Category Archives: The Weekly News

Choose, Connect, and See the Difference at Walnut Hills Optometry

Staff Reports

 

Walnut – Do you know WHO will care for your eyes? Great news! Walnut Hills Optometry is moving to a larger location, just one block away from old location. Starting on January 20 this new location will open its doors to satisfy all your optometry care needs.  For many years, Walnut Hills Optometry (WHO) has taken excellent care of the vision needs of the community, serving patients from Walnut, West Covina, Diamond Bar, and Chino Hills to patients from La Puente, Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights and Whittier. Because of the quality of service provided, as well as the trusting care given by the doctor, patients travel from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas as well.

WHO considers vision to be a precious gift, and their office takes pride in providing comprehensive eye exams.

WHO believes that quality eye care involves consistent care by a professional.  Carmela Larino, O.D., and her loyal staff, will give your eyes the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Dr. Larino is proud to serve the community she grew up in.  She attended Rowland Unified schools from elementary through high school, and then attended U.C. Irvine before receiving her doctorate degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.  In 2003, Dr. Larino was honored at her alma mater – Nogales High School – when she was inducted onto their Wall of Fame.  She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, where she stays current on the latest in eye care.  As a local resident, you might find Dr. Larino eating at your favorite restaurant, shopping in a local store, or attending a community event.

WHO offers personalized eye examinations, diabetic and eye health exams, and the management and care of a multitude of eye and vision concerns.  A wide variety of eyewear is also available, from progressive and polarized lenses to silicone high-oxygen contacts, and even designer frames. They also offer Lasik Surgery co-management. If you have used eyeglass frames scattered around the house, bring them to the WHO offices and they will donate them to those in need of frames.

WHO is conveniently located near the 10, 60 and 57 freeways, on the border of Walnut and West Covina, at 18800 East Amar Road # A5, inside the Walnut West Plaza. Their hours are Tuesdays and Thursdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 7 p.m. , Wednesdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturdays  from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153.  For more information visit their website at www.walnuthillsoptometry.com.

Walnut Hills Optometry thanks you for twenty years, follow them for twenty more!

The Light At The End Of The Tunnel

By Michael Armijo

 

While at the ATM drive-through, a woman straddled both lanes in a two-lane isle.  I’ve been there a thousand times and not one person has ever straddled these lanes, they just pick one.  Sometimes the line moves quickly, other times you have to wait while the cars next to you move right through.  It’s a gamble, but we make a decision and we accept it.

Maybe it was the long day or maybe I just felt short-tempered, but while the woman straddled the lanes, I went around her car, and I picked the left lane.  She got out of her vehicle and told me; “I’ve been waiting, you can’t go around me.”  I explained the unwritten policy of the drive-through ATM machine.  She angrily got back into her car and waited again.  As I drove up to the machine, I felt so uncomfortable.  I knew she never should’ve sat there and straddled both lanes, but who am I to react to her misdirection?  The uncomfortable feeling made me sick inside, I knew that I never should’ve gone around her.  So I backed up, allowed her to go first, calling out to her; “I’m sorry, go ahead of me.”  She pulled up to the machine, finished her transaction, and her last words were; “Thank you for being fair.”

I believe the true essence of being a complete individual begins with the ability to communicate.  The ability to express yourself and present issues, views, and concerns in a dignified, fair, and an understandable manner.  To simply be a human being.

Simple people do not get caught up in the unfairness in life.  They do not listen with anger and respond with vengeance.  They see light and are drawn to it.  They’re clear individuals that can respond with solutions and not just complain.  They respond instead of react.  And it’s their simplicity that keeps them humble and dignified.  Simple people see or experience tragedy and work through it and not around it.  This keeps them complete and understanding.

I also believe in responsibility.  Not to just go to work, pay the mortgage, and get the kids to school, but also to enforce responsibility inside, not just on the surface.  To not just promote a good life but to actually live it from the inside outward.  In a person’s life, responsibility also includes our jobs, our actions towards society, towards our fellow man.  Not to act like a good person, but to actually think, feel, and believe in the goodness of being a good person.

When I pulled in front of the woman at the ATM machine, I knew she was misdirected, and yet I reacted to her misdirection instead of responding to it.  If it meant that much to me to not wait behind someone who couldn’t make a decision, I should’ve communicated with her.  And if it didn’t mean that much to me, then I just should’ve waited behind her and not given it another thought.  Instead, I almost ruined her entire day, and who knows what that could’ve done to her family and friends.

I believe that we, as a society, need to remember how important and how powerful we really are.  We need to understand the true meaning of sharing experiences, applying yourself, being honest, open, and sincere.  It will bring you peace when you remember that you have so much to contribute to life, let’s not waste it on bitterness, anger, frustration, or unfairness.  Instead, let’s focus on the good things.

The power we hold within ourselves is worthless when we misdirect our hearts by allowing our minds to take over.  I believe the truest form of life is not just having the power to get your way, but having the power to help others find their way.  And when we see this powerful light that shines from within, we can capture it and allow those rays of sunshine to help our heart glow with a magnificent gleam that reminds us that there really is a light at the end of the tunnel.

Prime Rib

By Simply Recipes

Cooking Time: 1-2 hours
Servings: 2-3 Per Rib
Ingredients:
• One Standing Rib Roast
•3-7 Ribs
•Freshly ground black pepper

1 Salt roast and let sit at room temp:  Remove the beef roast from the refrigerator 3 hours before you start to cook it. Sprinkle it with salt all over and let it sit, loosely wrapped in the butcher paper. Roasts should be brought close to room temperature before they go into the oven, to ensure more even cooking.

2 Tie roast with kitchen string: If your butcher hasn’t already done so, cut the bones away from the roast and tie them back on to the roast with kitchen string. This will make it much easier to carve the roast, while still allowing you to stand the roast on the rib bones while cooking.

3 Preheat oven, season roast: Preheat your oven to 500°F (or the highest temp your oven reaches less than 500°F). Pat the roast dry with paper towels (pre-salting should have made the roast release some moisture), and sprinkle the roast all over with salt and pepper.

4 Place the roast fat side up and rib bones down in a roasting pan. Insert a meat thermometer (oven proof) into the thickest part of the roast, making sure that the thermometer isn’t touching a bone.

5 Brown roast at high temperature: Brown the roast at a 500°F temperature in the oven for 15 minutes.

6 Lower oven temp to finish roasting: Reduce the oven temperature to 325°F. To figure out the total cooking time, allow about 11-12 minutes per pound for rare and 13-15 minutes per pound for medium rare.

The actual cooking time will depend on the shape of the roast, how chilled your roast still is when it goes into the oven, and your particular oven. A flatter roast will cook more quickly than a thicker one. A chilled roast will take more time than one closer to room temp.

There are so many variables involved that affect cooking time, this is why you should use a meat thermometer. A prime rib roast is too expensive to “wing it”. Error on the rare side, you can always put the roast back in the oven to cook it more if it is too rare for your taste.

Roast in oven until thermometer registers 115°F for rare or 120°-130°F for medium. (The internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise after you take the roast out of the oven.)

Check the temperature of the roast using a meat thermometer an hour before you expect the roast to be done. For example, with a 10 pound roast, you would expect 2 hours of total cooking time for rare (15 minutes at 500° and 1 3/4 hours at 325°). In this case, check after 1 hour 15 minutes of total cooking time, or 1 hour after you lowered the oven temp to 325°. (A benefit of using a remote thermometer is that you don’t have to keep checking the roast, you’ll be able to see exactly what the temperature is by looking at the thermometer outside of the oven.)

If the roast is cooking too quickly at this point, lower the oven temperature to 200°F.

7 Let the roast rest: Once the roast has reached the temperature you want, remove it from the oven and place it on a carving board. Cover it with foil and let it rest for 30 minutes before carving. The internal temperature of the roast will continue to rise while the roast is resting.

8 Cut away strings, remove bones, slice roast: Cut away the strings that were used to hold the roast to the rack of rib bones. Remove the bones (you can save them to make stock for onion soup if you want.)

Then, using a sharp carving knife, slice meat across the grain for serving, making the slices about 1/4-1/2 inch thick.

 

 

Diamond Bar Home Prices Soften!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Home prices in Diamond Bar have softened for the first time since the upturn from the Great Recession. According to the California Regional Multiple Listing Service, the Median Sales Price for all homes, townhomes and condominiums Sold in  Diamond Bar in the 3rd Quarter of 2017  stood at $580,000. (The Median Sales Price is the point in which half of the homes sold for more and half sold for less). The Median Sales Price for all homes including townhomes and condominiums for the 2nd quarter of 2017 was at $625,000.  This represented a drop of $45,000 in the median price of all sales in Diamond Bar when comparing 2nd Quarter to 3rd Quarter results, a 7.2% drop.

The Median Sales Price of all sales in the 3rd quarter 2017, however, had an increase of $8,000 when compared to the same period in 2016 – a small increase of 1.4%.  This small increase appears to be almost flat when comparing it to the previous year. The increase in other communities across the State of California, and the rest of the US,  have seen annual increases in excess of 6%.  The number of closed transactions also had a dramatic drop.  There were 237 properties that changed hands in the 2nd quarter of 2017. In comparison, there were only 184 reported sales in the 3rd quarter of this year, representing a drop of 53 sales quarter to quarter.  This reflects  a substantial drop of 22% in the number of reported sales! That is a Big number in the industry! No one likes to see a drop like that, let alone a drop in the double –digits!

The numbers for Single Family Detached residences saw the bulk of the drop in numbers of reported sales, although the Median Sales Price saw a slight increase of $10,000 quarter over quarter.  The Median Sales Price went from $715,000 to $725,000, a small increase of 1.4%.  The number of sales of Single Family Detached homes went down from 162 in the 2nd quarter to 103 in the 3rd Quarter.  This compares to a similar number of reported Single Family Detached home sales for the 3rd quarter 2016.

What does all this mean? Simply put, the Diamond Bar real estate market has seen an increase in the number of townhome and condominiums sold with a parallel drop in the number of single family detached homes. The Median Sales Price drop is more or a reflection of a higher proportion of Townhome and Condo sales than an actual drop of real estate prices in general.

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 www.nefcortez.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

 

Does Calcium Cause Heart Disease?

Photo Courtesy: Designed by Kjpargeter / Freepik

By Clark’s Nutrition

Calcium consumption from foods and supplementation has become somewhat controversial in the last few years. Osteoporosis prevention has centered on the consumption of calcium from foods and supplementation. Recently, (in October 2016) the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) released a research article that suggested higher consumption of calcium from supplementation might increase the risk of coronary artery calcification (also known as CAC). The information contained in this article helped many individuals see a different view of calcium supplementation. Although it is important to note the JAHA study also suggested that total atherosclerosis was less with individuals who consumed more total calcium via foods and supplementation but suggested the food group was best.  There are also some other responses have come out in support of calcium supplementation. The National Osteoporosis Foundation and American Society for Preventive Cardiology convened an expert panel to look at research to determine other positions for calcium supplementation. These two groups concluded that supplemental calcium with or without vitamin D have no relationship either good or bad to the risk of cardiovascular disease and cerebralvascular disease mortality. They also found that generally there was no cause of mortality in healthy adults when using calcium supplementation. They also recommend that individuals consume no more than the upper daily limits for calcium at 2000-2500mg per day including foods and supplementation. Additionally the NOF suggested that calcium is a nutrient that is lacking in many individuals. Although there is a lot of negative press about the use of calcium, the Council for Responsible Nutrition also reported that the American Heart Association’s Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis suggests that there is proof of safety in supplementation because of the positive association with total calcium consumption and reduction in lower rates of atherosclerosis. As always, if you have any questions about the use of supplementation, please consult with your doctor before using any products.

 

References

Lack of Evidence Linking Calcium With or Without Vitamin D Supplementation to CardiovascularDisease in Generally Healthy Adults: A Clinical Guideline From the National Osteoporosis Foundation and the American Society for Preventive CardiologyKopecky SL, Bauer DC, Gulati M, Nieves JW, Singer AJ, Toth PP, Underberg JA, Wallace TC, Weaver CM.Ann Intern Med. 2016 Oct 25. doi: 10.7326/M16-1743 https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/2777636

Calcium supplements could increase risk of heart disease, new study findsBy Andrea K. McDaniels October 17https://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/calcium-supplements-may-raise-risk-of-heart-disease/2016/10/17/a80285fe-9215-11e6-9c52-0b10449e33c4_story.html

http://www.crnusa.org/CRNPR16-NewStudyAffirmsCalciumSafetyHeartHealth101116.html

oRIGINAL RESEARCHOpen AccessCalcium Intake From Diet and Supplements and the Risk of Coronary Artery Calcification and its Progression Among Older Adults: 10‐Year Follow‐up of the Multi‐Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA)John J.B. Anderson, Bridget Kruszka, Joseph A.C. Delaney, Ka He, Gregory L. Burke, Alvaro Alonso, Diane E. Bild, Matthew Budoff and Erin D. Michoshttp://jaha.ahajournals.org/content/5/10/e003815

 

 

Fatal Shooting Justified

Photo courtesy: Chino PD

By Anthony Saude

Chino – The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office in favor of a Chino police officer for a fatal shooting of a man on  July 23, 2016

Bernard Wells III, 31 of San Diego, was shot and killed when he pointed a gun at Lt. William Covington and ignored an order to stop during a foot pursuit.

The incident took place at about 9:15 p.m. in a parking lot in the 12100 parking lot of Central Avenue. Wells approached a family and said that he was “looking for some weed” according to the District Attorney’s report at the time. Witnesses told investigators that Wells kept his hands on the front of his pants and they thought that he had a gun in his possession.

Wells drove away after the family told him they didn’t have any marijuana the DA’s report said. A little later a police officer was driving by and was flagged down by the family. While the officer was speaking with the family Wells drove by. The family pointed out Well’s vehicle out to the officer.

Wells parked his car and was getting out when the officer approached him. The officer attempted to search Wells; when he refused to let the officer search him he took off running. The office went after him in pursuit and radioed it in.

Covington was wearing a body camera that clearly shows him leaving a store; he heard the officer’s radio broadcast of the pursuit. He set his ice cream on the trunk of his patrol car and ran toward the area that Wells was running towards. The body camera that Covington was wearing clearly shows that he cut Wells off, pulled in gun and yelled, “get on the ground right now!”

Wells raised his right arm and pointed a gun at Covington the report said. Covington fired three shots at Wells and he went down. The Paramedics arrived on the scene and transported Wells to a nearby hospital via ambulance. He was pronounced dead later that evening.

Ex-Volunteer Coach At Corona, Eastvale Schools Accused Of Sexually Abusing Teen Girls

By Anthony Saude

Corona – Draper Mitchell has been arrested by Corona Police Department for suspicion of felony sexual misconduct with three teenage girls. According to the Police department they believe that there are still more young ladies out there that haven’t come forward at this time.

Mitchell a part owner of Player’s Edge basketball gym in Corona was also a volunteer basketball coach at Santiago High School in Corona and Roosevelt High School in Eastvale. It is believed he used all of these avenues to meet his victims, Corona police said in a news release. It was reported by the police that they are still searching for more victims. Corona-Norco Unified School District officials told police that Mitchell hasn’t volunteered at either school this year. None of the allegations being investigated took place on school grounds according to reports by the police.

A 15 year-old made allegations against Mitchell in 2010 but that case was suspended because of a lack of evidence the police reported. This most recent investigation had been going on for 4 months before Mitchell was arrested on the last day of November. Mitchell was booked on suspicion of committing lewd and lascivious acts on a child, oral copulation with a minor, sexual penetration with a minor and two counts of annoying or molesting children.

Jail records show that Mitchell was able to post his $90,000 bail and was released the next day Friday December 1. A 17 year old girl that worked at Player’s Edge reported that he had been having “sexually explicit” conservations with her according to the police. A different 17 year old told police that she also quit working at players edge because Mitchell had committed sexual battery against her. The other allegation was from another girl, whose age has not been released, said Mitchell and her had “engaged in a sex act” in Eastvale.

Detectives are asking anyone who was a victim of Mitchell or has any information related to the investigation to contact Detective John Garcia at 951-739-4858 or John.Garcia@CoronaCA.gov.

 

Powering Through Plateaus

By Dave Nelson

You’ve been doing it. You’ve been doing it right. You’re eating well (even on the weekends). You’re making every one of your workouts count, and your results to this point have been fantastic. But then it happens… THE DREADED PLATEAU!

This is one of the most frustrating things that everyone trying to get healthy and fit experiences. One thing that you need to understand is that the human body is highly adaptive. Even though you’re on a “clean” diet and a good exercise regimen, eventually your body will get used to what you’re doing.

At first the results are great, but eventually they come screeching to a halt. Since our bodies are used to what we’ve been doing, we need to do something radically different to shock ourselves and get our results going in the right direction again. Here are a few tips to help break through that plateau.

TIP1: Change the diet, your body will eventually get used to the way you’re eating and results will halt. Throwing your body a curveball can happen many ways here. If you are following an IIFYM (If It Fits Your Macros) type of plan, you may want to consider going into ketosis for a while. Switching your body from glucose to ketones as energy is a great strategy. If you’re in ketosis you may want to throw some carb cycling in the mix. Make it a little more extreme with intermittent fasting for a while. I cannot stress enough that any diet will work as long as it fits your lifestyle. One reason diet fails is because people choose those that do not fit their lifestyle.

TIP2: Change your workout, your body will adapt to the workout program you’ve been following. All it takes is a few simple tweaks get your body going in the right direction again. Try taking only 60-seconds rest in between your sets and see if the difficulty of your workouts increase. If 60-seconds doesn’t show promise, try 45-seconds or even 30- seconds. The point is to challenge your body in a whole new way. You can change the time of day that you work out, alter the style of training that you’re doing; try muscle hypertrophy, German volume training, strength training or training for muscle endurance. Change from doing steady state cardio to high intensity interval training or vise versa. Perhaps you start weight training in the mornings and do cardio at night. Whatever it is you decide, make sure that it fits your lifestyle so you can stick with it just like the diet.

TIP3: Try supplements. Not everyone utilizes supplements but they can impact and enhance your results. Taking a pre-workout 30- minutes prior to your workout can intensify your workouts by increasing energy to enhancr your performance. If you are already taking a pre-workout, you may want to try a different kind for a while just to switch things up. I would highly suggest taking branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). The combination of leucine, isoleucine, and valine is an excellent complex to help enhance recovery times so you can go into the next workout less sore and ready to go. You may also want to consider a protein shake if you are not hitting your target protein intake daily.

Dave Nelson  – CN, CPT has been voted top rated personal trainer in the Inland Empire two year running.

For more info check out his website: http://www.davenelsonfit.com

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/davenelsonfit/

 

The Christmas Train

By Mark Hopper

I have shared in the past that I received a Lionel Train set for Christmas when I was a young boy. We have a photo of me and my father and my grandfather playing with my new train on Christmas morning in the 1950’s.

The train set was lost for many years in a closet in my parent’s home. I thought they had given it away after I got married. When we helped my parents move out of their house, my brother discovered the train set but he didn’t tell anyone.  He surprised me on Christmas Day with this mystery box.

We have a photo of me, and my children and my father playing with that old train at Christmas in the 1980’s.  After we moved to Diamond Bar, that Christmas train ended up on a shelf in our garage for many years.  Finally, some of our adult children asked me to get the train down and set it up for their children to see.

I was reluctant to get it down and set it up. I didn’t know if the train even worked anymore.  But, children and grandchildren can be pretty persuasive. Last year, I got the train box down and set it up around the Christmas tree.  To my surprise, the train worked! They were delighted to see Pop Pop’s train.

However, the wires that powered the transformer were brittle and the train engine was sluggish. I took the engine and transformer to a model train store in Costa Mesa. The owner was able to clean up and lubricate the engine and put a new cord in the transformer.  My childhood train was running again!

Now, it is the Christmas season again and that means it is time to get out the Lionel Train. When two of our grandchildren were at our house recently, we set up the train in front of our Christmas tree. I let them help me operate it. They enjoyed it and I did too.  My wife took a video to capture the memory of another generation playing with the train together.

I don’t know what childhood memories you have or what Christmas gifts that you may have kept over the years.  But, let me encourage you to look in the closet, the attic or the garage and see if there are some childhood memories like old dolls, toys or trains that you can share with your children or grandchildren this year. 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:

9:00 / 10:15 AM & 5:00 PM

Efreedb.org

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 12.23.17

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:Weekly12.23.2017

Embracing the Season

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Lights are being hung everywhere.  People have a twinkle of joy in their eyes.  The air is crisp and clean and I feel filled with excitement, as I prepare to celebrate the holidays with my loved ones.

Ever since I was a very little girl I have really enjoyed this time of year.  I love the idea of celebrating life and for me; this season gives me one more reason to do just that.  I enjoy shopping for gifts and taking some long lunches along the way with the people I love.  I enjoy the special flavored coffees this time of year.  I love seeing the stores all decorated and people just seem to be a little kinder to each other as well.

I walked out of my house this morning and thought about how lucky I am to have such wonderful people to celebrate with.  I look forward to the dinners, the gift giving, going away on an adventure but mostly just being with all the people I love.  I will have an opportunity to take some time off and to really embrace the season.  I love baking cookies with my son, shopping with my loved ones, having lots of time with my best friend, going out to breakfast with my husband, spending quality time with mom and just having time to laugh together with all the people I love.

For me, the season is a wonderful opportunity to show how much I love the people that mean the most to me in this world.  I hope you will do the same.  I wish you peace and joy as you celebrate this wonderful time.  I hope you will embrace the season and your loved ones and remember what this time of year is really about.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy atnancyjstoops@verizon.net.  Nancy’s latest book Midnight the Therapy Dog is the perfect gift and is available at Amazon.com.

First On The Block Again

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

I have shared in the past that my wife likes to put up our Christmas decorations the day after Thanksgiving. We have boxes and boxes of decorations that take hours and hours to put up and display. It is a lot of work, but she really enjoys decorating for the Christmas season.

 

Part of decorating for Christmas includes putting up lights on the outside of our house. This is primarily my job. I use the same colored lights every year. I suppose they look a little dated, but they still work!

I always like to be the first on our block to have Christmas lights on our house.  Sure enough, we were first again this year.  I think that the City of Diamond Bar used to give recognition to the homes that have the best outdoor holiday decorations.  I doubt that we will ever win that prize, but I wonder if we might win a prize for being the first in the neighborhood.

 

However, I must admit, I was a little grumpy this year.  Decorating is a tedious task.  I have to get the lights out of the garage and test each string to see if all the bulbs still work.  Then I have to get out my step ladder and climb up and down numerous times to hang the lights up on the house.  I always forget which string of lights go where.  After all, I only do this once a year.

 

And, I think I was a little grumpy that I was putting the lights up by myself again this year.  The kids are grown and gone, and my wife spends many more hours than I do decorating the inside of our house.   The grandkids are too young to help.  Maybe I had a little too much Turkey at Thanksgiving this year.  I just wasn’t as motivated as I have been in the past.

 

Secretly, I was hoping that it might rain the day after Thanksgiving so I would have an excuse to not work on the outside lights.  But, unfortunately the weather was beautiful with temperatures in the 80’s.  It was inevitable – ready or not it was time to put up the outside Christmas lights.

 

Gradually my attitude and outlook began to change as I put up the lights.  I realized that I shouldn’t be grumpy that I have to put up the lights on the house, but that I should be grateful that I have a house to put lights on!   I’m sure there are a lot of people who would be thrilled to have a house to decorate for Christmas.  I should be grateful not grumpy.

 

By the time I was finished, I was glad I was able to decorate the outside of our house for the holidays.  I was thankful we have a house to decorate!  After the sun set on the day after Thanksgiving, I was pleased to see the Christmas lights on our house again.  They looked pretty good, too!

 

I hope that you enjoy the Christmas season this year.  Enjoy the season with a thankful heart.  Don’t be grumpy about the decorating, shopping or spending.   Be grateful that you have a home to decorate, and friends and family to share it with.  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 Services December 24th

At 9:00, 10:45 & 5:00 PM

Efreedb.org

Christian Radio Show Seeks to Inspire Youth with Local Male Role Models

Staff Reports

Anthony Saude, a talk radio host at “Men of Impakt,” has always thought of starting a positive movement to reestablish Christian values and ideals as things for youth to aspire to. Concerned about a growing trend of people rejecting traditional morals and virtues, Mr. Saude has become motivated to effect positive change in the world.

“We taught our children to look at the wrong heroes,” says Mr Saude. If we continue down this path, “we’re headed to Hell in a handbasket.” Mr. Saude believes that by showing the world good, ordinary men who do the right thing and “take care of the kids [and] treat [their] wives well,” he can inspire a new generation of Christian men who uphold the virtues of Jesus and the Bible.

By “modeling ourselves after Jesus,” we can become a “Mighty Man of Valor” just as the Bible says, says Mr. Saude. We need to “fight outside pressures to do what makes you feel good” and instead do what’s right by “following Jesus, doing the right thing, and making it known.”

Although his radio show “Men of Impakt” features men, Mr. Saude makes it clear that he does not intend to suggest that there are no “Women of Impakt” but rather it is men who should bear the responsibility of fixing a morally corrupt world. Because “women did not create sex trafficking, porn, [and] domestic violence,” it is “Men [who] screwed it up, [men who should] fix it.”

From a Bible study group at church, Mr. Saude partnered with Shawn Kelly at Hope Radio 24/7 start “Men of Impakt.” Next week, the radio talk show will feature Eric Ray, a father of three boys who has been distinguished as a positive influence to his friends at church and to the community. The feature will be part of a series titled, “Raising God’s Children in a God Challenged World” and will bring listeners a chance to learn about marriage, health, and finance from a Christian perspective.

For more information about “Men of Impakt,” visit Facebook at www.Facebook.com/MenofImpakt or email at MenofImpakt@gmail.com

5 Ways to Ease Holiday Travel Stress With Your Phone

By State Point

Holiday travel is slated to reach post-recession highs this year, with more than 68 million Americans traveling this season. Fortunately, your most helpful tool to make winter travel less stressful is right in your pocket: your smartphone. Not only does it make planning your perfect trip easier, your phone can keep you connected and entertained when you’re away. Here are some tips to optimize your phone before you go.

Download Travel Apps

Apps like FlightAware, Google Maps and LoungeBuddy can keep you apprised of gate and flight changes, estimate traffic and plot travel routes and help you locate the best places to rest before your flight. There are even apps like SitOrSquat, for locating nearby bathrooms!

Maximize Your Storage

Cell phone cameras are more powerful than ever, and the average smartphone holds thousands of photos and videos of your cherished memories. You don’t want to run out of storage space, so get the right MicroSD card for your phone before you depart. You can also set up cloud storage services so your pictures are automatically uploaded and secured.

Check Your Mobile Plan

Some mobile plans have designated perks for travelers. For example, T-Mobile ONE gives international travelers unlimited data and texting along with cheap, flat-rate calling in more than 140 countries and destinations. That means no wasting time or money searching for public Wi-Fi or purchasing an international SIM card. Plus, since unlimited data and texting are included, you can communicate without worrying about surprise overage fees.

Also, on flights equipped with Gogo In-flight Internet, all T-Mobile ONE customers can send texts, picture messages and check Visual Voicemail in the air – and they get one hour of free internet (or for the entire flight with T-Mobile ONE Plus). More information is available at http://www.t-mobile.com/one.

Get the Right Phone Accessories

When you’re managing a bunch of luggage and other travel gear, it’s easier to drop your device, so keep your smartphone safe with a screen protector and a case that’s sturdy and practical. Some cases have non-slip materials that make them easier to grip and include storage for credit cards. Or try a PopSocket collapsible grip which doubles as a built-in stand – that’ll come in handy if you’re watching a movie on the plane or in your hotel room.

Bring Your Own Entertainment

Nearly one in five flights are delayed during the holiday season and that can make for boring and stressful waits. Head to Amazon or your app store to download some shows and movies before your trip (especially key when traveling with kids!) so you can watch when Wi-Fi is unavailable, and find a few games that can be played offline, too, like UnblockMe and Plants vs. Zombies. When you do have an internet connection, you can stream Netflix for free on a T-Mobile ONE family plan.

With smart planning and accessories for your phone, holiday travel becomes much less stressful, and you can save yourself from racking up surprise fees for extras and overages.

 

Diamond Bar High Wins Golden Bell Award

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR–Diamond Bar High is a well-established leader in student achievement in the state and nation.

Staff members are dedicated to providing personalized educational programs, challenging students to discover their unique gifts, and supporting each student to realize their potential.

But, the quest for greatness isn’t always academic.

Last year, the campus launched a Wellness Center to provide an extra layer of counseling support and wellness education services.

And in just 15 months, the school’s pioneering efforts have been validated.

The California School Boards Association (CSBA) selected Diamond Bar High to receive the prestigious 2017 Golden Bell Award for its innovative efforts in addressing the wellness needs of the over 3,000 students on campus.

The heart of the Wellness Center is helping students learn to cope with everyday problems, according to coordinator Sandy Davis.

“The educational services and resources provided promote student responsibility, resiliency and efficacy in students’ own wellness decisions,” said Davis.

The center services approximately 30 students weekly with the motto “Empowering Student Wellness from Within.”

This year, the growing program is staffed by 23 student interns who can relate peer-to-peer on most challenging teen issues.  These wellness consultants receive an additional 30 hours of intensive training, as well as earning Mental Health First Aide certification.

The center offers stress and anxiety relief, progressive relaxation exercises, and guided meditation designed to help students reduce stress.

Weekly therapy dog visitations are among the most popular of the services offered to students and staff.

Recent outreach efforts include mini-workshops on stress management facilitated for two AP European History classes.

The Wellness Program also garnered the 2017 California Gold Ribbon and 2016 Inspired Changemaker awards by Facebook and Yale’s Center for Emotional Intelligence.

“I am grateful for this opportunity to support teens’ positive and successful transition into the next phase of their lives,” Davis said.

The CSBA Golden Bell Award presentation was made during the Annual Education Conference on November 30 in San Diego.

 

Hydrogevity

Side view of confident young Caucasian businesswoman wearing jacket drinking fresh water

By C Doussett MPH, RDN

Five hundred years ago, the Spanish explorer, Juan Ponce de Leon became fascinated with sailing, by dint of the circumnavigating exploits of Christopher Columbus. While Ponce de Leon established himself as an adroit farmer and landowner in the New World, he is perhaps most ubiquitously known for his quest to discover the mystical ‘Fountain of Youth’. The Fountain was believed to impart vigor and longevity to anyone who imbibed from its crystal-clear waters. In fact, the rejuvenative powers of undiscovered bodies of water date back at least an extra two millennia when Alexander the Great went in search of the mystical ‘River of Death’. Yet pragmatically, (and luckily) the search for health and longevity has become an investigation into how treating our bodies, and social constructs, can produce almost magical outcomes.

Researchers from the University of California, Riverside, followed subjects for 20 years to examine life choices that influence longevity. One of the most significant findings was that individuals who avoid stress and work tend to live shorter lives. Being productive and dealing with stress directly and determinately is the best method to increase self-worth and efficacy. The best method to support these endeavors and a continual state of human production is to remain properly hydrated. Chronic dehydration, at levels of just 1% (think four glasses behind where you should be) can lessen our abilities to perform well cognitively and socially. This could translate to lower scores on tests and performance in the workplace or in a decline in creative pursuits, or in our ability to regulate mood, memory and relationships. In addition to these task-oriented and socio-cognitive aspects regarding hydration, there are certain physiological conditions that require constant thoughtfulness. Hydrated muscles perform more work, in a shorter amount of time, in a wider variety of settings, and among a broader set of tasks. Similar to muscles, bowels must remain properly hydrated to perform their tasks i.e., sustaining the multifarious microbiome that helps us to process foods, eliminate wastes, and protect against exogenous threats. In fact, all body systems require proper hydration to ensure their functions are performed in a manner (and rate) that is conducive to health and resistant to disease.

If aging can be conceptually distilled into how well we replicate endogenous proteins, free from the ravages of free-radical damage and replication errors (not in whole anyway), then on some level, providing the aqueous medium sufficient to maintain a healthy and organized system is our responsibility alone. Aging is usually represented by a curvilinear (bent line) continuum wherein the relatively healthy years (represented by the straight segment) starts to curve upward around age 50 and rises precipitously thereafter. This line, and the point where life curves into declining health, is not intrinsically predetermined; rather, it relies tremendously on individual effort or lack thereof. It is possible, via concerted individual and community efforts, to remove the curve from the line and live life straight on. To do so requires vigilance and a mindful approach to healthful pursuits, primary among them being hydration.

To this end, it is imperative to drink pure water daily and include high-water-containing fruits and vegetables, and may even be necessary to avoid caffeinated and carbonated drinks in the pursuit of metabolically-advantageous hydration levels. Finally, in place of looking for bodies of water, and their illusory promise of longevity, we should look at the water in our own bodies, and their demonstrated effects on quality and quantity of life.

 

Chicken Milanese

Photo Courtesy: Hello Fresh

with Crispy Potatoes, Mixed Greens and Creamy Lemon-Chive Dressing

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 531 calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Chicken Breast – 24 oz

 

Yukon Potatoes 24 oz

Sour Cream 1) 6 T

Garlic Powder  2 t

Lemon 2

Chives ½ oz

Panko Breadcrumbs 1 C

Arugula 4 oz

Olive Oil* 2 T + 2t

 

Prep and roast the potatoes: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees. Cut

the potatoes into ½-inch wedges. Mince the chives. Zest and halve the

lemon. Toss the potatoes on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil

and a pinch of salt and pepper. Place in the oven for 25-30 minutes,

tossing halfway through cooking, until golden brown.

 

2 Place the panko in a shallow dish with a pinch of salt and pepper. In a

medium bowl, combine the lemon zest, garlic powder, 2 Tablespoons

sour cream, and a pinch of salt and pepper.

 

3 Prep the chicken: Place the chicken breasts between two pieces

of plastic wrap and pound with a rolling pin, mallet, or a heavy-bottomed

pan until ½-inch thick. Season with salt and pepper, then toss each

breast with the sour cream mixture to coat. Press the chicken into the

panko mixture to adhere on both sides.

 

4 Cook the chicken: Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over mediumhigh

heat. Working in batches, if necessary, add the chicken to the pan

and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.

HINT: If you need to work in batches, you can reheat the cooked chicken in

the oven before serving.

 

5 Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1 Tablespoon

sour cream, 1 Tablespoon chives, a squeeze of lemon (about 2

teaspoons) and a large drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.

 

6 Plate: Toss the arugula with just enough dressing to coat and serve

alongside the chicken Milanese and crispy potatoes. Sprinkle with the

remaining chives and enjoy!

LaVar Ball pulls LiAngelo from UCLA

By Anthony Saude

 

LaVar Ball is back in the headlines again this week. LaVar has confirmed that will be removing his son LiAngelo from UCLA because he believes the “suspension was unfair” since the “charges were dropped” according to a report by ESPN.

LiAngelo hasn’t officially left the school but it has been reported that he is at his home in Chino Hills and doesn’t plan on returning to the school when the suspension is lifted. ESPN reported that LaVar said “We are exploring other options with Gelo,” “He is out of there.”

LiAngelo has missed eight of the Bruins games since the indefinite suspension was imposed. However, if LiAngelo had intended to play college basketball for a different university, he still would not be eligible to play for any NCAA Division 1 school this year. He might be able to get on to a lower level program like an NAIA school but it doesn’t seem that is something the family will explore. He also has the option to try his hand in the NBA G-League or go overseas to continue his basketball career.

Reports say that UCLA coach Steve Alford confirmed that LiAngelo won’t be coming back to the school when the suspension is lifted and respects the family’s decision. Everybody should wish LiAngelo the best of luck. ESPN also reported that LaVar said “I am going to make LiAngelo way better for the draft then UCLA ever could have.”

LaVar Ball told ESPN that LiAngelo and youngest brother, LaMelo, have both signed on with the same agent representing the eldest Ball brother an Lakers Rookie, Lonzo. Ball has confirmed that the plan is now to have his two youngest sons play on the same overseas team. Last week LaVar said “I don’t care about the money.  I want them to go somewhere where they will play them together on the court at the same time. The priority is for the boys to play on the same team.”

People make mistakes and this shouldn’t be the end of the line for this young man. Everybody deserves a second chance and you people do dumb things all the time. LiAngelo will be heard from again on the basketball court based on his talent is the hope for this young man.

LiAngelo was suspended along with teammates Cody Riley and Jalen Hill for shoplifting during a team trip to China.

 

Norco College Military Recognition

By Anthony Saude

Inland Empire – Norco College has been recognized by two prestigious military organizations for their efforts to include programs centered on their military population. Norco College received recognition from Military Times for the third time in four years as one of the best colleges for veterans to attend. The college doubled up when Military Friendly® notified them that it has been named a bronze-level Military Friendly® School Award recipient for 2018.

Norco College President Bryan Reece reportedly said “We are so proud for these recognitions,” “This is a true testament of the exceptional service Norco College provides to the veteran community in their transition from classrooms to careers.”

Norco College was one of only three Community College’s in California to be recognized by Military Times, ranking them 16th overall. In 2015, NC ranked 20th on the Military Times list and 16th in 2017. The rankings were the most competitive they have ever been for 2018 with 218 colleges submitting an extensive, 150 question survey to be considered. Less than half of the schools that participated made the cut at all.

According to the Military Times, the rankings were more competitive than ever, a record number of schools participated in the annual survey, and less than half made the cut. The rankings were based on the college’s survey responses and data from the Federal Education, Defense and Veterans Affairs departments. The recognition was based on five categories: culture, academic quality and outcomes, policies, student support, cost and financial aid. You can view the whole list of rankings at MilitaryTimes.com, as well as ArmyTimes.com, NavyTimes.com, AirForceTimes.com and MarineCorpsTimes.com.

Military Friendly® recognized Norco College by awarding them with the Military Friendly school award for 2018. Over 1200 post secondary schools were designate as Military Friendly in November of this year. Only 541 of those schools were recognized for excellence in the categories of: academic policies and compliance, admissions and orientation, culture and commitment, financial aid and assistance, graduation and career, and military student support and retention.

The names of awardees are published online at https://militaryfriendly.com/ and will be printed in G.I. Jobs® and Guide to Military Friendly® Schools.

Find out more about Norco College’s award winning Veterans Resource Center at:

http://www.norcocollege.edu/services/admissions/veterans

Walnut High Athletes Take Part in Fall Signing Day

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Six standout athletes made their college choices official during a lunchtime signing ceremony at Walnut High School.

Congratulations to the following students who received scholarships to play their sports in college: James Arakawa, University of the Pacific – Baseball; Trussi Li, University of Denver –  Golf; Cara Le, Fresno Pacific – Swimming; Stephanie Dye, York College – Soccer; Tyiona Watkins, University of Washington – Basketball; and Katherine Muzi, University of Southern California – Golf.

Families, friends, teammates and coaches gathered on November 15 as the seniors made their commitments final.

“What a great accomplishment!” said principal Brandon Dade while addressing the crowd gathered to honor the Mustang athletes.

“I want to congratulate each of you. This is something that doesn’t happen very often,” he said.

After introducing the elite group, athlete director Jerry Person gave the signal for the athletes to sign National Letters of Intent to join their choice colleges for the 2018-19 academic year.

“Go ahead, get your pens, and sign your letters!” he announced.

Star guard/forward Tyiona Watkins committed to play basketball at the University of Washington.

She is currently ranked as the No. 14 wing player in the class of 2018 by ESPN and No. 20 by Prospects Nation.

“Tyiona is an outstanding athlete and leader,” said Walnut High coach Lori Huckler.

“She works hard on and off the court to always improve as a player and a student.”

The 17-year-old said she was having a “tough choice” selecting a team, but once she stepped foot on the Huskies campus, the decision became easy.

“When I went up there, I just felt like it was home,” she said.

Her father, Charles, shared that the family has been working toward a signing day since Tyiona was just six-years-old.

“It was our dream and today is a total milestone. We have a lot to be thankful for!”

Shortstop James Arakawa will be heading to University of the Pacific in the fall.

“This means a whole lot,” the 18-year-old said after the signing ceremony.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

Arakawa, who first picked up a baseball bat at age six, said playing with a chip on his shoulder has given him more motivation to succeed.

“My job is proving myself every day on the field,” he explained.

Arakawa’s parents, Sandra and Jamie, were also among the happy families present at the signing ceremony.

His mother attributes the prized athletic scholarship to hard work and dedication.

“We’re just so grateful!” she said. “He has passion and heart – and he’s good at it!”

Arakawa experienced the pinnacle of success when the Mustang baseball team captured the Division 3 CIF title last spring.

“All the practice and hard work definitely paid off,” he said.

“I guess I’m going to keep having that chip on my shoulder – it’s working for me!”