Category Archives: The Weekly News

Woman Convicted of Murdering 6 in Wrong-Way Crash on 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The driver in a tragic high-speed, wrong-way accident that left six people dead — among them the driver’s sister — along the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar four years ago, plead no contest to several counts of murder, according to court records.

Olivia Carolee Culbreath, who was only 21 when she drove her 2013 Chevrolet Camaro east down the freeway’s westbound lanes and slammed head-on into a Ford Explorer. Culbreath now 25 killed four people from three generations of one Huntington Park family and the two passengers in her own vehicle.

The gruesome accident, which had bodies ejected from the vehicles and strewn all about the roadway, gained national attention.

There weren’t any DUI charges filed against Culbreath even though evidence showed her blood alcohol concentration stood at .15 percent three hours after the collision, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Prosecutors said Culbreath had been driving the wrong way on the 57 Freeway even before getting onto the 60 Freeway early that fateful Sunday morning in February of 2014.

The force her vehicle created when it slammed into the family’s 1998 Explorer ejected all four of its passengers: Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; his wife, Leticia Ibarra, 42; their daughter, Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Jessica’s grandmother, Ester Delgado. Mejia-Martinez and Delgado died at the scene, while Ibarra and Mejia died some time later at the hospital.

Culbreath’s two passengers, her older sister Maya Louise Culbreath, 24, and their friend Kristin Melissa Young, 21, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Culbreath and a 57-year-old man in a third vehicle that became swept up in the wreck survived the accident. Both sustained minor injuries; Culbreath was in the hospital for nearly a month with a broken femur and ruptured bladder.

Witnesses told investigators the Camaro had been racing down the freeway at speeds in excess of 100 mph shortly before the accident occurred. Evidence that alcohol may have played a part in this tragedy was also found at the scene.

Culbreath had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in 2010, when she was a 17 year old minor, in San Bernardino juvenile court, according to reports.

Prosecutors stated she had previously been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when she was involved in another accident. At that time she was warned by the court about the dangers of her behavior. She was informed that further offenses could result in murder charges and prison time.

Restrictions that had been placed on her license in relation to a different intoxicated driving case, were lifted the week before the fatal accident took place, the DMV confirmed.

Her older sister’s license was suspended at the time of the fatal collision following multiple DUI convictions of her own, the Times reported.

Culbreath entered her no contest plea to six counts of second-degree murder Tuesday after previously pleading not guilty to murder charges on two occasions.

She is expected to return to court for sentencing Sept. 7 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

 

Chino’s Hidden Treasure: Clark’s Nutrition

Clark’s is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Stop by for yourselves and experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Visit http://www.clarksnutrition.com.

Staff Reports

Chino – Father’s day is right around the corner and Clark’s has something for your hero on his day. Whether it is a supplement to help him grow his muscles, equipment needed for the gym visits or just something to help him sleep at night, whatever it is you can find it at Clark’s. His health is important to you; show him how much you care about having him around for years to come.

Have you ever heard of Clark’s Nutrition? Imagine a Whole Foods, Sprouts, Trader Joes, and Nutrishop all under one roof… in your own back yard, Chino! Clark’s Nutrition & Natural Foods Market is a rare find in the natural foods industry. If you haven’t discovered this amazing store yet, it is worth your time to investigate.

Clark’s stores not only have a huge selection of supplements (their Chino location has one of the largest supplement sections in the entire country), but they have a wide variety of organic grocery items, complete with gluten-free sections,  including Vegan and Vegetarian options, as well as a large selection of organic produce.

Want to get a free make-over with natural, cruelty-free make-up too? No problem, Clark’s has a make-up section that looks like something you’d see at a MAC make-up counter. Clark’s is the only retail partner with actress, Suzanne Somers, to offer her organic cosmetics and skin care line, SUZANNE Organics.

Clark’s is a pioneer in the health food world. They opened the doors of their first location in Riverside in 1972, long before health food became vogue. Today there are stores in Riverside, Loma Linda, Rancho Mirage and Chino.

But have you ever been to a “health foods” store before and felt overwhelmed or weren’t sure where to start? Have you felt the opposite, like you knew more than the employee? Have no fear, Clark’s knows how refreshing it is to speak with health food store employees that know their stuff and are willing to share their knowledge.

The Clark’s slogan is, “Live better, we can help.”  How does Clark’s actually help people you ask? Clark’s has made their business thrive on helping to educate people about their health. Starkie Sowers, the Director of Education at Clarks says, “We have Nutritional Consultants at Clarks. These employees go through our 5 level in-house training program. It takes about 3 ½ years to get to a Level 5 at Clarks.” Clark’s takes education about health seriously. These knowledgeable (non-commission) Nutritional Consultants are one of the keys to why people love Clarks so much.

Clark’s is a great find for anyone looking to improve their health. They have competitive pricing, knowledgeable staff, a great product selection and a beautiful Chino location close to home. Dr. Wendy Wang, who is a Licensed Naturopathic Doctor, will be giving B12 shots inside the Chino store on June 3rd, 10th & 17th from 1:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

 

Discover this Chino treasure located at 12835 Mountain Ave in Chino.

A Little Light Goes A Long Way

By Mark Hopper

During our tour in Israel, we were given the opportunity to walk through Hezekiah’s tunnel in the city of Jerusalem.  Around 700 BC, the city of Jerusalem was threatened by the powerful Assyrian army.  The Assyrians were one of the most powerful nations in the Middle East at that time.  Their empire was centered where Iran and Iraq are today.  Their capital was the city of Nineveh.

 

The Assyrians had already defeated the northern half of Israel and were poised to attack the southern area called Judah.  Jerusalem was the capital of the southern kingdom.  A large wall protected the city.  A common military tactic in those days was to besiege a walled city until it ran out of food and water forcing the inhabitants to surrender.

 

King Hezekiah knew that a reliable source of water would be essential to withstand a long siege by the Assyrians.  He directed his engineers and workers to dig a long tunnel from a spring outside the city to provide the water that would be needed to survive behind the city walls.  It was a remarkable engineering feat to create this tunnel with just hammer and chisel.

 

The source of the water and the entrance to the tunnel outside the city walls was concealed so effectively that the enemy never found it.  In fact, the source of the water was only discovered in the 1800’s!  The tunnel had to be designed with a slight slope so that the water would run down hill and deep under the walls to bring water to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.  Water still flows in this tunnel today!

 

Tourists are allowed to walk through this tunnel beneath the city of Jerusalem.  The water level is only one to two feet deep.  The tunnel is only about the width of one person and barely high enough to stand upright.  And, the tunnel is very dark.  In fact, you can’t see the person walking in front of you.  You can hear them, but you can’t see anything.

 

Thankfully, they sell small, inexpensive flashlights at the gift shop near the tunnel entrance.  I usually don’t purchase trinkets and small souvenirs when we travel, but I was glad I spent $2 to by a flashlight.  It was the best two dollars I have ever spent!

 

My friend and I were the last two people in our group to enter the water tunnel.  We were glad we wore water shoes as we started to walk down the dark tunnel.   We were delayed a bit as we put our shoes on and quickly fell behind our group.  We could hear them ahead of us, but we couldn’t see them at all.  The narrow tunnel twisted and turned in the darkness.  The bottom and sides were rough.

 

I quickly learned that my friend had not purchased a flashlight.  I had the only one.  It was pitch black, but my little two-dollar flashlight really helped us navigate our 30 minute walk through the tunnel.  It was amazing how one little light illuminated our path.  I don’t know how we would have made it if we didn’t have that one little flashlight.

 

Jesus told his followers that they are “lights in this world” and that they were to “let their light shine” so that people would see their good works and be drawn to follow Jesus, too (Matthew 5:16).  When you and I help others and serve those around us, we are like a small light in a dark world.  Radom acts of kindness and thoughtful, encouraging words can brighten someone’s day and make their lives better.

 

We don’t need to be “in the spot light” and draw attention to ourselves.  We are called to bring a little light into the lives of those around us.  A little light goes a long way.  Let me encourage you to look for ways to encourage and help people around you.  Even a $2 flashlight can make a big difference in a dark place.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Sweet Apple Pork Tenderloin

with Cauliflower Mash and Snap Peas

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 570 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Yukon Gold Potatoes- 24 oz
  • Cauliflower Florets- 10 oz
  • Pork Tenderloin- 24 oz
  • Dried Thyme- 1 tsp
  • Sugar Snap Peas- 12 oz
  • Gala Apple- 2
  • Chicken Stock Concentrate- 2

 

 

1  BOIL POTATOES AND CAULIFLOWER.    Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Cut potatoes into 1-inch cubes. Place potatoes and half the cauliflower in a large pot with a pinch of salt and enough water to cover by 1 inch (we sent more cauliflower than needed). Bring to a boil and cook until very tender, 12-15 minutes. Drain and return to pot.

 

2  SEAR PORK.     Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over high heat. Season pork all over with salt, pepper, and ½ tsp thyme (we sent more). Add to pan and cook, turning occasionally, until browned all over, 4-8 minutes.

 

3 ROAST PORK AND SNAP PEAS.       Trim any tough ends or strings from snap peas. Once pork has browned, transfer to a baking sheet, placing toward one side. Add snap peas to other side and toss with a drizzle of oil and pinch of salt and pepper. Roast in oven until pork is cooked to desired doneness and snap peas are tender, 10-12 minutes.

 

4  MAKE PAN SAUCE.     Halve and core apple, then chop into ½-inch cubes. Melt 1 TBSP butter with a drizzle of oil in pan used for pork over medium heat. Add apple and cook, tossing occasionally, until golden, 5-7 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Stir in stock concentrate and ½ cup water. Increase heat to medium high and cook until apple is tender, 3-4 minutes.

 

5  MAKE CAULIFLOWER MASH.    Add 1 TBSP butter to pot with potatoes and cauliflower. (TIP: If potatoes and cauliflower have cooled, reheat briefly over low heat.) Toss to melt butter. Mash with a potato masher or fork until mostly smooth. Season with salt and pepper.

 

6  FINISH AND SERVE.     Slice pork crosswise into medallions. Divide cauliflower mash and snap peas between plates, then top with pork. Spoon pan sauce over pork, making sure to include apple pieces.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 6/2/18

The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire.Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2018-06-02-WeeklyNews

Calling For Responsible Pet Owners

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

It is on behalf of dogs everywhere that I write this article.  Being the proud owner of Midnight, the black lab/black shepherd mix shown with me in my photograph is truly a joy and honor.  Midnight is nine years old and very healthy.  Midnight and I take lots of long walks in our neighborhood and he has many buddies along the way.  Some of his buddies are very well cared for and live safe lives.  Some of his buddies aren’t so lucky and are let out to walk themselves.

I can’t believe how many wonderful dogs I have seen without tags and let out to walk themselves.  I can’t believe how many dogs end up hit by cars and die because they are illegally let out by themselves.  Legally dogs are supposed to be licensed, vaccinated and leashed when they are out off their property.  They should be walked by humans that can help guide them on what is safe and what is not when they are out of their house or yard.

A dog is a huge responsibility and an enormous joy.  Caring for a dog properly involves feeding them healthy food, cleaning them, vet visits, walks, licensing them, cleaning up after them, and always providing clean drinking water and shelter and lots of love, affection and attention.  It’s not okay to have a dog or any animal that is neglected.  There have been many new laws passed to help protect animals and people lose them everyday because of neglect.  So I ask you to think about all of this before you get an animal.  I beg you to stop allowing your dogs to walk themselves.  I ask you to understand how helpless they are and how much they count on us to care properly for them.  Please take the time to be a responsible and loving pet owner!!!!!

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 runs 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 e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  You may purchase Nancy’s books Live heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog.

 

Is What You Learned in History Class Wrong?

By StatePoint

If you think your history lessons in school were completely factual, you may be mistaken.

“Much of what you know about history may be limited or even wrong,” says Marc Wilson, author of “Kidnapped by Columbus,” a new historical novel. “All too often, legends, poems and myths are emphasized in favor of more complex truths. History is usually written by the victors, not the victims.”

What that in mind, here are four historical facts that may surprise you.

Columbus a Kidnapper

“In 1492, Columbus sailed the Ocean Blue,” says the famous poem that most Americans know. But Columbus never landed on or even saw North America, and when he sailed in the Caribbean and along the coast of Central and South America, he kidnapped natives to act as guides in his search for gold and the Garden of Eden.

At the end of his first voyage, he kidnapped six natives from the island of Hispaniola and took the “Indians” to Spain to prove that he’d reached India. Native Americans have been mislabeled as “Indians” ever since.

“While many around the world hail Columbus as a hero, even honoring him with a U.S. federal holiday and naming cities after him, his actions led to the exploitation and deaths of millions of people. He was a great sailor and explorer, but he traded in slaves and brought devastating diseases to the New World. He opened the door for Cortez to conquer the Aztec Empire, and for Pizarro to conquer the Inca Empire,” Wilson adds.

Washington’s Cherry Tree

As the myth goes, young George Washington couldn’t tell a lie and confessed to his father that he damaged his cherry tree. However, one of his biographers, Mason Locke Weems, had no such problems with the truth and invented this whopper in the fifth edition of his Washington biography, entitled “The Life of Washington” in 1806.

And Washington never wore wooden dentures, either. He had different dentures made from gold, ivory and even lead.

Napoleon: Not Short

Napoleon wasn’t actually short. At the end of his life he was measured at 5 feet 2 inches — which sounds short until you learn this was in French inches, which are longer than British inches. In today’s inches, the fiery tyrant actually stood around 5 feet, 7 inches, which was slightly taller than the average European man of his day. He also employed tall soldiers in his personal guard, which made him seem shorter by comparison.

Jackie Robinson: Not First

Jackie Robinson was not the first African American to play baseball in the major leagues. While he was the first in the modern era, breaking into the National League in 1947, way back in 1884, Moses Fleetwood Walker played for the Toledo Blue Stockings as catcher. The team was part of the American Association, one of three major leagues of its day. Baseball maintained segregation for many decades after this and Robinson became the first player to end this segregation in April, 1947.

So, how can those interested in history go about arriving at the truth? From, historical novels to primary source materials, reading beyond the textbook can give you a more complete and accurate history.

History 101

June 02, 1997 : McVeigh convicted for Oklahoma City bombing

History.com

Introduction

Timothy McVeigh, a former U.S. Army soldier, is convicted on 15 counts of murder and conspiracy for his role in the 1995 terrorist bombing of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City.

On April 19, 1995, just after 9 a.m., a massive truck bomb exploded outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building. The blast collapsed the north face of the nine-story building, instantly killing more than 100 people and trapping dozens more in the rubble. Emergency crews raced to Oklahoma City from across the country, and when the rescue effort finally ended two weeks later, the death toll stood at 168 people, including 19 young children who were in the building’s day-care center at the time of the blast.

On April 21, the massive manhunt for suspects in the worst terrorist attack ever committed on U.S. soil resulted in the capture of Timothy McVeigh, a 27-year-old former U.S. Army soldier who matched an eyewitness description of a man seen at the scene of the crime. On the same day, Terry Nichols, an associate of McVeigh’s, surrendered at Herington, Kansas, after learning that the police were looking for him. Both men were found to be members of a radical right-wing survivalist group based in Michigan, and on August 8, John Fortier, who knew of McVeigh’s plan to bomb the federal building, agreed to testify against McVeigh and Nichols in exchange for a reduced sentence. Two days later, a grand jury indicted McVeigh and Nichols on murder and conspiracy charges.

While still in his teens, Timothy McVeigh acquired a penchant for guns and began honing survivalist skills he believed would be necessary in the event of a Cold War showdown with the Soviet Union. Lacking direction after high school, he enlisted in the U.S. Army and proved a disciplined and meticulous soldier. It was during this time that he befriended Terry Nichols, a fellow soldier who, though 13 years his senior, shared his survivalist interests.

In early 1991, McVeigh served in the Persian Gulf War and was decorated with several medals for a brief combat mission. Despite these honors, he was discharged from the army at the end of the year, one of many casualties of the U.S. military downsizing that came after the collapse of the Soviet Union. Perhaps also because of the end of the Cold War, McVeigh shifted his ideology from a hatred of foreign communist governments to a suspicion of the U.S. federal government, especially as its new elected leader, Democrat Bill Clinton, had successfully campaigned for the presidency on a platform of gun control.

The August 1992 shoot-out between federal agents and survivalist Randy Weaver at his cabin in Idaho, in which Weaver’s wife and son were killed, followed by the April 19, 1993, inferno near Waco, Texas, which killed some 80 Branch Davidians, deeply radicalized McVeigh, Nichols, and their associates. In early 1995, Nichols and McVeigh planned an attack on the federal building in Oklahoma City, which housed, among other federal agencies, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms (ATF)–the agency that had launched the initial raid on the Branch Davidian compound in 1993.

On April 19, 1995, the two-year anniversary of the disastrous end to the Waco standoff, McVeigh parked a Ryder rental truck loaded with a diesel-fuel-fertilizer bomb outside the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City and fled. Minutes later, the massive bomb exploded, killing 168 people.

On June 2, 1997, McVeigh was convicted on 15 counts of murder and conspiracy, and on August 14, under the unanimous recommendation of the jury, he was sentenced to die by lethal injection. In December 2000, McVeigh asked a federal judge to stop all appeals of his convictions and to set a date for his execution by lethal injection at the U.S. Penitentiary at Terre Haute, Indiana. McVeigh’s execution, in June 2001, was the first federal death penalty to be carried out since 1963.

Michael Fortier was sentenced to 12 years in prison and fined $200,000 for failing to warn authorities about McVeigh’s bombing plans. In a federal trial, Terry Nichols was found guilty on one count of conspiracy and eight counts of involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced to life in prison. In a later Oklahoma state trial, he was charged with 160 counts of first-degree murder, one count of first-degree manslaughter for the death of an unborn child, and one count of aiding in the placement of a bomb near a public building. On May 26, 2004, he was convicted of all charges and sentenced to 160 consecutive life sentences without the possibility of parole.

 

Men of Impakt Radio Show One Year Old

Staff Reports

It has been a full year since the first Men of Impakt show aired on Hope Radio 247, to memorialize this event the first annual Men Of Impakt Award Given away for Father’s Day. There are lots of everyday heroes out there that deserve to be recognized let them know what you think. So who is the Man of Impakt in your life? Submit a 500 word or fewer essay describing why your Man of Impakt should be chosen for the year of 2018. All essays will be reviewed and one will be picked to receive the award this year. All submissions will get an honorable mention on the radio show.

Anthony Saude, a talk radio host at “Men of Impakt,” has always thought of starting a positive movement to reestablish Christian values and ideals as things for youth to aspire to. Concerned about a growing trend of people rejecting traditional morals and virtues, Mr. Saude has become motivated to effect positive change in the world.

“We taught our children to look at the wrong heroes,” says Mr Saude. If we continue down this path, “we’re headed to Hell in a handbasket.” Mr. Saude believes that by showing the world good, ordinary men who do the right thing and “take care of the kids [and] treat [their] wives well,” he can inspire a new generation of Christian men who uphold the virtues of Jesus and the Bible.

By “modeling ourselves after Jesus,” we can become a “Mighty Man of Valor” just as the Bible says, says Mr. Saude. We need to “fight outside pressures to do what makes you feel good” and instead do what’s right by “following Jesus, doing the right thing, and making it known.”

Although his radio show “Men of Impakt” features men, Mr. Saude makes it clear that he does not intend to suggest that there are no “Women of Impakt” but rather it is men who should bear the responsibility of fixing a morally corrupt world. Because “women did not create sex trafficking, porn, [and] domestic violence,” it is “Men [who] screwed it up, [men who should] fix it.”

From a Bible study group at church, Mr. Saude partnered with Shawn Kelly at Hope Radio 24/7 start “Men of Impakt.” Next week, the radio talk show will feature Eric Ray, a father of three boys who has been distinguished as a positive influence to his friends at church and to the community. The feature will be part of a series titled, “Raising God’s Children in a God Challenged World” and will bring listeners a chance to learn about marriage, health, and finance from a Christian perspective.

For more information about “Men of Impakt,” visit Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MenofImpakt or email at MenofImpakt@gmail.com

 

California Dreamin’?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

The Legislative Analyst’s Office, which is the California Legislature’s Nonpartisan Fiscal and Policy Advisor, reported earlier this year on the net migration of California’s population. The report stated that between 2007 to 2016, about 5 million people moved to California from other states, while about 6 million left California. As high as that number was, it was about one-half of what it was on average the previous two decades.

The profile of the inbound migration was heavily weighed by the large number of 18-35 year olds  moving from New York, New Jersey, and Illinois, who were typically the college-educated. Families with kids and those with only a high school education predominate among those moving from California to its top destination states (Texas, Arizona, and Nevada). This netted the effect of a wealthier, more highly educated population living in California.

A major factor in the net out-migration of the population was the cost of housing.  In April 2018, the California Association of Realtors reported that the Median Sales Price (MSP) of a Single Family Home detached (SFHH) reached $584,460.00, and the Median Sales Price (MSP) of a California Townhouse or Condominium reached $476,000.00. These prices compared with much lower numbers in other states. For example, the Texas Median Sales Price reached about $231,900.00, more than $350,000.00 LESS than the California Median Sales Price.  On a straight line comparison, the cost of housing in California is 150% more expensive than it is in Texas! That is a BIG factor in the large number of Californians moving to Texas.

Another major factor in the net out-migration to other neighboring states from California is the State income tax imposed on California residents.  Many are opting to move to states that do not have an income tax, such as Nevada and Texas. The typical income tax rate that the California household pays is about 9% of the median income of approximately $67,000.00.  That translates to an annual income tax of nearly $6,000.00, or $500.00 per month.

In summary, not only is the cost of living so much less in neighboring states, but if they do not have a State Income Tax, the household is left with close to 10% more of their income. The key to a move is the job market and the level of pay one is able to secure. Next week we will compare the job market and median household incomes in California and neighboring states.

This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com, or website www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

 

Just A Little Girl

Photo Courtesy: Skitterphoto.com

By Anthony Saude

She wasn’t from around here, here she didn’t know anybody or even speak the language, but here is where she was to stay. Her feelings or opinion about the situation were negligible at best, after all she was just a little girl and kids get over it.

Life hadn’t been easy for her; it had been a very long 11 years. Not to worry, she is resilient; after all she is just a little girl. She had grown up without her father; he took his own life when she was very young. It is a good thing that she was just a little girl, she will get over it. The grown- ups make promises of a better life, in a better place, it will be fine she is just a little girl.

She has a new father now and things seem to be moving towards the promises the grown-ups made, hope is something she can believe in now. Tragedy strikes again and she loses another father in her life to death. She is young still, practically a little girl; she has her whole life ahead of her, she will be fine. The story is much longer but she was never the same and she isn’t a little girl anymore.

She was born in a land she knew, had a lot of friends and family loving on her since the day she was born. Life hadn’t been hard for her but her parents did divorce when she was young, not to worry though she was still just a little girl, it would be fine. Her mother remarried, not to worry she will get used to him, after all she is just a little girl. She isn’t fine, they aren’t fine, and they are no longer just little girls.

Life isn’t perfect they know this but does it have to be so overwhelming at times. How did she get here they sometimes wonder together silently in their own heads. The little girl from the distant land looks at the little girl from this land and gives thanks to the heavens for her daughter and her life. The little girl from this land is just thankful that the little girl from another land is her Mommy.

 

Evergreen 5th Graders Vie in Robot Rally

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR—Top fifth grade teams took over the multipurpose room during Evergreen Elementary School’s 1st annual robotics competition on Wednesday.

About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

Students have been working all year learning to build and program Xbot robots using Lego Mindstorm kits, according to teacher Laura Mowrey who introduced the STEM program five years ago before joining the staff.

“Our team offers robotics lessons twice a week as part of our science education,” she said.

Teacher Dr. Cathy Patterson explained in one of the challenges, the Xbot, teams used precise measurements to make their robots follow a track.“They are programmed to go distances and make turns according to angular measurements using the wheel circumference and rotations as calculated through the year and logged into their robotics journals,” she said.

The robot closest to the finish line took the win during each heat.

“All of them were within 10 millimeters – it was really close!” Patterson said.

“Our robotics program is not just a great way for the kids to use their math and science skills, but it is also a chance for them to practice working as team through cooperation and collaboration,” said teacher Lynn Otsu.

Throughout the three-hour competition, students used their CAD skills and calculators making final programming adjustments to edge out competitors.

“We’re telling our robot what to do,” said Team Pi member Adam Loch moments before the finals.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
About 40 students were invited to show off their skills during four rounds of maneuvers, including sumo wrestling and a gate crashing bridge during the single elimination tournament.

“Right now, we’re programming it to go slower.”

“It’s a good robot. This lift helps it bump people off during the sumo match!” added teammate Caleb Sohn.

On stage, an eager group of students watched robots roll through the gate crashing bridge as teacher Kristine Kobzeff recorded each attempt.

The Xbots were programmed to go five feet in seven seconds before the gate opened, then stay up for three seconds before going down.

“The robots had to make it through before the gate crashed down on them!” Mowrey said.

Students Anthony Chang and Jack Liu designed the impressive engineering project.

On black round mats, sumo wrestling robots were programmed to fight to the end.

“We made the final sumo round!” exclaimed Sienna Simmons, a member of an all-girl team before the match.

“Our robot’s kind of small which makes it go fast! We had a good feeling about it,” added teammate Hana Bouindani, 11.

“It’s a long process, but by the end of the year they really know how it all works,” Patterson added.

 

 

Pomona Police Arrest Armed Juvenile

Staff Reports

Pomona – In response to several citizen requests to patrol high call volume locations, the Pomona Police Department fielded a two-man patrol car to conduct extra patrols. On May 23 at about 12:15 am, two officers spotted a group of suspicious looking juveniles in the 2000 block of Palmgrove Avenue. The officers noticed the teenagers huddled around an unoccupied vehicle. The officers believed they stumbled across a possible in-progress vehicle burglary. The group broke up and left after noticing the police approaching. The officers gave chase of one male juvenile who was intently grabbing at his pants pocket. The juvenile was seen removing a handgun from his pants and discarding it in the front yard of a random residence. The juvenile suspect was apprehended a short time after as a result of his failed attempt to flee from the police, and the loaded firearm was recovered safely.

The Pomona Police Department encourages members of the community to report areas within the city that could use extra patrol in order to deter criminal activity.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Sheriff’s Golf Tourney A Success

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Walnut and Diamond Bar Sheriffs stations recently held their annual Booster Club Golf Tournament. The tournament was a huge success and another testament to the support, both monetary and action-based, behind the station. Not only do the funds help generally, but the funds aid specifically the volunteer and auxiliary programs within the communities of service.

This support is vital to maintaining the safety of the public and continuing to sustain the communities as safe and enjoyable.

Thanks were made specifically to Booster Club President Gil Rivera, the Board of Directors, and the sponsors who donated generously. Thanks have also been given to all participants for the tournament’s great success.

 

We want to recognize and thank all of the generous sponsors of this event:

Sponsors that donated over $1000:

Walmart Community Grant

Waste Management

Jack & Wanda Tanaka

 

We would also like to thank our other sponsors, who donated money and/or goods and services:

Walnut Valley Water District, James And Emma Farmer, City of Diamond Bar, Popa FCU, Jinza Teriyaki Restaurant, Steve Chi, Eileen Ansari, 1st City Credit Union, Los Serranos Golf, Miller Coors, Pacific Palms Hotel, Roger Dunn Golf, Les Mayeda, American Pacific Mortgage, Dong Bu Sign & Trophy, Mr. G’s Pizza, Medieval Times, Candlelight Pavilion, Dean LeCesne, Sgt Saldecke, Royal Vista Golf, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Vince Spaghetti Restaurants, Dr Kurt Bryant, DC, Ford, Santa Anita Race Track and Laser Island.

A special thanks to all that were involved.

 

New Treatment For Ovarian Cancer Begins In Corona

Staff Reports

Corona – Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in America today. It is estimated that over 22,000 women will be diagnosed with in 2018.

To combat this disease, new treatments are being developed every day and Dr. Mehdi Kebria of City of Hope’s Community Practice Sites in Corona and Rancho Cucamonga is helping to lead the way.

One of the promising new treatment options Dr. Kebria is helping to pioneer for ovarian cancer is a targeted form of chemotherapy known as Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

HIPEC is a highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment that is administered during surgery. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells following the surgery.

Because the chemotherapy is concentrated to one area it does not have the side effects, such as hair loss, of regular chemotherapy. HIPEC has been shown to increase survival by up to five years and in some cases can lead to a complete recovery. Thanks to advances like these in treatment, the occurrence and mortality rates for ovarian cancer has been decreasing.

For more information on HIPEC and other cutting edge treatments including immunotherapy and minimally invasive robotic being developed by City of Hope, please visit cityofhope.org.

 

Diamond Bar, Walnut High Schools America’s Best!

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Hats off to teachers at Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools for grabbing medals in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School rankings for 2018.

The annual list looks at nearly all public high schools in the country – more than 20,500 in all – to sift out the best with an eye on college readiness.

Diamond Bar High earned a gold medal, ranking 59th in California and 376th in the United States.  Additionally, Diamond Bar placed 146th in STEM high schools.

Walnut High earned a silver medal, ranking 111th in California and 639th in the United States.

Both standout schools have been included in the report every year since the publication began its ‘Best High Schools’ search in 2009.

U.S. News looked at overall student performance on state-required tests, high school graduation rates, and evaluated on how they prepare students for college using participation and performance data from AP and IB exams.

Diamond Bar and Walnut offer an extensive roster of IB and AP courses to provide teens with an opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level course work during high school.

This year, 85 California schools received gold medals, 439 received silver medals and 82 received bronze medals.

“I’m so proud that our premier high schools continue to be recognized on a state and national level for preparing students for college and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

Indiana Jones Was Here

By Mark Hopper

Some of my favorite movies are the ones with Harrison Ford as the lead actor “Indiana Jones”.  His first adventure was the “Raiders of the Lost Ark” and another one was “The Last Crusade”.

I know that Disneyland has an Indiana Jones ride which is a lot of fun.  But, recently, my wife and I got to see the actual location of the closing scene of the “Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade” movie.

The location is in the mountains of southern Jordan in the city of Petra.  The word “Petra” means rock in Greek.  Petra was an important city along a couple of trade routes in ancient times.  Traders going north from the Red Sea would pass through Petra.  And, caravans going east and west would pass through here, too.

Petra has a number of building facades that are carved into the red sand stone in a narrow canyon.  Petra is listed as one of the seven man-made wonders of the ancient world along with places like the Taj Majal and the Great Wall of China.

The scene in the Indiana Jones movie is in front of what is called the Treasury building.  It is not actually a building, just the face of a building.  I don’t remember the demnsions but it must be at least 75-100 feet high.  This huge facade was carved out of the face of a cliff in Petra with hammer and chisel.  I don’t know how long it took the workmen to make this, but it is remarkable.

In our country we have Mt. Rushmore with the faces of four presidents.  It took a number of years to carve this imposing memorial.  They used pneumatic jack-hammers and other power tools to create Mt. Rushmore in the Black Hills of western South Dakota.  It is definitely worth seeing this man-made monument to some of our nation’s greatest leaders.

Petra is an even more remarkable man-made project created by people who did not have the power tools or modern technology that we have today. They basically used hammer and chisel to create this imposing project.  The workmanship and details are amazing.  It was a wonderful experience to see it in person.

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “We are God’s workmanship” (Ephesisians 2:10).  In the Living Bible it says, “It is God Himself who has made us what we are and He has given us new lives from Christ Jesus…and He planned that we should spend these lives helping others”.  God did not carve us out of stone, but he created us as living beings so that we would serve Him and serve others.

Places like Petra and Mt. Rushmore are remarkable to see and admire.  But, people like you and me have gifts and abilities from God to serve Him and others.  We were created to be living proof of a loving God.  I hope you will look for opportunities this week to serve God and serve others.  They will be glad you did and you will too!

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

New Ordinance For Grow Houses?

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – The city council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers to consider a new ordinance that would go into effect immediately because of the recent increase of marijuana grow houses in Chino Hills.

Chino Hills’ building official will be given the right to disconnect service utilities and remove water meters on marijuana grow houses with code violations, if an urgency ordinance is approved by the Chino Hills city council on Tuesday.

When a grow house is discovered a red tag is placed on it because of potential health and safety concerns. The red tag isn’t supposed to be removed until all required repairs, to bring the home up to code before it is released back to the owner for occupancy.

Without the ordinance in place a home owner can obtain a permit for the restoration of the house, once the permit is issued the red tag is removed but the house isn’t approved for occupancy until the repairs are made. What has been happening is that the person who was issued the permit is never heard from again. At that point they or somebody moves in and occupy’s the residence illegally.

The red tag may only be removed when a permit has been issued for the restoration that requires the owner to retain a qualified environmental consultant who must provide the city with an assessment report before restoration can begin.

That regulation isn’t being adhered to on far too many occasions and the process needs to be upgraded to allow a more efficient way to police this problem. Officials are disturbed by this inefficiency because houses used to grow marijuana can contain hazardous conditions such as structural problems, chemical contamination, mold, and electrical tampering.

The ordinance would give the city at least some level of control over when a marijuana grow house can is occupied. According to the language of the ordinance, the building official would be permitted to lock off the water at the same time the house is red tagged, when the house is typically empty.

Once the assessment report is approved, the city will release the water to allow the contractor to enter and begin the restoration process.

 

Police Investigation At Diamond Ranch High School

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – The Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station is aware of a social media post depicting a generalized threat to Diamond Ranch High School.  The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department takes every single threat, comment and/or “rumor” seriously.  Each incident will be investigated thoroughly by our station personnel.

Station detectives are currently investigating the potential threat and are working with the school administration to help ensure the safety and security of students and staff. Patrols have been increased in the area in order to show a high visibility of officer presence. There will be dedicated personnel that will remain on the Diamond Ranch High School campus for the duration of the school day.

LASD Walnut Diamond Bar station wants to thank every parent, faculty member and student that took part in making them aware of the incident. The station is very dedicated to work hand in hand with the community, and school administration to help provide the safest learning environment for all of our students.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Walnut Diamond Bar Station at (909)595-2264. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your Smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Seeking Victims of Child Pornography Predator

Photo Courtesy: LASD

Staff Reports

Adelanto – On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, investigators from the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, began an investigation into a cyber tip that was reported by Google. The cyber tip contained images and videos of child pornography. Investigators determined the account belonged to Juan Beltran.

On May 11, 2018, at 12:27 pm, detectives, and deputies contacted Beltran inside a business, located in the 16000 block of Main St. in the city of Hesperia. Investigators determined Beltran used large, colorful hair bows to exploit minors. At the conclusion of their investigation, Beltran was arrested. Beltran was booked into the High Desert Detention Center for possession of child pornography and contacting a minor with intent to commit sex acts. Beltran’s booking photo is being released as investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.

Juan Beltran of Adelanto arrested for possession of child pornography &contacting a minor w/intent to commit sex acts

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Brian Arias of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com