Category Archives: The Weekly News

How Did I Get Here?

By Mark Hopper

I was sad when I heard the news that Billy Graham died.  He was 99 years old.  I never met the man, but he had a profound influence in my life and my family.

According to the news reports, Billy Graham spoke to over 200 million people who attended his crusades during his lifetime.  He preached in almost every country on our planet.  He preached to the Queen of England in her private Chapel and met many leaders around the world.

He personally met with every US President from Truman to Obama.  He advised and encouraged many of them during difficult times in our nation’s history.  Billy Graham spoke to the nation at the service in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC after the terrorist attacks on our nation in 2001.

When I was a young high school student, my parents and my brother and I attended a Billy Graham crusade at the Arizona State University football stadium in 1964.  I must admit that I didn’t pay attention to what he said that day, but I will always remember that at the end of the service, my mother got out of her seat and went down to the football field and put her faith in Jesus.

Don’t misunderstand; my parents were church going people.  They were good people.  But, the Bible teaches that each of us needs to personally decide for ourselves if we want to be a committed follower of Jesus.

In the Gospel of John chapter three, Jesus told a devout, religious scholar named Nicodemus that he needed to be “born again”.  Just like we all have a physical birthday, we also need to have a spiritual birthday – be “born again” (John 3:1-8). I believe that my mother’s spiritual birthday was the day she went down to the football field at Arizona State University in 1964.

My mother met a counselor on that football field that day.  The counselor encouraged my mom to start reading her Bible and to go back to church.  The counselor told my mother about a new church that had started in our town.  It was called Scottsdale Bible Church.  In 1964 the church met in a store front on Scottsdale Road.  A few years later they got a building of their own.

Through the influence of a wonderful pastor at Scottsdale Bible Church, Dr. James Borror and an energetic youth pastor named Sherrill Babb, my brother and I eventually came to faith in Christ, too.  It took our father a little longer to come to the conclusion that he needed to put his faith in Jesus but eventually he did, too.

When I heard about the death of this remarkable man, I was struck by the fact that I would probably not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Billy Graham.  My brother and I would probably not have become pastors.  Some of our children would probably not be serving on church staffs and as missionaries and Christian educators if it wasn’t for Billy Graham.   Through the words of one man who taught the Bible and preached the Gospel (Good News) our whole family was changed forever.

Most of us will probably never know how many people we influenced in our lifetime.  I doubt that Billy Graham could ever imagine how many people he influenced in his lifetime.  But, I do know his ministry and his words have impacted three generations of my family.  And, I’m thankful he did.

Let me encourage you to find the Billy Graham ministry website and learn more about this remarkable man.  I think you will be glad you did!

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

Passport Acceptance Fees Increase April 2

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– For the first time in a while the federal government is raising costs on passports. If you have been planning that trip, don’t wait. Make an appointment today to apply for a passport at Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive) on the second floor. Do it before the Passport Acceptance Fee increases on Monday, April 2, from $25 to $35.

“Spring is always a busy time at the City of Chino Hills Passport counter,” said Public Information Officer Denise Cattern. She added “So this year we enhanced our customer service efforts with an online appointment system”. Take advantage of the appointment system by calling the passport hotline at (909) 364-2607 to schedule your appointment. Appointments are available from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday; and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday. Walk-in customers may apply for a passport from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If walk-in traffic exceeds the capacity for service, signage will be posted to inform customers.

It will help the process immensely if all passport customers come ready with a completed application and the necessary documentation at their scheduled appointment time or they will be required to reschedule the appointment for another day. Passport photo services are also offered. Only checks or money orders are acceptable forms of payment for passport services. The office does not process passport renewals. For additional information, please visit http://www.chinohills.org/Passports.

Take That, Cancer

By Sarah Sanchez

My best friend of 20 years was recently diagnosed with breast cancer.  This was a huge shock to us as she is only 26-years-old and there is no history of breast cancer in her family.  She is a beautiful young woman who does not have kids yet, and has her whole life ahead of her.  However, life took an unexpected turn.

Finding out she had breast cancer was hard for her to hear, but she has been nothing but positive.  Her strength and persistence is truly inspiring.  She has researched treatment plans, asked questions, and scheduled several appointments with the help of her family.

When she met with medical professionals at City of Hope to go over her treatment plan, it was recommended that she obtained chemotherapy first and then go in for surgery.  But chemotherapy is known to damage a woman’s eggs, which may cause infertility when she is ready to have kids in the future.  This news was devastating to her because she has dreamed of being a mother one day.  So her doctor recommended she freeze her eggs before she starts chemotherapy that way she’d have a better chance of having children when she is ready to.  This treatment plan is not fully covered by her insurance so we are attempting to raise $10,000 to help with the upfront costs she needs to get her treatment started.

If you would like to help, there are a few ways you can do so:

  • If you are financially able to give ANY amount, we would appreciate it! You can give a few different ways:
    1. You can visit her GoFundMe account: gofundme.com/eh8r8-hope-for-the-future.
    2. You can give via Paypal by sending money to: TakeThatCancer@hotmail.com.
    3. If you have a Venmo account, you can send funds to @TakeThatCancer
  • You can share her story by sharing this article. Getting the word out will help so much!
  • You can pray for her! Even though she is being so strong, she will have days of weakness during treatment.  Please pray for her journey while she is beating this cancer.
  • Send her an encouraging thought. Send any uplifting scripture or encouraging thoughts to TakeThatCancer@hotmail.com.  We will forward them to her and I know she will love the support!

This woman is truly amazing and she grew up right here in this community, in addition to attending schools in the Walnut Valley Unified School District.  She also currently works for the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.  However, for personal reasons, she wishes to keep her identity private via social media.  We have respected her wishes, but we are hoping the community members can provide the support she needs!  Let’s stand together to support this woman of strength and help her fight this deadly disease.  With your help, she will be able to say, “Take that cancer!”

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 3.10.18

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: Weekly03.10.2018

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

Staff Reports

 

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in solar power, roofing, air conditioning and heating, water heating and water filtration. For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Roofing: Experience and dedication to providing professional service allows Advanced Improvements to provide the most efficient and affordable roofing on the market. Whether you need a new roof or just want to upgrade your old one, they will give you an honest estimate on the most advanced and energy efficient materials on the market.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analysis, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils. Ask about their $79 special for a spring tune-up on your current system.

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks to tankless water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Noritz Tankless Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761). Their office is located at 1352 E. Valencia Dr, Fullerton, CA 92831, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at AdvancedIMP.com, and see their ad in the Weekly News.

Stuck in the Middle

What You Need to Know About Caregiving

By StatePoint

As the population ages, more people (particularly women) will be “sandwiched” in between taking care of their parents or other family members in need, and their children.

Take telenurse and nurse educator Kathie Wells, RN, BSN, CCM. At age 55, she is juggling full-time work, while raising school-age kids and caring for her husband Robert, 64, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2002.

As a nurse, Wells understood the onset and progression of PD, which often includes motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity and balance issues. But her husband’s disease progressed in a surprising way when he began to see and believe things that weren’t real.

PD is a neurodegenerative brain disorder often involving both motor and non-motor symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions. When those symptoms appear, it may be Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) and it occurs in more than half the people with Parkinson’s during the course of their disease. Yet, only 10 to 20 percent of patients will proactively report their hallucinations and delusions to their doctor.

When Wells’ husband began to experience delusions, she found his behavior frustrating and alarming. For example, Robert would spend hours in the yard digging up garden stones, convinced he’d found valuable “treasure.” Neighbors remarked on Robert’s behavior and his children wouldn’t invite friends over to avoid them seeing their dad relentlessly digging. Robert’s delusions combined with his other PD motor symptoms were hard for Wells to manage. She struggled to get enough sleep caring for Robert, and their children were hesitant to go out in public with their father because he shared his treasure hunting stories with strangers all the time.

While there’s currently no cure for PD, there are different treatment options to address both motor and non-motor symptoms. Wells says it was a relief when her husband’s neurologist suggested an FDA-approved medication indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP.

Wells recommends the following to caregivers of people with Parkinson’s.

  • Consider talking to a professional, as caregivers are more likely to experience relationships or social life suffering and emotional stress than non-caregivers. Likewise, caregiving can take a toll on physical health. Take time to sleep, de-stress, eat well and exercise.
  • Seek logistical and emotional help from family, friends, support groups and advocacy groups, who often have free resources available. For example, the Parkinson’s Foundation has advice for caregivers and a helpline staffed by nurses, social workers and therapists.
  • Even if you understand your loved one’s condition, report new symptoms or concerns to a healthcare provider as they arise. “I now know that delusions along with hallucinations are telltale signs of Parkinson’s disease psychosis, however, I didn’t recognize those symptoms immediately,” says Wells.

For more information visit http://www.moretoparkinsons.com.

Remember that you’re not alone. Support exists to help you manage the struggles associated with caring for loved ones.

Greek Salad Flatbreads

with Artichokes, Olives and Feta

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 25 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 710 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Artichokes- 13 oz
  • Green Olives- 2 oz
  • Grape Tomatoes- 8 oz
  • Red Onion- 1
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Fresh Mozzarella- 8 oz
  • Flatbreads- 4
  • Feta Cheese- 1/2 cup
  • Arugula- 4 oz
  • Balsamic Vinegar- 5 tsp

 

 

1  PREHEAT OVEN AND PREP VEGGIES.    Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to upper position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Rinse and drain artichokes, then cut into halves through stem ends. Cut olives and tomatoes in half lengthwise. Halve, peel, and thinly slice onion. Mince or grate garlic.

 

2  PREP CHEESE.  Tear mozzarella into small piece with hands.

 

3 ASSEMBLE FLATBREADS.    Place flatbreads on a lightly oiled baking sheet. Spread out mozzarella in an even layer over tops of each. Scatter olives, artichokes, tomatoes, and feta cheese over tops, followed by as much onion and garlic as you like. Season with salt and pepper.

 

4  BAKE FLATBREADS.       Bake flatbreads in oven until crust is crisp and mozzarella is melted, 7-10 minutes.

 

5  DRESS ARUGULA.     Toss arugula in a medium bowl with 1 TBSP vinegar (we sent more) and a drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

 

6  FINISH AND SERVE.    Scatter arugula over flatbreads, then cut into slices and serve.

History 101

Google Images

March 10, 1864: Lincoln signs Ulysses S. Grant’s commission to command the U.S. Army

History.com

On this day in 1864, President Abraham Lincoln signs a brief document officially promoting then-Major General Ulysses S. Grant to the rank of lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, tasking the future president with the job of leading all Union troops against the Confederate Army.

The rank of lieutenant general had not officially been used since 1798; at that time, President John Adams assigned the post to former President George Washington, in anticipation of a possible French invasion of the United States. One of Grant’s predecessors in the Civil War, Winfield Scott, had briefly earned the rank, but the appointment was only temporary—really, use of the rank had been suspended after George Washington’s death in 1799.

In 1862, Lincoln asked Congress to revive the rank of lieutenant general in order to distinguish between the general in charge of all Union forces and other generals of equal rank who served under him in the field. Congress also wanted to reinstate the rank of lieutenant general, but only if Lincoln gave the rank to Grant. Lincoln had other ideas.

Lincoln preferred to promote then-Commanding General Henry Wagner Halleck to lead the Union Army, which had been plagued by a string of ineffective leaders and terrible losses in battle. He was reluctant to promote Grant and risk boosting the general’s popularity; at the time Washington was abuzz with rumors that many northern senators were considering nominating Grant instead of Lincoln at the 1864 Republican National Convention. After Grant publicly dismissed the idea of running for the presidency, Lincoln submitted to Congress’ choice and agreed to give Grant the revived rank. As lieutenant general of the U.S. Army, Grant was answerable only to Lincoln. Well-respected by troops and civilians, Grant earned Lincoln’s trust and went on to force the South’s surrender in 1865.

Although Grant enjoyed a distinguished career in the military, he later wrote that he never consciously chose the life of a soldier. As a student at West Point, he never expected to graduate, let alone lead the entire U.S. Army in a desperate but ultimately successful struggle to preserve the Union.

In 1869, Grant became the 18th president of the United States.

Chaparral Middle School Wins Cal State LA Middle School Regional Science Bowl

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Chaparral Middle School, located in Diamond Bar, recently won first place in Cal State LA’s 11th Annual Middle School Regional Science Bowl.

The Chaparral team also earned a spot to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. in April.

The winning team includes students Daniel Chou, Ryan Chung, Akash George, Allen Wang, and Edmond You. They were coached by teacher David Chou.

Eighteen teams representing 12 schools from across the Los Angeles region participated in the competition hosted by Cal State LA’s College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology.

Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood earned second place and third place went to Harvard Westlake Middle School in Los Angeles.

Winning teams from the regional tournaments—69 high school teams and 50 middle school teams from throughout the nation—will travel to D.C. to compete for the national title.

 

The teams will face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format. Students will answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math.

The national competition is sponsored by the DOE’s Office of Science and Technology to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Students will also attend presentations by scientists on current topics in math and the sciences.

 

 

 

Tips to Refresh Yourself

Running shoes – woman tying shoe laces. Closeup of female sport fitness runner getting ready for jogging outdoors on forest path in late summer or fall. Vintage effect style pictures.

By StatePoint

In a fitness rut? Instead of simply attempting to lose weight or drop a clothing size, consider placing a more positive spin on your objectives. Whether your stated goal is to try new sports and hobbies or to get in touch with nature, you can better refresh yourself by setting goals that help you get in shape while appreciating your surroundings and having fun.

Try Something New

Testing out new sports and hobbies doesn’t need to require a giant time or financial commitment. There are plenty of ways to dip your toe in the water. Thanks to online marketplace coupon services, it’s easy find discounted access to local experiences like orienteering and rock climbing classes, fishing excursions, white water rafting journeys and more. Consider giving your fun and fitness goals a recharge by trying out something completely different.

Make More of It

Whether you’re hiking, biking, skiing or trying any other new outdoor sport, consider making the most of your excursions with tech gear that enhances the experience. For example, the PRO TREK Smart Outdoor Watch WSD-F20 from Casio, powered by Android Wear 2.0, has GPS capabilities, a full color map display and water resistance of up to 50 meters, making it well suited for rugged adventures. Because it can be used offline in areas without cellular service, it’s can free you up to go farther off the beaten trail. Find a great fishing spot or vista on a hike? Spot some beautiful wildlife on the trail? Its Location Memory app instantly reads a user’s current location, so you can add notes to otherwise unmarked map spots. Additionally, Casio’s Moment Setter app gives users an opportunity to automatically receive important alerts, such as best fishing times, rest break intervals, and sunrise/sunset times.

Get Competitive

Having a race or competition up ahead on the calendar can be the motivating force that drives you to get off the couch, get fit and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it’s a 10k, obstacle race or a triathlon, training for such a competition can have cascading effects, leading to new healthy habits beyond more frequent workouts, such as getting more rest and hydration and eating a healthier diet. Completing your goal can be a truly rewarding experience.

When it comes to your health and wellness, think beyond the scale. Refresh your body and mind with new experiences that lead to healthy habits.

Who Determines Our Path?

By Michael Armijo

 

While driving one day, I noticed a young man sitting on a park bench. You could tell he was in despair, the way he was just sitting there, staring at the ground.  He looked like he had given up.

The man was wearing a muddy shirt, dirty tan pants, a large trash bag that he used as a backpack, and a pair of almost unrecognizable tennis shoes. His hair was filthy and matted, and he sported an untrimmed beard that looked as though it had been chopped in sections with a dull pair of scissors.

He sat there as though he had no place to go.  His head hung down; his eyes seemingly entranced on the ground. The scene reminded me of a small child, bored, thinking he didn’t have a friend in the world.  I could see hopelessness and sadness in this man’s demeanor.

As the cars sped by on the street, the man got up and walked in a slow-paced journey to nowhere. Had he stepped into oncoming traffic, I would have been horror-struck, but not surprised.  It would have appeared as though another tragic life had ended without a cause, without a clue, and without a care.

He didn’t look angry, but had he been I could have imagined him attacking.  Why not lash out at society if you don’t care what happens to you?  Why not “get even?” This is a sad logic, but as one who watches the news, its today’s reality.

As I looked at the man, I wondered if society had failed him; but how much truth does that hold? How responsible is society for the ones that are lost? I believe we have to ask ourselves, who determines our path?  Who maps out our life? We’ve heard so many excuses about responsibility through blame and denial that we allow ourselves to label our lives as dysfunctional.  And then we wonder why we turn out differently than others.

After the experiences I’ve had in life, I now believe we are the creators of our own destiny. We determine where we go, who we are, and who we become. After pointing the finger at society for too long, we need to take responsibility for ourselves. HOWEVER, I will add that as parents, we ARE responsible for providing an honest and fair life, a loving and caring environment, a responsible and healthy example, and a thorough and extensive education for our children. Of course, we shouldn’t condemn ourselves if our children do not turn out the way we had hoped.  As human beings, there comes a point in time where we need to look ourselves in our own eyes and say; “I honestly did the best I could, with no regrets.”  Why wish for the chance to do things over, when that is not a possibility?  You can only change who you are right now, and move forward doing your best.

I believe that there will be a day of judgment. And on that day we will be forced to look into our own souls and really see who determined our path.  So to that young man on the park bench, I hope you are happy with your path.

 

Three Arrested For Attempted Murder In Chino

Kevin Devon
Thomas (18 yrs old)

Tariq Rayshawn Thompson (19 yrs old)

Deangelo Rabon (20 yrs old)

By Danny Nguyen

Chino – Chino police detectives alongside Special Enforcement Team and SWAT team members arrested, on Feb. 21, three young adult men for suspected armed robbery, attempted murder, and assault in their ongoing investigation involving calls made from multiple people about a disturbance in the neighborhood block of 3900 Yellowstone Circle from a house party.

18-year-old Kevin Devon Thomas from Azusa, 19-year-old Tariq Rayshawn Thompson from West Covina, and 20-year-old Deangelo Rabon from La Puente were arrested after detectives sent out 5 search warrants in the area. They started with Thomas and Thompson on the 21st, which they were booked for robbery and assault while Rabon was booked for attempted murder and robbery, according to a Chino press release.

In an article from the Chino Champion Newspapers about the incident, police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez, stated that “warrants were sent to homes at the 800 block of Vincent Avenue in Azusa, 3800 block of Muirfield Street in El Monte, the 15600 block of Amar Road, and the 900 block of Del Valle Avenue in La Puente as well as the 1700 block of E. Natalie Avenue in West Covina.”

All three are being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with Rabon’s bail set at $1 million, while the other two have bails set at $100,000 each.

The police investigation started on Saturday Feb. 17 when law enforcement responded to calls made about a fight that occurred at a house party. Officers intended to arrive at the crime scene, but received information from another caller, who reported witnessing an armed robbery occur at the same place where the fighting took place. It appeared that an unidentified black suspect prepared to steal the caller’s belongings and subsequently shot at the caller with a handgun. The caller could not be reached for further details.

Hours later, police answered another call from an 18-year-old guy that reported being robbed of his jewelry at gunpoint, except this time it was by two unknown black male suspects, at the same address.

It wasn’t until police responded to another call made by an injured male person the next morning on Feb. 18 roughly around 9:15am in the Chino Valley Medical Hospital Center. The police then, were able to connect the dots with the three men, even with being separate incidents. The injured victim in the hospital claimed that “he was beaten and attacked by someone with a pistol who had attempted to rob him and he was revealed to be present at the same party where the fight occurred.” Shots were fired, but fortunately the victim was not hit. The victim also claimed that another 15-year-old male was assaulted as he tried to help him.

Since the investigation is still ongoing, those with more information on the case should contact Detective Chinnis at (909) 334-3047 or at cchinnis@chinopd.org

 

Clark’s March Madness Lecture Series

Staff Reports

Chino – Clark’s is committed to educating their customers about how healthy living begins with one healthy habit at a time. “When you have somebody walking through the process with you that is when the magic happens,” said Joe the Clark’s Nutrition Specialist on staff. Clark’s has an incredible lecture series coming to multiple locations throughout the month of March. The March Madness event has a different lecture every week in March on how to get your health on the right track. (3 events at all locations 1 Chino).

The series will get started with a lecture Tuesday March 13 at all Clark’s locations at 6 pm on Bone Broth – Gut Health on , There will be 2 other lectures given at all locations, Tuesday March 20 will be about Amino Acid and Tuesday March 27 the lecture will be about juicing and fair trade the lectures begin at 6 p.m.  at all locations.

On Sunday March 18 the Chino Location will host a lecture titled “The New You in two”. Author Mark Borchetta will be there lecturing on how to improve your overall health in two weeks. Mark will be hanging around for a little while after the lecture signing books and answering questions.

Certified Nutritionist Joe says, “Often people will tell us that they’ve heard of Clarks and they think it’s just another supplement shop, but once they walk inside our Chino store, they get what all the fuss is about.”

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 now 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.

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

Recognizing Excellence

Walnut Valley Trustees honor star students, partners in education

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—In keeping with tradition, the Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees honored outstanding students and partners in education during the February 21 meeting.

Castle Rock Elementary crossing guard Donna Aquila received the Partner in Education Award.

Donna, known as “Miss D” to students, has served the Diamond Bar campus for the past seven years.

“She has built relationships with students, teachers, and families,” said Principal Dr. Resma Byrne.

Donna has a special way of connecting with people whether it’s her joke of the day or sharing a personal story.

The caring crossing guard even brings a pocketful of quarters each Friday to help the children purchase popsicles.

“She loves our Castle Rock students,” Byrne said.

Donna is described as humble, takes her job seriously, and leads her life with integrity.

“She also brings staff the sweetest tangerines and homemade peanut brittle!” Byrne said.

The arrival and dismissal of students is often the most chaotic time of the day.

“But with Miss D, it’s actually fun. We’re so lucky to have her in our corner!”

Castle Rock Elementary 5th grader Austin Lee received the Super Star Student Award.

“Austin has taken great strides in learning how to take risks, make key friends, and persevere,” Dr. Byrne said.

He has also learned the art of taking a failure and turning it into an opportunity.

“We try to teach our students to work hard, analyze their mistakes, and learn from them,” the school leader said.

This is something that’s not easy for anyone, regardless of their age.

“When I look at my IB Learner Profile, I think about the traits we want our students to embody: to be caring, risk takers, thinkers, open minded, and reflective,” she described.

“I see Austin!”

“We want to recognize him tonight, not for academic success, but for his courageous attitude and ability to take risks, because that is what it’s all about.”

Quail Summit Elementary Community Club President Anna Amezcua received the Partner in Education Award.

“In my 32 years in education, I have never seen anyone as committed to every single student as Anna!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

“She is amazing!”

Anna stepped up to fill a vacancy as president about three years ago, and since then, has totally enriched the school’s relationship with the community at large.

Anna has established a welcoming environment that has set the tone for community and staff involvement.

The hard-working parent volunteer continually provides support for students and is a strong advocate for school programs.

She tirelessly handles her duties and has been called upon on “time and time again” to provide assistance with mother’s workshop, Santa’s Workshop, Friday Snacks, Room Parent Schedules, and more.

“Thank you for all you do, Anna. I wish we could give you a car with a red ribbon!” Weissenberger said.

Enthusiastic, optimistic and empathetic are three words that describe Quail Summit 5th graders Tristan Skipper and Brian Vu, who were honored with Super Star Student Awards.

The student leaders are rarely seen without each other and often work together to help a teacher or a fellow classmate.

Tristan and Brian both interviewed for the positions of Student Council President and Vice President.

“They were determined to make a difference and even told their teacher before the interviews that if they did not get a position, they would still want to be involved in some aspect,” Weissenberger said.

The boys were elected and now lead monthly Spirit Assemblies and daily morning flag salute.  They collect recycling every Thursday with a smile and monitor the student council fundraisers and bulletin board.

“They work with other members of student council and they contribute to any other project we challenge them with great leadership and poise,” she added.

Tristan and Brian also show leadership in the classroom, completing extra class jobs because they are reliable. They are always kind and including of other students.

“They have grown so much over the years and are models of what Quail Summit is all about… A school with a Heart,” Weissenberger said.

“Brian and Tristan are truly kind and spread their kindness to all they meet. They are role models for all our students!”

 

Jurupa Valley Sheriff Conducts Death Investigation

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On February 28, 2018 at approximately 11:54 am, Eastvale deputies responded to Harada Heritage Park, located at 13099 65th Street, for a medical aid call. The first responders, Cal-Fire personnel arrived on the scene and reported that they found a 74-year-old Eastvale resident deceased in his vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the parking lot when they arrived.

Eastvale detectives responded to the scene and based on their preliminary findings a death investigation was promptly initiated. The investigation is still on-going and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective Peters from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600. Reference File # EV180590042 when you call in.

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

 

 

Chino Hills Investigators Recover Thousands Of Stolen Items

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Mark Williams Ellis, 36, of Chino was arrested on suspicion of grand theft after he was found with six storage units full of items stolen dating back to 2006. (Courtesy San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

A vehicle code violation stop in Chino earlier this month led investigators to more than $200,000 in stolen items dating back to thefts committed in 2006, San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said Thursday at a news conference at the McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center in Chino Hills.

Mark William Ellis, 36, of Chino was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and vehicle theft, according to booking logs. Ellis was on probation at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4 and is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, records indicate.

Ellis is believed to have stolen the property over the last 12 years at least, said Sgt. Randy Naquin during the conference from inside one of the department’s storage units at the center, which still contained hundreds of items that are awaiting to be returned to their rightful owners. Naquin, however, said he believes the thefts may have started earlier.

In those 12 years, it doesn’t appear Ellis ever sold much, if any, of the property instead hoarding it inside six different storage units in Montclair, according to authorities.

Detectives with the Chino Hills sheriff’s station determined Ellis had taken items from vehicles, home, businesses and schools in Chino Hills, Chino, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tracy, Walnut, Los Angeles, Fontana, Ontario and Las Vegas, Nevada, officials said. Among the items taken were several firearms, electronics, cellphones, tools and gym equipment.

 

12 Year Old Arrested For Violent Video

By Ariana Scott

Chino Hills – On February 22, 2018, a threat to the school was made by a juvenile young male, whose actions at the school were very violent, which was enough cause for a concerned citizen to talk to Chino Hills Police. The citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, had discovered a video made by a juvenile that showed his delinquent acts at school. Deputies viewed the video in which the juvenile was reciting a rap song. The rap song had students on edge. It included lyrics speaking about fighting with other students, and concluded with lyrics about shooting a specific school staff member of the Chino Valley Unified School District. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation and identified the juvenile. School officials have been made aware of the video and the seriousness of it. Deputies contacted the juvenile and his family at their home. There was a locked safe containing firearms at the location and do not know if he could have possibly had access to that safe.
The boy was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall. At this time, the Chino Hills Police Department has determined there are no additional threats and as of right now, everyone is safe.
Contact: Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday
Case #: 221800652
Anyone with information regarding threats to our schools is urged to contact Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station at (909)364-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

For full details, https://local.nixle.com.

Wasted E-Waste? Don’t Hoard It

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar residents with unwanted electronics or hazardous waste are reminded that the Los Angeles County’s popular mobile Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Collection is coming to Diamond Bar on Saturday, March 10.

Starting at 9 a.m. and going on until 3p.m, residents are invited to drive to the 1300 block of Bridge Gate Drive in Diamond Bar and drop of any household items banned from disposal in the garbage. Bring all of your computers, television sets, microwave ovens, batteries, expired medicine and pesticides. Recycling these items are very beneficial for the environment. Responsible E-Waste Management is our responsibility even if it is “just an old device”. Any device you donate with private information will be scrubbed and will possibly be reused as is or refurbished.

If you have an old device taking up space that you keep telling yourself you fix it one day stop fooling yourself. Sometimes throwing it away feels as if you wasted your money. This gives you the opportunity to give others opportunities they might not otherwise have had.  You know what they say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

This is a drive-through event, which means that staff at the collection site will remove the items intended for disposal without the driver having to exit the vehicle.

For more information or a complete list of what you can and cannot bring, call 800.238.0173. For details about the even, contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909.839.7015. Or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Giving Up Isn’t Allowed

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I’ve always known since I was five years old or so I was put in this world to make it better and to help others heal.  People often wonder why I’m so very positive even though I have lost most of my family.  I feel I don’t have the luxury of giving up.  Every single day I wake up I feel honored to have yet another day of life and to me that is just one of the many things I’m very grateful for.  In fact it’s that gratitude that has kept me going all of these years.  Being grateful every single day you have the honor of being alive is necessary if you are to have a life of quality.  Recognizing all that is right with our lives can be the simplest cause of attitude adjustments.  It literally helps us to see the world and our lives as a gift. That’s why today is called the present when really it is a present.  This very lovely present should be honored and appreciated daily.

I know the world and what we hear about it can make us want to give up.  I look into my grandchildren’s eyes and all of the tens of thousands of people’s eyes that I have helped over the years, and I know I’m just not allowed to give up.  I know I was created to heal and help the beings in this world.  I know all of the horrific things I have lived through have made me the strong and compassionate woman I am today.  There have been many lessons learned while going through those horrible but teaching times.  Just for a moment think about all of the wonderful things you have in your life and all the lessons life has taught you.  Do me a favor and make a promise that together we will all find a way to make this world better and no matter what you won’t give up!!!!

 

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. She also 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 contact Nancy 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 at Amazon.com.

 

Lost And Found

By Mark Hopper

You have read in my previous articles how much we enjoy getting to spend time with our grandchildren.  We usually babysit one day a week. They love to come to Grammy’s house and we love to have these special visitors.

In addition to playing with toys and baking muffins at our house, we usually take them out on an adventure.  Recently we went to the big Lowe’s home improvement store in Chino Hills.  My wife wanted our granddaughters to see the new potted plants and colorful flowers.  We then purchased some plant food to enrich some of the strawberry plants growing in our beautiful garden.

Our adventure also included a stop at Chick Fil A for some chicken nuggets and waffle fries.  Our older granddaughter already knew that she wanted a “Kid’s Meal”.  I think it had something to do with the toy that came with the meal.  Her little sister was glad to help eat the chicken nuggets and waffle fries, they each got a box of apple juice too.

When we got home after our outing, we got the kids out of their car seats, unloaded the diaper bag, grabbed their coats and got them into the house.  We took time to check the mail box – they always like to see if there is anything in the mail box!

The afternoon included some rest time.  We were hoping they would nap – we needed one!  But, a nap didn’t seem to be part of their plan.  Their mother picked them up after work and it was a nice day with our special visitors.

However, a few hours later when we decided to go out to dinner, we could not find the car key.  We had lost the original key a few months ago and paid quite a bit of money to replace it.  Now, we couldn’t find the new key…how responsible of us.

We looked everywhere for that key. We looked in the toy box,  in the car, under the sofa, under their car seats, we searched through my wife’s purse.  Where did the car key go?  I knew we had used the new key to drive the car earlier that day, so the key had to be somewhere but we couldn’t find it.

There is a passage in the Bible that includes three stories about a lost coin, a lost sheep and a lost son.  In each story in Luke chapter fifteen, Jesus explained that a “woman searched and swept her house until she found the lost coin.”  He also described how the shepherd left the ninety nine sheep to search for the one that was lost. And, he used the story of a lost son (the prodigal son) to reveal the heart of the father who watched patiently for his “lost son” to return home.

The common thread in these three parables was that they searched diligently for what was lost and they rejoiced greatly when it was found. We are like the lost sheep, the lost coin and the lost son.  God is like the determined woman, the searching shepherd and the loving father.  All of them celebrate when they found what was “lost”.

Our Heavenly Father never gives up on you and me.  He never left us – we strayed away from Him.  He longs for us to come back to Him.  The Bible says that Heaven rejoices when one “lost” sheep, coin or son is restored to fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.

By the way, we finally found the lost key.  I sent an email to our daughter and asked her to look through the kid’s coats, snack box and the diaper bag.  She called and told us that she found the key in the diaper bag.  How did that happen?  I must have dropped the key into the diaper bag when we unloaded the car when we got home from our fun adventure.

Let me encourage you to dust off your Bible and read Luke chapter 15 for yourself.  And, let me encourage you to be more careful where you put your car keys, too!  You will be glad you did!

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