Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Animal Control Checking Licenses in Los Angeles County

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – Officers from the Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be conducting field licensing checks in the unincorporated areas of West Covina (zip code 91792), and South San Gabriel (zip code 91770) beginning on Wednesday, Oct. 21.

The field checks will ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with licensing requirements, the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance. Officers will also be checking state-required rabies vaccinations and licenses for dogs and cats over four months old.

According to the county officials, beginning January 1, 2014, puppies may be vaccinated at three months old, but still are not required to be vaccinated until four months of age.

“Securing a dog or cat license is essential to assisting animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost,” officials said.

Pet owners are advised to be in compliance with licensing and the mandatory spay/neuter and microchip ordinance if they reside in any unincorporated area of Los Angeles County (or contract city that has adopted the County’s ordinance).

Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees and delinquency charges, including a $40 field enforcement fee to offset the cost of the Department’s field services.

“In order to avoid penalties, be sure your pet is licensed,” officials urge residents.

New animal license applications are available online at www.animalcare.lacounty.gov, or by visiting any local Los Angeles County animal care center. Owners of pets whose license is not delinquent can simply renew the license at county website: www.animalcare.lacounty.gov .

In addition, DACC offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim
Diamond Bar – The Oct. 6 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The project, designed to exhibit and enhance the beauty of Diamond Bar, will not be completed until the end of November. Following the update on the project, the Council welcomed Crunch Gym, on 1132 South Diamond Bar Blvd, Diamond Bar’s new business of the month for October 2015. A presentation was then given, detailing the construction of Diamond Canyon Park, estimated to be complete by summer of 2016.

The City also welcomed its new Associate Planner May Nakajima. Nakajima previously worked for the city of Rancho Cucamonga, where she began as a planning aid while interning during her education at Cal Poly Pomona, and was promoted to Assistant Planner after graduating. She has worked a wide variety of different projects, and the city of Diamond Bar is excited to have her on their team.

During the public comments, the 2015 Miss Diamond Bar Alexandra Ornelas, announced that she will be representing Diamond Bar in the 2016 Miss Teen California. On Oct. 19 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., Chili’s of Diamond Bar will be holding a fundraiser to help Ornelas in her endeavors, and she and her court will be present to greet and seat attendees.

Representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library also announced several events, such as the Read Together program, with the book China Dolls by Lisa See for adults, Farewell to Manzanar by Wakatsuki Houstin for teens, and Nim and the War Effort by Milly Lee. On Oct. 14 at 4 p.m., children ages 6-10 can enjoy an origami class; on Oct. 17 at 2 p.m., the library will be swinging with swing dance; on Oct. 19 at 4 p.m. children ages 6-10 can meet and discuss Nim and the War Effort; on Oct. 20 at 3:30 p.m. teens can meet and discuss Farewell to Manzanar; and on Oct. 24 Lisa See will be discussing her book, China Dolls.

Another resident announced the Inland Valley Partners’ Walk for the Hungry on Oct 11. Registration begins at noon, and various fun and games, such as face painting, as well as an In-n-Out truck will be available.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read: the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting is on Oct. 8, at 7 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting is on Oct. 13 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting is on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including: the Planning Commission minutes from Aug. 25; a check register totalling $1,050,048.64; the Treasurer’s Statement for August 2015; a contract for annual property tax consult and audit services with HDL Coren & Cone for the 2015/16 through 2020/21 for $12,240; a contract amendment with Fehrs & Peers for citywide traffic data collection; and a contract amendment with ValleyCrest Landscape Maintenance to replace turf with drought tolerant planting materials and mulch in medians along Diamond Bar Blvd and retrofit irrigation systems to meet state Water Board requirements for $539,465.46.

Following Council reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Oct. 20 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

West Covina Appoints New City Manager

Chris Freeland

Photo Courtesy: City of West Covina
Chris Freeland

By Natalie Kim

West Covina – On Sept 15, West Covina appointed Chris Freeland to the position of city manager, filling the void left by his predecessor Chris Chung. Freeland was born in West Covina, but moved to La Verne and attended Damien High School.

To complete the 100-hour requisite for graduation, Freeland worked with La Verne’s City Manager Marty Lomeli. It was during this time of service that Freeland was introduced to, and subsequently fell in love with, city government.

To pursue this goal, Freeland majored in Civil Engineering and Political Science at Cal Poly Pomona, and later earned a Master’s degree in Public Administration at Cal State Long Beach. In February 2001, Freeland returned to West Covina and worked in various city departments and held numerous titles, from Parks and Recreation to labor negotiation, before finally being appointed to his current position of City Manager.

Chino Valley Medical Center’s Wins Pink Glove Dance Competition

Photo courtesy: Massiel Ladron De Guevara

Photo courtesy: Massiel Ladron De Guevara
Just Bust a Move, Chino! Chino Valley Firefighters from Fire Station 65 and Chino Police Officers helped Chino Valley Medical Center shimmy their way to the top in the annual Pink Glove Dance video competition raising awareness for breast cancer.

By Monique Valadez

Chino – Chino Valley Medical Center danced its way into the nation’s No. 1 spot in the annual Pink Glove Dance video contest for breast cancer awareness.

“We joined the Pink Glove Dance contest to show everyone it is possible to overcome cancer through awareness, collaboration and commitment to finding a cure,” Chino Valley Medical Center officials expressed. “CVMC wants to light a fire in the community that together our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to beat cancer.”

Medline Industries Inc. presented the $10,000 first-place prize winnings at a special community announcement event at the Chino Police Department’s community room on Oct. 1.

“This win means we’ve succeeded in heightening awareness for breast cancer,” said Dr. James M. Lally, Chief Medical Officer at CVMC. “The community really pulled together and showed that you can overcome cancer through creating awareness.  Thank you to the community and the CVMC staff for your support during our journey.”
The $10,000 prize was donated to the hospital’s breast cancer charity of choice, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Chino.
Sue MacInnes, chief market solutions officer for Medline, offered congratulations to Chino Valley Medical Center for its video that grabbed the attention of thousands.

“Some walk for breast cancer awareness. Others run. We dance wearing pink gloves for breast cancer awareness and prevention,” she said. “It is Medline’s unified mission to eradicate breast cancer. The Pink Glove Dance competition provides communities with an organized event that supports everyone who’s been touched by breast cancer.”

The winners were determined by public online voting over a two-week period. Chino Valley Medical Center received 18,836 online votes for its video. Chino Valley Medical Center won first place in the small-bed category.
In the video, more than 200 Chino Valley Medical Center doctors, nurses, hospital staff, Chino police officers, firefighters, Walnut Avenue Elementary and Don Lugo High School students donning pink gloves shimmied and shook to Bruno Mars’ song, “Uptown Funk”.

“Our video represents everyone in the community teaming up together to fight cancer,” hospital officials said. “We find hope in our community that everything is possible, which led us to our title, ‘Mission Possible: Chino.”
To view the video, visit http://www.pinkglovedance.com/…/chino-valley-medical-center/.

Two Arrested After Stabbings in Chino

Staff Reports

Chino– On Friday, Oct. 2, two suspects were in custody after an altercation that resulted in three victims suffering non-life threatening stab wounds.

Chino Police Officers responded to the 12200 block of Arlington Avenue before midnight regarding individuals fighting in the street.

Shortly thereafter, officers attempted to stop a white Dodge Charger seen leaving the area. The vehicle failed to yield and after a short pursuit, collided into the public right of way in the 12600 block of San Antonio Avenue

The driver, Brandon Coats, 19, of Chino, was immediately taken into custody. A second suspect, a 15-year-old male who had fled on foot from the scene, was later located in the area and was taken into custody without incident.

Coats was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for driving under the influence and evading police. The teen was booked at the San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Center for assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909-628-1234.

L.A. Sheriff Search And Rescue Teams Prepare For El Niño Season

Staff Reports

LA County– The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s eight search-and-rescue (SAR) teams are training and planning for the anticipated El Niño storms predicted for L.A. County. Earlier this month, 36 SAR specialists trained for swift-water rescue response. The focus was land-based operations which primarily deal with how to rescue a victim safely out of a fast flowing river or channel without having to enter the water.

Upcoming future training will certify these SAR team members as Swift-water Rescue Technicians.  Many current SAR team members already possess this certification, which deals with how to rescue a person trapped in a river or channel by entering the water and making contact with them.  Swift-water rescue responses are the highest level of risk to the public safety agencies who respond.  One-third of all swift-water deaths are rescuers who attempt to save someone from a river or channel.

The eight SAR teams consist of team members who live in the immediate area and they will be pre-identifying likely areas prone to flooding.  They will coordinate with our public safety partner agencies who are stakeholders in flood responses.  Once identified, the teams will pre-plan rescue sites for those areas including the identification of possible hazards.

SAR teams work closely with LASD’s Special Enforcement Bureau Emergency Services Detail (SEB/ESD), a highly trained and multi-mission bureau which staffs Air Rescue 5, the premier helicopter rescue platform. SEB/ESD deputies operate 24-hours a day, seven days a week. In addition to their tactical operations, all SEB/ESD deputies are certified paramedics and rescue divers. SEB/ESD is responsible for coordinating and participating in mountain search and rescue, underwater search and rescue, and swift water and flood rescue operations for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They staff the Air-5 Rescue Helicopter, the SEB/ESD Ocean Rescue Boats, and are Special Weapons Team members.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Team members are Reserve Sheriff’s deputies who volunteer their time to help others for $1 a year, and who partner with sheriff’s civilian volunteers who volunteer for free. There are 200 members of the eight Search and Rescue teams of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. They are all Emergency Medical Technicians and certified mountaineers.  These rescuers were activated for 597 search and rescue missions last year, making it one of the most active counties for search and rescue missions in the nation. Reserve deputies and civilian volunteers are supervised by full-time sheriff’s deputies.  For more information on the ongoing El Niño event, please visit http://www.elnino.noaa.gov/.

Bark for Life, Chino Valley!

Bark-CMYKFeaturing K9 Demonstrations, the Batmobile, Sheep Herding and Fly Frisbee

Staff Reports
Chino– Loyal and loving canines bring comfort to a sick person, and man’s best friend will be the honored guest Saturday, Oct. 17, during the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life of Chino Valley.

“The fifth annual Bark for Life of Chino Valley is a family-friendly, noncompetitive walk honoring our furry friends as caregivers and comforting pets for loved ones who are fighting cancer,” Bark for Life Chino Valley Event Coordinator Jennifer Rudin said.

The Chino Valley Bark for Life will include demonstrations by the Chino Police Department’s K9 Unit and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Bloodhound K9 Unit, entertainment, food, dog games and dog contests. Sheep herding, fly frisbee, barn hunting, and animal adoptions will all be featured, Rudin said. In addition, participants can take their photograph with a replica 1966 Batmobile (www.charitybatmobile.com), owned by Chino resident Leonora Foddrill who brings out the celebrity ride to various charity functions across the Inland Empire in memory of her late husband Jimmy Foddrill.

More than 100 booths will offer products and services.  “We have a great mix of vendors and informational booths including onsite microchip services and grooming for pets,” she said.

“One of the highlights this year is our ‘Ask the Doctor’ booth featuring the event’s Grand Marshal Dr. Greg Ogilvie and Dr. Darlene Sanchez, founder of Loving Hands Animal Hospital, Inc. in Chino, where the public will have the opportunity to ask leading veterinary doctors questions about their pets,” Rudin said.

“This year, our fundraising goal is $15,000 and we hope the entire community will join us in this great cause, all while having fun with their pets,” Rudin said.

Pets will also be available for adoption from Priceless Pets Rescue, a Chino Hills based no-kill, volunteer animal shelter serving the Inland Empire.

A registration fee is required for all pets. Rudin encourages pet owners to registration their dogs early to receive a discount. To register, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/barkchinoca. Admission is free and open to the public.

Proceeds will be used by the American Cancer Society to assist local cancer patients, for community education.

“The first 200 dogs will receive a commemorative bandana. We also have goodies for the humans,” she said.

The event will be held at Boys Republic High School, 1907 Boys Republic Drive in Chino Hills, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Rudin at 909-529-0505 or email, JenRudn@msn.com.

Annual Walnut Family Festival, Oct. 10

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut Watch local equestrian groups such as the Rising Hope Ranch (pictured) and the Walnut Valley Riders parade through the streets of Walnut in celebration of the 39th annual Walnut Family Festival Event this Saturday, Oct. 11.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut
Watch local equestrian groups such as the Rising Hope Ranch (pictured) and the Walnut Valley Riders parade through the streets of Walnut in celebration of the 39th annual Walnut Family Festival Event this Saturday, Oct. 11.

Family Fun Featuring Parade, Kid’s Fun Zone and Live Music

 

By Alicia Jensen

Walnut– The 39th Annual Walnut Family Festival is scheduled for Saturday, Oct. 10, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Suzanne Park, located at 625 Suzanne Rd in Walnut. The Festival highlights include a Community Parade (with free giveaways and prizes for the audience) Live Entertainment, Kid’s Fun Zone (with special guests from the movie “Frozen” – Elsa and Anna of Arendelle), Food Booths, Arts & Crafts vendors as well as a variety of service clubs, youth organizations, businesses, and environmental services, all aimed at improving your quality of life in Walnut.

The day kicks off with the annual Pancake Breakfast at 8 a.m., followed by a parade down La Puente Road. Then the fun and entertainment kicks into high gear at Suzanne Park.

Arrive early to get the best seats along the parade route. The Festival Parade starts at 10 a.m. The parade route moves east along La Puente Road from Lemon Avenue to Suzanne Road.  Parade highlights include the Wells Fargo Stage Coach, Walnut High School Marching Band, Walnut Valley Riders, LA Extreme Cheer, AYSO, community floats, and much more.

Live entertainment kicks off on the Valley Vista Stage at 12 p.m. featuring special musical performances by DSB (Journey Tribute Band) from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Box Car 7 playing the best in R&B, classic rock and swing from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m.; and The Filharmonic from 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., an acapella group as seen on TV show “The Sing Off” and movie “Pitch Perfect 2”.

There will be plenty of fun kid activities with carnival attractions, a petting zoo, race car train rides, special guest appearances and a sing-a-long with Queen Elsa and Princess Anna of Arendelle.

The food court will feature several non-profit groups cooking up an assortment of delicious foods while earning money for worthy causes. Come enjoy breakfast, lunch or dinner. The Walnut/Diamond Bar Lions Club will be flipping flapjacks from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. so you can get a great start on a jam-packed day of fun.

Join us for a day of fabulous food, terrific entertainment, wonderful exhibits and lots of fun!

For more information about the Festival, call the Walnut Community Services at (909) 598-5605.

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut

Photo Courtesy of the City of Walnut

Chino Valley Fire Launches Red Flag Community Alert Program

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

Chino – The Chino Valley Fire District is launching a Red Flag Community Alert Program. The Red Flag Program is designed to promote awareness of critical wildfire weather conditions and community preparedness. During red flag warning conditions, all Fire District facilities will fly a red flag until the warning has expired. Information on red flag warnings will be disseminated via Public Service Announcements and through all Fire District social media platforms.

Critical weather conditions that would trigger a red flag warning include severe heat, low relative humidity, high winds, and low fuel moistures (dry vegetation).

During a red flag warning, residents are urged to use extreme caution when operating spark or flame producing equipment in grass or brush areas. Residents of the Sleepy Hollow community in Carbon Canyon will be asked to restrict street parking to provide necessary clearance for firefighting vehicles.

The Fire District encourages the community to be prepared by knowing about the wildfire action plan, Ready! Set! Go! The plan offers tips to residents on creating defensible space around their homes, making their homes fire safe, and having a good evacuation plan.

For more information on the Ready! Set! Go wildfire action plan, visit http://www.chinovalleyfire.org and click on Emergency Preparedness under the Community Relations tab.

Walnut: Citizens Oppose Mt. SAC Solar Farm

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – Residents once again spoke during the public comment section of the latest Walnut City Council meeting to disagree with Mount San Antonio College; however, this time complaints were made not against the ongoing concerns about a proposed parking structure.

This time, residents were opposed to the location of a planned “solar farm” project that would have the college integrate a 2.2 megawatt, ground-mounted solar photovoltaic system, that could save the campus nearly half a million dollars in annual energy fees.

The location in contention is the Mt. SAC-owned property at the corner of Grand Avenue and Temple Avenue/Amar Road – which is commonly known as the “Christmas tree” lot – where Christmas trees, strawberries, and pumpkins are sold at different times of the year.

Walnut resident, Patrick Johnson, said the proposed solar farm looks bigger than any building that the college currently has, and called the proposed project, “disgusting.” Johnson stated that he knew several lawyers that could help stop the campus’ clean energy project.

Many of the residents that spoke out against the solar farm all shared the same sentiment – that they were “not against solar power,” but that Mt. SAC should not build the solar panels because the rows of panels would ruin the resident’s views of the hills, cause traffic congestion during its construction, and others even questioned if Mt. SAC had the authority to build the solar farm on their parcel of land.

Jill Dolan, Director of Public Affairs for Mt. San Antonio College, said the college administration has the best interest of the students and environment in mind, since the solar farm will help the campus on its way to energy independence.  The campus would save $480,000 in annual energy costs.

According to Dolan, the solar farm project has been a long-time objective for Mt. SAC, and that the campus did an Environmental Impact Report in 2013 which showed that the construction and finished solar farm would have “no new or exacerbated signification environmental impacts associated with the proposed project.”

As of Sept. 9, the college chose Borrego Solar Systems, Inc. to perform the construction of the venture, and is funding the $5 million project through Proposition 39 Clean Energy Funds, California Solar Incentive Funds, and California Energy Commission loans. Dolan said the college is planning to start construction in late spring/early summer of 2016.

“Mt. SAC is deeply committed to pursuing opportunities through which we can be thoughtful stewards of both the environment and taxpayers’ funds,” Dolan said. “Mt. SAC is proud to be a leader in energy efficiency and water conservation efforts, and we have been recognized at both the local and state level for our cost-savings accomplishments. This solar project would save the college nearly half a million dollars a year and move Mt. SAC even closer to energy independence.”

Due to the outcry of residents, however, the City Council members agreed to discuss the solar farm project during its Oct. 14 meeting.

Diamond Bar Princess Party

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar – On Sat., Sept. 19, Miss Diamond Bar – Queen Alexandra Ornelas – and her court of princesses (Rebecca Wang, Megan Quon, Katherine Hermosillo and Cynthia Preciado) hosted a very special Princess Tea Party at the Diamond Bar Library.

The Court enjoyed meeting, dancing, singing and story time with all the little princesses, who were dressed in their very best princess attire.

Linda Headlee, Director at the Miss Diamond Bar Scholarship Pageant, Inc. – who is the event sponsor – said over 90 little princesses attended the annual Tea Party, and as you can see in the photo, they had a very delightful experience.

Chino Valley School District Considers Bond

Investing in Our Schools and Community

 

Staff Reports

Chino– Chino Valley School District is seeking the public’s support and feedback to weigh in on a possible bond measure to fund capital improvement projects in 2016.

What is a school bond? What does this mean for you?

School bonds are a way for school districts to borrow money. Bonds are the only means through which districts can build schools. The bond, once approved by voters, may be supplemented by state matching dollars to help the district fund facilities needed. Bonds are paid off through property taxes, so when I vote for a bond, I’m voting for higher taxes on my property.

According to the Chino Valley district website, most of Chino’s local schools were built decades ago – with some built in the 1950s – and need basic health and safety improvements.

“As the District plans for the future, the participation of our school communities couldn’t be more important,” Superintendent Wayne M. Joseph said. “Understanding the priorities of each school community is essential in developing a shared vision for the future.”

The Chino Valley school district has already completed two rounds of public discussions.

The first round of Facilities Master Plan update meetings took place at 35 school sites over the summer and ushers in the community engagement and information gathering process to better understand local school needs and the community’s priorities for them.

The discussion centered on the following four categories:  Renovating existing buildings; completing work at schools to enhance or improve existing conditions; building something new at a school that currently does not exist; and incorporating new technology into classrooms and schools.

Some of the topics that participants raised were repairing schools that were 25-years-old or more under the state’s school modernization program, upgrading classrooms and equipment for career education programs, upgrading technology, adding security features to keep students and staff safe on our campuses, replacing portable buildings with permanent classrooms, and adding equipment that best suits the needs of 21st century classrooms.

“Whether it is investing in new technology, upgrading school-career education programs, improving classrooms, or making basic health and safety improvements at our schools, I would like to hear from our families and community members to help shape the future of our schools,” Joseph said.

An independent community survey of 400 voters in February shows residents feel Chino Valley schools provide a quality education but perceive schools to have a significant need for additional funding. The survey provides insight into community opinions and educational priorities for our schools.

More than two-thirds of respondents believe Chino Valley schools provide high-quality education to local students.

The second round of Facilities Master Plan update meetings with school staff and parents concluded in September. According to district officials, the survey was posted on the district website and handed out at back-to-school nights in September.

Further outreach will continue throughout the school year. During the summer, Superintendent Joseph met with business organizations, service clubs, senior citizen organizations, and a wide range of other community groups to exchange ideas.

“The community conversations will continue over the course of the year and will help to inform the Board of Education’s decision regarding a potential educational bond measure in November 2016,” Superintendent Joseph said. “We are focused on listening and gathering information before considering next steps.”

If a bond measure is place on the November 2016 ballot, the school board will need to make a decision by August 2016.

Chino Valley Fire Department Awarded Transparency Certificate of Excellence

Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

 

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District was awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation in recognition of good governance practices during its annual California Special Districts Association Conference. It is the second time the Fire District received this award.

The Fire District demonstrated compliance in eight essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.

“The Fire Board and District staff is to be commended for their commitment to being fully transparent, open and accessible to the public and all our stakeholders,” said Chino Valley Fire Chief Tim Shackelford.

The Fire District also fulfilled 15 website requirements, including providing readily available information to the public, such as board agendas, past minutes, current district budget, and the most recent financial audit.

Finally, the Fire District demonstrated outreach efforts to constituents that engage them in our governance through newsletters and other materials.

The Special District Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.

Walnut Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The Sept. 23 Walnut City Council meeting began with the recognition of Maintenance Supervisor, Kenny Martinez. Due to his efforts, Walnut remains verdant and beautiful despite the harsh drought, and the trees across the town remain healthy and strong because of his care. The Council also declared Oct. 10 as Arbor Day.

During Communications, numerous complaints were made about the solar farm project on Grand Ave. proposed by Mt. San Antonio College. One complaint was made by a resident of West Covina, who agreed with several other Walnut residents that the solar farm’s proposed location would deprive Walnut of the majesty of the hills and result in an “eyesore” along Grand Ave. Other complaints noted the increase in traffic in the already busy intersection of Amar Rd. and Grand Ave. that would occur if construction were approved.

“We’re not against solar,” one resident clarified, “we’re fighting the location.”

In response to the widespread unrest concerning the proposed location of the college’s solar farm, the Council agreed to make the solar farm an item on the agenda for the next meeting on Oct. 14.

Council then approved the minutes from the Aug. 26 Study Session; and after minor adjustments, approved the minutes from the Aug. 26 and Sept. 9 City Council meetings.

After the Public Hearing, the Council adopted a resolution amending the fees and charges for services provided by the Community Development Department. The Council also approved an ordinance amending the City’s municipal code concerning purchase and sale of equipment and supplies. A second ordinance concerning the City’s municipal code on the drawing of warrants was discussed, but ultimately was unsatisfactory to the Council. The ordinance will be revised and brought back in the Oct. 14 Council meeting. The Council also awarded a bid of $99,545.26 to Greenfields Outdoor Fitness to begin constructing outdoor fitness equipment in Creekside Park; and appointed Ben Zhang to the Youth Advisory Commission. The Council also adopted a resolution allowing $647,584.01 in claims and demands on a 3-1-1 vote – with Councilwoman Tragarz voting against on the grounds that the claims and demands in the resolution should have been covered in a separate item brought before the Council, and Councilman Ching abstaining.

The Council then approved all items on the Successor Agency Consent Calendar, including a resolution allowing $41,586 in claims and demands; approval of a Recognized Obligation Payment Schedule for Jan. to June 2016; and a resolution approving the administrative budget for Jan. to June 2016. The Council also approved a sale agreement with Standard Pacific Corporation.

A multitude of residents came together at the Council meeting to protest Verizon’s appeal of a site plan concerning a Monopine at 555 Gartel Dr. Residents from all walks of life argued against the Monopine –  from professors to mothers and fathers concerned for their children, even to 10-year olds disquieted by the potential telecommunication construction project – all voiced their concerns to the Council and refuted the need for another cell tower, especially at the proposed address of 555 Gartel Dr. In line with the sentiments expressed, the Council denied Verizon’s appeal.

The Council approved a 30-day extension of time for the rear wall found at 20638, 206230, 20624, and 20618 Loyalton Dr. in light of a new proposal brought to the Council. The Council will revisit the proposal and discuss further action at their next meeting.

Following individual comments and announcements, the meeting was adjourned until Oct. 14, at 7 p.m., at the City Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Puente House Foundation

Photo Courtesy: Aurora Charter Oak Hospital Robin McGeough

Photo Courtesy: Aurora Charter Oak Hospital
Robin McGeough

Courtesy of Aurora Charter Oak Hospital

Covina – Robin McGeough, the Director of Chemical Dependency Services at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, is on the road – literally – for his 7th Annual Run4Recovery to support the Puente House Foundation.

McGeough started on Thurs., Sept. 24 in San Francisco, and he will run from there to the City of Covina, arriving on Oct. 3.  He will run 400 miles overall, to raise money for people in recovery from chemical dependency.

“It has been seven years since this journey began. What began as a silly dare from a sober friend seven years ago has become a yearly tradition of service to the newly recovering individual and their families,” said McGeough.

McGeough began Run4Recovery to raise money for the Puente House Foundation, a 501(c) (3) non-profit corporation, which provides assistance to women and men who struggle with alcoholism and addiction.

Puente House has served thousands of alcoholics and addicts, introducing them to 12-step recovery programs that work, and surrounding them with men and women who share victory over similar experiences.

Karl Moris, owner of Puente House, says, “It is difficult to adequately express how very much we appreciate the amazing effort Robin makes every year on behalf of Puente House. He is such an inspiration to all of us.”

Similar to the residents of Puente House, McGeough has also struggled with his own battle with addiction.

“24 years ago from a jail cell in Hollywood, I prayed to God for a way out,” McGeough explained. “I was looking for a way out of suffering, homelessness, estrangement from my family, the hopelessness and a constant aching in my heart to be able to live life free from the misery of addiction.”

The men and women who live in Puente House come face to face with the truth regarding the fatality of their disease. Living in a safe, supportive and sober environment, the residents learn the way to a happier, meaningful life that is free from the bondage of addiction – and they discover the courage to begin a different life.

“It’s nothing short of amazing what happens at Puente House and I am humbled to be a part of supporting their efforts,” McGeough explains.

Steve Jennings, Director of Business Development at Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, says, “The hospital is so proud of Robin’s accomplishments and his commitment.  We are honored to help support him with the Run4Recovery.

Donations can be made online at www.run4recovery.com, and all proceeds go to the Puente House Foundation.

LA County Detective Receives The Gift Of Life

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health…

Photo Courtesy: LASD Detective Lyle Raymond and his wife, Mary Christine.

Photo Courtesy: LASD
Detective Lyle Raymond and his wife, Mary Christine

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – On Wed., Sept. 23, A Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Detective was scheduled to receive an extraordinary gift from his wife:  the gift of life in the form of a kidney.

According to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD), in October 2013 – after a routine physical – doctors told Detective Lyle Raymond that he needed to have an emergency procedure to begin dialysis. Raymond – a 28-year Department veteran – was told that without the procedure, he would die within a week from kidney failure.

Raymond began a yearlong regiment of hemoglobin dialysis treatments lasting for four hours per session, three days a week. After a year of treatments, he received an operation that allowed him to conduct peritoneal dialysis treatments every night in his own home.

Raymond was placed on the nationwide organ donor waiting list while he received the treatments. Little did he know, his loving wife would ultimately save his life.

In the United States, approximately 600,000 people each year are in need of kidney transplants. Of those, 90,000 patients qualify to receive a transplant. For those who qualify, only 10,000 patients receive transplants. Raymond was told that the average male his age in need of a transplant has a waiting time of seven to ten years. During that time, if any other medical complications arise patients can be disqualified from the list.

After several family and friends tested as possible donors, it was determined that Raymond possessed a rare antigen that made finding a viable donor much more difficult.  All of his potential donors were eliminated as a result. With the possibility of finding a live donor dwindling, Raymond’s wife, Mary, began testing.

Shortly before his wife was identified as the donor, Raymond’s doctor told him he would be running out of time and would not live long. Within a month, it was determined that the couple was a perfect match for a transplant and the surgery was scheduled for Sept. 23.

The Sheriff’s Department has been very supportive of the Raymond family, and hosted a press conference at the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station on Sept. 22 to keep interested parties apprised of Raymond’s situation.  Sheriff’s Custody Investigative Services and Operation Safe Jails plan to assist the Raymond family during their recovery process by ensuring that they are transported to and from post-operative doctors’ appointments, and monitoring their sons, Luke, age 18, and Jake, age 16.  In addition, they will assist in keeping their home clean, ensure groceries are stocked, and handle any requests that they may have during their recovery.

According to LASD, Raymond was recently promoted to Sergeant, and he will be assigned to the South Los Angeles Station upon recovery.

For more information, contact Public Information Officer Nicole Nishida at (323) 810-1973 or the Sheriff’s Information Bureau at (213) 229-1700.

State Leaders Encourage PUSD Seniors To Vote

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Pomona Unified high school students proudly display their voter registration pledges during a Sept. 18 session in which California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and state Senator Connie Leyva, spoke about the importance of civic engagement.

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Pomona Unified high school students proudly display their voter registration pledges during a Sept. 18 session in which California Secretary of State Alex Padilla, and state Senator Connie Leyva, spoke about the importance of civic engagement.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Nearly 300 Pomona Unified high school seniors recently got a lesson on the importance of civic engagement and making their voices heard at the polls from the state’s top public official in charge of encouraging voter participation: California Secretary of State, Alex Padilla.

Padilla, who was joined by state Senator Connie Leyva, discussed with students the importance of being engaged citizens and how the right to vote is the essence of democracy during a Sept. 18 session at the Village Academy High School Conference Center.

“This event presented our students with a powerful opportunity to learn the importance of having an engaged electorate and the role and responsibility every generation has in shaping this country’s future,” Board of Education President Andrew Wong said. “Voting is a powerful tool, and I am grateful that we had two of our state’s top leaders visit one of our campuses to demonstrate its significance.”

The event was organized in conjunction with the District’s Service Learning Program, which supports and encourages students and teachers to engage in community service learning projects.

During the program, Padilla advised students to recognize the importance of politics and its relation to a strong community.

“The greatest potential for registering more eligible voters to vote is engaging young people,” said Padilla, who was sworn in as Secretary of State in January, and has committed to modernizing the office, increasing voter registration and participation, and strengthening voting rights. “There is no substitute for personally inviting someone to participate in the voting process.”

Prior to addressing the full assembly, Padilla and Leyva met separately with Associated Student Body leaders and challenged them to reach out to their peers to become more aware of the civic benefits of voter registration and participation.

One student ready to accept the challenge is Fremont Academy ASB President, Elena Guzman, who also serves as the student liaison on the Pomona Unified Board of Education.

“Both my parents are Hispanic and do not vote. I grew up not wanting to vote,” Guzman said. “My brothers convinced me voting will help my future as well as the future of my peers and friends.”

Leyva, whose district includes Pomona, encouraged students to be active in the political process and to practice due diligence when assessing candidates and elected officials.

“Whom you vote for matters,” said Leyva, who is serving her first term in the State Senate. “The worst thing you can do is nothing.”

Pomona Unified’s Service Learning Program, which helped organize the event, is an instructional strategy in which community service opportunities are integrated into the curriculum, with the goal of enhancing the core curriculum and helping students meet academic standards and develop a sense of civic responsibility.

At the event, eligible students also got the chance to register to vote.

“Civic engagement is a key component to a complete and well-rounded education and the Service Learning Program is one tool we use to encourage our students to be active and productive members of our community,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “We care about involving all of our communities, especially our young adults, in the process of making policy.”

 

An Interview With The Walnut Mayor

By Natalie Kim

Q:  As the only member of the City Council to have served on the State Assembly before, how different is the State Assembly from the Walnut City Council?

A:  Well, it’s substantially different, obviously. You’re part of 80 people in the State Assembly, and people are from all over the state. So you represent a different constituency. The 60th Assembly District, which is the one I was in, represented three counties: Orange County, Los Angeles County, and the San Bernardino County. It’s a huge area.

 

Q:  What part of Walnut are you most proud of?

A:  There are a couple things. When I was on the Council last time, we put into play several things that today are great for the city. We built the Teen Center gymnasium, we built the Senior Center, and we built the Starbucks center. Those are the three most prominent things we have in Walnut that have the greatest activity. I’m very pleased to be a part of that.

 

Q:  Is there anything you would change about Walnut if you could?

A:  No, I like Walnut the way it is. I like the atmosphere, I like the way the City is laid out, I like the fact that we have great parks and facilities for people to enjoy. The only thing we can do, that can be improvements, are to add onto those things. When I ran the last time, one of the things I urged was to build a swim complex over by Walnut Ranch, and we’re in process of beginning to do that. It will be a major area for swimming; for children playing in the water, for seniors to have a place to exercise in the water, a clubhouse, a place for people to gather, and then an ampitheater. We’re in the process now; we’re selling the land up there, and we’re using the proceeds to begin the development. The other thing we want to develop are shopping centers and to bring more restaurants into the City. The Albertson’s shopping center has been vacant for five years. It’s a blight on the City, and we want to redevelop that area. The thing that I want to do is [possibly] make that into an artist area. We have a lot of artists in the City and people don’t even know that. They gather here in City Hall and they do their painting. What I’d like to see done is bring in a major tenant and redo the whole area. Artist groups have a good idea of how to do that, so I want to bring them in and make that happen.

 

Q:  There’s been a lot of consternation surrounding your appointment as Mayor. Is there anything you would like to say to address that?

A:  I understand. I just call it politics – no matter where you are.  I’ve been in involved in politics at the local level, at the state level, and at the federal level. The thing that people don’t realize is that my appointment of Mayor is a selection by members of the City Council, not voters. Anyone can be Mayor. All it takes is three votes on the City Council. There have been at least four or five other occurrences where the people who were sitting as Mayor Pro Tem were passed [over]. So it’s not an unusual occurrence. I know people were saying that it was going against tradition.  The reality of it is many of the cities around us have the same situation. Many of the people on the City Council never get to be Mayor, because they get voted out. Bottom line is, I want to do what’s good for the City, and I want to treat people with respect, and I want the City Council to conduct its affairs in a respectful manner – which is, I think, the reason why the other members voted me in. We have not been having City Council acting in a respectful manner. It’s simply that. Yes, there were a number of people upset, but the reason people were upset was because Eric [Ching] was bypassed. I meet a lot of people, and most everyone I talk to is very happy I became Mayor. The Mayor is basically like a figurehead. They don’t really have power. They are a representative of the city. Somebody who is representing the city needs to act in a manner that is good for the city. I think that’s the only reason they selected me to be mayor; that I would be good for the City, and bring respect and more structure to the City Council.

 

Q:  What is your favorite and least favorite part of your job?

A:  I don’t really have a least favorite. My favorite part is really interacting with the public. I am very responsive. People call me or see me on the street, or in the grocery store, or at church, and ask me to do things or look into things. That is the real key of who you are as a representative of the City, is to be responsive to the needs of the citizens. That’s my most favorite part – interacting with the citizens, being responsive to them, and making sure the City is being run in a proper manner.

 

Q:  Do you have any advice for someone interested in running for City Council or beginning a career in politics?

A:  The first thing they need to do is be involved. If you want to be part of the city and a representative of the city, you must be involved and care about things that go on – which means you participate and volunteer.  You participate in things that may not be creating a big name for yourself, but make you part of a community. Sometimes people want to run, but they’ve never been in involved with anything. They haven’t served on any of the commissions, they haven’t done much in the way of participation in civic affairs, and then they want to be mayors or councilmen. You have to pay your dues, I think. I was on the Mayor’s Advisory Commission at first. After that, I was appointed to the City Planning Commission, and after that, I was elected to the City Council. Then, of course, I moved to the state legislature, and then I came back. But I participate. I participate in a lot of things. I started the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation. We give teacher grants, student grants, and we help the school district. We’ve raised nearly $2 million for the school district over almost 20 years now. That’s participating in the community. That’s giving back. At my church – St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church – I was one of the initial people helping to create the church, building and raising money, and all that. I’m part of the Lyon’s Club, and I work with the Chamber of Commerce.  And I work with other organizations; I’m doing an event for the Republican Women’s group at my house to raise their membership. These are things you have to do for the community. And then, when you’ve done that, then you can be part of the leadership.

 

Natalie Kim is a student at Mt. San Antonio College in Walnut. She requested an interview with the new Mayor of Walnut, Bob Pacheco, and he readily agreed.

 

 

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – Mayor Steve Tye began the Sept. 15 Diamond Bar City Council meeting by presenting certificates of recognition to the Diamond Bar Girls Softball 12 and Under Gold All-Star Team for an outstanding season. The Council congratulated the team for its successful, and hopes that Diamond Bar will continue to nurture and support successful athletes. A City Tile was also presented to a representative of the Albertson’s market, located on 1235 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., recognizing them as the Business of the Month for September 2015.

Following these presentations, Captain Jeffrey Scroggin of the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department announced the appointment of Chad Holland to the Special Problems Team. Holland had been transferred to the Department approximately a year ago, and the Captain is optimistic that his appointment to the team will lead to a more effective task force.

During the public comments, representatives from the Diamond Bar Public Library and the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library announced several upcoming events. On Sept. 23 at 4 p.m., a personal safety workshop will be available for parents of infants and toddlers to increase awareness of safety hazards. The ongoing essay contest themed, “How a Book Changed My Life,” will end on Oct 3. The top three essay winners will each receive a $200 Amazon gift card. On Sept. 26, from 2 to 3:30 p.m., swing dance lessons will be available, no partner or experience required. The Read Together novel for the month of October will be “China Dolls,” by Lisa See, and residents of Diamond Bar are encouraged to read the book together as a community.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read. The Planning Commission meeting on Sept. 22 is cancelled, as is the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Sept. 24. Diamond Bar Day at the Los Angeles County Fair will be on Sept. 24, at the Fair Grounds in Pomona, and the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Oct. 6 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, which consisted of the City Council minutes from Aug. 18; the Traffic and Transportation Commission minutes from June 11; the Planning Commission minutes from July 28; the ratification of a check register totaling $2,134,115.63; the treasurer’s statement for the month of July 2015; a contract with Nexus-IS to expand the City’s security camera system; an application for $267,500 from the Habitat Conservation Fund Grant Funds, which requires a $267,500 match from the City for the development of the Canyon Loop Trail; authorization to spend $58,378.22 on five decorative light poles for the Diamond Bar Blvd. and Brea Canyon Rd. Intersection Enhancement Project; Appropriation Adjustments for the fiscal year of 2015-16 for Carry Forward expenditures, Special Revenue fund carryovers, Capital Project carryovers and Fiscal Year 2014-15 final adjustments; and authorization for the City Manager to approve an agreement between the City and the East San Gabriel Valley Regional Occupational Program and Technical Center for video productions services. The Council also adopted a resolution approving the removal of the crosswalk at Grand Ave. and the State Route Eastbound on-ramp.

Following Council reports and comments, the meeting was adjourned, with plans to meet again on Oct. 6, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Dr.

Chino Hills Man Arrested

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Sat., Sept. 12, Chino Hills Deputies – with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Narcotics Division – investigated the possession of a controlled substance for sales.

According to the Chino Hills Police Department, a search warrant was served to suspect, David Selle, 45, as his residence on Organdy Lane in Chino Hills, under suspicion of being involved in the sales of methamphetamine.

During the warrant service, Deputies located approximately one ounce of crystal methamphetamine, a handgun (which was reported missing in May), approximately 84 rounds of live ammunition, and other evidence that confirmed Selle was, in fact, involved in the suspected drug sales.

Selle was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation – or any criminal activity – is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000; or, if you wish to remain anonymous, call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.