Category Archives: The Weekly News

Wash Your Car

By Mark Hopper

People seem to be on edge since we have not had any rain since last March or April.  Normally, we start getting rain in Southern California in November or December. The typical rainy season extends from November to March. Now we are entering a new year with no rain in sight.

I have noticed that it usually rains after I wash my car. I don’t wash it every week. In fact, I have been a little lazy and have not washed it for many weeks. But I finally got off the couch after all the college football games were over and decided it was time to wash our two cars.

While I was busy washing both of the cars, it occurred to me that all of my effort might be in vain because it usually rains after I wash them. This is especially true during the winter months.

My suggestion is that if we all of wash our cars this month I am convinced that it will rain.  You may prefer to take your car to the Car Wash or you may prefer to do it yourself. A friend of mine recently gave me a new “waterless” car wash by McGuiers. So you can even wash your car at home without using a drop of water!

I believe that if we all band together and wash our cars that it will rain.  Can we all agree that we need some rain and the sooner the better and the more the better?

The Apostle Paul said in the book of Acts “…God did not leave Himself without a witness, but provided evidence of His goodness by giving us rain from Heaven and fruitful seasons to satisfy our hearts with food and gladness (Acts 14:17).

The changing of the seasons and rain from heaven reminds us of how dependent we are on simple things like snow, rain and running water.  Without water we cannot survive. Water is essential. Fresh water starts with rain and is stored in the snow.  Seems pretty simple but it is very essential.

Let me encourage you to wash your car this week. It will certainly increase the probability of rain. You will be glad you did and we will too! Maybe you could add a little prayer while you are at it too.  Read James 5:17-18!

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 1.13.18

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: Weekly01.20.2018

Real Estate Resolutions 2018!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Here we are at yet another New Year!  Time seems to pass us by so fast!  And as usual at this time of year we sit back and reflect what we accomplished last year and vow to make the New Year 2018 better with our New Year’s Day resolutions! And while you are bound to make at least one resolution, now is the time to start your planning and get a head start at it!  Do not wait a minute longer!

Let’s reflect what I wrote to you about last year:  I informed you on market status and let you know that the prices of sales of homes increased and continued to increase throughout the year.  I let you know that the time was right to buy and/or sell and the benefits to your family.  I also let you know why purchasing a home was best for you and your family instead of renting!  I informed you on what was being done for housing the homeless, and the current housing inventory shortage.  I gave you ideas on buying right, different sources of down payment, and kept you abreast of tax reform and housing legislation.

To start your resolution, reflection is important.  Where you are in life right now and where you want to be.  What do you want to accomplish this year in comparison to last year?  What are your financial goals? Remember, look to your sources for advice and guidance.  No questions are silly questions when you resolve to learn about a process and initiate action.

If you do not want to continue renting and paying those monies to someone else, if you want ownership, or if it helps you in your finances, then start the process of buying.

If you want to make a move, research and find out if moving or downsizing is best for you.

No matter what you resolve to do, or no matter how small a step you take towards that direction, get started!  It can only end up being a benefit to you and your family!

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

NEF CORTEZ,
Broker  CalBRE # 00560181
Certified REO Broker
Certified Distress Property Expert

ReMax Realty 100

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

 

You’re My Favorite

By Nick Anis

 

One of the challenging aspects of parenting is NOT playing favorites with your children.  I remember when I was growing up how sad I felt that my father and mother favored my brother.  Mom and Dad bought him a bicycle, I had to buy my own.  They bought him a car, I had save up and get one myself.  They paid for him to go to college; I had to pay my own way through school.  But they again, I graduated and my brother didn’t – so I suppose I turned out to be the lucky one in that respect.

Actually, it wasn’t the “material” things that bothered me.  I was quite an entrepreneur as a teenager, and I always seemed to manage to make whatever money I needed to get any material things I wanted.  What bothered me the most was how they would heap praise on my sibling while omitting me or even putting me down.  They only time they seemed to think of me was for something negative or after they had finished thinking about and praising my brother.

You might be thinking this made me jealous of my brother, but actually it just caused me to grow up a little faster and concentrate more on school and work.  My brother and I were and still are, on good terms.  Besides the favoritism problem, my dad’s excessive corporal punishment also helped to keep me at school and work and out of my dad’s way as much as possible.

As it turns out, I’m also on good terms with my Dad.  My only problem these days is being careful NOT to repeat the same process that was so painful for me while I was growing up, while raising my own children.

When I look at my two sons, I see myself.  They look like me, and remind me of myself at their age.  I certainly don’t want them to experience and feel as I did when I was their age.  When I praise Joey (age 13) for something I make a point to also praise David (age 11).  I have a running joke with the boys, Joey is my favorite “oldest” son and David is my favorite “youngest” son.

Looking back 30 plus years ago it seems like it was only yesterday.  Rather than brood about my past, I think about the present and frequently ask myself am I being a good parent and are my sons happy?

I think having their mother and I working at home as they grow up has helped them to feel loved and secure.  At times this involved quite a bit of quid-pro-quo and we ended up having to do quite a few things in pairs.  In fact, we make it a point to periodically declare it “David Day” or “Joey Day” and for that day Joey and David get some VIP treatment as if it was their birthday or something.  In this way they can always be reminded each of them is very special to us.  It seems the only conflict in their life is a touch of sibling rivalry, which Patty and I try and keep out of unless it elevates to physical contact.

Patty and I have told our sons time and time again we will not play favorites, but I can tell from their questions and expressions each one likes to think of themselves as our “favorite.”  I honestly believe that if you strapped me up to a lie detector I would pass the exam with flying colors while telling the examiner that I love both Joey and David with the same enthusiasm and intensity and, that they are BOTH my FAVORITES.

5 ‘Healthy’ New Year’s Resolutions Worth Giving Up

By StatePoint

While most New Year’s resolutions are well-intentioned, sometimes they look better on paper than in practice, actually doing more harm than good. Here are five so-called “healthy” resolutions worth giving up in 2018, as well as better solutions.

Resolution 1: I’m going to take up permanent residence in the gym. Working out is an important piece of the weight loss puzzle, but moderation is key. Studies suggest that too much exercise can lead to a number of issues like hormonal imbalance, fatigue, insomnia and even depression. Many people also report experiencing a drastic increase in appetite after extreme bouts of physical activity, which can lead to overeating and negate the weight-related benefits. Plus, if you exercise so intensely that you’re injured or sore for days, it will be difficult to sustain this otherwise healthy habit.

Resolution 2: I’m saying goodbye to fats completely. Fatty foods have gotten a bad rap. The reality is there are good fats and bad fats. In humans, fat helps support normal growth and development, provides energy, allows for proper cellular function, provides protective cushioning for organs, and helps with absorption of certain vitamins. Bad fats are found in foods like meat, butter, lard, cream and trans fats (found in baked goods, fried foods and margarine) and can increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. Aim to replace these with good fats, which are associated with a decreased risk of chronic disease. Good fats include plant-based oils like olive and canola, avocados, nuts, seeds, and dairy, since these also offer the nutrition your body needs.

Resolution 3: I’m going to skip breakfast to cut calories. According to The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, if you’re skipping breakfast, you’re doing something wrong. Research shows breakfast helps support brain function, energy and mood. And research suggests that people who eat breakfast consume fewer calories throughout the day, weigh less and have fewer risk factors for heart disease. Just a few reasons to load up in the a.m.

Resolution 4: I’ll just crash diet to lose the weight. Crash diets don’t work and many people who do them end up just gaining the weight back.

“Sustainable weight loss should not involve hunger or deprivation,” says Mandi Knowles, dietitian for South Beach Diet. “Your weight loss efforts should include sensible changes that are easy to follow.”

Find a weight loss plan that’s convenient and lets you know with confidence that you are losing weight the healthy way. Plans like South Beach Diet teach portion control through a low-carb, high-protein approach with meals delivered to your door.

Resolution 5: I’m going to stop snacking. Snacks can account for more than a quarter of one’s daily calories. But if you munch on nutrient-dense foods (high in vitamins, minerals and fiber and low in calories), you’re more likely to maintain a healthy weight, according to the “National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.” So, snack wisely.

For more weight loss tips, visit palm.southbeachdiet.com.

In the new year, ditch extreme diets and exercise schemes. You’ll find more success with sustainable health and wellness habits.

 

Busy Hands, Hearts a Night of Giving

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT — The sounds of holiday music, delightful conversation, warm hearts, and busy hands filled Walnut Elementary School’s multipurpose room during a Family Night of Giving held December 15.

Students penned letters to show support for first responders that would later be distributed through the Operation Gratitude project.

At another table, families worked side-by-side tying knots on fleece blankets for City of Hope patients while enjoying cookies and hot chocolate.

Students also made a take-home snowman craft to remember the evening of compassion they shared with family and friends.

In total, over 100 pairs of pajamas, a truck full of toys for needy children, and blankets for local shelter animals were collected for the giving event.

“We hope that our small contribution this holiday season will provide a bit of cheer to children, animals, and first responders,” said elementary learning specialist Jill Takayama.

Tablets and Kids: What to Know

By StatePoint

If you’ve handed over your tablet to your children more than once, it may be time to consider getting them their own device. There are a lot of great children’s tablets that offer so much more than passive games and videos.

“Tablets can be a great source of learning if the content is relevant, engaging and age-appropriate,” said Dr. Clement Chau, director of learning for LeapFrog.

Before you take the plunge, here are some things to keep in mind.

Durability

Kids are not necessarily known for their delicate handling of breakable objects. So, look for kid-friendly products that are durable, and built specifically for kids’ hands.

Content

Seek out tablets pre-loaded with fun and useful age-appropriate content that blends education and fun. For example, those from LeapFrog, a leader in innovative learning toys, offer well-rounded curricula important to children’s development. The new LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition and LeapPad Ultimate feature preloaded content teaching core skills like mathematics, reading and science, as well as music, puzzles, logic and creativity to help prepare children for preschool and beyond. Both tablets offer access to a learning library of more than 1,000 apps, eBooks and videos and feature built-in technology that assess kids’ progress to personalize lessons. Additionally, LeapFrog Epic Academy Edition comes with a free trial of LeapFrog Academy, an interactive learning program for 3-6-year-olds that guides kids on learning adventures they can play on the go.

Safety

Remember, a tablet is not just a toy, it’s two-way access to the world at-large. But you can keep kids safe with a few precautions. Look for tablets that are kid-safe right of the box, with features like kid-friendly web browsers that provide access to pre-selected websites. Then, take advantage of parental controls to manage features.

Balance

If you find that your child becomes inseparable from his or her new tablet, consider setting rules like no tablets at the dinner table or for one hour before bedtime, and use built-in parental controls to set time limits. Even when devices are strictly being used for educational fun, it’s still important to limit screen time and strike some balance.

As tablets continue to top children’s wish lists, parents should do their research. With the right devices, apps and safety features, tablets can provide opportunities to engage kids’ creativity and knowledge.

Inland Christian Home: Quality Environment For Seniors

 Staff Reports

Ontario- Inland Christian Home, was founded by a number of local churches and began providing services in 1978. The primary mission of the community is a reflection of the heritage of its founders: to provide quality affordable individualized care to seniors in a Christian environment, it’s a place you can feel right at home. The community’s non-profit status promotes this mission as there are no owners who profit from its operation and all the revenues received are reinvested into the operations of the facility.

 

As the baby boomer generation continues to age, it is important to know they have options. The aging process is not always an easy one and, at times requires the assistance of others. Inland Christian Home offers a community that assists in many ways. Its primary mission is to provide quality, affordable, individualized care to seniors in a Christian environment, making it a place you can feel right at home.

 

Inland Christian Home, being licensed as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) through the Department of Social Services, provides many different levels of care which include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult day care, Skilled Nursing and Rehab and Custodial Home care Services. The availability of different levels of care and service arrangements on the same grounds, offers seniors very unique advantages. Our philosophy is to encourage our residents to live as independently as possible at the lowest level of care. Our residents’ individual needs and desires are always considered in the arrangement of these services. We want Inland to be their home, not the facility in which they live, where all are treated as individuals and they participate and are given choices in how they live.

 

The availability of different levels of care and service arrangements on the same grounds offers residents some very unique advantages. Residents can continue to reside at the community even though their abilities may change. Resident and their families have the comfort in knowing that their needs will be met. Inland Christian Home is a close-knit community that promotes the maintaining of social relationship residents have with other residents, friends, and family.

 

Inland Christian Home also provides services to those who prefer to stay in their own homes. Custodial Home Care services make it possible by providing assistance with housekeeping, cooking, shopping, meal preparation, bathing, and dressing through educated caregivers.

 

Inland Christian Home is here to promote aging in place, and gives seniors the ability to live at the lowest level of care even though their abilities change and their families have the comfort in knowing their needs will be met; making it a place you can feel right at home.

 

Easy-Peasy Ravioli Gratin

with Spinach, Thyme, and Parmesan Breadcrumbs

Just when we thought pasta night couldn’t get any better, our chefs doubled down on the spinach. This nutritious green can be found in the ravioli AND fresh in the gratin. But this dish is more than just a veggie-lover’s delight: there’s also a thick and creamy sauce and toasted breadcrumb topping that keeps things comfy, cozy, and utterly delicious.

 

Preparation Time

30 minutes

Cooking difficulty

Level 1

 

Ingredients

½  Onion

¼ oz Thyme

Vegetable Stock Concentrate

9 ounce Spinach and Ricotta Ravioli

¼ cup Panko

¼ cup Parmesan Cheese

4 tablespoon Sour Cream

5 ounce Spinach

1 tbs Butter

1 tsp Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

 

Nutrition Values

Calories 530

 

  1. Wash and dry all produce. Preheat broiler to high or oven to 500 degrees. Halve, peel, and thinly slice half the onion (use the other half as you like). Strip thyme leaves from stems; discard stems.

 

  1. Melt 1 TBSP butter in a large pan over medium heat (use an ovenproof pan if you have one). Add thyme and onion. Cook until softened, 5-6 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Pour in stock concentrate and 1½ cups water and bring to a simmer.

 

  1. Once stock mixture is simmering, add ravioli to pan. Cover and cook 4 minutes. Uncover and increase heat to high. Continue cooking, spooning stock over ravioli, until ravioli are tender and stock has reduced, 5-6 minutes. Shake pan occasionally to keep ravioli from sticking.

 

  1. Combine panko, Parmesan, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper in a small bowl.

 

  1. Remove pan from heat. Carefully stir sour cream and spinach into pan until thoroughly combined and spinach is wilted. Season with salt and pepper. (TIP: Add a splash of water if sauce seems very thick.) If your pan is not ovenproof, transfer mixture to a baking dish at this point.

 

  1. Sprinkle ravioli in pan (or dish) with crust mixture. Place under broiler and broil until golden brown, 1-2 minutes. Divide between plates

Two Arrested after Armed Robbery and a Pursuit

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – On December 29, 2017, at 2:00 a.m., a male suspect entered a gas station, in the 4000 Block of Chino Hills Parkway. While inside the business, the suspect brandished a handgun and pointed it at the clerk and demanded all the money he had in the cash register. The clerk turned over the money and the suspect immediately fled the building, jumped into a white Kia Optima and sped off. Law enforcement officers located the vehicle shortly after the robbery took place and initiated a traffic stop. The driver of the vehicle failed to pull over for the officers and a pursuit ensued. The officers pursued the vehicle until it  concluded in the city of Compton. Two male suspects got out of the vehicle and fled on foot away from the vehicle with the officers in pursuit. The suspects were apprehended and taken into custody without any resistance and were booked into West Valley Detention Center, jail records say.  The suspects were identified as William Vandegrift and Ricky Vaughn. The face charges of robbery, conspiracy to commit a crime and felony parole violations.  Ongoing investigation has revealed both men may have been involved in multiple robberies within Los Angeles County and Orange County.
Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputy G. Livingston at the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station at (909) 364-2000.If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.
Refer to: Deputy Linvingston

 

Volunteers On Patrol

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Are you the type of person that cares what happens to their neighbors and community? Do you feel that it is your civil duty to report a crime or wrongdoing in your neighborhood? The City of Diamond Bar has a program in place that you may be a good fit for.

The Volunteers on Patrol Program in the City of Diamond Bar is looking for individuals who are interested in being the “extra eyes and ears” for local law enforcement. Members of the Community Volunteer Patrol contribute thousands of yours each year to help patrol the City of Diamond Bar.

The job of a volunteer is simple, observe and report crimes and suspicious or unusual activity; conduct vacations checks; report graffiti vandalism; keep an eye on school and park activities; and check on the general welfare of elderly and shut in residents.

Members of the Volunteer become a representative of the Sheriff’s Department, as well the city and county administration so it is essential that they maintain an image of professionalism at all times. Their appearance, demeanor and professionalism must be above reproach while serving in the program.

The Volunteer Mission Statement for the LASD Civilian Volunteers is be dedicated to providing excellent service through relationships that build trust, create a safe environment, and enhance the quality of life in the community within a “Tradition of Service.

Is this program for you? To become a Diamond Bar Volunteer Patrol member all you do is contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department by calling 909-595-2264.

 

2018 The Magic Year

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Happy New Year to all of you wonderful beings. Yes it’s a new beginning for us all.   It’s a chance to start fresh and finally become who you are meant to be. The New Year brings unlimited possibilities and new energy that helps us believe, the sky is the limit.  The New Year gives us hope and many new chances.  I say take these chances and make this year, the best one ever!

Start this process by setting some small very obtainable daily goals.  Once you’re in the groove and have met the daily goals, now it’s time to set a realistic goal for the year.  You may or may not ever meet the year end goal but it’s all about the steps or the process that we take in our attempt that cause us to change.  That’s what I want you all to focus this year.  So what if you never get there all the way, you’re certainly moving in the right direction. Be proud of what you are able to do in 2017 and don’t beat yourself up for what you couldn’t do.

I hope you will be good to yourselves this year and finally work toward who you are meant to be.  I want you to remember it’s all here for you and all you have to do is believe in yourself and go and get what you deserve.  So I dedicate this to all of you in hopes that this will be a magical year. I wish for all of you that you will get out there and find all the greatness that exists in you and our very wonderful world.  It all starts by believing in you and I believe in all of you and want you to be the very best you can be.  Make 2018 a magical year, the best year of your life!!!!!

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.

 

 

Chino Council Rejects Appeal Fee

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Changes for some user fees for Chino residents in 2018, as a matter of fact one will be cut out all together. Residents will no longer have to pay a fee to appeal decisions made by the city’s staff and planning commission. The mayor voiced concerns about residents being financially burdened during the appeal process.

The City staff recommended a fee of $280 to help recover part of the cost of the paper work. It was reported that the city manager said that the fee was 5 to 10 percent of the total cost of $3899. These type of fees are not unusual for cities to have, It was reported that Chino Hills has fees that are roughly the same as the proposed fees.  However the Chino city council unanimously agreed to do away with the fee, so the residents will pay nothing to file those appeals.

There were some changes that were made at the December 19 council meeting that remained in place the appeal fee just wasn’t one of them. Most of the changes that were kept were small, only going up or down a few dollars; some of the increases could be substantial for the people doing development projects. It was reported that a staff analysis showed and the average small residential development project will have an overall increase of 2.05 percent to $393 in associated user fees. The average medium industrial project will increase by 1.83 percent to $578. Overall the impact of the changes was a 1.16 percent increase.

Many fees associtated with water usage actually decreased. Water meter upgrades or installation will cost less in 2018 and delinquent payment fees will stay the same unless there is evidence of valve tampering. If that is the case the fee went up to $401

There were a number of fines that went up, you can expect to pay $4 more than the previous $73 if police have to come out to a loud party. Truancy and curfew fees also we up from $45 in 2017 to $47. Of course new fees are always a part of the process. People looking to obtain certificates for temporary occupancy will pay a fee based on the size of the project. They will range from $674 to $1376.

 

 

 

 

If I Had A Hammer

By Mark Hopper

It is a privilege and an honor to be a grandfather to eight precious grandchildren. They bring delight and joy into our lives.

One of the special benefits of being a grandparent is the variety of gifts that we receive from our grandchildren.  I’m sure that their parents provide guidance and assistance as our grandkids select and send us gifts for Christmas.

In past years, there have been T-shirts, sweaters, hats, gloves and DVD’s and books and many other memorable gifts. This year was no exception. My wife and I received several different gifts including a 2018 calendar that is filled with photos of all of our grandchildren. We smile as we look over these calendars each year and we are amazed at how quickly our grandkids are growing up. The photo calendars make a nice gift that we use all year long.

This year, there was an unusual but useful gift that I did not expect. It was heavier than the other gifts and it came in a rather large box. I had no idea what it was until I opened the package and found a beautiful, 16 ounce hammer!       I already own several hammers, but this one is very special. It has an inscription carved into the wooden handle that reads, “Pop Pop (my name) – We love making memories with you”. Engraved on the other side of the handle are the names of two thoughtful grandchildren.

Do you remember a song form the 1960’s, “If I Had A Hammer”?  It was actually written in 1949 by Lee Hays and Pete Seeger, but it didn’t become a huge hit until it was recorded by Peter, Paul and Mary in 1962. The theme of their song had political and social overtones that made it controversial and unpopular with some people. I don’t remember the lyrics but I do remember the tune.

I’m not sure if I should mount this new hammer on my office wall and preserve it as a memorable gift from my grandkids or if I should put it in my tool box and use it on projects around the house. I’m leaning in the direction of using the hammer instead of just viewing the hammer.  I think my grandchildren would be happy to know that “Pop Pop” is building, repairing and making new things with the hammer that they gave to me at Christmas.

I think that part of our job as grandparents is to keep on building and fixing things for the generations that follow. I believe that we should stay active and keep busy doing things for others. We should use our skills and experience to teach and help others.

Let me encourage you to look for ways that you can continue to help others. Is there a tool box in your garage that has tools that can be used to build and make repairs around your house or in your neighborhood?  Do you have technological or mechanical skills that can benefit others? I’m sure that when I use this new hammer I will remember the grandchildren who gave it to me!

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Each one of you should use whatever gifts and abilities you have to serve others” (First Peter 4:10).  If you have a skill, experience, training, ability or only a hammer – let me encourage you to use it to help others. You will be glad you did and they will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 1.06.18

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: Weekly01.06.2018

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

advanced-improvements-solar

: Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Staff Reports

 

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in air conditioning and heating, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  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 Improv0ements 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).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar 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 Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank 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.

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.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

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.

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.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761). Their office is located at1352 E. Valencia Dr, Fullerton, CA 92831, and they can be reached at (888) 887-7808.  Visit their website at AdvancedIMP.com.

Grass Is Greener

By Sarah Sanchez

My dad wrote a story when I was younger that was based off the popular phrase: the grass is greener on the other side of the fence. His story talked about not letting distractions get in the way of following our hearts, and that we should start watering our own yard instead of looking at the other side of the fence.

I always remembered this story growing up and tried to look at life with that perspective. But now that I’m grown and more aware of the world, I realize that this phrase applies to more areas than we think.

The society we live in is all about focusing on what we don’t have or what we don’t do. With social media all around us, we are constantly looking at other people’s lives and comparing them with our own – “Liking” what we approve of and commenting with our opinions of their statements or pictures.

We are also constantly striving for more (or better) in the workplace and at home. We want a bigger house, a smaller waist, bigger muscles, more pay, a higher rank at work, etc. Basically, we want what we don’t have. But what happens when we do get what we want? What happens when we achieve the goal that we originally set? Are we happy and content with our achievement, or do we set a new goal wanting something else we can’t have?

The sad reality is that most of the time we are not happy. We live life constantly looking on the other side of the fence, looking at the grass we don’t have and thinking that our grass is not nearly as green. Then we start seeking new grass. This is why many marriages fail, with one spouse finding interest in another person that seemed “better.” This is why many millionaires are never truly happy, even though they have more than enough money. This is why many struggle with anorexia and bulimia, because society tells us that thinner is better.

Society doesn’t tell us to go to counseling to fix the problems in our marriage, to seek happiness in things other than money, or to accept the body we have – no matter the size. Society tells us to do the complete opposite. But I think it’s time for us to stop looking at what we don’t have, to stop looking at the other side of the fence, and just water our own grass.

Walnut Valley USD Trustees Elect New Officers

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Congratulations, Madam President! WVUSD Board President Dr. Tony Torng passes the gavel to Cindy Ruiz who was elected 2018 Board President during the December 13 meeting.

Pass the Gavel!

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT–The Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) Board of Trustees elected Cindy Ruiz as president, Larry Redinger as vice president, and Helen Hall as clerk during the annual reorganization meeting on December 13.

These roles are one-year terms and effective immediately.

Trustee Dr. Tony Torng was honored with an engraved plaque for his outstanding leadership as the 2017 Board president.

“I’d like to thank Dr. Torng for his wonderful service this past year as president and welcome back Mrs. Cindy Ruiz as president. We’re looking forward to a great next year!” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Outgoing Board President Dr. Tony Torng is honored during the annual reorganization meeting on December 13. Shown with trustees Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, and Helen Hall.

The WVUSD Board of Trustees usually meet the first and third Wednesday of each month at 7 p.m. at the District Education Center Board Room located at 880 S. Lemon Avenue in Walnut.  Please visit the website at www.wvusd.k12.ca.us or call the District Office at (909) 595-1261 to confirm exact dates, times, and location for meetings.

 

Roasted Pork

Photo courtesy: Hello Fresh

with Balsamic Fig Sauce, Green Beans & Rosemary Potatoes

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 526 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Pork Tenderloin- 24 oz
  • Yukon Potatoes- 24 oz
  • Green Beans- 12 oz
  • Shallot- 2
  • Balsamic Vinegar- 4 tbsp
  • Chicken Stock Concentrate- 2
  • Fig Jam- 2 tbsp
  • Rosemary- 1/2 oz
  • Butter- 2 tbsp
  • Oil- 8 tsp

 

 

1  PREP.    Wash and dry all produce. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Halve, peel, and finely chop the shallot. Strip the rosemary from the stems and finely chop the leaves. Cut the potatoes into ½-inch cubes.

 

2  ROAST THE POTATOES. Toss the potatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of oil, half the rosemary, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place in the oven for about 20 minutes, tossing halfway through, until golden brown and tender.

 

3 COOK THE PORK AND GREEN BEANS.       Meanwhile, heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium heat. Season the pork on all sides with salt and pepper. Sear 2-3 minutes per side, until golden brown all around. Transfer to another baking sheet. Toss the green beans on the same baking sheet with a drizzle of oil and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place in the oven to finish cooking for about 10 minutes, until the pork is just barely pink in the center and the green beans are tender.

 

4  MAKE THE BALSAMIC FIG SAUCE.      In the same pan you cooked the pork in, heat a drizzle of oil over medium heat. Add the shallot and remaining rosemary. Cook, tossing, for 2-3 minutes, until softened. Add the fig jam, stock concentrate, ¼ cup water, and 2 Tablespoons balsamic vinegar to the pan. Stir to combine. Simmer 2-3 minutes, until thickened. Remove pan from heat and stir in 1 Tablespoon butter. Season with salt and pepper.

 

5  SLICE THE PORK.    Remove the pork from the oven. Let rest a few minutes before thinly slicing.

 

6  PLATE AND SERVE.     Serve the rosemary potatoes and green beans alongside the roasted pork. Drizzle the balsamic fig sauce over the pork and enjoy!

Man Killed After SUV Crashes Into Tree In Chino Hills

Courtesy: Google Images

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – A 74-year-old man was pronounced dead at the scene of an accident when his Honda Pilot SUV crashed into a tree on Wednesday, December 20, in Chino Hills. The 73-year-old passenger in the vehicle escaped with only minor injuries.  The SUV crashed into the tree — which fell over and blocked both lanes of the Chino Hills Parkway, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department said.

It reported that investigators believe that Felipe Rustia, of Chino Hills, was driving southbound on Chino Hills parkway when drove over a raised cement center divider and into a tree on the divider. The accident took place just south of Walnut Creek Drive. The Passenger Noel Rustia, 73, also of Chino Hills was a passenger in the vehicle; she was transported to a local hospital via ambulance with only minor injuries, the police report said.

The release said that, the incident was reported just before 6:30 p.m. on Wednesday. When deputies arrived on the scene they found the SUV had sustained serious front-end damage. The tree was also down, blocking the northbound and southbound lanes of Chino Hills Parkway.

Rustia crossed Walnut Creek Drive and for an unknown reason, drove over the cement divider and hit a large tree in the grass area, the release said.

Chino Hills Parkway between Grand Avenue and Walnut Creek Drive was closed until 6:30 am on Thursday the cause of the accident is still be determined.

Anyone with information on this incident is encouraged to call the sheriff’s Office at the Chino Hills Station at 909-364-2000.