Category Archives: The Weekly News

A Personal Touch

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

It seems that whenever you call a local utility or cable provider, you get voice mail.  The voice on the other end of the line seems cheerful and friendly, but it’s just a computer that you’re talking to.

Recently, I called my local cable company to request a reduction in my monthly payment.  The friendly voice asked for my account number and other personal information.  After I entered the information the computer requested, I assumed I would be connected to a service representative.

But that was not the case.  Now the computer wanted to know why I was calling.  Did I need service or sales?  Did I have a technical problem, or did I have a problem with my billing?

My best strategy is to ask for “service” or just say “help.”  I repeat this over and over again into the phone, but the computer tries to cut me off and ask me additional questions.  I keep saying “help” and “representative,” hoping I can talk faster than the computer voice.

Then, the computer says, “I see you want to talk with a representative.”  The computer continues by saying, “If this is correct, press one. If this is not correct, press two.  I press “1”.

Finally, I have a real person on the phone.  He greets me enthusiastically.  He seems genuinely interested in my situation.  He wants to solve my problem.

I wonder if it wouldn’t be easier and faster if a real person had answered my call in the first place.  Why do I need to talk with a computer for five minutes when I still need a real person to solve my problem?

It is true that computers do help make our lives easier and our banking faster.  Computers can provide navigation for our cars and provide information at our finger tips.

But, there are some things that computers cannot do. There are problems that computers cannot solve.  We still need people.  People helping other people.

Let me encourage you to be more alert and aware of the people in your life.  Your co-workers family members and classmates are vital in your life.  Why not express your appreciation to some of them this week?  Tell them how much you appreciate their encouragement and support.  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

Easter Services: 8:30 / 10:00 / 11:30 AM

EFreedb.org

 

Man Arrested For 8 Year Old’s Murder

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – This past Sunday a man was arrested on the charge of murder by drive-by shooting of an 8-year-old boy in Pomona, CA.

On March 26, Sengchan Houl, aged 35 of Pomona, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder for the demise of Jonah Hwang, a young boy shot to death on February 20th of this year. The shooting occurred on 1100 block of West 11th Street in Pomona.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office will decide later whether or not to seek the death penalty against Houl, who is currently being held without bail while waiting arraignment on April 26 of this year. The murder charge includes the allegation of murder committed while firing from a motor vehicle.

At the time of the shooting, the boy was in the home with his family while visiting friends for dinner. He was struck by the bullet and killed upon impact. Police have stated that the family formerly residing at the house of the aforementioned crime had no gang affiliations.

Pomona police Chief Paul Capraro, during news conference that ensued the Monday following the shooting, declared there have been four shootings in total since January of this year aimed directly at this house, but for unknown reasons.

“On three of the shootings, the house was unoccupied,” stated Capraro. “Evidence suggests that all four of these shootings are related.”

Investigators were able to identify the vehicle used in all four shootings, and thereafter arrested Houl this past Sunday.

Regarding the arrest, Capraro attested, “Mr. Houl was stopped (while) driving the suspect vehicle…In his possession at the time of his arrest was a firearm that we believe was used in the shootings.”

The motive for these shootings remains unclear, and the investigation continues. Capraro stated police are trying to discover any other accomplices.

The suspect does not have an extensive criminal record, and it is unknown if he is or was involved in criminal organizations.

You’re Either Going To Clark’s, Or You’re Settling For Less…Way Less

Experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Visit http://www.clarksnutrition.com.

By Staff Reports

 

Chino– When my daughter was little, we would take her to Chuck E. Cheese every year for her birthday. Then one year I announced that rather than going to Chuck E. Cheese, we would take her to Disneyland for her very first time. She was upset and disappointed. All she had ever known was this small local pizza place ran by Chuck E., so she had no idea what was waiting for her at the “happiest place on earth.”  Needless to say when she walked through the front gate at Disneyland, she “got it.”  Disneyland was bigger, better, and more amazing.

I recently visited Clark’s Nutrition in Chino for the first time. It is the Disneyland of natural foods stores! For years I settled with what I knew from other stores, but after walking through the front door of Clark’s, I “got it!” Clark’s is not just bigger and better, but its one of the most amazing natural foods store I’ve ever been in.

What’s a Clarks store like? Imagine if you morphed Sprouts, Whole Foods, GNC, and Trader Joes into one store. It would be called Clarks! Clark’s has the largest selection of organic produce, supplements, and natural foods in the Inland Empire. They also have a great bulk foods section, they have grass-fed meats, a full dairy section, and the Chino location even has a juice bar! Clark’s was recently featured on a bus tour that brought other natural foods grocers from all over the world to visit Clarks in Chino.  Clark’s has been told they have the largest supplement section in the United States in their Chino location. Basically, if you are looking for it, they’ve got it! I’ve also noticed that Clark’s prices are reasonable on most everything. I was surprised at the pricing since they had so much selection, I thought I would be paying for it; yet another pleasant surprise.

If that isn’t enough to get you into Clarks, they have Nutritional Consultants to help you. These Nutritional Consultants really know a lot about nutrition. Just look for the employees in the maroon shirts. They’re the Nutritional Consultants. Kyle and Joe are a couple of my favorites, but they’re all great. Clark’s has a 5-level training program that takes these Nutritional Consultants about 3 ½ years to complete. This sets them apart from everyone. Starkie Sowers, Clark’s Director of Education writes and teaches these in-house classes. Starkie says, “From the beginning, we knew we wanted to really help people educate themselves about their own health.” No one at Clarks is on commission. Starkie adds, “I’ve been with Clarks for 36 years and although the natural foods industry has grown and changed a great deal, the Clark family have always been committed to providing solid answers for customers trying to navigate their unique heath goals.” Clark’s attracts a wide variety of customers; people with food allergens, those wanting to get/remain fit, moms trying to help their family eat healthier, customers seeking holistic approaches to health and wellness, Vegans, Vegetarians…and the list goes on. Marketing Director, Mike Barnett says, “People are looking for a trusted source for their nutrition questions and Clark’s knowledgeable Nutritional Consultants are the final stop for people looking for real help.”

As a lifelong resident in the Inland Empire, I had heard of Clarks, but didn’t know where their locations are and that they’ve been around since 1972. Clarks’ is family owned and operated. It makes me feel good knowing that I am supporting a small local business rather helping shareholders make more money. All four of Clark’s locations are local: Chino, Riverside, Loma Linda, and Rancho Mirage. I am glad to finally count myself among those that “get it!” My family and I can be found at Clarks in Chino. Discover Clark’s Nutrition and stop settling for less.

Chino Hills Resident Charged In Bribery Scheme To “Fix” Cases

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Chino Hills citizen Juan C. Rosas Santillana, age 33, is scheduled to plead guilty on April 21 for participating in a racketeering scheme by acting as a recruiter in a large-scale bribery operation.

On Wednesday, March 29, a former clerk of the Orange County Superior Court pled guilty to federal racketeering charges. With the aid of above Chino Hills resident Juan Rosas and other recruiters, the clerk collected more than a $250,000 in bribes to illegally resolve both criminal cases and traffic offenses.

The clerk, Jose Lopez Jr., age 36 of Anaheim, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Lopez admitted that he was at the center of a scheme in which co-conspirators (including Chino Hills resident Santillana) paid him as much as $8,000 in bribes to “fix” cases.

Chino Hills resident Juan Rosas Santillana and others were middlemen who “recruited” individuals with pending cases to pay money to resolve their cases without authorization of the court.

With the help of aforementioned middlemen, or recruiters, “defendant [Lopez] improperly resolved approximately 1,034 cases, including 69 misdemeanor driving under the influence cases, 160 other misdemeanor cases and 805 traffic-related infraction cases.” Lopez admitted to these charges on the plea agreement.

Over the course of 5 years, recruiters sent to Lopez and Lopez subsequently “resolved” cases by entering information in court computers to do any or multiple of the following: making it appear that a defendant had pled guilty, making it appear that required fees had been paid and/or community service time served, and even that drunk driving charges had been dismissed or defendants had already served required jail time.

Moreover, Lopez was also found to have forged the signature of a prosecutor within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

The conspiracy finally ended in the spring of 2015 when the court discovered the misconduct and took steps to reopen cases that Lopez and his affiliates had interfered with.

“This defendant compromised the justice system in Orange County to line his pocket with money he used to travel abroad, take trips to Las Vegas and open a Mexican restaurant,” stated United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown. “This scheme affected hundreds of cases and caused havoc in the Orange County Superior Court – problems that were further complicated when the former clerk encouraged others to lie about the scheme.”

Lopez pled guilty before United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who is scheduled to sentence the defendant on September 22. Consequently, Lopez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

“The defendant ignored the rule of law and potentially undermined public safety by essentially serving as judge and jury in scores of cases to enrich himself,” declared Deirdre Fike, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate complaints of corruption by public officials and those with access to sensitive information.”

With Lopez’s guilty plea, there remain 10 people charged last fall with participating in the racketeering scheme by acting as recruiters.

The other 10 defendants who have pleaded guilty or have agreed to plead guilty are the following:

  • Juan C. Rosas Santillana, 33, of Chino Hills, who is scheduled to plead guilty on April 21;
  • Ricardo Quinones, 33, of Santa Ana;
  • Ramon Salvador Vasquez, 28, of Santa Ana;
  • Manuel Galindo Jr., 27, of Santa Ana;
  • Gibram Rene Lopez, also known as “Ivan,” 27, of Anaheim;
  • Agustin Sanchez Jr., 32, of Santa Ana;
  • Luis Alberto Flores Guillen, also known as “Bills,” 26, of Santa Ana, who pleaded guilty earlier today;
  • Oscar Centeno, also known as “Mosquito,” 27, of Santa Ana;
  • Jeff Reynes Fernandez, also known as “Lean,” 25, of Fullerton; and
  • Jesus Saldana, 28, of Garden Grove.

Special agents within the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation continue to investigate this case.

Man Convicted For Murder May Avoid Life

By Michael Armijo

Diamond Bar – A man accused of killing a gas station attendant over 20 years ago was convicted last week in the two decade old murder may avoid serving a life sentence because he was a teenager at the time, authorities said Tuesday.

Lino Jesus Acero, now 38, was 17 years old when he walked into an Arco gas station on Nov. 18, 1994, in a robbery attempt that killed Mahfouz Ghabour. Acero was convicted of being the trigger man when he went behind the counter and shot Ghabour in the chest. He fled with an accomplice empty handed, officials said.

The jury, who deliberated for only a few days, convicted Acero last Monday. Using a handgun in a crime would normally lead to a life sentence without parole, but because of a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year found that such punishment was cruel and unusual for juveniles.

Acero faces at least 25 years to life in prison, authorities said. He’s scheduled to be sentenced June 10 when the judge can order the life sentence or a reduced sentence.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Danice Akiyoshi ND,

I find myself feeling really restless in my marriage.  My husband is a very nice man, but my requests to add more excitement into our relationship are being ignored.  He seems very uncomfortable when I bring up the subject of improving our romantic life.  I notice that he buys me more gifts and takes me to nice dinners when I complain, but that’s not what I’m after.  I want more intimacy.  He is healthy in every way and so am I.  My sister said that this is what happens after 12 years of marriage. I don’t want to believe this is true and that things will get steadily worse.  He seemed uncomfortable with the idea of getting counseling.  He said we are fine and that he’s just been tired lately.  I worry that he no longer finds me attractive even though I’ve worked very hard to stay fit and healthy.  I don’t know what to do.

C.L.

 

Dear C. L.

You say you have tried to communicate your needs clearly to your husband and he is not taking you seriously. Is this the way your relationship works in other areas too, or just in the intimacy department?   Give it some thought. Maybe you’ll see that there is a pattern in other areas of your relationship where you are being ignored.  If in fact you have communicated clearly that you feel dissatisfied with the degree of intimacy in your marriage, your husband should be on red alert and strive to remedy that situation promptly.  If you are both healthy then there should be no problem spicing things up a bit.  If your husband is content in allowing you to feel insignificant to him then he has some ugly trouble awaiting him in his future.  The fact that you took time out to write to me means you are not going to deal well with being ignored, nor should you.  This is the time to get some serious conversations started before you find yourselves in jeopardy, and while you still love each other.  Do not wait.  Seek assistance if you need to, but I urge you to aggressively address this issue before you end up dealing with many more serious problems.  At this stage things can be turned around pretty quickly if the love is there.

I wish you the best of luck.

 

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.

Mt. Sac Solar Project Moves Forward

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Walnut – A recent judge’s ruling has given Mt. San Antonio College the go-ahead to construct its long-awaited solar project, previously contested by the City of Walnut and neighboring residents.

On March 14, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant found that because the project is a solar generation facility, it is exempt from city land use, zoning, and building controls. This ruling halts the city’s stop-work order on the college. Moreover, he rejected the city’s request to take lead agency status. Mt. Sac thus maintains responsibility for conducting the project under the CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act.

“We are pleased the judge supported Mt. SAC’s position on this matter,” stated the President of Mt. SAC Bill Scroggins. “We are looking forward to working cooperatively with the City of Walnut and neighbors.”

The project will be located on Mt. Sac premises known as the “West Parcel,” a triangular piece of land South of Temple Avenue.

Even though the judge ruled that Mt. SAC is not required to apply to the City of Walnut for a conditional use permit or building permit, it must submit grading and truck hauling plans for the solar project. City engineers must then review and process the grading plans for approval. However, the authority of the city’s review is limited by state code to onsite review only – meaning the design and grading issues can only be judged and assessed inasmuch as they affect the site itself.

“The college has had a long history of working with the city on construction issues such as grading and truck hauling,” Scroggins declared. “We will monitor the city’s progress on the review of our grading and hauling plans and collaborate with city staff to expedite the process.”

Because the system will generate 2.2 megawatts of electricity for the campus, it will save taxpayers at least $480,000 a year, as well as approximately $15 million over the 25-year life cycle of the system. This project will move the college closer to energy independence and improve the quality and reliability of campus electrical service.

Funding for the project has included voter-approved Proposition 39 Clean Energy Funds, California Solar Incentive Funds, and California Energy Commission loans.

Happy Easter From The Whole Enchilada!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, (at Grand Ave.), in Diamond Bar. You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.

Join The Whole Enchilada for Easter Breakfast –They Open at   7:30 a.m.

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Easter is just around the corner, and celebrations are plentiful with family and friends around this holiday.  This year, why not bring the celebration to The Whole Enchilada, beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Ave in the Walmart Market shopping center.

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

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada.

The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning to have an Easter celebration at home and don’t want to cook?  The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event with handmade tamales, which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s an Easter fiesta, business meeting or catered Grand Opening, a fundraiser or birthday party, or even just a wonderful excuse not to cook, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a sweet Easter treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.  Much better than a chocolate rabbit, and muy delicioso!

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift for an Easter basket!  And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and Kids Club.  Fundraising? Ask us and we can accommodate. With a wide variety of reasons to visit, it’s obvious that The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

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

The Whole Enchilada is open on Easter Sunday from  7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  They are located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.  See their ad on the back page of this publication for specials offered throughout the week.

Fire Damages Home

Staff Reports

Walnut – One person was transported to a local hospital after a fire broke out in Walnut last Thursday.

The fire broke out in the 800 block of North Silver Valley Terrace around 11 am when the Walnut Fire Department were called out to the residence. One person was treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire department extinguished the flames at the two-story building in 21 minutes, according to the county fire department.

No other injuries or damage assessment was available at press time.

Everyday Mindfulness

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

All we seem to be hearing about is “being mindful” and the benefits that come from it.  Be mindful involves being in the moment, being totally engaged in what you are doing.  For example, let’s say you are mindfully walking your dog.  As you walk, you really pay attention to the rhythm of your feet as you take each step.  You’re not thinking about anything; you’re just fully present and engaged in the action of the walking.  This idea of being fully engaged is the idea of being mindful.  You’re not thinking about what you will be doing after the walk or anything else; you are just fully absorbed in the walking.  This mindfulness should be incorporated into everything that you do all day long.  When you are mindful all day long, you are really putting yourself in a calm meditative state of being.

As I research pain management and meditation, I’m finding that mindfulness lowers pain because when we are fully present we are focused on what we are doing in each moment.  When we do this, we almost forget about the pain because we aren’t giving it our attention anymore, so our brain turns the volume down on the pain.  The stress of pain and all the worry about pain actually turns up the volume of the pain in our brains.  When we are mindful and less anxious, focused on the doing of the present moment, our focus is shifted; therefore, our brain turns down the volume of our pain.  So by being mindful, l we actually are able to manage the volume or intensity of our pain.

Practice being mindful with each chore or activity you do.  You will be amazed how your body starts to relax.  You will be amazed how you have less pain and are able to focus better.  I think of mindfulness as a kind of meditation for the everyday person.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  Nancy is now accepting new clients.  She also works as a motivational speaker.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens and can handle many court mandated needs.  For more information about any of these services contact Nancy at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Slammin Lemon Salmon

Photo courtesy: Hello Fresh

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 30 min.

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 690 Calories

Ingredients:

Butter Beans- 2 boxes

Red Onion- 1

Garlic- 4 Cloves

Zucchini- 2

Lemon- 2

Cilantro- 1/4 oz.

Sugar Snap Peas- 8 oz.

Salmon- 24 oz.

Dijon Mustard- 2 tsp

Coriander- 2 tsp

Veggie Stock Concentrate- 2

 

  1. Prep. Wash and dry all produce. Drain and rinse butter beans. Finely chop onion. Mince or grate garlic. Chop zucchini into 1/2-inch pieces. Halve lemon. Roughly chop cilantro.
  1. Cook veggies. Heat a large drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook, tossing, until softened, about 5 minutes. Add snap peas and zucchini. Cook until snap peas are tender but still crisp and zucchini has softened, about 3-4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.
  1. Cook salmon. Heat another large drizzle of olive oil in same pan. Season salmon all over with salt and pepper. Place in pan skin-side down. Cook until almost opaque in center, 2-3 minutes per side. Add 1 TBSP butter to pan and juice of half the lemon. Spoon butter and lemon over salmon continuously until cooked through, 1-2 minutes. Remove salmon from pan and set aside.
  1. Warm veggies and beans. Lower heat under pan to medium and add garlic. Cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add 1 tsp mustard (we sent more) and coriander and cook, stirring, another 30 seconds. Add butter bean and veggie mixture. Cook, tossing, until warmed through, 1-2 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
  1. make sauce Add stock concentrate and ¼ cup water to pan. Simmer until slightly reduced, about 3 minutes. Stir in half the cilantro.
  1. plate and serve Divide butter bean and veggie mixture between plates, then top with salmon. Squeeze lemon over plates and sprinkle with remaining cilantro.

Bomb Threat at Chino Hills High Locks Down School

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Tuesday, April 4, Chino Hills High received a telephonic bomb threat to the school. The phone call occurred at approximately 1 o’clock p.m. that day.

A male individual called on April 4 and threatened to “blow up” the school. The principal immediately ordered a lockdown of the entire school.

Thereafter, the Sheriff’s department received a call informing them that a possible bomb threat had been issued at CHHS. The entire school was immediately put on lockdown as the police arrived and proceeded with a thorough investigation.

The police conducted searches of every building on campus while students were waiting for them to check and clear the space. Deputies searched and swept the school room by room. Students were moved to a safe area as the searches were conducted.

Roads were closed at that time. Surrounding streets were closed and have since reopened.

Many parents flooded social media during this frightening time, asking online for prayer. At the end of the school day, students were given the “all clear” and were allowed to go home.

No motive was clear and no one has been apprehended so far.

Shooting Victim In Critical Condition

By Pomona PD

Date / Time: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 / 10:18pm

Location: Palomares and Fernleaf Ave., Pomona Ca. 91766

Crime: 245 PC Assault with Deadly Weapon – Firearm

Victim: Name unknown at this time

Suspect(s): Unknown male(s)

Suspect Vehicle: Possible silver Acura , unknown year

On Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at approximately 10:18pm, Pomona Police Dispatch received calls regarding gunshots heard in the area and a possible victim of a shooting at the location. Officers responded and located a victim of a shooting. The victim was treated at the scene by LA County Fire personnel and then transported to an area hospital via ambulance. The victim’s condition was listed as critical as he was being taken into surgery.

The suspect(s) fled the location in the above described vehicle and officers did not locate the suspect(s) or suspect vehicle.

The investigation into this incident is on-going.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

By Lieutenant Alex Rilloraza, Pomona Police Department

Golfing Fore The Kids

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

I enjoy playing golf.  It requires skill, luck, and perseverance.  Many life lessons are found in golf:   how to overcome adversity; how to build character; how to help and encourage your fellow players.

Another nice thing about golf is that you can play the game throughout your life.  I enjoy seeing a mom or dad spending time on the putting green with their young children.  My son and I started playing golf together when he was in middle school and we still enjoy playing golf together today.

It is also nice to see golf teams from local high schools on the golf course.  Although each player keeps his or her own score, they compete as a team against other schools.  In fact, my own son is the boys’ golf coach at his high school.  This is his third year.

This year I am the co-chairman of our annual Walnut Valley Rotary Club – Diamond Bar Community Foundation golf tournament.  These two service organizations put this annual golf tournament together to raise funds that benefit children and youth in our local community.

The DBCF contributes funds for youth sports fields, academic scholarships, fine arts programs and much more.  The Rotary Club of Walnut Valley supports youth speech and music competitions, youth leadership camps and holiday food and toy distributions.  Both organizations make contributions to our local schools and both give away thousands of dollars each year to benefit children and youth in Diamond Bar, Walnut, and Rowland Heights.

Our annual “Golfing Fore The Kids” tournament will be on Monday, May 8th at the beautiful Western Hills Golf Course.  We are looking for more golfers to participate in this event.  The cost is $150 per player.  This includes 18 holes of golf plus Subway breakfast sandwiches, Chick- Fil-A chicken sandwiches, and a mid-afternoon dinner in the Western Hills dining room.

Participants will have the opportunity to win a new Car at the Hole in One par three.  Numerous raffle items will be given away at the end of the tournament.  It will be a great day to enjoy with your fellow golfers on this luxurious private golf course.

In addition, we are looking for more sponsors to support this community event.  Over the years, many local businesses and corporations have given financial support to this event.  Individual sponsors have also contributed to Golfing Fore the Kids.

You can learn more about “Golfing Fore The Kids” at the Diamond Bar Community Foundation web site.  Golfers can register online, too.

Please mark your calendar now and register this week to enjoy a wonderful day of golf on May 8th at the Western Hills Country Club. Check out our web site for all the information.  Invite some fellow golfers to join you for a memorable golf experience.  They will be glad you did and you will too!

 

History 101

Photo Courtesy: National Geographic

Billy The Kid Convicted of Murder

By History.com

After a one-day trial, Billy the Kid is found guilty of murdering the Lincoln County, New Mexico, sheriff and is sentenced to hang.

There is no doubt that Billy the Kid did indeed shoot the sheriff, though he had done so in the context of the bloody Lincoln County War, a battle between two powerful groups of ranchers and businessmen fighting for economic control of Lincoln County. When his boss, rancher John Tunstall, was murdered before his eyes in February 1878, the hotheaded young Billy swore vengeance. Unfortunately, the leader of the men who murdered Tunstall was the sheriff of Lincoln County, William Brady. When Billy and his partners murdered the sheriff several months later, they became outlaws, regardless of how corrupt Brady may have been.

After three years on the run and several other murders, Pat Garrett finally arrested Billy in early 1881. Garrett, a one-time friend, was the new sheriff of Lincoln County. On this day in 1881, a court took only one day to convict Billy of the murder of Sheriff Brady. Sentenced to hang, Billy was imprisoned in Lincoln’s county jail while Sheriff Garrett gathered the technical information and supplies needed to build an effective gallows.

On April 28, while Garrett was out of town, Billy managed to escape. While one of the jail’s two guards was escorting a group of prisoners across the street to dinner, Billy asked the remaining guard to take him to the jail outhouse. As the guard escorted him back to his cell, Billy somehow managed to slip a wrist through his handcuffs. He slugged the guard and shot him with a pistol either that he took from the guard or that a friend had hidden in the outhouse for him. Hearing the shot, the second guard ran back to the jail, and Billy killed him with a blast from a shotgun he found in Garrett’s office. Reportedly, Billy then smashed the gun and threw it down on the dead guard, yelling, “You won’t follow me any more with that gun!”

After murdering the guards, Billy seemed in no hurry to flee. He armed himself with two pistols and, according to one account, “danced about the balcony, laughed and shouted as though he had not a care on earth.” Apparently, the people of Lincoln were either too fearful or too admiring of the young outlaw to act. After nearly an hour, Billy rode off.

He was not able to ride far enough. Upon his return to Lincoln, Garrett immediately formed a posse and set off to recapture the outlaw. On July 14, 1881, Garrett surprised Billy in a darkened room not far from Lincoln and shot him dead.

Pan-Seared Chicken With Herbs De Provence

Photo courtesy: Hello Fresh

Over a Warm Farro, Mozzarella, and Tomato Jumble

Courtesy of HelloFresh

Ingredients 2-person | 4-person

Shallot • 1 | 1

Farro • ½ Cup | 1 Cup

Grape Tomatoes • 4 oz | 8 oz

Fresh Mozzarella • 4 oz | 8 oz

Chicken Breasts • 12 oz | 24 oz

Herbs de Provence • 1 TBSP | 2 TBSP

Balsamic Vinegar • 1 TBSP | 2 TBSP

Honey • 2 tsp | 4 tsp

  1. Cook farro Halve, peel, and mince shallot. Bring 2⅓ cups water and a pinch of salt to a boil in a medium pot. Once boiling, add farro and shallot. Lower heat and reduce to a simmer. Cook until tender, 25-30 minutes. TIP: If there is still water in pot after cooking, drain farro and return to pot.
  2. Prep Wash and dry all produce. Halve tomatoes lengthwise. Cut mozzarella into small cubes.
  3. Butterflychicken With your hand on top of one chicken breast, cut ¾ of the way, parallel to cutting board, stopping before you slice through completely. Open it up like a book. Season all over with salt, pepper, and herbs de Provence. Repeat with remaining chicken breast
  4. Make dressing In a small bowl, whisk together 1 TBSP balsamic vinegar (we sent more), honey, and a large drizzle of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
  5. Cook chicken Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over high heat. Add chicken in a single layer. Cook until browned and no longer pink in center, 3-4 minutes per side.
  6. Finish and plate Add tomatoes, mozzarella, and half the dressing to pot with farro and toss. Season with salt and pepper. Slice chicken into strips. Divide farro mixture between plates, then top with chicken. Drizzle with remaining dressing.

Remembering Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto

Courtesy of Pomona PD

Pomona – Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was killed in an on-duty motorcycle collision on March 11, 1957, while attempting to stop a vehicle. He was in the process of conducting a traffic stop when he observed another serious violation take place. As he attempted to catch up with the suspect, another vehicle turned left in front of him causing a collision.

Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was involved in various youth activities and was a key figure in the construction of the Pomona Valley Quarter Midget Track in 1956, which was located near First St. and East End Av. Officer Poggetto saw the track as another way to get boys and girls involved in something positive in the City of Pomona.

The first official race event was held December 30, 1956. After his unfortunate death, the track was renamed the Carlo A. Poggetto Memorial Track on March 31, 1957, at a dedication attended by over 4000. In memory of Officer Poggetto, the first club race of the season was dedicated to him. When the Pomona track closed and the Orange Show track was created, the tradition continued.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“Spoiled Sister”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Both of my parents passed away two years ago.  My sister was very dependent on both of them.  Now that they’re gone, she looks to me to entertain her at every holiday and birthday, as if she were still a child, and bail her out financially when she makes stupid mistakes.  She never pitches in for anything that doesn’t directly affect her.  She makes comments like “mom and dad would want you to take care of me.  I’m the baby of the family and you make more money than me,” (she is 47).  Neither of us is married, but I don’t want her to think that she can lean on me for the rest of her life.

-Fed Up

 

Dear Fed Up:

Your sister has a sense of entitlement.  Make it clear that you have no interest in acting out the role of her parent or spouse.  I’m guessing that your parents did her a major disservice by allowing her to arrive into middle age with this degree of emotional immaturity.  Make it clear that your role is that of a sibling and not a caretaker.   Be honest about the fact that you no longer even see her as enjoyable company because of the way she takes you for granted.  If you have feelings of guilt, or have trouble standing up to her manipulation tactics, I would be happy to assist you.

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.

Don’t Let Life Pass You By

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

By Nancy Stoops

When we are young, we can’t wait to turn eighteen.  When we are eighteen, we can’t wait until we are twenty-one.  Now that we are adults, we can’t wait to graduate college and get married.  Now that we are married we can’t wait to have a family and buy a house.  We now have it all, the family, the big job, and the big house, now we can’t wait until we retire.  Why is that we have such a hard time just living in the present?  It’s as if we are literally wishing our lives away.

People seem to believe the future holds the happiness that the present just doesn’t.  I always hear people say things will be different when I get passed that.  So time moves along and they do indeed get past that, and from nowhere something else comes along.  Now they are thinking things will be so much better when I get passed this. And so it is that this just keeps reoccurring.  Do you see a pattern here?  It’s called life and it seems as if it is always giving us something that we must get through.

Life is not a neat little package, it involves a lot of hard work and challenges.  Even then, there are times that we don’t get what we thought we really deserve.  Maybe these are the times to look at what we did end up with and realize it is even better.  We spend so very much time looking at what we don’t have and feeling sorry for ourselves.  Life has a way of giving us what we need, if just pay attention.  Things seem to work out if we are patient and willing to accept life’s challenges and live each day to the fullest!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.  You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

 

.

 

 

Continue To “Put Your Best Fork Forward”

By StatePoint

Are you finding it difficult to keep up with your healthy New Year’s habits? Tackle those resolutions with renewed energy in March during National Nutrition Month and remember that small changes, made over time, can add up.

The 2017 National Nutrition Month theme, “Put Your Best Fork Forward,” encourages everyone to start small — one forkful at a time. Whether you’re planning meals to prepare at home or making selections when dining out, it’s crucial to develop a healthy eating style that you can maintain.

“To make lasting, healthful changes to your eating habits, it’s important to start small,” says registered dietitian nutritionist and Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics spokesperson Caroline Passerrello. “Registered dietitian nutritionists can help you develop personalized solutions that will keep you healthy and allow you to still enjoy your favorite foods throughout your entire life.”

Passerrello offers these ways you can “Put Your Best Fork Forward.”

• Choose Healthier Options When Cooking at Home. “Eating a variety of healthful foods across and within all food groups helps reduce the risk of preventable, lifestyle-related chronic diseases, including cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and obesity,” says Passerrello. “Eat more vegetables, fruits, whole grains, fat-free or low-fat dairy, lean proteins and oils.”

• Find Healthful Options When Dining Out. “Finding healthful options at restaurants is easier today than it ever has been,” says Passerrello. “Most restaurants offer healthful options. Look for items that are steamed or roasted, and ask for sauce, dressing and cheese on the side. To-go boxes can help control portions. Eat half your meal at the restaurant and take the other half home.”

• Set a Good Example for Your Children. Parents are the most important role models for their children. “Modeling healthful eating habits starts in the kitchen,” Passerrello says. “Involving your kids in the cooking with age-appropriate tasks, serving balanced meals with a variety of nutrient-rich foods and enjoying dinner together as often as possible are among the many things you can do to help your family be mindful of their eating habits.”

• Consult a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist. “A healthy lifestyle is much more than choosing to eat more fruits and vegetables. While that is important, it’s also essential to make informed food choices based on your individual health and nutrient needs,” Passerrello says. “A registered dietitian nutritionist can educate you and guide your food choices while keeping your tastes and preferences in mind. They are able to separate facts from fads and translate nutrition science into information you can use.” To find a registered dietitian nutritionist in your area, visit eatright.org.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics’ National Nutrition Month website, eatright.org/NNM, includes articles, recipes, videos and educational resources to spread the message of good nutrition and an overall healthy lifestyle for people of all ages, genders and backgrounds. You can also follow National Nutrition Month on social media using #NationalNutritionMonth.

This National Nutrition Month, keep up the good work you began in January by recommitting to health and wellness in March.