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: 
Category Archives: The Weekly News
5 Things to Consider When Buying a Stroller
By StatePoint
A stroller is one of the most essential pieces of baby gear, typically needed right from the start and used for several years. However, with so many stroller varieties available and a wide range of features to consider, it can be hard to figure out which one is right for your family.
Erin Varano, brand marketing director at trusted baby and children gear manufacturer Graco, offers these five key questions to consider when buying a stroller:
Does the Stroller Meet Safety Standards? Look for a stroller that has been certified by the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) to ensure it meets current safety standards. Also, do your research beforehand to make sure it hasn’t been recalled. Avoid this question by buying from a reputable retailer.
Does the Stroller Have an Adjustable Seat? Newborns need seats that recline to a near flat position until they have head control and can sit up on their own. Even for older babies or toddlers, a reclining seat is a plus for comfort. Make sure to check that the seat’s recline mechanism is easy-to-use and firmly locks into the recline position.
How Versatile is the Stroller? Single strollers with the ability to convert to a double are useful as well as practical. Look for a stroller that can grow with your family, such as the Graco Uno2Duo Stroller and Travel System. This new stroller is out-of-the-box ready for one child, but simply extends to accommodate two children.
“We designed this stroller with a 5-inch extension so that it can easily transition from a single stroller to a double,” says Varano. “The extension adds room for a second seat and offers a platform for toddlers to ride along. A second seat or infant car seat gives parents added functionality with a total of 22 ways to ride.”
As an added benefit, the stroller features a multi-position reclining main seat that can convert to an infant bassinet or pram. This stroller is now exclusively available at Babies“R”Us.
Can the Stroller Accommodate Your Car Seat? An infant car seat and a stroller that come together are called a travel system. Buying a travel system is the simplest way to ensure stroller and infant car seat compatibility. However, if they don’t come together, you can often buy an adapter that connects them. Keep this in mind as you choose these items.
Is the Stroller Easy to Maneuver? Look for front wheels that swivel. This swivel action will make it easier to turn. Again, head to a store to test this feature out in person. You should be able to easily push the stroller in a straight line using one hand. Brakes also play a part in maneuverability. You want brakes that are easy to operate even if you are wearing open-toed shoes.
Finding the right stroller for your family requires research and testing. Investing the time beforehand and keeping key features top-of-mind during your search will make the process less overwhelming and hopefully lead you to your perfect stroller match.
Fun Ways Your Family Can Get Fit Together
By StatePoint
Is your fitness routine stuck in a rut? Searching for ways to spend more time with your family?
Why not combine these goals? There are a variety of ways to lead an active lifestyle that are suitable for the whole family and can include children of all ages.
Let these four creative ideas help you turn each day into an opportunity to get fit and have fun as a family, without stepping foot into the gym. As with any workout, it’s important to have the proper gear, and that starts with footwear. So, each exercise below has a suggestion of what to look for when it comes to choosing the right shoe.
• Participate in a charity run/walk: Whether you’re a seasoned runner or have just signed up to run your first 5K, many fundraising races accommodate the entire family. For younger children, look for events that allow jogging strollers or that host a Fun Run. Events that show the importance of communities working together for a larger cause can provide a bonus to the fun.
Shoe to try: Nike, Adidas and Converse all have a variety of “updated classic” styles available in men, women and children’s sizing, so that every family member can find a pair that reflects their personalities, while also providing necessary support for race day.
• Outdoor activities: Heading outdoors to go camping or hiking burns calories, while providing incredible views and memories.
Shoe to try: Built to go off-roading, ASICS hiking shoes features reversed lugs on the outsole to ensure a dependable grip both uphill and downhill.
• HIIT: High-Intensity interval training is being incorporated into a lot of workouts these days. HIIT workouts alternate a quick, intense period of exercise, such as running or cycling, followed by a short, active recovery.
Shoe to try: A lightweight cross training shoes with a stable base — such as a Nike Flex Trainer — are a good selection when it comes to HIIT workouts.
• Bodyweight training: The benefits of bodyweight training are seemingly endless. From pushups to squats, these exercises require no additional equipment and can be done anywhere and performed with many modifications. Get creative with your family by doing a circuit of your favorite bodyweight exercises in the park.
Shoe to try: A shoe with a mesh and synthetic upper material is designed to keep feet cool. Find this feature in a style, such as the New Balance, which also have special midsoles to ensure comfort from start to finish.
New footwear is a great way for each family member to show his or her style, while getting motivated to meet fitness goals. Once you’ve got the plan in place, get into a fitness routine that works for your family and stick with it. For a one-stop-shopping experience, visit the Athletic Shop at Rack Room Shoes in stores or online.
To help ensure that everyone meets their fitness goals, consider combining fun family quality time with your workouts.
Death Is A Gift
By Anthony Saude
Just a short while ago I was talking with my wife about my relationship with death. I told her I either have a very healthy one or it is totally dysfunctional. At my age most people have had a fair amount of death and sadness in their lives and I am no different. Even when I was young I always had a delayed reaction to death. When everybody else was crying and sadness would overtake them I was almost indifferent to it. That doesn’t mean I didn’t cry at all. I just cried a lot less and, usually, not until I was at the gravesite and the coffin was being lowered into the ground.
For years I thought there was something wrong with me. I carried around a lot of guilt and shame because of it. The age of the person always had a direct correlation with the amount of sadness I felt. To me an older person had their time and we shouldn’t be sad about their death but instead we should be happy about the time we had with them. It just sounds logical to me.
The death of a younger person would make me sadder but I was always able to focus on the good times rather than the days ahead when I would be without them. So is my view of death healthy or unhealthy? I honestly still do not know. One of the positive aspects of my viewpoint is that it allows me to be there for my loved ones during their time of sadness. However, some of those same loved ones have seen it as a little cold and even uncaring.
This world is full of pain, sadness, mean people, judgment and a whole lot of stuff that not everybody is equipped to deal with. Have I been desensitized by the cruelty of the world? Addiction to drugs and alcohol is rising at the same rate as counseling and education in the mental health industry. Suicide is at an all time high, bullying is an actual thing and the list of sadness goes on and on. I personally spent most of my life forming an identity out of self medicating with drugs, alcohol and women.
Please don’t misunderstand what I am saying. Death is sad. Especially if it is self-inflicted. But it can also be a gift. I mean what could be better than hanging out with Jesus every day for eternity? I think to myself about those people that just get dealt a tough hand in life. The physically or sexually abused children or the marginalized people of the world. We all know somebody or have heard about somebody that has lived a life of pain and sadness through no fault of their own. Jesus tells us that there will be no pain, no tears, and no sadness when we go to be with him. That is a gift that, for some, has been impossible to pass up and that is very sad. Please don’t misinterpret what I am saying. I love life because it is also a gift from God. To me, when I leave this world I will get to be with Jesus and that is a gift that often times seems far away. So how can we look at a world so filled with sadness and evil as a gift and not a curse? There is one answer and that answer is Jesus. He died for me and I long to express my gratitude every day by helping the people who are sad. So while I am here on this earth it is my desire to help others see the beauty the world offers instead of the sadness that Satan wants them to see. I do this by introducing them to my Lord and savior, Jesus Christ, who can heal all wounds. So when a person I know dies and I know that they love Jesus, I know I will miss them, but I rejoice in the gift they have been given. If I don’t, aren’t I only thinking of my own feelings? I believe that God saves some people from the pain and sadness of this world by giving them the gift of death. How can I be sad that they were saved? I ask the question again, am I broken more than most or it is it a gift from God? I will make sure I ask him that question when he decides it is time to save me from this world with the gift of death. Until then I will make sure to use his gift of life to help as many as I can to see that both life, and death, can be a gift.
Two Residential Burglary Suspects Arrested In Diamond Bar
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – Two residential Burglary suspects were arrested on 01/05/2018 at approximately 01:00 am in the city of Diamond Bar.
Deputies responded to a call regarding suspicious males in the area of Golden Springs and Rancheria. After a search of the area, the responding deputy saw a male sitting in the vehicle that matched the description and detained the suspect. A search of the vehicle was conducted and revealed a large amount of stolen property along with burglary tools.
The second suspect was detained and arrested while on foot in the immediate area, his identification was later found in the vehicle near the stolen property.
Anyone who witnessed anything at that time and place is encouraged to call the station at 909.595.2264 or call the we-tip hotline at 800 78-CRIME.
Corona Man Arrested for Sexual Assault on Children
By Anthony Saude
Benny Zavala a 22 year old Corona resident was arrested on multiple charges relating to sexual assault of children on January 19 by Corona Police detectives.
A Corona Police Officer was visiting a local elementary school campus as part of the “Adopt-A-School” program earlier in the day. One of the school’s counselors asked if she could meet with the officer privately after he had finished speaking to the children at the event. The counselor informed the officer that a student had just reported that they had been sexually assaulted by an adult relative the night before. The officer got the information he needed from the counselor and reported it to his superiors for follow up.
The Corona Police Department and the Riverside Department of Public Social Service joined forces in a joint investigation. The investigation revealed another child-victim who is also related to Zavala.
Both of the victims reported that Zavala has molested each of them on several occasions 2 to 3 years ago as well when they were both very young. All of the incidents reported by the victims took place in the City of Corona.
Zavala was arrested on Friday January 19, 2018 at about 12:40 p.m., in the 2000 block of Lockwood Circle in the City of Corona. He was taken to Robert Presley Detention in downtown Riverside. He was booked on charges that include Sexual Intercourse with a Minor under 10-years-old, Oral Copulation of a Minor under 10-years-old, Sexual Penetration of a Minor under 10-years-old and Lewd Acts with a minor.
Bail was set at $9,375,000.00.
Due to the sensitivity of this case, state privacy laws, and the ongoing investigation, the Corona Police Department is unable to release any further details that could tend to identify the victims in this case.
If anyone has information on this case, please call Detective Daryl Sailer at 951-817-5796 or email Daryl.Sailer@CoronaCA.gov.
Interest Rates Going Up?
Nef Cortez
By Nef Cortez
Housing affordability is greatly affected by the interest rate that one can secure when obtaining their loan. Interest rates go up and down, and are largely influenced by forces that affect all markets: Supply and Demand. Due to the Great Recession of 2008, long term mortgage interest rates have been low for the past decade. Historically low interest rates have driven the market prices of homes to levels that exceed the high point of the housing market in 2006.
One of the two main factors that Federal Government affects the Supply side of the mortgage equation is by purchasing or selling Treasury bonds or mortgage backed securities (based on previously originated home loans). When the Federal Government buys debt through this mechanism, it will either increase or reduce the supply of money in the open market, thereby affecting the increase or decrease of money available to use as a loan to purchase a home.
The second primary factor that will influence the interest rates is the “Demand” for money. As is occurring right now, a growing and improving economy creates more jobs. More jobs translate to more employees who can then afford to compete for mortgage money. It also creates increased competition between employees who can vie for improved positions and higher wages. We are beginning to see that with the continual announcements of 17 year lows in the unemployment rate.
With the current effort by the Federal Reserve to reduce its balance sheet (reduce its debt), it is selling off Treasuries and mortgage backed securities which soaks up some of the available cash in the market. This is in itself an action that is reducing the Supply of money in the open market, and thereby putting upward pressure on interest rates.
The gradual decrease in Supply of money, combined with the growing Demand for money, is exerting upward pressure on interest rates. It is almost certain that we will see an increase in mortgage interest rates over the next 1-3 years.
This article was written by Nef Cortez, a licensed Real Estate Broker in Diamond Bar Ca, DRE # 00560181 since 1976. He can be reached via e-mail at nefcortez@gmail.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.
Scout Gives Back to Elementary School
By Kelli Gile
DIAMOND BAR—On Tuesday, Evergreen Elementary students had a surprise on campus when they returned from the three-day holiday weekend.
An enormous 16’x27’ colorful map of the United States had been painted on the amphitheater stage.
Diamond Bar High senior Jarrett Dang, 17, a member of Boy Scout Troop #730, decided to give back to his alma mater by completing his Eagle Scout Project at the school.
The Eagle Project is an important step in obtaining the highest Boy Scout ranking.
Dang designed and carried out the community service project with the help of 33 fellow Boy Scouts, volunteers, friends, and parent leaders.
He thought the map would serve as a “good educational tool for teachers” on the campus.
“I hope my project will serve as a fun and interactive way for students to learn the geography of their country!” he said.
After weeks of preparation and fundraising, the teen went to Evergreen on Friday to prepare the area by scrubbing the cement with a degreaser.
The following day, the volunteer team carefully laid out and taped down eight large stencil pieces that outlined the map and borders of each state.
The group then carefully spray painted holes in each stencil that marked the state borders.
After lifting up the stencils, the scouts began connecting the dots to form the borders.
By the end of the day, they painted all 50 states according to the blue, yellow, red, and green color scheme.
“I decided to paint California green because Evergreen’s colors are green and white,” he shared.
He also added a white diamond shape where the Diamond Bar school is located.
On Sunday, the crew applied a second coat of paint and touched up the borders, while the adults spray-painted the state abbreviations.
The final step was adding “Boy Scout Troop 730 Eagle Project 2018” in the southwest corner of the artwork.
“The students love looking at Jarrett’s gift to the school,” said exclaimed Principal Trina Dreyer.
“We are grateful that he chose his elementary school as the place to complete his Eagle Scout project!”
Hit and Run Leaves 1 Dead
By Anthony Saude
A pedestrian was killed last Saturday night, January 20, in Chino Hills when she was struck by a vehicle driven by an intoxicated 23 year old woman.
At around 7:20 p.m. Chino Hills deputies were dispatched to the intersection at Chino Avenue and Peyton Ave in response to a call reporting that a pedestrian had been hit by a car. When they arrived on the scene they found the unresponsive female victim lying in the street. The driver of the vehicle that struck the woman, fled the scene and did not stop to see if the victim was injured or if she was in need of medical attention. When the paramedics arrived they immediately transported the injured victim to a local hospital. Unfortunately, shortly after arriving at the hospital, the pedestrian succumbed to her injuries and she pronounced dead. The victim’s identity is not being released at this time pending the notification of next of kin.
Thanks to the outstanding efforts of the deputies and investigators in their investigation they were able to quickly identify the driver of the suspect vehicle as Talia Guadalupe Arias-Guadalupe. She was driving a 2002 White Pathfinder and it had sustained major front end damage from the collision.
Deputies arrested Arias and she was charged with DUI with injuries, DUI with a Blood Alcohol over the legal limit of .08 and Hit and Run with injuries. She was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and her bail was set at $100,000.00
There is still an ongoing investigation: investigators are attempting to locate any witnesses to the collision. Anyone with information regarding the accident is urged to contact Deputy Brandon Steffler at 909-477-2800 or email him at bsteffler@sbscd.org. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at (800)782-7463, or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at http://www.wetip.com. Refer to Deputy Brandon Stffler at the Rancho Cucamonga Police Station.
Case# 221800266
Mt. SAC to Hold “Cash for College”
Staff Reports
WALNUT– Mt. San Antonio College will offer free financial aid assistance to area high school seniors and their parents during its annual “Cash for College” fair on Saturday, Feb. 3. The event will include three sessions starting at 9 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.
“This event is all about helping students fill out the necessary financial aid forms so that they don’t miss out on thousands of dollars that may be available to them,” said Mt. SAC Financial Aid Director Chau Dao.
Cash for College provides hands-on assistance to college-bound students and their parents in completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for the 2018-19 academic year. The event also helps students maximize their financial aid prospects by meeting the March 2 priority financial aid filing deadline. Assistance with the California Dream Act application will also be available. Filing applications early is recommended.
Parents and students must bring a copy of students’ Social Security cards or permanent resident cards, and a 2016 federal 1040 tax return and W-2. If 2016 information is not available, a 2015 tax return may be used along with 2015 W-2 forms. The workshop information and assistance can be used to apply to any college, not just Mt. SAC.
To make a reservation, visit the event website online at http://www.mtsac.edu/financialaid/cashfair.html.
For more information, call the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office at (909) 274-4553.
CIM Prison Escapee Swiftly Apprehended
By Anthony Saude
Chino– According to reports from the Chino Hills PD, prison escapee, Michael Garrett, was apprehended on Monday, January 15 at about 8:30 p.m, less than 24 hours after making his escape from the California Institution for Men (CIM) in Chino
Garrett, a 33 year old white male, was serving time as an inmate at the California Institution for Men (CIM) for a stolen vehicle and felony evading when he was able to successfully escape from the prison on Sunday night, January 14.
On January 15 at 8:30 a.m., Chino and Chino Hills Police Departments confirmed that Garrett had indeed escaped from the prison the night before. In their initial report police stated that after a thourough search of the immediate vicinity, police were unable to locate Garret and they believed that he was no longer in the area. The manhunt was then in full swing. Further investigation led the authorities to the San Diego area and they were able to locate Garret in his home town of Encinitas, in San Diego County. He was arrested and placed back into police custody less than 24 hours after making his escape.
Run For Russ 5K Run, Walk
By Anthony Saude
On February 1, eighteen years ago, Chino Police Officer Russ Miller, was killed in the line of duty by a drunk driver. However, his fellow officers have not forgotten him. Every year since his tragic passing the Chino Police Officers Foundation has remained committed to keeping his memory alive by hosting their annual “Run for Russ”, a 5K Run and Community Walk. More than 1000 attendees are expected to participate in this year’s race which will be held on Saturday, February 3.
Lt Keith Bussard, a 25 year CPD veteran who came up through the ranks at roughly the same time that Officer Miller did, thinks it is remarkable how important it is that the community still shows their support for this event so many years later. When asked about the community’s continued support, Bussard said “It speaks to how important Russ Miller was to the Chino Police Department, the residents and the community here in the city of Chino.”
The entrance fee for participants who register early is $25. All proceeds from the event go toward the Russ Miller Memorial Foundation. The foundation provides sponsorships to the local youth that allow them to participate in positive recreational activities within the community that they would otherwise not be able to participate in. Last year’s event raised over $15,000 for the foundation. A CPD employee, who knew Officer Miller during his time on the force, stated that “Russ was very active in the community and his life while he was with the department and he was an avid sports fan,”
This year’s event will begin at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning, February 3 and will begin at the Chino Civic Center on the corner of Chino and Central Avenues. To participate, register online at: http://racewire.com/register.php?id=3561. Same Day Registration will also be available on the day of the event. For additional information and Registration Forms, please visit the Run for Russ 5K page at http://www.chinopoa.org page or call 909-334-3062. This is a great community event which includes a pancake breakfast by the Chino Kiwanis Club. Everyone is invited to participate. So bring your family and friends out and show your support for the community by participating in this year’s event. It will be a lot of fun and we hope to see you there.
Antarctica the Seventh Continent
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
By Nancy Stoops
Part of my holidays I had the pleasure of hanging out with some new penguin friends. Yes I travelled to the continent of Antarctica my seventh and final continent. Now I can finally say I have been to every continent and have the proud honor of being a world traveler. I have traveled the whole world by myself. I must tell you Antarctica is truly a magical place. I saw penguin colonies with hundreds of penguins. They are such adorable and friendly creatures. They just kept doing their thing as I stood mesmerized watching them. I can’t believe that a continent that is so very unspoiled still exists in our world. I saw icebergs that were blue and huge. The solace this place offers is really hard to begin to describe. It was unbelievably quiet as we travelled through the water by ship and then by zodiacs when we would want to go to shore or to just get a closer look.
Besides penguins we also saw many types of seals just chilling on snowy rocks. We also saw orca and humpback whales and many types of birds. The wildlife was totally awesome. It’s so incredible to see wildlife in their natural environments. I’ve now swam with, fed and walked tigers, rode and trained elephants, held cheetahs in my lap, laid with sea lions, fed wallabies and kangaroos, held koalas, swam with giant sea turtles, sharks, rays, and have snorkeled with many different types of schools of fish. These close up wildlife experiences have always been my favorite part of my travels. It truly is an amazing world and there are so many wonderful places to go and things to see and do. I now have friends all over the world. I would highly recommend travelling the world if you get the chance. It will change you forever and help you see the magic in our world!!!!
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.
More Family Connections
By Mark Hopper
Two months ago, my wife and I traveled to New York to see Niagra Falls in western New York and visit some of her cousins near Albany on the eastern side of the state. My wife really enjoyed reconnecting with her cousins. She had not seen some of them in over 40 years.
Over the past few years, we have also reconnected with some of my cousins who live in this part of the country. One lives in Colorado and the other lives in Arizona. Both of these sisters have been married and have raised their own families.
Since they grew up in Colorado and my brother and I grew up in Arizona, we rarely saw our cousins. Since each of us got married and started our families in different parts of the country, we didn’t spend much time together. I don’t think we even attended our cousin’s weddings and I don’t think they were present at my wedding or my brother’s either.
Now, forty years later, our paths have reconnected. All of our parents have died. All of us have our own children and grandchildren. All of us still live in different parts of the country. But, over the past few years, circumstances have drawn us together again.
A life threatening illness served as the catalyst to increase our communication. My wife and I became more intentional about calling and visiting. My brother and his wife sent cards and shared books as the health of one of these cousins declined. During this journey, we also reconnected with her sister, our other cousin. After almost 40 years, we were talking and texting on a regular basis. Facebook helped too!
There was a lot of catching up to do. We enjoyed learning about their children and grandchildren. We shared about our families and our careers. There were times of laughter and smiles as we talked about our parents and grandmother (our grandfather died before most of us were born).
Unfortunately, one of these cousins died on Thanksgiving Day after a long, difficult battle with cancer. New connections were made as we met extended family members at her memorial service. Stories were shared and there was both laughter and tears.
I’m thankful that we “reconnected” with our cousins – both my wife’s in New York and and my own cousins in the west. It has given us a new appreciation for our extended family and it has given us more motivation to keep in touch.
Let me encourage you to make an effort to reconnect with your family. Social media makes it possible and convenient to communicate with cousins, nieces, nephews and long, lost relatives. Don’t wait. Write a note, send a card or make a call during this Christmas season. They will be glad you did and you will too.
Pastor Mark Hopper
Efree Church of Diamond Bar
3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd
909-594-7604
Christmas Eve Services Dec 24th
9:00 & 10:45 AM & 5:00 PM
Efreedb.org
OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 1.27.18
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: Weekly01.27.2018
Cub Scout Pack 2017 Honors Military With Popcorn
By Tom Dantoni
Just about everyone in Southern California has seen the Cub Scouts standing outside grocery stores and pulling wagons to sell their fantastic popcorn. But have you ever asked yourself what happens to the bags of popcorn that they have left? The answer is more interesting than you might think. The California Inland Empire Council of Boy Scouts of America, Trails End Popcorn, and Eastvale Cub Scout Pack 2017 worked together to prepare approximately $50,000 worth of Trails End Premium popcorn so that it could be donated to the United States military. After some coordination with Ms. Karen Amos from the Airman and Family Readiness Center, they were ready.
“I think it is good that the community is always reaching out to see how they can help the members and families here at March ARB,” Said Karen Amos. “My plan for 2018 is to get out in the community more to see how we can partner together to help the members and families of March ARB”. “This is just a start to what the community has to offer and how willing they are to assist members and
their families here at March,” added Amos.
The journey began with the scouts from Pack 2017 loading several hundred cases of popcorn onto two twelve-foot scout trailers. They left early Saturday morning for their long trip to March Air Reserve Base. After clearing the security review, they setup the table and waited. Then it happened. As if on cue, the men and women of the United States Air Force started arriving at the tables. These scouts, ranging in age from five to nine years of age, began to tell the airmen about the flavors and handing them bags of free popcorn. Even the base chaplain and the security forces came by. The little guys thanked them for their service to our country and shook their hands as they left.
But it didn’t end there. Some of the scouts heard rumors of an entire company of soldiers from the United States Army who were sitting on the grass eating MRE’s for lunch just a mile away. So they packed up and went searching for them. The looks on the faces of the soldiers as the scouts tossed them popcorn was incredible. The soldiers took the time to thank the kids and answer what seemed like a million questions that a little boy might ask. Shortly thereafter, the scouts even found a couple companies of Marines with their rifles getting ready to fly out. The excitement was never ending.
To end the day, Technical Sergeant Mark Gomez of the 752nd Aircraft Maintenance Squadron had arranged a very special surprise for the scouts. They had the rare opportunity to get a personal tour of the unit and to learn about aerial refueling aircraft and how important they are to many missions of the armed forces. The question and answer session was incredible, as Gomez explained how many hours of maintenance it takes to keep these aircraft flight worthy and safe for our pilots. The kids had no idea how many different missions these aircraft undertake, including refueling, medical transport, and moving cargo. They got to explore the inside of an enormous KC-135 Stratotanker and even sit in the pilot and boom operator seats. It was hard to leave without feeling tremendous respect for all that these maintenance warriors do for our country. “I want to thank TSgt Mark Gomez for orchestrating the Boys to view the static display of the K-135 Aircraft,” Said Amos.
2 WHS Teachers Achieve National Board Certification
By Kelli Gile
WALNUT, CA–Walnut High English teachers Kellee Lyons and Jennifer Maletz have earned the profession’s highest mark of achievement, as official National Board Certified Teachers (NBCT).
The dynamic duo completed all four certification components between January and May of last year, a process that can take up to three years to complete.
“We both agree that it was harder than our respective Master’s degrees and I am really proud of our accomplishment!” Maletz, an educator with 15 years of experience, said.
Only 3% of the nation’s teachers successfully pass the rigorous, performance-based, peer-review program, demonstrating their proven impact on student learning and achievement.
A total of seven Walnut Valley educators currently hold the top accomplishment, including Jeanette Koh – District Office, Dena Lordi – Diamond Bar High, Paul McLaughlin – Walnut High, Helen Papadopoulos – Suzanne Middle School, and Mona Warren – Evergreen Elementary.
A total of 5,470 new NBCTs were announced this month, joining the growing community of more than 118,000 educators across all 50 states.
6 Suspects Arrested For Burglary
By Anthony Saude
Chino Hills – On January 11 2018, at 2:53 pm, deputies from the Chino Hills Police Station were dispatched to the 15000 block of Avenida Del Monte after burglary in progress call from a resident. The resident said they saw six suspects enter their neighbor’s residence and called 911. It was reported that all 6 suspects were seen carrying property from the home and loading them into a white U-haul van. Then they drove off in the van. Deputies combed the area in search of the van and located a vehicle that matched the description given. The deputy attempted a routine traffic stop of the vehicle the suspects failed to yield. A car chase began and the deputies and California Highway Patrol pursued the vehicle all the way to La Mirada where the vehicle became disabled. During the pursuit the suspect’s vehicle caused several minor traffic collisions. No injuries were reported The six suspects, Arthur Ramirez, 37 from Los Angeles, Victor Luevanos Trejo, 21, Los Angeles, Mark Levy, 27, Alhambra, Levi Hernandez, 24, Los Angeles, Aaron Santibanez, 19, Los Angeles and a 16 year old female got out of the vehicle and ran. After a short pursuit they were apprehended with the assistance of Los Angeles County Sheriffs deputies.
All six suspects were booked for Residential Burglary and Failure to yield.
Anyone with additional information is asked to call the Chino Hills Police Department or if you wish to remain anonymous you may call We-Tip at (800) 78-CRIME.
Chino Deputy Sheriff Arrested in Drug Trafficking Scheme
Staff Reports
Chino – A Los Angeles County deputy sheriff, a Chino resident allegedly agreed on two occasions to oversee the delivery of narcotics and other contraband in exchange for cash payments was arrested, along with three other men, on federal narcotics charges.
Special agents with the Federal Bureau Investigation arrested Deputy Sheriff Kenneth Collins, after they allegedly agreed to provide “security” for the transport of nearly 45 pounds of cocaine and more than 13 pounds of methamphetamine. During the FBI’s undercover investigation, Collins allegedly agreed that he and his team would take calculated steps to prevent law enforcement from intercepting the drugs – in exchange for cash payments as high as $250,000.
Collins and two other men were charged in a federal criminal complaint filed last week. In justifying the high fees for his services, Collins allegedly told an undercover FBI agent “we’re cops” and “all of our transports make it through.”
Those named in the complaint are:
- Deputy Sheriff Collins, 50, of Chino;
- David Easter, 51, of the Hyde Park District of Los Angeles; and
- Grant Valencia, 34, of Pomona.
The fourth man arrested, Maurice Desi Font, 56, of South Los Angeles – is expected to be charged in a second criminal complaint.
The four defendants have been charged with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances. This case is part of a long-standing and ongoing commitment to root out corruption, particularly when it involves sworn law enforcement officers.
The FBI and LASD have been working together to address any internal problems with the full cooperation of Sheriff McDonnell in the continuing effort to reform the department. Collins and the other used their position to conduct criminal activity for large sums of money. Further investigation will continue in order to determine whether others may have been involved, this should not be viewed as an indictment of the many dedicated servants at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, some of whom brought this unlawful activity to our attention. The FBI’s commitment to weeding out corruption by public officials and restoring trust in our law enforcement professionals is important for healing process in the local communities to begin.
3 Juveniles Arrested In Chino Hills
By Anthony Saude
It was Sunday morning, January 14, 2018, when at approximately 12:38 a.m., Chino Hills deputies were dispatched to investigate a suspicious person call from a citizen in the 13000 block of Monteverde Drive. When the deputies arrived, three male juveniles spotted the deputies and quickly fled from them. Deputies immediately set up a perimeter and initiated a search of the surrounding area and residences. Additional deputies and an airship from the Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division were dispatched to help conduct a thorough and complete search of the surrounding area. During the search two of the male juveniles were found hiding in the vegetation between two houses. A third male juvenile was found hiding in a nearby unreported stolen vehicle. All three juveniles were from Pasadena; they were arrested and taken into custody.
Further investigation led to evidence located at the scene that revealed the juveniles had committed a residential burglary and a vehicle theft in Pasadena that was unreported at the time of their arrest in Chino Hills. They drove the stolen vehicle to Chino Hills to in an apparent to commit another residential burglary.
If anybody has any additional information in relation to either of these incidents, you are urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Station at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.
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