Category Archives: The Weekly News

Have You Ever Tried Hatch Chiles?

Staff Reports

Join Clarks Nutrition for their 1st Annual Hatch Chile Roast between August 28th and September 1st. Come in to experience the robust, smoky one-of –a-kind flavor of Hatch Chiles. If you have never had a Hatch Chile, you haven’t lived, they are like no other Chile you have ever eaten.

When you purchase Hatch Chiles, Clarks will roast the on the spot for you. The Hatch Chile roasting tour will be at 4 different Clarks Nutrition locations in 5 days. Riverside, Rancho Mirage, Loma Linda. This is only happening one week out of the year, do not miss out on this “HOT” event.

You buy the chilies and they will roast them for you.

Organic Hatch Chiles $2.49 per lb

Case pricing $45 (25lb case)

 

Hatch Chile Roasting Tour Schedule:

Chino – Monday 10am-2pm Aug. 28

Riverside – Tuesday 10am-2pm Aug. 29

Rancho Mirage – Thursday 9am-12pm Aug. 31

Loma Linda – Friday 10am-2pm Sept. 1

DUI Driver Sentenced to 4.5 Years in Prison

Staff Reports

West Covina, CA – A 20-year-old man pleaded no contest Tuesday to driving under the influence in connection with a crash in West Covina that killed one of his passengers and injured another.

Andrew James Gomez of La Puente was immediately sentenced to 4 1/2 years in state prison following his plea to one felony count each of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated and driving under the influence of a drug causing injury.

Gomez was under the influence of nitrous oxide when he crashed his car into a pole in the 1000 block of South Lark Ellen Avenue in the early morning hours of April 29, according to Sarah Ardalani of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office.

Jesse Jaco, 20, was pronounced dead at the scene, and a second passenger was injured.

Gomez was arrested that morning by West Covina police and has remained behind bars since then, according to jail records.

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

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Michael Armijo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

How to Help Your Child Prepare for Kindergarten

By StatePoint

Kindergarten is an exciting time for children, but it can also be a stressful time of change — not just for little ones, but for parents, too. Although each child is unique and develops at his or her own pace, most educators and experts agree that four key areas of development are essential for further growth and achievement in school.

To help your child prepare for kindergarten and make a smooth transition, here are a few ways to support these key areas of development at home:

• Vocabulary and Oral Language Development: Encourage your child to communicate through words. Have your child tell you a story, asking questions that invite description. For example, if your child says a dog was chasing a stick, ask what color was the dog? Did he run fast or slowly? Was the stick big or small? In public, give your child opportunities to speak for him or herself or make requests. If he or she is asked what they want to eat and drink at a restaurant, let your child reply, even if you know the answer.

• Social-Emotional Skills: Children will use social-emotional skills every day once in kindergarten, whether they’re asking a teacher for help, being polite to classmates or following instructions. Scheduling a fun, unstructured play date is a great way to let children interact with peers, helping them learn to share and express themselves through play.

• Small Motor Control: Developing small motor skills can be as easy as coloring with your child and cutting with scissors — anything that gets those fingers and toes moving! Other great activities include putting puzzles together, building with blocks, throwing, catching and kicking a ball, riding a tricycle as well as activities like running, jumping and climbing.

• Attention to Sensory and Visual Detail: Paying attention to one’s senses is a mindful practice that can help prepare children for the academic world of kindergarten. Noticing textures, smells and tastes, and using language to describe these details, fosters vocabulary development and encourages children to compare and contrast their experiences. At snack time, ask your child to describe the food with words like sweet or sour, crunchy or juicy, rough or smooth. When playing with puzzles, ask your child to sort the puzzle pieces and then describe what colors, patterns, edges, or other visual details the pieces share.

Parents may find certain tools useful towards helping children learn core school and life skills. For example, LeapFrog’s LeapStart Learning System gets kids excited about counting, learning to read, problem solving and more with fun, re-playable activities. An ergonomic stylus reads invisible dots on every page, triggering questions, challenges, songs, jokes and more. Engaging new content featuring popular children’s characters and the availability of LeapFrog’s acclaimed Learn to Read series give children the tools they need to build tomorrow’s skills today.

Don’t worry if your child hasn’t mastered all his or her letters, sounds and numbers by the time school starts. Children come to kindergarten at many different levels. The teacher will practice these skills with your child throughout the school year, but you can help by continuing to reinforce them at home.

Subject Arrested For Human Trafficking Out Of Local Office

Staff Reports
Chino – On August 16, 2017 members of the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force began surveillance of a commercial medical building in the 12500 block of 10th St in the City of Chino.  Investigators discovered that there were multiple victims posted on “Backpage.com” advertising for prostitution at this location.
Investigators observed a high volume of males going to and from the business.  After further investigation, it was established that investigators believed victims were being trafficked for the purpose of sex inside the location.  Investigators obtained a search warrant for the location, served the warrant and rescued two victims inside the location.  Two suspects that were believed to be at the location to pay for sex were also detained, and later released pending further investigation.  The suspect, Luis Lopez, was also located inside and was found to be acting as the pimp and was determined to be the primary suspect in trafficking the victims.
Lopez was transported to West Valley Detention Center where he was booked in on charges of felony pimping and pandering. He is being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.
The investigation is ongoing. Investigators believe there are other unidentified victims related to this investigation and urge anyone with information to contact the San Bernardino County Human Trafficking Task Force at (909)387-8400. Anyone wishing to remain anonymous may contact We-Tip at 1-888-78-CRIME or you may leave information on the WE-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com Contact: Detective Nick Lefler / Deputy G. Deloria, Station: Human Trafficking Task Force Phone No.(909)387-8400, Case No. 621700304.

Housing the Homeless Part 3

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

The National Alliance to End Homelessness reports that there are currently over 500,000 homeless people in the United States. We have all seen “the homeless” as we drive to and from work, while running errands, at freeway off-ramps, underneath freeway overpasses, along the Santa Ana River near Anaheim Stadium. The 1/2 million homeless is such a large number that it is hard to fully appreciate its “largeness”. The number is equivalent to the population of cities as large as Fresno, Ca or Mission Viejo, Ca.

The nation as a whole has seen a decrease of about 10-15% in the last decade. Although that is encouraging, the homeless population has become more concentrated and increased in large cities such as Los Angeles, Ca; San Francisco, Ca; Oakland, Ca; San Diego, Ca; and Anaheim, Ca. Many non-profit organizations are involved in the effort to end homelessness. Many Cities are have implemented or are implementing programs to deal with the problem.  Residents of Los Angeles County voted this past election cycle to impose upon themselves a 5 cent sales tax to fund the effort to fight homelessness.

Where does organized real estate fit into the picture?

The National Association of Realtors (NAR) has within its stated motto “helping its members become more profitable and successful”. True success for its members is achieved through the preservation of the rights of property owners to own, use, and transfer real property. Without the preservation of these rights, it becomes impossible for the industry to survive, let alone allow for its members to “become more profitable” as stated in the organization’s “Mission”.  In my opinion, Organized Real Estate has an obligation to be an active participant and become more engaged in the effort to fight “Homelessness”.

How does the Real Estate Industry’s current efforts impact the effort to house the homeless? How does their concerted effort combined with the lending industry impact or affect the homeless? How should these organizations “behave” as responsible community members and participate in efforts to “house the homeless”?

I will provide answers to these and other questions submitted to me by readers of this paper. Please feel free to submit questions to me at NefCortez@gmail.com, or visit my website at www.nefcortez.com.

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

 

—

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

ReMax Realty 100

1411 S. Diamond Bar Blvd.,

Diamond Bar, Ca.  91765

e-mail: nefcortez@gmail.com

Office: 909-610-6303 Fax:  909-752-3163 Cell: 909-762-8135

 

 

WVUSD Staff Kicks Off 2017-2018 School Year

WVUSD 

WALNUT, CA—As Walnut Valley USD students get ready to head back to class next week after summer break, educators have been busy gearing up for the new school year.

 On Wednesday, nearly 1,000 teachers, classified personnel, and district leaders gathered during a Welcome Back celebration held at Calvary Chapel in Diamond Bar.

 The 14th annual kick-off rally featured recognitions of over 200 long-service employees, Teachers of the Year, Cornerstone Award winners, and keynote message by Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 “We’re looking forward to a phenomenal school year!” Dr. Taylor said to the assembled WVUSD employees.

 “There’s no better environment to get us fired up for the new school year than being in this building with you.”

 “This year’s All Means All slogan is a reminder of what we do every day,” Dr. Taylor added.

 “It’s about differentiating so that all kids have the tools to be successful at each stage of their education, being intentional and bringing in systems of health and well-being into a child’s education, and upholding high standards for all kids.”

 As staffers from all 15 schools and departments mingled and visited during the outdoor continental breakfast, they enjoyed music provided by the Diamond Bar High commercial music rock band under the direction of Steve Acciani and Daryl Hernandez.

 Inside the venue, the program began with pep music provided by 100 members of the Walnut High band under the direction of Corey Wicks and Katie Takahashi.

 Walnut High senior Julia Provencio performed the national anthem after boy scout troop #777 led the opening flag ceremony.

 Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matthew Witmer and Administrative Director Dr. Sergio Canal hosted the program that included over 50 raffle prizes provided by local businesses. 

Bill Foley, the District Teacher of the Year and Mike Bromberg, the Classified Employee of the Year, took a few moments to address their peer.

“It’s amazing to be up here today!” said Foley, a digital photography teacher at Diamond Bar High School. 

The 34-year veteran educator said he was advised in college to find a career that he was passionate about, and to know it well.

 By all accounts, he’s done just that.

“What I really care about the most when I’m teaching is my students and their work,” he said proudly showing a website featuring student photography.

When Foley asked his charges if they thought he deserved the Teacher of the Year award, they confirmed his passion and dedication to serving all students. 

“One student told me that I’m the most pure-hearted teacher he’d ever had,” the humble teacher shared

“None of us do this job alone. Every time you smile or say something positive to a teacher, it builds them up. I treat my fellow teachers the way that I want to be treated.

“It takes a whole district to raise a Teacher of the Year!” he added. 

“I’ve worked in all our schools and have seen firsthand how important classified employees are to everyone,” said Bromberg, a former carpenter and electrician, who currently serves as the operations manager at Diamond Bar High School

“We all work as a team in Walnut Valley and we want to give the best customer service that we can.” 

“In my opinion, we are the heartbeat of the school district!”

Bromberg, a WVUSD alumnus, recalled growing up always taking a keen interest when maintenance crews arrived at his school.

The men in blue would often have to remind him to “take a step back” when he got too close to the equipment

And now, Bromberg feels like he’s come full circle. 

“I’m dedicated to providing a great school environment for the next generation, just as it was provided for me!”

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

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

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

Staff Reports

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in air conditioning and heating, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analyses, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.  They are also committed to the community.  Owners Jason and Athena Hayes have lived in Eastvale for over seven years, and as homeowners, they love to see Eastvale flourish. Advanced Improvements has been the platinum sponsor for the Eastvale Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournaments, and they will continue to invest in the City and support its growth.  Make sure to ask about their $500 discount coupon for Eastvale residents only.

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

Being Back In School

By Nancy Stoops

 

I work with so many young people that have recently started school again.  They are all feeling a lot of stress due to the transition from summer to school.  The homework is coming at what seems to be a rapid pace. It’s important for these students to take one day at a time and to not overwhelm themselves.  Going back to school after summer break has been hard on every generation.  It’s important for these students to be well organized with a good notebook and a separate folder for each subject.  It’s a good idea for them to have a folder for work and papers that need to come home and another for what needs to be turned in or go back with them.  A place for pens and other necessary supplies is essential.

I find so many students really struggle with time management and are starting homework much too late in the evening after they have already been up for ten to twelve hours.  It’s ideal for a student to come home and have a good snack and start their homework about thirty minutes after they have arrived home.  I think if they can get their homework out of the way they might actually have part of an evening to relax and renew to prepare the right mindset for the next day.  It’s hard to a successful anything if one is running on fumes. Another important essential is a designated place to study.

Learning is really a lifelong event and it’s important to help somebody be an effective learner.  Being organized, not becoming over whelmed, learning effective time management and having an environment conducive to learning can make a huge difference.  As parents it is our job to help our children with these things so they can be successful lifetime learners!

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

 

Vehicle Fire Sparks Brush Fire

DIAMOND BAR, CA — A vehicle fire on the northbound side of the Orange (57) Freeway in Diamond Bar quickly spread to nearby vegetation and triggered a fast-moving brush fire Tuesday afternoon.

Los Angeles County quickly deployed the two Super Scooper water-dropping planes, on lease, for the first time this year in Los Angeles County and stopped the brush fire in its tracks. According to local reports the fire began shortly after 4 p.m. on the northbound side of the freeway near Pathfinder Road off ramp before spreading to nearby vegetation.

Firefighting crews and the planes quickly got the upper hand on the blaze and had the fire’s forward progress halted within the hour. The quick decisive actions taken by the Los Angeles County Fire Department were directly responsible for the fact that only 3 acres were lost to the fire. There were also no reports of injury or structure damage.

The Super Scooper planes, leased from the Canadian province of Quebec, recently arrived in the county for the main fire season. These specialty planes can fly up to 200 miles per hour and scoop up 1,620 gallons of water in just 12 seconds.

The county first leased these planes to help out during the 1994 fire season and they have been helping California firefighters put out wildfires in ever since.

Non Profit Investigation: 88 Impact

Staff Reports

Eastvale – In our investigative reporting series of local non-profits accountability, we have requested information and tax records for several area non-profits. Our response from 88 Impact Foundation, a local non profit who accepts donations from local residents, businesses, and government agencies, was “we are a private foundation and we do not have to disclose where our money goes out to.”

According to IRS.gov, this is incorrect. According to the IRS, you have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of a tax-exempt organization’s: Annual information returns (e.g., Form 990); Exempt status application materials; and Notice of status under Internal Revenue Code section 527(i).

“All we want to know is where the money goes. We are asking accountability,” said Michael Armijo, Editor of CityofEastvaleNews.com. “Nothing more, just where are you spending the money people and companies are donating. IF they are working with the city, and IF the city is spending money (labor, promotion, direct donations) on the foundation, then they are spending the taxpayers money. If the resident’s are donating, where is resident’s money going? That’s it.”

“As you have stated, 88 IMPACT Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation, and as such is subject IRS regulations on all tax-exempt organizations and nonprofit organizations,” Anthony Chan, a freelance reporter, wrote in a letter to Hari Dihman, listed as the Principal in the 88 IMPACT Foundation.

The demand letter, which included the formality of content required under the Freedom Of Information Act, also stated; “According to the IRS, the following tax documents of all tax-exempt organizations must be available for public inspection and copying: Form 990, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-PF (Return of Private Foundation), Form 990-BL, Form 1065. 501(c)(3) Non-profit organizations must also provide Form 990-T for public inspection and copying.” The 88 IMPACT Foundation office personnel stated the opposite, that they were not required to comply and will not produce any documents regardless of IRS code.

According to their Facebook page; “The 88 iMPACT Foundation was built with the hopes of its founding family to create an impactful family legacy. As of April 22, 2014, the long talked about and anticipated 501(c)(3) Non-Profit 88 iMPACT Foundation has been filed & made active. 88 iMPACT Foundation will serve to further develop, support, educate, and create resources for all Small Business & Public Safety Agencies (i.e. Law Enforcement & Fire Fighters).” Their goal is to support the people that make our communities thrive economically & keep families, homes, and our businesses safe. “Under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq., I hereby request to inspect or obtain copies of public records of 88 IMPACT Foundation’s annual tax returns for 2014, 2015, and 2016 including: Form 990, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-PF, Form 990-BL, Form 1065, and Form 990-T,” the letter stated.

“The California Public Records Act requires a response within ten business days.  If access to the records I am requesting will take longer, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records,” Chan wrote. For exemption application materials, a community member is entitled to inspect or receive a copy of the organization’s exemption application (Form 1023, 1024, or other document required to be filed), any papers filed in support of the application and any determination letter issued by the IRS with respect to the application.

Nonprofits are required to file IRS Form 990 must allocate their annual expenses into three categories: 1.program expenses—expenses directly related to carrying out your nonprofit’s mission. 2. administrative expenses—expenses for your nonprofit’s overall operations and management—for example, costs of board of directors’ meetings, general legal services, accounting, insurance, office management, auditing, human resources, and other centralized services, and 3. fundraising expenses—including costs for publicizing and conducting fundraising campaigns, maintaining donor mailing lists, conducting special fundraising events, and any other activities that involve soliciting contributions. The IRS does not require that nonprofits spend any particular portion of their income on each category. It just wants nonprofits to report how they spend their money, according to nolo.com.

Failure to comply with public disclosure requirements can result in “a maximum penalty of $10,000 for each failure to provide a copy of an annual information return.”

Next month we will follow up with the information requested.

History 101

Photo courtesy: Google Images

August 21, 1959: Hawaii becomes 50th state

History.com

The modern United States receives its crowning star when President Dwight D. Eisenhower signs a proclamation admitting Hawaii into the Union as the 50th state. The president also issued an order for an American flag featuring 50 stars arranged in staggered rows: five six-star rows and four five-star rows. The new flag became official July 4, 1960.

The first known settlers of the Hawaiian Islands were Polynesian voyagers who arrived sometime in the eighth century. In the early 18th century, American traders came to Hawaii to exploit the islands’ sandalwood, which was much valued in China at the time. In the 1830s, the sugar industry was introduced to Hawaii and by the mid 19th century had become well established. American missionaries and planters brought about great changes in Hawaiian political, cultural, economic, and religious life. In 1840, a constitutional monarchy was established, stripping the Hawaiian monarch of much of his authority.

In 1893, a group of American expatriates and sugar planters supported by a division of U.S. Marines deposed Queen Liliuokalani, the last reigning monarch of Hawaii. One year later, the Republic of Hawaii was established as a U.S. protectorate with Hawaiian-born Sanford B. Dole as president. Many in Congress opposed the formal annexation of Hawaii, and it was not until 1898, following the use of the naval base at Pearl Harbor during the SpanishAmerican War, that Hawaii’s strategic importance became evident and formal annexation was approved. Two years later, Hawaii was organized into a formal U.S. territory. During World War II, Hawaii became firmly ensconced in the American national identity following the surprise Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941.

Back To School

By Mark Hopper

Everywhere you look these days, there are reminders that school will be starting again soon. My credit card company is encouraging me to use my credit card for back to school shopping. I guess they don’t know our children are actually out of college!

Retail stores are advertising back to school sales for clothes, school supplies, back packs and much more. I heard a news report that said this has become one of the busiest shopping seasons of the year as parents spend more money getting their kids ready for school.

I suspect that most children are excited to be going back to school. They will reconnect with their friends and get to meet their new teachers. School has a way of connecting the community like few other things.

I suspect that a lot of parents are also glad that school is starting again, too. Stay-home moms and dads have worked hard keeping the kids busy through the summer months. I’m sure that most parents are looking forward to having a little less time with their kids and a little more time to get things done without children in the house.

When I was in elementary school, I remember the excitement and anticipation of the new school year. Some friends and I would ride our bicycles to our local school to see if the class rosters were posted yet. We speculated on which teacher we would get and wondered if we would be in the same classes together. It was a special day when the names of the teachers and their students were posted on the windows of the school cafeteria.

My wife taught sixth grade in our local school district for many years. She enjoyed sixth graders. She said that they were still young enough to be respectful and well behaved. At the same time they were old enough to study, learn and discuss subjects in a responsible way.

My wife also shared her observation that most middle school students usually have one difficult year on their journey in 6th, 7th or 8th grade. During those “middle” years, boys and girls can feel awkward and uncomfortable what the changes they are experienceing. But, good teachers can usually nurture and encourage these students on their journey through middle school.

I believe that education is a team effort. School teachers, parents and churches share the privilege and responsibility of educating our children. I encourage parents to not expect school teachers and Sunday School teachers to do all the work for them. Parents play a critical role in their children’s academic, spiritual and moral training.

Let me encourage parents to get involved and stay involved in your children’s education. Don’t assume others will do the job for you. Help your kids with their home work. Get connected with their teachers – both at school and at church. Send a note or small gift to those who are teaching and training your children. Teachers work very hard. Thank their teachers – at school and at church – for the investment they are making in your child’s life.

You can see it on TV and at the mall. You can find the latest bargains on line. School is starting again soon. I hope that this will be a wonderful school year for you and your children.

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 8.19.17

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:8-19-17.Weekly

“Beyond The Dental Chair” Dentist and Trainer Team Up For Ultimate Health

West Covina Smiles is located at 3660 S Nogales St. in West Covina. Feel free to contact Gisselle at 626-810-5000, log onto http://www.drmarin.com or http://www.johnnythetrainer.com.

By Anthony Chan

 

Dr. Oscar Marin, dentist at West Covina Smiles, works with dental patients every day and has seen a substantial increase in patients with poor dental health due to bad habits and stress. In an endorsement letter, Dr. Marin points out that stress is a major contributor to poor dental health because, “people under stress tend to produce less saliva and grind their teeth more, which causes premature breakdown of tooth structure and dental work.”

Dr. Marin intends to help patients de-stress, create good habits, and improve their overall health. So he has opted to provide assistance for his patients in a comprehensive, full-body way. His vision for comprehensive healthcare is to provide for not only his patients’ dental health, but for physical health, nutritional health, and mental health. Dr. Marin created a team with a personal trainer, a nutritionist, and a therapist to make his vision for comprehensive healthcare become reality.

In terms of physicality, Dr. Marin has is working with Johnny Hudson, a personal trainer with over 20 years of experience, to bring his patients a free bootcamp training package, which will take place on the first Saturday of every month starting September 2, 2017.

The event will be held at Via Verde Park in San Dimas starting at 10 AM. The only requirement for participants is that you are an active patient of West Covina Smiles (a patient who has been seen in the last year) or you are accompanied by an active patient.

“Great teeth is linked to great health,” Dr. Marin said, “and when you tackle both issues at once you enhance your healthy on many levels. We can choose to just treat people for their dental issues or we can try to contribute to a long and healthy life. We choose the latter.”

If you have any questions or comments, feel free to contact Gisselle at (626) 810-5000, log onto www.drmarin.com, or www.johnnythetrainer.com.

5 Easy Ways Families Can Go Green When Packing School Lunches

Photo courtesy: Statepoint

By StatePoint

While packing lunch for the kids can seem like a daily grind, you can use the task as an opportunity to help kids form great lifelong habits.

Here are five small ways changing your lunch-making routine can have large, positive impacts on the environment, your wallet and your kids’ health.

  1. Pack with reusables. On average, a school-age child with a lunch packed in single-serve disposable materials like plastic snack bags or juice boxes generates 67 pounds of waste per school year, which equates to 18,760 pounds of lunch waste for an average-size elementary school, according to the estimates of Waste Free Lunches, a non-profit organization.

Reduce your contribution to this waste and save money in the process with reusable containers. Waste Free Lunches estimated that choosing only reusable containers can save you almost $250 per person, per year. To learn more about reducing lunchtime waste on the household or community level, visit, WasteFreeLunches.org.

 

  1. Choose Made in USA. The “3 Rs” — Reduce, Reuse and Recycle — are a great refrain for environmentalists, but to ensure your family’s daily habits are minimally impacting the environment, consider adopting the simple act of choosing Made in USA products. This small change automatically reduces one’s carbon footprint by a magnitude of 10, according to a recent study conducted by Nalgene Outdoor, which offers a vast variety of BPA- and BPS free reusable water and food containers in a myriad of colors and designs, ranging in size from 12-ounces to 48-ounces. You can help explain the significance of buying Made in USA products to kids by telling them it’s like leaving a light on for 30 minutes vs. 3 minutes.

 

  1. Buy food local. Without a doubt, the most nutrient-rich and often most cost-effective way to procure fresh produce is locally. Additionally, anything sourced within 100 miles of home has a significantly lower carbon footprint than something that has traveled through hemispheres to reach your grocery store shelves. Community Supported Agriculture (CSA), co-ops and farmers markets are popular ways to find local produce direct from farmers. Check out localharvest.org to find a program near you.

 

  1. DIY grab-and-go snacks. Prepackaged snacks are often priced at a premium and rarely offer nutritious enrichment, but with just a little prep work, you can create your own healthy options more affordably.

“I try to choose storage containers that are already pre-portioned so I know the portion that I’m packing,” says Peggy O’Shea Kochenbach, a registered dietitian nutritionist. “Pack nutritious items like fruits, vegetables and nuts in clear containers in the pantry or refrigerator on Sunday, so that they are ready to ‘grab and go’ for the week.”

For safety, store items in BPS- and BPA-free reusable containers, such as those from Nalgene Outdoor Products, which offers a line of reusable storage containers that are clear, ranging in size from 4-ounces to 16-ounces and that are also dishwasher safe.

 

  1. Green your clean-up. Parents should seek reusable items that can both sustain kids’ rough and tough daily activities, but also survive the dishwasher. Close label reading shows that many reusable lunch containers suggest “hand washing.” However, items that are dishwasher-safe can keep your household saner, cleaner and greener. For your family, cleaning is easy-peasy; and for the environment, research shows a good dishwasher saves 3,870 gallons of water over its lifetime and uses less energy than conventional models, which helps reduce air pollution and combat global climate change, according to the ENERGY STAR program.

 

Tomorrow

By Sarah Sanchez

 

It’s tough when a loved one passes away. I’ve been to four funerals in the last few years, and it seems like it gets harder each funeral.

When one of my dad’s best friends passed away suddenly two years ago, it was one of the hardest times for my family. Now with another one of my dad’s best friends passing away suddenly this week, it hurts my heart to see the pain all over again. Both were great men that we didn’t expect to leave so quickly.

Death is a hard thing to deal with, but almost everyone has experienced a loved one pass, so we all know how tough it is. The only message I wanted to leave you with is make sure you appreciate the time you have with your loved ones. Don’t hold grudges, don’t be angry, just let the past go. Kiss your loved ones goodbye every time you leave, tell them you love them constantly, and make time to see them regularly.

Someone once told me that it’s not that we don’t have enough time in the day, it’s that we don’t make time…So what are you doing with your time? We need to use that precious time to make great memories with our loved ones. When someone leaves this earth, we shouldn’t feel regret, and we don’t have to.

Make the most of today… because life may be different tomorrow.

DB School Uses Global Connection

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar –Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Izzy Reedy and a dozen classmates learned about culture, education, weather, and even sports in Tanzania this year. But, it wasn’t by opening a textbook or conducting research on a computer.

The Diamond Bar students gained knowledge through a global connection with the Gyekrum Arusha Secondary School, located over 8,500 miles away in East Africa. Education specialist Kimberly Ramos formed the partnership with the class through the World Education Connection program. Students and teachers got to know each other by communicating back and forth using email and Google Hangout.

“They would ask lots of questions and post photos,” Ramos said about the 21st century-learning technology. “Anything I received from the teacher, I would post on Google Classroom to share with my kids.”

Ramos said her students embraced the program and were amazed with how many similarities they had with their new friends. “The kids loved seeing each other. And the things we learned this year have had more meaning because we were able to connect with the other half of the ‘Kilimanjaro Squad’ on a personal level.”

The global teams shared their thoughts on the power of connection during an inaugural World Education Day event. “Asante Sana!” the students exclaimed in Swahili while waving to one another during the live global broadcast.

“We got to experience the way they live and learn,” Brant said. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing about this experience!” Students said they also gained appreciation for their own lives after seeing the East

African partner school squeeze 80 students inside a class with dirt floors and dilapidated furniture. “It showed me to be grateful for what I have, and to respect elders and family,” Reedy said.

Housing the Homeless Part 2

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Last week I wrote Part 1 of Housing the Homeless. Questions were posed as related to Organized Real Estate’s efforts to participate in the fight to end homelessness. As evident in cities across the country, it is a big problem that has had very negative effects on the quality of life for citizens across most communities.  This huge problem has seen  a small reduction in its size and numbers over the last decade.

There are many Realtors who individually have been involved with the effort to end homelessness. One of the most widely supported organizations has been Habitat for Humanity. Members of Tri-Counties Association of Realtors have helped to build homes through their involvement with Habitat for Humanity by donating time, talent, and money to the effort.

The primary effort that I found to be the most commonly participated in by members of Realtor associations was the assistance given to First Time Homebuyers through special programs. Many of these programs provide grants of money to assist the buyers in completing their required down payments, or are given in the form of special loans that may be non-interest bearing or have the interest forgiven if the buyer lives in  the home for a given minimum period of years.

There are many other non-profits in communities across the state where Realtors have been very involved. Beside Habitat for Humanity, many Realtors are involved through churches and faith-based organizations to assist in providing food and shelter for the homeless. Many Realtors have found it very rewarding to “Give Back” to their communities by joining the fight to end homelessness.

(In last week’s article, a typo  was made as to the percentage of the increase in sales tax passed by voters of Los Angeles County. Measure H increased the sales tax by ¼ of one cent, not the ½ cent I reported)

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi,

I’m going out with a new guy that I met at my spinning class.  He always takes me out for smoothies after class and seems like he is very health conscious.  He drinks lots of water during our work out and eats fruit and protein bars as snacks.  Last weekend we went to the beach.  When he went into a sandwich shop to get food for our picnic lunch I took a drink of what I thought was iced tea in his travel tumbler cup.  I was surprised to taste alcohol and he was driving us around while he is drinking.  I really like him so I decided not to say anything, but this bothers me.  My health is my top priority and he knows that I only drink on special occasions.  Should I wait and try his drinks a few more times to see if this is a habit?  Did I mention that I really like him?  I’m so disappointed.  Help…

Linda

 

 

Dear Linda,

Intelligent, healthy people are generally opposed to drinking and driving.  I’m having great trouble making sense of your date’s behavior.  On one hand he displays healthy behavior; on the other hand, he is secretly putting you both in danger by drinking and driving.  It’s my experience when people take steps to hide what they are doing that’s a red flag and cause for concern.  If he was openly taking you to lunch in a restaurant and ordering a cocktail I would be fine with it.  If he took you on a picnic and openly had a cocktail I would not raise an eyebrow, but hiding the fact that he is drinking is unimpressive and causes me to wonder what his consumption is really like.  Causal drinkers don’t feel the need to hide the fact that they have a drink on occasion.  If you really like him then address it, but don’t be surprised to find out that this is a much bigger problem than you’re prepared to handle.  If he admits he has a problem and is willing to seek help, consider sticking around awhile and perhaps show support for his progress, but don’t count on this happening.  He knows he has a problem, that’s why he’s hiding it.  Ultimately, he has to be ready to do this for himself.  Please be wise in your choices.  This is a big issue for a new relationship.

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