Category Archives: The Weekly News

Porch Pirates Beware

Photo courtesy: Google

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Chino Police Department is proactively fighting package theft in the city this holiday season with a little help from their friends.

“The Chino Police Department has partnered with several members of the community to deploy decoy packages with GPS tracking abilities in an effort to deter crime and aide in stolen package investigations,” says Tamrin Olden of the Crime Prevention Department. “We have done this on a much smaller scale in the past, targeting an area or neighborhood that had multiple reports of theft”. “Due to the season we are trying it out on a much larger scale this time”, said Olden.

“Olden said that the cost to the Department and the community is almost negligible due to the fact we use the GPS devices for other investigations all the time”. “Olden added that they also have boxes that are used for multiple purposes so there isn’t any cost there”. “We have a software license that allows us to print and use popular company names labels without any repercussions”.

The residents and this newspaper have parts to play in this wonderful idea as well, the more people we tell about this program the more criminals will be deterred from committing the crime at all. That means that more people will get their packages without incident. If the companies we shop with don’t have to replace merchandise at their expense it ultimately helps them keep their prices down for the consumer.

“Although some are crimes of opportunity some packages will lead us to other crimes, someone with warrants, teams of people, drugs or just career criminals into multiple things” says Olden. This is a win, win situation for everybody, except of course the people stealing packages. Please report any suspicious activity to the Chino Police Department 909-334-3000.

 

 

 

The Financial Architects

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Purchasing any kind of insurance in today’s market can be a very daunting task for the regular person out there. Question need to be asked like, who can you trust, did you get enough coverage, does it make sense for our age group, does it fit in our budget? All great questions say Richard and Cecilia Pesqueira who have been a licensed in California to sell Life and Health insurance agents for over a decade.

They understand how a person can be overwhelmed by all of the products and questions in making sure they are choosing the best products for their needs and desires. “We like to take our time to analyze all of our clients’ needs and wants before a decision is made”. “That way we can come up with a tailor made solution using the latest innovative ideas and products on the market today” says Richard and Cecilia Pesqueira, the managing agents.

Protecting families and all that they have worked for is our number one priority we do this by providing the right plan for their financial future. Whether it is Life Insurance, Health Insurance Annuities, Medigap Insurance or Medicare Advantage we have a long list of business partners we work with to make sure that the client walks away with peace of mind knowing they are protected for the long run. A little known fact is that if you aren’t a U.S. citizen you can still get life insurance and we have partners that can and will provide that to our clients.

Richard and Cecilia take great pride in helping their clients meet their current and future financial goals while protecting their existing assets. “We know that there are a lot of choices out there and we are dedicated to walking side by side through the process with each of our clients” says Richard. They will not quit until they are sure the client has the best deal available for their needs and are well informed about what they have when it is all said and done.

The Financial Architects are not only who they are but it is what they do and they love it. They will be there every step of the way to ensure your future will be secure no matter how circumstances may arise. Every good building has to start with a strong foundation or to ensure it can withstand the test of time. Things can change in this crazy thing called life and they know adjustments may have to be made for a myriad of different reasons. If that happens never fear Richard and Cecilia are just phone call away ready, willing and able to come right over and make sure that your future is safe and secure.

If you have any questions or want more information their phone number is (909) 450-3664 or go to the website: http://tfainsuranceadvisors.com/

They are located at:

The Financial Architects

5370 Shaefer Ave Ste. #B

Chino, CA 91710

 

How Much Will This Holiday Season Cost You?

By StatePoint

According to one festive and fun annual economic indicator, the cost of this holiday season for shoppers is not expected to rise a significant amount over last year.

For more than 30 years, PNC has calculated the combined estimated price of the gifts from the classic carol “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Known as the PNC Christmas Price Index, the results can indicate what holiday shoppers might expect at the register. This year, the index calculated the total price of all 12 gifts to be $34,558.65, a modest 0.6 percent increase over last year.

While the average consumer is unlikely to shop online or at the mall in search of geese-a-laying or a partridge in a pear tree, the Christmas Price Index can be informative for those planning their holiday shopping, as the cost for these gifts often increase or decrease at a rate consistent with the U.S. Consumer Price Index, a measure of inflation produced by the U.S. Department of Labor.

“The U.S. economy is growing at a sustainable pace, fueled by higher consumer confidence, low unemployment, modest wage gains and low interest rates,” says Thomas P. Melcher, chief investment officer for PNC Asset Management Group. “However, The PNC Christmas Price Index rose at slow steady pace of 0.6 percent in 2017, as companies appear hesitant to pass through price increases to the consumer.”

A few factors largely have driven changes in the index over the years. The Internet makes it easier to find the gifts from the song online, but these goods and services tend to be expensive, mainly due to added shipping and handling costs. The price of services overall has increased, while the price of goods has slowed. Fuel costs, which have been especially volatile over the last few years, have a major effect on the cost of shipping.

So, while you may have no need to buy anyone on your list any maids-a-milking, it is good for jewelry lovers to know that the price of golden rings jumped more than any other gift that may be on their true love’s wishlist this year!

Off to Antarctica My Final Continent

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

At the age of seventeen I started my travels around the world and spent three months in Europe.  My love for travel has taken me to six of the seven continents.  On December the 6th I will leave for Antarctica my 7th and final continent.  I’m really excited about being able to say finally I will have been around the world.  I’m also very thrilled to make some penguin friends. I will fly from Los Angeles into Argentina.  I will spend two night in Argentina and then board my ship to go to Antarctica. It will take us three days to get there through the very rough seas of the Drake Passage.  I will then have three days in Antarctica and then come back home through the Drake Passage and then back to Argentina and finally Los Angeles.

I must admit the five year old little girl that lives inside of me is so very excited about all of the wildlife we will see and about going on such a magnificent expedition.  I know that this is a once in a lifetime trip and I plan on enjoying every single second.  People are only allowed to go to Antarctica during the months of October through March.  It is dark the rest of the time.  December is actually the warmest month and the best time to go.  From everything I’ve read it looks like it will be in the thirties most days. I will have sunlight twenty-four hours a day.

There is so very much to buy and to do to prepare for travel to Antarctica but I have everything and I’m putting everything together to get ready to be packed up.  You must buy three layers of clothing and most of the companies give you a parka and loan you appropriate boots for hiking on Antarctica. Well soon I’m off and I will write about my adventure when I return.

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.

 

Corona Man Charged With Murder

Photo courtesy: Corona PD

By Anthony Saude

Corona – On Thanksgiving Day Corona Police Officers responded to a family disturbance call that involved an assault with a deadly weapon in the 1700 block of Rainbow Ridge on the west side of the City of Corona.

The Corona Fire Department paramedics were dispatched to the scene and found 64 year old Corona resident Lidia Urrutia unconscious with life threatening injuries. The victim was transported to a local trauma center via ambulance. The result of the injuries left Lidia with no brain function and she was pronounced dead on Sunday, November 26.

Gilberto Urrutia Perez a 45 year old male was visiting his mother from San Bernardino for the Thanksgiving Holiday. Following up on some information, officers from Corona Police arrested Perez at Brentwood Park in the City of Corona in connection with the crime without incident. “On Tuesday November 28 Perez has been charged with 1 count of homicide and 1 count of cruelty to an elder or dependant adult”, said Detective Andy Bryant of the Corona Police Department. Court records show his bail has been set at $1 million and his arraignment is scheduled for November 29. Detective Bryant said, “t the investigation is still ongoing and there aren’t any outstanding suspects at this time”. If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Detective Jurado at 951-279-3628 or via email at jesse.jurado@corona.gov. For inquiries relating to the filed criminal case, please contact Riverside County District Attorney Public Information Officer John Hall at 951-955-8662 or via email at johnhall@rivcoda.org.

 

Auto Accident Leaves 1 Dead, 5 Injured

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – A violent auto accident on the 60 freeway left one dead and 5 injured on Sunday, November 26. The accident took place at about 3 a.m. in the eastbound lanes of the 60 freeway in Diamond Bar where the 57 and the 60 freeway intersect.

A 2001 Chevy Impala had been involved in a minor traffic accident that took place in the carpool lane and left the Impala disabled just prior to the fatal crash. The Impala was being driven by 30 year old Melissa Murga from Pomona. She had 3 passengers on board a 29 year old male, also from Pomona, a baby and a little girl.

The Pomona man had unbuckled his and the baby’s seatbelt to exit the vehicle after the Impala had disabled when they were struck by a 2013 Chevy Pickup truck that was driving at an unsafe speed. The man and the baby – 1 year old Anna Franco, were ejected from the car and the 29 year old Pomona man was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics. Melissa and Anna sustained serious injuries and the child escaped the nightmare with only minor injuries. It was reported that Anna is in critical condition at the hospital.

The driver of the pickup, John Swick a 32 year old Hesperia man, had Ashley Stevens also from Hesperia, a 31 year old female with him as a passenger. It was reported by CHP in a written statement that Swick had been driving at an unsafe speed when the truck rammed into the rear of the Impala.

Swick sustained only minor injuries while his passenger, Stevens sustained major injuries and was transprorted to a local hospital via ambulance. All of the injured parties were transported to a local hospital to treat the injuries they had sustained. Swick was arrested at the scene and there is an ongoing investigation into the cause of the accident. Nothing has been reported about if alcohol was involved in either of the accidents at this time.

College Football

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

One of the fun things that happens at this time of year is college football. The season has gone by so quickly and there is already a lot of talk about which teams will qualify to play in the post-season bowl games.

There is something about college football that appeals to me. College football is full of tradition.  Teams have their school colors and their school mascot.  Stadiums are filled with fans wearing t-shirts and sweatshirts proudly proclaiming their loyalty and support.

College football games usually include large marching bands that perform during halftime.  These bands add to the energy and pageantry to the game.  All through the game, the bands continue to play music and their school’s fight song to inspire their team and their fans.

Many years ago, my wife and I attended a college football game with some friends in Texas.  We had tickets in the student section.  The atmosphere was electric.  We were excited to go to a game at this university which was well-known for its football program.  But, what we didn’t realize was that the people in the student section don’t sit down. They stand throughout the game!

Since we stood during the whole game, I wondered why we bought a ticket with a specific seat assignment?  I must admit it was fun to be in the student section, but I was pretty tired by the end of the game.

Another tradition at this university was throwing the cheer leaders into the fountain if their football team won the game.  If they win, the cheerleaders got wet!

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Here in Southern California we have a number colleges and universities.  Several have nationally recognized football programs. You often see the names or logos of these schools on t-shirts and bumper stickers.  Many alumni proudly promote their school on the license plate frames on their cars and trucks.

Since most college football games are played on Saturday, there is often a lot of talk on the church patio on Sunday about the games the day before.  If your favorite team college team won on Saturday, you are glad to share the news with your friends on Sunday.  But, if your team lost on Saturday, you are more likely to talk about the weather than football!

I don’t know if there are any football fans in your family.  But, I suspect there are some college football fans in your neighborhood. Please be patient with them if they seem to get carried away with enthusiasm this time of year.  At the same time, if you are an avid college football fan, enjoy the moment.  The season will soon be over!

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 12.02.17

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: ALL.Weekly12.2.2017

History 101

Photo courtesy: Google Images

December 2 1954: McCarthy condemned by Senate

History.com

The U.S. Senate votes 65 to 22 to condemn Senator Joseph R. McCarthy for conduct unbecoming of a senator. The condemnation, which was equivalent to a censure, related to McCarthy’s controversial investigation of suspected communists in the U.S. government, military, and civilian society.

What is known as “McCarthyism” began on February 9, 1950, when McCarthy, a relatively obscure Republican senator from Wisconsin, announced during a speech in Wheeling, West Virginia, that he had in his possession a list of 205 communists who had infiltrated the U.S. State Department. The unsubstantiated declaration, which was little more than a publicity stunt, thrust Senator McCarthy into the national spotlight.  When asked to reveal the names on the list, the opportunistic senator named just one official who he determined guilty by association: Owen Lattimore, an expert on Chinese culture and affairs who had advised the State Department. McCarthy described Lattimore as the “top Russian spy” in America.

These and other equally shocking accusations prompted the Senate to form a special committee, headed by Senator Millard Tydings of Maryland, to investigate the matter. The committee found little to substantiate McCarthy’s charges, but McCarthy nevertheless touched a nerve in the American public, and during the next two years he made increasingly sensational charges, even attacking President Harry S. Truman’s respected former secretary of state, George C. Marshall.

In 1953, a newly Republican Congress appointed McCarthy chairman of the Committee on Government Operations and its Subcommittee on Investigations, and McCarthyism reached a fever pitch. In widely publicized hearings, McCarthy bullied defendants under cross-examination with unlawful and damaging accusations, destroying the reputations of hundreds of innocent officials and citizens.

In the early months of 1954, McCarthy, who had already lost the support of much of his party because of his controversial tactics, finally overreached himself when he accused several U.S. Army officers of communist subversion. Republican President Dwight D. Eisenhower pushed for an investigation of McCarthy’s charges, and the televised hearings exposed the senator as a reckless and excessive tyrant who never produced proper documentation for any of his claims.

A climax of the hearings came on June 9, when Joseph N. Welch, special attorney for the army, responded to a McCarthy attack on a member of his law firm by facing the senator and tearfully declaring, “Until this moment, senator, I think I never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness. Let us not assassinate this lad further, senator. You have done enough. Have you no sense of decency, sir? At long last, have you no sense of decency?” The crowded hearing room burst into spontaneous applause.

On December 2, after a heated debate, the Senate voted to condemn McCarthy for conduct “contrary to senatorial traditions.” By the time of his death from alcoholism in 1957, the influence of Senator Joseph McCarthy in Congress was negligible.

 

The Carpenter

Courtesy: Google Images

By Michael Armijo

 

I received an email the other day that reminded me to continue to work hard and to be proud of what I’ve done. It encouraged me to continue to keep my heart within my work, as you never know what life will bring you. I’d like to share it with the many readers we have, so here it is:

The Carpenter

An elderly carpenter was ready to retire. He told his employer-contractor of his plans to leave the house-building business and live a more leisurely life with his wife enjoying his extended family. He would miss the paycheck, but he needed to retire. They could get by.

The contractor, who was sorry to see his good worker go, asked if he could build just one more house as a personal favor. The carpenter said yes, but in time it was easy to see that his heart was not in his work. He resorted to shoddy workmanship and used inferior materials. It was an unfortunate way to end a dedicated career.

When the carpenter finished his work the employer came to inspect the house. He handed the front-door key to the carpenter. “This is your house,” he said, “my gift to you.”

The carpenter was shocked! What a shame! If he had only known he was building his own house, he would have done it all so differently.

So it is with us. We build our lives, a day at a time, often putting less than our best into the building. Then with a shock we realize we have to live in the house we’ve built. If we could do it over, we’d do it much differently. But we cannot go back.

You are the carpenter. Each day you hammer a nail, place a board, or erect a wall. “Life is a do-it-yourself project,” someone has said. Your attitudes and the choices you make today, build the “house” you live in tomorrow. Build wisely!

Remember…

Work like you don’t need the money. Love like you’ve never been hurt. Dance like no one is watching. Enjoy life like it’s your last day on Earth.

Rent or Buy?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Most people start their independent living when they first move out of their parent’s home by renting.  They either choose to rent a room at another person’s home, or possibly move into a friend’s apartment. Many times they go from that living arrangement to sharing the cost of renting an apartment or house together with a few friends or just someone else.

Although everyone has their own decisions to make, and many different circumstances, across our country, we tend to follow a consumer pattern throughout our lives.  Many financial analysts have studied the consumer cycle, and an established pattern has been the following for our society at large: one first starts working in their early late teens and into the early 20’s, and then family formation follows in the mid-twenties to mid-thirties.  Typically, at the stage of family formation and into the cycle of a young family  is when most of us address the issue of “Buying versus Renting”.  At this stage, there are usually young children in the household, and the provision for a home with a yard for the children to play in becomes a major concern.

Currently, the rental rates are very high, and have been increasing substantially at 5% plus per year over the last 6-7 years. This highlights the need to stabilize the monthly housing cost, and with current interest rates, it is a very good time to lock in a low rate by buying a home. Many economists are predicting interest rates will increase this year.  Just this week, the Federal Reserve approved its second rate hike of the year, increasing its benchmark interest rate by one-quarter percent.  This rate hike eventually gets spread out to consumer interest rates.

There are many other factors that come into making a decision on whether to Rent or Buy. Next week, I will provide in more detail those factors, as well as show a point by point comparison on the options.

This article was written by Nef Cortez, a licensed Real Estate Broker, Ca 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.

 

Green Cuisine Salad RECALL

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Anthony Saude

Local News – Trader Joe’s is recalling approximately 36,854 pounds of ready-to-eat chicken and turkey salads due to possible foreign matter contamination. Hard silica and glass fragments have been detected in the salads produced from Nov. 4-15 2017.

Green Cuisine, the producer of these salads, received consumer complaints and immediately reported it to the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS).

The products that are being recalled are:

10.5-oz. clear plastic individual serving packages containing “TRADER JOE’S White Meat Chicken Salad with celery, carrots and green onions” with a “Use By” date of November 10 – 21, 2017.

11.0-oz. clear plastic individual serving packages containing “TRADER JOE’S CURRIED WHITE CHICKEN DELI SALAD with toasted cashews, green onion and a bit of honey” with a “Use By” date of November 10 – 21, 2017

10.25-oz. clear plastic individual serving packages containing “TRADER JOE’S TURKEY CRANBERRY APPLE SALAD TURKEY BREAST MEAT WITH SWEET DRIED CRANBERRIES, TANGY GREEN APPLES, PECANS AND SAGE” with a “Use By” date of November 10 – 21, 2017.

If you have any of these products at your home you are encouraged to throw them away or return them to Trader Joe’s for a full refund.

At this time the FSIS hasn’t received any reports of injury or illness from the consumption of these products. Anyone concerned about either should contact a healthcare provider immediately.

Consumers and media with questions about the recall can contact the Consumer Affairs Group, at (855) 215-5128.

 

Tips for Taking Care of Your Winter Wardrobe

By StatePoint

It’s time to find that box marked “winter” at the back of your closet and rediscover all of your favorite layered looks. But, it’s important that you know how to treat your winter wardrobe so each piece stays comfy, stylish and warm throughout the season.

Get Organized

It may be tempting to unpack items as needed. However, you may find it’s suddenly spring again and some of your favorite scarves and sweaters went the whole winter unworn at the bottom of the box.

Commit to a full closet revamp, devoting time to unpacking and analyzing each item. After months of being folded, many pieces might not look, feel or smell their best.

Refresh these items so they are ready to wear. You can now do this at home instead of at the dry cleaner, by tossing up to five items in the dryer for just 15-30 minutes using the Dryel At-Home Dry Cleaning kit. This new method will save you time during your closet swap, and money throughout the season, as you can use it to preserve your favorite pieces without expensive and inconvenient trips to the dry cleaner.

To Keep or Not to Keep

Is it time to get rid of those pieces that never seem to make it off the hanger? Fashion and lifestyle blogger Sarah Gleeson of SG Style Me is quick to share a few things to keep an eye out for when deciding what to get rid of, including items you got for free or very cheap. Just because it was a good deal, doesn’t mean it’s a good fashion piece, she stresses. Say goodbye to the trends you once collected and have since moved past. We’ve all been through style phases, and it’s ok to see them end. Pull out anything with tags still attached. This is a definite sign that purchasing that item was a moment of retail weakness, and not a fashion must-have, says Gleeson.

If you find yourself heartbroken having to part ways with a fashion favorite because of a stubborn stain, don’t lose hope. Secret weapons exist to keep star pieces looking brand new season after season, such as the Dryel stain remover pen, which is safe on delicate fabrics and effectively removes spots and stains — even those from last season.

Know Your Fabrics

After your closet is organized, stay on top of wardrobe care. Among cashmeres, wools, velvets, and more, high-maintenance fabrics are likely more prominent in your winter wardrobe than other seasons. Read tags for what can and can’t be washed normally. To safely and easily care for delicate items, keep an at-home dry cleaning kit on-hand, to clean clothes in the convenience of your dryer for a fraction of the cost of a professional dry cleaner, without stretching fading or shrinking.

Keep sweaters, jeans and scarves bright, fitted and functional. That way, when it’s time to pack up the box again, you can look forward to feeling just as great in your favorite pieces next year.

 

Maple and Brown Butter Gnocchi

Photo courtesy: Hello Fresh

with Butternut Squash and Sage

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 30 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 500

Ingredients:

 

  • Butternut Squash- 24 oz
  • Maple Sugar- 2 tbsp
  • Brussel Sprouts- 16 oz
  • Sage- 1/4 oz
  • Gnocchi- 18 oz
  • Olive Oil- 2 tbsp
  • Butter- 4 tbsp
  • Salt & Pepper

 

 

1  Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to middle position and preheat oven to 400 degrees. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Toss squash on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of olive oil and ½ TBSP maple syrup (we’ll use more later). Season with salt and pepper. Roast in oven until lightly browned, 20-25 minutes.

 

2 Trim Brussels sprouts, then cut in half through stem ends. Slice halves crosswise into thin ribbons. Pick and thinly slice enough sage leaves from stems to give you 1 TBSP.

 

3 Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add Brussels sprouts and season generously with salt and pepper. Cook, tossing occasionally, until softened and starting to brown, 3-5 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

 

4 Once water is boiling, add gnocchi to pot. Cook until tender and floating, 3-4 minutes, then drain.

 

5  While gnocchi cooks, add 2 TBSP butter and ½ TBSP maple syrup to pan used for Brussels sprouts over medium-high heat (you will have some syrup left over). Once butter is melted, add sliced sage and cook, stirring, until butter begins to brown and smells nutty, about 2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper, then remove from heat.

 

6  Toss roasted squash and Brussels sprouts into pan with sauce. Gently stir in gnocchi, then season with salt and pepper. Divide between bowls and serve.

 

Thoughts on Gratitude

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

I can’t believe the holidays are here already.  Thanksgiving is truly one of my favorite holidays.  I love the gathering of my special family and friends.  I think about having a whole lazy day with my favorite people and I get very happy.  We are all usually so rushed but on Thanksgiving we take our time together and that is a gift.

Having time to share with my loved ones is something I’m very grateful for.  Having loved ones to share the holiday with is also something that makes me feel grateful.  We sit together in my big house, with much more food than we could ever really eat and again, all I feel is gratitude.  I look around the table and everybody is really enjoying themselves and I think how grateful I am and how special my loved ones are.  I love when people have a really good time at my house.  It fills my heart with joy.

I have lost all of my siblings and my father but this year I will not mourn the losses, instead I will be grateful for their memory and for the people I have left, to help me celebrate.  I know I’m a very blessed woman and this year on Thanksgiving and every other day, I will be grateful. I will sit at the table and look into the faces of the people I love.  The room with be filled with wonderful smells and so much laughter our bellies will ache.  My heart will sing with joy as I have the honor of celebrating all my gratitude, with all of my favorite people.  I wish you the most wonderful Thanksgiving.  This year really pay attention to how blessed you are and just take some time to be grateful for everything!!!!!!!!!!!

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 at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. Nancy has two books on Amazon Live, Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog.

Mt. Sac Olympic Trials: $40 Million For Local Communities

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Staff Reports

Walnut – On December 13, 2017 there will be a Walnut City Council meeting and it seems that a discussion about Olympic Trials at Mt. Sac will finally be on the agenda. “We are starting to move the dirt for the construction needed to have the trials because if we don’t start we will have to tell the powers that be we can’t have the trials,” said Doug Todd.” “We are going to begin and move forward with the confidence that the Council will vote for the Trials or until we get a stop work order from them”.

Mt. San Antonio College’s new incoming stadium was chosen for the 2020 U.S. Olympic Track and Field Trials, a move that could potentially bring in over $40 million in revenue for the area.

“The Olympic Trials in Eugene Oregon has historically brought in around $38 million dollars to their local economy for the 9 day period that the trials were held during 2012,” said Doug Todd, Director of Track and Cross Country for Mt. Sac. “We haven’t seen the projections for 2016 as of yet, but it should top over $40 million.”

Todd also noted that the national and international attention this event will bring to the city of Walnut and immediate surrounding cities, the San Gabriel Valley, the Inland Empire, and even the Los Angeles cities will benefit as well. “We hope for everyone to get on board and benefit from such a historic event.”

“As a long time resident of the City of Walnut, I was pleased to hear that Walnut will be hosting the upcoming US Olympic Trials,” said Walnut councilman Bob Pacheco. “It’s a honor and privilege to be selected. I look forward to working with Mt SAC to assure that the athletes receive a warm welcome so they may enjoy the beauty and resources of our community.

“We honored to be chosen over such prestigious institutions,” said Mt. Sac Board Member, David Hall in a phone interview Thursday morning. “Our long heritage, very successful trials in past years, the many records set at the college, and the new state of the art facility, are great factors for their choice.”

The USA Olympic Trials is the National Championship meet that is held every year, but in an Olympic Year, the National Championships become the meet where the US Olympic Committee chooses who will represent the United States in the Olympic Games in Tokyo.  It’s a wonderful, high stakes competition where the top three make the team and number 4 and below do not.  There is no appeal process, no automatic entry process for past performances, and no special dispensation for injury or illness.  On a certain day and a certain time in June of 2020 right here at Mt. SAC the best athletes in the country will run, jump or throw for the right to represent us in Tokyo, Japan.  It’s a real testimony to competition bringing out the best and, sadly, sometimes the worst in people.

The selection process wasn’t an easy one either. It started with the submission of a preliminary proposal.  Five colleges or Organizations did that.  After the initial submission the field was narrowed to three “finalists”.  Mt. SAC, along with the University of Oregon and California State University, Sacramento were each scheduled for a site visit and after the site visit had the opportunity to submit a final proposal. The final step was the opportunity to state our case at USATF’s Board of Directors meeting in Sacramento at this year’s National Championships.

“We were given 15 minutes to summarize our proposal and then to be ready for questions from the board,” added Todd. “Before that final presentation we were sent a list of things from our proposal that the board wanted clarification on.  We needed to discuss those items within our 15 minute presentation.”

Mt. Sac’s Hilmer Lodge Stadium is no stranger to such an event as the women’s Olympic trials were held there in 1968. Twenty world records have been set at Hilmer Lodge Stadium, the annual site for the annual Mt. Sac Relays for the last 60 years. The stadium is under renovations and is scheduled to reopen in 2019 with an expanded seating capacity of 21,000 capacity. The trials, scheduled for Jun 19-28, 2020, will select US track and field delegation for the Tokyo Games.

“I’m very proud of the team that helped bring this to fruition, and excited by the challenge” said Todd to OurWeeklyNews.com. “We are excited by the challenge and anxious to finalize the last few details for the organization to get the planning started.” Todd is the “meet manager” and Bob Seagrem, a former Olympic Gold Medalist, will be the chairperson of the committee.

The last three U.S. Olympic track and field trials were held at Hayward Stadium in Eugene, Ore., the city known as Track Town for its pervasive running culture. The 2000 and 2004 trials were held at Hornet Stadium in Sacramento. Attendance was robust in both cities and both made bids for the 2020 trials. Los Angeles, once the home of many professional track and field meets, hasn’t supported the sport at the pro level in recent years, leaving the Mt. SAC Relays the area’s most prestigious competition, according to the LA Times.

“Our team is cohesive and our historical successes are just many factors Mt. Sac is a great choice for this event,” David Hall concluded. “We are looking forward to another successful event.”

Lots of work and excitement went into the making of this event as an Olympic site, which is for the first time in Southern California since 1984 when the games were held at the Coliseum. The Walnut stadium was chosen in an 11-2 vote by the USA Track and Field’s board of directors for the Mt. SAC proposal.

Mt. Sac is also rebuilding several areas of Hilmer stadium and the plans are completed and being executed. “I couldn’t be happier with the design and the amenities built into the structure.  It’s going to be wonderful facility, one that will be worthy of the outstanding, world’s best athletes that will come here to compete,” added Todd. He also noted they are, based on conversations with the people on campus whose job it is to build this stadium, they’ve had been a few bumps in the road but abelieve that’s to be expected in any type of construction project large or small.

“You know we have an ‘Olympic Caliber’ crew of people working on this thing who not only understand every aspect of all that we are attempting to do but who also have an amazing track record, no pun intended, of bringing projects of this scope to completion on time,” added Todd.  “This entire goal of bringing the trials to Mt. SAC is a very big TEAM effort.  Jokingly I’ve told them a number of times that “if you build it they will come”. We’ve won the bid, the Trials are coming so now we just need to finish the build.    I’m confident our team will build it and complete it on time and I’d like to think they are equally confident that once completed we will host one heck off a great event.

Everyone across the San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire is very much on board and appreciative of Mt. Sac’s efforts and the leadership of the city as the build takes place.

“Mt SAC is an important economic engine for Southern California. Hosting the 2020 Olympic pre-trials will expose the world to Mt SAC’s outstanding amenities and the vast resources it provides within the Greater Los Angeles Area and Southern California,” said Carolyn Anderson, long time advocate and Public Sector Solutions Manager for Waste Management Southern California.

Get Your Holiday Tamales at The Whole Enchilada

the-whole-enchilada-diamond-barStaff Reports

Diamond Bar – The holidays are just around the corner, so let the planning begin!  The Whole Enchilada will be your holiday partner with dozens of possibilities including catering, a night away from cooking during this busy season, and delectable holiday tamales.

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.  They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada. The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning a Christmas celebration?  The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event with handmade tamales – which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s a holiday fiesta, business meetings or parties, promotions, fundraisers, birthdays, or just an evening out, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a delicious treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect Christmas stocking stuffer, or that special someone in your life.  And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and their Kids Club.  With a wide variety of reasons to visit, it’s obvious that The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

Don’t deny your taste buds this holiday season, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.  See their ad on the back page of this publication.

Free Youth In Government Event

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is having a FREE event for youth ages 14 – 18 on Saturday December 2, at Diamond Bar City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar CA 91765, from 12 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.  Registration is required for this free event.

The event will give Diamond Bar middle and high school students a chance to see behind the scenes of local and state government from the eyes of an actual elected official.

What are the requirements to become and elected or state official? What does it take day in and day out to perform the job at the level it requires to do it competently? This event will begin to answer those questions and more. Diamond Bar youth will have the unique opportunity to learn from elected officials what it looks like if and when they decide to get into local or state politics.

This is the first year that the city of Diamond Bar will have this FREE event available as they look forward to the future of the youth in our city. The City sees it as a huge advantage for the residents of Diamond Bar as well.

Knowledge is power and the hope is that the youth become more interested in local or state government in the future. Think about it to have more qualified, educated and enthusiastic candidates running the local or state government is a win win situation for the city or state in the future.

Presentations, interactive exercises as well as lots of opportunities for questions and answers will be presented to the youth at this FREE event.

Participation in the event is FREE space is limited so registration is required so don’t delay get registered TODAY!! For more information or to register, contact the City’s Administration Department at 909.839.7013 or email asantos@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Chino Hills Grow House Fire

Photo courtesy: Anthony Saude

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – On November 17, 2017 Chino Valley Fire District firefighters and Sheriff’s Deputies from Chino Hills PD were dispatched to a house fire at 1807 Nordic Avenue in Chino Hills. When they arrived the residence was completely engulfed in flames.

While the firefighters were putting out the flames they discovered marijuana plants were being grown in inside the residence. The Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics joined in to assist with the investigation, search warrant in hand and assumed the lead in the investigation.

Chino Valley Fire Department and Southern California Edison also showed up at the scene to do their own investigation. It is believed that there were several hundred marijuana plants growing in the residence and most were destroyed in the fire.

Preliminary reports from the investigation have authorities believing that it was caused by faulty wiring due to the electrical meter being bypassed. This is a common tactic used to avoid detection by law enforcement of increased electricity use by the grow lights needed for an operation of this size.

Photo courtesy: Anthony Saude

It is very common for fires to start when using this method of utility theft, which of course is illegal itself. The loss of revinue to SCE in these cases will commonly be in the thousands of dollars.

The property owners leased their house to the residents through a property management company. This is an ongoing investigation. The San Bernardino County District Attorney will make the decision what criminal charges will be filed against the suspects. The charges they will be facing are utility theft, unlawful causing of a property fire, vandalism and marijuana cultivation.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs / Narcotics Division at 909-387-8400. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463).

 

Winter Squash At Clark’s Nutrition

By Judith Dern

Acorn, buttercup, butternut, delicata, hubbard, spaghetti, turban—a bounty of colorful winter squash and pumpkins overflow grocery produce tables every fall. A fruit (really!) native to North America, and a member of the gourd family like melons and pumpkins, squash is super-easy to stir into hearty autumn soups.

Squash is super-easy to stir into hearty autumn soups

Add squash to your diet for good health

“Winter squashes, especially pumpkin, are one of the most nutritionally valuable foods known to man,” says Steven Pratt, MD, coauthor of SuperFoods. Loaded with good-for-you nutrients, the richly colored interior flesh is the first clue to squashes’ nutritional benefits, which include:

Large amounts of carotenoids, the deep orange-, yellow-, or red-colored plant compounds that help fight a variety of diseases, including heart disease, various cancers, and eye diseases

Vitamins C and E, plus potassium, magnesium, and folic acid

High in fiber

Low in calories

Judith H. Dern, an independent writer living in Seattle, WA, loves vegetables and finds squash soup the perfect cold-weather dish