Category Archives: The Weekly News

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.

Vacation Bible School

When: July 7 – 11, 6 to 8 p.m. (optional meal at 5:15 p.m.)

Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 505 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas

Details: Wilderness Escape: Where God Guides and Provides. Cost is $25 per student, with scholarships and family discounts available.

Contact: Sam Kamler, (909) 599-1689, or visit http://www.faithsd.net

Mt. 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.

 

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

  • Jul 09: The Skinny Little Twits (Rock); Frozen.
  • Jul 16: Retro Soul (Dance); Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
  • Jul 23: The Answer (Classic Rock); The Great and Powerful Oz.
  • Jul 30: Box Car 7 (Blues, R&B); Free Birds.
  • 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

 

Reduced Cost Vaccination Clinic

When: Tuesday, July 29, 7 to 8 p.m.

Where: Chino Community Building, 5443 B Street, Chino

Details: The Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA will hold a reduced fee vaccination and licensing clinic for pets. Dogs: Rabies/$6; DHPP/$15; Bordetella/$15. Cats: Rabies/$10; FVRCP/$18.

Contact: (909) 706-4601

 

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.

 

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.

 

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

 

 

The Weekly News 07.05.14

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 July5WeeklyAll to access the complete July 5-11 , 2014 issue in pdf format

Orange County Man Gets 13 Years For Attempting Al-Qai’da Weapons Training

Staff Reports

Orange County – The United States Attorney’s Office has issued a news release regarding an Orange County man who admitted that he intended to assist Al-Qai’da by traveling to Pakistan, where he would provide weapons training to members of the terrorist group.

Sinh Vinh Ngo Nguyen, 25, of Garden Grove, was sentenced on June 30 by United States District Judge, John F. Walter, who called the crime “a very serious offense that requires a correspondingly long sentence.”

Nguyen pled guilty late last year to one count of attempting to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization. Nguyen, who also used the name Hasan Abu Omar Ghannoum, admitted that in late 2012 he travelled to Syria where he joined opposition forces. Using a social network site during a four month period he was in Syria, Nguyen told people that he was fighting against the Assad regime and that he had a “confirmed kill.” After he returned to the U.S., Nguyen told associates that he had offered to train Al-Qai’da forces in Syria, but his offer had been turned down.

Between August 3 and October 11 of 2013, Nguyen met with a man he thought was an Al-Qai’da recruiter, but who, in fact, was working with the FBI. According to a plea agreement filed in federal court, within the first few minutes of their meeting, Nguyen began questioning the man to determine if he was a fellow jihadist. Nguyen told the man about his exploits in Syria and said he wanted to return to jihad because “this was what he was born to do.” During their meetings, Nguyen – and the man he thought was a recruiter – discussed how Nguyen could travel to Pakistan under a fraudulently obtained United States passport. After Nguyen gave the purported recruiter a photo of himself and a passport application with bogus information, Nguyen agreed to travel to Pakistan, where he would train 30 Al-Qai’da fighters for five or six weeks to prepare them “for a guerilla warfare ambush attack on coalition forces” that would take place in late 2013, according to the plea agreement.

On October 1, with the intention to travel to Pakistan to begin training forces for the ambush, Nguyen purchased a plane ticket to travel from Mexico to Peshawar, Pakistan. On October 11, Nguyen went to a bus station in Santa Ana where he purchased a ticket to Mexico, and was arrested by FBI agents. When he was taken into custody, Nguyen had in his possession the false passport and a computer hard drive that contained “over 180 training videos on shooting firearms.”

Nguyen has been in federal custody since his arrest.

The case against Nguyen is the product of an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Joint Terrorism Task Force.

 

 

Corona Woman Arrested Again For Fraud

Staff Reports

Corona – A Corona woman, who is already charged with a $15 million bank and bankruptcy fraud, was arrested on Tues., July 1, on a new charge.

According to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Carolyn Marie Jones, 51, of Corona, Chief Executive Officer of a high-end denim jean company, was arrested by Special Agents with the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to a criminal complaint issued on June 30 by a federal judge.

According to the criminal complaint, which includes wire fraud, Jones scammed two Georgia men in an investment scheme.  The complaint states that Jones convinced the men to invest with her, but spent the money on her own personal expenses. Jones, who was out on bond pending a September 23 trial in the bank and bankruptcy fraud case, was prohibited from soliciting money from investors while awaiting the trial.

According to the 19-count indictment returned by a grand jury in September 2013, Jones was the Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Decisions, Inc., which sold denim jeans marketed under the labels of Privacywear and PRVCY Premium.  According to the indictment, Jones obtained a $15 million business line of credit from Union Bank, using fake financial statements and fake tax returns, as well as providing the bank with a Social Security number that belonged to someone else.  Jones also hid a previous bankruptcy and felony record from the bank.  The indictment further states that Jones defaulted on the $15 million loan after a year, causing Union Bank to file a lawsuit in state court.  When Union Bank tried to seize the contents of the Diamond Decisions warehouse, Jones caused the company to file for bankruptcy and hid assets from the bankruptcy trustee.

Jones faces a maximum statutory sentence of 489 years in federal prison on the bank and bankruptcy fraud indictment.  Jones also faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years on the wire fraud complaint.

The charges in the complaint and indictment are the results of an investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office states that a complaint and an indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

 

 

San Gabriel Valley: Women Indicted in Immigrant Scheme

Staff Reports

SGV – An immigration consultant and one of her employees were arrested on Thurs., June 26 after being named in an indictment that alleges they filed fraudulent green card applications on behalf of immigrants who were married to United States citizens, some of whom paid more than $20,000 for their services.

According to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Claudia Arreola, 35, of El Monte, who owns California Immigration Services (CIS), and her business associate, Leticia Gutierrez, 35, of Pico Rivera, were taken into custody by special agents with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). The two women were charged in a six-count indictment returned on June 24 by a federal grand jury.

“Fraud scams run by so-called notarios threaten the integrity of the immigration process and offer false hope to desperate people,” said United States Attorney André Birotte, Jr. “The two women in this case victimized immigrants for years by giving the false impression that they could fix immigration problems.”

According to the indictment, the defendants submitted paperwork to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) on behalf of six foreign nationals who were seeking to obtain green cards – or permanent resident status – based on legitimate marriages to U.S. citizens. The applications filed by the defendants allegedly included fraudulent I-94 cards indicating that the immigrants, who originally came to the U.S. illegally, entered lawfully on visitors’ visas.

The immigrant victims were originally quoted fees of approximately $7,000, but the defendants ultimately charged them as much as $24,000. To pay the debt, some of the couples borrowed against their credit cards or obtained loans from family and friends. Subsequently, investigators say when several of the foreign nationals sought refunds after they failed to receive green cards, the defendants allegedly threatened to contact authorities and have the aliens deported.

“Tragically, as is often true in such scams, at least some of the victims in this case could have obtained green cards legally,” said Claude Arnold, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. “Instead, they placed their trust and, in many cases, their life savings in the hands of individuals who were focused on enriching themselves, rather than on helping hopeful immigrants realize the American dream.”

Investigators say the similarity between the name and acronym for Arreola’s consulting business and USCIS, the Department of Homeland Security agency that adjudicates applications for immigration benefits, was no coincidence. Evidence developed during the investigation showed that money orders and cashier’s checks made out to USCIS had been deposited in bank accounts controlled by defendants.

The probe targeting Arreola’s CIS began in 2011 after HSI received leads from USCIS’s Fraud Detection and National Security directorate involving several suspicious benefit applications. While only six instances of fraud are charged in the case indictment, authorities believe the scheme is responsible for dozens of fraudulent benefit applications.

“Arreola victimized immigrants for personal gain by pretending to be associated with USCIS,” said USCIS FDNS Western Regional Assistant Director Ken Takeda. “We are committed to upholding the integrity of our immigration system by combating these deceptive practices. USCIS strongly encourages the public to seek legal advice or representation from attorneys or accredited representatives.”

If Arreola and Gutierrez are convicted, both defendants face a statutory maximum penalty of 60 years in federal prison.

In 2003, the Attorney General of the State of California filed suit against Arreola and Gutierrez, among others, alleging that defendants had engaged in an illegal scheme to provide immigration services in violation of California law. Both Arreola and Gutierrez entered into settlement agreements in which they promised not to engage in illegal immigration consulting services in violation of California law, specifically agreeing not to promise certain benefits or results in immigration cases. In 2006, the defendants began operating California Immigration Services and engaging in the conduct alleged in the indictment.

This case is part of an ongoing, nationwide effort by the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security to target unscrupulous immigration practitioners and combat the unauthorized practice of immigration law. The initiative relies on federal, state and local resources to combat the widespread problem of unauthorized practice of immigration law. Other partners involved in the Los Angeles effort include the Federal Trade Commission, the Los Angeles County Department of Consumer Affairs, the State Bar of California, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, and the Attorney General’s Office of the State of California. For more information on the initiative, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/news/national-initiative-combat-immigration-services-scams.

HSI and USCIS believe there are additional victims in this case who have not yet been identified. Call the L.A. County Department of Consumer Affairs at (800) 593-8222 to seek assistance or get information

Chino: Bicyclist Dies In Fatal Traffic Collision

Staff Reports

Chino –A man riding a bicycle southbound on Central Avenue was hit by a vehicle on Tues., July 1, just after noon. Manuel Vera Ortega, 79, of Chino, was pronounced dead at the Chino Valley Medical Center a short time later.

Officers have determined that the vehicle, a silver 2013 Chevy Silverado, was also moving southbound on Central Avenue, just south of Washington Avenue, when the collision occurred. The driver, William Parkison, 73, of Chino, was not arrested. The cause of the collision is under investigation. Anyone with information is asked to call (909) 628-1234.

 

 

Walnut: DiMiYa Permit Problems

By Raymond Mendoza

352 N Lemon Ave Walnut

352 N. Lemon Ave. Walnut, the site of the proposed location for the new DiMiYa Learning Center. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut – After being originally met with concerns of traffic safety for a proposed DiMiYa Learning Center from the City of Walnut’s Planning Commission, members of the City Council are edging toward a resolution that might bring a new business into the Lemon Creek Village Shopping Center.

DiMiYa Learning Center, a company which provides after-school services and seeks to give attendees a deeper understanding of culture, was originally denied a conditional use permit from the Walnut Planning Commission during a May 7 meeting. Tom Weiner, Community Development Director, said that the denial had several factors, including an over-concentration of child related businesses in the Lemon Creek Village Shopping Center (located at 352 N. Lemon Avenue), a lack of off-street parking, a lack of passenger loading parking spaces, and an outdoor use area for a “playground.” Weiner said the City’s biggest concern has always been with child safety in association with a lack of exclusive parking at the front of the business location.

“Safety is the number one concern for any approval that is being reviewed,” Weiner said. “However this operation, and any child related business in the city, requires a conditional use permit which allows for conditions of approval and a more scrutinized review of the use. Unlike Von’s or Chase Bank, this business is serving children exclusively – and when it comes to Walnut’s children and youth, safety concerns are going to be given special attention.”

During the public hearing meeting on June 25, Lemon Creek Village property manager, Alex Flores, said he was willing to work with the representatives from DiMiYa, with the possibility of creating more parking spaces for the business.

Jean Navarro, the real estate agent who spoke on DiMiYa Learning Center President Bing-Bing Zhu’s behalf, said the brunt of the confusion comes from mistakes made on DiMiYa Learning Center’s permit application for the Lemon Creek Village Shopping Center. Navarro said that DiMiYa Learning Center representatives accidentally put the incorrect age range for the center’s attendees – which would serve children from 4.9-years to 9-years of age instead of the initial proposal of 3 to 5-year olds.

Navarro also said DiMiYa Learning Center is dropping their consideration of using the building’s rear parking area for a drop off zone.

After the public hearing, the City Council opted to not approve or deny the permit, but instead work with DiMiYa Learning Center by clearing up misconceptions on what the business would and would not provide to its patrons.

Additionally, Navarro said that DiMiYa Learning Center is willing to work with all of the City’s demands because Zhu believes that the business will flourish in Walnut.

“DiMiYa is really excited to go to the City of Walnut and (Zhu) first selected the City because it matches up with DiMiYa’s strongest beliefs in education,” Navarro said. “The education system and the residents of Walnut who support education are just a perfect match.”

Since DiMiYa’s permit is now under consideration pending changes to its application, Mayor Tony Cartagena said that the City Council members are glad that the organization is working along with Lemon Creek Village property owner, Arturo Flores.

“I was pleased to hear that the property owner and the applicant’s representatives are very much willing to help mitigate public safety and health concerns on the proposed business,” Cartagena said.

Navarro said that once the City approved DiMiYa Learning Center’s conditional use permit, the company would plan on opening in September.

 

Chino Hills: Stabbing Prompts Shooting

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills – A Chino Hills homeowner shot and wounded an intruder after a frightening surprise attack on Wed., June 25.

The 18-year old intruder, Raiveon Reenay Wooden, allegedly broke into the home and was hiding in the man’s garage in the 2800 block of Brookside Drive in Chino Hills.

According to a Chino Hills Police Department news release, the homeowner/victim reportedly went to investigate the intrusion at about 2:30 a.m., armed with a handgun. When he approached the garage, he was attacked by Wooden and stabbed multiple times. The victim, in an effort to protect himself and his family, shot Wooden twice.

The Chino Hills Police Department was called to the scene, and both men were treated at local hospitals with non-life threatening injuries.

Wooden, who was apparently the ex-boyfriend of the victim’s daughter, was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for investigation of attempted murder, assault with a deadly weapon, and burglary. He is being held in lieu of $1 million bail.

 

Diamond Bar: Council Corner July 1, 2014

By Ariel Carmona, Jr.

 

Diamond-bar-city-council

Diamond Bar City Hall (Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar)

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council held its regular meeting on July 1, approving a light consent calendar which included ratification of a check totaling over $1 million for two weeks worth of expenses for various items, the consideration of an ordinance relating to the amendment of speed limits on city streets, and heard from a resident concerned with what she called a rash of untamed dogs in the neighborhood during the public hearing portion of the meeting.

Cathy Patterson, a Diamond Bar resident since 1980 and a teacher at Walnut Valley Unified for the past 29 years, said she and her dog were attacked by a neighbor’s dogs from across the street when they were out walking on Fri., June 27.

“The larger of the two dogs knocked us both down and then proceeded to bite me severely on the leg, requiring many stitches,” said Patterson, adding that the dog’s owner called off his dogs after he heard her screams.

Patterson said it has come to her attention that over the years the problem of dog owners not being attentive to their dogs has grown and has become an issue that the City needs to address.

“There are several dog owners in the area who do not properly care for their dogs, some by walking them off leash, and some dogs are allowed to roam freely out of sight from their owners during their walk. I’ve even been confronted by at least three different dogs right as I opened my own front door. Some do not have properly fenced yards so the dogs get out on a regular basis, and there are at least four that I know off who are unable to control their animals,” Patterson told the council.

Patterson said following her attack and after receiving medical attention she wanted to report the incident to the Walnut Sheriff’s Station and the Inland Valley Humane Society. According to Patterson, she felt both agencies chided her for not taking more responsibility, for calling 911, and suggesting she might have provoked the attack herself.

Diamond Bar City Manager, James DeStefano, said he was very interested in Patterson’s presentation and said he was going to work with her and City staff to learn more details about the interaction with the Sheriff’s Department and the Inland Valley Humane Society.

In other council actions, a consent calendar was unanimously approved 5-0, and included an item to ratify a check register dated June 12 through June 25 for a total of more than $1 million, as requested by the City’s finance department.

According to information made public by the City and Finance Director, Dianna Honeywell, the City allowed payments for the 13-day period to cover expenses including more than $215,000 for computer equipment hardware and I.T. services, more than $7,000 in environmental impact consulting services, and more than $82,000 in Metrolink pass subsidies.

According to the report presented to the council by the finance department, “All payments have been made in compliance with the City’s purchasing policies and procedures.” The expenditure totals more than $1 million in City funds.

The council also approved an ordinance that will go into effect on Aug. 1 which allows City staff to update speed limits throughout the City as required by the California Vehicle Code (CVC) – which updates its speed zone study every seven to 10 years. The last study conducted by City staff occurred in 2004.

Upcoming Diamond Bar events include the Concerts in the Park Series performance of The Skinny Little Twits rock band at Sycamore Canyon Park on July 19, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m., and a showing of the movie, Frozen, immediately following the concert.

The City Council will next meet on July 15 at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.

 

Walnut: Hooked on Hiking

By Kelli Gile

Hikers

Westhoff teachers and friends hiked the Chantry Flats trails on June 21. Front Row: District nurse Carol Lee, daughter and Suzanne Middle School student Rachel Lee, Westhoff teacher Ron Kim, Westhoff Principal Denise Rendon, Evergreen Principal Carolyn Wills, Westhoff teachers Kimberley Dalton, Vicky Kim, and custodian Wilson Maldonado. Back row: Chaparral teacher Ken Weeks, Westhoff counselor Erica Robledo, daughter Marisa Robledo, Westhoff teacher Kevin Curtin, Walnut High School student Justin Lee, Westhoff teacher Denise Ahern, retired Westhoff teacher Jennifer Chisholm, friend Jerry O’Quinn, Westhoff office manager Donna Ibarra, Westhoff teacher Trina Dreyer, and retired Westhoff teacher Patti Finn.

Walnut – Westhoff Elementary teachers, staff members, family, and friends took to the Chantry Flats trails on June 21.

Adventure-seeker teachers Ron Kim and Kevin Curtain organized the two-hour summertime hike in the Angeles National Forest. The group enjoyed the morning jaunt with beautiful views, a waterfall, lush greenery, and of course, plenty of fresh air.

“We had a great time!” Principal Denise Rendon said after the four-mile hike.

Straight Talk With Danice

BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.
Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

My cousin and I had a nice time planning a bridal shower for her future daughter-in-law. I booked a private room in an upscale restaurant that is owned by a dear friend of mine. She gave me a very good deal, and we were proud of how nice it was going to turn out. I was more than happy to host this party as a gift to the bride and groom, as well as my cousin. I was upset when my cousin called me in tears. She said her future daughter-in-law wasn’t happy with our food selections. She wanted to see the menu so she could select the meal and appetizers. She was also unhappy that we were planning to serve a traditional cake for dessert. She said, “That’s for old ladies,” and that her friends would want something different. I was furious, shocked, and hurt. This ungrateful girl did not deserve all the nice things we had planned for her. I wanted to cancel the whole thing, even though it was too late to get my money back. My cousin pleaded with me to reconsider. She asked me to speak to my friend at the restaurant to see if we could change the menu. I will probably do this because of my love for my cousin and her son, but I have decided not to attend the shower. Do you think I am being too harsh?

Bella

 

Dear Bella:

Wow. I am shaking my head. I know I should probably tell you to take the high road; keep the family harmony in place; turn the other cheek; allow this young woman to grow up a bit; do it for your cousin and her son; and go to the shower because it’s only one day out of your life. BUT…I’m not going to say any of that today.

When you allow people to behave in an abusive manner, with no consequences, you are giving them the impression that their behavior is acceptable. This is a huge mistake. With this immature, ungrateful, classless girl, there will be no family harmony anyway, so there is nothing to preserve. If I were in your shoes, I would let the party go on exactly as you planned it, with no changes. I say this only because you can’t get your money back. If a refund was in fact possible, I would cancel the shower. You owe NOTHING to this girl. Her sense of entitlement is appalling, and so are her manners. Do not accommodate her poor behavior in any way. Help your cousin understand that this has nothing to do with your love for her. The poor woman is in for a hell of a ride if she doesn’t learn to state her personal boundaries as well. If a sincere apology is ever offered, accept it, and start fresh. Holding a grudge is a waste of time.

Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She has a great passion for alternative healing and has over 20 years of experience in this field. She provides a form of energy psychology called The Emotion Code, where she helps people literally get rid of their emotional baggage. She also 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.

 

 

Diamond Bar: Christmas-In-A-Box

STAFF REPORTS

 

Diamond Bar – Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church in Diamond Bar is in the midst of a year-long project collecting items to put in shoe boxes for Operation Christmas Child. Last November, the church was a collection station for a multitude of completed boxes, and this year they will continue that tradition. Along with the boxes received from other organizations, Mt. Calvary Lutheran will be filling 1,000 boxes of their own. In an effort to keep things streamlined and well-organized, they will be accepting specific items each month.

 

January: Bars of Soap

February: Toothbrushes

March: Toothpaste

April: Washcloths

May: Brushes and Combs

June: Flip Flops

July: Small Toys

August: Crayons

September: Notebooks

October: Pencils and Sharpeners

November: Hard Candy

 

Samaritan’s Purse has helped over 100 million impoverished children the world over find joy and love through these simple shoe box gifts. Since 1993, Operation Christmas Child has worked with churches and other ministries to deliver the boxes and share the Good News of Jesus Christ.

 

At this point Mt. Calvary is into flip flops and approaching small toy donations, but all items are welcome. If you would like to help change a child’s life, donations may be dropped off at Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, on weekdays from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., 23300 Golden Springs, Diamond Bar; or call (909) 861-2740.

 

For more information about Operation Christmas Child, visit www.samaritanspurse.org.

 

Action And Reaction

By Michael Armijo

 

While at the ATM drive-through, a woman straddled both lanes in a two-lane aisle. I’ve been there a thousand times and not one person has ever straddled these lanes; they just pick one. Sometimes the line moves quickly, other times you have to wait while the cars next to you move right through. It’s a gamble, but we make a decision and we accept it.

Maybe it was the long day or maybe I just felt short-tempered, but while the woman straddled the lanes, I went around her car, and I picked the left lane. She got out of her vehicle and told me, “I’ve been waiting, you can’t go around me.” I explained my version of the unwritten policy of the drive-through ATM machine. She angrily got back into her car and waited again. As I drove up to the machine, I felt so uncomfortable. I knew she shouldn’t have just sat there, straddling both lanes, but who am I to react to her misdirection? The uncomfortable feeling made me sick inside, knowing that I never should have gone around her. So I backed up, allowed her to go first, calling out to her, “I’m sorry, go ahead of me.” She pulled up to the machine, finished her transaction, and her last words were, “Thank you for being fair.”

I believe the true essence of being a complete individual begins with the ability to communicate and present issues, views, and concerns in a dignified, fair, and understandable manner. Simple people do not get caught up in the unfairness in life. They do not listen with anger and retort with vengeance. They respond instead of react. And it’s their simplicity that keeps them humble and dignified. Simple people see or experience tragedy and work through it and not around it. Complicated people tend to do the opposite.

I also believe in responsibility. Not to just go to work, pay the mortgage, and get the kids to school, but to actually enforce that responsibility on the inside. We should not just promote a good life, but actually believe it and live it – at our jobs, in our society, and toward our fellow man – without pretense; with simplicity.

When I pulled in front of the woman at the ATM machine, I knew she was misdirected, and yet I reacted to her misdirection instead of responding to it. If it meant that much to me to not wait behind someone who couldn’t make a decision, I should’ve communicated with her. And if it didn’t mean that much to me, then I just should have just waited behind her and not given it another thought. Instead, I almost ruined her entire day, and who knows what that reaction could have done to her family and friends, and so on.

I believe that we, as a society, need to remember how important and how powerful we really are. We need to understand the true meaning of sharing experiences, being honest, open, and sincere. It will bring peace when you remember that you have so much to contribute to life rather than wasting it on bitterness, anger, frustration, or unfairness. Don’t just react, but respond accordingly and focus on the good things.

I believe the truest form of life is not just having the power to get your way, but using your power to help others find their way. That is a great reaction.

Walnut Achieves Stability Through Drought

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – With California going through the most devastating drought in recent history and the hottest months of summer on the horizon, the City of Walnut is staving off the worst of it according to Walnut Valley Water District General Manager, Michael Holmes.

“Our customers in Walnut have been doing a great job with water conservation since our last drought in 2007-08,” Holmes said. “Since then we’ve been at between 15 and 18 percent conservation.”

Holmes said that Walnut residents have been keen on practicing water saving techniques, including reducing children playing in water sprinklers and limiting water used for lawns and home gardens.

Holmes, who was appointed as the Water District’s General Manager in 2006, said that another reason for the City’s high water conservation is through the use of reclaimed or recycled water. Using a filtration system that takes sewage water and removes waste and certain impurities, Walnut has been using reclaimed water for grass, trees, and plants on City property and golf courses since the 1980s.

Holmes said that a portion of the City’s reclaimed water supply comes from underground wells in the Puente Basin and the Pomona Reclamation Plant.

The City also stores one million gallons of reclaimed water at the Parker Canyon facility. According to Holmes, Walnut uses about 1,900 to 2,000 acre feet of reclaimed water per year. For a breakdown of what an acre foot of water is, Holmes stated that one acre foot of water is the amount of water used by two average sized families per year, which is equal to more than 270,000 gallons of water.

While the City’s current outlook appears good, Holmes said the future of Walnut’s supply is always uncertain even with good conservation. He added that since Walnut relies100 percent on imported water from the Metropolitan Water District, shipping water in from treatment plants in La Verne and Claremont, and the Colorado River, Walnut’s water supply can be erratic from year to year.

“MWD has told us that their supplies are okay for this year,” Holmes said. “But the drought is bad and it goes from area to area. Some areas are worse than others, and we are not in dire straits, but we are asking everyone to conserve. We don’t know what’s going to happen next year.”

Everyone can help conserve water with these Drought Tips from the Walnut Valley Water District:

  • Replace old washing machines with high-efficiency models. WVWD customers are eligible for a $100 rebate toward the purchase of a high-efficiency washing machine.
  • Only water your lawn when it’s absolutely necessary.
  • Do not let water run when washing your car.
  • Turn off your faucet when brushing your teeth.
  • Sweep your driveway instead of washing it.
  • Install ultra-low flush toilets.
  • Repair leaks to stop wasting water.

 

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.

Vacation Bible School

When: July 7 – 11, 6 to 8 p.m. (optional meal at 5:15 p.m.)

Where: Faith Lutheran Church, 505 East Bonita Avenue, San Dimas

Details: Wilderness Escape: Where God Guides and Provides. Cost is $25 per student, with scholarships and family discounts available.

Contact: Sam Kamler, (909) 599-1689, or visit http://www.faithsd.net

Mt. 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.

Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series

When: Wednesday evenings, June 18 – August 13; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive

Details: Free admission and free parking

  • Jun 18: Neon Nation (80s Tribute); The Little Mermaid.
  • Jun 25: Doo-Wah Riders (Country): Monsters University.
  • Jul 09: The Skinny Little Twits (Rock); Frozen.
  • Jul 16: Retro Soul (Dance); Honey, I Shrunk the Kids.
  • Jul 23: The Answer (Classic Rock); The Great and Powerful Oz.
  • Jul 30: Box Car 7 (Blues, R&B); Free Birds.
  • Aug 06: Cold Ducks (70s Tribute); The Lego Movie.
  • Aug 13: Little Lies Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute); Despicable Me 2

Contact: http://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.

4th of July Celebration

When: Friday, July 4; beginning at 5 p.m. (fireworks at 9 p.m.)

Where: Lorbeer Middle School, 501 Diamond Bar Blvd.; Diamond Bar.

Details: A patriotic celebration beginning with a musical performance by Bumptown (Top 40s Latin Band), and ending with a 25-minute fireworks spectacular at 9 p.m. Free parking and admission. Blankets or low-height beach chairs are encouraged for lawn seating. Bring a picnic dinner or purchase concessions from local vendors.

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: Come Celebrate 30 Years With Mandarin Taste

BY K.P. SANDER

Mandarin-taste-restaurant-diamond-bar

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For more information, call (909) 861-1819. (Photo Courtesy: Mandarin Taste)

Diamond Bar – Mandarin Taste Restaurant has been a part of the Diamond Bar community for quite a while. 30 years, in fact, and they would like to personally invite you to come and celebrate with them.A favorite of locals and visitors alike, Mandarin Taste prides themselves not only on their authentic, gourmet Chinese cuisine, but on the quality service that accompanies every meal.

“We’re like a family restaurant,” says restaurant manager, Chi Young, when describing the feeling that customers get when visiting their establishment. “People are always smiling,” he adds.

Mandarin Taste has thrived and endured because of the family-friendly atmosphere and the delicious Hunan/Szechuan style dishes that customers enjoy. Honey Walnut Shrimp, wonton soup and fried dumplings are favorites, but one visit will help you develop your own craving.

Another reason Mandarin Taste is so popular with the community, is that they offer fundraising opportunities with 15 percent given back to local groups. Fundraising is easy when you are guaranteed an excellent dining experience. And don’t forget about their all-you-can-eat buffet and delectable Sunday Champagne Brunch.

Mandarin Taste also has special Party Trays, and with an order of five or more trays, you can receive a 15 percent discount. Celebrating a birthday? Spend $80 or more on food at your group’s party and receive $30 off (one coupon eligible per table/order, with ID required).

So come in, enjoy a cocktail and an authentic gourmet meal, and help celebrate the 30th Anniversary of Mandarin Taste. If you need a little incentive, bring in their special coupons on page 7 of this publication, for some extra savings.

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For more information, call (909) 861-1819.

Orange County: Man Convicted in $3.3 Million Drug Scams

STAFF REPORTS

Santa Ana – An Irvine man was recently convicted of running a fraud scheme that generated approximately $3.3 million from victims investing in products that they believed would treat childhood obesity and Type II Diabetes.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Charles “Chuck” Davis, 57, was found guilty on Fri., June 20, of two counts of mail fraud, seven counts of wire fraud and four counts of money laundering. During the trial, Davis was shown to have operated an investment scam involving the Newport Beach firm, LifeRight Holdings, Inc. The company was to develop and use infomercials to market a product to battle childhood obesity. Davis promised his investors a 15 percent return in just 13 months, royalties on products sold, and the option to convert the investment into shares of LifeRight stock when the company began selling the products.

$2.4 million of the funds raised from about 40 victims in 2007 and 2008 were actually used to finance Davis’ personal expenses and legal fees from lawsuits brought against him.

Another scam involved DT2, a company that reportedly offered a product treating Type II Diabetes. Davis raised nearly $1 million from 2009 to 2011 from about 25 DT2 investors. Similar to the LifeRight scam, Davis diverted investor funds to other companies, and rather than spend the money on the business, he enjoyed high-end restaurants, spa treatments, cash withdrawals, the expense of several girlfriends, as well as civil/criminal defense attorneys.

Davis has been in custody since September 2011, and faces a statutory maximum sentence of 240 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on October 20.

 

Hagman Fights to Keep Bond Funds for Their Intended Purpose

STAFF REPORTS

Sacramento – Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills, Assembly District 55) issued a press release on Wed., June 18, stating that his Assembly Bill 1664 passed the Senate Education Committee with unanimous bi-partisan support.

With a 7-0 vote, this bill seeks to update Hagman’s AB308 signed into law in 2013, clarifying the process of selling or leasing specific types of school facilities. AB1664 gives local educational agencies first priority in purchasing surplus school site property, and keeps school facilities for their intended purpose.

“I was encouraged by the unanimous bi-partisan support from the Senate Education Committee on AB1664,” stated Assemblyman Hagman. “This bill sends a clear message that property built or modernized with state school facility funds should remain in the hands of educational entities,” he continued.

AB 1664 remedies a conflict with the Naylor Act, which requires local education agencies to offer any real property to non-educational government agencies prior to offering that property to another school or school district. This new bill will help ensure that educational agencies have priority in purchasing or leasing these facilities without changing the intent of the Naylor Act.

For more information on Assemblyman Curt Hagman please visit: www.assembly.ca.gov/hagman

 

 

Pomona: Newborn Girl Surrendered

BY K.P. SANDER

 

Pomona – Supervisor Don Knabe has long been a proponent of protecting the innocent and vulnerable children in Los Angeles County. In fact, he established the “Safe Surrender” program, which allows a mother to legally surrender an infant that is no more than three days old – as long as the infant shows no signs of abuse – to any L.A. County hospital or fire station, with no questions asked.

Knabe, who represents the Fourth District (stretching from Marina del Rey to Diamond Bar) for the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors, reported that another newborn was safely surrendered at a Pomona hospital on Mon., June 16. This is the 119th infant to be surrendered since the inception of his program 13 years ago, and the sixth one this year. Another baby girl was surrendered in Tarzana just this month, on June 2.

“In the last few weeks, two mothers have made the difficult, but brave, choice to safely surrender their babies,” Knabe said. “Now these two baby girls have the chance to grow up and be part of a loving family.”

The newborns are tended to at the hospital, and then placed in protective custody. Families that have been approved for adoption by the Department of Children and Family Services will have a chance to welcome these precious infants into their homes.

One can only speculate about the situations surrounding women faced with this type of choice. But a newborn that is safely surrendered is definitely a cause for celebration in contrast to the horrors of those found in dumpsters or otherwise. The right choice can be made, anonymously, and without shame or blame.

baby-safe-la-logoIf you would like to know more about the Safe Surrender Program, visit BabySafeLA.org.

 

Walnut: Council Corner 06/25/2014

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Mt Sac Womens track and field

Mayor Tony Cartagena and members of City Council congratulated the Mt. SAC Women’s Track and Field Team on their 2014 state championship, with coaches Ron Kamara (L) and Dough Todd (R). (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut – Walnut’s City Council members met at City Hall council chambers on Wed., June 25 to discuss regular City business matters and hold a public hearing concerning the denial of a conditional use permit for the DiMiYa HeadStart Learning Center.

Council members first held a presentation to recognize the Mount San Antonio College Women’s Track and Field Team on their 2014 State Championship win.

“Congratulations on an outstanding season,” Mayor Tony Cartagena said. “On behalf of the City of Walnut, I would like to say congratulations for your efforts and sacrifice while keeping your grades high.”

After approving the minutes for the May 28 study session and June 11 City Council meetings, the council then opened its public hearing in regard to a previously denied conditional use permit for the proposed DiMiYa HeadStart Learning Center, located at 351 N. Lemon Ave. Community Development Director, Tom Weiner, outlined a staff report concerning the permit denied by the Walnut Planning Commission on May 7, citing safety concerns for students and traffic congestion for the shopping plaza with the various businesses.

“We feel this will impact other retail uses,” Weiner said. “One of the main things was traffic circulation. You get a lot of traffic through there and there are no parking spaces directly in front of the business space.”

Weiner said the business location would suffer from a lack of parking spaces for the business and that the rear parking spaces might not be sufficient for the number of occupants that the business owners intend on serving. Business owner Jean Navarro said that DiMiYa would be an after-school California Certified Heritage School to enhance education for students ages four and nine months to nine years old.

“If the parking lot is not safe for DiMiYa, how is it safe for Vons?” Navarro said. “How is it safe for New York Pizzeria or the Aims Academy? … With all that said, we would like the Mayor and City Council members to consider opening the DiMiYa Learning Center in Walnut.”

Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz said one of the main problems with clearing DiMiYa’s conditional use permit was the unclear age range for students, which its application said would include kindergarten age, while Council Member Bob Pacheco still cited safety concerns for the student ages. After the public hearing was closed, Councilmember Eric Ching opted to approve the appeal after hearing the various facts from the DiMiYa representatives, but his motion failed to receive any other support from council members. Instead, the council members voted to create new terms and bring the issue back to City Council at another time, pending the cooperation of DiMiYa and the property owner.

Council members went on to approve Ordinance No. 14-02 concerning adding language to the Walnut Municipal Code for parking in City-owned parking lots, and Ordinance No. 14-03 establishing locations for meetings and official postings.

After the ordinances were finished, the council members went on to approve several items on the consent calendar, including a resolution of the City of Walnut allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,469,201.48, pending a review of the city’s attorney and pulling a section of a demand concerning billing; Resolution No. 14-28 concerning the City’s annual budget for fiscal year 2014-15 in the amount of $16,634,780; Resolution No. 14-29 for an approval and adoption for the annual appropriations limit for fiscal year 2014-15; Resolution No. 14-30 approving the current County of Los Angeles bail schedule for infractions and misdemeanors; Resolution No. 14-31 for an amending resolution regarding the payment of salaries, sick leave, vacations, leave of absences, and other regulations by revising the authorized positions and salary schedule; the crossing guard services contract renewal for 2014-15; and final acceptance of the 2013-14 maintenance area 2 slurry seal program.

Council members moved to pull item 11, concerning the City Manager employment agreement amendment, to bring back the item for approval either in July or August. Council members then moved to approve the Walnut Successor Agency budget totaling $4,064,000.

After the Walnut Public Financing Authority and Housing Authority meetings, the council members adjourned to closed session with plans to meet July 9 at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.