Category Archives: The Weekly News

Spring Tips to Start an Exercise Routine

By StatePoint

Spring is an ideal time to get active outdoors and kickstart a fitness regimen that can carry you into beach and pool season.

Need some motivation? Try out these ideas for getting started and sticking with the program.

Get Social

A personal trainer can be expensive, but a friend is free and potentially just as motivating. Besides, a little friendly competition never hurt anybody. Find a buddy to join you for runs and hikes, and with whom to hit the new HIIT class — that’s high-intensity interval training — or spot you in the free weights section of the gym. Joining an organized run crew, cycling club or other fitness group can be another great way to keep yourself inspired to move — as these meet-ups can be fun social events in addition to a great workout.

Gear Up

New wearable technology is not only fun, it can help you analyze your daily movement and workouts. See how much progress you make with wearable devices like the GBA800 Training Timer, a water- and shock-resistant watch that comes equipped with a three-axis acceleration sensor tracking your step count, a countdown timer that allows for up to 20 timer combinations, as well as 200-lap memory. With the download of the dedicated G-SHOCK Connected app to a smartphone, the watch can even track movement and support daily fitness. Employing a new algorithm, the app displays a graph breaking down daily steps taken in each of five metabolic equivalent (MET) levels, from data based on your step count and walking pace. It also displays the exact location and time where the wearer’s calories were burned, while measuring MET levels, making it useful for interval training.

Give it a Purpose

Find your motivation and dedicate your workouts to this purpose. One great way to do this is to sign up for a competitive athletic event that requires training. Whether that’s an obstacle course, a triathlon or a 5k foot race, having such an event on your calendar will provide the daily motivation you need. Check out free training plans that can offer you guidelines for the best way to prepare for each type of event. Need further incentive? Use the event to raise money for a cause that matters to you.

From new friends to new gear, you can make getting active this spring easier with the right motivational elements.

Underage Consumers Are Affected by Phone Addiction

By Joel Chavez

Many teenagers are becoming addicted to their cell phones because they were exposed to a one at a very early age. Due to the phone addiction problem today many kids aren’t well versed in outdoor activities. Apple has announced that they will be partnering with experts to stop Smartphone addiction for children.

Kids are now being recognized for phone addiction. According to research, many teenagers aren’t very social with their peers because at least 50% of teenagers feel addicted to their phone and prefer to stay socialize by phone. Many children with an addiction to their phone have had their eyesight, sleep, and posture affected due to an early start of watching the screens of the electronic devices.

Children are learning how to use cell phones and are receiving their own at a younger age than ever before. Since teenagers have grown up in an era where cell phone use has been ingrained in them at such a vulnerable age, they are very susceptible to developing an addiction to their Smartphones and social media. Many children that are addicted to their phones spend less time playing outside with friends and attending after-school activities.

Apple has announced that they are working on new ways on protecting from Smartphone addiction. Apple started a panel with experts that will partner with other experts for further research and offering parents new tools and options. A spokesperson from Apple quoted “If there are grown-up apps that allow you to remotely start your car, watch for potential house break-ins and pick-out a great Cabernet, why can’t there be more functional apps to manage or monitor your kid’s device usage?”

According to Michael Bociurkiw, a reporter from CNN quoted, “I drew a gasp from the audience with some pretty scary research findings on children who utilize tablets at an early age. Two-year-olds using tablets are having problems concentrating; showing empathy and even have difficulty reading facial expressions. Depression and obesity are also being attributed to immersion in screens. Surprisingly the situation is especially acute among low-income families, where more than half of toddlers aged two are using Smartphones and tablets.”

 

Chino Hills Man Arrested for Wielding Knife

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Deputies were dispatched at 2:08 p.m. to a residence on the 12800 block of Sunburst Trail. They had received a report of a knife- wielding man fighting with his family members.

Chino Hills deputies arrested and jailed a 50-year-old man Saturday afternoon on suspicion of arming himself with two knives and threatening members of his family. It was reported that the family would not allow him to drive the family car.

It was reported that the male suspect was extremely angry with his family about being denied permission to drive the family vehicle. Although family members were able to disarm the suspect of two knives during the struggle and pin him down on the floor. The suspect was able to injure one of the family members hand with one of the knives before other family members were able to disarm the suspect.

The suspect, Ruther Chito Martinez, was booked on a $50,000 bond and taken into custody at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He was released from the jail at 12:07 p.m. on Sunday, according to jail records. He is facing a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon.

Chino Valley Fire District paramedics treated the injured person for the laceration, but they refused to be taken to the hospital. They told the police that they would go to the hospital on their own later.

The Last Great Race on Earth

By Kelli Gile

Evergreen students follow Iditarod sled dog race

DIAMOND BAR — For one exciting week in March, Evergreen Elementary second-grade students become immersed in tracking the Iditarod sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.

For the past 15 years, teacher Alice Oldag has incorporated the famous 1,000-mile journey of 65 musher teams into her lesson plans.

To educate students about the trail race and Eskimo culture, she first reads aloud two books, Balto and the Great Race and Black Star, Bright Dawn, before the race begins.

Then students randomly select a musher and follow the race on individual Chromebooks, recording team location, ranking, and number of dogs in notebooks.

“Each morning, the children run to the computers and ask each other ‘Where’s your musher?’” Oldag reported while wearing an Iditarod sweatshirt.

The teacher even purchased a subscription to the official Iditarod Insider website so students can watch real-time videos, read bios about their mushers, check the status of sled dogs, and weather conditions.

“It makes them feel like they’re part of the race,” she said.

Each day, the race can change drastically with the extreme sport racers dealing with frostbite, injuries, icy crossings, moose attacks, and whiteout conditions.

A team can fall from first to last place in just one day, the teacher commented.

Her classroom was buzzing as the children checked on their teams and watched streaming video footage on March 7.

“My musher is Shaynee Traska,” shared Akanksha Bhat, age 7, on the second day of the race.

“Right now, she’s in 49th place, has 16 dogs, and is in Nicolei.”

“It’s 27 degrees and cloudy there today,” the teacher reported to the class.

“That’s good racing weather!”

“My musher is Emily Maxwell and she’s in 40th place,” said Isabella Lok, age 8.

“Come on, Emily!” she cheered.

“When I grow up I want to be a musher!” she added.

“My musher helped another musher that crashed today,” reported Jacob Hinds while checking the website.

“My musher scratched, so I picked a new one – Monica Zappa, and she’s in 46th place today,” said Matthew Heng.

Kyle Lin followed Steve Watkins whose 16-dog team had checked into Finger Lake, Rainy Pass, and Rohn by the second day of the race.

“He’s in 65th place today, but he’s in great shape – he’s climbed Mount Everest.”

“This is fun!” exclaimed Hannah Miraflores.

“My musher is Michelle Wilgrees. She’s in 55th place today, but I think she’ll win!”

Oldag shared that the racers only take an 8-hour and 24-hour rest break during the nine-day race.

“It’s mainly for the dogs, racers snooze on the side of the trail and then keep going,” she said.

During the race, the mushers care for their dogs by cooking up frozen bits of fish with melted snow. They also stop to change snow boots on the entire team every few hours.

“The mushers live off of chocolate bars and frozen fish. There’s no Chick-fil-A in the middle of nowhere!” Oldag exclaimed.

The children trace the location of the international troop of mushers on a large map in the classroom each day.

And they covet Iditarod treasures on display including an autographed picture of famous musher Dee Dee Jonrowe, a tiny dog snow boot, and a cuddly stuffed Balto dog that goes home with one student each day during the month.

At the culmination of the event, Principal Trina Dreyer arranged for a real musher and team of sled dogs to visit with students.

“It is very rewarding to see children so enthusiastic about learning,” said Oldag, a 26-year veteran teacher.

“The Iditarod experience taught them about the Eskimo culture and a way of life that is so exciting. It is an excellent example of perseverance in its highest form!”

25th Annual Wine Soirée

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The social event of the year, the Wine Soirée, is fast approaching on Sunday, April 22 to Diamond Bar.  Co-chairs Dana Cox, Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announce the spectacular 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Wine Soirée with an afternoon of delicious food tasting from local restaurants, great wine tasting, other beverages, raffle, music, exciting book, silent and live auctions all to benefit the Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  For the first time Anheuser Busch in Pomona will be pouring their delicious craft beer, Golden Road.

The annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors. Tickets are $65 per person so get your tickets soon as the number is limited.  You can purchase tickets online at http://www.dblibraryfriends.org/store/wine-soiree-ticket.html  or at the following Diamond Bar locations:  Midas Auto Service Experts, 796 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard; Xavier’s Florist, 1135 S. Grand Avenue; Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive; Basically BOOKS, 23447 Golden Springs Drive.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.

Each year the Soirée is full of entertaining surprises:  There are many spectacular restaurants offering samples of their delicious foods including Albertsons Market, Aljibani Halal Market, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Market, Dilliwalla Indian Kitchen, Graber Olive House, It’s A Grind, Jeseca Creations, Julie’s Café, King Bap Korean, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mr. G’s Pizza, NiNi Bakery, Old Chendou , Round Table Pizza, Sprout’s Farmers Market, The Side Bar at Oh’Crab, Total Wine and More, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them is person and thank them for their support for literacy in our community.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, the music they enjoy – all the proceeds from this will go to improve our quality of life and learning. With the support of the community, the Friends contributed to the Diamond Bar Library over $40,000 in 2017 for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc. that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our non-profit bookstores, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also sponsored Read Together Diamond Bar 2017, a month-long celebration of literacy last October.  We could not do this without the help of the community.

Diamond Bar Community Library Manager Pui-Ching Ho announced recently that the Diamond Bar Library is the highest circulation library out of all 87 Los Angeles County libraries.  Diamond Bar Library has circulation with 470,000 volumes moving in and out of the library last year.  Additionally the Diamond Bar Library ranks sixth in total monthly patronage with a gate count of over 23,000 visitors per month.  The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library dedicate our time and energy to supporting this invaluable community institution—so you can see why we need your help!

 

Corona Residents Sue Over 91 Contruction

By Anthony Saude

Corona – The residents, who live north of the 91 freeway, contend that the pile driving, jack hammering and round-the-clock work at Green River Road damaged their houses and robbed them of most of the mountain views they had previously enjoyed. The freeway construction was part of a larger $1.4 billion freeway improvement project that stretched from 2014 to 2017.

Sleepless nights, cracks in the walls and a rodent infestation is what a group of Corona homeowners say is just some of the damage caused by the 91 Freeway construction over the past few years.

A group of more than a dozen homeowners decided they had enough so they sued the Riverside County Transportation Commission and two companies that worked on the project in late 2016. The homeowners sued over property damage, loss of quality of life, loss in property values and of course now the cost of attorneys.

The lawsuit was filed over a year ago and the residents said they are still waiting for a resolution on the matter.

John Standiford, deputy executive director for the Riverside County Transportation Commission, declined to comment due to pending litigation. Attorneys for Atkinson Contractors and Walsh Construction Company, the two companies named in the lawsuit, have both failed to respond to a request for comment.

67 year old resident Warren Stockwell, has lived in his Pennyroyal Drive home for more than 30 years, and now has cracks running along his ceiling and driveway. He states that the damage was caused by the construction work related to the lengthening and widening of the Green River Road westbound off-ramp.

“I’m 67 years old and still partially working,” resident Warren Stockwell said. “I don’t need this. I want my house fixed.” His house still hasn’t been repaired.

The Green River Road improvements were part of a larger project that added two toll lanes and a general lane in both directions of an 8 mile stretch of freeway from Orange County to the 15 Freeway.

The issues for the homeowners began in 2014 when construction started on the 91 Freeway.

The group said they met with RCTC and construction firms at a neighborhood meeting to ask questions in October 2014. Soon after, Stockwell and other residents began seeking legal options to address the damage.

Sheila Lawrence, who has owned a house in the neighborhood since 1996, said the construction caused problems for her renters.

Lawrence alleges rodents, including kangaroo rats, were driven from their natural habitat outside the neighborhood into the neighborhood after crews started working.

One of the off ramps, the much taller one has caused a host of other problems other problems for the homeowners.

“I have more dirt and emissions coming into the yard and into the back of the house,” Lawrence said. “They can’t even open up the back of the house. If they do, within less than 20 minutes, it is covered in black soot.”

Other neighbors, including Diana Sanches and Julie Sanchez, suffered damage to their homes due to freeway construction. Both stayed at hotels during some of the construction phases after lawyers got involved.

It is estimated that it would cost about $8 million to cover all the damages and attorney fees for the homeowners in the suit.

 

Maple and Mustard-Glazed Pork Chops

with Roasted Potatoes and a Cranberry and Pine Nut Salad

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 40 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 580 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Multicolor Fingerling Potatoes- 24 oz
  • Thyme- ¼ oz
  • Lemon- 1
  • Maple Syrup- 2 oz
  • Dijon Mustard- 4 tsp
  • Chicken Stock Concentrates- 2
  • Pork Chops- 24 oz
  • Fall Harvest Spice Blend- 1 tbsp
  • Spring Mix Lettuce- 4 oz
  • Dried Cranberries- 2 oz
  • Pine Nuts- 1 oz

 

1  ROAST POTATOES.    Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to upper position and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Halve potatoes lengthwise. Toss together potatoes, half the thyme sprigs, salt, pepper, and a large drizzle of olive oil on a baking sheet. Arrange potatoes cut-side down on sheet. Roast in oven until tender and browned, about 30 minutes.

 

2  PREP.    Strip 1 tbsp thyme leaves from remaining sprigs; roughly chop leaves. Halve lemon; cut one half into wedges. Stir together chopped thyme, maple syrup, mustard, and stock concentrates in a small bowl.

 

3 COOK PORK.       Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat (use a nonstick pan if you have one). Season pork all over with 2 tsp harvest spice (we sent more), salt, and pepper. Add to pan and cook until browned on surface and just shy of desired doneness, 3-4 minutes per side.

 

4  GLAZE PORK.      Pour maple syrup mixture into pan with pork and let simmer until thickened to a glaze-like consistency, about 2 minutes. Toss pork to coat. Remove pan from heat and stir in a squeeze or two of lemon.

 

5  TOSS SALAD.    Toss together lettuce, cranberries, pine nuts, 2 TBSP olive oil, and a few squeezes of lemon in a large bowl. Season with salt and pepper. TIP: If you have an extra moment, toast the pine nuts first in a small pan over medium heat until golden, 3-4 minutes—the heat will make their flavor pop.

 

6  PLATE AND SERVE.     Discard thyme sprigs from sheet with potatoes, then divide potatoes, pork, and salad between plates. Drizzle pork with remaining glaze in pan. Serve with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over.

Spring Cleaning For the Soul

By Nancy Stoops

I’m so happy to invite you to Spring Cleaning for the Soul, the latest wellness event facilitated by me and sponsored by the City of Walnut.  The event will take place on Saturday, April 14, 2018 from 8 a.m. until noon. This amazing opportunity to totally get cleansed mind, body and spirit will be held at the Walnut Senior Center located at 21215 La Puente Rd. in the City of Walnut.  You can register for this free event by calling the Senior Center at (909) 598-6200 or the recreation department at (909) 598-5605. There will be free childcare for youth ages 4 to 11 and registration is required to reserve your spot.  This event is very dear to my heart because it offers a sage burning ceremony to help you all get rid of any negativity. There will also be cleansing meditations, free massages, a free tea bar and snacks, and an opportunity to free yourself of anything that holds you back from being the best version of you!  I will also be signing both of my books that are available on Amazon and you will have an opportunity to meet Midnight the therapy dog. Massage Envy will also be joining me for this fabulous event.

I’m so proud to be able to help people heal and offer an opportunity to help others live a better life.  Please don’t put the importance of your wellness off any longer.  I know we all take care of others but make April 14, 2018 the day you start caring for you! I promise you will feel brand new and empowered to live the life you are so deserving of living if you take the time to attend this life changing opportunity. With each individual that helps him or herself by we start to heal the world one by one person at a time. Please don’t miss this opportunity to be part of this remarkable change!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  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 book’s Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Wanna Get Away? AAA Travel Has Your Ticket

By Anthony Saude

I had always wanted to be an AAA member, if for nothing else, so I didn’t have to go to the DMV and stand in line for hours on end just to register my car. When I walked into the office I was delighted to see that they offered so many other services that I could take advantage of. It just so happened that my family was planning a vacation. I decided to stay around and spend a little more time learning about all of the services my membership would allow me.

Everybody knows about or has heard about AAA Automobile Club DMV services and roadside assistance if your car breaks down on the side of the road and those are great things to have. You might even know that they have maps and discounts for all your travel needs but did you know that they have a full service travel agency as well?

“AAA travel is a full service Travel Agency which offers personalized service to members and non-members for all of their travel needs,” says Diamond Bar branch manager, Beth Planavsky. Whether you want to embark on a weekend staycation, a cross-country road trip, or an excursion to the other side of the globe, “Our travel agents are very experienced and knowledgeable about all travel destinations,” said Beth. Where ever your plans take you, a personal travel agent will be assigned to you to make sure you get a customized once in a lifetime vacation experience. From taking your passport photo, to planning your itinerary step by step, to making sure that you take advantage of the full spectrum of discounts that are available to you along the way, AAA travel has your back. Members can also access a variety of travel resources including vacation guides and free maps for your domestic travel needs.

Beth said, “Providing legendary service to our members is our number one goal here at the Diamond Bar Branch.” With all the AAA discounts that you get, the personalized service and Beth with her 30 years of experience in the industry a visit to the Diamond Bar Branch makes sense. When you are there you might as well check out all of the other services that AAA has to offer as well, like we said they are a “one stop shop.”

Visit the Travel Agency at the Automobile Club of Southern California Diamond Bar office located in the Country Hills Towne Center. 2843 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar, CA 91765 on the corner of Diamond Bar Blvd and Fountain Springs 909-444-029 serving Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, Rowland Heights and Pomona.

 

Mental health hospital planned at CIM

California Institution for Men entrance

Staff Reports

A 50-bed mental health facility is expected to be built at the California Institution for Men in Chino in approximately four years.

The prison entrance is located at 14901 Central Ave. at the end of Chino Hills Parkway.

“The first dirt to move on this is at least two years from now and finished construction is at least four years away,” said Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesman Bill Sessa.

The 48,000-square-foot hospital will be built inside the existing prison at a cost of $56.6 million, Mr. Sessa said.

An old building that has outlived its usefulness will be demolished to make way for the facility, he said.

The hospital will be self-contained to provide the care that 50 inmates at a time would require, he said. It would include accommodations for doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.

He said the project will be budgeted in phases. Working drawings and preliminary plans are budgeted at $3.6 million and will probably be completed at the end of 2019, he said. The actual construction costs will be budgeted in future cycles.

Mr. Sessa said the Department of Corrections (CDCR) is required by law to provide mental health care to inmates, from counseling to medication to crisis beds.

He cited a case called Coleman vs. Brown that covers all inmates with serious mental disorders housed in California state prisons.

He said the hospital will be CDCR’s second such facility in southern California. The other one is in the Richard J. Donovan state prison in San Diego, he said.

There are currently 373 beds in CDCR prisons, he said.

“We have a need for these beds in southern California for inmates who need short-term acute care,” Mr. Sessa said. “We have an imbalance at the moment. We have facilities in northern and central California but not in southern California.”

This isn’t the first time  the community has been faced with a prison mental hospital. Back in 1973 it was announced that the Youth Training School on Euclid Avenue, which was being closed by the Youth Authority, would house a psychiatric and treatment center, a proposal that was nixed under local pressure.

A decade ago, the state was working on plans to use a vacant unit at CIM for a mental health hospital. Local leaders, headed by Mayor Dennis Yates, went to Sacramento to strenuously oppose it. The pressure, plus a reduction statewide ion prison population and a cutback in funds, shelved the proposal after several years of local hearings and opposition.

Residents who are interested in learning more about current affairs at the prison may attend the next citizens advisory committee meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Chaffey College Chino Community Center, 5890 College Park Ave.

The meetings are held the second Tuesday every two months and are open to the public.

The citizens advisory committee for California Institution for Women meets at 9:30 a.m. following the men’s meeting.

On April 20, Scott Kernan, secretary for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, will come to Chino for a meeting about CIM and safety concerns as a result of the January escape of an inmate.

Mr. Kernan is expected to meet with city and police officials from Chino Hills and Chino at the prison.

 

Family Fun At DB 29th Birthday Bash

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is inviting the community to their 29th Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 14.  This annual event celebrates the city’s incorporation with a day of family fun at Pantera Park, located at 738 Pantera Drive.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of new activities for kids and adults.  Kids will love the carnival rides, games, inflatables, and a new Kiddie Land area that will cater to children ages 8 and younger.  The Kiddie Land will feature several age appropriate inflatables, activities, a puppet show, and a magic show.

Community members can also sit back and watch local groups and solo acts perform on stage, while enjoying food provided by various vendors.  In addition, several volunteers will be recognized at this birthday celebration, as part as the City’s Community Hero Award program.  Then, you will be able to enter various giveaways at the information booths and business showcase.  But the event highlights will be the Heritage Display, and the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Area.

The Heritage Display will feature a short video, a display of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that tell the story of Diamond Bar’s ranch days.  This area will discuss how Diamond Bar’s land was “once known as Rancho Los Nogales, founded in 1840 by Jose de la Luz Linares to a grant issued by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado of Mexico,” according to the City of Diamond Bar.  Established by Frederick E. Lewis II in 1918, the Diamond Bar Ranch was known as one of the most respected ranches in Southern California.  If you want to find out more about Diamond Bar’s Ranch history, stop by the Heritage Display, where you will take part in activities like rope making, blacksmithing, and gold panning to demonstrate the life in the 1800s and 1900s.

The Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Area will feature our local public safety agencies, such as the Los Angeles County sheriff’s and fire departments, and emergency medical response personnel.  The information, resources, and giveaways that will be displayed are aiming to improve personal safety, reduce property crime, and prepare for emergencies, such as earthquakes or wildfires.  This will be a great area to visit, meet the local personnel, learn about crime prevention techniques, and pick up a free pine tree seedling ready for planting.  You will also be able to enter the “Shakey Quakey School House” that simulates shaking, falling objects, and sounds typical during an earthquake.  In addition, your child can have an identification card made with his or her fingerprints, height, weight and other identifying information documented for your records.

Event admission is free for this birthday party, but there will be nominal fees for the kids’ activities: carnival rides ($10 unlimited access), Kiddie Land ($5 unlimited access), and games and activities ($1 card for any four).  Don’t forget to bring cash too, as this is a cash-only event, and bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

Also, if you park on a surrounding neighborhood street, a free and frequent shuttle service will take you to and from Pantera Park.  This shuttle service will start to transport local residents at 10:30 a.m. and continue until the end of the event.

There are so many great things to look forward to at this year’s Diamond Bar Birthday Celebration.  But many local residents are excited to simply get together with the members of our community.

Gil Rivera, Diamond Bar resident and local realtor, agrees that the community is a big reason why he loves attending the birthday celebration each year.  “I enjoy the fact that our community is so diverse,” said Rivera, who is also the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club President.  “Especially on that day, we gather together as one family to enjoy rides, food, and entertainment!”

So stop by this year’s Diamond Birthday Celebration on April 14th for a great day of fun, food, and activities to enjoy with your “like family” community!

 

Planting Seeds

By Mark Hopper

I have an Aunt who lives in Des Moines Iowa. She was an elementary school teacher and principal for many years. Now she is retired and in her 90’s. We were able to visit her when my wife and I went to see the Solar Eclipse in the mid-west last summer.

We enjoyed our conversations with her and learned a lot about my family roots in a small town outside of Des Moines called Boone, Iowa.  She told us stories about my grandmother and about life in Iowa.

One thing that she shared with us was her tradition of planting tomato seeds in small containers in her house in Iowa in February. She often saved seeds from the previous years, dried them out and planted them in the late winter. It was too cold in Iowa to plant the seeds outdoors, so she started them in her house and set them in the kitchen window sill to get plenty of sunlight.

So in her honor, I decided to do the same thing here in our house in California. I saved some seeds from one of last year’s tomatoes and dried them out in our garage. In early February, I planted the seeds in a little plastic “tray” that had six small compartments, like the ones you buy at the local home improvement store.

I got some soil from my garden, planted one or two seeds in each compartment and waited to see what would happen. I was so excited to see that at least one seed in each little compartment sprouted! It was fascinating to see tiny, thin plants emerge from the moist soil. The first little spouts were as thin a hair. Then a two tiny leaves emerged over the next few days and these little plants begin to grow bigger.

It was a slow process. But each day I would check on these little plants to see how much they had grown each day. I was excited to show these little tomato plants to our grandchildren when they would come to visit our house each week. I think they were excited too.

Unfortunately, I decided to add a little fertilizer to these fragile plants. I think that was a mistake. Over the next few days, I notice some of the tiny tomatoes plants began to look unhealthy. I think I may have over done it a little.

Since my wife and I were scheduled to go out of town for a few days, we sent to small tray of tomato plants home with the grandkids. When we returned the next week, only one plant had survived. Bummer.

But, one living plant is more than we had last winter and even one tomato plant can produce a large crop. I suspect that we will go to the home improvement store or local nursery and purchase some additional plants for the coming season, but I am hopeful that my one little friend will produce a bumper crop of tasty tomatoes this year.

In Paul’s letter to the Corinthian Christians he says, “One plants, another waters, but God causes it to grow’ (First Corinthians 3:6-7). The miracle of life seems to be conclusive evidence of the existence of God.  One small, tiny seed can grow into a healthy plant and produce fruit that in turn contains dozens of seeds for the next season. And another crop! Amazing!

Let me encourage you to get busy and plant some seeds this spring. Watch the miracle of life emerge from the soil and enjoy the fruits of your labor. Why not plant some seeds in honor of my Aunt?  I think you will be glad you did and I’m sure she will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond BAr Blvd

909-594-7604

Easter Sunday Services: 8:30 / 10:00 & 11:30 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Time to Take Charge: Tips for Women to Advance Their Careers

By StatePoint

As more women feel emboldened to raise their voices and fight for workplace issues that matter most to them — from equal pay and development opportunities to sexual harassment on the job — it’s important to both reflect on progress made and recognize there are many more milestones to be attained.

 

Only one-third of women feel they have as many or more opportunities than men at their current companies, according to a recent survey by Randstad US. And, 58 percent cited the lack of promotion to leadership roles as a top reason for gender inequality in the workplace.

 

If you are a working woman looking to advance, expand your responsibilities, or launch a new career, here are four tips that can help you achieve success.

 

  • Pursue mentorship opportunities. Having a mentor can create lasting value when working to become a leader. Mentors can be your support system, whether it’s providing encouragement to pursue growth opportunities or identifying blind spots and areas of improvement. Coming from experience, mentors can bring a wealth of knowledge to move you in the right direction.

 

  • Embrace failures. In your professional life, there will be successes and failures, good days and bad. Don’t allow one negative interaction or misstep to ruin your day, and don’t let fear prevent you from moving forward. However, you should briefly reflect to learn from failures: What made you miss that project deadline? Why did a presentation fall flat? Use these moments as opportunities to develop short- and long-term goals to overcome any potential barriers.

 

  • Step outside your comfort zone. Taking risks can lead to great rewards. While certain scenarios, such as initiating a conversation with your boss, can be daunting, it can also lead to stronger trust and a better relationship. In uneasy moments, such as public speaking, you have the opportunity to build self-esteem and strengthen underused skills. Every uncomfortable situation elicits something gained.

 

  • Own your professional growth. Ask your manager to assign you to projects in which you’ll have the opportunity to learn something new — whether it’s on your own through research, or through interaction with other team members and departments. Go beyond what’s asked of you by taking online courses and reading books (hint: your mentor can likely give you some recommendations). Lastly, make it apparent to your manager and colleagues that you are willing to contribute or lend a hand when needed. The bottom line: own your development. Don’t leave it in the hands of your employer.

 

If you’re a working woman, more tips and advice can be found at randstadusa.com.

 

“Invest in a plan and know where you want to go. Take steps toward people who will help you on your journey,” says Kristin Kelley, chief marketing officer, Randstad North America. “Meet as many people of influence as you can and stay top of mind with them. Ask for help when you need it — whether it be from managers, peers, sponsors or mentors — and drive those personal connections.”

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 4.07.18

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: Weekly04.07.2018 (2)

What to Know About Seasonal Allergies and Your Eyes

By Statepoint

Suffering from itchy, watery eyes? You may have ocular allergies or you could have another issue entirely, such as chronic dry eyes. Experts say that getting the correct diagnosis is the only way to treat symptoms properly.

 

“Chronic dry eye often mimics the symptoms of seasonal allergies and must be approached entirely differently,” says Arian Fartash, VSP network optometrist. “Many over-the-counter allergy treatments can actually make dry eyes worse, so make an appointment with your eye doctor to determine the exact cause of your discomfort.”

 

If your itchy and watery eyes are diagnosed as ocular allergies, Dr. Fartash recommends taking the following steps.

 

  • Limit your exposure to pollen on high pollen count days.

 

  • Wash your face after being outside to reduce the amount of pollen on the skin.

 

  • Use cold compresses for some added relief.

 

  • Don’t rub your eyes, as this will increase your body’s overreaction to the irritants.

 

  • Remove contact lenses, which can attract allergens that accumulate throughout the day. Consider wearing your glasses or switching to daily disposable contacts during allergy season.

 

  • Try over-the counter eye drops. There are a number of allergy drops that are formulated to relieve itchiness, redness, and watery eyes. But consult your optometrist to find out which are the best recommended.

 

  • Consider prescription medications. If the symptoms won’t go away, you might need something stronger. Go see your eye doctor to discuss if a prescription medication is right for you. You can find a doctor local to you by consulting the VSP-network at vsp.com/find-eye-doctors.

 

Don’t suffer this season. See your best and feel your best by getting your eye symptoms properly diagnosed and treated.

History 101

Courtesy: wikipedia

American Revolution: April 7, 1776

History.com

U.S. Navy captures first British warship

On this day in 1776, Navy Captain John Barry, commander of the American warship Lexington, makes the first American naval capture of a British vessel when he takes command of the British warship HMS Edward off the coast of Virginia. The capture of the Edward and its cargo turned Captain Barry into a national hero and boosted the morale of the Continental forces.

Barry was born in the seaboard county of Wexford, Ireland, in 1745 and offered his services to the Continental Congress upon the outbreak of the American Revolution. Congress purchased Barry’s ship, Black Prince, which it renamed Alfred and placed under the command of Commodore Esek Hopkins. It was the first ship to fly the American flag, raised by John Paul Jones.

Barry served with distinction throughout the American Revolution. At sea, he had continued success with the Lexington. On land, he raised a volunteer force to assist General Washington in the surprisingly successful Trenton, New Jersey, campaign of 1776-77. On May 29, 1781, Barry was wounded while successfully capturing the HMS Atlanta and the HMS Trepassy while in command of a new ship, Alliance. He recovered and successfully concluded the final naval battle of the Revolutionary War with a victory over the HMS Sybyllein March 1783.

Barry’s outstanding career has been memorialized on both sides of the Atlantic. A bridge bearing his name crosses the Delaware River, and Brooklyn, New York, is home to a park named for him. In addition, four U.S. Navy ships and a building at Villanova University carry his name, and statues in his honor stand in Washington, D.C., Philadelphia and his birthplace, Wexford, Ireland. On September 13, 1981, President Regan declared Commodore John Barry Day to honor a man he called one of the earliest and greatest American patriots, a man of great insight who perceived very early the need for American power on the sea.

 

Gorgeous Greens Farro Bowl

with Grilled Zucchini and Asparagus

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 40 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 470 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Farro- 1½ Cups
  • Veggie Stock Concentrate- 4
  • Asparagus- 16 oz
  • Zucchini- 2
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Yellow Onion- 2
  • Lemon- 1
  • Parmesan Cheese- ½ Cup
  • Walnuts- 2 oz

 

 

1  PREHEAT OVEN AND COOK FARRO    Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 450 degrees. Combine farro, stock concentrates, and 3½ cups water in a medium pot. Bring to a boil and cook until farro is tender, 30-35 minutes total. TIP: If water evaporates before farro is cooked, add a splash more.

 

2  PREP.     Wash and dry all produce. Trim and discard bottom woody ends of asparagus. Cut off fuzzy tips and set aside. Chop stalks into ½-inch pieces. Slice zucchini into thin rounds. Mince or grate garlic. Halve, peel, and finely dice onion. Zest, then halve lemon.

 

3 ROAST VEGGIES.       Toss asparagus tips, zucchini, and a large drizzle of olive oil on a baking sheet. Season generously with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until nicely browned, 15-20 minutes, tossing halfway through.

 

4  COOK AROMATICS.      Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, tossing frequently, until soft and translucent, 3-4 minutes. Add garlic and cook, tossing, until fragrant, about 1 minute.

 

5  FINISH FARRO.    Stir asparagus stalk pieces into pot with farro about 5 minutes before farro is done (grains should be just shy of al dente). Drain once both are tender, then add to pan with onion and garlic. Stir in juice of one lemon half, half the lemon zest, half the Parmesan, and 1 TBSP butter. Season with salt and pepper.

 

6  PLATE AND SERVE.     Divide farro mixture between bowls. Top with zucchini and asparagus tips. Sprinkle with walnuts and remaining Parmesan and lemon zest. Cut any remaining lemon into wedges and serve on the side.

 

 

Diamond Bar High presents ‘The Little Mermaid’

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR, CA–The Diamond Bar High School Performing Arts Department opens up its spring season with the Disney musical “The Little Mermaid” showing April 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee on April 14.

 

Fans of Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” and musical theatre won’t be disappointed with the live version of this beloved animated film that will soon splash onto the Diamond Bar High stage.

 

“The Little Mermaid” features memorable songs including “Kiss the Girl, “Under the Sea”, “Part of Your World” by Alan Menken (music) and Howard Ashman (lyrics).

 

From stellar performances — including a scene-stealing Ursula — to gorgeous costumes, beautiful sets and fun ensemble dance numbers, everything those who enjoy live theater could want they will find in the production.

 

Tickets are $15 for adults and $12 for students and may be purchased online at seatyourself.biz/dbhsdrama.

 

Diamond Bar High School is located at 21400 E. Pathfinder Road in Diamond Bar.

Prepare To Buy Right Part 2

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Last week I wrote regarding what a buyer needs to do to prepare to buy a home. Steps such as accumulating a down payment, developing credit, as well as others steps they can take to prepare were presented. Here I now present some of the next steps: finding a realtor, finding a lender, and locating the home. Purchasing a home will be one of the biggest investments a buyer will make!

First task-Finding a realtor: ​

Experience matters! What determines experience? Knowledge and familiarity with the process of buying from beginning to end is the most important. A  Buyer needs to  utilize the internet, referrals, networking, and/or attending open houses to search for an agent. Interview more than one agent. Know the reputation of the agent’s brokerage company. Establish a comfortable working relationship. A buyer’s choice of whom will represent him/her will prove to be a “make it or break it” to find the best deal.

Second Task-Finding a lender:

Finding a lender is similar to finding a realtor. Find a lender from a bank’s lending department, a Realtor’s “in house” mortgage department, referrals, and/or an already established working relationship between realtor and lender.Again, interview the lender to assure yourself who will best represent you.

According to Brian O Connell’s article, “Pre-Qualified Vs. Pre-Approved–What’s The Difference?”– September 12, 2017. “Getting pre-qualified is the initial step in the mortgage process.” The results supply a bank or lender with a buyer’s “overall financial picture including debt, income and assets….” thus giving the mortgage amount for which buyer qualifies. “Loan pre-qualification does not include an analysis of your credit report or an in-depth look at your ability to purchase a home.”

Third Task-Buy Right:

Buyer should develop a strong sense of their home preferences, location, and the qualities of the community they want to reside in. As to the different options a buyer has to purchase a home, consult with the realtor and/or lender for more information. A Realtor can guide and streamline the purchase process for a Buyer. Utilize reputable websites. Website content should be current and accurate. The best websites should have data derived from first hand sources such as multiple listing services and Realtor associations. Please check out my website at www.nefcortez.com.

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

 

Train Wreck?

By Anthony Saude

My job is a wreck, my marriage is a wreck, my relationship with my family is a wreck, wow I guess my entire life is a wreck. How many people are thinking one or more of those things right now? Daily? That is a lot of pressure for anybody even though it is never all unwarranted. Our answers? If only I made more money, or I had a better boss. If only my spouse treated me better, my family are a bunch of wackos anyway.

This is where joy has to come into play in our lives. How do we get joy? Well Jesus is the easy answer but we still have to think about the positive effect He has had on our lives. Not always easy based on our circumstances.

Think about these answers for those very same questions; I have a job and endless resources to find one I like better while I am working here. My spouse seems unhappy; I wonder what I could do to make their life a little easier today. I have a family, a lot of people don’t, and they love me. Are we not all our own little special kind of crazy anyway?

Is our life really a wreck or is it us that is the wreck? If so what can we do today to start moving in the right direction? It will take practice but you can start with this thought; if our lives are a wreck then the world we live in is a train wreck. Get off the train and work harder on the positive than you do on the negative. One step at a time, run only after you are able to run. What decisions we make today fuels the life we have tomorrow.