Category Archives: The Weekly News

Chino Valley: Happenings

STAFF REPORTS

Chino/Chino Hills – A series of events are happening in the Chino Valley area. Here is a recap of what’s going on.

A press release was issue last week about the Chino Police searching for a burglar who smashed windows and burglarized at least 13 small restaurants in Chino Hills, Chino and Ontario.  The events occurred in the areas between Nov. 5, 2013 and Feb. 19, 2014.  The suspect is believed to be a Hispanic male about 5’ 10” tall, and police believe the suspect may be working with a partner. The Chino Police Department is asking the public to look closely at still photographs taken from video surveillance cameras (available at cityofchino.org) and contact the Department at (909) 628-1234 if you have any information related to the burglaries or the suspect.

Children from six to eight of age can now register for the City of Chino Hills Youth Rookie Soccer Clinic, which begins March 25.  This clinic is a six-week program that meets every Tuesday from 6 to 7 p.m. at Veterans Park, 14877 Eucalyptus Avenue. The cost is $40 for Chino Hills residents and $45 for non-residents. City staff will teach the fundamentals of soccer through drills and live action game play in a team setting.  All equipment is included at the clinic; soccer cleats and shin guards are not required to play. Participants will receive a t-shirt and certificate. To register, go online at http://www.chinohills/RecOnline, or go in person to the Chino Hills City Hall Recreation Office, located at 14000 City Center Drive; the Founders Recreation Center, located at 2000 Founders Drive; or to the Chino Hills Community Center, located at 14250 Peyton Drive.  Make sure to the mention Class Code: 421006-01. For more information, please call (909) 364-2700.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Flying Team Advances to Nationals

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Walnut — With a third-place finish at the recent regional air-meet, the Mt. San Antonio College Flying Team advanced to the National Intercollegiate Flying Association’s national competition, and claimed its 23rd consecutive Regional Community College Award.

“This year marks the 23rd consecutive year our team has won the top community college trophy, a truly remarkable run,” said Mt. SAC Flying Team Advisor and Aeronautics Professor, Robert Rogus.

With 112 points, Mt. SAC placed third behind first-place Embry-Riddle Aeronautic University from Arizona with 333 points, and second-place San Jose State University with 114 points.  The 2014 Safety and Flight Evaluation Conference (SAFECON), a competition for university and community college flying teams, was hosted this year by Embry-Riddle, Feb. 4 through 8.

In addition to the Top Two-Year School Award, the Mt. SAC team took second in the flight event rankings. Manutea Maurin of Diamond Bar placed second overall in the short-field landings event, and Josh Spolar of West Covina took second in the instrument flight event.

The top three regional teams receive invitations to the national competition. The national SAFECON air-meet will be hosted by Ohio State University, May 12 through 17.

Over the years, the Mt. SAC Flying Team has consistently earned top honors as one of the best collegiate flying teams in the country. The team has won the Top Community College trophy at the regional competition every year since 1991. Mt. SAC has won the Top U. S.  Community College Award at the national air-meet in 1984, 1985, 1995, 2000, 2002, 2003, 2005, and 2007.

Inland Empire: “Sell Your Casa” With Gil Rivera

BY SARAH ARMIJO

Southern California – In this day and age, it’s important to know all aspects of your business.  For Gil Rivera from SellYourCasa.com, he absolutely knows every aspect of buying and selling a home.  He is a reliable, experienced, and an affordable Realtor, Broker, and Certified Appraiser.

Rivera sells houses, condos, and two to four unit investment properties in Riverside, San Bernardino, Los Angeles, and Orange counties. He also does real estate appraisals for banks, estates, trusts, divorces, attorneys, refinances, home purchases, and probate/inheritance for tax purposes. In addition, Rivera has assistants that work with him who are fluent in Spanish and Chinese, helping to reach people of different dialects all over Southern California.

Rivera is in his 21st year of business and has SOLD homes in 26 different cities in Southern California; his coverage area is expansive.  Rivera said, “I can do this because I appraise homes in so many different cities and have the knowledge and expertise associated with your marketplace. Give me an opportunity and you will surely be happy you did!”  In February 2013, Rivera listed a home in Monterey Park worth $470,000. Rivera received 53 offers in seven days and SOLD it for $515,000. In November 2013, he listed a home in La Puente for $299,000 and sold it in 5 days with 18 offers at $325,000, all-cash.

Rivera’s philosophy is to “treat my clients the way I want to be treated.” In fact, Rivera said that he became a Realtor because he did not like the way his Realtor treated him when he was buying his home. Rivera shows respect for his clients at all times. He listens to what they say, so that he can better serve them.

Rivera also does not push his Buyers into a sale. Rivera said, “I always tell Buyers: ‘You will know right away when we walk into the house that’s meant for you’.  Whether it takes a week or months, my Buyers will always be satisfied with their purchase and never pressured into it.”

Rivera’s Sellers love the fact that he offers a discounted commission, but with full service.  Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers.  This includes 2.5% to the Buyer’s Agent and 1.5% to Rivera’s office.  Most Realtors negotiate a 6% commission because they have to split the fees with their brokerage. But, as Rivera is the Broker, he passes on the savings to the Seller. This will save Sellers thousands of dollars in commission fees.  His team offers full service for that discounted rate including high quality flyers, professional photos, open houses (as allowable by Seller), and extended advertising coverage on the Internet and social media.

Rivera’s current promotion is, “We will SELL your house in four weeks at highest value! We only request a listing period of four weeks, while most other Realtors ask for a six month listing.” Rivera says that “Buyers need to know that they do not need to pay their Realtor any fees for representing them on a purchase. The Buyer’s agent is paid by the Seller, not the Buyer.

Rivera absolutely loves what he does.  He loves selling homes to Buyers because he helps fulfill their dreams of home ownership. His favorite part of selling homes to is transferring the keys to excited Buyers. Rivera loves selling homes for Sellers because he enjoys the uniqueness that each property offers and selling the positive attributes of the home.  Rivera says, “Many agents spend their time showing houses….I SELL them!”

Check out Rivera’s website at http://www.SellYourCasa.com to see how many different cities Rivera has sold in and for additional information about his company. You can also call the toll free number at (877) 888-SOLD (7653), or cell phone numbers (909) 967-4525 and (626) 340-9950. He also currently has a large freeway billboard where the 57 and 10 freeways meet, near Temple Ave.

Call today for a free market evaluation.

Diamond Bar: Lions Club Update

STAFF REPORTS

(Photo courtesy: Google Images)

(Photo courtesy: Google Images)

Diamond Bar — The Diamond Bar Lions Club did a lot during the month of February, including holding fundraisers, going to events, holding meetings, beautifying local areas, holding contests,  and so much more. Here are a few highlights of what’s happening at the Diamond Bar Lions Club.

The Diamond Bar Lions Club was recognized for their excellence by receiving an award in the month of February. At the Third District Cabinet Meeting held at Westridge Golf Course and County Club in La Habra, the Diamond Bar High School Leo Club was recognized by Immediate Past District Governor, PJ Smith, for receiving the “Club Excellence Award” from Lions International. All the Leo Clubs around the world are considered, but DBHs was the only Leo Club from California to receive the award.

The Lions Club held a fundraiser at Bob’s Big Boy Restaurant in Diamond Bar last month. The Lions Club thanks the owner, Lion James Tsai, for allowing the fundraiser to happen at his restaurant, and they thank Lions, Leos, friends, and family for attending. Make sure to stop by their next fundraiser at Bob’s Big Boy on March 26.

In addition, the Lions Club held a Student Speaker Contest, where two student speakers from the Diamond Bar High School Leo Club gave a presentation of their speech at the South Coast Air Quality Management District. Sabrina Liang, Director of International Publicity, was announced as the winner.

The Diamond Bar High School Leos also did a lot of work throughout the community by picking up trash and recyclables at the school, cleaning the Ronald McDonald House in the City of Orange, cleaning up Leo Square by pulling weeds, trimming hedges, planting new flowers, and scrapping off gum.

Some events and people the Lions and Leos visited included: the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant’s Fashion Show to support contestant Leo Isabelle Chang; Sylmar to visit and tour the Guide Dogs of America facility; the La Habra Host Lions Club; and Lion James Farmer and Emma due to Lion James taking a leave of absence because of health issues.

For more information about the Diamond Bar Lions Club, email Jack Tanaka at jacwand@netzero.net.

Walnut: Westhoff Students Experience Colonial Faire

BY KELLI GILE

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel.

Westhoff students played simple outdoor games of the past. Sarah Barahja, dressed as a royal, mastered rolling the circle using a wooden dowel. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls.

Westhoff students Michelle Jiang, Savarin Chilukuri and Natalie Olvera showed their cornhusk dolls. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games.

Armando Heredia enjoyed playing colonial games. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Westhoff Elementary fifth graders got a chance to experience 18th Century life during a Colonial Faire held on March 7.  About 100 students, dressed up as peasants, royals, and soldiers were excited as they rotated through hands-on activities at the annual event.

Over 50 parent volunteers headed up each station. Students weaved rag rugs and cut paper whirligigs.  They played simple games, learned quill writing, colonial dancing, made cornhusk dolls and hand-dipped candles.  Students sat very still as parent volunteers traced their silhouettes.  In the manners and etiquette station, they learned the importance of using a napkin.

“Putting on a napkin was a big deal during colonial days because clothing was washed only once a month. So they really tried to keep them clean,” said parent Katharina Tang.  “Now, if you get your clothes dirty you just put them in the laundry basket,” she said.

After the morning activities, students looked forward to sampling delicious cornmeal Johnny Cakes and apple rings topped with cinnamon and sugar.

The event is the culminating activity on their recent studies on the colonial era of American History.

“Seeing all of the parent volunteers and teachers working together to make this event possible is really powerful. It’s good for the parents, good for the kids, and good for the staff,” said Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor.

Diamond Bar: Something Smells Good

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Experts say that we associate smells with specific events or memories in our lives.  For example, the scent of pine trees reminds me of summer camping trips in the mountains of Arizona.  A salty ocean breeze reminds me of trips with my parents to the beaches of Southern California when I was a little guy. And the smell of waffle cones reminds me of walking down Main Street in Disneyland on vacation when my own children were young.

What comes to your mind when you pick up a familiar scent or smell?  It may the smell of a rose in your back yard or the blossoms of a fruit tree at the house next door.  One of my favorite scents at this time of year is the orange blossoms on the trees in our back yard. They are filled with blossoms right now and they smell so good!

The smell of orange blossoms takes me back to where I grew up in Scottsdale, Arizona.  There were orange groves next to the elementary school I attended, and there were orange groves near the Little League baseball fields where we spent so many hours.  My wife grew up in a home that had over 20 citrus trees right on their property.  The scent this time of year is almost overwhelming; I have a lot of fond memories.

What are your favorite scents and smells?  What memories do they bring to your mind?

I am convinced that God created all the color, texture, sounds and smells for us to enjoy.  I hope you will stop and smell the roses or the orange blossoms you encounter today.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

(909) 594-7604

Sunday Services:  9:00 and 10:45 a.m.

Website: www.efreedb.org

 

Diamond Bar: 21st Wine Soirée – Save the Date

DIAMOND BAR LIBRARY FRIENDS

(Courtesy of Diamond Bar Friends of the Library

(Courtesy of Diamond Bar Friends of the Library

Diamond Bar -– Enjoy the company of old and new friends and celebrate Diamond Bar by participating in the 21st Annual Wine Soirée, to be held on Sunday, April 27, at the Diamond Bar Center.  All of the proceeds go directly to your local community library.   Chairs Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announced that they have much to celebrate in 2014, with this year’s theme being:  “Friends of the Library and the City of Diamond Bar – Growing Up Together.”  Diamond Bar will commemorate its 25th birthday, incorporating in April 1989, along with the 21st Anniversary of the Wine Soirée that started in March 1994.

Come, bring your friends and neighbors, and join this festive and exciting afternoon with delicious food from local restaurants, a great selection of wine to taste, music, and silent and live auctions.  Some of the delicious food offerings will be provided by Aljibani Halal Market, Buca di BEPPO Italian Restaurant, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Coco’s Bakery, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Diamond Palace, Graber Olive House, Got Taco Party, It’s A Grind, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, Round Table Pizza, and The Whole Enchilada.  Please stop by their restaurants, enjoy their delicious food and thank them for their support of the Diamond Bar Library, and literacy in our community.

Many exiting and desirable prizes are being donated for this year’s Wine Soirée.  One exciting prize in the live auction will be a two-night stay at Cass Vineyard in beautiful Paso Robles, along with a day of tasting (chauffeured in their 1947 Chrysler Windsor Limo), gourmet lunch, and barrel tasting for four at the Cass Winery.

With your help, the Friends gave over $30,000 in 2013 for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, and more, that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our non-profit bookstore, Basically BOOKS.  In 2012, the Friends, in association with the Wine Soirée, donated $80,000 to partner with the County of Los Angeles and the City of Diamond Bar to create the new library.  This wonderful addition to Diamond Bar would not have been possible without the help of the community.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, the music they enjoy – will help to improve the quality of life and learning.  The annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors.  Tickets are $50 per person in advance and $60 at the door.  Advertising is also available in our beautiful Annual Program.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.  Tickets and program information are available by calling (909) 861-2002.

Walnut: WVUSD Middle School Mathletes Dominate at Regionals

BY KELLI GILE

The Suzanne Middle School 1st Place Team: Matthew Nguyen, Aaron Chang, Amy Erickson, Ethan Lin, and Christopher Wong, with advisor Amy Erickson. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The Suzanne Middle School 1st Place Team: Matthew Nguyen, Aaron Chang, Amy Erickson, Ethan Lin, and Christopher Wong, with advisor Amy Erickson. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The South Pointe Middle School MATHCOUNTS team. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The South Pointe Middle School MATHCOUNTS team. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School competitors at the MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Chaparral Middle School competitors at the MATHCOUNTS Regional Competition. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut — Walnut Valley Unified School District’s three middle schools, Suzanne, Chaparral, and South Pointe, again took three of the top four places at the East San Gabriel Valley Chapter MATHCOUNTS Competition, held Feb. 21 at California Polytechnic University, Pomona.

The Suzanne MATHCOUNTS Team won 1st Place, Chaparral Mathletes took 2nd Place honors, and South Pointe brought home the 4th Place award.

Congratulations to the Suzanne MATHCOUNTS competition team who will now advance to the California State Competition. Two individual competitors will also advance to State:  Chaparral 8th Grader Matthew Ho, who placed first overall, and South Pointe 8th Grader Austin Sun, who placed second overall. The California State Competition will be held at the University of California, Irvine, on March 14.

“I am enormously proud of the students. They have been working very hard toward this goal for the past several years.  This is only the second time in our school’s 52-year history that we have placed first.  I would also like to commend the Walnut High School Math Club and especially their president, Andy Tsai, for all the volunteer hours spent coaching the Suanne Mathletes. This is truly a team win,” said Suzanne math teacher and advisor, Amy Erickson.

Diamond Bar: Council Corner – Deputy City Manager Position Created

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Diamond Bar — At their March 4 meeting, the Diamond Bar council heard a presentation from students and parents at Diamond Bar High School pertaining to efforts on the part of the school to raise $10,000 for computers, laptops and Audio Visual equipment needed for students to comply with the state’s Common Core testing standards, as well as welcomed Ryan Mcclean to his new position of Deputy City Manager, among other business.

During the public comments portion of the meeting, Mustafa Barlas, a student at Diamond Bar School, asked the council to help the school raise funds. “Every single test has to be done on a computer and because of all the budget cuts, Diamond Bar High School is not able to pay for all this stuff. We are trying to help fundraise money for that; we wanted to reach a goal of $2,000 with the help of you guys fundraising.”

The South Asian Parent Association of Diamond Bar High School, a parent based nonprofit organization under the Diamond Bar High School Magnificent 7 parent group, presented information about their upcoming fundraising event to the council. The fundraiser will include an evening of food, music and cultural event scheduled for March 21 at 7 p.m. at Diamond Palace Cuisine of India located at 1241 Grand Ave.

“Our mission is to enhance the sense of community and belonging of the students at DBHS by celebrating the Indian and sub-continent cultures through education and arts, promoting parent and community involvement…and fostering the spirit of the school’s multicultural community,” said Co-Presidents Archana Verma and Lubna Akbany in a written statement presented to the council.

Sponsorships to the event include a platinum sponsor at $2,000, a gold sponsorship at $1,000, a Silver sponsorship at $500 and a Bronze at $250.

In other actions, the council voted 5-0 to pass their consent calendar, which included a ratification of a check register dated Feb. 13 through Feb. 26 totaling $931,877; approved the Treasurers statement for the month of January and approved a contract amendment for the consulting services for the Willow Heights project’s final environmental impact report for a not-to-exceed cost of $30,210; and acceptance of work performed by a contractor for construction of improvements to the Diamond Bar Center.

The council members also thanked retiring commissioners in various city departments including traffic and transportations, parks and recreations, and the planning commission. A presentation to honor outgoing commissioners included Liana Pincher and Peter Pirritano who worked under Traffic and transportation, and Dave Roberto and Ash Dhingra for Parks and Recreation and planning respectively.

City Manager James De Stefano praised staff for their actions during the rainstorm which pelted the area. “I want to specifically thank the Public Works Department, they were the most active during the course of the few days ensuring that a variety of city staff resources were properly deployed and that the assets that we have were in position to respond to the storm. There were a variety of city staff members that worked very hard, particularly on Friday.”

During his report to the council, DeStefano also spoke about a new position approved by the council at their previous meeting. “I have promoted Ryan McClean to the position of Deputy City Manager,” said DeStefano, “Ryan has been a member of this city staff for many years, has served in the City Manager’s office in a variety of positions. Ryan is an outstanding contributor to our organization and it’s a great pleasure to have promoted to the new position of Deputy City Manager.”

Council-member Ling-Ling Chang said, “I wanted to congratulate our new Deputy City Manager Ryan. You’ve been doing a great job; thank you for all the great work you do and congratulations on the new position.”

The next City Council meeting is scheduled for March 18 at 6:30 p.m. at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Inland Empire: Girl Scouts Learn About Counterfeit Money the Hard Way

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Rancho Cucamonga – In Rancho Cucamonga, at least two people have used counterfeit money to steal cookies and money from local Girl Scouts.  The Scout members had set up a table outside their local grocery store to begin this year’s cookie drive. Shortly after that, the suspects, one man and one woman, each used $50 counterfeit bills to pay for cookies and proceeded to ask the Scouts for change.  The process is said to have been repeated at least once more at another Rancho Cucamonga location during the same weekend.  The troops who were taken advantage of are said to be liable for the loss, and are out a little more than $200.

The community is appalled.  The thought that someone would use counterfeit money to steal from a Girl Scout is shocking to most people, but especially to the Girl Scouts themselves.  The girls are very trusting, and did not expect to need to have knowledge of how to differentiate real money from fake.  In response to the crime, the Rancho Cucamonga Police have provided the affected troop with some basic training on spotting counterfeit money.

The local police department is reviewing the video surveillance from the stores where the crimes took place in the hopes of identifying the suspects.

Diamond Bar: Former Lorbeer Teacher Found Guilty of 17 Sex-Related Counts

STAFF REPORTS

Steven Andrews

Steven Andrews (Photo Courtesy: L.A. Sheriff’s Department)

Diamond Bar — Steven Andrews, 43, a former Diamond Bar Middle School history teacher, was found guilty Wednesday of 17 sex-related counts: six counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, five counts of sexual penetration by a foreign object, three counts of lewd acts upon a child, two counts of oral copulation with a person under 16, and one count of possession or control of child pornography. The jury deliberated for less than a day before reaching their verdict in the case.

 Andrews surrendered to authorities back in September 2011, admitting he committed lewd acts on a 14-year-old student.  He taught the student for about a year at Lorbeer Middle School in Diamond Bar, prior to when the sexual relationship began. The incidents took place both on and off campus. Police were initially alerted after the relationship was brought to their attention by a teacher who was concerned over the interaction between the victim and Andrews. The Los Angeles County Special Victims Bureau then began investigating the case.

Andrews has remained in custody since his arrest. He is scheduled to be sentenced at the Los Angeles Superior Court in Pomona on April 24.  The maximum sentence is 15 years and eight months in state prison.  Andrews must also register as a sex offender.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Wins Four Gold Medals at SkillsUSA

MT. SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Walnut — Mt. San Antonio College vocational education students won four gold, three silver, and one bronze medal at the SkillsUSA Regional Competition held recently at Los Angeles Trade Technical College, with seven students qualifying to advance to the 47th Annual State Leadership Conference competition, April 24 through 27 at the Town Country Resort and Convention Center in San Diego.

Rhiannon Britney of West Covina and Kevin Velasquez of Ontario won gold medals in technical drafting and will advance to the state competition. Sukhdev Singh of Chino won a gold medal for technical design and will also advance to state.  In the electronics technology competition, Jose Gomez of Azusa won first place and Cesar Bustamante of Anaheim took the silver medal. Both will advance to the state level. In telecommunications cabling, Samuel Arrieta of Monrovia took second place, and Hyun Cha of Rowland Heights won third place with both advancing to state.

Other competitors for Mt. SAC were Carlos Galdamez of West Covina with a silver medal in technical drafting, Trevor Lauritson of Pomona with a fifth-place finish in technical drafting, and Rodrigo Del Villar of El Monte with sixth place in the computer maintenance technology competition.

First-place winners at the state competition will advance to the SkillsUSA National Leadership and Skills Conference slated for June 21 through 27 in Kansas City, Missouri.

The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 5,600 students are expected to compete at this year’s national event.

SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.

San Gabriel Valley: Designing Your Own Life

BY NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

SGV — Why do you let everybody run your life?  Why do you feel you have no choices and that life can’t ever get better?  What is it that seems to keep you stuck?  How many times have you asked yourself these questions?  Let’s see if we can provide some answers.

I think we let others run our lives because we feel we don’t know how to. Out of fear, we allow others to run things for us.  In terms of feeling, we have no choices.  I think it’s just a bad habit of limiting our expectations and not having faith in ourselves.

I believe we stay stuck because we get comfortable even if we are miserable.  It also takes a lot of energy to change and many times we don’t want to put forth that kind of energy.  The alternative is to do nothing and to just stay stuck.  We ask ourselves the same questions over and over, and at the time, we tell ourselves that this time we will finally change.  I believe people mean it at the time they say it, but then they get lazy when it comes to actually doing the work involved to get to where they want to.

Please stop assigning blame to everybody and everything, except yourself, for why you don’t have the life you want.  We all have things that get in the way of our journeys, but it’s also up to us to overcome that adversity that literally stops us dead in our tracks.  I get so tired of people telling me they can’t when I know they can if they would try harder and fight for the life they want.  People are always putting off having the life they want by telling themselves that once they get though this or that, life will improve and be what they want it to be.  The truth is that all they are really putting off is life.

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

 

Walnut: Tang Accused of State, Federal Campaign Law Violations

BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

Betty Tang (Courtesy of Betty Tang- Walnut City Council)

Betty Tang (Courtesy of Betty Tang- Walnut City Council)

Walnut –- An organization of Walnut residents, “Citizens to Protect Walnut” announced yesterday that they filed legal complaints against Walnut City Council candidate, Betty Tang, with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s Attorney General and with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   The residents claim Tang has illegally received and reported political campaign contributions from at least two tax-exempt charitable organizations, and they cite the City of Walnut’s website for the proof.

Walnut resident, Phil Bennett, speaking on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut, said that since the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School of Walnut are organized as nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, they are completely prohibited from participating “in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.”  The Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra is organized as a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt charitable organization, and the Confucius Chinese Language School is organized as a 170(b)(1)(a)(ii) tax-exempt charitable organization.

When asked for proof of these violations of the law, Bennett said the evidence was “right there in black and white, on the current websites of the City of Walnut, the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School  of Walnut.”

“Campaign contributions are political activity.  And if you look at Betty Tang’s Campaign Statement filed with the City of Walnut on February 25, 2014, she reports that she received a $1,000 campaign contribution from the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra on February 18, 2014 and a $500 campaign contribution from the Confucius Chinese Language School on February 16, 2014,” he said. He also noted that if you go on the websites of these two organizations, they both show that they are classified by the IRS as tax-exempt charitable organizations.  “That’s all you need to know to establish that there has been a violation of the law,” Bennett said.

Bennett said what made Tang’s violation of campaign contribution laws particularly bad was the fact that she is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra, as she states on her campaign literature.

“First, as a Board Member, she has actually participated in steering her organization’s charitable funds into this illegal political activity, and she has placed this entire organization at legal and financial risk.  I can’t believe she is that ignorant about what tax-exempt charitable organizations are allowed to do.  I wonder what contributors to this organization will think about this diversion of their money into political activity?”

Bennett said he was displeased that a City Council candidate is violating state and federal campaign laws and engaging in unfair political activity.

“I think Walnut citizens would expect their candidates to be aware of the campaign laws before they decide to run for elective office and then to respect these laws.  I don’t want anyone on our City Council who got there illegally and unethically.”

Bennett said he hoped the complaints he has filed on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut with the FPPC, California Attorney General and IRS will not only result in fines for these violations of the law, but also trigger a wider investigation into other possible violations of contribution laws by Tang’s campaign.

Tang’s office did not return a call regarding the allegations.

Inland Empire: Straight Talk With Danice

Dear Danice Akiyoshi, ND:

My sorority sisters and I plan to take a cruise to Mexico this summer.  There are eight of us going, so we drew names to decide how the rooms would be shared.  I am nervous because I drew the girl who has OCD, and she has to have everything perfect all the time.  I’m a spontaneous person and never plan a thing.  Do you think it would be wrong of me to see if any of the other girls might be willing to switch roommates with me?   We are the worst match.

Gabriella

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Gabriella:

Your roommate is bound to discover your feelings if you approach the other people in your group.  Names were drawn; all is fair, so accept the outcome and get off to a good start.  Partnering with this person only applies to your stateroom right?  Where you sleep and shower should not have a significant bearing on how much fun you experience with your sorority sisters on this cruise.  I am old enough to know that things often happen for a reason.  You may find yourself forming a magnificent friendship with your roommate.  Maybe you even have something important to teach each other.  Carry on and concentrate on having a good time.

Danice Akiyoshi,ND

Tang Accused of State, Federal Campaign Law Violations

 

By Michael Armijo
 
Walnut – An organization of Walnut residents, “Citizens to Protect Walnut” announced yesterday that they filed legal complaints against Walnut City Council candidate Betty Tang with California’s Fair Political Practices Commission (FPPC), California’s Attorney General and with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service (IRS).   The residents claim Tang has illegally received and reported political campaign contributions from at least two tax-exempt charitable organizations, and they cite the City of Walnut’s website for the proof.
Walnut resident Phil Bennett, speaking on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut, said that since the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School of Walnut are organized as nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations, they are completely prohibited from participating “in any campaign activity for or against political candidates.”  The Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra is organized as a 501(c)(3) tax tax-exempt charitable organization, and the Confucius Chinese Language School is organized as a 170(b)(1)(a)(ii) tax-exempt charitable organization.
When asked for proof of these violations of the law, Bennett said the evidence was “right there in black and white, on the current websites of the City of Walnut, the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra and the Confucius Chinese Language School  of Walnut.”
“Campaign contributions are political activity.  And if you look at Betty Tang’s Campaign Statement filed with the City of Walnut on February 25, 2014, she reports that she received a $1,000 campaign contribution from the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra on February 18, 2014 and a $500 campaign contribution from the Confucius Chinese Language School on February 16, 2014,” he said. He also noted that if you go on the websites of these two organizations, they both show that they are classified by the IRS as tax-exempt charitable organizations.  “That’s all you need to know to establish that there has a violation of the law,” Bennett said.
Bennett said what made Tang’s violation of campaign contribution laws particularly bad was the fact that she is a Member of the Board of Directors of the Diamond Youth Symphony Orchestra, as she states on her campaign literature. 
“First, as a Board Member she has actually participated in steering her organization’s charitable funds into this illegal political activity, and she has placed this entire organization at legal and financial risk.  I can’t believe she is that ignorant about what tax-exempt charitable organizations are allowed to do.  I wonder what contributors to this organization will think about this diversion of their money into political activity?”
Bennett said he was unpleased that a City Council candidate is violating state and federal campaign laws and engaging in unfair political activity. 
“I think Walnut citizens would expect their candidates to be aware of the campaign laws before they decide to run for elective office and then to respect these laws.  I don’t want anyone on our City Council who got there illegally and unethically.” 
Bennett said he hoped the complaints he has filed on behalf of Citizens to Protect Walnut with the FPPC, California Attorney General and IRS will not only result in fines for these violations of the law but also trigger a wider investigation into other possible violations of contribution laws by Tang’s campaign. Tang’s office did not return communications regarding the allegations.

Orange County: School Stage Collapses

BY EMILY LUNDBERG

Orange — On Saturday, March 8, 28 students were injured when Servite High School’s stage collapsed during a performance by Rosary High School, an all-girl catholic school.

The collapse occurred at approximately 10 p.m. during the finale of Rosary’s 44th Annual Red and Gold Rally performance. According to the Rosary website, Red and Gold is “one of Rosary’s most cherished traditions.”  In preparation for the rally, the entire student body is divided into several categories including choral, dance, media, props, and stage techs. These groups then spend six weeks using creativity, analytical thinking, and leadership to put on the event.

Servite, an all-boy catholic high school, was founded in 1958 and served as the venue for this year’s Red and Gold performance. According to the Servite’s website, the stage is 50’ wide and 25’ deep.  A statement released by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Orange on March 10 stated that an internal investigation is currently underway to determine the cause of the collapse.

At the time of the collapse, 250 students were jumping and screaming on stage during the finale.  Without what appeared to be any signs or warning, the front part of the stage collapsed.  This was the last of four performances scheduled that weekend.

According to a spokesperson from the Catholic Diocese of Orange, 28 students were treated for mild to moderate injuries at local hospitals, and all have been released.

On March 9, Rosary and Servite High Schools released a brief joint statement saying that the event had occurred and that their “thoughts and prayers are with the students and their families.”  Both schools have since declined phone calls from reporters requesting comments on the event.

San Gabriel Valley: Your Presence Is Valued In Our World

BY NANCY STOOPS

I bet you don’t think you matter or make a difference. I’m here to say you’re wrong. Every interaction we have with each other matters. Every time we smile or share a greeting we make a difference. Those very interactions can literally change the way another feels about their day. We still have the power to make the world a better place and to make somebody feel good. I’m always given hope during those brief but powerful interactions with others. An exchange of a smile can literally fill me with warmth and a wonderful glow inside. Just for that brief second there was a very nice exchange of good energy between two humans.

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

Take a minute or two out of your day to say hello, smile, hold a door open, help somebody cross a street or perform any act of human kindness. These acts really go a long way and can help you understand that you matter. I value these acts and the people that have the social graces to perform them. Please understand how much power you have each day to help make this world a better place. I hear heartwarming stories about people doing good deeds and I think about how much I value these people and their presence in our world.

Every time somebody thanks me for my work, their kind words seem to wrap around me and hug me and fill me up with such appreciation for my life and my work. I so value the presence of the people in my practice and in my groups. My group members are so supportive of each other and make a huge difference for each other. I walk through my neighborhood and Midnight and I have many very brief but meaningful interactions and I am reminded of how valuable humans can be if they want to.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients. She is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. Nancy conducts free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger. For more information about any of these services, feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727. You may also e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net.