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: Weekly03.03.2018
Category Archives: The Weekly News
When I Wake Up
By Anthony Saude
Every day when we wake up, thoughts rush into our minds at an almost frightening pace. For some, those thoughts are sadly centered on the negative circumstances they may be experiencing in their lives. Still, for others it is quite the opposite; their thoughts are centered on the positive things happening in their lives. If we were to look at the state of our country we would have to assume that most are doing the negative thing.
I am not going to lie, when I wake up in the morning their is about a 50/50 chance that I will be doing the positive thing. (See how I just did the positive thing there) I am working on it but my first thoughts can be focused on the negative stuff. Even though I know for certain, that is not a productive way to start my day. I have been known to tell my kids that you can have a good day or a bad day it is your choice, which one do you want.
The goal I am after is that when I wake up, I would have my first thought to be: I am just glad I got to wake up again today. If we can accomplish that, it seems that positive thoughts should more easily follow throughout our day. Every day is a new day that the Lord has made for us; what we do with that day is a choice that we need to make. This type of thinking will take practice but like I always tell my kids “practice makes perfect”. It will take time, energy and intentionality to change negativity to positivity.
When we wake up we get to go out and see if we can’t figure out a way to make somebody’s negative day a positive day. With the state our country is in today, chances are that person could very well be a person or persons that are living in the very house you call home. Let’s start there tomorrow and see where that takes us.
Italian Ciabatta Cheeseburgers
with Mozzarella, Onion, and Balsamic Greens
By Hello Fresh
Cooking Time: 30 mins
Servings: 4
Nutrition: 790 Calories
Ingredients:
- Red Onion- 1
- Garlic- 2 cloves
- Tomato Paste- 1 tbsp
- Balsamic Vinegar- 2 tbsp
- Ground Beef- 20 oz
- Mozzarella Cheese- 1 cup
- Ciabatta Bread- 4
- Heirloom Grape Tomatoes- 8 oz
- Spring Mix Lettuce- 4 oz
- Dried Cranberries- 2 oz
1 PREHEAT OVEN AND COOK ONION. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 400 degrees or grill to high. Halve, peel, and thinly slice onion. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and 1 tsp sugar. Cook, tossing, until browned, 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
2 MAKE VINAIGRETTE. While onion cooks, mince or grate garlic until you have ½ tsp (you may have a clove left over). In a large bowl, whisk together ½ TBSP tomato paste, 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar, 1 TBSP olive oil, and as much minced garlic as you like (we sent more tomato paste and vinegar than needed). Season with salt and pepper.
3 COOK BURGERS. Wipe out same pan, then heat a drizzle of olive oil in it over medium-high heat (skip if grilling). Shape beef into 2 patties slightly wider than the bread. Season with salt and pepper. Add to pan or grill. Cook until just shy of desired doneness, 2-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle mozzarella on top. Cover pan or grill and cook until cheese melts, 1 minute more.
4 TOAST BREAD AND PREP. Split ciabattas in half. Toast in oven or on grill until golden, 3-5 minutes. Meanwhile, halve tomatoes lengthwise. TIP: A bread knife will slice right through those rolls.
5 TOSS SALAD. Add mixed lettuce, tomatoes, and cranberries to bowl with vinaigrette and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.
6 ASSEMBLE AND SERVE. Fill ciabattas with burgers, onion and a little bit of salad. Divide between plates and serve with remaining salad on the side.
What to Ask Your Doctor About Parkinson’s Disease
By StatePoint
Talking to your doctor about any health concern can be tough, particularly when symptoms catch you by surprise or cause concern. And when it comes to Parkinson’s disease (PD), experts say there are many symptoms that often go unreported at doctor’s appointments, making them difficult to diagnose and treat.
For example, many people are aware of visible symptoms associated with PD, like resting tremors and loss of balance. However, more than half of people living with Parkinson’s also experience a lesser known aspect of the disease — hallucinations and delusions.
“Over time, these symptoms may increase in frequency or become bothersome, as a person with Parkinson’s becomes less able to distinguish between what is real and what’s not. Fortunately, these symptoms often can be addressed.” says Neal Hermanowicz, MD, director of the Parkinson’s Disease & Movement Disorders Program at the University of California, Irvine.
To help you prepare for your appointment with a PD specialist, Dr. Hermanowicz says to consider the following statements, and if they apply to you, to tell your doctor at your next appointment.
• I sometimes feel out of touch with reality.
• Others tell me that what I am hearing, seeing or sensing (e.g., people, animals or objects) are not actually there (hallucinations).
• I have beliefs or fears that a loved one (perhaps a spouse, caregiver or friend) is stealing from me or being unfaithful (delusions).
Dr. Hermanowicz also suggests that caregivers prepare for the next appointment by considering the following statements and speaking to their loved one’s PD specialist if any of them apply.
• I have observed my loved one interacting with things, seeing things or sensing things that are not there (hallucinations).
• My loved one has had false beliefs toward me or others, such as believing someone is stealing from them or being unfaithful (delusions).
• These experiences have affected our daily life.
Learn more about hallucinations and delusions associated with Parkinson’s and download resources that will help initiate these critical conversations at MoretoParkinsons.com.
If you or someone you care for is experiencing these symptoms, you are not alone and you may be able to get help. Talk to a PD specialist to learn more about available treatment options. Be prepared for your next appointment by ensuring the conversation first starts at home.
11 Cited for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors
By Anthony Saude
Pomona – The Minor Decoy/Shoulder Tap Operation is a method that has been known to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.
The Pomona Police Department is doing their part in making a concerted effort to reduce the amount of alcohol that is available to minors on the streets of Pomona. Officers participated in an operation on February 15 at various liquor/convenient store locations throughout the city of Pomona.
Here is how it works: Under the direct supervision of officers, one 19 year old minor and one 20 year old minor were sent to various liquor/convenient stores throughout the city of Pomona. They would wait outside the establishment for an adult patron to enter, inform them that they were less than 21 years of age, and then ask them if they would buy some alcohol for them.
Eleven adults were contacted and five of them offered to buy the alcohol for the minors working undercover. The adult suspects were immediately detained by the officers on the scene, after they supplied the minors with the alcohol. The officers then made sure that none of the suspects had any outstanding warrants. After it was determined that they didn’t have any warrants the officers issued each a citation to each suspect for penal code violation 25685(a)BP – Sell/furnish Alcohol to a Minor violation.
This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Minor Decoy/ Shoulder Tap Grant Project, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ■
Your Guide to Reducing the Prom Price Tag
By StatePoint
Prom is a time-honored tradition and a rite of passage for teens. Originally inspired by graduation celebrations and debutante balls, prom today is now an extravagant, defining moment in a teen’s life, bearing little resemblance to promenades of the past — especially when it comes to cost.
All of this indulgence unfortunately comes with a price tag, and prom expenses can put a large dent in your wallet. Teens are spending nearly $640 on prom hair and makeup, outfits, tickets and rides, according to Yahoo Style’s “2017 Prom Across America” survey — and that doesn’t take into consideration any pre-prom expenses, such as the promposal, which, according to Visa’s annual prom spending survey, adds another $324!
The Promposal
In recent years, teens have upped the ante, finding elaborate — and often public — ways to ask someone to prom.
What are some popular promposal tactics? Spelling “prom” with pastries, creating giant duct tape posters, decorating lockers and bedrooms, and popping the question on the jumbotron at a sporting event.
Fashion First
When proms first became common, teens were encouraged to wear their “Sunday best” — implying a nice dress or suit they already owned. Not so anymore. For girls, prom is all about the dress, and finding the perfect one at the right price is no easy task. “Seventeen Magazine” reported that girls spend $231 on average for a dress, $45 on shoes, $23 on a handbag, $32 on jewelry and $118 on hair, nails and makeup.
While guys typically spend less on prom clothing and accessories, they’re still shelling out for a tuxedo, corsage and other accessories.
Cut Costs, Save for College
The steep prom price tag is leading teens to look at alternatives, such as ditching typical outfits and making their own. One example is Duck Tape formal wear. Over the last 17 years, the Duck brand Stuck at Prom Scholarship Contest has attracted more than 7,000 entrants and awarded more than half a million dollars in scholarships to teens who crafted their Duck Tape prom attire.
Now in its 18th year, the contest will once again help offset the skyrocketing costs of college by helping teens save on prom and by awarding creative makers for their unique promwear designs, offering two individual $10,000 Grand Prizes: one in the Dress Category and one in the Tux Category, totaling $20,000. For more information, visit stuckatprom.com.
Other ways to cut the prom price tag? Hair, makeup and other accessories can cost more than $200, so skip the salon and opt for online tutorials for hair and makeup inspiration. Also, DIYing accessories, such as jewelry, a clutch or flowers (i.e. Duck Tape roses), can add a personal touch, and keep money in your wallet.
Setting a budget and looking for opportunities to save money can help ensure prom is an amazing night that doesn’t break the bank.
Diamond Bar Housing
Nef Cortez
By Nef Cortez
The Diamond Bar housing market has achieved a median sales price which is at an ALL TIME high!
The roller coaster ride that has been housing sales prices in the last 30 years is now achieving new record high levels. Factors that drive this market to its current high include a shortage of inventory, historically low levels of mortgage interest rates, continuing in migration of foreign nationals, and a strongly surging economy.
Exciting as it is for the current property owners, it is becoming increasingly difficult for many buyers to find what they are looking at an affordable price.
The median sales price last reported by the California Regional Multiple Listing Service (CRMLS) for Diamond Bar Single Family homes in the 4th quarter of 2017 was $745,000.00. Seeing an annualized increase of 11% in the median sales price for Diamond Bar homes brings up the question of affordability.
The surging economy notwithstanding, we are not seeing annual wage increases of 11%. The wage increases have to keep up with the rate of increasing sales prices, or housing reaches its breaking point of affordability. The current US Census figures report (the last surveyed years of 2012-2016) a median household income for Diamond Bar households to be $89,845.00.
With the median household income as it is the obvious question is; how many Diamond Bar households can actually afford to buy a home? The purchase of the median priced home would typically require a down payment of 20 % of the purchase price, which in this example would be $150,000.00. The loan balance would be just under the Jumbo loan limits at $600,000.00, carrying an interest rate of approximately 4.375 %, with an APR of 4.375%. The payment of principal and interest on this loan would be $2,996.00, taxes would be $782.00, and Homeowner’s Insurance an additional $80.00 per month, for a total of $3,858.00 (PITI). Conforming guidelines (FNMA and FHLMC) for loan qualifying require that no more than 28% of the household income be utilized for housing cost, in this case it would represent a monthly income of $13,778.00 necessary to qualify. This monthly income represents an annual household income of $165,000.00 necessary to qualify for the median priced single family home in Diamond Bar, or almost twice as much as the current level of the median household. Wow!
This article was written by Nef Cortez who is a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca BRE # 00560181, licensed since 1976. He can be reached for more information via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com or website http://www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.
NEF CORTEZ,
Broker DRE # 00560181
RE/MAX Universal Realty
1411 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.,
Diamond Bar, Ca. 91765
e-mail: nefcortez@gmail.com
Office: 909-610-6303
Fax: 909-752-3163
Cell: 909-762-8135
Certified REO Broker
Certified Distress Property Expert
Gung Hay Fat Choy!
Walnut Elementary DLI Students Ring in Lunar New Year
By Kelli Gile
WALNUT—Over 300 students performed skits, poems, and songs, entirely in Mandarin, during the 6th annual Lunar New Year celebration at Walnut Elementary.
Kindergartens through 5th grade children are part of the school’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program that offers unique and innovative instruction in both English and Mandarin.
Each grade level took a turn on stage during the energetic program presented for schoolmates on Thursday and for their families on Friday.
“The students put on a spectacular show!” shared teacher Krystin Wong.
Kinder girls sang and danced to “Jasmine Flowers” and boys performed the “Happy New Year” song.
First graders presented “New Year Cake” an interpretive dance to wish higher achievements to the audience.
In Mandarin, “cake” means promotion or achieving heights. As the first day of New Year is also the first day of spring, the song “Walking on Sunshine” was in order, Wong said.
Second graders said they would “have a great attitude” and “never give up” in the new year through the bilingual song “Try Everything.”
Third graders presented a 15-day New Year chant incorporating the importance of family reunion, couplets, and the Lantern Festival.
Fourth graders continued to communicate traditions by explaining the importance of the color red, the family feast, and the lion dance. They also performed a rap song, “Report to the New Year!”
Last, but not least, fifth graders performed a skit to the legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day. The story explained how Valentine’s Day was originated in China.
A finale lion dance was performed by three Walnut Elementary students along with volunteer members of San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association.
Beginning in Kindergarten, the DLI goal is to give students the opportunity to become bi-literate and bi-cultural. The program is also available for sixth and seventh graders at South Pointe Middle School.
Attempted Robbery Thwarted By Employee
By Anthony Saude
Chino – A clerk at a Chino gas station escaped injury early Tuesday morning after being shot at during an attempted robbery and struggle with the armed man.
“Chino police officers responded to a call in reference to the Arco gas station at 12100 Ramona Ave. There was a report of “shots being fired,” said police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez.
Ms. Gutierrez said, “a man wearing dark clothing, a ski mask and armed with a handgun, approached the front doors to the store at approximately 1:29 a.m. it was there that he encountered a courageous male employee.
“A struggle ensued as the suspect tried to open the unlocked doors from the outside while the employee attempted to hold them shut,” Mrs. Gutierrez said. Although a brave thing to do probably not what the police would have recommended.
“The armed man fired multiple shots through the glass doors at the employee, causing the glass to shatter. The employee was not shot, but did suffered injuries from the shattered glass. He was treated at the scene by Chino Valley Fire District paramedics.
Mrs. Gutierrez said the suspect immediately fled the scene on foot and was nowhere to be found when the officers arrived.” Ms. Gutierrez stated, “The male employee did not get shot in the encounter but did suffer minor injuries from the shattered glass.” His wounds were treated and released at the scene by Chino Valley Fire District paramedics.
Ms. Gutierrez added, “The investigation is ongoing and the suspect is still at large at this time.”
Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective Monroe at (909)334-3104 or send an email to:jmonroe@chinopd.org.
Terrorist Threats Investigation and Arrest
Staff Reports
Inland Empire – On Monday, February 19, about 9:39 a.m., the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Norco Office, received information about a series of threats made on social media. An investigation was immediately initiated regarding a suspect posting comments on his Facebook page he intended on shooting people at a local college campus. The threats were deemed credible and the Norco Special Enforcement Team deputies along with detectives assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station Investigations Bureau initiated a detailed and expansive investigation.
The investigation revealed the suspect was making the threats from a residence located in the City of Norco. Deputies continued with their investigation and solicited the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Investigation Bureau, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consist of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Bernardino Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), and Riverside College District Police.
Based on information collected during the investigation, a search warrant was served at a residence located in the 5000 block of Trail Street in the City of Norco. During the service of the search warrant, the suspect, identified as Jacob Ryan McBain, age 27, a Norco resident, was taken into custody without incident. Deputies recovered a loaded AR-15, two loaded handguns, and a large amount of ammunition from McBain’s bedroom.
McBain was arrested for the charges of making terrorist threats and a felon in possession of a firearm. He was transported to the Robert Presley Detention Center in the City of Riverside where he was booked on the listed charges.
Local school district and college officials were notified of the investigation, even though there was no school in session during the national holiday.
Anyone with any information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to call Deputy Robertson of the Norco Sheriff’s Office at (951) 270-5673.
Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form
Government Takeover
Staff Reports
Chino Valley – Stepping into the shoes of adults on Thursday gave some high school seniors a new perspective on their communities.
The 38th Annual Student Government Day included participation of Chino Valley fire and police, city governments of Chino and Chino Hills, and the Chino Valley school district.
High school seniors from all four regular district high schools plus Buena Vista Continuation High and Boys Republic were given a chance to shadow principals, police and fire personnel, tour government facilities and participate in mock school board and city council meetings.
Ayala student Deven Reyes, as a school board member, took the pro-position in a discussion about allowing unlimited cell phone use by students.
Despite a strongly crafted opposition argument by Anthony Duarte of Chino High, also a board member, the “board” voted 4 to 1 for cell phones.
Deven, who is involved in student government at his school, said after the meeting that he was surprised to learn how much public dialog is involved in school board decisions.
“I didn’t think they had this much discussion,” he said. “I thought they made decisions in some small room back here, not out in front of the public like this.”
His positive reaction was not one sided.
Superintendent Wayne Joseph said this mock school board was the most impressive group that he had seen in his nine years as superintendent.
“You were so articulate, so elegant with your back and forth repartee,” he said.
Board member Pam Feix told students she was impressed by their confidence.
“Your willingness to step out and speak out will take you far,” she said.
Chino Hills Crime Meeting
By Anthony Saude
Chino Hills – New California state legislature has changed and now crimes such as first degree burglary and battery with serious bodily injury will no longer be prosecuted as violent felonies. Police officials are saying that crime is exploding all over the state because criminals now know that they won’t be put in jail for those types of crimes. How does a criminal respond to these kinds of changes, they commit more violent crimes of course.
There will be a town hall type meeting held in the Chino Hills Community Center located at 14250 Peyton Drive on March 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is encouraged for all citizens to come out to discuss how we can take back the community from the criminals. The new legislature tells you what the law can’t do but the Chino Hills Police Department will be in giving advice on what we can do with some crime prevention techniques and education. They will be talking about burglaries and package theft in Chino Hills and some preventative measures home owners can take to prepare themselves in a responsible manner. They will also discuss how to go about reporting a crime with WeTip.
Another topic of Conversation that the police will discuss at the meeting is the cannabis industry and the new laws. Specifically they will be talking about the cultivation of Marijuana as it relates to the legalization of it recreationally.
The Recent School Shooting
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
By Nancy Stoops
The horrific shooting at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School on February 14,2018 is something that will be so very difficult for so many to recover from. I remember being in court seeing my brother’s picture after he was murdered by a bullet to the head. I know it took a very long time to get that horrible image out of my head. As I listened to the story I thought about the massive number of people that were affected by one very angry and unstable young man. I thought about how all of the parents felt especially if they lost a child. I thought about how many of the students will suffer from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. I thought about how hard it will be for those students to go back to that school, a place that was always seen as safe until that day. I also thought about the shooter and what his life is prison will look like.
They say the shooter had been expelled for behavioral issues. Many people saw his posts on social media but I guess nobody really understood how angry or how sick he really was. This breaks my heart for everybody concerned. I think about how differently things might have turned out if this young man would have gotten the mental health services he needed. As I read about him I hear he was bullied and that both of his parents that adopted him passed away. I hear he had an unusual fascination with guns. If you look at the profile for most of the shooters involved in these horrific shootings most had been bullied.
I guess what I’m saying is don’t wait until it is too late if you see signs that somebody needs mental health services. I also want to send my prayers and my love to everybody that was involved in this horrific incident. My heart goes out to all of you and I hope with time you all will begin to heal!
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 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.
Planning Ahead
By Mark Hopper
My wife and I will be celebrating our 47th anniversary soon. That is a lot of anniversaries to celebrate and it is a lot of Valentine’s Days to remember, too.
You would think that we would have learned to plan ahead by now. But that is not the case. Sometimes things just come together at the last minute. Valentine’s Day was a good example.
My wife and a girl friend began to make a plan for Valentine’s several weeks ahead. But, as our wives looked on line at various restaurant possibilities they were surprised that most were already booked and did not have any openings available for Valentine’s Day dinner. Bummer.
What should we do? Where could we go to celebrate Valentine’s with our wives? Finally, our wives found a nice restaurant with dinning available on Friday, two days after Valentine’s Day. The husbands were willing to be flexible so we set our sights on February 16th for a late Valentine’s dinner.
However, I realized that my wife and I still needed something to do and some place to go on Valentine’s Day. We talked about just grilling some steaks at home, but the weather was questionable. Then I got the idea that maybe we should find a nice place for a late lunch and stay home for the evening.
When I called one of our favorite fancy restaurants to see if they had any openings for lunch on Valentine’s Day, the hostess said that she had just received a cancelation for a party of two for that night! Would we be interested in that? “Sure – that would be great!” Suddenly we had a reservation for a very nice restaurant for Valentine’s Day! How did that happen?
My wife was pleasantly surprised that we were not staying home or simply going out to lunch, but we were actually going to one of our favorite restaurants on Valentine’s Day! Suddenly I looked like a genius instead of a goat! The evening turned out great and we had a special Valentine’s dinner with a few dozen other lucky couples!
While we were at the restaurant, we saw some friends from our church. We spoke to them briefly and asked them how long ago they had made their reservations for Valentine’s dinner. Their answer was January 2nd! Now that is good planning! When they asked when we made our reservations, I reluctantly told them it was about eight hours ago.
There must be a lesson here. Planning ahead isn’t always what it is cracked up to be. Sometimes it just takes one more phone call to find the open door to a very nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day. Hope your Valentine’s dinner was as nice as the one we enjoyed!
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
OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 2.24.18
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: Weekly02.24.2018
Super Soy Chicken Tenders
with Jasmine Rice and Green Beans
By Hello Fresh
Cooking Time: 35 mins
Servings: 4
Nutrition: 720 Calories
Ingredients:
- Ginger- 1 thumb
- Garlic- 4 cloves
- Scallions- 2
- Lime- 1
- Jasmine Rice- 1 1/2 cups
- Green Beans- 12 oz
- Sesame Seeds- 1 tbsp
- Chicken Tenders- 24 oz
- Soy Sauce- 6 tbsp
- Colavita White Wine Vinegar- 2 tbsp
- Cornstarch- 1 tsp
1 PREHEAT AND PREP. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven to 425 degrees. Bring 2½ cups water and a large pinch of salt to a boil in a medium pot. Peel ginger and mince until you have 2 TBSP. Mince garlic. Trim, then thinly slice scallions, keeping greens and whites separate. Halve lime; cut one half into wedges.
2 COOK RICE. Once water is boiling, add rice to pot. Cover, lower heat, and reduce to a gentle simmer. Cook until tender, 15-20 minutes. Remove from heat and keep covered.
3 ROAST GREEN BEANS. Toss green beans with a large drizzle of oil on a baking sheet. Season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until crisp, 10-12 minutes. After they’ve finished roasting, toss green beans with 2 tsp sesame oil, half the sesame seeds, and a squeeze of lime (we sent more oil than needed).
4 COOK CHICKEN Heat a large drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Pat chicken dry with a paper towel. Add to pan and cook until browned but not cooked through, 2-4 minutes per side. Remove from pan and set aside. TIP: Don’t overcrowd the pan with chicken—you may want to work in batches.
5 MAKE SAUCE. Heat a large drizzle of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Whisk together soy sauce, ¼ cup sugar, 2 TBSP Colavita white wine vinegar (we sent more), and cornstarch in a small bowl. Put scallion whites, garlic, and ginger in pan and cook, tossing, until softened, 1-2 minutes. Stir in soy sauce mixture and bring to a simmer. Let thicken slightly, about 2 minutes.
6 FINISH AND SERVE. Return chicken to pan, toss to coat, and cook until no longer pink in center, 2-3 minutes. Add a squeeze of lime to rice, then fluff with a fork. Divide rice, green beans, and chicken between plates. Drizzle with any remaining sauce. Sprinkle with scallion greens and remaining sesame seeds. Serve with lime wedges.
How the Average Citizen Can Help Bring About Friendlier Politics
By StatePoint
At a divisive moment in our nation’s history, you may be wondering how average citizens can help bring about friendlier politics.
Experts suggest that it starts with finding common ground among those whose opinions differ from you. Ira Shapiro, a former ambassador who has held senior positions in the U.S. Senate, recently authored “Broken: Can the Senate Save Itself and the Country?” in order to explore the state of U.S. politics and its future.
Of the U.S. Senate, his area of expertise, he says, “America is deeply divided. But the men and women of the Senate should not mirror — or worse, inflame — the nation’s divisions. Their job is to overcome them, finding common ground to take collective action in the national interest.”
Citizens can apply this principle in a number of ways:
• Get involved. Attend city council meetings and town hall meetings. Join the PTA. But don’t just show up — make your voice heard. Make friends on all sides of the issue. Be a coalition builder. Discover where your beliefs overlap with others before debating about the issues on which you disagree.
• Get in touch. From petitions to postcards to calls and texts, there are numerous ways to get in touch with your elected officials at every level of government. Encourage your representatives to work constructively with their colleagues in an effort to de-polarize politics and ultimately be more effective at their jobs.
• Speak out. Organize or attend a rally. Raise money for a political cause that mattes to you. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper. Take advantage of the channels available to you.
“The best remedy of all, on both the national and local levels, is to support candidates who are problem solvers and consensus builders, not partisan warriors. Look for the candidates who put the country, or the community, first — above party allegiance or personal aggrandizement,” stresses Shapiro, who also serves as a trade law and global policy consultant. More thoughts from Shapiro are available on his consultancy’s website at http://www.shapiroglobal.com.
Shapiro believes that the Senate is in trouble, but it can be saved. Likewise, everyone, including average citizens, can be a champion for a climate of healthier politics, whether it’s around the dinner table, on a social media thread or at a city council meeting.
Tips for Tackling Age-Related Skin Issues
By StatePoint
Aging is a fact of life, and your skin is no exception. However, experts say that there is a lot you can do to help your skin at all stages of life.
“By spotting signs that your skin is maturing, you can take steps to intervene early, helping skin stay as healthy and youthful looking as possible,” says Dr. Roger Ceilley M.D., a nationally and internationally recognized dermatologist with over 30 years of experience.
To tackle age-related skin issues, Dr. Ceilley recommends the following tips.
• Around age 40, begin examining your skin for changes. You’ll get a better understanding of your skin’s specific needs so you can address them accordingly. Be careful not to focus only on the face, as you may wind up playing catch-up with the rest of your skin late in the maturing process.
• According to Dr. Ceilley, the levels of collagen, elastin and fatty tissue important for making skin appear plump and youthful begin to diminish as you age, causing thinner-looking skin. Help counteract this process with a moisturizing cream or lotion that contains skin-nurturing ingredients like hyaluronic acid, retinol, glycolic acid and niacinamide. These can be found in products such as DerMend Fragile Skin Moisturizing Formula from the new DerMend Mature Skin Solutions line. In addition to those ingredients, the lightweight cream also features five critical ceramides to help make skin more resilient and fresher looking.
• A well-balanced diet promotes healthy, younger-looking skin. Make sure you are eating plenty of fruits and vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats each day.
• Thin, fragile skin can bruise more easily. Medications such as blood thinners may leave skin especially vulnerable to bruising. To help, keep a product on-hand like DerMend Moisturizing Bruise Formula which contains a blend of ceramides, alpha hydroxy acid, arnica oil and retinol.
• Dr. Ceilley also advises using gentle, unscented products when bathing or showering. Scented soaps, cleansers and alcohol-based products can leave aging skin feeling irritated and dry. Be sure to wash gently and avoid scrubbing or over-exfoliating as this can further irritate the skin.
• Itchy skin is not only a nuisance, but it can keep you from being comfortable and prevent a good night’s sleep, which can be detrimental to one’s health at any age. Though doctors are not certain why, itchiness is a very common problem in maturing skin. To temporarily relieve discomfort, use a steroid-free, anti-itch product containing pramoxine hydrochloride 1%, which can rapidly interfere with the itch/scratch cycle, helping to calm skin and allowing you to have a better night’s sleep.
• No matter what age you are, protect your skin from the sun and use sunscreen with SPF 50 or higher. Sun exposure throughout your lifetime can cause a myriad of skin problems as you get older including skin cancer, deep wrinkles, thinning skin, dark spots and broken capillary veins.
“Your skincare should be specific to your needs,” says Dr. Ceilley. “Watch for signs of aging and then adopt a routine that addresses every inch of your skin.”
For more information, please visit http://www.Dermend.com or http://www.FerndaleHealthCare.com.
By incorporating these tips along with specially-designed mature skincare products into your daily beauty routine, you can help tackle age-related skin conditions and help maintain healthy-looking skin for life.
What Can I Do?
By Anthony Saude
What can I do is a very common question for myself and others. I have found that there are seasons in our lives when we are always asking it. There is always an answer or answers to this question whenever I ask it. Sometimes the answers make a lot of sense until I say them out loud. Most of the answers, if I stop and think, are very self serving. What can I do to get more money? What can I do to stop being sad? What can I do make that person like me? What can I make them understand my feelings? What type of life will I have? What can I do to get what I want is usually the theme. When I really think about what my motivations are when I have a decision in my life I realize that MY feelings are 95% of what I am considering when seeking an answer.
A situation or circumstance can drastically change how we look at our lives. This change can be for the better or it can send us careening down a never ending dark hallway. We will inevitably always come right back to the same old question, “what can I do?”
Our attitude can make a vast difference in how it will affect our life and the lives of those around us. Very often we are not in control of circumstances in our lives but we can control our response. If in that moment we understand that truth and ask, “What can I do?” Does it mean there is nothing we can do if we can’t control the situation? No, it means, we don’t have to worry. We can control our behavior by not taking our feelings of frustration out on those around us. We can show grace. Give comfort to our loved ones that need it. We can forgive and forget. We can stop thinking with our emotions and start thinking with our brains. We can run to towards somebody instead of running away?
Sometimes “it is what it is” is just simply the truth and we can’t do anything to fix the situation or circumstance. That is an ugly truth that myself and many have and will struggle with throughout our lives. So, the next time we ask ourselves “what can I do”, maybe the correct question to ask is “what can I do for you?”
WVUSD Welcomes New Faces
By Kelli Gile
Board approves Emmalyn Coles as director of nutrition services and Ryan Gaviola as director of technology
Walnut—The Walnut Valley Unified School District is proud to announce two new members to the administrative team.
The Board of Trustees approved Emmalyn Coles as the new director of nutrition services.
Coles brings over a decade of experience in the food industry, human resources management, staff development, training, and team building.
“Coming to Walnut Valley has been a game changer,” she said.
“It’s improved my quality of life being closer to my children and participating in their activities. The challenges of coming to a new organization have provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. The support from colleagues, staff, and administration has been astounding. I’m honored and humbled to be part of the Walnut Valley family.”
Most recently, Coles served as director of food services in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District for the past six years.
Prior to that, she was food services assistant director of food services and operations supervisor in HLPUSD.
Additionally, she was a general manager for Eurest Dining Services, food services director at Huntington Culinary, area supervisor for David & Margaret Home, McKinley Children’s Center, and Leroy Haynes’ Center.
Coles holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles and master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix. She graduated with honors from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.
Her family resides in Walnut and children, Aya and Isa Al-Juraishi, attend Walnut High School.
Ryan Gaviola was appointed as director of technology during the January 17 Board Meeting.
Gaviola brings 18 years of IT experience to his new post, 13 of those years in a K-12 environment.
“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve this community and feel blessed as a member of the Walnut Valley team,” he said.
Gaviola was director of technology at San Gabriel Unified School District and Lowell Joint School District for the past decade where he was instrumental in the development of new technological initiatives.
Prior to that, he served in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.
He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems from DeVry University.
Gaviola resides in Walnut with his wife Chelo, a WVUSD graduate, and daughter Camille, who attends Vejar Elementary.
ABC PR -Community News, Public Relations and Advertising Services 