Category Archives: The Weekly News

Recent Recalls

Staff Reports

  1. Metal top dining tables- The table’s metal top can contain lead and presents a risk of lead exposure to children. Lead is toxic if ingested and can cause adverse health effects.
  1. Los Angeles, CA. Chapis Spice & Tea. Today Announced a Recall/Amendment to the Bread Crumbs and Seasoned Bread Crumbs Distributed on or after 11/10/2016 – 02/16/17(Sat, 18 Feb 2017 10:59:00 -0500) This follows notification from our supplier, that there were undeclared allergens in the “regular” Natural Bread Crumbs manufactured on 11/01/17. Allergens such as, Wheat, Milk, Eggs, Tree Nuts, and, Soybean.
  1. Synergy Rx Pharmacy is voluntarily recalling the following non-sterile products; Sublingual Tablets, HCG and HCG with resveratrol Human Chorionic Gonadoptropin), Non Sterile Dermatology creams all strengths (retinoic acid creams, hydroquinine creams, bleaching creams), Numbing Creams, acne creams, hair growth serums with minoxidil, betamethasone creams and Chemical Peels (salicylic acid peels, trichoracetic acid peels, glycolic acid peels, Jessners Peels, custom peels solutions) to the retail level due to a lack of quality assurance.

  1. Licata Enterprises Asks For Volunary Recall of Multiple Vitamin Because of A Possible Fish Allergen Health Risk    (Fri, 17 Feb 2017 15:31:00 -0500) Licata Enterprieses of Huntington Beach, California is recalling its The Supreme One / Theravits 100 multiple vitamin (all lots) due to the discovery of a confusing labeling issue which could cause cause individuals allergic to fish oils to ingest the product in error. The product contains Vitamin A (partially from fish liver oil) which is clearly stated in the Supplement Facts portion of the label; however, another part of some labels also incorrectly state “… contains no common allergens” leading some with fish allergies to believe the product is safe for them. Further, the separate Allergen statement contains fish is missing.
  1. Piano benches sold with Yamaha grand piano- The paint on the piano bench’s interior compartment contains an excessive level of lead. This is a violation of the federal lead paint standard.
  1. DITOS of Anchorage, Alaska is recalling 50 cases of Heart Plastic Platter Strawberries w/ Dip with Chocolate Frosting 32oz, and 30 cases of Heart Plastic Platter Mixed Fruit w/ Dip with Chocolate Frosting 40oz, because it contains undeclared soy and milk. People who have an allergy or severe sensitivity to soy and/or milk run the risk of serious or life-threatening allergic reaction if they consume these products.

Murder Suspect Turns Himself In

By SBSD
On Sunday, February 19, 2017, at approximately 1:11 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Police Department responded to the report of shots heard and a man down in the 13800 block of Victoria Drive. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male, in the street in front of the residence, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded to the location and are conducting the investigation.

On Monday, February 20, the victim has been identified as Roman Robert Clemente of Apple Valley.
Through investigation, Homicide Investigators identified Austin Lembcke as a suspect in the murder of Roman Clemente. An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for Lembcke.
Homicide Investigators are releasing a photo of Austin Lembcke and asking the public for assistance in locating him. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Austin Lembcke is asked to call Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001; or Detective Brian Chambers or Sergeant Jason Radeleff, Homicide Detail (909) 387-3589. 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 www.wetip.com.

On Tuesday, February 21st, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Austin Lembcke turned himself in to Homicide Investigators at Sheriff’s Headquarters. Lembcke was arrested and booked into the Central Detention Center for Murder. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 23rd in Victorville.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Brian Chambers or Sergeant Jason Radeleff, Homicide Detail (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

Public Invited to Workshops on Mt. SAC Master Plan

By Mt. SAC 

WALNUT- Mt. San Antonio College will kicked-off a collaborative community effort to develop a new Educational and Facilities Master Plan by encouraging the public to attend one of eight community workshops throughout Mt. SAC’s District, beginning Feb. 23.

Hosted by members of Mt. SAC’s Board of Trustees, the public workshops are the community’s opportunity to provide input on the college’s Educational and Facilities Master plan.

Mt. SAC’s master plan determines how to best serve the college’s students and community for the next decade and beyond. Mt. SAC previously had separate facility and educational plans. This effort is an integrated process that will combine the two. The Educational Master Plan will inform the Facilities Master Plan, and both will be provided in one comprehensive document.

The public workshops will be held on these dates at the following locations:

  • Thursday, Feb 23, 6:30-8 p.m., Ganesha Park Community Center, 1575 N. White Ave., Pomona.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., West Covina Senior Center, 2501 E. Cortez Str., West Covina.
  • Wednesday, Mar. 1, 6:30-8 p.m., Esther Snyder Community Center, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park.
  • Thursday, Mar. 2, 6:30-8 p.m., Mt. SAC Founders Hall, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut.
  • Thursday, Mar. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Cougar Park, 150 W. Puente Street, Covina.
  • Monday, Mar. 13, 6:30-8 p.m., Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Blvd., Hacienda Heights.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., La Verne Community Center, 3680 D Street, La Verne.
  • Wednesday, Mar. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Rowland Heights Community Center, 18150 East Pathfinder Road, Rowland Heights.

 

For more information, please visit the website at www.mtsac.edu/efmp.

 

Student Selected as a Disney Summer of Service Winner

By YSA 

Diamond Bar– Srijani Krishnan, an eighth grade student from Chaparral Middle School, Diamond Bar, CA has been awarded a Disney Summer of Service grant through YSA (Youth Service America). The grant will support Srijani’s in leading a community service project “Partnering with Pollinators” that addresses the issue of reduction in the pollinators count and their habitat.

Service activities will take place March 5th 2017, Noon – 2 pm for the inauguration of the redesigned ‘Pollinators Garden’ at the Diamond Bar Community Garden (http://www.diamondbarcommunitygarden.com), for the project ‘Partnering with Pollinators’,

Through 2016 Summer Service grant, Srijani intends to support the pollinators of the Diamond Bar Community. The garden also provides a location for the community to enjoy and understand the importance of pollinators, and its role within the community. The volunteers and citizens of Diamond Bar are encouraged to help maintain the habitat after the project completion, and create habitats if possible in their home gardens.

Diamond Bar Community Garden, supported by Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, has gracefully accepted to host the garden for pollinators. The pollinators garden work at the community garden is led by Mr. William Flournoy (Bill) – the Garden Manager, is mentored by Ms. Elizabeth Haffner (Betsy) Master Gardner, Co-founder of the community garden and supported by Ms. Susanne Potter, Office Support Liaison of the church office.

Srijani Krishnan is one of 340 young leaders across the country awarded a $500 Disney Summer of Service grant to organize projects to help make their communities healthier, greener and stronger. Grantees will educate and mobilize their peers around the issue of reduction in the pollinators count and their habitat., creating solutions to partner with pollinators through awareness, service, advocacy, and philanthropic activities.

Golf with Your Local Sheriffs in Chino Hills

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club 

CHINO HILLS – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of the Sheriff Department’s 150 volunteers next month. If you would like to contribute and/or cannot attend and would like to donate, the Booster Club is looking for 150 minimum promotional product donations to help in honoring the volunteers.
The registration will be at 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and followed by a Shotgun Start of 11:15a.m. on  April 3 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as follows:
Platinum sponsor – $3,000- Includes 16 players/four teams, recognition during the awards luncheon, repeated advertising of your company in Our Weekly newspaper and during the tournament, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Gold sponsor – $2,000- Includes 8 players/two teams, recognition in Our Weekly newspaper, recognition during the awards luncheon, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Silver sponsor – $1,000-Includes one team of four players and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Other sponsorship opportunities include– Soft drink/Beer Cart Sponsors for $1,000, Hole-In-One sponsor for $500, Goodie Bag Sponsor for $500, Closest-to-the-Pin Sponsor for $400, and Tee Sign Sponsorship for $100.
Captain Al Reyes encourages community members to join this fun and meaningful tournament to continue to help provide the needed uniforms and equipment to the people who volunteer their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

For information and reservations, contact Sgt. Mark Saldecke, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera, booster club member at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

You may visit http://www.planmygolfevent.com/30119-WalnutSheriffGolf/ for more information.

Comeback or Collapse?

By Mark Hopper

I realize that some people did not watch the Super Bowl football game recently.  Some prefer basketball or soccer or some other sport.  But according to the TV ratings, millions of people did watch the Super Bowl again this year. If you missed it, you may have heard that the game this year was one of the best.  It was the first time in the history of the Super Bowl that the game was tied at the end of regulation.

The game went into overtime for the first time ever.  This was one of the most dramatic and exciting Super Bowl games in its fifty-one year history. In addition, this year’s Super Bowl included the greatest comeback in history.  The Atlanta Falcons led the game by over 20 points in the third quarter.  But, the New England Patriots came back and tied the game with only seconds left on the clock in regulation. And, the Patriots used a rare two-point play after their final touch down to tie the game and force overtime.  It doesn’t get much better than this if you are a football fan.

I have heard a lot of sports fans talking about the remarkable comeback by New England.  Few people thought that the Patriots could pull this off.  Every pass completion was critical.  Every penalty seemed to go their way.  It was amazing to watch. However, I have also heard other fans say it was the biggest collapse in Super Bowl history.  How could Atlanta let the game slip away?  They had a commanding lead in the third quarter.  Most people thought the Falcons had the game wrapped up. I wonder how the players and coaches feel?  The players on the winning team must be so excited.  The players on the losing team must be so disappointed.

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

I suppose that life is a lot like the Super Bowl.  There are times that we a excited and delighted over a personal success or accomplishment.  And, they are times when we feel discouraged and disappointed over a missed opportunity. My suggestion is to focus on the positive.  Don’t dwell on your defeats.  Remember your successes.  Atlanta fans certainly have a reason to be disappointed.  They almost won the game.  They were so close. But, they had a remarkable season and won more games than most people expected.  Their quarterback had the best season of his career.  Football fans were surprised that the Falcons made it to the Super Bowl and almost won it! I hope you can learn to be thankful for the positive things in your life.  Focus on your family and your friends –  your health and your faith.  Every day is a gift from God. We know there will be difficulties and disappointments in life.  Lost jobs and poor health.  But, face those times with hope and faith.  You will be glad you did and others around you will too.

History 101

New Orleanians take to the streets for Mardi Gras

By History.com

On this day in 1827, a group of masked and costumed students dance through the streets of New Orleans, Louisiana, marking the beginning of the city’s famous Mardi Gras celebrations.

The celebration of Carnival–or the weeks between Twelfth Night on January 6 and Ash Wednesday, the beginning of the Christian period of Lent–spread from Rome across Europe and later to the Americas. Nowhere in the United States is Carnival celebrated as grandly as in New Orleans, famous for its over-the-top parades and parties for Mardi Gras (or Fat Tuesday), the last day of the Carnival season.

Though early French settlers brought the tradition of Mardi Gras to Louisiana at the end of the 17th century, Spanish governors of the province later banned the celebrations. After Louisiana became part of the United States in 1803, New Orleanians managed to convince the city council to lift the ban on wearing masks and partying in the streets. The city’s new Mardi Gras tradition began in 1827 when the group of students, inspired by their experiences studying in Paris, donned masks and jester costumes and staged their own Fat Tuesday festivities.

The parties grew more and more popular, and in 1833 a rich plantation owner named Bernard Xavier de Marigny de Mandeville raised money to fund an official Mardi Gras celebration. After rowdy revelers began to get violent during the 1850s, a secret society called the Mistick Krewe of Comus staged the first large-scale, well-organized Mardi Gras parade in 1857.

Over time, hundreds of krewes formed, building elaborate and colorful floats for parades held over the two weeks leading up to Fat Tuesday. Riders on the floats are usually local citizens who toss “throws” at passersby, including metal coins, stuffed toys or those now-infamous strands of beads. Though many tourists mistakenly believe Bourbon Street and the historic French Quarter are the heart of Mardi Gras festivities, none of the major parades have been allowed to enter the area since 1979 because of its narrow streets.

In February 2006, New Orleans held its Mardi Gras celebrations despite the fact that Hurricane Katrina had devastated much of the city with massive flooding the previous August. Attendance was at only 60-70 percent of the 300,000-400,000 visitors who usually attend Mardi Gras, but the celebration marked an important step in the recovery of the city, which counts on hospitality and tourism as its single largest industry.

Fontana Man Convicted Of Murder After Strangling His Estranged Wife To Death

By SBCDAO

SAN BERNARDINO – A Fontana man was convicted Friday of murder after strangling his estranged wife to death and then dumping her body in Chino in 2013.  After a day of deliberations, the jury found 44-year-old Victor Lopez guilty of first degree murder in the killing of Lorna Lopez and found true the allegation that he had used a deadly weapon, a cord.

According to Supervising Deputy District Attorney Norma Alejo, who prosecuted the case, the 40-year-old victim had recently told her husband she was planning to seek a divorce.

On March 12, 2013, Victor Lopez and Lorna Lopez were reported missing by relatives.  The investigation into the missing couple led officers to 41-year-old Joseph Rodriguez, the defendant’s nephew. A search warrant was served on the home of Rodriguez in Huntington Park where officers found evidence linked to the disappearance of Lorna Lopez, a bag of bloody clothes.  The Fontana Police Department decided to put out a media release advising that Victor Lopez and Lorna Lopez were being sought as missing persons.

After seeing himself on television, Victor Lopez contacted his family and advised that he was not missing but had just left for a few days. He claimed to be unaware that his wife was missing.

The Fontana Police Department questioned the defendant and confronted him with the bloody clothes that were discovered. Victor Lopez eventually admitted that there had been an argument between him and Lorna Lopez.  He also told investigators where his wife’s body could be found.

Victor Lopez took the stand at trial and claimed he had killed his wife under heat of passion after having discovering his wife was seeing someone else. On March 8, 2013 Victor Lopez discovered that the victim was dating someone. The victim told him that she would be filing the divorce paperwork on March 13.  At trial, the evidence demonstrated that even though the victim and defendant lived under the same roof they had been living separate lives.

“On March 12, the defendant strangled his wife to death following an argument and took her body to a site in Chino where he dumped it,” said Alejo.

Joseph Rodriguez was charged with Accessory After the Fact and pleaded guilty as charged in June 2013. Victor Lopez faces 26 years to life in state prison.  He will be sentenced April 7, 2017 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

 

 

Times Two

By Racine Guajardo

What was amazing was the blessing that would be created by two..

Cliche to say but I never knew a love like this existed so pure and true..

Conception to birth, bringing you to face everything on this earth..

Shielding you from all evil, I dare anyone to step to you..

You see one person, yet I stand with an army of angels guarding you..

My vow is to endlessly love every aspect, whether it be good or blue..

Our time here is very limited..

I prefer to lead by example, so you see exactly what is your value and worth..

Everything I do, I do for you..

My life seemed to have no purpose or substance til I laid my eyes on you..

You fall, You get up, You get mad, You laugh and smile..

Can’t even shut my eyes for a second because you already grew..

Blessed was an understatement..

The love for my child doubled in a blink of an eye..

A baby girl TIMES TWO!

5 Things to Consider When Selecting a Car Dealership

By StatePoint

When looking for their next set of wheels, car shoppers have choices that extend beyond the vehicle. The buying experience should meet their needs and wants, too.

“Shoppers should consider buying from an independent dealer, which can open up a world of additional options,” says Marcus Dame, senior director, Product Management at Autotrader.

Here are five reasons to consider an independent dealership:

  • Variety: Independent dealers have greater flexibility to carry more makes and models in their inventory, giving shoppers an ability to test drive a wide variety of vehicles in one location. Each vehicle is carefully chosen by the independent dealership for its particular attributes and consumers have an opportunity to speak to the person that acquired the vehicle and find out what makes it special.
  • Personal Service: When shopping at an independent dealer, you benefit from personal service provided by individuals that take time to understand the right vehicle for your needs. Most independent dealers are interested in selling you what you need, as opposed to pushing a model that they want to get out of their inventory. In fact, consumers can easily meet with the dealership owner or manager to discuss their purchase.
  • Pricing: Independent dealers have a better selection of vehicles in a wider price range than a typical franchise dealership. Independents do not have huge overhead expenses, so they can afford to sell cars with lower sales prices. The sticker price on a majority of cars (besides classics) on an independent lot is $10,000 or less. So it should be easy to find a reasonably priced daily driver, a great car to take to college or a new driver’s first car.
  • Financing: Many financing options are available for consumers with all types of credit. When purchasing a vehicle from an independent dealer, some buyers like the convenience of securing a loan at the same place from which they purchase their car. Some independents are “Buy Here, Pay Here” (BHPH) dealers. BHPH puts credit-challenged borrowers in a car when no other traditional lender will allow it. On-time payments can help rebuild a positive credit history.
  • Trade-ins: Consumers usually receive quicker, and often better, trade-in allowances with independent dealers that provide an instant valuation, such as Kelley Blue Book Instant Cash Offer. Based on what make-models the dealership needs on the lot to meet customer demand, an independent dealer might even pay a premium for your vehicle.

You can locate an independent classics dealer at classics.autotrader.com. Details on financing through a BHPH dealer can be found at buyherepayhere.autotrader.com.

When shopping for a vehicle, customers have many options for what to buy and how to buy it. Before making your decision, consider visiting an independent dealer.

 

 

 

City of Chino Hills- Annual Tow Service Selection

By CHPD

The Chino Hills Police Department is beginning its annual selection process for the 2017-2018 rotation tow list. The station will be accepting applications during its open enrollment period of March 1 through March 31, 2017. No late applications will be accepted. If your application is accepted, a vehicle and facility inspection will be conducted during the month of May. If your company is selected as a rotation tow, the agreement will begin July 1, 2017.
Applications are available online at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s website under “General Info”. The application can be found towards the end of the Tow Service Agreement (TSA). Please refer to the TSA to answer any questions regarding the agreement.

For any additional questions, please contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Deputies arrest a man for stalking, terrorist threats, and check fraud in Loma Linda

By SBSD 

On February 3, 2017, Deputy B. Ortiz responded to a stalking investigation. The suspect in the case was identified as 35-year-old Timothy Bulson. Bulson is on Felony Probation status after receiving a domestic violence conviction. Information gathered during the course of the investigation was that Bulson followed the victim, harrassed the victim and made threats towards the victim.

On February 7, 2017, Deputies were conducting a follow-up investigation with the victim when they were notified Bulson was hiding in an area near the victim’s residence. The victim was intimidated by Bulson and was unable to leave her own residence. Bulson fled on foot when deputies attempted to contact him. He was later located and taken into custody without any further incident.

A probation search was conducted on Bulson and his vehicle. Bulson is transient and sleeps in his vehicle at various locations in the City of Loma Linda. The search led to the recovery of an imitation gun in a holster, a knife, binoculars, a stolen check and a stolen cell phone. Bulson also had an active arrest warrant for domestic violence charges.

Bulson was booked into the Central Detention Center for Terrorist Threats, Stalking and Check Fraud. The San Bernardino Probation Department was notified and placed a probation hold on Bulson for violating the terms and conditions of his probation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Central Station at (909)387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the website at http://www.wetip.com

Indoor Marijuana Plants Located

By City of Eastvale

On February 8, 2017, The Eastvale Police Department received information regarding marijuana being cultivated inside a residence in the 13000 block of Beacansfield Lane, Eastvale. A search warrant was obtained for the location and approximately 600 marijuana plants were located inside the residence. The residence sustained extensive damage due to the suspects renovating the interior to accommodate for the growing of marijuana. No suspects were at the location and the case is continuing. Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Jurupa Valley Station Special Enforcement Team at (951) 955-2600.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is seeking applicants for Deputy Sheriff, Deputy Sheriff Trainee, Correctional Deputy, Sheriff’s 911 Communications Officer, and other employment opportunities such as clerical and support positions. If you are interested in a career with us, please apply atwww.joinrsd.orgor call 1-888-Join-RSD

 

A Fun/Walk Run in DB

Promoting a Healthy Outing for Kids and Adults

By DB Community Foundation

Diamond Bar- The Diamond Bar Community Foundation is hosting its second annual 1K Run 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the South Coast AQMD, located at 21865 Copley Dr. in Diamond Bar. Funds raised from this event will be used to help alleviate the shortage of youth sports fields in the area.

The 1k Run will begin at 8 AM and the 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 AM. There will be a Business/Fitness Expo, face painting and balloon artistry for the kids plus a DJ. There will also be a special guest, Yolanda Holder, Guinness World Record Holder for the “Most Marathons Completed in One Year’. Entrance fees for kids 12 and under are $20 early bird (+$10 Onsite) and $30 early bird for ages 13 and older (+$10 Onsite). Registration is at www.thedbcf.org. For questions call Krystal, 951 212-5644 or email to info@thedbcf.org.

 

Giving From The Heart

 

ByWVUSD dsc_0006

DIAMOND BAR- Beanies, Food & Friends (BFF) is an initiative started by Castle Rock Elementary second grade teachers Jill Wilson-Fairbanks and Rosemarie Alvarez, who thought it would be nice to make beanies for women going through chemotherapy.

For the past several weeks, the new group has been gathering in Wilson-Fairbanks’ classroom each Monday afternoons to laugh, loom, share techniques, and enjoy snacks. Both teachers said their personal experience with cancer sparked a desire to help others. “It just comes from my heart!” Wilson-Fairbanks said. “I have always wanted to find a way to give back and I feel like I was called to do this!”

During the holidays, Wilson-Fairbanks wanted to make some beanies for her mother who is currently undergoing treatment. When she couldn’t find any knit caps that were “soft” enough, she found a YouTube video and taught herself to use a loom. Then she decided to expand the giving by making beanies for other patients at the hospital.

Wilson-Fairbanks said her second-grade team wanted to help the moment they learned of her endeavor. The “BFF” group officially launched after Alvarez suggested they invite all staff members on the Diamond Bar campus. Wilson-Fairbanks has happily taught each volunteer to how make the colorful knit hats.

The BFFs also take turns bringing snacks and teaching each other new yarn skills – like adding cute pompom toppers. “It is amazing to have so many people around me with such big hearts.  I feel a special bond with these ladies!” she said. To date, the compassionate and crafty girls have completed over 35 beanies that were donated to the University of California Irvine infusion center on February 15.

 

Dreams Become Reality When You Believe In Yourself

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

We all have dreams for our life.  Why is it that some of us turn our dreams into reality and some of us just keep dreaming?  Why do some of us find the motivation to make our dreams come true and others just give up?  I believe we are all capable of getting what we want from our lives.  I also think we all have the potential to grow into somebody that we are proud of being.  I think what sets a person apart is they believe they can or they believe they can’t.

I find it very sad when I see somebody with a vision of what their life could be, yet they think they can’t ever obtain the life they are suppose to have.  This person somehow has never been taught to believe in themselves and now gets cheated out of the life they should have had.  This is where really effective parenting is so very essential.  We also need to help those not so effectively parented reach for the sky as well.  We need to not give up on our dreams, ourselves and each other.

Dreams can become our wonderful reality if we create a plan with the correct steps.  Think about every other goal that you have met and the plan that was made up of baby steps.  I promise you that if you have a dream and want it to become your reality all you have to do is trust yourself and take the steps that turn dreams into reality.  The first step is having the faith and trust inside yourself to believe that you can do it.  Never lose sight of the already wonderful you and think of your plan as just adding to that wonderful person!!!!!!!!!!!!

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.

 

 

Safe Drug Drop Off Program

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,

 

More Rain

By Mark Hopper 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

You may have noticed that it has been raining a lot this winter.   My wife and I have lived in southern California for almost 30 years and we don’t remember many years like this one. Every time I wash the car, it rains again.  We have decided to not wash the windows at our house until summer.  When will the rain stop? But, there is a silver lining in all these rain clouds.  We are hearing reports that the snow pack is well above average.  We see the hillsides covered with a carpet of green.  The rain has transformed our desert-like environment with lush green vegetation.

I’m glad that I didn’t tear out my lawn last year during the drought.  Our lawn looks very happy and even the weeds are flourishing! I think we all realize that water is a precious commodity and that we need to use it wisely.  Water conservation should be part of our southern California life style. I’m glad that local and state officials are developing new ways to capture and conserve more of our rain water.  It is encouraging to hear that reservoirs are rising again.

Although we tend to complain about the rainy weather, I believe that we should give thanks to God for the abundant rainfall this year.  In the Bible we read, “God has shown His kindness by giving us rain from heaven and crops in their seasons, He provides us with plenty of food and fills our heart with joy” (Acts 14″17).

One of our daughters graduated from high school in the mid-1990’s.  It was a graduation that many remember because it rained on the ceremony.  Graduates were soaked and graduation gowns were ruined.  Parents and family members huddled under umbrellas.The graduation was in June.  There is only a 1% chance of rain in June in southern California.  But in 1995,  the 1% actually happened.  High school graduation in the rain!  It is one we will never forget. I don’t know what the local schools have planned for graduation this year.  But, they may want to consider looking for an indoor venue.  If this keeps up, it may still be raining in June!

 

 

Two Chino Valley administrators to be honored in April by their peers

By CVUSD bwcvusd1 bw-cvusd2

 

Two Chino Valley Unified School District administrators have been named tops in their field by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) Region 12.
Mary Salcido, Chino Valley Unified School District’s (CVUSD) Director of Access and Equity, has been named a co-recipient of the Curriculum & Instruction Administrator of the Year Award by ACSA Region 12. Walnut Avenue Elementary School Principal Karen Morales will receive ACSA 12’s Wilson A. Grace Award that exemplifies the ideals and accomplishments of former San Bernardino Principal Wilson Grace in his unique efforts in professional leadership.
The two CVUSD administrators and 10 others from San Bernardino and Riverside counties will be honored at ACSA’s Spring Celebration/Administrator Awards Dinner, April 20 in San Bernardino.
Salcido has been an educator since 1976, beginning as an instructional aide in the Montebello Unified School District. She became a teacher in 1990 and worked initially in the West Covina Unified and Rowland Unified school districts. She also served as an assistant principal for the Corona-Norco Unified School District and the Ontario-Montclair School District. She served as an elementary principal in the Whittier City School District for 14 years.
She joined CVUSD in the 2014/2015 school year as Director of Access and Equity, which oversees English Language Learner and parent engagement programs.
“Because of my passion for students who are living in poverty and for those learning English, I have given all my efforts to those programs in Chino Valley Unified School District,” Salcido said. “The position is what enticed me to the District because ensuring that students have access to graduation provides equity.”
She was nominated for the ACSA 12 award by Wickman Elementary School Assistant Principal Trevor Carenzo and Ramona Junior High Assistant Principal Ryan Candelaria.
“Her innate ability to build relationships with District administrators is only rivaled by her determination to play a positive role with them,” the assistant principals said in the nomination application. “She works with principals to develop site plans that clearly support learning by making sure that funds are directed towards ideas that not only help intervention programs, but also push students towards enrichment curriculum and professional development for teachers who will implement these programs.” They also commended her for aiding the District in understanding both state and federal compliance concerns. “One of her greatest contributions to this, is her monthly compliance checklists that she has created for each school site,” the assistant principals said.
Salcido also works closely with the District’s Curriculum, Innovation, Instruction, and Support department to ensure that the District’s diverse students have their needs met, by approving and reviewing language development tools, curriculum, and other tools for students, the assistant principals said.
While working with West Covina Unified, Salcido participated in a collaboration with the Boys and Girls Club. She was also involved in a mentor program at Whittier High, and was named Los Angeles County Office of Education Administrator of the Year. She has completed three ACSA academies, and is currently an ACSA Administrator Coach for three candidates.
Salcido is a resident of West Covina, is married and has three children and three grandchildren.
Morales has been an educator for nearly 31 years. She began her career in South Whittier. She later taught as a bilingual teacher, in kindergarten and first grade for Bassett Unified School District.
In 1991, she joined CVUSD as a first grade teacher at Walnut Avenue Elementary School, where she also served as an intervention teacher, assistant principal, and as principal for the last two years. She was an assistant principal at Glenmeade Elementary School in Chino Hills for one year before returning as principal at Walnut Avenue.
“I always knew I wanted to be a teacher since I was in elementary school,” Morales said. “My third grade teacher had a huge impact on my life. She reached out to my family during a time of need and she did it with such compassion and true concern that the event has stayed with me my whole life, and it has shaped the way I have relationships with my families. I am passionate about education and I don’t take my responsibilities lightly. I enjoy helping people and find satisfaction in knowing that I can make a difference in a student’s life.”
Walnut Avenue Elementary Assistant Principal Michael C. Rodriguez, who nominated Morales for the ACSA award, said the principal frequently involves special education students into mainstream general education functions, she attends family gatherings with families of different cultures, and calls parents to offer referrals to social services.
Morales recently volunteered the school to be a pilot campus for the County of San Bernardino School Wide Positive Behavior Support System that awards schools for their level of effectiveness in creating and implementing behavior systems. “She is constantly leading the charge on major issues not only affecting our school, but schools within the entire district,” Rodriguez said in the nomination application.
Morales has also motivated teachers and students to meet academic goals that have not been met for several years, Rodriguez said.
Morales oversaw Walnut Avenue Elementary School’s recent 50th anniversary celebration as if she was “celebrating her parent’s anniversary,” Rodriguez said. The principal purchased commemorative water bottles for each student with her own money for the event, and is also donating a gift card every month for a student attendance campaign.
Morales is a Chino resident. She and her husband have been married 30 years and have three grown children who all attended CVUSD schools. Her oldest son is a biology teacher and head track coach at Chino Hills High. Her daughter is a behavioral therapist, and her youngest son works in the family business.

 

History 101

Ireland allows sale of contraceptives

By History.com

This day in history, a highly controversial vote on February 20, 1985, the Irish government defies the powerful Catholic Church and approves the sale of contraceptives. Up until 1979, Irish law prohibited the importation and sale of contraceptives. In a 1973 case, McGee v. The Attorney General, the Irish Supreme Court found that a constitutional right to marital privacy covered the use of contraceptives. Pressured by strong conservative forces in Irish society, particularly the Roman Catholic Church, the government was slow to change the law to reflect the court’s decision, and a number of proposed bills failed before reaching the books.

In 1979, the Irish health minister, Charles Haughey, introduced a bill limiting the legal provision of contraceptives to “bona fide family planning purposes.” Signed into law in November 1980, the Health (Family Planning) Act ensured that contraceptives could be sold by a registered pharmacist to customers with a valid medical prescription. Still, many people saw the law as too strict. Over the next several years, a movement began to make contraceptives more easily available, causing bitter divisions inside and outside of the Dail, Ireland’s main house of Parliament.

As the government debated the changes, Catholic Church leaders railed against them, warning that increased access to contraceptives would encourage the moral decay of Ireland, leading to more illegitimate children and increased rates of abortion and venereal disease. On the eve of the vote in early 1985, the Dublin archbishop claimed the legislation would send Ireland down a “slippery slope of moral degradation.” Some politicians were even threatened with violence if they voted for the legislation.

On February 20, 1985, a coalition of the Fine Gael and Labour parties led by Dr. Garret FitzGerald defeated the opposition of the conservative Fianna Fail party by an 83-80 vote. The new legislation made non-medical contraceptives (condoms and spermicides) available without prescriptions to people over 18 at pharmacies; it also allowed for the distribution of these contraceptives at doctors’ offices, hospitals and family planning clinics. Though it was still illegal to advertise contraceptives and use of the birth control pill remained restricted, the vote marked a major turning point in Irish history–the first-ever defeat of the Catholic Church in a head-to-head battle with the government on social legislation.