Category Archives: The Weekly News

Diamond Bar: Hotel To Replace Honda, DB Bans MJ

By Ariel Carmona, Jr.

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council approved several resolutions at the Jan. 21 meeting dealing with crucial development decisions in the City, including a proposal to establish a zoning district for the possible construction of a hotel at the site formerly known as the Honda Dealership, and an emergency ordinance amending the City’s Municipal Code prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in order to comply with Federal laws, among other items.

During the public hearing portion of the meeting, the Council approved the first reading of Ordinance 1(2014), which would establish a new overlay zone district to promote and facilitate the development of a prominent site, which was formerly the location of the Honda Dealership and a Burger King drive-thru restaurant, located across the 60 Freeway off-ramp, in a manner staff reports describe as, “Consistent with the City Council’s adopted goals and objectives since 2009.”

The City’s Staff Report to the Council specified the City’s plans for redevelopment, including specific plans to revitalize the Burger King and Honda property areas, “In a way that provides the greatest net benefit to the community.” The staff determined, based on the criteria set forth in the Council’s goals and objectives, that the highest and best use for the overlay would be a hotel.

“Any future reuse of the land would require a hotel to be the anchor use,” said Greg Gobman, Community Development Director. “And, any secondary uses on that site would be limited to those prescribed in the Development Code,” he added.
City staff told the Council that a world-renowned consultant took several factors into account to determine what would be the most optimal use of the property. According to the report, two major, mutually exclusive projects have been approved next to the Honda site: The Industry Business Center (IBC), and an NFL Stadium. Under the IBC scenario, a business park including office and industrial space would be built out, while the stadium project would include an ancillary office, medical and retail uses. Neither option would include a hotel.

The staff concluded that based upon the analysis of the consultant, the highest and best use of the Honda property is one with a hotel anchor, with project-specific characteristics dependent upon other factors. “The Honda site itself is literally set aside from the rest of the City. That’s also true figuratively in that its physical isolation and its prominent location at the convergence of two freeways is where we see 200,000 vehicles passing by each day, and in addition to this site being located right at existing and future on/off ramps, there is tremendous opportunity to develop this site in ways that really are not possible elsewhere,” said Gobman.

After hearing feedback from a resident opposing the proposed hotel development option, the Council weighed in on the issue. “I think the opportunity there is to capture the between $600,000 and $1 million in transient occupancy taxes, so I think it makes sense to take that action on this property,” said Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Tye.

In other actions, the Council voted 5-0 to adopt an emergency ordinance prohibiting the establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries in the City. Previously, the City’s code permitted one use, but City Manager, James DeStefano, said that code may be in conflict with Federal law. He pointed out that the City does not have any dispensaries currently operating.
According to staff reports made public by the City, the conflict between State and Federal laws has led to many Southern California cities, including Whittier, San Dimas, Fullerton, and other cities in Orange and Los Angeles Counties, to place restrictions on medical marijuana dispensaries, as a permitted land use or place a moratorium on the establishment of such a use.

In 1996, California voters approved Proposition 215, which enabled seriously ill patients to legally possess, use, and cultivate marijuana for medicinal purposes under State law. Subsequently, SB420 was enacted by the State Legislature to clarify the scope of the Act, and to allow local jurisdictions like Diamond Bar to adopt and enforce rules and regulations consistent with the Act.

The emergency ordinance prohibits the establishment or operation of what the City deems retail marijuana dispensaries for a period of 45 days and ultimately provides the City time to adopt an ordinance permanently prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries as a permitted use under the City’s zoning laws.

During the subcommittee reports part of the meeting, Mayor Carol Herrera said that with a lot of people being out of work, there was a minor rash of burglaries during the holiday season. “We are intersected by two major freeways, so we are a relatively easy target,” said Herrera. “I have said before that we have an outstanding Sheriff’s Department that is on the alert to watch out for all of you”, she added. Herrera said officers noticed burglary tools and merchandise in a vehicle during two recent traffic stops. “That’s further evidence that our Sheriff’s Department is doing an outstanding job looking out for the homeowners, and for all of us.”

The next meeting of the Diamond Bar City Council is scheduled for Feb. 4, 6:30 p.m., in the Government Center South Coast Air Quality Management District’s Main Auditorium, located at 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Walnut: Council Corner- Conserve Water

Walnut City Council

The Walnut City Council warned residents to conserve water due to California’s drought. (Photo courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – There was a short supply of agenda items at the Walnut City Council and Housing Authority meeting on Wednesday, but a major warning was given from Council Members about California’s drought problems.

After the approval of the Dec. 11, 2013 Study Session and City Council Meeting Minutes, and the Jan. 8 City Council Meeting Minutes, the City Council unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar.

The consent calendar included Resolution No. 14-03, for a resolution of the City of Walnut to allow certain claims and demands in the amount of $548,442.32; Walnut’s participation in the Cal Recycle Used Oil Competitive Grant for the 2013/2014 fiscal year; and youth sports groups requests for bi-annual facility use for FC Man United Soccer, Walnut Valley Pony Baseball, Walnut Youth Softball and the American Youth Soccer Association.

During the comment and updates section, Council Member, Mary Su, urged Walnut residents to be mindful of wasting water for the foreseeable future due to the latest statewide drought.

Council Member, Bob Pacheco, agreed with Su, saying that citizens should be careful not to waste water in an “unnecessary” manner.

The Housing Authority Meeting then started, which unanimously approved the only item on the consent calendar: Resolution No. 14-01 for the Walnut Housing Authority, allowing certain claims and demands to be paid in the amount of $52,820.25.

Mayor Antonio Cartagena then asked for all attendees of the City Council Meeting to join him in a moment of silence for the passing of Walnut Parks and Recreation’s Commissioner Ernie Quejado’s mother, Theresa.

Cartagena officially adjourned the City Council Meeting at 7:17 p.m., with the next scheduled meeting planned for Wednesday, Jan. 12, at 7 p.m.

A Better Place

BY SARAH ARMIJO

I went on a Missions trip to Haiti with a team last year, and lately we’ve been talking about going back. The team and I always talk about how much we miss Haiti, but I think it’s strange that we’re talking about how much we miss a Third World country, where people lived in poverty and barely had enough food to eat. So the other day, I really thought about what it was that I missed about Haiti and the first thing that popped into my head was: the people.

The Haitian people who lived in the villages were always so friendly to us. They would wave at us as we walked by, have us hold their children, or ask us to pray with them. They were so welcoming everywhere we went. They treated us as we were family, even though we were strangers who didn’t even speak their language.
And the Haitian children were a whole new level of welcoming. Whenever we had an opportunity to play with the children, my arm would end of being tired from holding so many of them and my legs would be tired from running around with them the entire day. At one point, I had a little over ten children surrounding me, each fighting to hold my hand, trying to play with my hair, try on my sunglasses, ask me questions in Creole or do anything to get my attention. The funny part was that as soon as I turned around to look at them, all they would do was give me the biggest smile. The love they showed us was truly remarkable.

It wasn’t until we were back in a United States airport that I realized how different Haiti was. The moment I realized we weren’t in Haiti anymore was the moment I turned to say “Bonswa” (meaning hello in Creole) to someone, and I didn’t see a smiling face like I was used to in Haiti.

It’s amazing to think that I miss a country where we didn’t have any electricity, where we didn’t have clean water, where we barely had enough food, and where I’ve sweated more than I’ve sweated my entire life. But still, I have the urge to go back just so I can see those friendly faces and feel that special love all around me.

The question I found myself asking is, why do I have to go back to feel this way? Why can’t I have that same feeling when I’m in my own hometown? Why can’t we be friendly to one another here? So I ask you to please help me spread love around the community. Say hi to one another, smile at each other, open doors, help with grocery bags, or do a simple act of kindness to show a stranger this love. As the years progress, I find the world becoming less civil. But who says we can’t change it? Let’s work together to make this world we live in a better place.

Diamond Bar: Stay or Go?

BY MARK HOPPER

We are in the beginning of a new sermon series at our church in the Old Testament book of Ezra. I have really enjoyed studying and preparing for this series.
The book of Ezra records events in the life of the Jewish people in the 500s BC. Leaders and families from the tribes of Judah and Benjamin have been living in exile in Babylon (Iran / Iraq) for about 70 years.
After the fall of Babylon, the new Persian King, Cyrus, issued a decree that allowed exiles to return to their homelands. In the British Museum, there is a cylindar (the Cyrus Cylindar), which was discovered in the 1800s, that records this remarkable event.
The decree, which was written in the 500s BC, allowed exiles from many countries to leave Babylon and return to their homelands.
The book of Ezra provides an account of how the Jewish exiles responded to this unexpected opportunity. Some decided to “go” while others decide to “stay”.
How do you think you would respond in their situation? Many of the exiles had built homes and raised families in Babylon. They were not anxious to leave.
Others felt this was a unique opportunity to return to their homeland, even though they knew that Jerusalem had been destroyed and was mostly uninhabited for the past 50-60 years. They were willing to “go”.
How do you respond to unexpected opportunities? Do you play it safe or are you willing to take a chance? Do you prefer the familiar or are you willing to venture into the unknown?
A lot of it has to do with your faith. Are you willing to venture out and trust God to lead and guide you or do you prefer to stay in your comfort zone?
If you have a Bible at home, I hope you will dust it off and use the table of contents to find the book of Ezra and read it for yourself. If you don’t have a church home, let me invite you to come to our church on Sunday morning and learn with us as we study the book of Ezra together.
Pastor Mark Hopper
Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, (909) 594-7604; Sunday Services; 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org.

Inland Empire: Don’t Put Off Your Healing Anymore

BY NANCY STOOPS

The New Year is here and it’s time to start healing from the past. How many years have you put off your healing? How many thousands of excuses have you come up with over the years to not do the work to heal? Having healed from the pain of a brother committing suicide, another brother being murdered and a father dying from pancreatic cancer, I can certainly understand your fear and hesitance. It takes an incredible amount of courage to confront our demons that cause us to stay stuck in the past. It also takes the perfect fit between the client and the therapist.
The truth is that there is no time like the present to start your healing work. Don’t allow yourself to stay in that debilitating pain for another day. Ask people for referrals of good and effective therapists. Take the time to find that special therapist that you can totally trust and open your heart to. Isn’t it time that you or your loved ones were able to be set free and allowed to soar once again? I think we all deserve this, but many hard and horrific things keep us down, fearful and stuck.
Keep in mind that we all only have one life and deserve all the greatness life has to offer. Give yourself and your loved ones a chance to heal and be set free. I promise it’s much harder to stay in the pain than to do the work needed to heal from the pain. I have faith in all of you and know that you can do this. I see so many in pain and it breaks my heart. All I want is for all of you to be healed and to finally have the life that all of you so deserve. So go make that phone call you have been putting off and make today the day that you start your healing and/or the healing of your loved ones!
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. She can handle many court mandated needs. Nancy is now accepting new clients. She also works as a motivational speaker.
For more information about any of these services, feel free to page Nancy at (626) 935-3818. You may email her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. Her new book, “Live, Heal and Grow”, is available for purchase http://www.RoseDogBookstore.com or at Amazon.com.

Walnut: Family Excursions In Walnut

NEWS RELEASE

Walnut – On Sunday, Feb. 16, the City of Walnut is off to see the most magical adventure of them all- Andrew Lloyd Webber’s new production of The Wizard of Oz. This new production is an enchanting adaptation of the all-time classic, totally reconceived for the stage. It contains all the beloved songs and characters and iconic moments from the Oscar-winning movie, plus a few surprises along the way. Seats are $70 and are located in the orchestra section of the Segerstrom Center for the Arts. Round trip transportation from Walnut, leaving at 5:15 p.m. and returning to Walnut approximately at 10:30 p.m., is included.
If a pirate adventure is more your style, join us on us on Saturday, April 5, for the Real Pirate exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum. Exhibit highlights include rare gold coins, jewelry, weaponry such as cannons, pistols, and knives, and a replica of an actual ship that visitors can board. After our time at the Museum, enjoy lunch and shopping on your own in San Diego’s Seaport Village. Ticket prices are $30 per person and include round trip transportation from Walnut, leaving at 8 a.m. and returning to Walnut at approximately at 5:30 p.m.
All busses depart from the Park N Ride Lot, located at 20983 La Puente Road in Walnut, (cross street Gartel Drive.) For more information or to register, please call the Walnut Community Services Department at (909) 598-5605.

Straight Talk With Danice

DEAR DR. AKIYOSHI,

I have been suffering with terrible menopausal symptoms. I do not want to take synthetic hormones because I heard there is an increased risk for breast cancer. Breast cancer and thyroid cancer run in my family. My quality of life is terrible and all of my relationships are suffering. You once recommended some natural remedy for hot flashes and I lost that paper. Will you please mention it again?
Thank you
Sandra. H.

Dear Sandra,
The herbal remedy I recommend for hot flashes is called ‘Fem Drops.’ Or ‘Fem Drops plus’ if you are irritable or struggle with fluid retention. Female ‘Plus’ will help you relax, so take it at night. You can order it from Dr. Richard Schulze’s website at http://www.herbdoc.com.

I would also recommend that you gather information about bio identical hormone replacement. This is quite different from synthetic hormone replacement. Maybe you would consider reading the book by Suzanne Somers called “Ageless.” It is full of valuable information that will help you realize that you are not alone in your suffering. Doing an online search will direct you to many great sources of information as well. Another doctor I’m impressed with is Christiane Northrup. Her books have been helpful to many of my patients.
I wish you the best of luck. I hope you will be feeling better soon.
Danice Akiyoshi ND

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

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.

New Riverside County Sheriff Captain

Sheriff Stan Sniff and Captain Michael Lind of Riverside County Sheriff Dept

Sheriff Stan Sniff and Captain Michael Lind (Photo Courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff Department)

RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF DEPT.

Riverside County – Sheriff Stan Sniff promoted Lieutenant Michael Lind to the rank of Captain on Jan. 13, 2014. Captain Lind will begin his new assignment Feb. 6, as the Commander of the Sheriff’s Communication Center. He is replacing Captain Dean Wright who is retiring this month.
Captain Lind has over 26 years of full-time law enforcement experience, all with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Captain Lind began his career in 1987. After completing the Basic Peace Officer Academy, he was assigned to the Corrections Division as a Deputy Sheriff working at the Riverside County Sheriff’s Jail in Indio. In 1990, he transferred to the Banning Sheriff’s Station where he served in the patrol division and as a Field Training Officer.
In 1994, Captain Lind was promoted to the rank of Investigator, and transferred to the Moreno Valley Police Department where he worked auto theft, child abuse, sex crimes, and homicide investigations. In 2001, he was promoted to the rank of Senior Investigator.
In 2002, Captain Lind was promoted to the rank of Sergeant and transferred to the Banning Sheriff’s Station where he worked as a patrol sergeant and served as the sergeant for the Department’s K9 Team.
In 2007, Captain Lind was promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and was assigned to the Robert Presley Detention Center, where he worked Floor Operations, the Classification Unit, and Administration.
In March 2010, Captain Lind was transferred to the Perris Station, where he managed both Patrol and Administration Divisions. In September 2011, he was transferred to Dispatch, where he managed Fleet Operations, the Telephone Reporting Unit, and several large construction projects.
Captain Lind has a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Cal Baptist University, in Riverside. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Cherry Valley, where they have raised two daughters.

Detectives Seeking Help in Identifying Three Suspects

Staff Reports

Rowland Heights – The LA County Sheriff’s Department sent out a news release stating that the Sheriff’s Parks Bureau detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in identifying three suspects in connection with numerous vehicle burglaries that occurred between Nov. 16, 2013 and Dec. 31, 2013 at Peter F. Shabarum Regional Park, located at 17250 East Colima Road, Rowland Heights.

The suspects burglarized the victims’ vehicles by smashing a window and grabbing any purse left inside the vehicle, according to the Sheriff’s Department. The suspects then immediately used the victims’ credit cards to purchase gift cards and other merchandise from local business stores.

The suspects are described as two male Hispanic adults and one female Hispanic adult. The suspects’ pictures were obtained from video surveillance at stores where the suspects used the stolen credit cards, including various Target stores in the area.

Anyone with information regarding these incidents or the whereabouts of these suspects are encouraged to contact Detective Jack Prentice, Parks Bureau, at (661) 294-3544 or (310) 749-5821.

Photo courtesy: LA County Sheriff’s Department
rowland heights 3

rowland heights1

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Diamond Bar Woman’s Club Update

NEWS RELEASE

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club’s Roaring 20s Casino Night will be an exciting evening on Friday, Feb. 7, from 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Golf Course, 22751 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.
Chairs Paula Dryburgh, Debbie Avila Mott, and Rachel Myer suggest you purchase your tickets early so you won’t miss this fun and festive evening. Tickets are $50 per person, which includes a delicious dinner, $50 worth of gaming chips and one drink ticket. You are encouraged to come in 20s dress and enjoy the fun with all proceeds to benefit the Club’s many philanthropic efforts. For tickets or information, please call Debbie Avila-Mott at (909) 860-1063.
The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club sponsors many local and regional charities, such as scholarships for local students, The House of Ruth, Shoes That Fit and many more.
The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Diamond Bar Golf Course, located at 22751 E. Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar. The next meeting will be on Wednesday, Jan. 15 starting at 10 a.m. and featuring a celebration of the 50th anniversary of the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club. The meetings are always a great opportunity for fellowship and informative topics. For a luncheon reservation, please call Sharron Tanzer at (909) 861-3138.
New members are encouraged to join this very active group. The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club organized in 1963 and is one of the longest-running service organizations in the San Gabriel Valley. For information on any of our programs, please call President, Rosette Clippinger, at (909) 525-8828.

RUSD District Climate Survey and Common Core Meeting

RUSD

Rowland Heights – The Rowland Unified School District announced it will launch its District Climate Survey once again, where the community can provide valuable feedback on programs and services the District provides. This recurring survey provides data responses that assist during planning and review of District operations and educational services. The District also announced that it will hold information meetings this month for parents to learn more about the Common Core State Standards, how it will impact their child, and will share the implementation efforts made in RUSD.
To participate in the online survey (also available in Chinese, Korean and Spanish), the community can visit the “Your Voice” section of the District website (www.RowlandSchools.org) and on every school website. It is also located on the free Rowland Unified School District “Mobile App” available for iOS and Android phones/devices. The District Climate Survey is available now through Jan. 30. Individuals who do not have access to computers may visit any RUSD school to take the survey online, or visit the District Office located at 1830 S. Nogales Street in Rowland Heights. The district phone number is (626) 965-2541. The results from the survey will be shared with the community in the “Your Voice” section on the District website in the Spring.
Parents and interested community members are also invited to attend an informational meeting about the Common Core State Standards that will be implemented next year. The next meeting date is Wednesday, Jan. 22 at Giano Intermediate in the Multipurpose Room (located at 3223 S. Giano Avenue, West Covina 91792). For additional resources and information about the Common Core, a Parent Common Core Toolbox with videos and handouts is located on each RUSD school website or at http://www.RowlandSchools.org.
The Rowland Unified School District is proud to serve 16,000 students in the communities of Rowland Heights, Walnut, La Puente, City of Industry, and West Covina at our award-winning schools. More than 5,000 adults (16+) are also served by the Rowland Adult and Community Education School. For more information about Rowland Unified, the community can download the free Mobile App for iOS and Android phones/devices that has news, school calendars, a safety Tip Line, high school sports news for Nogales and Rowland High Schools, and helpful parent and District resources. Visit http://www.RowlandSchools.org or call (626) 965-2541.

Diamond Bar: Trial Date Set for Former Lorbeer Teacher

Steven Andrews

Steven Andrews (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – Former Lorbeer Middle School teacher, Steven Andrews, appeared in court this week for a pre-trial hearing. The trial has been delayed several times and will not likely get underway until next month.
Andrews surrendered to Police back in September 2011, admitting he committed lewd acts on a 14-year-old student. Andrews is facing 17 charges, including six counts of sexual penetration with a foreign object, six counts of unlawful sexual intercourse with a child, two counts of oral copulation with a child under 16, and three counts of lewd acts on a child.
Steven Andrews is set to return to court Jan. 28 for a defense motion. The trial date is tentatively set for Feb. 10, according to the Pomona Superior Court.

Collegewood Robotics Team Wins 2nd Place at Regional Tourney

Collegewood Robomaster Cougars Robotic Team

Collegewood Robomasters Cougars 4-1, shown with team coaches, were recognized for their impressive 2nd Place award during the school’s Spirit Day assembly on January 10. Each member received a trophy. (Photo Courtesy:Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut—Collegewood Elementary School’s new robotics team won 2nd Place for their project presentation during the Los Angeles Region First Lego League (FLL) Championship Tournament held on Dec. 14, 2013.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 Team is comprised of ten 4th graders: Nathan Fong, Nafiz Islam, Madrid Nevarez, Evan Walker, Sarah Wang, Emmy Hsu, Collin Lee, Codey Ma, Kaden Salvador, and Kawin Watkins.
They were considered one of the youngest teams in the tournament, which included 4th to 8th grade student teams.
Kawin Watkins said his favorite part was “is learning to build and program the robots.”
“I started the project presentation and ended it,” said Evan Walker, age 9. “It’s fun being a part of the club and I will definitely be part of it next year,” he added.
“The best part was programming the robot,” said Sarah Walker. FLL is dubbed a sport for the mind.
“It went really good and it was fun,” added Madrid Nevarez. She said competing with the robot was the most exciting part and she won her match.
Kaden Salvador said he was impressed with his teammates at the regional contest.
“During the competition all the kids really focused and we won!” he said.
They advanced to the Championship Tournament and completed with another 48 teams from different schools throughout Los Angeles County at South High School in Torrance.
“Our little kids tried their best and had great fun working as a team with gracious professionalism to apply science and technology into real world problems,” said team coach and parent Scott Watkins.
The team researched Wildfire Disasters and presented their idea of a Firefighting Robot to the judges.
They also competed among 48 teams in the Robot Game by building and programming their robot using NXT Mindstorms kits to complete different missions.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 took the 7th Place award in the robot performance contest.
“They were also one of the most consistent teams, scoring over 300 points in every round,” Watkins said.
“The children had a successful season, taking full advantage of the great opportunity that has been provided at Collegewood Elementary,” he added.
“This is a huge accomplishment and I am very proud of our students!” said Principal Joan Perez.
“Mr. Watkins did an amazing job at coaching the kids and teaching them the real world skills they need to be ready to solve problems of the 21st century. They represented Collegewood well and I look forward to watching them continue to grow with the First Lego League robotics,” she added.
The Robomasters Cougars 4-1 were honored during the school’s Spirit Day assembly on January 10.
“We wanted to reward our students by giving them individual trophies,” Coach Watkins said.

Walnut: Election Season Kicks Off For Walnut

Walnut City Council Members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco

Council members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco held their campaign kick-off last week. (Photo By: Ariel Carmona Jr.)

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Walnut – Three candidates filed their nomination papers for the Walnut City Council election, set for April 8. The three candidates include current Council Members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco, along with a new candidate, Betty Tang. The election season kicked off on Saturday, Jan. 11, when incumbents Mary Su and former assemblyman, Bob Pacheco, held their re-election campaign at their Lemon Creek Village shopping campaign headquarters.

A number of elected federal, state and local officials and other dignitaries were in attendance to support the pair of candidates seeking to retain their seats on the Council. Among those were U.S. Rep. Judy Chu, D-Monterey Park; U.S. Rep. Ed Royce, R-Fullerto; State Assemblyman Curt Hagman; and former U.S Treasurer, Rosario Marin. Also in attendance were Walnut Mayor, Tony Cartagena; Diamond Bar Mayor, Carol Herrera; Diamond Bar Mayor Pro-Tem, Steve Tye; and a majority of the members of the Walnut Valley School Board, the Walnut Valley Water Board and the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees.

“Mary is really a great person for this community,” said Congresswoman Chu. She added that Su’s dedication to the City goes back to when she founded the Chinese-American Parents Association for the Walnut Unified School District and continued through her days as President of the city’s Chinese-American Association. “This is a person who more than deserves being re-elected to the Walnut City Council. I think we are really lucky to have her.”

Marin said she has known Pacheco almost 20 years, and she has supported him at various positions throughout his political career.

Walnut Council Member Bob Pacheco

U.S. Representative, Ed Royce, talked about how much he supported Bob Pacheco (shown above) and Mary Su. (Photo By: Ariel Carmona Jr.)

“I am here because we want government that works. We yearn for government that really fulfills our needs. We are here for that government that supports our families and keeps them safe, and I am here to support Bob because I know he is an honest man, he’s trustworthy, and he takes his job very seriously. Everywhere he’s been he has done an excellent job,” said the former U.S. Treasurer.
“I know the citizens of Walnut have benefited from his experience, from his knowledge and his commitment. And I am here to support Mary Su because Mary has also been a magnificent public servant, and that’s all we want, we want public servants to do their best for our families,” said Marin.
Congressman Royce said he was very impressed with the work of the Walnut City Council. “There’s a lot of talent in this room, people who’ve served on the City Council for years, but think about some of the things that they did, particularly with Mary Su.”
“Mary Su used to be the Chairperson of the Parks and Recreation Commission and in that capacity she had a certain vision, as did Bob Pacheco who was on the council at that time. They had a vision of having a rural environment here in the middle of Southern California where they would preserve those walking trails, preserve those riding trails and keep that atmosphere alive, and when things came up like those radio towers, they made sure they didn’t go up.”
Royce praised Su for her involvement with the Chinese-American Parents Association and for her efforts to strengthen the council’s relationship with Mt. SAC and the local school district. Royce also pointed out that Walnut has won award after award, including best schools, most livable city, and one of the safest cities to live in California, which Royce said was because of the City’s work with local law enforcement.

Su thanked all of the elected officials and other dignitaries in attendance for their support and friendship. “For many years we have had over 100 percent reserves in our budget. We didn’t cut a single service, we didn’t increase any taxes, and there are so many other things we accomplished, I just can’t name them all,” said an emotional Su, “Overall my heart is with the city of Walnut, I belong to Walnut, Walnut is my child, Walnut is everything to me, that’s why I am devoted to Walnut.”

Su enumerated a number of benefits that the city has seen since she assumed a seat in the Council including expansion of Grand and Temple Avenues, the restoration of City fireworks, collaborations with the local school districts, free services for seniors and many other projects.
“I will keep my promise again. No tax increases, continue to maintain high the quality life in Walnut, maintain high education in the City of Walnut, work together with Congress, the State Assembly and Los Angeles County to bring more resources to Walnut, to work together with each one of you, to listen to your opinion, your suggestions, your ideas to improve Walnut,” said Su.
“Bob’s been serving this community for 40 years. You have a man with experience, from state level, from his contacts, from the national level. You’re a very lucky city,” said Assemblyman Hagman.

Pacheco told the assembled crowd of supporters and residents, “My family grew up here, my daughter was born when we first moved into Walnut, and since that time I’ve been involved. I need your help again to make sure I get reelected and make sure I can continue the work I have started. The most important thing I see for this city is making sure that we get along and that we unite our resources so that we work together toward the proper ends.”

Sarah Armijo contributed to this story.

Pomona: National Public Conference Against Human Trafficking

The National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation (NWCAVE) will be hosting the Southwest Conference Against Trafficking (SWCAT) in Pomona this weekend. SWCAT 2014 will bring three conferences together for one powerful, educational and inspirational weekend January 17-19, 2014 at the Sheraton Fairplex Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA.

Attendees and the public, whether attending the conference or not, are asked to bring new or gently used bras to help survivors of sex trafficking. Anyone wanting to donate bras are asked to come to the Sheraton Hotel & Conference Center in Pomona, CA Friday, January 17th between 7 a.m. -5 p.m. to drop off their contribution and/or to meet the woman behind this awesome organization, Kimba Langas.

The conference will offer breakout sessions, networking receptions, keynote speakers, resources, a film screening and author book signings. Speakers and experts are from San Diego, Orange County, San Bernardino County, Los Angeles, San Gabriel Valley and throughout the United States and Canada.

The Jane Velez-Mitchell Journalism Award will be presented on Saturday evening at the conference to Denver’s ABC 7 Investigative Reporter Keli Rabon for exposing the truth behind untested rape kits in Denver that resulted in a national change in legislation. “Fighting the ‘war on women’ must become a priority in our society…this can be accomplished only by making it a priority in our national dialogue and this conference opens up that conversation,” said Jane Velez-Mitchell, HLN.

About Free the Girls: Free The Girls is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that provides job opportunities for survivors of sex trafficking. They collect gently used bras and donate them to the women as starting inventory for their own business selling the bras. Free the Girls is a coalition partner of the National Women’s Coalition Against Violence & Exploitation. Learn more http://www.freethegirls.org.

To register or more information visit http://www.SWCAT.org

This information is courtesy of NWCAVE.

I-10/I-605 Freeway Connector Closures Scheduled

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will close portions of the San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) and San Bernardino Freeway (I-10) as part of the Interchange Improvement Project. The following schedule will be in effect, weather permitting:

On Thursday, Jan. 16, the following will be closed:
• 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Two lanes of east and westbound I-10 from I-605 to Frazier Street
• 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Westbound I-10 Frazier Street, Baldwin Park Boulevard, Francisquito Avenue and Puente Avenue on-ramps
• 8 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Two lanes of north and southbound I-605 from I-10 to West Ramona Boulevard
• 8 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Valley Boulevard on-ramp to northbound I-605
• 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Southbound I-605 connectors to east and westbound I-10
• 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. – West Ramona Boulevard on-ramp to southbound I-605
• 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to westbound I-10
• 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Garvey Avenue on-ramp
• 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Westbound I-10 connector to north- and southbound I-605
• 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 connectors to north- and southbound I-605
• 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Frazier Street off-ramp
• 11 p.m. to 5 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to eastbound I-10
• 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. – All lanes of westbound I-10 from Puente Avenue to I-605
• 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of northbound I-605 from Valley Boulevard to I-10
• 12 a.m. to 4 a.m. – All lanes of southbound I-605 from West Ramona Boulevard to I-10
• 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of eastbound I-10 from I-605 to Baldwin Park Boulevard

On Friday, Jan. 17, the following will be closed:
• 7 p.m. to 11 a.m. – Two lanes of east and westbound I-10 from I-605 to Frazier Street
• 7 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Westbound I-10 Frazier Street, Baldwin Park Boulevard, Francisquito Avenue, and Puente Avenue on-ramps
• 8 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Two lanes of north- and southbound I-605 from West Ramona Boulevard to I-10
• 8 p.m. to 7 a.m. – Valley Boulevard on-ramp to northbound I-604
• 9 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Southbound I-605 connectors to east and westbound I-10
• 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. – East and westbound I-10 connector to northbound I-605
• 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Garvey Ave on-ramp
• 10 p.m. to 8 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to westbound I-10
• 10 p.m. to 10 a.m. – Eastbound I-10 Frazier Street off-ramp
• 10 p.m. to 9 a.m. – East and westbound I-10 connectors to southbound I-605
• 11 p.m. to 7 a.m. –Southbound I-605 West Ramona Blvd on-ramp
• 12 a.m. to 6 a.m. – Northbound I-605 connector to eastbound I-10
• 12 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of southbound I-605 from West Ramona Boulevard to I-10
• 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. – All lanes of westbound I-10 from Puente Ave to I-605
• 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. – All lanes of northbound I-605 from Valley Boulevard to I-10
• 3 a.m. to 6 a.m. – All lanes of eastbound I-10 from I-605 to Baldwin Park Blvd

MCM Construction, Inc. is the contractor for this $66 million Design Build project, which will create a flyover bridge from the southbound San Gabriel River Freeway (I-605) to the eastbound San Bernardino Freeway (I-10). Detour signs will be posted to direct motorists.
Anticipated completion is fall, 2015. Caltrans reminds you to “Slow For the Cone Zone.”

Information courtesy of the City of Walnut.

Industry: Sheriff’s Station Offers “Solutions”

Youth Participating in the Solutions Program

Youth in the Solutions Program implement a community-friendly way of tagging a previously vandalized wall facing an elementary school. (Photo Courtesy: Deputy Jim Bickel)

BY K.P. SANDER

Industry – There are many joys that come along with parenting. Seeing your children grow into productive adults is a source of pride and love. But let’s face it, the world we live in is full of dangers. You just have to watch the news to see violence, hatred, anger and negativity rampant nearly everywhere. As parents, how do you get your children through adolescence amid not just the societal challenges, but the peer pressure of fitting in without succumbing to alcohol, drugs, sex, bullying, gangs and perhaps even worse trouble? What if you lose the battle? What if you have run out of ideas to keep your children on the right path?

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), Industry Station, offers a special program called “Solutions”; a diversion program in partnership with several Los Angeles County Universities and Colleges to help find solutions and strategies for families struggling with teen conflicts and destructive behaviors.The goal of this program is simple: Success. In their words, “The Solutions program aims to demonstrate to at-risk teens that poor life choices lead to a destructive lifestyle, and there are alternatives to joining gangs, committing crimes and using drugs and alcohol.”

In January of 2012, Deputy Jim Bickel and Sergeant Toni Calton created and launched an education-based program at their LASD Industry Station. After years of referring parents who were seeking help for their teenager’s destructive behavior elsewhere, they found a solution and offered a comprehensive program of parenting at-risk teens to the local community. For ten weeks, parents and their non-compliant teenagers attend simultaneous classes, free of charge.

For the parents, Sergeant Calton teaches, “Parent Project”, a certified, court-approved parenting class, and a component critical to the program’s success. For the teens, Deputy Bickel teaches them how to make better “Life Choices”. The program is assisted with student-mentors from Mt. San Antonio College, Cal Poly Pomona, the University of California at Irvine, Fullerton College, and Rio Hondo College. The college students receive undergraduate credits necessary for graduation, and are made Sheriff’s Department Volunteers (undergoing a full background check to complete the process). The Solutions program provides the internships that give these students real life experience, and they in turn provide the teens with the benefit of their education and knowledge as they work toward a career in related fields. Deputy Bickel says it’s a win/win situation.
When asked what led to the development of Solutions, Deputy Bickel says, “We were tired of turning away families looking for help with their out-of-control teen. Also, our field deputies needed a resource to help cut down on service calls related to domestic problems.” Bickel goes on to say that, “Confronting violence with violence doesn’t work. There are better ways of dealing with these situations, and Solutions works; that’s the main reason I do this.”

It does work. In fact Solutions is showing such success that Pomona courts are now sentencing offenders to the program. The courts have been impressed by what they have seen and some probationary stipulations are requiring enrollment in Solutions. In 2012, the Police Officers Association of Los Angeles County awarded Solutions with the Centurion Award for Excellence in Community Policing.
Since the inception of the Solutions program, five classes have been conducted benefiting 60 families and 50 at-risk teens. The youth who have participated in this program have remained in contact with both their mentors and the deputies. Four of the teens have joined the LASD family and become law enforcement Explorers. The parents have learned techniques to improve relationships with their children, and the fact that structure and rules, along with unconditional love, are essential for success.

If you have or know of a teen that could benefit from this program, you can get more information by contacting Deputy Jim Bickel at (626) 934-3315 or via email at jwbickel@lasd.org. Enrolling in a class could finally be the bridge that leads to an improved relationship with a child who is currently in line for a dismal future. Through Solutions, and fully participating in the behaviors associated with better life choices, a much brighter future is on the horizon.

Diamond Bar: Local Man Sentenced For Laundering Scheme

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – A Diamond Bar man was sentenced today to 24 months confinement for participating in an elaborate scheme known as a Black Market Peso Exchange, which is an underground money-transfer system that enables international drug trafficking organizations to launder narcotics proceeds.

Jia “Gary” Hui Zhou, 44, was ordered to serve 18 months in federal prison, followed by six months in a residential re-entry facility. He was also ordered to pay a $10,000 fine. In May 2013, Zhou’s wife, Dan “Daisy” Xin Li, 44, was ordered to serve a total of 14 months in custody and she is currently serving her sentence of six months home confinement.

The couple were owners of the Industry-based Woody Toys, Inc., a Los Angeles-area toy wholesale.
As part of their agreements with federal prosecutors, the couple forfeited to the federal government $2 million in proceeds that were derived from their money laundering scheme, according to a U.S. Attorney’s Office news release. Zhou and Li pleaded guilty in September 2012 to conspiring to structure currency transactions with a U.S. financial institution to avoid the filing of a Currency Transaction Report.

The scheme used “structured” cash deposits in the United States to launder illicit proceeds generated by drug trafficking organizations based in Mexico and Colombia, according to the report. Structured deposits are cash deposits of $10,000 or less that are designed to avoid laws requiring all cash transactions over $10,000 to be reported to federal authorities. From 2005 through 2011, approximately $3 million in structured, out-of-state cash was deposited into Woody Toys’ bank accounts, according to court documents. During that same time, Woody Toys took in approximately $3 million in cash without filing the required federal documents, according to the news release.

As part of the Black Market Peso Exchange scheme alleged in this case, foreign toy retailers with Colombian and Mexican pesos would contact currency brokers to buy discounted U.S. dollars, which they used to purchase merchandise from Woody Toys. The dollars being “sold” were allegedly proceeds from illegal drug sales that had been deposited in the toy company’s accounts or delivered to the business, the news release stated. The Colombian or Mexican pesos the currency broker received from the foreign toy retailer were remitted to the drug trafficking organizations. In a sentencing memo to the court, prosecutors described Woody Toys as “the last ‘spoke in the wheel,’ that cleaned illicit proceeds and enabled drug trafficking organizations to convert their dirty dollars into clean pesos.”

The case involving Woody Toys is the result of an investigation conducted by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), IRS-Criminal Investigation, and the multi-agency Southern California Drug Task Force, which is spearheaded by the Drug Enforcement Administration.

Previously in this case, Woody Toys, Inc. was sentenced to five years of probation in November after pleading guilty to money laundering conspiracy charges involving drug proceeds. The sentence prohibited the company from receiving payments of more than $2,000 in cash and the business was not allowed to received cash from anyone who was not a customer. The company had to report the identity and contact information of all its customers, and had to comply with unannounced examinations of its books and records.

The probe targeting Woody Toys began in November 2010 after evidence was uncovered in a similar investigation targeting another Los Angeles-area toy wholesaler called Angel Toys, whose owners also went to prison. Several former employees of Angel Toys supposedly went to work for Woody Toys.
Investigators say schemes of this kind benefit criminal organizations by giving them a means to launder illicit proceeds using international trade. According to the U.S. Attorney’s office, the system also gives foreign retailers access to discounted U.S. currency, which enables the foreign retailers to avoid steep exchange rates and other fees. Finally, for the U.S.-based company, the scheme is a way to substantially increase sales volume and cash flow.