Category Archives: The Weekly News

Diamond Bar: Opening Day

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER  

 

When I was young, I remember my grandfather taking me and my brother to a big league baseball game.  Arizona did not have any Major League Baseball teams at that time, but we would go to a game during Spring Training.  It was exciting to see big name players like Ernie Banks and Willy Mays in person.  That was a long time ago.

 

Now that we live in Southern California, it is possible to go to big league games all summer long.  For several years we actually had season tickets for the Angels.  It was fun to go to games week after week with our family and friends.  There is something about being at the game that makes it special.  The atmosphere is casual and people talk and eat throughout the game.  And, then there are moments of suspense and excitement when the bases are loaded and our team hits a Grand Slam home run.

 

Opening Day has special significance.  It is the day when a team plays its first game of the new season on its home field.  The fans are excited, the field is perfectly groomed and there is a great sense of anticipation and hope for the new season. I know there are a lot of things that you can do with your kids in Southern California, but I hope you will consider taking them to a baseball game this summer.  Both the Angels and the Dodgers are worth seeing.

 

Whether you are a parent or grandparent, don’t miss the opportunity to make a memory this year. Go see a big league baseball game with your kids or grandkids.  It will be something they will remember for a long, long time.  And, you will remember it, too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.

(909) 594-7604

Sunday Services: 9 and 10:45 a.m.

Easter Sunday: 8, 9:30 and 11 a.m.

Website: www.efreedb.org

 

O.C. – 1.5 Million Awarded to Youth Organizations

 

By Emily Lundberg

Anaheim – On April 3, $1.5 million in grants was awarded to ten youth service organizations in Anaheim.

The grants were provided by Accelerated Change Together for Anaheim, more commonly known as ACT Anaheim, which is a partnership between Disneyland Resorts, the Anaheim Ducks, and the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim. The partnership began when Disneyland led an effort in 2012 to fund the Anaheim Hills Youth Service Assessment which highlighted the challenges that youth face. Anaheim is California’s tenth largest city and, according to the assessment, is home to nearly 20,000 youth who have access to limited or no community services.

Throughout the next three years, the iconic businesses have committed to donating three million dollars in grants for organizations that benefit the city’s at-risk youth. In an article discussing the program on the Duck’s website, Angels’ chairman, Dennis Kuhl, said they hope other organizations and citizens will join ACT Anaheim in the effort to support the City’s youth.

In addition to those three corporations, the Orange County Community Foundation joined ACT Anaheim as a managing partner. This led to an increase in funding for the first grant pool from $1 million to $1.5 million when the foundation donated $300,000 from their donor pool and Disney added an additional $200,000 to their original commitment. Grant applications were accepted November through mid-December of 2013 and ranged from $100,000 to $200,000. According to a press release from the Orange County Community Foundation, decisions were based on “their [each organization’s] ability to address the specific needs addressed in the 2012 Anaheim Youth Services Assessment”. The gaps identified include, but are not limited to, gang prevention activities, programs for older students, and safe places to hang out.

 

Among the ten grantees were the Boys and Girls Club of Anaheim which received a $175,000 grant, the Anaheim Family YMCA who received $125,000, and Girls Incorporated of Orange County which received $175,000.

Diamond Bar, Walnut High Among America’s Most Challenging Schools

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools are among the most academically challenging schools in the nation, according to the annual rankings by the Washington Post. Both schools made the 2014 “America’s Most Challenging High Schools,” listing that includes more than 1,900 public high schools (released on April 7).

Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) ranked 318 on the national listing, up from 399 in 2012. DBHS also improved its state ranking to 38, up from 45 last year.

“Diamond Bar High School has made a concerted effort to increase access to our Advanced Placement courses.  We are pleased to see that more students are successfully attempting these courses and that our efforts to establish equitable access to rigorous courses are being recognized by publications like the Washington Post.  We are very proud of our staff, students, parents, and community for their hard work and support,” said Principal Catherine Real.

“DBHS actually ranks 30th in the state if you remove all private schools from the list,” Real added. “Many of the remaining schools on the list have special admission screening processes.  The fact that Diamond Bar High School is an open enrollment school and still ranks among the best in the state and nation is extremely impressive!”

Walnut High School ranked 533 on the national listing and 67 in the state ranking. “We’re always excited to be ranked as one of the top high schools not only in the state, but also nationally. Our staff and students worked really hard to be recognized with this honor. I’m always appreciative of the support our community provides to Walnut High School,” said Principal Jeff Jordan.

“However, the part that disappoints me with this ranking is that it doesn’t provide the data accurately for our school,” said Jordan, “For example, it doesn’t list the 22 AP courses, the 18 IB courses, 18 varsity sports, and the high percentage of our graduates attending four-year colleges. If the data was included, I am confident our ranking would be much higher.”

Since 1998, Washington Post columnist, Jay Mathews, has rated public high schools around the country with the Challenge Index. The index takes the total number of Advanced Placement, International Baccalaureate and Advanced International Certificate of Education tests given at the school that year and divides it by the number of seniors who graduated in May or June.

“With a few exceptions, public schools that achieved a ratio of at least 1.000, meaning they had as many tests in 2013 as they had graduates, were put on the national list,” Mathews said. Before posting the list, he also filters out magnet or charter high schools that have few average-performing students. According to Mathews, this year only nine percent of the approximately 22,000 U.S. public high schools managed to reach that standard and be included on the list.

For more information, see http://apps.washingtonpost.com/local/highschoolchallenge/.

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

 National Child Abuse Prevention Month

When: Month of April

Where: Walnut Fire Station 61 (Lemon Avenue and La Puente Road)

Details: In support of National Child Abuse Prevention Month, the Walnut Valley Women’s Club facilitated the planting of a garden of pinwheels at Fire Station 61. The pinwheels will remain throughout the month of April. “Pinwheels for Prevention” is a Prevent Child Abuse America program which promotes the message that, “All children deserve an equal chance to thrive and grow.”

Diamond Bar Birthday Celebration

When: Saturday, April 12 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where: Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar

Contact: (909) 839-7000

DBHS Spring Musical “The Pirates of Penzance”

When: April 24, 25, 26 and May 1, 2, 3 at 7 p.m.

Where: DBHS Theatre, 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar

Details: Tickets sales are available at http://www.seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama. Sections B, C, D: Adults are $18, Students w/ID are $15. Sections A, E: Adults are $15, Students w/ID are $12.

Contact: Beatrice Casagran at (909) 594-1405, ext. 33276

Diamond Bar AYSO: Registration ages 4 to 18 years of age.

When:  April 24, May, May 15, and June 3, 2014 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.

Where: Pantera Park

Details: Please visit DBAYSO.ORG for registration procedures for both volunteers and players ages 4 to 18.

Contact: Greg M. Busch, R31_Safety@dbayso.org

21th Annual Diamond Bar Library Wine Soirée

When: Sunday, April 27

Where: Diamond Bar Center, 1600 Grand Avenue in Diamond Bar

Details: An afternoon of delicious food from local restaurants, great wine from the Jerry Mead New World International Wine Competition, music, and exciting book, silent and live auctions. A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket. All of the proceeds go directly to your local community library.

Cost: Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 at the door.

Contact: (909) 861-2002

FUTURE EVENTS:

Music at the Point

When: Saturday, May 3, from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Where: South Pointe Middle School, 20671 Larkstone Drive, Diamond Bar

Details:

Walnut Senior Center Peddler’s Market

When: May 3 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Walnut Senior Center

Details: Residents are encouraged to clean out those cupboards, closets, garages and become a vendor at the annual Peddler’s Market. Vendors may purchase two full parking spaces for $35 or three full parking spaces for $50.

Contact: Kim Watts at the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200.

Fire Service Day

When: Saturday, May 17 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: City of Industry Fire Station 118; 17056 Gale Avenue, City of Industry

Details: Join the Los Angeles County Fire Station as they celebrate Fire Service Day with Fire Engines, Pool Safety, Jaws of Life Demonstration, and Equipment Displays.

OPARC’s Heart and Sole: Fun Run 1K/5K and Health Fair

When: June 14, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Ruben S. Ayala Park, 5575 Edison Ave., Chino CA 91710

Cost: Entry fee for runners/walkers is $20, inspiration signs are $50, vendor booths are $150 and additional sponsorship opportunities are available. Free parking

Details: OPARC, a 501(c)(3) organization that trains, employs and serves the mentally disabled community. Food vendors, vendor booths, participant awards, music, guest appearances, and more. Walk-ins are welcome.

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

 

SGV-IE: Costco Secrets To Shopping

According to “Epic Dash”, Costco has a secret to their pricing. Apparently some things are full price, some are sales, some are clearance, and some are Managers Specials. Read more:
Avoid products with prices ending in .99 – these are full price.1-costco

Items with prices ending in .97 are deals decided by the store manager. These won’t be around for long and can offer amazing discounts.2-costco

Prices ending in .49 or .79 are a manufacturers special offer. These prices usually apply to products which are heaving a trial run and are usually priced cheaper than their retail price.3-costco

Watch out for products that end in .00, the manager wants these items off the shelf for good. That means that they’re priced down and nearly out of stock.4-costco

Labels with an asterisk are reserved for items that are discontinued. Usually, these are priced cheaply to get them off shelves.5-costco

Is it weird I feel like I’m part of a secret club or something?

Eastvale: “LUGER BANDIT” Linked To Seventh Bank Robberies Since Jan 2012 Following Bank Robbery Wed. In San Dimas

FBI Press Release

Following a bank robbery this morning in San Dimas, California, law enforcement has linked an unidentified suspect known only as the “Luger Bandit” to a seventh bank, six of which were robbed and one where an attempted robbery occurred. Law enforcement agencies in Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are seeking the public’s assistance in order to identify and determine the whereabouts of the Luger Bandit. Two of the banks that were victimized are offering a combined reward of up to $15,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the suspect.*
The suspect was described by witnesses as a white or Hispanic male, approximately 30-40 years in age; between 5’8” and 6” in height; and approximately 200 lbs.
During each robbery, the suspect orders employees and customers to the ground, brandishes a weapon and demands cash in various denominations. The suspect’s weapon has been described by witnesses as silver in color and resembling a German Luger-style weapon. During today’s robbery, the Luger Bandit entered the Chase Bank at 1198 Via Verde Avenue in San Dimas and demanded cash while brandishing a weapon. 
In previous robberies, witnesses have described the suspect’s vehicle as a charcoal gray BMW, 3-series with a sports package. 
The suspect can be seen in bank surveillance photos wearing pullover sweatshirts with hoods and jeans, as well as a facemask, sunglasses and black gloves to conceal his appearance. The suspect is also carrying a black bag with a strap during the robberies. 
The Luger Bandit has been linked to the following robberies:

1/3/13 Wells Fargo Granada Hills
2/18/13 Wells Fargo Fontana
3/8/13 Wells Fargo San Dimas (Attempt)
3/12/13 Chase Bank Mira Loma
6/4/13 Bank of America Corona
1/8/14 Wells Fargo Bank Corona
4/9/14 Chase Bank San Dimas

Bank surveillance photographs from today’s robbery and previous robberies are being released publicly in order to identify the suspect (see below). Anyone with information as to the identity or the whereabouts of the unidentified suspect known as the Luger Bandit is urged to contact the FBI or dial 911. In Los Angeles, the FBI can be reached 24 hours a day at 310 477-6565. 
This investigation is being conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; the Los Angeles Police Department; the Fontana Police Department; the Corona Police Department; and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. 
*Specific criteria for each bank reward offer applies.

Walnut: Unofficial Election Results for Walnut

Walnut Election

By K.P. Sander

Walnut – The Walnut Municipal Election took place on Tues., April 8. The unofficial results show incumbent candidates Bob Pacheco and Mary Su earning the two open seats on the City Council.

The entire election has been awash in controversy as allegations of campaign sign theft between contenders Mary Su and Betty Tang reached the point of Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Station involvement. Just last week accusatory complaints were filed against Tang after Su’s campaign signs were allegedly located in a dumpster immediately behind her campaign office. There were denials and finger-pointing, which of course detracted from the importance of the election and putting the right people in place. Voters also found themselves trying to make decisions through research tainted by attack ads sponsored by two political organizations, Citizens to Protect Walnut, and Taxpayers for Quality Leadership (see anapr.com for related stories).

“This certainly was the most intense and expensive Walnut City election that I can remember,” said Mt. Sac Board Vice President David Hall. “Hopefully Walnut’s leaders can now get back to solving the challenges faced by the city and making a great city even greater.”

Once the nomination period ended this January and the time before the election became sensitive, the mudslinging began. This included concerns regarding challenger Betty Tang’s campaign contributions (see story below) as well as the sign theft complaints.

But voters made a decision through the rubble, and they have decided Pacheco and Su should remain in office and help steer the City of Walnut onward. Once the election results are final, the council members will be sworn in at the next City Council meeting this month.

Inland Empire: The Great Pretender

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

I remember dressing up like batman; the little K-Mart suit with the plastic mask. I remember watching SWAT and grabbing a stick like it was my machine gun. I remember trying to lift the car because I wanted to be Steve Austin, the Six Million Dollar Man.

You’d think it was healthy to give your imagination a chance to flourish, to enhance your creativity. But without proper guidance, explanation, and influence, it’s hard to differentiate between reality and fantasy. Without explanation, the lines of reality are blurred, so you embed in your mind that when life seems difficult you can mask your pain, like you did when you were a child, and become someone you’re not.

I remember being stressed to a point that I felt I could no longer take it. So I went out, drank, and became someone I wasn’t. I pretended to be someone who didn’t exist, someone I never was and never could be. I reverted to my child-like instincts and put on that K-Mart batman mask and picked up that SWAT stick while trying to lift that car. I became the Great Pretender.

While acting like I was a college scholar, a big shot at my company, or a racing car driver, I really felt alive. I felt like a complete human being because my mind was hungry to be complete, like a child who wants to become a super hero. My lies were my super power and my reality was my kryptonite.

I liked the escape of not being who I was.  Abused and neglected. Deceived and tormented. Tortured and ridiculed. Worst of all, I was verbally accosted and left to play violent and damaging tapes of lies and pain. Pretending was an escape, which helped me not only overcome the pain I had been suffering, but allowed me to feel as though I were normal for a while. It made me feel like I was a human being. Something I’d yearned to feel like for so many years.  These incidents happened so quickly and many years have passed. But today the memories are still haunting.

In the past I had embraced my desire to be something I’m not. But today I will seek to be someone who makes me feel complete. I will no longer wear the mask I had worn for so many years. I will seek truth in myself and accept what has transpired throughout my life. But I will continue to pretend, now in a fun and joyful manner; because yesterday, today, and tomorrow, I am, deep inside, the Great Pretender.

 

Pacheco and Su Win Walnut City Election

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

Walnut- The results are in and Bob Pacheco and Mary Su beat challenger Betty Tang in one of the worst elections in Walnut History.

“We won, the people of Walnut have decided to bring us back to continue the great things we’ve accomplished here in Walnut.” Said Councilman Bob Pacheco at the victory party.
The line challenger, Betty Tang, raised almost $100,000 to beat the incumbents but fell hundreds of votes short.

“Nine hit pieces against me, NINE,” said winner Mary Su. “This is far too many and in our wonderful city. We are happy to defeat such an ugly campaign.”
Results are posted on the city of Walnut website.

20140408-223431.jpg

Weekly News 4-5-2014

 

Weekly News

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  04-05WeeklypgALLClickHere to access the complete April 5-11, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Diamond Bar: Council Corner – Gridlock Fix

Diamond Bar City HallBY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Diamond Bar – On their meeting April 1, the Diamond Bar City Council heard an update from City staff on a $256 million multi-phase project designed to improve the existing 57/60 freeway interchange bottleneck, and also received an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification project, estimated at more than $1 million.

According to information provided by City staff, the 2.5 mile interchange stretch where the 57 and 60 freeways meet, ranks as the third most congested in California, and seventh worst in the nation. With funding from the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) and the City of Industry, the project will be completed in three phases based upon the results of a feasibility study completed in 2008 to evaluate fixes and improvements.

The first phase consists of construction of a $16. 6 million westbound on-ramp at Grand Avenue, estimated to start in November 2015. Phase 2A consists of a fully funded $14 million street widening improvement in the vicinity of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive.  Phase 2B is the construction of a $20 million westbound freeway off-ramp and an auxiliary lane to Grand Avenue.  And the final phase consists of freeway mainline improvements and bypass connectors valued at more than $200 million, with an environmental impact report certified last December.

According to a presentation by City staff, because the freeways were built in the early 70s, the forced merging of the two major freeways was made necessary by the valley shaped terrain dividing the area. At present, hundreds of thousands of drivers struggle through the confluence every day struggling to deal with all the lane merging required by a design that is almost 40 years old.

The presentation also stated that the results are “unacceptable levels of congestion, accidents and air pollution.  The 57/60 confluence is a vital link in Southern California’s transportation network. Every year more than 100 million commercial and private vehicles pass through, as does $375 billion worth of goods going through to the Los Angeles area. However, almost 80 percent of those goods are consumed outside of Southern California which means that the problems caused by this stretch of roadway impact not just local and regional tax payers and businesses, but also interstate commerce on a state and national level.”

According to a report made public by David Liu, Director of Public Works, the cost of missing components to the project include freeway connectors, and High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) connectors totaling more than $500 million, which are contingent on additional resources and funds. To date, staff has secured a $100,000 grant from Caltrans and other partners to fund an updated feasibility study valued between $300,000 and $400,000.

Members of the Council and City staff met with U.S. Secretary of Transportation, Anthony Foxx, and other dignitaries on March 21 to personally inspect the area and to make the federal government aware of the problem.

“We are trying to stress to the representatives across the nation, that this isn’t just a Diamond Bar problem, a San Gabriel Valley problem, or a California problem; this is a problem for the rest of the nation.  The longer it (goods) gets held up here in this choke point, the longer it takes to get to its destination and the more expensive the goods will be.  They understand that and hopefully the funding will come soon and we can get to work on fixing it,” said Mayor Carol Herrera.

In other matters, the Council heard a presentation regarding an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification project, which among other improvements to the City, will include streetscape enhancements to the intersections at Grand Avenue, Diamond Bar Boulevard, and Longview Drive.

On March 19, the City conducted an Open House for the community of residents and local business owners to learn more about the project. According to the presentation, a total of 53 attendees, including 40 residents, participated to provide input on the design concepts.

Residents surveyed voted for the inclusion of decorative street lights and traffic signal lights, and also requested pedestrian safety improvements at crosswalks including upgraded pedestrian crossing signage with countdown indicators and audio enhancements for the visually impaired, and more landscape improvements. Construction for the project is expected to be completed by December of this year.

During the City Manager’s report portion of the meeting, the Council heard a presentation on cyber crime by Mark Stevens from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department warning residents to be aware of the various types of cyber crime including hacking, identity theft and medical ID theft, among others.

The Council also voted 5-0 to approve a packed consent calendar which included their Treasurer’s statement from the Finance Department, and an authorization for City Manager, James DeStefano, to extend vendor services for entertainment related activities in an amount not to exceed $30,000 for the City’s 25th Birthday Party, scheduled for April 12.

The next meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is scheduled for Tuesday, April 15, 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.

 

Walnut: Voters Flooded With Attack Ads Prior To City Election

By Michael Armijo

Walnut – With the Walnut City Council race nearing Election Day this coming Tuesday, April 8, the registered voters of Walnut are being flooded with not only the usual political advertising from the candidates, but also attack ads that are targeting the three candidates found on the ballot – Councilwoman Mary Su, Councilman Bob Pacheco and challenger Betty Tang.

Two political organizations are sponsoring these attack ads.  One of the organizations is Citizens to Protect Walnut, led by long-time Walnut resident, Phillip Bennett.  Bennett’s organization has been active in the last three Walnut City Council races.   The second group mailing out political “hit pieces” calls itself, “Taxpayers for Quality Leadership.”

According to their information on the Fair Political Practices Commission website (FPPC.ca.gov), Taxpayers for Quality Leadership (FPPC ID1361185) was established on October 7, 2013 and is controlled by Lisa Buchanan of Elk Grove, a suburb in Sacramento.  The PAC’s Treasurer is lawyer Gary Crummitt, who has an office in Long Beach.  Telephone messages left for Buchanan and Crummitt by our staff, asking why their political action committee was interested in the Walnut City Council election, have gone unanswered.

The campaign literature being distributed by Citizens to Protect Walnut has specialized in negative literature targeting candidate Tang, but it has also been sending out rebuttals to the attacks on Council Member Mary Su that have been sponsored by Taxpayers for Quality Leadership.  When asked why he was so involved in this year’s Walnut City Council race, Bennett replied,  “I think Mary Su and Bob Pacheco are doing a fine job, and for some reason there seems to be a lot of outside money involved in this year’s election.  I want to make sure Walnut remains in the hands of people who actually live here.”

Attack ads distributed by Taxpayers for Quality Leadership have so far only targeted Council Member Su, despite the fact that Su and Pacheco are sharing a campaign office and made it clear they are running as a team.  Asked why she felt she is the only incumbent councilmember being attacked by Taxpayers for Quality Leadership, Su said, “I can only assume there is someone with access to lots of money who is determined to remove me from office for their own political reasons, but that person is afraid to be openly associated with it.  If my enemy is from the Chinese community they know very well that most of the Chinese community will immediately turn on them if their identity becomes known.”

And a lot of money it appears to be. According to the City of Walnut website, Betty Tang’s campaign contributions are now up to $96,937. This is the current total even after Tang returned five campaign contributions she received illegally (see www.anapr.com for related stories). But interestingly enough, Tang loaned her campaign $15,000, which leaves $81,000 worth of contributions. Of that $81,000, almost 80% are from addresses outside of Walnut. In addition to the $81,000, the outside group, Taxpayers for Quality Leadership, has contributed almost $11,000 in spending against Tang’s opponents.

Other interesting tidbits about Taxpayers for Quality Leadership: According to the FPPC, the committee also filed two 462 “Verification of Independent Expenditures” reports on Oct. 22, 2013, citing their support/opposition for candidates. In the first report, Michael Lewis signed both documents stating “in support of Margaret Finlay, Tzeitel Paras-Caracci, and Sheryl Lefmann for City Council Member for the City of Duarte,” and “in opposition of Phil Reyes,” for the same November 2013 election. The report also states “in support of Cary C. Chen and Lynne Ebenkamp for Board Member for Roland Unified School District,” (http://fppc.ca.gov/form462/2013/city/1361185_10222013.pdf). Why this group has an interest in Walnut remains unanswered.

Election Day is this Tuesday, April 8.  Be sure to make an educated decision and vote for those who you feel would best represent you as a resident.

CHINO/ONTARIO: Serial Burglars Strike Restaurants Again

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Anyone with information about the suspect shown above is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino
Anyone with information about the suspect shown above is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

serial burglar picture1

 

Staff Reports

Chino/Ontario – Three more local restaurants have been struck by serial burglars this week, making a total of 16 since last year.

On March 31, between 3:45 a.m. to 4:30 a.m., windows were smashed and small restaurants were burglarized, including Nick’s Pizzeria, located at 4125 Riverside Drive in Chino, Sonora’s Restaurant, located at 11738 Central Avenue in Chino, and Dragon Loco, located at 2509 South Euclid in Ontario.

There have been 16 similar burglaries of small restaurants that have occurred in the cities of Chino, Chino Hills, and Ontario since early last November, according to the City of Chino. Detectives believe that all of the burglaries are connected and are asking the community for help in identifying the suspect.

Surveillance footage taken from various crime scenes was able to film the suspect, who is believed to be a Hispanic male, approximately 5’-10” tall. Police believe he may also be working with a partner.

The Chino Police Department is asking the public to look closely at the recent photos taken from the video surveillance cameras and contact the Chino Police if you have any information related to the burglaries or the suspect.

The Chino Police Department can be reached at (909) 628-1234. Photos can also be seen online at www.cityofchino.org.

Pomona: 7-Year Old Hit by Pick-Up Truck in Pomona

 

By Tiana Goegebuer

A 7-year old girl is in critical condition after being hit by a pick-up truck in Pomona. The accident occurred on Sunday, March 30 at an intersection just east of San Antonio Ave. The victim and her older sister began crossing the street at about 6:45 p.m., and a dark colored sedan yielded for them.

A Ford F-150 truck was behind the sedan, and the driver decided to maneuver to the right, going around the stopped sedan. While passing the sedan, the truck hit the little girl. She was admitted to a local hospital in critical condition, suffering from multiple head and chest injuries. The name of the girl has not been released.

The driver of the F-150 was an unlicensed 52-year old woman. Police say that she has been cooperative with the investigation, and do not believe that alcohol was not involved in the incident. The sedan’s driver left the scene before he or she could be interviewed.

WV Board Appoints Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Dr. Matthew Witmer

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Dr. Matthew Witmer

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees approved Dr. Matthew Witmer as the new Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services during the February 19 meeting.

Dr. Witmer has a strong background in the area of curriculum and instruction, and has led the transition into Common Core State Standards. The veteran educator brings 18 years of experience to his new post, which he formally assumed on March 3.

“Dr. Witmer possesses the leadership qualities, technical knowledge of the position, and proven ability to perform effectively in this administrative role,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “I look forward to working with Dr. Witmer. He will make a great addition to the Walnut Valley family,” he added.

Since 2012, Dr. Witmer served as Director of Educational Services in the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD). He was responsible for all areas of the division in the 54,000-student district. During his tenure, CNUSD was selected as a 2012 and 2013 finalist district of the Broad Prize for Urban Education.

Additionally, Dr. Witmer is an adjunct Professor of Educational Leadership at the University of California, Irvine Extension, and Azusa Pacific University. Prior to that, he worked as an associate professor, director, interim program director, principal, assistant principal, and teacher. Dr. Witmer received his Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University.

“The reputation of the Walnut Valley Unified School District has been outstanding for a long time, and I look forward to supporting our students’ learning and contributing to the district’s future success,” said Dr. Witmer.

 

I Know You’re Proud

 

By Michael Armijo

You know, I never really called him daddy. My sister did, and I always envied how he brought that up so many times. But now I can say, “I miss my daddy.” When he died something inside me died. I think it was the first time I realized that I was really on my own. I always felt that dad would “take me in” had I ever made a major mistake in life, had I lost everything and had no place to go. But that feeling is gone, I no longer have a ‘safety net’ in my life. He’s not there to “take me in” anymore. At that time I realized that there was no turning back.

I do miss him, despite the anger he carried and conveyed to me. But what I miss is his strength; and later, his encouragement. He always told me how he admired the way I took on the world if I had a dream. He always said I was so strong to make hard decisions and take action. He loved to watch me work. And he loved working with me. The funny thing is, now that he’s gone I don’t make hard decisions anymore. I don’t take action like I used to. Maybe I was showing off to daddy, trying to be the star above the other kids in our family. But my dad meant so much to all of us, we all tried so hard to be number one in our daddy’s eyes. And fortunately, we all got our turn to be number one. But I almost didn’t get my turn, being the youngest. I got my turn at the end of his life. Had I not confronted him five years before he died, had I not tried to get my turn at being the number one child, I never would’ve received my fifteen minutes of ‘family fame.’

In retrospect, our family never really communicated. I think this is why it took me so long to really get to know my father. It’s kind of strange, we really didn’t know what was deep inside daddy, but we needed to be recognized by him. It meant so much to us to be recognized by someone we often felt was a stranger. And I know that I kept many things to myself, holding many memories prisoner in my mind, and some in my heart, that I never shared with him. He did teach us that we had the ability to do whatever we wanted, but he never really taught us how to communicate. I believe we need clarity; this assures us of where we stand within our lives. We would then teach our children to understand the importance of expression, the importance of how to express our feelings.

When I expressed how I felt to my father, I found out why he treated us the way he did. When we discussed his life and what happened to him when he was a child, the abuse and the neglect he endured (and we ultimately inherited), we understood, together, what happened to him. And what happened to us. But we forgave and we healed. I became more of a complete person; I closed those rough chapters in my life. This is why I believe in the importance of the ‘healing power of expression.’

Although my dad and I became close friends and I got to know him on a personal level, there is something that I always wished he would’ve said to me, something I waited all my life to hear but never did. Something I know he died with, in his heart, but he never verbally gave to me. The five simple words, “I’m so proud of you.” That’s all I ever wanted to hear from my daddy, that’s the one thing that will always be a void at the corner of my soul.

I also realized something that I never thought of: I never told my dad that I was proud of him, either. I am left to wonder if he carried the same disappointment in his life, as I did with mine. But today, what keeps me going is the hope that he’s looking down upon me each day, watching what I do and how my time is being spent. And I believe that he can’t hear what I say, but instead, he can see what’s truly deep within my heart. And as the sun shines warm rays upon me and as the wind whispers through the trees, I can lift my head high and close my eyes and feel his joyous heart whisper that he is so very proud of me; and my heart silently whispers back, that I too, am very proud of him.

Walnut Council Corner

 

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – Wednesday’s City Council meeting was packed with presentations that included recognition for the City’s Neighborhood Watch captains, the business of the quarter, and Walnut’s title as Tree City USA.

City Council members started off the meeting by recognizing Walnut CrossFit as the business of the quarter, for its health impact as well as providing a quality institution.

“For this quarter we selected Walnut CrossFit and the owners,” Mayor Tony Cartagena said. “Walnut CrossFit has been in business for over four years and has grown tremendously; so much so that they’ve had to relocate to larger quarters four times.” Mayor Cartagena said the business has done a good job in providing a quality fitness center to Walnut residents of all ages.

The City Council then recognized more than 20 captains for Walnut’s Neighborhood Watch program and their service in helping to keep the city safe. Cartagena encouraged Walnut residents to join their local Neighborhood Watch, claiming that it is a fun hobby which yields a safe atmosphere. Each captain was given a water bottle and a certificate honoring their dedication.

Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Tragarz thanked the Neighborhood Watch captains for helping support the Walnut Sherriff’s Department in keeping the City safe, and wished that each block had a Neighborhood Watch captain.

Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Captain Jeff Scroggin and Deputy Doug Daley were presented with shirts embroidered with the City of Walnut logo for their service to the City in cooperation with the Neighborhood Watch program.

“I’m finally official,” Daley joked as he opened his gift.

Walnut High School’s Science Olympiad Team attended the City Council meeting to be commended for winning second place at the Los Angeles County Science Olympiad Team Competition at Occidental College.

“By being on this team you’re building a solid foundation,” Cartagena said about the academic excellence that he expected from the nine students being commended.

Suzanne Middle School was also recognized during the meeting; however they were not in attendance.

After the presentations and public comment, City Council members approved the Feb. 26 Council minutes, as well as the two items on the consent calendar: Resolution No. 14-14, allowing the City of Walnut certain claims and demands in the amount of $828,033.12; and the request by Canning Hunger for a non-profit solicitation permit and waiver of the business license tax.

The City Council members then adjourned with plans to meet on April 9 at 7 p.m. in the City Council’s Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

WALNUT: Mt. SAC Students Named to State Academic Teams

 

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

BY: STAFF REPORTS

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio Collect students Brian Yu and Cynthia Robinson are two of the 76 community college students throughout the state that were recently selected for the 2014 All-California Academic teams, selected by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society.

Yu and Robinson, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, will receive medallions during the Community College League of California awards ceremony to be held on April 3 at the Citizen Hotel in Sacramento. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service.  Yu, 19, is an English major and carries a 3.93 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic First Team, the highest honor. A Walnut resident, he has served as a mentor for the Honors Program on campus and is a co-founder of the campus transfer club STEP. He was also a member of college’s championship forensics team last year and won three medals at the state championship. Off campus, he has raised over $180,000 as a volunteer for cancer research as part of Walnut’s Relay for Life board. In 2012, he was honored as a “Voice of Democracy” by the Veterans of Foreign Wars Association. He plans to transfer to Stanford or UCLA and eventually become a screenwriter.  Robinson, a 30-year-old mother of two, is a Horticulture major and carries a 3.76 GPA. She was selected for the All-California Academic Third Team. A Rancho Cucamonga resident, she served as Vice President of Scholarships for PTK on campus, and also served on the college’s InterClub Council. Off campus, she volunteers as a horticulturalist for the University of California Cooperative Extension Program. She also works as a horticulturalist for the non-profit Incredible Edibles Community Garden in Upland. She plans to pursue her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Horticulture at either Oregon State or U.C. Davis.

Sheriff’s Booster Club Annual Golf Classic

 

 

Photo Courtesy: Google Images Western Hills Country Club, Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: Google Images
Western Hills Country Club, Chino Hills

Staff Reports

The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club is hosting their Annual Golf Classic on Monday, April 7, at the Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills (1800 Carbon Canyon Road).

According to Captain Jeff Scroggin of the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station, the Sheriff’s Booster Club is a non-profit organization whose sole purpose is to provide much needed equipment and logistical support to the Volunteers, Explorers, Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and Disaster Communication Specialists. Station Volunteers provide thousands of hours to help uphold the mission of the department and serve the community. Your tax deductible donation or sponsorship will help purchase equipment and supplies for all of the Volunteer Programs to be successful.

This year’s Annual Golf Classic is dedicated to the President of the Walnut-Diamond Sheriff’s Booster Club, Dr. Jeffrey Lowe, who passed away recently. Dr. Lowe, who was a local chiropractor, spent countless hours in support of the community as a former Diamond Bar Rotary President, past board member of the Diamond Bar Chamber of Commerce, and local business man. He was also a San Bernardino County Sheriff Reserve Deputy for over 20 years.

Tournament registration will be held from 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m., and shotgun start will begin at 11:30 a.m. An awards luncheon will immediately follow the tournament, where all tee prizes will be awarded. Golf competitions include Longest Drive, Closest to the Pin, and Hole-in-One.

Sponsorship opportunities include: Platinum Sponsor for $3,000; Gold Sponsor for $2,000; and Silver Sponsor for $1,000 (these packages include golf rounds and recognition). There are additional sponsorship opportunities available.

For more information on sponsorships or to register to play in this very special tournament, contact Booster Club Member, Gil Rivera at (909) 967-4525, or Gil.Rivera@verizon.net.