Category Archives: The Weekly News

CH PD Chase Ends in PIT Maneuver, Arrest

Staff Reports

Chino Hills, CA – A driver of a stolen vehicle flee from deputies which ensured in a pursuit that ended in Los Angeles after a PIT maneuver.
Last week at about 1:52 am a vehicle failed to yield and a pursue ensued. The result was a stolen vehicle chase that ended on Kadota Ave and Mission Blvd in Montclair.

Alexander Granados-Benavides, 34-year-old resident of Ontario was arrested when deputies from the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station were conducting proactive patrol in the county area of Montclair and observed a vehicle blacked out on Kadota Avenue near Mission Boulevard. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop and the driver of the Toyota pickup failed to yield. A check of the license plate revealed it was a stolen vehicle.

The driver, later identified as 34-year-old Alexander Granados-Benavides, led deputies on a pursuit which drove through surface streets, construction zones and freeways without due regard for public safety. The pursuit ended in downtown Los Angeles where deputies performed a PIT maneuver. Once the truck was disabled, Grenados-Benavides fled on foot and was captured a short time later.

Grenados-Benavides was arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for failure to yield, vehicle theft and possession of narcotics.

Anyone who witnessed the incident please call the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station at (909) 364-2000 and refer to Case No. 021700650.

Homeowner Shoots Burglar

By SB Sheriff’s Dept.

 

Rancho Cucamonga- On Saturday, July 15, 2017 at 6:16 a.m. deputies responded to 911 calls reporting shots heard in the neighborhood. Deputies arrived and contacted a homeowner who told them he heard noises in his garage and went to investigate the sounds. Upon entering his garage, he was confronted by an unknown subject burglarizing his vehicle. The subject got out of the homeowner’s vehicle yielding a knife and advanced toward him. The homeowner was armed and immediately drew his handgun and fired at the subject. The subject ran from the garage, and then a vehicle fled from the area at a high rate of speed.

Shortly after arriving at the Carriage Pl. residence, dispatch was advised that a woman was calling from a Fontana residence reporting her adult son had been shot. That subject was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with multiple gunshot wounds. Deputies responded to the Fontana home to process the suspect vehicle, and to the hospital to collect evidence. Deputies identified the subject as Eric Hartwick and have determined he was the subject was involved in the Carriage Pl. burglary and shooting.

Hartwick was found to be on Post Community Release Supervision(PRCS) and was also in possession of narcotics. He will be booked upon release from the hospital.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Detective Division at (909)477-2800.
Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com.

 

Back-to-School Organization Tips for Busy Families

photo courtesy: fotolia.com

By StatePoint

 

The new school year brings hectic mornings, piles of homework, endless events, practices, games and school conferences. When you’re a busy parent, day-to-day tasks can consume your thoughts and energy. Stay organized and sane by following these simple tips to handle the crush of the school year.

Centralize Communication

Communication is key when it comes to organization. Stay in sync with your family by using a digital calendar. Smartphone apps such as Hub allow multiple users to share to-do and shopping lists, appointments, commitments and more. In addition, many apps have messaging capabilities to ensure users can share specific details and instructions (“Bring treats for the holiday party Tuesday”) and last-minute changes (“Grandma is picking up the kids today”) with one or more family members.

Organization Station

If your family prefers a physical calendar, incorporate it into a complete “home command station” in an area everyone passes, like a nook in the kitchen or a corner in the family room. Build out the space as the central location for organization. Use chalkboard paint to create a reusable messaging wall for daily assignments and appointments. Include a shelf or cubby with an inbox and outbox so permission slips, bills and important documents don’t get lost.

Make this station even more useful by adding a dedicated space for children to do homework. Include a desk, computer, school supplies and a bright desk lamp. Encourage success by posting recent “wins” nearby, like that aced spelling test or impressionist masterpiece. Utilize file cabinets, labeled folders or pouches to separate print materials and USB flash drives by subject, so homework can be handled with less stress.

Modify Meal Prep

Before heading to the market, map out meals for the week that share common ingredients, to increase efficiency and reduce waste; then create a shopping list packed with fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Maintain a consistent supply of fresh, delicious produce with subscription boxes or community-supported agriculture membership.

Prep breakfasts and lunches the night before to save time in the morning and ensure your family consumes healthy, whole foods, versus pre-packaged convenience foods.

Smoothies provide a nutritious breakfast or snack at home or on-the-go. Prepare and freeze individual servings of chopped fruits and vegetables in resealable bags. When you’re ready to use, place the frozen produce into a high-powered blender, such as the Vitamix A3300 Ascent Series blender, add almond milk, soy milk or water and blend on high until the desired consistency is reached.

For lunch, prep power-packed meals with items like almond and seed butters to provide protein, healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Mix unsalted, roasted almonds and canola oil in a high-powered blender to create homemade almond butter; or blend sunflower seeds, flaxseed, sesame seeds and sunflower oil for an allergy-friendly no-nut butter. Pair these delicious spreads with jam on whole-wheat bread for a twist on a traditional lunchbox favorite.

Staying organized is not easy. There might be occasional disarray, but making just a few small changes will help you reap the benefits of a more balanced life this back-to-school season.

A Manila Envelope

By Mark Hopper

 

Recently, I received a large Manila envelope in the mail from my brother.  He is my favorite brother. Actually, he is my only brother! He sends me a birthday card every year and signs it – “Your Favorite Brother”. I wasn’t sure what he was sending me .  My birthday is in August.  I knew it was too early and too big for a birthday card.  So I was curious.  What was in this large envelope? He must have been cleaning out some old files and boxes, because he sent me some old photos and newspaper clippings.  I suspect that these were things that my father and mother collected over the years.  My brother must have found them as he cleaned out some files after they died.

There were some real treasures among the things he sent.  There were pictures of our children when they were in elementary school.  There were a few pictures of some family gatherings.  And, there was a picture of my brother and me and our wives with my dad after our mother had died.  There were a few photos of my wife and I with my parents at my graduation from seminary in 1975.

The envelope also contained some old newspaper clippings of me when I was in high school and college.  One news article was about a good looking young man who had been named “Newspaper Boy of the Year” in Phoenix Arizona by the Arizona Republic in 1968.  That good looking guy was me!  There was a nice picture of me receiving this special award.  According to the article there were over 2,000 newspaper carriers in Phoenix at that time.  Somehow, the Arizona Republic selected me!

Another newspaper article reported that two young men had been selected to represent Arizona at the annual “Boys Nation” gathering in Washington, DC in July, 1968.  The American Legion sponsored “Boys State” in all fifty states each year.  In each state, young leaders gathered on a college campus to learn about leadership and government.  They  held elections and selected representatives for the various branches of state government.  I was one of over 300 young men who attended the Arizona Boys State convention in 1968.  I was one of the two young men selected to go to Boys Nation in Washington, DC.  That brought back many memories.  During that week in Washington, we met with President Johnson in the White House Rose Garden.  We also met with Vice President Hubert Humphrey later that week.  We had private tours of the nation’s Capitol, the White House, the  Pentagon and the State Department.  It was a week that I will always remember.

There were a few other items in that large Manila envelope.  There were a few cards written by our mother.  There was my second grade spelling book.  I don’t think my parents saved my report cards.  That is probably best! There are many passages in the Bible that urge us to remember our past and reflect on God’s blessings.  The Bible also instructs us to share these stories with our children and grandchildren.  In the book of Deuteronomy chapter six it says, “Teach your children and talk about these things when you are at home or out for a walk – at bed time or the first thing in the morning”. I am confident that you probably have some envelopes and files at your house that contain some family treasures.  Let me encourage you to get them out and take some time to share them with  your immediate and extended family.   They will be glad you did and you will too!

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 &10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

Calling For Responsible Pet Owners

By Nancy Stoops

 

It is on behalf of dogs everywhere that I write this article.  Being the proud owner of Midnight, the black lab/black shepherd mix shown with me in my photograph is truly a joy and honor.  Midnight is nine-years-old and very healthy.  Midnight and I take lots of long walks in our neighborhood and he has many buddies along the way.  Some of his buddies are very well cared for and live safe lives.  But some of his buddies aren’t so lucky and are let out to walk themselves.

I can’t believe how many wonderful dogs I have seen without tags and let out by themselves.  I can’t believe how many dogs end up hit by cars and die because they are illegally let out by themselves.  Legally dogs are supposed to be licensed, vaccinated and leashed when they are out off their property.  They should be walked by humans that can help guide them on what is safe and what is not when they are out of their house or yard.

A dog is a huge responsibility and an enormous joy.  Caring for a dog properly involves feeding them healthy food, cleaning them, vet visits, walks, licensing them, cleaning up after them, and always providing clean drinking water and shelter and lots of love, affection and attention.  It’s not okay to have a dog or any animal that is neglected.  There have been many new laws passed to help protect animals and people lose them everyday because of neglect.  So I ask you to think about all of this before you get an animal.  I beg you to stop allowing your dogs to walk themselves.  I ask you to understand how helpless they are and how much they count on us to care properly for them.  Please take the time to be a responsible and loving pet owner!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. 

DB Fire Contained By Park

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – A fire broke out near the Carlton Peterson Park and was contained last week, just north of the 60 freeway.

LA County firefighters contained the 1 acre blaze within an hour and a half of the reporting of the fire, which was reported at 4 pm.

The patch of brush was just north of the LA County fire station 121.

The fire didn’t threaten the free way but onlookers slowed traffic down for a few hours during rush hour.

“No structures were damaged as firefighters established structure defenses” said Marvin Lim, LA County Fire Department Spokesman. “We are happy to report no injuries were reported as well.”

How the fire started wasn’t determined as of press time but Lim said an investigation is ongoing, routine for all fires.

History 101

1945: Atomic bomb damage in Hiroshima. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)

By History.com

 

August 6, 1945: American bomber drops atomic bomb on Hiroshima

 

On August 6, 1945, at 8:16 a.m. Japanese time, an American B-29 bomber, the Enola Gay, drops the world’s first atom bomb, over the city of Hiroshima. Approximately 80,000 people are killed as a direct result of the blast, and another 35,000 are injured. At least another 60,000 would be dead by the end of the year from the effects of the fallout.

U.S. President Harry S. Truman, discouraged by the Japanese response to the Potsdam Conference’s demand for unconditional surrender, made the decision to use the atom bomb to end the war in order to prevent what he predicted would be a much greater loss of life were the United States to invade the Japanese mainland. And so on August 5, while a “conventional” bombing of Japan was underway, “Little Boy,” (the nickname for one of two atom bombs available for use against Japan), was loaded onto Lt. Col. Paul W. Tibbets’ plane on Tinian Island in the Marianas. Tibbets’ B-29, named the Enola Gay after his mother, left the island at 2:45 a.m. on August 6. Five and a half hours later, “Little Boy” was dropped, exploding 1,900 feet over a hospital and unleashing the equivalent of 12,500 tons of TNT. The bomb had several inscriptions scribbled on its shell, one of which read “Greetings to the Emperor from the men of the Indianapolis” (the ship that transported the bomb to the Marianas).

There were 90,000 buildings in Hiroshima before the bomb was dropped; only 28,000 remained after the bombing. Of the city’s 200 doctors before the explosion; only 20 were left alive or capable of working. There were 1,780 nurses before-only 150 remained who were able to tend to the sick and dying.

According to John Hersey’s classic work Hiroshima, the Hiroshima city government had put hundreds of schoolgirls to work clearing fire lanes in the event of incendiary bomb attacks. They were out in the open when the Enola Gay dropped its load.

There were so many spontaneous fires set as a result of the bomb that a crewman of the Enola Gay stopped trying to count them. Another crewman remarked, “It’s pretty terrific. What a relief it worked.”

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 8.05.17

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:8-5-17WeeklyNews (1)

Former Mayor’s Wife Killed In Car Collision

By Mireya De La Paz

Walnut – A 49 year-old woman, Tiffany Chiali Yi Ching, died after crashing into a big rig off the 60 freeway East of Santa Anita Avenue in South El Monte last week. She was later identified as former Walnut Mayor Eric Ching.

Ching was elected as a member of Walnut city council in April of 2012, and he was appointed as Mayor Pro Tem in July 2014.  On July 13, 2016 he Was appointed as Mayor of the City of Walnut.

The trailer tractor had been stopped on the right side of the shoulder of the freeway due to a vehicle breakdown. According to Officer J. Calder of the CHP’s East Los Angeles-area office “(The BMW driver) made a turning movement to the right toward the Santa Anita Avenue off ramp,” he said. “The BMW struck the right, rear corner of the stopped commercial trailer, continued in a westerly direction, collided a second time into the commercial trailer and the redirected to the north and came to rest on the right shoulder of the off ramp.”

After running an autopsy, the driver had suffered from traumatic injuries and they pronounced her dead at 1:54 pm. The speed at which Ching was driving was unknown but the incident was a ruled accident and did not involve any drugs or alcohol. The big rig driver did not suffer from any injuries.

Former DB Mayor Jack Tanaka Passed Away

tanaka

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Former Diamond Bar Mayor Jack Tanaka passed away today after a long battle with cancer, the LA County Sheriff’s Department announced.

Jack was honored last November where he received a standing ovation at Diamond Bar City Hall at the Nov. 17 council meeting as he announced his retirement from 10 years of service to the community.

Tanaka stated that the city council, staff and residents have made his 10 years of service memorable and a great learning experience. His last day in office was Dec. 1.

Tanaka, first elected in 2005, served twice as the city’s mayor and served on the City’s Planning Commission for more than three years. He said he wanted to spend more time with family, but will still remain active in the community who he considers family.
A retired U.S. Army Sergeant and former peace officer with the California Youth Authority and State Department of Corrections, Tanaka was first elected to the Diamond Bard city council in 2005.
A constant fixture in the community, Tanaka and his wife Wanda devoted much of their time to helping out in the community especially youth. From the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant and the local Humane Society to community birthday parties and city concerts, the Tanaka’s were always there to lend a helping hand.
The Tanakas believed community service makes each volunteer a better person, a caring person, a person living an enriched life.
The Tanakas moved to Diamond Bar in 1976 and have since remained actively involved in community matters. In 2012, the couple was honored with Lions Clubs International’s Lion of the Year Award, the organization’s highest honor and usually given to only one person in the world.
Diamond Bar resident Lorry Somers Hughes Meyer said it’s sad to see him go. “He was great asset to the city. He has surely accomplished his civic duty in spades!”

James Audley “When you are as involved as Mr. Tanaka is in his community you never retire,” resident James Audley said. “He and his wonderful wife Wanda embody the spirit of philanthropy and a service driven life. During my time working in Diamond Bar I cannot say I met anyone who was more kind and generous than the Tanakas. They are a model of what being a citizen is all about.”

Funeral Arraignments are pending.

#diamondbarmayor #tanaka #dbmayorpasses #tanakapassesaway

One-Pan Shrimp Lo Mein

with Udon Noodles, Green Beans, and Carrot

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 30 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 510 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Green Beans- 12 oz
  • Ginger- 1 thumb
  • Garlic- 2 cloves
  • Scallions- 4
  • Carrot- 2
  • Soy Sauce- 2 tbsp
  • Veggie Stock Concentrate- 2
  • Hoisin Sauce- 2 tbsp
  • Shrimp- 20 oz
  • Udon Noodles- 16 oz

 

1 PREP Wash and dry all produce. Cut green beans into 1-inch pieces. Peel ginger, then mince until you have 1 TBSP. Mince or grate garlic. Trim, then thinly slice scallions. (TIP: Set aside some of the scallion greens for garnish, if you like.) Peel carrot, then cut in half lengthwise. Slice each half into thin half-moons

 

2  COOK VEGGIES Heat a drizzle of oil in a large, tallsided pan over medium-high heat. Add green beans and toss until softened slightly, 3-4 minutes. Add carrot and toss until both are fully tender, 3-4 minutes more. Season with salt and pepper.

 

3 MAKE SAUCE While veggies cook, stir together soy sauce, stock concentrate, 1 TBSP hoisin sauce (we sent more), 2 tsp sugar, and ¼ cup water in a small bowl.

 

4  COOK SHRIMP Rinse shrimp and pat dry with a paper towel. Add shrimp, ginger, scallions, and garlic to pan with veggies. Cook, tossing, until shrimp are nearly opaque and firm, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.

 

5  TOSS LO MEIN Stir sauce into pan and let reduce slightly, 2-3 minutes. Add udon noodles and cook, tossing frequently, until tender and chewy, 3-4 minutes. (TIP: If noodles won’t loosen up or sauce seems dry, add a splash of water.) Season with salt and pepper.

 

6 PLATE AND SERVE Divide lo mein between bowls and sprinkle with reserved scallion greens, if using, and serve.

Emotional Instability

By Michael Armijo

 

The other day I sat above the Tavern, where my counseling sessions are held, and again I have found useful knowledge. 

Like-kind quality people love the familiarity of others who match their emotional state. Subconsciously we seek out others who are feeling the same and having the same issues. In essence, they look for themselves. 

I know I’ve had a lot of emotion come my way lately in many different forms. 

From the standpoint of companionship, health, family, and recently the death of my mother, my emotions have been on a wild ride similar to an out of control rollercoaster. So I’ve found others who are also on this same ride and we hang on together. Consulting one another, giving each other free, bad advice. 

This is why I believe we need to seek out our emotions, discuss them, filtering out what’s relevant and what’s unnecessary. It’s our civic duty to force ourselves out of the darkness and into a brighter life.  

So just as the sun tries to burn it’s way through a cloud of sense fog, so must we. We need to continue to try to be an energy source to one another as we continue this realm of our lives. Because we may not always be aware of our journeys, as we sometimes  subconsciously seek and find our emotional instabilities.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 7.29.17

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:OurWeekly.2017-07-29 (1)

Diamond Bar Home Prices Still Up!

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Home prices of those transferring ownership in Diamond Bar during the second quarter of 2017 maintained the high levels reached in the first quarter.  These prices maintain historically high levels not seen since the housing market peak of 2006. Including single family residences (SFR), townhomes, and condominiums, the current median sales price of homes in Diamond Bar (according to Zillow-a data aggregator), is $641,000. According to the Multiple Listing Service (MLS), a more accurate database maintained by the local realtor groups, the median sales price of all sales in the second quarter of 2017 for Diamond Bar was $625,000.  The Median Sales price of single family residence (SFR) sales only in Diamond Bar for the second quarter of 2017 was $715,000. The median sales price for a SFR in Diamond Bar, as a comparison was $657,000 in the second quarter of 2016. This represents an annual median sales price increase of 8.8 %! That is a substantial gain!

The median sales price for condominiums and townhomes in Diamond Bar for the second quarter of 2017 was $360,000. In comparison, the median sales price for this type of housing stock in 2016 was $349,000 which represents an annual increase of $11,000 (a little over 3% annual increase).

Home prices in the US have continued their steady rise after the dramatic drop in 2007-2008 fiscal year.  Nationally, the expansion in home prices has continued since the low point of $152,000 reached at the end of the first quarter of 2012. Although it has suffered some fits and starts through the 8 year dip and then ascension, the national median price has increased in that period of time by a strong 29 %.

It is evident that the housing market in Diamond Bar continues to increase, and is proving to be a boon to Homebuyers!

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.

 

What You DON’T See Is What You Get

 

Grace Buencamino from George Brown Insurance can be reached at 909-973-823

By Michael Armijo

 

Inland Empire – When Daniel started his carpet cleaning business six years ago, he had to get insurance. So he did, and he faithfully paid his premiums every month. Unfortunately, Daniel’s business was burglarized, but he had no need to worry; he was fully covered and he had never missed a payment in nearly six years.  Then Daniel found out some very disturbing news.

Daniel’s insurance company gladly filed his claim. The reports were all in order and the estimate of $16,839 was right in line with specifications. But Daniel only received a check for $3,000.  He had no idea his policy coverage for theft or fire had a limit of $3,500, with a $500 deductible.

“It’s common for a business, especially a small business, to be under-insured,” said Grace Buencamino, a longtime broker at George L. Brown Insurance. “You need a proactive agent who will periodically go over your coverage with you to ensure your business is adequately covered.”

Buencamino also points out that it’s not always the client’s fault for not knowing their policy limits.

“Sometimes a business will outgrow their coverage,” she says.  “I’ve seen businesses who thought they had adequate coverage. The business owner didn’t realize that after five years, the company had acquired more equipment, increasing their Business Property from $3,000 to $20,000. To avoid my clients being under-insured, I do an annual review of their policy. Changes in Business Property can be discovered during this review and the policy limits can be changed at very little cost.”

Buencamino also said that by working closely with the business owner, she can get a better understanding of their needs and work with them to limit their exposures. She encourages clients to contact her if they make any changes to their business that may affect their current coverage.

One advantage of consulting with a broker, they can find the best priced insurance to meet your needs, whether they are “rate driven” or “coverage driven”. A broker can shop multiple carriers and bring you the options you deserve.

If you have questions about your Business Insurance Policy, Grace Buencamino with George L. Brown Insurance Agency can be reached at (909) 973-8233 or GBuencamino@georgebrowninsurance.com.

Police Department Issues New Address

Staff Reports

Chino –Effective immediately, the Chino Police Department’s official street address has changed from 5450 Walnut Avenue to 5450 Guardian Way, although they never physically moved.

Since 2012, the area surrounding the Chino Police Department facility has experienced several new developments, which includes, the naming of the road directly in front of the police station, as a new street: Guardian Way. So the building faces Walnut Avenue but is inset, with a small street in front. This small street in front, parallel to Walnut Avenue, is now Guardian Way.

Additionally, the Police Department is no longer visible from the adjacent main streets nor physically located on Walnut Avenue. Therefore, the change is necessary.

“We are excited about our new Guardian Way address,” states Chief Karen Comstock. “Not only will the change more accurately reflect our geographic location, but it is also symbolic of our mission to be ‘Guardians’ of the city we proudly serve.”

The address change will be reflected on all police correspondence, traditional and electronic mail, forms and website. As the police department transitions, over the next several months, it is imperative that the community is informed of the change.

Please be aware that the new address may not be immediately reflected on online maps and app.

Safe Drug Disposal

By Walnut/DB Sheriff’s Station
Do not flush unused, unwanted, and expired medications down the toilet or put them in drains!

How should I dispose of my medications?

For your convenience, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department offers a Safe Drug Drop Off program where both controlled and non-controlled substances are accepted. Take medications/drugs to the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station for safe and anonymous disposal. The mailboxes on the front steps of the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station are designated for anonymous drop-off of all types of drugs.

You can also return your medications to a pharmacy near you. Some pharmacies offer take-back and/or mail-back programs.

What kind of medications/drugs can be dropped off?

Prescription medications
Illegal drugs
Over-the-counter medications
Aspirin, ibuprofen, etc.
Cold/flu remedies
Birth control pills
Hormone replacement drugs
Veterinary medicines
Codeine, phenobarbital, and anabolic steroids, narcotics, tranquilizers, etc

Why is this important?

Medications flushed down the toilet or in drains pass through the sewer system and eventually enter our streams, lakes, and rivers. Medicines and synthetic hormones have been detected in trace amounts in bodies of water. This could lead to increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics and interference with growth and reproduction in aquatic organisms such as fish, frogs and all marine life.

The presence of medications in the environment is a complex issue and the risk to humans and the environment is still being determined. With tens of thousands of medicinal products on the market and more being developed each year, the long-term risks have not been determined on the effects on the environment. However, in order to minimize the potential negative and irreversible impacts, it is important that we limit the disposal of waste medications to the sewer.

(Some excerpts taken from Los Angeles Department of Public Works, Environmental Programs Division)
Contact Information: Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Station – 909-595-2264,

 

“To De Or Not To De”….Tox That Is!

By Craig “Deuce” Doussett MPH, RDN

Much of the information and misinformation surrounding the concept of detox diets and supplements could only be murkier and more perplexing if it was written by William Shakespeare in unrhymed iambic pentameter. This may be due, in part, to the knowledge gaps that exist in the literature regarding how detoxification processes work in concert to keep us from acute toxicity. The science (often described as the meat of the matter a.k.a., the “steak”) certainly doesn’t exist in large enough quantities to justify the hype (or “sizzle”, to extend the metaphor). It may also be due to the lack of one dedicated detoxification “system”, like the muscular or cardiovascular system, further allowing speculation and “marketing” (a.k.a. effectively-targeted speculation) a megaphone for popular science. Popular science being any and all efforts to appease an impatient population with imprecise and “sciency” sounding jargon. Or it may be that the aversion one feels towards a word (CrossFit, Vegan, Paleo, Yoga, Microbrew, or Mandscaping) creates an antipathy that blinds one from exploring beyond first sight or sound. In any case, the desire to detox, to effectively assist the body’s efforts to gain or remain healthy is not a futile or fruitless endeavor. It is however an effort that must be governed with safety, prudence, and a boost in health literacy. To this end, the following questions must be asked:

  1. Can we assist or speed up detoxification through supplementation and elimination diets? Here it is imperative to note that the toxins being targeted are from outside (exogenous) sources. Chemicals found in foods (fertilizers, pesticides), cleaning products (dyes, softeners, and preservatives), and household wares (chemicals used to treat carpets, leather, and composite materials).
  2. Can we approach a “detoxified” state and is this state desirable above normal (read: healthy) levels? The goal of a well-thought-out detox may be more about what we remove (toxic burden) than what we include.
  3. Is “detox” a much maligned buzzword employed to avoid the use of trite words such as ‘resolution’, ‘goal’, ‘diet’ or ‘dedication’? Would we be better off using these words and making small and lasting changes to our diet (spoiler alert: Yes! This is the best way to achieve lasting health).

Now that our health literacy has been boosted, what supplements are worth our time? Aloe-Vera, Senna, Red Clover, Milk Thistle (unless allergic to ragweed), and insoluble fibers in powder form can be used judiciously. While these are the least harsh and safest “detoxifiers” on the scene, always seek the advice of your doctor and inform them of any and all supplementation.

Detoxification efforts receive the majority of their benefits from the following:

  1. Increase fluid intake (kidneys, bladder, skin, and fat cells)
  2. Increase fruit and vegetable intake i.e., increased levels of antioxidants, phytochemicals, and fiber (digestion and colon health)
  3. Secondary emphasis on grass-fed and organic meats and reducing consumption of processed carbohydrates
  4. Tertiary emphasis on reducing food sensitivities, allergies, and trigger foods that feed the stomach but starve the brain.

Detoxification diets are fads in the classical sense i.e., the science has not caught up with the marketing machine which includes word-of-mouth and inspiring testimonials. Yet it is vital to remember that many common place approaches to life started out as a fad e.g., high fat diets have now been shown to improve the symptoms of epilepsy in children and insulin sensitivity in Type II diabetics, and high-complex carbohydrate diets are standard for some liver disorders. The goal is to engage in a behavior that is healthy, safe, sustainable, and above all eliminates deficiencies in lieu of creating them.

 

Former K-Mart Center Building

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Diamond Bar – Many citizens in the city of Diamond Bar are wondering just what is going on at Diamond Bar Boulevard (where the “old K-Mart” used to reside), and there is thankfully some new revealing information.

Diamond Bar’s Kmart store, which included 84,000 square feet of inside retail space plus a garden center of about 10,000 square feet, opened in 1975 and closed in 2014 amid the company’s ongoing financial struggles.

While the property is managed by private owners, construction is currently underway. According to Community Development Director Greg Gubman, there have been several approvals solidified thus far of new tenants in what will become the renovated building. Of those tenants, Sprouts Market and Ross are confirmed, and will be completed and operational by the projected date of Dec. 2017.

“It was a long, slow death,” said Greg Gubman, the city’s community development director. “Kmart and Sears have both been struggling and Kmart had more value in the land lease than in the general sales from that site. They sold their lease to the property owner.”

Gubman also said that there have been a few approved establishments for the empty lot space just adjacent to Diamond Bar Boulevard: Chipotle and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, the latter of which will have a drive through. These are also estimated to be completed by the end of the year, though that completion time may run into early next year.

Sprouts Farmers Market is in the process of hiring more than 100 employees for a 30,000-square-foot Diamond Bar location that will occupy part of a former Kmart store.

The market, at 239 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., is scheduled to open Oct. 11 and openings are available for a variety of full- and part-time positions, including department managers, produce, dairy and bakery clerks, meat cutters and administrative and scan coordinators, among other roles.

More information can be found at sprouts.com/careers or by calling 866-925-2396.

There will be additional tenants occupying the renovated former K-Mart building, and the private owners of the property are still securing those tenants.

When asked how this will benefit the city, Director Gubman said, “These various retail uses will help diversify the revenues for the city of Diamond Bar.” This is not only needed in the community, it is greatly desired, as the current state does not provide benefit or aesthetic appeal.

One of the goals delineated by the City Council at the beginning of the year to promote long-term economic development was the following: “In cooperation with the property owners, redevelop the K-Mart site to include retail and restaurant options.”

Gubman said a Ross Dress for Less will move into another portion of the building and a third section will be subdivided between three tenants that have yet to be named. Another 10,000-square-foot addition to the building is under construction where the garden center used to be.

“They are also proposing two drive-thru buildings out front,” he said. “One would have a Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf and a Chipotle Mexican Grill and another building would have a Habit hamburger restaurant.”

The new lineup of stores is tentatively going to be called Diamond Bar Ranch. It sits adjacent to the Diamond Bar Plaza shopping center.

Gubman said the city is glad to see Sprouts and other stores preparing to move in.

“We’re pleased that we’re getting national retailers,” he said. “The community seems pretty excited about a Sprouts coming in.”

The building’s conversion also has generated some welcome construction jobs. Tony Gonzales of Savant Construction Inc. in Chino said his company has 15 to 20 workers doing interior work on the Sprouts store.

“We’ve been here for about three months,” he said. “We tore out the slab and did new concrete, electrical and plumbing work, lighting and all of the finishes.”

The city is now fulfilling that objective, much to the relief of many Diamond Bar residents.

Non Profits Under Scrutiny

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Local nonprofits have been under scrutiny and a lawsuit is being filed this week, which has opened a can of worms in compliance and liability. Some non-profits have reportedly experienced mishandlings of their finances, refusals to release tax records, and non-filings of IRS documents. A local Chamber is now being sued and other non profits are being requested to show their finances.

The local Chamber of Commerce is being sued this week as legal documents were completed and were ordered to be filed. The exact amount and the defendants, which are the board of directors for refusing to pay and respond, will be released once the suit has been filed in court. Releasing the names of the board members personally being sued prior to the filing would be considered “third party disclosure.” After the filing all information will be released as it will then become public record, and the lawsuit will lead to subpoenas of their finances.

“The board members are covered under their Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance,” said a local agency who insures non-profits. “They will be fine as long as they have the required insurance. If a non-profit is running without D&O, they can be assuming personal liability.”

Incorporated non-profits are usually not personally liable unless neglect or specific harm is inflicted. But other ways a nonprofit board member might be held liable include:

  • When a board member directly injures someone on purpose
  • When a board member guarantees a loan or other business debt for the nonprofit which then defaults on that loan or debt
  • When a board fails to make sure that the organization deposits payroll and property taxes or files mandated tax returns.
  • When a board member engages in fraudulent activities or does something illegal or just plain reckless that causes harm, or mixes up nonprofit and personal funds.

As long as the nonprofit is incorporated and board members do nothing “bad,” they should be fine, however, serving on the board of an unincorporated nonprofit.

Board members, in that case, are not protected the way they are in an incorporated nonprofit. These types of nonprofits are more common than you might think, so check the organization’s incorporation papers before agreeing to serve on a board. If you are already involved in an unincorporated nonprofit, consider the pros and cons of incorporating.  You and your fellow board members might sleep better if you took the steps to become incorporated.

Just to make sure that no legal actions slip through the cracks of incorporation law, most experts do recommend that nonprofits purchase Directors and Officer (D & O) liability insurance to protect against certain kinds of lawsuits and other types of litigation.

Local non profits are many, and all must have a 501 (c) (3) status granted by the IRS. A specific rule on nonprofits is that the debt follows the entity.

So who is qualified to be a nonprofit? According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Exempt Organizations Select Check (Publication 78 database) provides a partial listing of organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. For information on other organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt organizations, you may call IRS Customer Service at 877-829-5500. You can also contact them through any of the other methods described in Publication 557. This information can be found at IRS.gov. A contributor can also check an organization’s exemption letter, which states the Code section that describes the organization and whether contributions made to the organization are deductible.

The IRS sometimes recognizes a group of organizations as tax-exempt if they are affiliated with a central organization. This avoids the need for each of the organizations to apply for exemption individually. For more information, see Publication 4573, Group Exemptions. Subordinate organizations exempt under group rulings are not separately listed in the Select Check (Publication 78 database); see Eligible Donees Generally Not Listed in Publication 78

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),

In person at the organization’s principal office, or its regional or district offices, during regular business hours. Unrelated business income tax returns filed by organizations exempt under Code section 501(c)(3) are also available. You may also request copies of such materials in writing. The organization may charge a reasonable fee to cover copying and mailing costs.

You are entitled to inspect or receive a copy of any annual return for three years from the date the return was required to be filed (or, for an amended return, from the date it was filed). For more information, see the IRS’ frequently asked questions on public disclosure, the final regulations, or Disclosure Requirements at IRS.gov.

For exemption application materials, you are 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.

Stay tuned for our print edition to print the public record and our online version for updates, and an ongoing investigation highlighting local non profits and their compliance to IRS laws.

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