplier to Apple, and their chips have been a component of iPhones. Their total revenue in 2012 was over $8 billion, and in 2013 they were listed as number 327 on the Fortune 500. However, the company has been unable to compete with emerging firms in Asia, and techno-giant, Qualcomm, in San Diego.

The layoffs will save Broadcom an estimated $700 million annually, and they will continue to manufacture Internet-driven devices used in home appliances, thermostats, and mobile technologies. Nearly all of the layoffs will occur on Sept. 26, with the balance taking place in early November.

 

 

Walnut: West Nile Mosquitoes In Walnut

STAFF REPORTS

 

Walnut – On Fri., July 18, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District identified two samples of mosquitoes caught in traps at Creekside Park that tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second finding in San Gabriel Valley over the past several weeks.

According to the SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District – or the Vector Inspectors – WNV is present in the San Gabriel Valley every year. You can help to eradicate this disease from the area by taking an active stance against it through prevention. The Vector Inspectors recommend that you walk around your property and dump out any accumulated water in buckets, barrels, old tires, pots, and other containers. Report any green and stagnant pools, ponds and fountains, as they can breed thousands of mosquitoes weekly; and report all dead birds to www.westnile.ca.gov.

WNV is primarily transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. In some species it is nearly always fatal. The presence of dead birds in a neighborhood is often the first indication of WNV activity.

WNV originated in Africa and was first recognized in the United States in 1999. There is currently no cure; however, most people don’t exhibit any symptoms. Since 2003, there have been more than 4,000 reported infections and 145 deaths in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), so the threat should be taken seriously. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, skin rashes and nausea, which can present anywhere from five to 15 days after exposure, and can last several days or months.

Popular Creekside Park is the venue for Walnut’s summer concert and movie series, and there are a number of precautions you can take to prevent infection during this event or any outdoor activity.

Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, and when enjoying warm summer evenings, be sure to wear loose-fitting long pants and sleeves, and shoes and socks. Treating exposed skin areas and outside clothing with repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, and oils of lemon eucalyptus can also be helpful, according to the CDC.

For more information, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

 

Los Angeles: Former Rosemead Mayor Sentenced to Prison, Avoids Bribery Charge In Deal With DA

STAFF REPORTS

Los Angeles – The former mayor of the City of Rosemead, John Tran, was sentenced on Mon., July 21, to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted witness tampering and making false statements to FBI agents conducting a corruption investigation. He struck a plea with the DA and avoided the bribery charges. JohnTran2

The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Tran plead guilty late last year to the witness tampering and false statement charges. In a plea agreement filed in United States District Court, Tran acknowledged that he received approximately $38,000 in payments from a developer in exchange for Tran’s promise to help her obtain permits for a project.

The witness tampering resulted from Tran asking the developer to lie to a federal grand jury by denying that he had recently met with Tran or paid Tran any money.

Tran made false statements to the FBI in 2011 when special agents went to his home to conduct an interview and Tran denied receiving anything but campaign contributions from the developer.

Tran was elected to the Rosemead City Council in 2005 and was mayor of Rosemead from 2007 to 2009. He was also a Garvey School Board member prior to winning a council seat in 2005.

In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered Tran to pay $38,000 in restitution, most of which has already been recovered by the FBI.

The case against Tran was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

 

Riverside: School Custodian Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges

STAFF REPORTS

 

Riverside – A school custodian who sexually abused a child over a period of several years and shared visual images of the molestations online plead guilty on Mon., July 21, to federal child pornography charges.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Matthew Frazer, 39, of Yucca Valley, plead guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Frazer, who has been in custody since his arrest earlier this year, is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge, Virginia A. Phillips, on October 6.

Prior to his arrest on January 31, Frazer was employed as a custodian with the Morongo Unified School District. The victim did not attend the schools where Frazer worked.

The investigation into Frazer was initiated last year after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided the FBI with a series of pornographic images depicting a young female being abused by a white male. For several months, investigators attempted to identify the adult male in the images, and the FBI identified Frazier as the suspect earlier this year.

Frazer plead guilty to the two felony charges pursuant to a plea agreement, in which he admits filming sexual explicit images of the young female victim from 2008 through 2012. He admitted to making a video in October 2009, when the victim was just 6 years old, and again in 2010 when she was 7.

As a result of the guilty pleas, Frazer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the distribution charge and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison as a result of his guilty pleas to both counts. The plea agreement calls for the judge to impose a sentence of at least ten years and up to 23 years, which will be followed by ten years of supervised release.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI. The following agencies provided assistance during the investigation: the Riverside Police Department; the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and the San Bernardino County Probation Department.

 

 

 

The Mexican Fisherman

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

 

I am convinced that deep inside our hearts we all possess the ability to be successful. I rely on a simple formula: Confidence + Desire = Ability. I believe that when we have confidence, and then add our desire, we find the path to ability. And I believe that each and every one of us can accomplish whatever we want, just as long as we have desire. But it has to come deep from within.

What I’ve also learned is that not everyone shares the same definition of success that I do, and I’ve learned that what’s important to me is not necessarily important to others.

As a motivator, I want everyone in the world to apply themselves and work hard to be on top. I want to encourage everyone to do their best and step up to their inner ability. But I’ve come to the realization that sometimes we have to really look clearly at the big picture, because sometimes our goals are the same. It all depends on how you look at it.

This brings me to a story I’d like to share, a story called, The Mexican Fisherman:

An American investment banker was at the pier of a small coastal Mexican village, when a small boat with just one fisherman docked.

Inside the small boat were several large yellow fin tuna. The American complimented the fisherman on the quality of his fish and asked how long it took to catch them. The fisherman replied, “Only a little while.”

The American then asked, “Why didn’t you stay out longer and catch more fish?”

The fisherman said, “With this I have more than enough to support my family’s needs.”

The American then asked, “But what do you do with the rest of your time?”

To which the fisherman replied, “I sleep late, fish a little, play with my children, take a siesta with my wife, stroll into the village each evening where I sip wine and play guitar with my amigos. I have a full and busy life.”

The American scoffed, “I’m a Harvard MBA and I could help you. You should spend more time fishing; and with the proceeds, buy a bigger boat. With the proceeds from the bigger boat you could buy several boats. Eventually you would have a fleet of fishing boats. Instead of selling your catch to a middleman, you would sell directly to the processor, eventually opening your own cannery. You would control the product, processing, and distribution. You would need to leave this small coastal fishing village and move to Mexico City, then Los Angeles, and eventually New York where you will run your ever-expanding enterprise.”

“But what then?” asked the fisherman. The American laughed and said, “That’s the best part. When the time is right you would announce an IPO and sell your company stock to the public and become very rich. You would make millions.”

“Millions? Then what?” the fisherman asked.

The American said, “Then you would retire. Move to a small coastal fishing village where you would sleep late, fish a little, play with your kids, take siesta with your wife, stroll to the village in the evenings where you could sip wine and play your guitar with your amigos.”

This story reminds me that when you’re searching for success in life, you need to determine what success means. Just as the fisherman believed in his simple life, we need to look at the simplicity of what we really want. At times, we may find we don’t need to look too far for success because sometimes we’re already successful. Some of us, deep inside, are simple, happy, already successful Mexican Fishermen.