Category Archives: The Weekly News

C.J. Morris Elementary Collects Supplies For Hurricane Victims

By WVUSD

WALNUT, CA—After watching news coverage of the devastating floods caused by Hurricane Harvey last week, C.J. Morris Elementary has stepped up to the plate to help victims in Texas.

The school’s leadership group quickly teamed up with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim who will be sending a truck with supplies on September 7.

Fourth grader Malia McBride and fifth grader Sofia Rodriguez recorded a message sent to parents Friday detailing a two-day collection drive of items including diapers, tooth brushes, batteries, flashlights, and cleaning supplies.

“We knew we had to do something,” shared Principal Shehzad Bhojani, following up with his own reminder message after the Labor Day weekend.

“Tomorrow is the last day to send supplies, let’s show Texas how much we care!” he said.

The group of ten student leaders collected donations in three boxes before school on Tuesday and Wednesday in front of the Walnut campus.

“Everyone was so generous, there were piles of supplies!” exclaimed McBride.

“The donations just kept coming! We had a mountain of toothpaste and toothbrushes,” said 4th grader Kailyn Park.

“The boxes were literally overflowing,” said added 5th grader Izabella Robles who said the students made several trips to the school’s Annex to empty the boxes each morning.

“I hope these donations will help them get their life back on track,” she added.

Along with the supplies, the school wanted to send something special to lift the spirits of the children in Houston.

Children in every classroom, over 500 in total, colored rainbow cards and wrote personal words of encouragement.

“I send you all my hopes, wishes, and prayers. Don’t worry everything will turn out fine because I’m sure the water will dry up,” Rodriguez penned.

“God is with you,” wrote Jasmine Torres.

The last step was attaching a bag of Skittles candy to each card that read: After every storm comes a rainbow. Sending all our love to Texas.

Teachers Carole Meade, Monica Power, and counselor Lorena Chavez advise the 4th and 5th grade leadership group.

“We are overwhelmed, truly, by our generous C.J. Morris community,” said Mead after receiving the final donations Wednesday.

“They were walking up with just bags and bags!”

Omega 3 Fish Oil + Strength Training Improves Immune Function For Women

By: Starkie Sowers

A recent study done in Brazil at Parana Federal University and Pequeno Principe Research Institute included 45 females (average age 64 yrs.). The study compared Omega 3 fatty acids, versus omega 3 fatty acids and exercise. Including the exercise seemed to enhance the ‘aging’ immune system. It is well noted that the immune system in later years changes or morphs into a less efficient immune system. This makes the elderly more susceptible to infection, autoimmune, chronic and or malignant diseases. Physical activity and diet have been shown to have a moderating effect on immune function. Excessive exercise has been shown to increase inflammation while moderate exercise increases T-cells immune response.

This study had three groups; the first group had no exercise and used supplemental omega 3 fatty acids 2 grams a day for 90 days. Group 2 used the same 2 g. a day coupled with strength training exercises, and finally the last group used 2 g. of fish oil for 60 days with no exercise then followed with another 90 days of 2 g. of fish oil and strength training. All strength training was three days a week.

Various immune parameters were assayed before the supplementation test as well as before and after training. Results showed improved immune function for all fish groups. It showed increasing activity of neutrophils (white blood cells), CD-4 and CD-8 lymphocytes which fight infection and the production of cytokines. Production of cytokines IL-2 and IFN-g., small proteins that fight infection, increased after supplementation by 80% of IL-2, and 60% of IFN-g. Also there was an increase by 85% and 88% respectively with the supplementation and exercise groups.

Strength training with supplementation out shined the supplementation alone group. While these results were very favorable larger groups and further screening is needed to confirm the results. Diet assessment was recorded with a diary, and the authors noted no changes in diet.

 

Cherish The Moment

By Sarah Sanchez

In today’s society, doing things “faster” is always promoted. The latest phone is faster; Google Maps gives us the fastest route; the latest hard-drive is faster than the one befo’re; “get cash fast” emails are constantly sent; we want the weekend to come by faster; we want to know the quickest way to get promoted; we want work/school to end sooner, and on and on.  Basically, we are being told that faster is better.

We are so used to this lifestyle, that we don’t even realize how fast time is really going by. After my niece was born and I was an aunt for the first time in my life, I said, “I can’t wait until she gets older so I can play with her and watch her personality develop.” But now that she’s two and a half, I wish time would slow down. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing, and now I just want her to stop so I can enjoy her at this age. But I remember my first wish was that I wanted her to grow. Do you see the contradictions that we all come across in day to day life?

Society will always tell us to go faster, but I think we just need to take some time away from what society says – away from the busy routines – and just slow down to enjoy what’s happening in front of us.

When my husband and I celebrated our first wedding anniversary, we went on a cruise to Ensenada.  Here, we didn’t have cell phone reception or WIFI. We spent the weekend without phones and without social media. We spent this time talking with each other and enjoying each other’s company. When we came back, we had a new spark in our relationship, which we didn’t even know we needed.

My husband said that before we left, we were too caught up in our routine: work, dinner, sleep, and repeat. We were too caught up and focused on the future: house, future family, careers, etc. We needed time away from the world in order to gain a new perspective. We needed to slow down and appreciate the time we had with each other in the moment.

You may not have an opportunity to take a vacation, but you always have the opportunity to change your perspective. Instead of looking forward to tomorrow, take a moment to appreciate today. Stop, put the phone down, take a look around at your life and your loved ones, and enjoy the time right now. Then, cherish that moment, for these are the moments that make life worth living.

26 Year Old Substitute Teacher Arrested for Sex With A Minor

DATE/TIME: September 2, 2017/ 7:35 p.m. INCIDENT: PC 289(a)(1)(c) Digital Penetration With A Foreign Object On A Minor; PC 288(a)(c) Oral Copulation With A Minor 14-Years

LOCATION: Several locations within the City of Yucaipa

SUSPECT(S): Trevor Jack Trathen, WMA, 26 years of age, resident of Yucaipa

VICTIM(S): Confidential Female Minor

 

On Thursday, August 31, 2017, staff at the Yucaipa High School became aware of allegations regarding a student who had an inappropriate relationship with an employee of Yucaipa-Calimesa joint unified school district. The school immediately reported the allegations to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Yucaipa Station and to San Bernardino County Children and Family Services. Detectives at the Yucaipa Station contacted the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division – Crimes Against Children Detail (CACD) for assistance. Detectives immediately launched an investigation, gathered evidence, and conducted numerous interviews. Detectives learned Trathen had participated in illegal sexual conduct with the victim in February and March of 2014. At the time, Trathen was a coach at the Yucaipa High School and met the victim while she was a student at the school. Trathen was a substitute teacher at the Yucaipa High School at the time of this investigation; however he has been removed from the Yucaipa/Calimesa School District Substitute System.

Trathen was arrested on September 2, 2017, at about 12:02 a.m. and booked at the Sheriff’s Central Detention Center for oral copulation with a minor and penetration with a foreign object on a minor. The victim in this case was 14 years old at the time the alleged crime took place. Trathen is being held in lieu of $200,000 bail. Trathen’s booking photo will be released in the event there are additional victims or witnesses. If you have any information in reference here is the contact information.

Refer: Detective Josette Tracy or Sergeant Dana Foster

Station: Specialized Investigation Division – Crimes Against Children Detail

Phone No. 909-387-3615

Case No. 601700102

 

Make Your Backyard Extreme

Extreme Backyard Designs can be reached at 909.930.6111 or online at http://www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

By Michael Armijo

 

Companies come and go, so longevity is key when you’re modifying your home, both inside and out. Extreme Backyard Designs is a testimony of longevity as their family run business has been designing outdoor entertainment centers with name brand components for over 20 years.

“A key component to staying in business so long is to treat people the way we would want ourselves to be treated,” said James Deeley, founder of the family business. With so many years in business, you not only get quality products, you also gets years of experience of getting things done correctly and creatively.

Extreme Backyard Designs can provide custom Barbeque islands, outdoor fireplaces, fire pit tables, spas, patio furniture, and many other items all wholesale to the public.

“We are college and trade school educated and enjoy the interaction and satisfaction of transforming backyards into a family’s personal oasis,” Deeley said. “Since we buy at such a large volume, we always have monthly specials on our website.”

The Extreme Backyard Designs staff are the most knowledgeable and friendly people in the area, as they are centrally located on the corner of the 60 Freeway and Vineyard, right across from the newest Kaiser building.

“We believe what makes a business thrive is to provide the best quality components, a superior level of customer service, while providing an affordable price,” Deeley said.

Serving all of Southern California, Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave in our neighboring city of Ontario. They can be reached at 909.930.6111, or you can view their website at http://www.extremebackyarddesigns.com

 

Balanced Parenting

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

 

Our children are one of the few things in our lives that don’t come with a manual and definitely can’t be returned.  Parenting is the most important job you will have in this world.  I work with many parents trying to teach them how to be balanced and more effective.  Balance is hard because parents don’t want to be too laid back yet don’t want to police their children either.

In college in my child development classes, I learned that children actually crave fair and consistent rules and boundaries within a loving and nurturing environment.  This sure sounds simple enough but takes an incredible amount of hard work.  An environment too strict or not strict enough can produce a child, teen, or young adult with many issues.  There must be room for compromise when you are parenting fair and effectively.  Consequences for behaviors that are not permissible or rude or defiant must be put in place every time those behaviors are shown. On the other hand rewards should be used consistently for behaviors that are positive.  Consistent consequences will help to extinguish negative behaviors, while consistent rewards will help to increase positive behaviors.  Also remember to team parent and to not negate each others parenting, as this tends to cause the young person to learn manipulation as a means to get what they want.

Many people trying to be good parents and working to build strong families need to work on how to listen.  We need to teach and model this skill to everybody in our family.  Don’t get caught up in the same conversation over and over and expect different results.  Take the time to teach everybody in your family effective communication skills.  Also insist that mutual respect must be shown to everybody in the family.  Once you allow your children or anybody to disrespect you are telling them that this is an okay way to behave. Remember you only get one chance to be great parents!!!!!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

The Legality of Digging Through Trash

Photo courtesy: Google images

By Anthony Chan

Taking out the trash is an everyday task that most people never even think about. On trash day, trash cans are placed on the curb for trash collection, but sometimes collection isn’t done by Waste Management or the local trash collection agency. Sometimes people go “dumpster diving,” scavenging in waste bins for recyclables and edible food.

The controversy over digging through resident’s trash comes from concerns about privacy, legality, and the threat of identity theft. State law prohibits anyone from taking trash from trash cans, as only the owners of the trash and authorized refuse collectors are authorized to take it.

Laws governing the ownership of trash are generally not enforced, because the harm caused by dumpster diving is comparatively miniscule in relation to the harm caused by other crimes. Why should cops stop dumpster divers from taking trash when there are violent criminals that need to be apprehended?

Some residents are upset about the lack of enforcement for dumpster diving misdemeanors, because they believe that searching through other people’s property – abandoned or not – is an invasion of privacy. Furthermore, allowing dumpster divers to freely go through neighborhood trash exposes people to identity theft.

Although state and local laws prohibit dumpster diving, waste bins and the refuse left for collection is not given the same 4th amendment protections against unlawful searches and seizure. In California vs. Greenwood, the Supreme Court ruled that, “what a person knowingly exposes to the public, even in his own home or office, is not a subject of 4th Amendment protection,” and that nothing compels the extension of Constitutional protection to trash cans placed adjacent to or on a public thoroughfare.

People who sympathize with dumpster divers say that they are poor people who are struggling to feed their families and that dumpster diving does nothing to harm anyone. Because no one is harmed in reclaiming would-be trash, there is no reason to prevent dumpster diving.

The trash that ends up in waste bins set out on the curb every week are legally property of the contracted waste collection agencies, because reclaimed recyclables are used to offset collection costs for local governments. Dumpster diving may seem harmless on first look, but it harms the companies who collect, sort, and dispose of trash.

As of now, dumpster divers can rejoice in collecting free recyclables and discarded but perfectly edible food. Law enforcement has better things to do.

 

Chino PD Partners with State Police, Sheriff, and California Highway Patrol in Effort to Stop Impaired Driving

By Anthony Chan

Chino – Chino Police Department is escalating enforcement efforts to stop impaired driving. In a traffic safety fact sheet released by the NHTSA, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, there were 4,976 motorcyclists killed and 22,441 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2015 compared with 4,494 motorcyclists killed and 21,050 passenger vehicle occupants killed in 2014, an 8% and 6% increase respectively.

As traffic related deaths increase, Chino Police Department remains determined to save lives through a combination of increased nationwide and statewide messages on the dangers of driving under the influence from the national enforcement campaign Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over and increased enforcement with more officers on the road.

Part of the increased enforcement effort is the deployment of a specialized DUI Enforcement Team that will conduct DUI saturation patrols in areas with high frequencies of DUI collisions and/or arrests on Sept. 8 to 10, from 6 pm to 3 am. “During this period, local law enforcement will show zero tolerance for alcohol or drug impaired riding,” according to an article released by the City of Chino.

The goal of these increased enforcement efforts is to “drastically reduce death and injuries on our nation’s roadways” and “drastically reduce impaired driving for both rider and drivers in our community’s roadways,” says the City of Chino.

In the past year, Chino Police Department has hired more police officers to help with DUI enforcement and other law enforcement efforts. Chino Police has increased the police force from 42 officers in 2016 to 51 officers in 2017.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, NHTSA, started its Ride Sober or Get Pulled Over ad campaign to stop drunk driving in 2012. It’s TV ad emphasized police officers’ uncanny ability to sense drunk drivers without being seen.

Please report drunk drivers by calling 9-1-1.

The Solar Eclipse: Part 2

By Mark Hopper

 

I shared in my previous article that my wife and I went to see the total Solar Eclipse in St. Joseph, Missouri, on August 21, 2017.  This was the first total solar eclipse to cross the entire USA in about 80 years.  It was exciting to be part of it.

 

As we sat down in our borrowed lawn chairs, clouds continued to linger overhead.  We knew that the one thing you don’t want on the day of a Solar Eclipse is a cloud filled sky.  We learned later that 90% of the path of the total eclipse across the United States was cloud free.  But, 10% of the path had significant cloud cover.  St. Joe, Missouri was part of the 10%!

The actual eclipse in our area of the country began around noon.  We could see the moon begin to cover part of the sun.  It looked like someone had taken a bite out of the top edge of the sun.  We were able to view this through the high clouds with our special sun glasses.  You could sense the excitement build among the 20,000 people at our location as the eclipse slowly increased.

However, we noticed a band of dark rain clouds heading our way.  The clouds quickly blocked our view of the progress of the eclipse.  The light drizzle turned into heavy rain.  People jumped into their cars hoping for the rain to pass through quickly.  The eclipse was progressing but our view was blocked by the dark clouds.

We had come half way across the country to witness this historic event, but at the very moment of the eclipse, we were in a rain storm!  Finally, when the rain storm passed our location, it was at the height of the eclipse.  We could see parts of the sun directly overhead through the remaining high clouds.  We could see the silvery edge of the sun’s light as the eclipse reached totality.

We really didn’t get to see the total eclipse clearly, but we did experience the black darkness as the shadow of the moon swept across the land.  It was an strange sensation as the day turned to night!  We could see day light on the horizon but we stood in black darkness.  I have read that you can see stars in the middle of the day when the eclipse reaches totality and the sun light is completely obscured.

We did not see any stars, but we did see and feel the darkness as it covered and surrounded us on the ground.  After about 2 minutes of darkness, the sun began to reappear.  A brilliant light graced the edge of the sun as the moon began to move away and more sun light was reappeared.  Even with the high clouds obscuring part of our view, it was a remarkable sight to see.

As quickly as it began, the eclipse quickly diminished.  Two minutes of totality.  Then it was over.  But it was well worth it.  I have heard people say that there is nothing comparable to witnessing a total solar eclipse.  I agree.  It was amazing to see and experience.  I’m glad that we flew across the country to see this unique event.  It was amazing even with our reduced visibility.

One of the things about an eclipse is that is predictable.  Astronomers have known for decades that this event would occur on this exact date, at the exact time in a precise path all the way across the country.  The rotation of the moon around the earth and the orbit of the earth around the sun are perfectly aligned to create a total solar eclipse.

Some would argue that all of this is the result of a Big Bang and billions of years of evolution.  Others would argue that this kind of precision could only be possible through the creative genius and power of our creator.  In the first book of the Bible, we have the account of creation.  It says in part, “Let there be lights in the sky to separate the day from the night…let them serve as signs to mark the seasons and days and years…and God saw that is was good”(Genesis 1:14).

In Psalm 19 it says, “The heavens declare the glory of God and the skies proclaim the work of His hands”.  Let me encourage you to dust off your Bible and read these passages for yourself.  You can draw your own conclusions.  And, let me also encourage you to plan see the next total eclipse in Austin, Texas in 2024!  You will be glad you did!

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 9.9.17

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: 10.9.17WeeklyVer2 (1)

History 101

September 11, 2001: Attack on America

 By History.com

At 8:45 a.m. on a clear Tuesday morning, an American Airlines Boeing 767 loaded with 20,000 gallons of jet fuel crashes into the north tower of the World Trade Center in New York City. The impact left a gaping, burning hole near the 80th floor of the 110-story skyscraper, instantly killing hundreds of people and trapping hundreds more in higher floors. As the evacuation of the tower and its twin got underway, television cameras broadcasted live images of what initially appeared to be a freak accident. Then, 18 minutes after the first plane hit, a second Boeing 767–United Airlines Flight 175–appeared out of the sky, turned sharply toward the World Trade Center, and sliced into the south tower at about the 60th floor. The collision caused a massive explosion that showered burning debris over surrounding buildings and the streets below. America was under attack.

The attackers were Islamic terrorists from Saudi Arabia and several other Arab nations. Reportedly financed by Saudi fugitive Osama bin Laden’s al Qaeda terrorist organization, they were allegedly acting in retaliation for America’s support of Israel, its involvement in the Persian Gulf War, and its continued military presence in the Middle East. Some of the terrorists had lived in the United States for more than a year and had taken flying lessons at American commercial flight schools. Others had slipped into the U.S. in the months before September 11 and acted as the “muscle” in the operation. The 19 terrorists easily smuggled box-cutters and knives through security at three East Coast airports and boarded four flights bound for California, chosen because the planes were loaded with fuel for the long transcontinental journey. Soon after takeoff, the terrorists commandeered the four planes and took the controls, transforming the ordinary commuter jets into guided missiles.

As millions watched in horror the events unfolding in New York, American Airlines Flight 77 circled over downtown Washington and slammed into the west side of the Pentagon military headquarters at 9:45 a.m. Jet fuel from the Boeing 757 caused a devastating inferno that led to a structural collapse of a portion of the giant concrete building. All told, 125 military personnel and civilians were killed in the Pentagon along with all 64 people aboard the airliner.

Less than 15 minutes after the terrorists struck the nerve center of the U.S. military, the horror in New York took a catastrophic turn for the worse when the south tower of the World Trade Center collapsed in a massive cloud of dust and smoke. The structural steel of the skyscraper, built to withstand winds in excess of 200 mph and a large conventional fire, could not withstand the tremendous heat generated by the burning jet fuel. At 10:30 a.m., the other Trade Center tower collapsed. Close to 3,000 people died in the World Trade Center and its vicinity, including a staggering 343 firefighters and paramedics, 23 New York City police officers, and 37 Port Authority police officers who were struggling to complete an evacuation of the buildings and save the office workers trapped on higher floors. Only six people in the World Trade Center towers at the time of their collapse survived. Almost 10,000 other people were treated for injuries, many severe.

Meanwhile, a fourth California-bound plane–United Flight 93–was hijacked about 40 minutes after leaving Newark International Airport in New Jersey. Because the plane had been delayed in taking off, passengers on board learned of events in New York and Washington via cell phone and Airfone calls to the ground. Knowing that the aircraft was not returning to an airport as the hijackers claimed, a group of passengers and flight attendants planned an insurrection. One of the passengers, Thomas Burnett, Jr., told his wife over the phone that “I know we’re all going to die. There’s three of us who are going to do something about it. I love you, honey.” Another passenger–Todd Beamer–was heard saying “Are you guys ready? Let’s roll” over an open line. Sandy Bradshaw, a flight attendant, called her husband and explained that she had slipped into a galley and was filling pitchers with boiling water. Her last words to him were “Everyone’s running to first class. I’ve got to go. Bye.”

The passengers fought the four hijackers and are suspected to have attacked the cockpit with a fire extinguisher. The plane then flipped over and sped toward the ground at upwards of 500 miles per hour, crashing in a rural field in western Pennsylvania at 10:10 a.m. All 45 people aboard were killed. Its intended target is not known, but theories include the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Camp David presidential retreat in Maryland, or one of several nuclear power plants along the eastern seaboard.

At 7 p.m., President George W. Bush, who had spent the day being shuttled around the country because of security concerns, returned to the White House. At 9 p.m., he delivered a televised address from the Oval Office, declaring “Terrorist attacks can shake the foundations of our biggest buildings, but they cannot touch the foundation of America. These acts shatter steel, but they cannot dent the steel of American resolve.” In a reference to the eventual U.S. military response he declared: “We will make no distinction between the terrorists who committed these acts and those who harbor them.”

Operation Enduring Freedom, the U.S.-led international effort to oust the Taliban regime in Afghanistan and destroy Osama bin Laden’s terrorist network based there, began on October 7, 2001. Bin Laden was killed during a raid of his compound in Pakistan by U.S. forces on May 2, 2011.

“Slap Tag” Vandal Arrested

Photo courtesy: Google Images
“Slap Tagging” is a new trend that makes vandalism quick and easy for taggers.

By Anthony Saude

Walnut/Diamond Bar – On August 23rd, Deputies from the Walnut / Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station arrested a 23 year old man for possession of vandalism/graffiti tools. The tools of the trade today are nothing more than a blank postal label decorated with graffiti. It is called a “slap tag” they are commonly used by taggers/graffiti artists to quickly vandalize public or private property with less of a chance of being caught. They decorate dozens of them before they hit the streets and then all they have to do is peel and stick.
A message for parents:  Above is an example of a “slap tag”. The mere possession of these items is a crime, and could land someone in jail.  The second image is an example of common “tagger” items.

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Parents, please it is important to become familiar with these items and make sure your son/daughter doesn’t have any similar items. If you do find these items please destroy them immediately and explain the dangers this can cause to your child. The fine could be the least of their worries; an encounter with an angry property owner could lead to criminal charges for either. To the taggers/graffiti artists; just think about somebody other than yourselves and go to an art gallery if you are that talented.

 

 

 

Brandon’s Gift

By Michael Armijo

As I stood in line last Thursday afternoon, I waited for my son so intently. Each parent I knew, who was waiting for their child to come to the attendance office at high school, I hugged. We didn’t need to explain why; we all just hugged.
When my son came to the office, he grabbed me. He held me like he did when he was 10. His hug told me that he loved me and appreciated me. He looked for comfort from the pain he suffered that day. His hug asked me to love him and reassure him, that he meant so much to us, as parents. He appreciated us just a little bit more and we did the same. Tragedy, right in front of his eyes, opened his perspective just a bit more.  His friend was gone, and he missed him.
Being a positive person, I have no choice but to look for good in whatever life gives me, regardless of the circumstances. Tragedy has once again struck our lives, but somehow I had to look for something good that was left.
When Brandon took his life in front of all his best friends, in the center of campus at the high school he loved, he brought us all so many gifts. He brought us so much light. That day I realized how much I loved my son, and that day so many parents loved their children more than they’ve ever imagined. That fatal day, so many of us really appreciated their weakened children. We appreciated all the things we overlook each day. The homework, the trash, their rooms, their grades, they were all irrelevant. For me, I was just happy I still had a son.
I believe that within all of our actions, regardless of the perception of others, there are gifts embedded within. My gift, from a young boy named Brandon, was to appreciate my son, to do the things that I haven’t been doing. Listen to him a little more. Appreciate him. Look at his bright spots, not his weaknesses. Enjoy his sense of humor, spend time with him alone. Love him as though it was his last day.  Because for Brandon, it was.
So, thank you Brandon, thank you for allowing me to feel my son’s grasp. Thank you for forcing me to look at my son and our relationship. Thank you for allowing me to love, and appreciate, my once little boy. Thank you for allowing other parents to hug one another with deep appreciation and love. Thank you for pushing them to love their kids just a little more. Thank you for bringing all those kids to church, because when asked why they were there on Sunday, they responded: “Because this is Brandon’s church.” The many gifts hidden within your actions have been discovered. They’ve been opened. They’ve been appreciated. We will keep them forever, because we will always, each day, open Brandon’s gift.

Facts and Myths About Germs at School

Photo courtesy: (s) Syda Productions/Stock.Adobe.com

By StatePoint

 

Everybody seems to have an opinion about germs — what causes them, where they’re located, how to avoid them — especially when it comes to children.

Experts say that American children miss 22 million days of school annually due to colds, flu and other infections.

“Avoiding germs at schools isn’t as simple as just washing your hands in the bathroom or sneezing into your sleeve,” says Charles Gerba, Ph.D., professor of microbiology and environmental sciences at the University of Arizona. “Germs are on everything kids touch in the classroom, as well as around the hallways, cafeteria and playground.”

With this in mind, it is important to separate facts from myths about germs in schools.

  • Fact: Desks Are Among the Most Germ-Prone Items. It’s true! Students spend most of the day at their desks — sneezes, coughs and all — and, in some schools, they often switch classrooms and share desks with others. At the end of the day, students bring home that cocktail of germs to their families.
  • Myth: Any Hand Sanitizer Will Do. According to research from the University of Colorado at Boulder, people carry an average of 3,200 bacteria on their hands. While most hand sanitizers are 99.9 percent effective at killing germs, some only last for a few minutes or until the application dries on the skin. Therefore, parents should consider applying hand sanitizers for their children that last throughout the day, such as Zoono’s GermFree24, which is proven to last for 24 hours on skin and is available as both a foam and a spray.
  • Fact: Germs Can Affect Kids Outside the Classroom. Germs in schools aren’t just isolated to classrooms. They are everywhere, including cafeteria trays, playground jungle gyms and sports equipment. In fact, the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found 63 percent of gym equipment is contaminated with rhinovirus, which causes the common cold. Reminding children to wash their hands before and after using these items (and wiping them down) will go a long way toward preventing sickness.
  • Myth: Sticking Things in Your Mouth is Child’s Play. Sure, curiosity might drive preschoolers to stick items in their mouths that don’t belong. However, older students who nervously chew on pen caps, especially ones they borrow from classmates, or on their own fingernails during tough tests, are susceptible to picking up the germs that are traversing through school.
  • Fact: Backpacks Carry More Than Just Books. Backpacks go everywhere — to classrooms, inside lockers, in the cafeteria, in locker rooms — and collect various germs throughout the day. Periodically clean backpacks inside and out. And make sure lunches and other food items, as well as gym clothes, are packed in separate bags to avoid cross-contamination of germs.
  • Myth: Sharing is Always Caring. Just about every school supply — from pens and pencils to headphones to sport jerseys — can be a vehicle for harmful bacteria. Make sure children are armed with their own items, including mechanical pencils to avoid using the classroom’s pencil sharpener, and avoid sharing their supplies with classmates.

 

When it comes to germs, separating myths from facts can help you have a happier, healthier school year.

WVUSD Students Experience Great American Eclipse

Celestial Celebration!

 

By WVUSD

WALNUT, CA–Wearing protective ISO glasses, 10-year-old Eli Gerhardt peered outdside his classroom window at just after 9 a.m. on Monday morning.

The Great American Eclipse was already happening.

“It looks like the moon took a bite out of the sun!” the Walnut Elementary fifth grader exclaimed as the moon began casting its shadow.

“This is amazing!”

Then, a few at a time, his classmates took turns viewing their first solar eclipse.

“I saw the sun and the moon was covering it a little,” said Chloe Lam.

“I’ve been excited to see the eclipse!” she added.

“The solar flares happen when the moon is covering the sun – there are orange flames,” explained classmate Giselle Quintanilla.

From Oregon to South Carolina, the total solar eclipse darkened skies across the continental U.S. for the first time in 99 years.

Although her class stayed inside due to safety concerns, Vejar kindergarten teacher Lisa Gomez made the “big event” memorable with crafts and fun lunar snacks including mini “Moon” pancakes, Sun Chips, and Sunny Delight.

Many classrooms also watched the historic event during a live NASA broadcast.

South Pointe Middle School received a generous donation of 300 eclipse glasses from Mt. San Antonio College.

“All our 6th,7th, and 8th graders will get a chance to see the moon pass in front of the sun this morning,” said science teacher Tom Woodward.

“We talked about safety on Friday. I told them never to look at the sun without the glasses,” he shared.

Students watched an astronomy video and took a 10-question quiz moments before going outside.

“Which eclipse are we seeing today, lunar or solar?” he asked the 6th graders.

“Solar!” they replied.

“Tomorrow we’ll talk about the difference,” the teacher promised.

Beginning at 10:05 a.m., each grade level, about 900 students in total, rotated outside for viewing parties.

“It looks like a crescent moon, but it’s the sun!” exclaimed sixth grader Emily Lee.

“My students were in awe,” shared Diamond Bar High physics teacher Angela Jensvold after the morning’s celestial celebration.

“Students were running to come to class in order not to miss a minute,” she said.

“We observed the sharpness of our shadows and crescent shaped images of the sun in the dappled shade of trees.”

Most of her students used ISO glasses, while some made their own eclipse viewers decorated with kittens and turtles.

“Even though I didn’t give them any extra credit!” Jensvold added.

At Walnut High, chemistry teacher Jeri Burnside bought a class set of 35 certified eclipse glasses over the summer.

“We got a chance to use our ISO glasses to see the sun at maximum coverage for our viewing area, about 67% at 10:21 a.m.,” she said.

“We saw the daylight around us fading and felt the temperature cooling as over half the solar energy was blocked.”

Burnside told students that the next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will occur in 2024, and that there is only one town, Carbondale, Illinois, that will actually be in the path of totality.

“My students will be around 22 to 23 years-old then, so hopefully they will be able to travel to see a total eclipse if they so desire!”

How to Get Your Family Interested in Art and Music

Photo Courtesy: (c) Pexels.com

By StatePoint

 

When school budgets suffer, often so do arts and music programs. Families can make up for scaled back opportunities in the classroom by bringing both music and art into the home.

 

Art Corner

Create a little art studio in your house with a few key supplies. Drawing pencils, sketchbooks and watercolors are great basics. As skills progress, you can expand these supplies to include acrylic paints, charcoal and more. For those into crafting, check out sites like Pinterest for creative ideas and step-by-step instructions. While many community centers offer opportunities to receive classic art instruction, there are a number of online tutorials that can help you learn basic techniques from the comfort of your home, and for free.

 

Make Music

Research has shown that listening to classical music can have many positive benefits on the brain and body, from improving one’s mood to boosting performance on tests, so, get exposed to all the greats, from Mozart to Beethoven to Vivaldi.

September is National Piano Month, and an excellent opportunity to encourage your family to learn to play classical music with the right gear. These days, it’s possible to get the concert grand piano tone with modern technology. New models of keyboards, such as the Celviano AP-270, a stand-up keyboard from Casio, is equipped with an 88-key Tri-Sensor Scaled Hammer Action Keyboard with simulated ebony and ivory textured keys to reproduce the feeling of an acoustic piano.

 

Explore Your Community

Take a field trip! Go to a museum or art gallery. Attend a live concert. Being inspired to create art and music is easier when you have real life examples to admire. Encourage everyone to talk about what they heard and saw and what they liked best.

Whether or not your school has comprehensive music and arts programming, you can enhance whatever lessons the classroom offers on weekends and in the evenings.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Danice Akiyoshi ND,

My wife is a terrible back seat driver.  She complains about my driving every time she’s in my car.  She says things like, “everyone is stopped ahead, and maybe you should take your foot off the gas.”  “You’re getting too close to that truck.”  “Why are you being so aggressive, let that guy get in front of you.”  “Please don’t take that phone call, traffic is busy; you need to pay attention to the road.”  And the list goes on and on.  I’m driving out in traffic all day.  I’ve had very few tickets or accidents in my life.  I am not a bad driver.  My wife only has a 15 minute commute.  I hate to criticize her, but she is not an expert driver and I’m tired of her comments.  How can I get her off my back?

Thank you.

Blake

 

Hi Blake,

It doesn’t seem as if your wife is actually insinuating that you are a bad driver.  It sounds a lot more to me like she struggles with anxiety.  Do you notice this in any other areas of her life?  I think when it comes to your driving she’s not doing a very good job of communicating and you’re taking it as a personal insult.  If she were a better communicator, she might say, “I’m feeling a little nervous, would you mind slowing down…please don’t drive next to big trucks or talk on the phone in busy traffic, it makes me terribly uneasy.”  If she were to own this as ‘her’ problem instead of making you feel inadequate, would you drive more cautiously or perhaps be a little more passive on the road to cater to her comfort zone?  Experience with my patients tells me that it might be doubtful, because you’re hearing this as a personal attack when she is basically trying to communicate her fear to you. I hear this complaint in my practice all the time.  My ‘simple’ advice is to let her drive or invite her to do whatever it is that will help her to relax before she gets into your car.  Or you could be more considerate of her road anxiety. The best answer by far would be for her to address the underlying reasons for her excessive anxiety.  I hope she makes that choice.

Good Luck to both of you.

Danice Akiyoshi ND

 Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com

Sprouts Farmers Market® Hiring 100+ For Diamond Bar Store

By Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Opening date set for Wednesday, October 11, 2017 Sprouts Farmers Market, one of the fastest-growing retailers in the country, will soon finish construction on a new location in Diamond Bar, California. The new store is bringing more than 100 full- and part-time career opportunities to the area. Employment opportunities include: • Department Managers, Assistant Department Managers and Clerks • Cashiers • Courtesy Clerks • Backup Receiver, Administrative Coordinator and Scan Coordinator. If you are interested in learning more about available career opportunities, visit sprouts.com/careers please call 1-866-925-2396 for non-managerial roles.

Sprouts’ “Healthy Living for Less” approach to grocery shopping means potential employees should share a passion for healthy eating and the fresh, natural and organic products offered throughout the store. As an employer Sprouts offers competitive pay, excellent benefits, team member discounts, a fun and rewarding culture and great career advancement opportunities. Sprouts is known for its knowledgeable team members and low prices, Sprouts is a healthy grocery store that appeals to the average shopper. Sprouts offers fresh produce, meat and seafood, bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, dairy, bakery, deli, natural body care items and more. Sprouts carries exclusive items under its Sprouts Brand product line, which meet strict quality standards while delivering exceptional value, taste and quality.

Diamond Bar shoppers will find an abundant selection of fresh fruits and vegetables and barrels of wholesome grains, nuts and sweets in a bright, open store layout. Each store features an in-house butcher who prepares hand-crafted sausages daily and assists customers with special cuts of meat and seafood seasoning. Shoppers will also enjoy a variety of fresh and prepared deli items ideal for lunch or dinner, a wide selection of fresh-baked goods and craft beer and wine. The Vitamin and Body Care Department features more than 7,500 cutting-edge vitamin and body care products made with sustainable and ethically sourced ingredients.

The new 30,000-square-foot store will be located at 239 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. The grand opening will be on Wednesday, October 11 at 7 a.m.

Housing Inventory Shortage Solutions

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

The Housing Inventory Shortage is becoming a bigger problem in many ways.  Economics 101 taught us that the change in either side of the Supply-Demand equation will create a change in outcomes to the marketplace. In this case, the Housing inventory is the supply, and being an illiquid investment, it does not change very fast.  It is fixed and immovable, and therefore more constant than the Demand side.  Major factors that have contributed to the low level of “Supply” growth need to be addressed for the long-term stability of the housing market. If the low levels of new home construction are not encouraged or allowed to grow, we will eventually suffer from an unbalanced, constricted real estate market.  Legislation at the state and local levels needs to become more “builder-friendly”, to allow more units to be built annually. The legislation, policies, and planning has to become more streamlined and less expensive to the developer in order to allow for a more balanced real estate market.  Part of the change has to be in the form of less restrictive zoning regulations.  It doesn’t benefit our communities when only a few can afford to buy and own a home.

The Demand side of the equation is driven more by population growth, and the populace’s desire and ability to purchase a home. The low interest rate environment continues to fuel the demand, as it has continued to keep the homeownership demand at a steadily increasing level. As long as the interest rates stay relatively low, we will continue to see the steady demand that has driven the 7 % annual median sales price increase of homes in Southern California. The positive outlook for the local real estate market was presented to us by Dr John Husing at the Real Estate Research Council of Southern California’s Quarterly Luncheon at Cal Poly Pomona. The improved economy, with employment continuing to grow, and the low interest rate environment is projected to remain steady for the next year.

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.

Free Counseling is Available

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

For the past twenty years I have had the honor of facilitating a free counseling group every Monday evening.  Our group meets at the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium located at 21003 La Puente road in the city of Walnut.  We meet year round from 6-8p.m. every Monday unless it is a holiday.  Their phone number is (909) 444-0089 and my contact number is 909 229-0727 should you have any questions.  You do not need to have any appointment to attend this group you are all free to drop by anytime.  This group satisfies many court mandated needs.

Even though this group meets at a teen center I invite people of all ages with all types of issues.  This group helps parents, students, and all people that are just struggling in their lives.  My goal is to just make our community be healthier and make its’ population be effective in their lives and create successful human beings.  We work on any array of issues that many people present day are dealing with. There is no reason for anybody to be stuck in an unhealthy place.

If you are tired of the fight between you and your child regarding homework or need some more effective ways to communicate this is the group for you.  Maybe depression or anxiety seems to be holding you or a loved one back and finding solutions could be life changing.  If you or somebody you know is struggling with drugs or drinking this group is a great place to get some coping skills to get clean.  We talk about ways to deal with bullies and how damaging it can be for somebody’s self-esteem.  Bring in an issue and I promise you will feel hopeful and have new tools to help you confront the issue head on.  Don’t let embarrassment stop you or a loved one from getting the help you need to reclaim the wonderful life you are so deserving of.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens.  For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjsttops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.