Category Archives: The Weekly News

History 101

Courtesy: Google Images

OCTOBER 09, 1967 : CHE GUEVARA IS EXECUTED

History.com

On this day in 1967, socialist revolutionary and guerilla leader Che Guevara, age 39, is killed by the Bolivian army. The U.S.-military-backed Bolivian forces captured Guevara on October 8 while battling his band of guerillas in Bolivia and assassinated him the following day. His hands were cut off as proof of death and his body was buried in an unmarked grave. In 1997, Guevara’s remains were found and sent back to Cuba, where they were reburied in a ceremony attended by President Fidel Castro and thousands of Cubans.

Ernesto Rafael Guevara de la Serna was born to a well-off family in Argentina in 1928. While studying medicine at the University of Buenos Aires, he took time off to travel around South America on a motorcycle; during this time, he witnessed the poverty and oppression of the lower classes. He received a medical degree in 1953 and continued his travels around Latin America, becoming involved with left-wing organizations. In the mid 1950s, Guevara met up with Fidel Castro and his group of exiled revolutionaries in Mexico. Guevara played a key role in Castro’s seizure of power from Cuban dictator Fulgencio Batista in 1959 and later served as Castro’s right-hand man and minister of industry. Guevara strongly opposed U.S. domination in Latin America and advocated peasant-based revolutions to combat social injustice in Third World countries. Castro later described him as “an artist of revolutionary warfare.”

Guevara resigned—some say he was dismissed—from his Cuban government post in April 1965, possibly over differences with Castro about the nation’s economic and foreign policies. Guevara then disappeared from Cuba, traveled to Africa and eventually resurfaced in Bolivia, where he was killed. Following his death, Guevara achieved hero status among people around the world as a symbol of anti-imperialism and revolution. A 1960 photo taken by Alberto Korda of Guevara in a beret became iconic and has since appeared on countless posters and T-shirts. However, not everyone considers Guevara a hero: He is accused, among other things, of ordering the deaths of hundreds of people in Cuban prisons during the revolution.

 

Man With A Gun

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – LASD Deputies from the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station responded to a call regarding a man with a gun at the intersection of Diamond Bar Blvd and Fountain Springs Drive. The Deputies were able to apprehend the male suspect without any incident. Mark Hopper, a witness at the scene, said “he was driving down Diamond Bar Blvd when all of the sudden an unmarked police car sped past him on the road”. “The unmarked car headed straight towards a man walking down the street. When the man saw the car speeding towards him he put his arms out wide and dropped something on the ground”, said Hopper. Hopper said “I couldn’t tell you what the object he dropped was I just know he dropped something”. Yesterday reporters at OurWeeklyNews.com were contacted by Mary at Evergreen Springs Elementary School saying that the school was on lock down due to a deputy involved shooting. When contacted to verify the report the LASD deputy said that there was a call but there wasn’t any shooting. The deputies recovered the handgun at the scene. There weren’t any other reports about the man with the gun and thankfully no one sustained any injuries during the incident.

Smoky Beef and Poblano Chili

with Kidney Beans, Cheddar Cheese, and Sour Cream

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Take a quick trip to New Mexico by simmering smoky poblanos with ground beef, tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, and cumin. With a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese to cool things off, this dish is as creamy as it is hearty.

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 2

Nutrition: Calories: 637 cal, Fat: 26g, Sat. Fat: 11 g, Protein: 46g, Carbs: 50 g, Sugar: 8 g, Sodium: 1243 mg, Fiber: 17 g

Ingredients:

  • Scallions- 2
  • Garlic- 1 clove
  • Poblano Pepper- 1
  • Kidney Beans-1 box
  • Ground Beef- 8 oz.
  • Chili Powder- 1t
  • Cumin- 1t
  • Beef Stock Concentrate- 1
  • Crushed Tomatoes- 1 Box
  • Cheddar Cheese- ½ Cup
  • Sour Cream- 2T
  • Olive Oil- 1t

Preparation:

  1. Prep: Wash and dry all produce. Thinly slice scallions. Mince garlic. Drain and rinse beans. Core, seed, and dice poblano pepper into ½-inch cubes.
  2. Brown the beef: Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium–high heat. Add ground beef. Break up into pieces, and cook until browned, 4-5 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.
  3. Cook the veggies: Add poblano peppers, scallions, and garlic to the same pan. Toss until softened, 4-5 minutes. Add chili powder and cumin. Toss until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Season with salt and pepper.
  4. Simmer the chili: Add stock concentrate, beans, tomatoes, ground beef, and 1 cup water. Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer until thickened, about 10 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper. TIP: If you have time, simmer longer. The flavor gets better with time!
  5. Serve: Divide the smoky beef and poblano chili between bowls. Top with cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream. Enjoy!

A People, Not a Steeple

By Mark Hopper

 

I have shared in my last few articles that our church’s 50th birthday party is coming up on Saturday, October 21st.  I was asked to look through some old photos and put together a short visual history of our church.

I enjoyed my assignment and spent several hours looking through many photos that went back to early days of Diamond Bar.

There were pictures of the original Diamond Bar Ranch property.  In the 1970’s our church held Sunday Services in one of the buildings there.

I also found pictures of the construction of each of the church building on the site from the 1980’s and 1990’s.  There were also photos of the parking lot expansion and the new children’s play yard.  There was a lot of building activity during those years.

As I looked through hundreds of photographs, I was reminded that many faithful people have been part of our church over the past 50 years.  There were some pictures of people that I did not recognize.  And, there were dozens and dozens of photos of people that I did know personally.

These pictures brought back many special memories.  Pictures of church dinner-dances and baby dedications.  Pictures of summer Vacation Bible School programs and baptisms at the beach in Corona Del Mar.  Pictures of Couple’s Retreats and Christmas programs and Easter services.

One of the things I noticed was how young we all looked 20, 30, 40 years ago.  It was also fun to see the different hair styles and the different clothes that people wore.  The cars in the parking lot looked different, too.

I was reminded that a church is a group of people not a building or a steeple.  Certainly, I am thankful for our facilities.  But, the real core of our church is the people.  Faithful people who have attended regularly, served faithfully and given generously.  People of all ages and stages of life – children, students, single adults, married couples, widows and widowers.  The people who share a common goal to know Jesus and make Him known.

I suppose that we all need to be reminded from time to time, that it is the people in our lives that are really important.  It is not the size of our homes or the success of our careers or the level of our education.  We should value the people in our lives not the volume of our possessions.

Let me encourage you to express your love and appreciation to the people in your life.  Maybe it is time to write a note to an old friend and tell them how much they have meant in your life.  You will be glad you did and they will too!

Let me again extend an invitation to you to come and celebrate our church’s birthday on Saturday, October 21st.  There will be free food and activities starting at 1:00 PM with the main event from 4:30 – 6:00 PM.  Check out our web site for more details. I hope we will see you there!

 

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 10.07.17

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: Weekly10.7.2017

Cal State LA student from La Puente receives CSU Trustees’ Award

Staff Reports

La Puente – Cal State LA student from La Puente receives CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding AchievementAnthony Robles never imagined that he would attend a university. As a youth, he was arrested and faced a seemingly bleak future.

But Tuesday, Robles was one of 23 students to receive the 2017 California State University (CSU) Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement—the CSU’s highest recognition of student achievement and scholarship.

A sociology major and Chicano studies minor at California State University, Los Angeles (Cal State LA), Robles was honored during the September 19 CSU Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach. He was presented with an $8,000 award and named a Trustee Emeritus Murray L. Galinson ​Scholar.

“I am deeply humbled and appreciative to receive this award,” said Robles, 24, who lives in the La Puente neighborhood of San Gabriel Valley. “This scholarship, besides being an awesome and a very needed financial reward, represents transformation and possibility. It is a testament that anything is possible no matter where you are at in life or what you might have been through.”

Robles’ family has struggled to make ends meet. His father, who works in a warehouse, was an undocumented immigrant and deported three times. His mother battled cancer.

As a teenager, Robles had run-ins with police and was arrested. He found himself facing a possible sentence of two years for carrying contraband into a police station. That experience changed his life, Robles recalled.

He wanted to help his family and make his parents proud. He set a goal to complete high school and go to college. He earned a high school diploma and was accepted to Rio Hondo College. In 2016, he enrolled at Cal State LA.

Now, Robles is in his senior year and has a 3.7 GPA. He is on his way to becoming the first in his family to earn a university degree. His goal is to become a professor. He wants to help transform the lives of young people through education, just as his life was transformed.

“We’re proud of Anthony and what he has overcome on his path to a university education,” Cal State LA President William A. Covino said. “His dedication to his community and social justice are unwavering. He is poised to become a scholar whose research will shed fresh light on matters impacting youth and immigrants.”

Robles’ life challenges have motivated him to pursue a degree in sociology with a focus on immigration, criminal justice and environmental justice.

Having experienced first-hand the impact of immigration on his family, Robles is writing a book chapter on the criminalization of immigration. He also helped create an immigrant detention visitation and pen pal program at Cal State LA called the Migrant Liberation Collective.

For his senior thesis, he is examining prosecutorial discretion and racialized decision-making in the criminal justice system. He also organized a club that serves as a support network for students who have been incarcerated.

“Academia has taken me from a destructive environment to a positive environment full of possibilities and opportunities to help transform others’ lives,” Robles said. “Because of the transformative experiences I have had in college, I now live an inspired life filled with hope rather than calamity and despair.”

Robles finds time to mentor high school students in East Los Angeles and to volunteer at Habitat for Humanity, the L.A. Food Bank and Earth Peace. He is a member of Project Rebound, a university program that assists incarcerated students. With determination and drive, Robles is committed to helping young people in his community.

“Everything I accomplish is with those who are marginalized in mind because success is not personal for me. It is mutual, reciprocal and shared,” he said. “It is meant to uplift others.”

The CSU Trustees’ Award program was originally established by the William Randolph Hearst Foundation as an endowed scholarship fund to honor William Randolph Hearst, founder of the Hearst newspaper chain. In 1999, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to supplement the endowment with contributions from CSU Trustees, CSU Foundation Board of Governors, and private donors. Today, more than 120 donors have supported the program.

Photo: Anthony Robles. (Credit: J. Emilio Flores/Cal State LA)

 

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!

 

Walnut Valley USD Board Honors Outstanding Student, Parent

By Kelli Gile

 

Walnut—The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized a standout student and parent volunteer from Vejar Elementary School during the September 20 meeting.

Fifth grader Talisa Perez received the Super Star Student Award for going above and beyond on her campus.

“Talisa is known by students, teachers, and the staff for her kindness, respect, and good citizenship,” shared interim principal Whitney Prenger.

She is a model student of the Vejar Values: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, BeSafe.

Teachers describe her as being a student leader who is kind, hard-working, and trustworthy.

She always gives 110% and encourages classmates to do their best!

Talisa has also been selected to represent the school in the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

Parent volunteer Kelley Cua was honored with the Partner in Education Award for generously offering her time and expertise organizing various events for the school.

Kelley has helped out in every class on campus, been a steadfast community club volunteer, and annual book fair coordinator.

During the summer, she celebrates students’ summer reading accomplishments by throwing an ice cream party when they return to school.

One Vejar teacher described Kelley as being “selfless and kind. Even as a working mother, she came every Thursday to help in the classroom.”

“She’s always been known to be reliable, kind, organized, and willing to go above and beyond!” Prenger added.

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 9.30.17

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: WEB.Weekly9.30.2017

Curves: We Put Women’s Health First

Celebrating our 25th Anniversary visit us at https://www.curves.com/locations/walnut-ca for location and hours.
Call 909-598-9238 for more information.

By: Anthony Saude

 

Walnut– The vision was simple: a sign over a door in an office building. That was it, no hoopla, balloons or an energy drink peddling muscle bound man in your face telling you about the magic weight loss drink that doesn’t exist.

Inside it’s serene no grunting, groaning or chest bumping by more muscle bound guys. Only a community of women who aren’t grunting, groaning and thankfully avoids the usual pickup line many women encounter. What a difference a place like this could make to those women who may have never worked out or have struggled with their weight, and in turn, have affected their self esteem. Comfy for those who prefer exercising with only women.

In an industry that has been historically dominated by muscle bound men, Curves started a revolution in women’s fitness, and this year will mark their 25th anniversary. They do this with a unique approach to weight loss and fitness that empowers women to reach their goals and live the lives they were meant to live.

Curves has a philosophy that supports this: “We are driven by a common passion, a commitment to empower women to improve their lives. Every woman has different goals and physiological differences so why do so many “experts” insist fitness is the same for everybody. Your coach can work with you to make sure that your workout will be the most beneficial for you the entire time you are there. The Curves workout is a 30 minute workout that combines strength training and cardio activity plus stretching this will strengthen your whole body. Several different memberships are offered to help maximize your efforts.”

There are two avenues to utilize at Curves, which keeps the membership and the availability affordable (please call for pricing):

Curves Fitness Membership:

This fitness only membership is offered to prospects that are looking to get fit or lose weight. You the Curves Circuit, complete with in circuit coaching. In just 30 minutes you will work every major muscle group and burn up to 500 calories using strength training, cardio and stretching exercises.

Curves Complete Membership:

This membership is the whole solution it combines fitness with a customizable meal plan and one-on-one coaching to maximize the fat burning during your workout. Fitness is done in the gym but we don’t want to send you home without the proper tools. The plan offers flexibility and personalization teaching member how to eat healthy whether you are dining out or eating at home.

CurvesSmart is the famous Curves 30 minute workout that features the CurvesSmart technology to add intelligence and interactivity to their circuit. Members are able to access their fitness data and receive feedback during their workout this makes sure the users keep their exertion level at a point to ensure they will get a safe maximized workout based on their unique body signature. It will automatically adjust the workout intensity and identify areas where members may want to focus to achieve their personal weight loss goals. Specialty classes are also provided that incorporate the strength training of the Curves Circuit with a variety of classes to improve balance, stability and strength.

You can also become an Owner of your own Curves you have a chance to pay it forward. It is big business that has a huge opportunity for you to make the world a better place one woman’s life at a time.

How New Treatments for PTSD are Helping American Veterans

By StatePoint

When U.S. servicemen and women return from war, they often return home plagued by anxiety, depression and sometimes Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced shocking, frightening or dangerous events. And while the number of affected veterans is high, emerging treatments are improving their chances for recovery.

According to the Department of Veterans Affairs, PTSD afflicts up to one in five from Iraq and Afghanistan in a given year, and as many as one in three veterans from earlier conflicts, like Vietnam, during their lifetimes. As of 2013, roughly 400,000 veterans affiliated with the VA carried this diagnosis. These figures suggest that psychological trauma is a staggering burden on active-duty troops, veterans and society.

“Returning home and resuming normal life can be a challenge for any service member. But for someone suffering from PTSD, it can be a crisis,” says Captain Keith Stuessi, M.D., a former Navy doctor and member of the board of Help Heal Veterans, the nation’s largest provider of free therapeutic arts-and-craft kits to U.S. veterans and active duty military personnel.

Because the science of PTSD was not well understood until recently, past treatments varied from heavy drugs to hospitalization to simply telling patients to forget about their experiences. But today, clinicians increasingly believe it’s important to employ emerging therapies along with psychotherapy and medication in a holistic treatment approach.

• Mindfulness. According to a new study, adding mindfulness to traditional therapy could be beneficial for soldiers with PTSD. Mindfulness means focusing attention on sensory perceptions and bodily sensations and includes meditation, yoga, breathing exercises and tai-chi. Mindfulness has been shown to decrease heart rate and blood pressure.

• Art therapy. When someone expresses feelings through art, the mind can begin to let go of trauma by transferring images and ideas to another object of the patient’s creation. Art therapy can help veterans communicate memories, relieve stress and reduce symptoms of trauma-related disorders.

• Craft Therapy. Craft therapy has been proven to be an extremely effective PTSD treatment, and ample evidence suggests it has a positive overall impact on brain function. Foremost, craft therapy helps vets take their minds off events that may have led to their illness. Engaging in craft activities has been shown to address cognitive, neurological and sensory-motor needs by targeting performance skills. It has been shown to help promote the use of right- and left-brain functioning and help maintain cognitive functioning. More information about craft therapy can be found at HealVets.org.

“I’ve seen firsthand how instrumental these emerging therapies can be. Craft therapy, in particular, gives veterans a sense of pride, purpose and productivity, as well as opportunities to connect with family and friends,” says Joe McClain, Captain USN (Retired), CEO of Help Heal Veterans. “The sad reality is that many vets will come home with psychological wounds. Fortunately, the medical community is learning more about effective treatments every day.”

Helping Homeless Veterans

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Homeless veterans make up close to 10% of the Homeless population.  Although it is a very large number, it has decreased substantially from what it was 7 years before by approximately 40%.  The National Coalition for Homeless Veterans (NCHV)lists  a very good outline of the types of services individuals or groups can provide which have been recognized as being most effective. These programs have seen better than average results with very  positive outcomes.

NCHV recognizes the following as being some of the more effective services, and which are usually provided by community-based organizations.  These are as follows: Support of emergency shelters; Volunteering as mentors, counselors, or legal aides; Raising funds for programs; Volunteering at “Stand Down” programs; Development of Homeless Veteran Burial Programs. You can find a more detailed review of all of these programs on NCHV.org, the website for the National Coalition for Homeless Veterans.

The prevention of Veteran Homelessness  needs to be centered on providing health services, as the majority of homeless veterans “suffer from mental illness, alcohol and/substance abuse, or co-occurring disorders”, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). Research shows that veterans are 50% more likely to become homeless than the general population. Female veterans are two to three times more likely to become homeless than any other group of the general U.S. population.

Local efforts to house the homeless are ongoing and growing.  Along with efforts by the local non-profits, the  1/4 cent sales tax approved by the voters of Los Angeles County is anticipated to fund a much more effective and concerted effort.  Funding, both private and public, is necessary to pay for the work that must be done across all facets of services for there to be positive outcomes and to win the fight against Veteran homelessness.

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 or on his website at www.nefcortez.com. Please feel free to email any questions regarding real estate.

Call Me The F Word

By Anthony Saude

I can remember a time when my father was home, he was drinking but not yet drunk, he was in the driveway working on the car. The car was broken and needed to be fixed, right? What did I know, I was 12 years old and the neighborhood bully was chasing me around the car while he watched. Then my father yelled at me to come over to him and he gave me this profound advice, “stop running from that guy and kick his A**. We never discussed it again, we didn’t discuss much. I can also remember many times when I looked up and he wasn’t in the bleachers, or at the school assembly. I called him dad but when asked I told people he was my father so which one was he? Is there a difference in some letters that could possibly make a difference in the man?

Daddy is an easy word, a child’s first word, at least a reasonable facsimile of the word in many cases. Father is a little tougher to learn and not really used by kids today but is always acceptable. People will always say things like, “anybody can be a dad but it takes a man to be a father”. What does that even mean? I thought I understood what that meant and I was determined to live it out just like that. It made total sense: a “Dad” is made from one simple act but a “father” is the “dad” who is there for sports, school plays, long talks, vacations, weekends and everything in between throughout the child’s life.

I have had the pleasure of being both a dad/father and a step-dad/father and although they each have their own challenges my life was blessed twice as much as the next guy, at least that is the way look at it. I wish I could say that children could make us happy everyday of our parenting lives but what kind of Christian would tell such a bold face lie. Joy that is different though, joy is what our children can bring to our lives but you have got to want it and I mean really want it bad. If you do then our children can be the blessing we give to the world as praise and thanks to God for allowing us to raise one of his as our own.

I love food almost as much as I love eating it with my kids, for me that is where my heart gets filled with their joy. I know that it will be just us uninterrupted (no phones at the table is a valid rule) and we get a lot of world and family problems done while we share that time. Children are a gift that just keeps on giving, you get unconditional love, compassion, smiles, joy and fulfillment. Don’t get it twisted though you will also get a headache, backache, frustration, aggravation and undeniable exhaustion.

Fatherhood is no joke and isn’t for the faint of heart but it is like getting your favorite thing in the world for Christmas every morning of your life if you do your job. If you want it enough to study for the test it will be the most rewarding class in your scholastic career. Oh, it is school guys and what kind of impact you make on that child is your single most important decision you will need to make after you decided to bring a baby into your life. Funny thing is that I didn’t want children at all, not for one second. God had other plans for my life and once again His plans are always better than mine. Lucky for my children my father taught me “no matter what you do make sure to be the best” so I studied and I fought and I prayed and in the end all I really know is that I love them and they love me. It is enough for me and I hope it is enough for them. My only goal when I started this “dad” thing was to do better than my dad did with me and maybe save them some heartache. My prayer for my children is that they know I love them and that they are a better parent then I could have ever been.

You see, when your child is looking up at you and says father/daddy it doesn’t matter which one you want to be all that matters is that you are there when they look up. That was about the only thing I had figured out, I knew that figuring out the rest would take some time, study, tears and a few tons of grace from God but I wouldn’t ever leave those children. Two wouldn’t even know me as Dad but by my first name, Anthony, and that was fine with me because they were my step daughters and their father was still around. So which one does that make me, father or dad? I can only hope if you asked my children that question they would tell you I was able to be whichever one they needed me to be in whatever situation they needed it.

So, call yourself father, dad or JUST ‘Anthony” BECAUSE it REALLY doesn’t matter one bit to that child that is looking up at you remember always that they are also looking up to you. Trust me, what they call you when they are young will be far less important to you than what they think of you when they are grown. They don’t care what your name is, if your clothes are in style or even if you comb your hair. They will remember if you were there when they looked up to if you are there for that game, school play, skinned knee or just when they looked up.

Being a father is nothing you can be ready for but you can sure spend some time getting ready for the job. You have already taken the first step that you needed to take to bring that child into this world. If you are MAN enough to do that then you can be MAN enough to be a DAD or a FATHER. Trust me either will be fine to a child if you do it right. The rewards God will bestow on a man that is a Godly Father/Dad to his children rewards are, I am sure, unimaginable. SO DO ME A FAVOR, WILL YA? CALL ME THE F WORD PLEASE!!!

I love you Jacob, Jessica and Mireya thank you for all the grace you have shown me. Be strong and courageous you will need to be in the world that is waiting for you.

Chino Hills Files Lawsuit Over Tres Hermanos Decision

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Tres Hermanos is a small cattle ranch had at one-time been the private hunting grounds for generations of wealthy Los Angeles scions, including the late Los Angeles Times Publisher Harry Chandler. The land was purchased by City of Industry’s Industry redevelopment agency in 1978, before the state shut down such entities and put the land up for sale. When the state shut down redevelopment agencies like the city’s that bought the ranch in 1978 it put the property up for sale. City Of Industry leaders have been trying to buy back the ranch ever since, their plan, add it to the city’s adjacent Tonner Canyon holdings and use it to build a large solar energy farm.

For over a year, City Of Industry, a city of about 200 residents spent well over $1 million on leases, reimbursement and studies to determine the cost of building a huge solar power facility. Public records show the company, San Gabriel Valley Water and Power LLC, is managed by Ambient Communities, a San Diego-based residential and commercial developer. The scope of the project had previously been unreported and caught elected officials, nearby homeowners and conservationists who have been monitoring similar proposals for the Ranch off guard.

The latest in this 40 year saga, The City of Chino Hills will file a lawsuit against the City of Industry over its purchase of Tres Hermanos Ranch. The oversight board governing the sale of the land, the State Department of Finance, and the agency that replaced the Industry redevelopment agency .The City of Industry has been less than forthcoming with its intentions, Chino Hills City staff had to file multiple public records requests just to be able analyze thousands of pages before they uncovered proposal documents for a 444-watt solar farm.

The oversight board, a state-created panel, was given the task of selling off Tres Hermanos Ranch temporarily stopped meeting on the issue when they discovered that the City of Industry had been working on a multimillion-dollar solar farm on more than 2000 acres of the undeveloped ranch. The panel members stated that they could consider other offers that are submitted when they resume the meetings. Housing development builders, Contra GH America and Hoffman reportedly both had an offer on the table of approximately $100 million at the time the panel stopped meeting.

It seemed like a lot of fuss over a relatively small ranch especially land that the City of Industry has now purchased not only once but twice.

When the panel reconvened the meetings the only offer left on the table was the City of Industry’s for $41.65 million less than half of the other offers. The other two developers mysteriously dropped out of the bidding and Industry’s offer, being the highest bidder, was accepted. The difference in the price that Chino Hills and Diamond Bar had thought the land would sell for was now cut by nearly 60%. They cities could lose millions on just the sales tax on the purchase alone. That is to say nothing of the amount of property tax revenue will be lost if homes are not built on it.

Developers interested in buying the land had proposed as many as 10,000 homes. Chino Hills’ general plan would allow a maximum of 675 houses, and Diamond Bar’s general plan would allow about 500 homes maximum, that would be a total of 1,175 homes in the two cities combined. Jim Gallagher, a spokesman for the grass-roots group Save Tres Hermanos Ranch said “the residents I have talked to have almost all said they don’t want more homes built in the area”.  “Senator Josh Newman D-Brea, 29 district, who is the chair for Save Coyote Hills in Fullerton is helping us with this situation as well”. “He has brokered a couple of meetings between Chino Hills and Diamond Bar. He has one scheduled with the City of Industry.”

“I did some research and a 2015 report shows it takes 4 acres of land to produce 1 megawatt of solar power for crystal panels and 6 acres if thin film panels are used for the project”. Paul Phillips the city manager of City of Industry “assured me that the pan for the Solar farm was for 1000-1500 acres only and the rest open spaces”.“I don’t have the exact math in front of me right now but it is a lot more than that”. “I am all for green energy and if Industry can use less panels and make it unobtrusive we are all in; but the numbers aren’t adding up. “The residents think that it will look like the solar mirror farm in Las Vegas” said Gallagher. “That is the picture both cities, Chino Hills and Diamond Bar are painting for them for obvious monetary reasons.

Gallagher said that “he feels one of the motivators for the lawsuit was the lack of transparency from Industry about the solar farm”. “I don’t think the City of Industry was required to inform anybody what they might do with the land if it was their land until the purchase was made” said Gallagher. When Industry won the bid they submitted the proposal with their research that is what was legally required. “The only thing that the lawsuit does for “Save Tres Hermanos” is it may slow down the lawsuit some and that would us more time to fight”.

That is a big chunk of change to both Diamond Bar and Chino Hills on the taxes of the sale the cities will be losing. Then there are the property taxes that both cities would lose annually if no houses get built within their city limits. In the end it is all about the money in this situation.

Steps to Save Energy in Your Home

By StatePoint

Reducing your energy use at home is a win-win for your wallet and the planet. Not only can it save you money on your bills now, but it could also improve your home’s resale value, if you know which steps to take.

These simple tips can help.

 

Form Smart Habits

Energy smart habits can help you save a great deal of energy. Be sure to unplug any battery chargers or power adapters when they are not in use and always turn off the lights when leaving a room.

In the kitchen, be sure to keep a clutter-free fridge for better efficiency. Also, don’t hem and haw over what to eat while the refrigerator door is open.

When cooking, cover pots and pans to keep the heat in and the kitchen cool.

 

Make Smart Swap Outs

Many electronics continue to use energy even when they are switched off, however, you may wish to switch to ENERGY STAR certified alternatives, which are designed to conserve this energy usage, while still maintaining functions like clock displays, channel settings and remote control functions. Also, seek out the ENERGY STAR certified label when shopping for appliances like washers, dryers and refrigerators.

Replacing incandescent light bulbs with compact fluorescent light bulbs is simple, easy and effective. You can save up to $70 in annual energy costs by replacing your 5 most frequently used light bulbs or fixtures with ENERGY STAR certified ones.

 

Seal Up Drafts

Weather stripping, caulking and other simple measures, like closing the flue damper of your fireplace when it’s not in use, can go a long way towards keeping you more comfortable in all types of weather, and improving your home’s energy efficiency.

 

Know Your Score

Another great step to save energy is to measure your home’s energy efficiency with a Home Energy Rating System (HERS) Index Score from the Residential Energy Services Network (RESNET), a non-profit standards-making body for building energy efficiency rating and certification systems.

More than 2 million homes across the country have a HERS Index Score, which tells homeowners and prospective buyers how their homes compare to other similar ones in terms of energy usage. Think of it as the home industry’s version of the MPG (miles per gallon) rating that you find in the auto industry. The lower a home score, the higher its efficiency.

“Knowing your score can help you evaluate where to make changes to your home, from sealing leaks in your heating and cooling distribution system to updating your roof in order to be more energy efficient,” says Steve Baden, executive director of RESNET.

To learn more and for more energy efficiency tips, visit resnet.us.

Reducing your carbon footprint is not about self-sacrifice. Common sense tips can help you improve your energy efficiency while making your home a more comfortable place to reside.

Visit My Booth at the Walnut Family Festival

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

Can you believe fall is here and we are getting ready for Halloween?  One of my favorite things about this time of year is the Walnut Family Festival.  This year I will not only have a booth but Midnight the therapy dog and myself will be in the parade.  The date of the parade and festival is Saturday October 7th.  The festival is located at Suzanne Park and there are all kinds of wonderful things to do, buy, eat and it’s a great opportunity to just see some old friends. The parade starts at 9:30 am until eleven and the festival continues on until 5 pm.

I always run into people that I haven’t see for years.  I will have flyers regarding my free support groups and copies of my self-help book entitled Live Heal and Grow (A common sense guide to life) and my latest book, Midnight the Therapy Dog for sale.  I will be happy to sign each book purchased.  It’s a great opportunity to come on by and just chat about what’s going on in your life and get some support.  If you prefer the support of a furry friend Midnight the certified therapy dog will be at the booth part of the day as well.

The festival is lots of fun and has tons of free information for you and your family.  Over the years many of you have e-mailed me or called and left me messages about my column, I hope you’ll stop by my booth and introduce yourselves.  I’m always amazed about how many nice people I meet at this event.  It makes me feel proud to be part of such a wonderful community.  I love seeing all the families and all the dogs that come out to this event.  I hope you’ll come out and join the celebration!!!!!

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 feel free to contact her 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.

Local Victims Identified After Las Vegas Shooting

Staff Reports

Police Officials states that on October 1st, Stephen Paddlock, 64, opened fire on a crowd of more than 22,000 concertgoers from his hotel room on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Hotel. At least 59 people were killed during the La Vegas shooting and more than 500 have been injured. Members of the local community were among those killed, injured, or witnessed the horrific event.

Rocio Guillen

Eastvale resident, Rocio Guillen, was killed during the shooting. Guillen had four children and was engaged to Chris Jaksha.  Reports also state she recently had a baby.

Three GoFundMe accounts have been setup for Rocio’s families. The first account was setup Rocio’s oldest son, with the help of his aunt.  An updated description on the GoFundMe page stated that the funds will go towards Rocio’s funeral service and be given to all four of her children.  Here is the link to this account: https://www.gofundme.com/support-for-marcus-chris. A second GoFundMe account was created by longtime family friends of Rocio’s fiancé. The funds will be given to Rocio’s fiancé and all four children: https://www.gofundme.com/4irnbc8. The last GoFundMe account was setup by Rocio’s cousin, Valerie, to help pay for funeral costs: https://www.gofundme.com/rocio-guillen-rocha. All three GoFundMe accounts have been confirmed to be legitimate.

Family friend, Rebecca Prunk McNeal, is also collecting donations for Rocio’s two infant children: a 18 month-old and a 2 months-old.  She requested community members drop off wipes, Enfamil Gentleease formula, applesauce or fruit type pouches, juice boxes, or toddler type bars and yogurt melts (non-perishable items) or Target, Walmart and grocery gift cards. A Facebook post stated they had quite a few diapers donated.

The donations can be dropped off at the following locations:

  • Chino Hills North drop off location: 3393 Tupelo St. Chino Hills
  • Chino Hills South drop off location: 16656 Longacre Ave Chino Hills
  • Eastvale location: 13862 Almond Grove Ct. Eastvale 92880

Chris Roybal

It was reported that a United States military veteran who lived in Corona was also killed.  Chris Roybal, 28, previously served in Afghanistan and attended the concert to celebrate his 29th birthday.  However, he was one of the 59 people who were killed during the event. A friend of Chris’ setup this GoFundMe account for funeral costs: https://www.gofundme.com/chris-roybal-family-relief-fund. This account has been confirmed as legitimate.

Austin Davis

 

Another young man also lost his life at the concert. Austin Davis, 29, was loved by many. His mom is a staff member at Eleanor Roosevelt High School.  Staff members of ERHS setup the following GoFundMe account for his memorial: https://www.gofundme.com/austin-davis-memorial-fund.  This account has been confirmed as legitimate.

 

Brad Powers

Among those who were injured was San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s employee Sergeant Brad Powers.  He is a “19-year veteran, assigned to the Fontana Station,” stated Sheriff John McMahon. “He is currently in critical but stable condition, being treated at a Las Vegas area hospital. I want to thank everyone who came to Brad’s aid. Please keep him and his family in your thoughts and prayers,” continued McMahon. This GoFundMe account was setup by a family friend: https://www.gofundme.com/powers-assitance-fund. This account has not been confirmed as of yet.

 

 

 

Michael, Summer and their baby girl

Ontario Police Officer and former Eastvale resident, Michael Gracia, was shot in the head, but miraculously survived.  He was taken to surgery, along with his girlfriend and mother of his child, Summer. They recently had a daughter together. A recent report states that Michael and Summer have been released from the hospital and Michael was transported to a rehabilitation center for additional treatment.  A GoFundMe account was created by a friend who is raising money for medical bills and general bills: https://www.gofundme.com/michael-gracia-and-summer. This account has been confirmed as legitimate.

 

 

Rick Uribe and his wife

Rick Uribe of Chino was also injured: shot twice in the stomach on the right and left side. An update stated he is currently on a breathing machine to help stabilize his body but will hopefully be removed in the next 24 hours, starting his long road to recovery. This GoFundMe account was setup by Rick’s daughter to help pay for bills as her dad recovers: https://www.gofundme.com/x8yht-ricks-road-to-recovery. This account has been confirmed as legitimate.

Jason McMillian is another local resident that was shot.  He is a Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputy, a father, and a fiancé. Jason and his fiancé Fiorella were both injured but are improving. Jason has a long recovery ahead so a GoFundMe was setup to cover the costs of his medical bills: https://www.gofundme.com/jason-mcmillan  This account has been confirmed as legitimate.

Rocky Palermo, of Diamond Bar, was shot in the back at the festival. Since doctors thought surgery would be too risky, he has to live with shrapnel in his back forever.  He was recently released from the hospital and a GoFundMe account was setup to help with medical expenses not covered by insurance: https://www.gofundme.com/rocky-palermo-medical-fund. This account has been confirmed as legitimate.

Many local members of the community attended the event but thankfully, weren’t physically harmed.

Eastvale resident, Brittany Calderon, described her experience at the concert: “I was there listening to Jason Aldean. About 4 songs in, we heard noise that sounded like fireworks. We thought nothing of it, so the show went on and everyone stayed calm. A few seconds later, we heard the noise again and this time we knew they were gunshots. We ran as fast as we could to the nearest exit. There was a mob of hundreds of people running for their lives while the gunshots were going nonstop. My friend and I found a “safe spot” across the street behind a big rig and as we as well as maybe 15 others thought we were safe, we heard more gunshots and they sounded really close to us so we ran and ran and ran. I don’t recall everything, but I jumped a fence, hid in an apartment complex, in a construction that was pitch black, a mob of us broke through a glass door, then ran to the Hooters Hotel. We all hid in their restaurant where I came across a young woman who had been shot on her arm and leg. (She was literally right next to me.) During this whole incident I had been so calm, up until I got into Hooters. I absolutely lost it. That was when I decided to call my mom to tell her what was happening. Someway somehow, we got out of the hotel and had a random man give us and as two others a ride away from the strip.”

Calderon describes how she felt when she returned home, “No injuries at all, just very mentally traumatized at the moment. This event was absolute devastating. I did not think I was going to make it but here I am.”

Pastor Mark Lee of VantagePoint Church shares the experience that Eastvale resident, Adam De Corte had.  De Corte is the church’s Pastor of Hospitality and he said, “We didn’t know what was going on. All we heard was pop, pop, pop until finally we realized that it wasn’t fireworks. People were dying. It’s one thing to talk or read of evil. It was something completely different to be caught right in the middle of it. I didn’t know what to do.” Lee’s Facebook post continued as he talked about the three things he can do for Las Vegas: pray for those involved, refuse to lose hope, and fight evil with good.

Local resident, Jana Elizabeth, wanted to help the community members affected by this tragedy.  She is a Marriage and Family Therapist specializing in grief and loss counseling and posted the following message on various Eastvale Facebook groups: “I would like to offer my services pro bono for up to four sessions to anyone who has been affected by the incidents in Las Vegas. I can be contacted at 909-248-3671. Prayers to all those affected by this heinous crime.”

Avery Centre Counseling group also offered free counseling group sessions via Eastvale Facebook groups. “Free group sessions the rest of the week to help those affected by this tragedy. Please contact http://www.averycentre.com or on Facebook: The Avery Centre. 909-597-2226. We’re here for you!”

An Eastvale Candlelight Vigil will also take place for Las Vegas Victims on Thursday, October 5, 2017 at 7:30 p.m. The vigil will be held in the Eleanor Roosevelt High School front parking lot to honor those impacted by this tragic event.

“This is a tremendous loss for our community,” Mayor Joe Tessari said about the event in a recent statement. “I think all of us are aware of someone in the city who was either taken from us, injured or present when this horrific crime occurred. It’s time for us to, again, give our love and support to those who have been directly affected by this tragedy.” Tessari continued by saying “one of the characteristics I love most about Eastvale is how we come together to lift up members of our community in times of crisis.”

Italian Ciabatta Cheeseburgers

with Mozzarella, Onion and Balsamic Greens

 

By Hello Fresh

Cooking Time: 30 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 830 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Red Onion- 1
  • Garlic- 1/2 tsp
  • Tomato Paste- 1 tbsp
  • Balsamic Vinegar- 2 tbsp
  • Ground Beef- 20 oz.
  • Mozzarella Cheese- 1 cup
  • Ciabatta Bread- 4
  • Heirloom Grape Tomatoes- 8 oz.
  • Spring Mix Lettuce- 4 oz.
  • Dried Cranberries- 2 oz.

1  PREHAEAT OVEN AND COOK ONION.    Wash and dry all produce. Preheat oven or toaster oven to 400 degrees. Halve, peel, and thinly slice onion. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add onion and 2 tsp sugar. Cook, tossing, until browned, 6-8 minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from pan and set aside.

 

2  MAKE VINAIGRETTE.    While onion cooks, mince or grate garlic until you have ½ tsp. In a large bowl, whisk together 1 TBSP tomato paste, 2 TBSP balsamic vinegar, 2 TBSP olive oil, and as much minced garlic as you like (we sent more tomato paste and vinegar than needed). Season with salt and pepper.

 

3 COOK BURGERS.       Wipe out pan used for onion, then heat a large drizzle of olive oil in it over medium-high heat. Shape beef into 4 patties. Season all over with salt and pepper. Add to pan and cook until just shy of desired doneness, 2-4 minutes per side. Sprinkle mozzarella on top of each. Cover pan and continue cooking until cheese melts, about 1 minute more.

 

4  TOAST BREAD AND PREP.       While burgers cook, split ciabatta in half. Toast in oven or toaster oven until golden, 3-5 minutes (place them on a baking sheet first if toasting in oven). Halve tomatoes lengthwise.

 

5  TOSS SALAD.   Add lettuce, tomatoes, and cranberries to bowl with vinaigrette and toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper.

 

6  ASSEMBLE AND SERVE.      Fill ciabattas with burgers, onion and a small amount of salad. Divide between plates and serve with remaining salad on the side.

Diamond Bar Restaurant Week

By Mireya De La Paz

 

Diamond Bar – Local, already delicious Diamond Bar restaurants will showcase their cuisine and attract new patrons when the City holds its second annual Diamond Bar Restaurant Week (DBRW). Last year’s overwhelming response led the City to continue the annual feast.  Beginning next week,  (October 6th through the 20th) local restaurants will entice your taste buds into trying their delicious foods. The event attracts people from surrounding areas and restaurants from all over the city get the chance to show off their new and most popular dishes.

Enjoy the special breakfast, lunch and dinner deals that the restaurants will be offering, but the catch is each place will be holding unique deals. So relax and enjoy “no dishes to do” or “no trash to dump for the day.” There will also be exclusive one time only deals, well at least until next year. Here’s how you can get in on this year’s deals:  There are no advance tickets or coupons to purchase.  Just walk into your favorite participating restaurant and order the “Diamond Bar Restaurant Week Special”. Or if you are the adventurous type, take advantage of the discounts and try out a new restaurant.

This is also a huge opportunity for restaurant owners to bring some new guests into your business. If you would like to participate, the signup fee is $100 that is used towards marketing and advertising efforts. This includes a dedicated website; streetlight pole banners, advertisements in local newspapers, magazines and bus shelters. Promotional materials include posters, window materials and giveaways. To sign up all you need to do is go to http://www.dbrestaurant week.com and click the “Register” button in the top right corner.  Upon signing up, restaurant names are added to the DBRW website and listed on all applicable promotional materials and advertisements.

Aimed at celebrating the diverse dining options that are available within the city limits, DBRW is co-sponsored by the City of Diamond Bar as well as the Regional Chamber of Commerce- San Gabriel Valley. The following restaurants are confirmed participants and will be offering exclusive deals during DBRW: B.R.B. “Bento Rolls Bowls”, Blue Sky Café, Chili’s Grill & Bar, Curry India Bistro, Cuisine of India, Dilliwalla Indian Kitchen, Encore Teppan, It’s a Grind Coffee House, King Bap, Mandarin Taste, Mr. G’s Pizzeria & Pasta, Old Chengdu, Paper Pot Shabu, Peacock Gardens Cuisine of India & Banquet Hall, Round Table Pizza, Snowy Village Korean Dessert Café, The Attic Restaurant and Playground, The Whole Enchilada.

For more information go to www.dbrestaurantweek.com.

A Special Birthday- Part 2

By Mark Hopper

 

The idea of starting a new church in Diamond Bar was the dream of a man named Wally Norling. He was the District Superintendent of the Evangelical Free Church in Southern California.  He loved to plant new churches in new communities that were popping up all over Southern California 50 years ago. Wally personally approached a few families and individuals and challenged them to start a church in Diamond Bar.  Two families already lived in Diamond Bar, another family lived in Rowland Hiehgts and another in La Habra Heights.  They did not have the backing or support of any other church.  They were on their own. This small group of people accepted the challenge and set out to start a new Evangelical Free Church in Diamond Bar.   In my previous article I shared about how this small group grew during the following decade under the leadership of several pastors including Pastor Scott Owsley and Pastor Steve Campbell. They met in a number of different locations until they were given the property on Diamond Bar Blvd by a generous contractor in 1980.  The first building was completed in 1983.

 

Pastor Steve Campbell continued to lead the church until 1987.  Steve and his wife Peggy faithfully served at the church for over 10 years.  In 1988, the church invited my wife and I to come from Arizona to serve as the next Pastor of Diamond Bar Efree Church.  It was a new adventure to leave our roots in Arizona and move with our four kids to Diamond Bar, California. As the church continued to grow, we lacked adequate classroom space for the children of young families.  One solution was to rent the Peppertree Preschool around the corner on Brea Canyon Road to help meet this pressing need.  We also launched a new building campaign to construct an education building on our property.  Instead of borrowing money, we decided to build “pay-as-you-go”.  We were amazed at the generosity of people in our church and the many unexpected gifts that enabled us to complete this project debt free in 1991.

Not only did the new two-story education building provide additional classroom space, it also enabled us to open a Preschool.  Mrs. Jean Thornton agreed to serve as the first preschool director and opened the school in 1991 with about 15 students.  The preschool eventually grew to three classes and over 50 children meeting five days a week from 8:30 AM – noon.

 

During the 1990’s, our church began to send out short-term mission teams to serve alongside missionaries around the world.  Our first two-week team went to Guatemala to help construct a school building in 1992. In the following years, we also sent teams across the border to help build homes in Mexico.  Other teams went to Russia, Romania, Kenya, Korea and other countries to serve in various kinds of ministries. As our church continued to grow in the 90’s, we realized we needed more classroom space.  The Hughes Aircraft Comapny was closing a plant in Fullerton and offered some of their portable modular units to non-profit groups for one dollar each.  However, we did have to pay to have these units moved and for the clean up of the old site and for set up on our property.   We remodeled these large modular buildings into four large classrooms on our property.

 

Near the end of the 90’s we knew we needed a larger worship center and more classrooms.  In 1998, we broke ground on the largest building on our site – the Familiy Worship Center.  During the next eighteen months, the campus looked like a war zone.  The building site was surrounded by fences and piles of dirt and mud.  Equipment and building material covered our property. We had record rain fall in 1999 which slowed the work and delayed completion.  But, on Easter Sunday, 2000, the new worship center was finished and ready for use.  It was a day to remember!  Did I mention that underneath the worship center there is a lower level with eight large classrooms and additional restrooms.  (This allowed us to donate the modular units to a church in Rowland Heights). The Worship Center also has a large elevator that provides access to all the levels of the Worship Center and the Education building.

There are more stories to tell about the life of our church.  I hope to share more of our history in my next article.  Let me again invite you to come to our 50th birthday party on Saturday, October 21st.  There will free food and a variety of activities on our campus starting at 1:00 PM and the main event will be from 4:30 – 6:00 PM in the Worship Center.  We hope you will come!

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