Category Archives: The Weekly News

Proposition 5 and Taxes Affect Me How?

Nef Cortez

By Nef Cortez

Whether or not you are a homeowner, get familiarized with California’s Proposition 5 regarding property taxes.  In one form or another, this measure will affect you or your family members.  As usual, during the elections, you will be hearing about the pros and cons from interested parties as to how they recommend you place your ballot vote.

In a nutshell, as per California Association of Realtors (C.A.R.): A YES vote on Proposition 5 “will allow seniors (55+), the disabled, and victims of natural disasters to move to a home suited to their needs without facing drastically higher property taxes”.

In more detail, this proposed Proposition 5 has to do with the transfer of taxes when seniors have to downsize, move, and sell their property.  When seniors face these life situations, they do not want to be penalized as a result of having to make such moves. Due to health needs or personal desires, seniors are having to move closer to their children who may reside in other counties within the state. Currently, if the senior wants to or has to move to another county, there is difficulty finding another county that does accept the transfer tax base rate. It is therefore difficult to make moves because of the high cost of the new tax rate that exists because only about 8 out of the 58 counties in the state accept a transfer of the tax base of the seller’s previous home.  The ability of a homeowner needing to make this kind of move is restricted, and the move is financially “penalized”.

Proposition 5 expands the benefits of transferring tax base within the State of California.  According to C.A.R., this would provide appropriate relief by allowing those eligible the ability to transfer their current property tax base to the purchase of another home in any of California’s 58 counties.  C.A.R.  believes that this would help boost the housing inventory, facilitating more transactions throughout all counties in the State of California.

As always, before you make your next move, should you sell your home, consult with your tax/certified public accountant as to how current legislation would affect you and your property taxes.  Also, you may find more detailed information from legislative analytical agencies on the internet on the topic of Proposition 5.

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

 

Choices

By Melody Kraemer

We all have choices. We all have options. When we wake up in the morning, we can decide to be happy, sad, frustrated even angry or whatever emotion we choose.

We can plan our day and make the choice of how we want it to go. It may not always go the way we want, but at least we have that choice in hopes, it goes the way we planned.

There are a few things that we can’t and don’t have choices for.  One thing is we didn’t have a choice when we were born, or the family we were born into.  We also are not to choose when we die.  Everything in between is an option or a choice for the most part.  My boys were born with autism that was not my choice or an option I would have chosen. I do though have the option and the choices to do what is the very best for them.  What school I put them in, the classes they have even the extra help they get after school.

The worst thing one can say is I don’t have an option. According to Merriam Dictionary, an option is “the power or right to choose.” I hope the choices I make for my boys are the right ones. I always have their best interest at heart. Yes, it can get tiresome from appointments to IEP meetings but I choose all of that because of the love I have for my boys and always want the best for them. I would never do anything in my life that made myself or my boys miserable and say, I have no other option but to do this. Life is about choices and options. Why choose something to make one miserable. Make the choices in life that bring joy, happiness and what is best for oneself and for the family. Remember there’s always an option.

Melody Kraemer

Editor and Publisher Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley- Eastvale

and Macaroni Kid Riverside (autismmomofboys@gmail.com)

 

Make Your Backyard Extreme

Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave. They can be reached at 909.930.6111 or online at http://www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

By Michael Armijo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vejar Elementary 4th grade celebrates the Golden State

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
“California history is the heart of fourth grade and we wanted to celebrate the day it became a state in 1850!” said teacher Janine De Vera.

California Day!

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Vejar Elementary fourth graders are becoming map masters while learning about California’s unique coastal beaches, mountains, central valley, and desert regions.

To wrap up the recent geography studies, an entire day was devoted to paying tribute to the Golden State on Monday.

“California history is the heart of fourth grade and we wanted to celebrate the day it became a state in 1850!” said teacher Janine De Vera.

About 100 students kicked off the morning by making California-shaped cookies and marking each region with colored sugar.

“We’re singing songs and making cookies today!” Nathan Chavez shared after creating his confection.

“We shaped the dough with our hands,” he added.

“And we painted the coastal areas green, the central valley yellow, the mountain areas purple, and the desert region orange” explained Caden Sakai.

Then the children dotted the different mountain ranges with chocolate chips.

They admitted that a few of the delicious morsels may not have made it onto the cookie dough.

“We got to eat a couple!” shared Jaxson Highstreet.

“They smell so good!” chimed in Colete Drake as parent volunteers took dozens and dozens of the sweet treats out of the oven.

In preparation for California Day, students researched and prepared state landmark projects.

They also searched for information about national parks, colleges, museums, and popular vacation destinations.

While the cookies baked, students presented their landmark reports in classrooms.

They ended California Day by inviting parents to see the projects on display in the multipurpose room at 2 p.m.

The children performed “I Love You, California”, “Oh California” sung to the tune of “Oh Susanna” the traditional Gold Rush song, “Latitude and Longitude” that helped them learn geography and map skills, and “California Regions” sung to the tune of a popular Katy Perry song.

“You can travel the world,” the group sang on the amphitheater stage.

“But nothing comes close to the Golden Coast. Once you vacation here, you’ll be falling in love!”

And, of course, they gobbled up the freshly-baked cookies!

 

Chino Hills Photo, Essay, Poster Deadline October 5

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – The twenty first annual family poster, essay, and photo contest ends on October 5you’re your entries submitted. Young artists from kindergarten through high school are invited to submit entries to the 21st Annual Celebrate the Family Poster, Essay, and Photo Contest. Entries are due by Friday, October 5. Participants must be a Chino Hills resident or be a student at a school in Chino Hills to be eligible. Visit http://www.chinohills.org/CelebrateTheFamily for more information and to print the entry form.

Entries may be returned to the school office at participating Chino Hills schools by the end of the school day, on October 5. Entries can also be returned by 4:00 p.m. to the Recreation office at Chino Hills City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, CA 91709. Two categories are available for entries, based on the child’s grade level: • Students in kindergarten through grade 4 can create a poster sized 9” x 12” using hand applied mediums, such as crayons, paint, pencils, or pens. • Students in grades 5-8 may submit either an essay (one page, typed, and double spaced) or a 9” x 12” poster using hand-applied mediums such as crayons, paint, pencils, or pens. Winners will be acknowledged and prizes awarded at the City Council Meeting on Tuesday, November 13. Winning entries will be displayed at City Hall or the Chino Hills Community Center during National Family Week, November 18-24. For more information, call the City of Chino Hills Recreation Department at (909) 364-2700.

Concerned About Rising Mortgage Rates? Borrowers Have Options

By StatePoint

While mortgage interest rates remain near historic lows, they have been slowly rising over the last year, increasing the cost of 30-year loans for borrowers.

Home buyers concerned about higher rates have other options to consider: an adjustable rate mortgage (ARM), which provides an initial lower monthly payment, or a 15-year fixed rate mortgage, which has a higher monthly payment but reduces the amount of interest paid over the course of the loan.

A Shot in the ARM

An ARM typically starts out at a lower interest rate than the classic, 30-year fixed rate. After an initial period, typically five, seven or 10 years, the interest rate adjusts over the life of the loan.

There are several different types of ARMs, but one of the most popular is the 7/1, which stays at the same rate for the first seven years and then adjusts yearly thereafter.

“After the fixed period, the rate can increase each year, but the good news is that there are caps on how high that rate can go,” says Peter Boomer, head of mortgage distribution for PNC Bank. “The opposite may also be true: it’s possible the rate will decline if market forces are pointing that way. The best advice is to check with your lender for the details.”

What You Need to Consider

Boomer said it’s important to know how long you expect to be in your home.

“The national average is seven years before homeowners sell or refinance, which is why the 7/1 ARM is so popular,” he said. “If you expect to be in a home for fewer than 10 years, then you may want to consider an ARM.”

Boomer suggests talking with a mortgage loan officer about whether an adjustable rate may save you money. Many people like the idea of that lower rate to start, while others prefer the peace of mind of a stable rate.

For traditional mortgages, refinancing remains a viable option if interest rates fall in subsequent years.

“It’s important to remember that mortgage rates rise and fall over time. It may be worth considering an ARM because over time there may be savings, as opposed to the cost of refinancing,” Boomer says.

Look at your family, job, future and goals to decide whether this option makes sense. Your family may grow, you may get a new job and relocate, you may downsize for retirement or face other changing financial conditions.

15-Year Mortgage

Another alternative is a shorter term fixed-rate loan, the most popular being 15 years.

According to Boomer, while a 15-year mortgage will have a higher monthly payment than a 30-year fixed, the interest rate is typically lower and you pay back the principle faster, which means you can save money on interest over the length of the loan.

“The good news for consumers is that there are many financing options available. Talk to your loan officer to discuss which best fits your situation,” he says.

To learn more about borrowing options, visit pnc.com.

Owning a home is on the path to keeping your American dream alive, and exploring your options can help you more easily achieve it.

 

Double Decker Cheddar Burgers

with Sriracha Lime Mayo and Sweet Potato Wedges

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 930 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Dill Pickle- 1
  • Garlic- 1 Clove
  • Red Onion- 1
  • Beefsteak Tomato- 1
  • Sweet Potatoes- 18 oz
  • Fry Seasoning- 2 tbsp
  • Lime- 1
  • Heinz Real Mayonnaise- 4 tbsp
  • Sour Cream- 6 tbsp
  • Sriracha- 2 tsp
  • Ground Beef- 20 oz
  • Cheddar Cheese- 4 slices
  • Brioche Buns- 4

 

1  PREHEAT AND  PREP   Wash and dry all produce. Adjust rack to center position and preheat oven to 425 degrees. Thinly slice pickle; mince a few slices until you have 1 TBSP. Finely grate 1 clove garlic (use the other as you like). Halve and peel onion. Thinly slice one half; grate other half until you have 2 TBSP (save the rest for another use). Slice tomato into rounds.

 

2  ROAST SWEET POTATOES     Cut sweet potatoes into 3-inch long and ½-inch-thick wedges. Toss on a baking sheet with a large drizzle of olive oil, 1 TBSP fry seasoning (save the rest for step 4), and a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Roast in oven until tender and browned, about 20 minutes.

 

3 MAKE SAUCE      Meanwhile, zest ½ tsp zest from lime and place in a small bowl. Halve lime and squeeze 1 tsp juice into same bowl, then add Heinz mayonnaise, sour cream, minced pickle, and ½ tsp sugar. Stir to combine. Add sriracha to taste (it’s spicy). Season with salt and set aside.

 

4  SHAPE PATTIES    In a large bowl, mix together beef, grated garlic, grated onion, remaining fry seasoning, and a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Divide into 8 pieces and shape each into a thin, flat patty that’s 2½- to 3-inches wide.

 

5  COOK BURGERS    Heat a larg e drizzle of olive oil in grated garlic, grated onion, remaining fry seasoning, and a few large pinches of salt and pepper. Divide into 8 pieces and shape each into a thin, flat patty that’s 2½- to 3-inches wide.

 

6  ASSEMBLE AND SERVE     Split buns in half. (TIP: If you’d like toast them in a toaster or in the oven.) Spread a little bit of sauce onto top halves of buns. Place stacked patties on bottom halves of buns, then top with tomato, sliced onion, and sliced pickle. Serve with sweet potatoes on the side and remaining sauce for dipping.

What Parents Should Know About Their Child’s Eye Health

By StatePoint

Parents know that seeing clearly is important for their kid’s success in the classroom, but many are not taking their child to get annual eye exams. This is a problem because many kids don’t know what seeing clearly looks like.

According to a recent study by VSP Vision Care, the largest not-for-profit vision benefits provider in the U.S., and market research agency YouGov, eight-in-10 parents (83 percent) agree that a regular eye exam helps kids do their best in school, but four-in-10 (41 percent) wait until their child complains about their vision to schedule an eye exam.

Clear vision is not only important for academic performance, but also for sports and everyday tasks. That’s why a comprehensive eye exam is so important for children. Early detection and treatment provide the opportunity to correct vision problems.

Here are some guidelines to ensure you’re taking care of your child’s eyes properly.

• Watch for signs that indicate a vision problem. Common signals include covering one eye, holding reading materials close to the face, a short attention span and complaining of headaches or other discomfort. Parents need to look for these signs, as many kids, not knowing what seeing clearly looks like, won’t complain.

• First eye exam should be done at six months of age. Most parents don’t know that children should have their first eye exam when they’re only six months old! This is particularly important, as experts say as much as 80 percent of learning is done visually.

• An eye exam can detect early signs of health issues like diabetes. More kids than ever before are developing type 2 diabetes in the U.S, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. An easy way to help detect early signs of diabetes in kids and better manage the condition is through annual comprehensive eye exams.

• Don’t underestimate the importance of eye exams. Yearly trips to the eye doctor are as important as annual visits to pediatricians or dentists. Don’t just assume all is well if your child is not squinting or complaining about his or her eyes. Because vision may change frequently during childhood years, regular eye and vision care becomes even more important. Your child should receive a comprehensive eye exam every year, or more frequently if specific problems or risk factors exist or if recommended by your eye doctor.

• Eye protection during sports and outdoor activities. Playing sports is important for your child’s overall development, however, thousands of children suffer sports-related eye injuries each year, nearly all of which could be prevented by using the proper protective eyewear. That is why it is essential that all children wear appropriate, protective eyewear whenever playing sports or when performing any outdoor activities, such as lawn mowing and trimming.

To find an eye doctor near you, visit VSP.com.

Taking care of your child’s eyes while they are young will help them perform their best in and out of the classroom and will set them up for a lifetime of success.

Fatal Traffic Collision In Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Detectives of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Walnut/Diamond Bar Station are investigating the circumstances of a single vehicle fatal traffic accident that occurred in the 23000 block of Golden Springs Drive in Diamond Bar.

On Tuesday, September 11, at approximately 11:41 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the location of a reported single car collision. The vehicle was traveling southwest on Golden Springs Drive apparently at excessive speeds when it seems the driver lost control of the vehicle. The vehicle slammed into the west curb and caused it to roll and strike several trees. When the vehicle came to a stop it had hit apartment complex and caused property damage and minor injuries to a passenger. The passenger was treated at the scene by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Two of the three adult male occupants in the vehicle were pronounced dead at the scene. The third occupant was transported to a local hospital via ambulance in an unknown condition.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no further information available.

Investigators are asking that anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station at 909-595-2264. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 MOBILE APP” on Google Play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Walnut / Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station protects and patrol the City of Walnut, the City of Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina and West Covina

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

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

Staff Reports

 

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

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

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

Roofing: Experience and dedication to providing professional service allows Advanced Improvements to provide the most efficient and affordable roofing on the market. Whether you need a new roof or just want to upgrade your old one, they will give you an honest estimate on the most advanced and energy efficient materials on the market.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analysis, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils. Ask about their $79 special for a spring tune-up on your current system.

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

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

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

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.

 

  • Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761). Their office is located at 1352 E. Valencia Dr, Fullerton, CA 92831, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at AdvancedIMP.com.

Eastvale Holds Elections November 6, 2018

By Michael Armijo

Eastvale – Its election time again so you’ll see many candidate signs, flyers, mailers and people knocking at your door. But it’ll only be in certain areas as the City of Eastvale had converted to the “district” option of voting instead of their traditional “at large” option of voting. This means a few things:

  1. The city will have representation by all parts of the city. So as the city is cut up into 5 areas. There can only be a candidate who lives in those district areas that are up for election.
  2. The marketing costs will be more affordable. So if a “rich” candidate, or someone who has the ability to raise more money than the others, dominated past elections they can no longer do so. It levels out the political playing field financially.

What has also changed is the election cycle. State law now requires all elections to be held in November, with the exception of Primary elections, which are historically held in June. This has been a great cost saver to cities who ran their elections outside of the county election cycles. Now cities who paid for elections in odd months can now streamline their costs.

In Eastvale there are 3 districts up for election: District 1, 3, and 4. In District 1 the current council representative is Todd Rigby. He was unchallenged by the deadline last month so he will retain his seat. In District 3, Howard feng, Chris Hook and incumbent Councilman Clint Lorimore square off. In the final District, 4, Bart Moreno and Jocelyn Yow will compete. The elections are set for this November.

A little history on the decision to divide the city into districts: The City Council previously took action at the April 27, 2016 City Council meeting to initiate the process of converting to by-district voting beginning with the November, 2016 election. The Council approved Resolution No. 16- 09 initiating the by-district process.

The City Clerk is the local elections administrator and coordinates with the County of Riverside in the conduct of Municipal elections. This includes, but is not limited to, the preparation of necessary resolutions calling for General and Special Municipal Elections and declaring the result of the election, the coordination of the candidate nomination process and the receipt and processing of initiative, referendum and recall petitions. Regular elections are consolidated with statewide elections, scheduled on the first Tuesday of November of even numbered years to fill expired City Council terms. All election services are provided according the California Elections Code, according to the city of Eastvale’s website.

Council Members receive $400 per month stipend as compensation for their service.

Qualifications for Candidacy; to qualify as a candidate for member of the City Council, you must reside and be registered to vote within the jurisdiction at the time nomination papers are issued. More specifically, you must be:

Be registered voters at their current residence in the City of Eastvale

Residing in the district in which they are running

A citizen of the United States

18 years of age or older

Not disqualified from holding office by the Constitution or laws of the State of California.

To become a candidate, you must first be issued a Nomination Paper which specifies the office you are seeking. You must obtain the signatures of at least 20 and not more than 30 registered voters within the City of Eastvale. A number of additional forms are required to be filed.
The nomination period ran from July, 2018 through early August, 2018. Write-in candidates must file a statement of write-in candidacy, a nomination paper and a Statement of Economic Interests, as well as other forms, during the period of early September through late October. Signatures and voter registration information on the nomination paper are verified in the same manner as a regular nomination paper. Write-in candidates’ names do not appear on the ballot or in the sample ballot pamphlet.

Voter registration forms are available at all public libraries, post offices and City Hall. To receive a registration form by mail, please call the Riverside County Registrar of Voters office at (951) 486-7200 or the City Clerk’s office at (951) 703-4420. Completed registration forms can be hand-delivered to the Registrar’s office located at 2724 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507 or Eastvale City Hall located at 12363 Limonite Avenue, Eastvale, CA 91752 or dropped off in any U.S. mailbox. No postage is necessary. For additional voter registration information visit www.voteinfo.net.

 

Californians Urged to Get Vaccinated Against Whooping Cough

By CDPH

SACRAMENTO – The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced today Pertussis, better known as whooping cough, claimed the life of a San Bernardino County infant. This is the first confirmed infant death from the disease since 2016, when two deaths occurred.

“This baby’s death is a tragedy for the family and for California as a community, as this is a preventable disease,” said Dr. Karen Smith, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. “This serves as a grim reminder that whooping cough is always present in our communities, and immunizations are the first line of defense.”

Each year, 50-200 California infants are hospitalized with pertussis. CDPH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommend that expectant mothers receive the whooping cough booster shot (also called Tdap, or tetanus, diphtheria and acellular pertussis vaccine) at the earliest opportunity between 27 and 36 weeks of every pregnancy, even if previously immunized. Getting immunized during pregnancy boosts a mother’s immunity and passes on protective antibodies directly to their babies before birth. This helps protect newborns until they are old enough to begin receiving their own whooping cough immunizations at 6 to 8 weeks of age.

“No baby should have to be hospitalized due to a vaccine-preventable disease, and certainly no baby should die,” said Dr. Smith. “To give babies the best protection, I urge all pregnant women to get vaccinated against whooping cough as early as possible during the third trimester of every pregnancy.”

To avoid the spread of whooping cough, CDPH also recommends that:

  • Parents immunize their babies against whooping cough as soon as possible. The first dose is recommended at two months of age, but can be given as early as six weeks of age.
  • California 7th grade students receive the whooping cough booster, Tdap.
  • Adults receive a whooping cough booster once in their lives.

The symptoms of whooping cough vary by age. For children, whooping cough typically starts with a runny nose and cough for one to two weeks. The cough then worsens and often results in rapid coughing spells that end with a whooping sound. Young infants may not have typical whooping cough symptoms and may have no apparent cough. Parents may describe episodes in which breathing briefly stops and the infant’s face turns red or purple. For adults, whooping cough may be a cough illness that lasts for several weeks.

Most health plans cover Tdap immunizations, and many pharmacies offer it. Medi-Cal members may be able to get their Tdap shots at the pharmacy where they usually pick up their prescriptions. Call your health plan to learn more. If you do not have health insurance, call your local health department to find a low- or no-cost location.

More information about pertussis is available on CDPH’s website.

 

Love And Work

By Mark Hopper

One of our daughters and her husband bought a house in Orange County about a year ago. They were thankful to be able to purchase a house to raise their two young daughters.

Our son-in-law and daughter worked hard to get settled and make their house into their home.  They purchased new furniture, new curtains and attractive decorations to hang to the walls.  Their house looks very nice.

However, the garage was cluttered with a variety of things that needed to find a place in their new house. I helped them hook up their clothes dryer in the garage and worked with my son-in-law to hang drywall in unfinished areas of the garage.

One thing that my daughter wanted was a shelf over the washer and dryer to hold laundry soap and other things. It seemed simple enough. I actually had some left over shelving material in my garage and some sturdy metal brackets to hold it up.

As I was gathering tools and materials to work on their project, I realized that my wife might want a shelf over our washer and dryer in our garage too. When I asked her about it, she was thrilled with the idea. I’m sure she wondered why it took so long to suggest this. We’ve only lived in our house for 30 years. That is a long time to wait for a small shelf in the garage.

I already had the material. It didn’t take very long to cut the wood and attach the brackets to the wall. It took less than an hour to measure, cut, drill and mount the shelf. It looked pretty nice. I was impressed with my work. My wife was too.

She was really excited to have a new shelf.

A friend used to say, “To a wife…a house means love. To a husband…a house means work”! The longer I have been married the more I agree with that statement. Women love it when their husband works on the house. Wives always have a wish list with more projects in mind. Men often avoid working on the house because they know that after one project is completed there are ten more waiting to be done.

There is a passage in the Bible that says, “Husbands love your wives, just as Christ loves His church” (Ephesians 5:25).  Jesus modeled love by serving and helping others and laying down His life for us. You can read more about this in New Testament books like Mark, John and Romans.

The Apostle Paul instructed husbands to love their wife. You can express your love with your words and by your works.  You can purchase expensive gifts and give her thoughtful cards. But, when you work on projects around your house, you send a clear message that you love your wife.  Even the simple act of putting up a small shelf is a reminder that you love her.

Let me encourage you to send a message to your wife this week. Fix something around your house. She will get the message! She 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

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 09/15/18

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: 2018-15-09.WeeklyNews

History 101

September 15, 1978: Ali Defeats Spinks to Win World Heavyweight Championship

By History.com

 

On this day in 1978, boxer Muhammad Ali defeats Leon Spinks at the LouisianaSuperdome in New Orleans to win the world heavyweight boxing title for the third time in his career, the first fighter ever to do so. Following his victory, Ali retired from boxing, only to make a brief comeback two years later. Ali, who once claimed he could “float like a butterfly, sting like a bee,” left the sport permanently in 1981.

Born Cassius Marcellus Clay Jr. in Louisville, Kentucky, on January 14, 1942, the future world champ changed his name to Muhammad Ali in 1964 after converting to Islam. He earned a gold medal at the 1960 Olympic Games in Rome and made his professional boxing debut against Tunney Husaker in October 1960, winning the bout in six rounds. On February 25, 1964, Ali defeated the heavily favored Sonny Liston in six rounds to become heavyweight champ, after which he famously declared, “I am the greatest!”

During the Vietnam War, Ali refused to be inducted into the U.S. armed forces and in 1967 was convicted of draft evasion and banned from boxing for three years. He stayed out of prison as his case was appealed and returned to the ring in October 1970, knocking out Jerry Quarry in Atlanta in the third round. On March 8, 1971, Ali fought Joe Frazier in the “Fight of the Century” and lost after 15 rounds, the first loss of his professional boxing career. In June 1971, the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Ali’s conviction for evading the draft.

At a January 1974 rematch at New York City’s Madison Square Garden, Ali defeated Frazier in 12 rounds. In October of that same year, an underdog Ali bested George Foreman and reclaimed his heavyweight champion belt at the heavily hyped “Rumble in the Jungle” in Kinshasa, Zaire, with a knockout in the eighth round. On February 15, 1978, in Las Vegas, an aging Ali lost the title to Leon Spinks in a 15-round split decision. For Spinks, who was born in 1953 and won a gold medal in boxing at the 1976 Summer Olympics in Montreal, the fight was just the eighth of his professional career. However, seven months later, on September 15, Ali won the title back, in a unanimous 15-round decision.

In June 1979, Ali announced he was retiring from boxing. On October 2, 1980, he returned to the ring and fought heavyweight champ Larry Holmes, who knocked him out in the 11th round. After losing to Trevor Berbick on December 11, 1981, Ali left the ring for the last time, with a record of 56 wins, five losses and 37 knockouts. In 1984, he was revealed to have Parkinson’s disease. Spinks retired from boxing in 1995 with a record of 26 wins, 17 losses and 14 knockouts.

 

Vortman’s Egg Ranch

The Voortman Family circa 1956. Voortman’s Egg Ranch is located at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario. You can reach them at (909) 465-1319. They are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

By K.P. Sander

Ontario – Voortman’s Egg Ranch has been in the business of providing farm fresh eggs to friends and visitors to the local area for over 60 years. Originally from Bellflower, the Voortman family – who has always been in the egg ranching business – moved their operation to Ontario in 1951.

Voortman’s has a small-town farm ambiance, with the latest in technology.  Their happy chickens are enjoying their newly remodeled home; and their egg-processing machine can handle about 36,000 eggs per hour at its peak. If the average bird lays one egg about every 26 hours, that equals a lot of chickens at the Voortman ranch!

Did you know that you can tell how fresh an egg is by how high the yolk stands up in the frying pan after you crack it?  Voortman’s will have your over-easies standing tall.  Their fresh eggs are the highest in quality, with dark, nutrient-dense yolks.  You will immediately notice a difference in your cooking and baking.

Have you ever wondered how long the eggs in the grocery stores have actually been sitting around?  Despite the use-by date, there is really no way to know how long ago they were produced.  With Voortman’s, the eggs are selected daily, on site, and readied for you in their store.

Third-generation egg rancher, Eddie Voortman, says, “We are a local, family-owned business that provides fresh, quality products to the public.”

Customers of Voortman’s rave about their all natural, cage free eggs, touting the freshness, and great pricing.  One customer said, “They make the fluffiest scrambled eggs!”

The eggs come in all sizes and colors, depending on your needs.  Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.

Voortman’s is centrally located just minutes from Chino at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario (just north of Edison).  You can reach Voortman’s at (909) 465-1319; and Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Voortmans-Egg-Ranch.

Stop by any time Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Deputy Program

Staff Reports

Walnut/Diamond Bar -Back in the 1800’s, the Sheriff would look to the community to form a posse and deputize citizens to assist him in the apprehension of horse thieves, murderers, or other criminals.  Thankfully, we have thousands of full-time deputies to perform those duties today, but in 2018, just like the 1800’s, the Sheriff is looking to the community to find citizens to volunteer and help by becoming reserve deputy sheriffs.

Reserve deputies undergo the same training and background checks that full-time deputies receive.  It’s a year-long process, but after graduation reserve deputies can perform a wide array of duties and service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Program is one of the largest in the country, with over 600 all-volunteer sworn reserve deputy sheriffs.  Last year they worked 182,000 hours keeping the citizens of Los Angeles County safe.  Those 182,000 hours represent millions of dollars in savings to taxpayers.

Patrolling our communities is only one of many functions performed by reserve deputies.  Lifesaving search and rescue missions are performed every week by reserves as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Program.  Last year reserve deputy sheriffs performed 684 missions throughout the county, saving countless lives.

Another opportunity for reserve deputy sheriffs to serve is by becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department’s Posse.  Posse members work patrolling trails and various community events on horseback.

Reserve deputies also help solve crimes by working in many of the Sheriff’s Department’s detective units, such as Homicide Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau, and Special Victims Bureau.  We also have reserves who ride street and off-road motorcycles for the Department.

Reserve deputies come from all walks of life and from a wide variety of professions.  The common thread of all is a burning desire to give back to their community and assist their fellow citizens.

If you are interested in signing up, just like citizens did over a 150 years ago, there is a reserve deputy academy scheduled to start in February 2019.  If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Forces Detail at 323-526-5100 and ask for Assistant Director Mike Leum to get started.

 

Moroccan Chicken Sausage Tagine

with Dried Apricots and Chickpeas over Couscous

 

By Hello Fresh

 

Cooking Time: 35 mins

Servings: 4

Nutrition: 930 Calories

Ingredients:

 

  • Shallot- 2
  • Garlic- 4 cloves
  • Carrots- 4
  • Roma Tomato- 2
  • Dried Apricots- 2 oz
  • Cilantro- 1/2 oz
  • Chickpeas- 26.8 oz

Chicken Stock Concentrates- 4

  • Couscous- 1 cup

Italian Chicken Sausage Meat- 18 oz

  • Turkish Spice Blend- 2 tbsp
  • Sour Cream- 4 tbsp
  • Hot Sauce- 2 tsp
  • Lemon Juice- 4 packs

 

1  PREP    Wash and dry all produce. Halve, peel, and mince shallot. Mince or grate garlic. Peel carrots, then thinly slice on an angle. Dice tomato. Roughly chop apricots. Finely chop cilantro. Drain and rinse chickpeas.

 

2  COOK COUSCOUS     Heat a drizzle of oil in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add

half the shallot and half the garlic. Cook, stirring, until just softened, 1-3 minutes. Stir in ¾ cup water, 1 stock concentrate, and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, then add couscous. Cover, remove from heat, and set aside.

 

3 COOK SAUSAGE       Heat a drizzle of oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add sausage and half the Turkish spice, breaking up meat into pieces. Cook, tossing occasionally, until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside.

 

4  COOK CHICKPEAS AND VEGGIES      Heat a large drizzle of oil in same pan over medium-high heat. Add carrots and chickpeas. Cook until veggies soften and begin to brown, about 5 minutes. Add a large pinch of salt and all of the remaining shallot, garlic, and Turkish spice. Cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Meanwhile, stir together ⅓ cup water and remaining stock concentrate in a small bowl.

 

5  SIMMER TAGINE AND MAKE CREMA     Pour stock mixture into pan. Stir in sausage and tomato. Bring to a gentle simmer, then cover pan. (TIP: Use a piece of aluminum foil to cover your pan if it doesn’t have a lid.) Cook until liquid is slightly reduced, 2-3 minutes. Meanwhile, in another small bowl, mix sour cream, hot sauce (to taste), and a pinch of salt. Add water 1 tsp at a time until mixture has a drizzling consistency.

6  FINISH AND SERVE.     Fluff couscous with a fork, then stir in 1 TBSP butter, a dash of lemon juice (to taste), and half the cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Divide between plates. Top with sausage and chickpea mixture from pan. Drizzle with crema. Garnish with remaining cilantro and apricots.

A Bad Day Doesn’t Make You a Bad Mother

By Melody Kraemer

Have you ever had one of those days where you couldn’t wait for bedtime? How about one of those days where nothing seems to go right? Maybe today was one of those days where you think you had the entire day planned out perfectly and not one thing you planned happened?

Or It could be one of those days where you lose your cool, and now you feel guilty for feeling the way you do? How about one of those days where your patience is so thin, even though you try with every ounce of your being to have patience, it’s just not coming easily? What about a day where you just plain feel agitated?  I am feeling each and every one of these things today.

The more the day goes on, the more I wish it was bedtime.

Everything has seemed to go wrong, even though I am trying hard to stay positive. Of course I believe my children sense when I am feeling this and view this as a challenge to see how far they can push me.

It is now late in the afternoon, and I’m rushing out the door to get my autistic children to their speech and OT classes. I see the clock, and it’s on the hour we are to be there.

Great, just another late arrival, I open the front door and my youngest bolts out and down the street while the other one is chasing him.  I raise my voice, sure that the next neighborhood over could hear me saying, “Get in the car!”

Feeling horrible inside and feeling like the worst mother ever I drive them to their classes. As they walk inside, I take this moment to feel relief and take a deep breath, I can’t help this overwhelming feeling of mommy guilt. I have raised my voice and have had no patience with my boys. I sit down in the waiting room and take out my computer to catch up on work since I now have to sit here for 2 hours.

I open up my laptop, and the first thing  I see is a post on Facebook, “Just because you are having a bad day, doesn’t make you a bad mom.”  Wow, I needed to hear that. That’s so right, we as moms are allowed bad days just as kids are allowed bad days, but it doesn’t make us a bad person. What it does do is remind us that we are only human. Next time I’m having a bad day I must remind myself, it’s a bad day and this bad day does not make me a bad mom. My children love me unconditionally even through my bad days just as I love them through theirs.

Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley- Eastvale

and Macaroni Kid Riverside. For any information or general encouragement feel free to email me at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com

 

 

Make Your Backyard Extreme

Extreme Backyard Designs is located at 2330 S. Vineyard Ave. They can be reached at 909.930.6111 or online at http://www.extremebackyarddesigns.com.

By Michael Armijo

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

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

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

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

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

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

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