Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Walnut Valley Women’s Club Tree Lighting

By Margaret Doyle

Walnut – On Sun., Dec. 7, at 6:30 p.m., the Walnut Valley Women’s Club invites the community to attend the Annual Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony to be held at Fire Station 61, on the corner of La Puente Road and Lemon Avenue.

As we celebrate our 50 years in federation this year, we have named Jeanne Burgh the honored tree lighter. Burgh is the Club’s longest resident in Walnut, and currently a member of the Walnut Valley Women’s Club.

Come and enjoy the holiday music of our little ones and teens, and meet Santa, who will arrive at 7 p.m.

At this 23rd year anniversary celebration, the Club is grateful to the community for its sponsorship of the Scholarship Tree of Lights.

 

Chino Hills: chARTS Concert Features Internationally Acclaimed Local Opera Singer

STAFF REPORT

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Arts Committee (chARTS) will present its first opera concert on Sun., Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. “The Hills Are Alive With Music,” will feature Diamond Bar resident, Kristin Rothfuss Erbst, an internationally acclaimed opera singer, along with renowned pianist Cheryl Lin Fielding.

The duo will perform a variety of operatic pieces with special guests Julie Makerov of Rancho Cucamonga, who currently sings with the Los Angeles Opera; and Robert Becker, who is first violist at the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and director of String Studies at Chapman University.

“There will be translations in the program, explanatory introductions to each set and projections of art to help make these pieces accessible,” Erbst says. “My mission is to convert people to this art form.”

Mezzo soprano Erbst delights audiences with her rich operatic voice and magnetic stage presence. Known both for her convincing trouser roles and charming feminine portrayals, Erbst has distinguished herself as an impressive singing actress garnering critical acclaim for her appearances with such distinguished companies as the Santa Fe Opera, Sacramento Opera, City Opera Theater, Los Angeles Opera, Virginia Opera and Opera Pacific. The Los Angeles Times has described her voice as “mellifluous.” Erbst has performed on many concert stages, including Carnegie Hall.

Erbst was raised in Germany, where her parents were professional opera singers for 30 seasons. She currently resides in Diamond Bar, and most recently joined the music department at Chaffey College as a vocal instructor.

The concert is an all-ages community event. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth under 18. Tickets will be available for purchase at City Hall, the Chino Hills Community Center, and online at http://www.chinohills.org/chARTSevents. For additional information, please call (909) 364-2736 or email chcfoundation@chinohills.org.The Community Center is located at 14250 Peyton Drive in Chino Hills.

 

 

 

 

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Arts Committee (chARTS) will present its first opera concert on Sun., Nov. 23, from 3 to 5 p.m. at the Community Center. “The Hills Are Alive With Music,” will feature Diamond Bar resident, Kristin Rothfuss Erbst, an internationally acclaimed opera singer, along with renowned pianist Cheryl Lin Fielding.

The duo will perform a variety of operatic pieces with special guests Julie Makerov of Rancho Cucamonga, who currently sings with the Los Angeles Opera; and Robert Becker, who is first violist at the Pacific Symphony Orchestra and director of String Studies at Chapman University.

“There will be translations in the program, explanatory introductions to each set and projections of art to help make these pieces accessible,” Erbst says. “My mission is to convert people to this art form.”

Mezzo soprano Erbst delights audiences with her rich operatic voice and magnetic stage presence. Known both for her convincing trouser roles and charming feminine portrayals, Erbst has distinguished herself as an impressive singing actress garnering critical acclaim for her appearances with such distinguished companies as the Santa Fe Opera, Sacramento Opera, City Opera Theater, Los Angeles Opera, Virginia Opera and Opera Pacific. The Los Angeles Times has described her voice as “mellifluous.” Erbst has performed on many concert stages, including Carnegie Hall.

Erbst was raised in Germany, where her parents were professional opera singers for 30 seasons. She currently resides in Diamond Bar, and most recently joined the music department at Chaffey College as a vocal instructor.

The concert is an all-ages community event. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for youth under 18. Tickets will be available for purchase at City Hall, the Chino Hills Community Center, and online at http://www.chinohills.org/chARTSevents. For additional information, please call (909) 364-2736 or email chcfoundation@chinohills.org.The Community Center is located at 14250 Peyton Drive in Chino Hills.

 

 

 

Walnut: City Council Recap 11/12/14

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met early at 5 p.m. on Wed., Nov. 12 for a special meeting, citing a lack of quorum for a regular meeting that would normally be held at 7 p.m.

To start, the council members approved the minutes for the Oct. 8 study session and City Council meetings before launching into the first reading of a new ordinance, No. 14-05.

The Ordinance, which had its first reading approved, repealed Ordinance No. 08-04 for the City’s municipal code concerning residency restrictions for sex offenders.

The repeal of the ordinance was brought about to protect the City from lawsuits, with City Attorney Michael Montgomery saying the inclusion of the State’s laws alone were extensive enough to cover any problems that might arise in Walnut.

On the City’s consent calendar, the Council approved Resolution No. 14-56 allowing claims and demands in the amount of $1,085,225.13, a contract amendment for WRA Environmental Consultants to prepare a CEQA compliance document, and the cancellation of the City Council and Walnut Housing Authority meetings in observance of Thanksgiving and Christmas.

Without any other successor agency calendar items, the meeting adjourned at 5:20 p.m. with plans to hold the next Walnut City Council meeting on Wed., Dec. 10 at 7 p.m., in the City Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

 

Chino Hills: Curt Hagman Supervisor-Elect To SB Fourth District

STAFF REPORTS

Curt Hagman

Curt Hagman

Chino Hills – The November 4 General Election has come and gone, and the efforts of Assemblyman Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills) in the race for Supervisor of San Bernardino’s Fourth District have paid off.

In a public letter published on Nov. 6, Hagman said he, and his wife Grace, “…are thrilled and humbled that the voters chose us to represent their interests in the Fourth Supervisorial District.

Hagman, who is a California State Assemblyman for the 55th District, termed out this year, and became a contender against Congresswoman Gloria Negrete McLeod (D-Montclair). His campaign promises included building a better future by creating jobs and continuing to strengthen the San Bernardino County economy, and with his win, Hagman is determined to keep the following issues in the forefront:

 

  • Take control of Ontario Airport away from Los Angeles so San Bernardino County can build it into a job-creating economic engine.
  • Attract more investment to San Bernardino County.
  • Personally recruit new employers to San Bernardino County.
  • Invest in infrastructure to keep people working and improve our quality of life.
  • Support the use of tax credits to encourage small businesses to hire new workers.

 

An article recently published by examiner.com stated that current 4th District Supervisor, Gary Ovitt has been in semi-retirement mode for at least six years. The article continues with high hopes for the Supervisor-elect stating that, “Most are tired of the current lack of transparency, ethics and integrity and hope that Curt Hagman will inspire change that restores public trust.”

On his website, Hagman says that he wants to make lives better. He will get the opportunity to do just. Hagman will be sworn into office in December.

 

Chino: City Seeks Volunteers For Annual Homeless Count

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – The City of Chino and the San Bernardino County Homeless Partnership are seeking volunteers to help count the homeless population in Chino. The count is an annual event that will take place on Thurs., Jan. 22, 2015, from 6 to 10 a.m.

Volunteers will be grouped into teams of three and assigned to a deployment center located in Chino. Team members will then be escorted around the City to locate and count homeless individuals and families who are considered unsheltered. The count will also include a survey to determine risk factors contributing to homelessness.

The count is part of a Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development mandated program that allows communities to better understand the number and characteristics of people sleeping on the street, or in other places not meant for human habitation. Communities around the country must participate in this process in order to apply for federal homeless services grant funding. Federal grant funds are the largest source of homeless services funding in San Bernardino County.

Anyone interested in volunteering for the count may register at www.sanbernardinocountyhomelesscounts.com. For questions regarding volunteer opportunities, please contact Josh Munch, Community Services Coordinator at (909) 334-3488.

 

California’s Hidden Gas Tax Coming 2015

STAFF REPORTS

 

California – Apparently there is a hidden Gas Tax coming our way, as soon as Jan. 1, 2015, and efforts to change the effect this will have on Californians by Senate Republican Leader, Bob Huff – and others – have been ignored.

“I am very much opposed to California Air Resources Board’s (CARB) decision to bring gas, diesel and natural gas under the cap-and-trade provision of AB 32. The gasoline and diesel fuel hikes coming in January 2015 will hurt everyone, especially lower income families, widening the income inequality gap and making life much harder for those who can least afford it. Currently, one in four Californians live in poverty – the highest rate in the nation – and families are still struggling to recover from the great recession,” said Senator Huff (representing California’s 29th District) in his October 2014 “Huff Headlines” newsletter.

On August 22, Senate Republicans sent a letter to Governor Jerry Brown, Senate President Pro-Tempore Darrell Steinberg (D-Sacramento) and Assembly Speaker Toni Atkins (D-San Diego), urging their support for any of three options to prevent or delay a significant cost increase on gasoline, diesel and natural gas in California by as much as 76 cents a gallon on Jan. 1, 2015.

According to Huff, suggested options were ignored. Senate Bill 1079 by Senator Andy Vidak (R-Hanford) would have exempted gasoline, diesel, and natural gas from the state’s cap-and-trade program, thereby stopping the hidden gas tax. SB 1079 was not allowed a hearing by the Democratic majority.

A second option was to support AB 69 by Assembly member, Henry T. Perea (D-Fresno), which was amended to delay putting fuels under the cap-and-trade program until Jan. 1, 2018, with bipartisan support. It died in the Senate Rules Committee.

The 3rd option was for Gov. Brown to exercise his executive authority to direct CARB to exclude the fuels from the cap-and-trade program. Usually a tax is associated with some spending plan, and one can only assume (according to Huff) that the governor may want to spend the new taxes on his “high speed train to nowhere.”

Every citizen against the gas hikes must let their views be known now. Contact the governor by letter or phone, as follows: Governor Jerry Brown, c/o State Capitol, Suite 1173, Sacramento, CA, 95814; Phone (916) 445-2841; or Fax (916) 558-3160.

 

 

 

Chino Hills: Watch For Lower Speed Limits

STAFF REPORTS

speed limitsChino Hills – Motorists may notice speed limit signs with bright orange flags on some arterial streets in Chino Hills. The flags have been installed to draw attention to new lower speed limits.

The California Vehicle Code requires that the City set speed limits based upon the 85th percentile, which is the speed at – or below which – 85 percent of the traffic is moving.

New Engineering and Traffic surveys were recently completed, and some speed limits will be lowered as a result. In most cases, speed limits were reduced to enhance public safety due to accident history, the proximity of schools or driveways, roadway curves, visibility, or roadway conditions.

chino-hills-speed-limits

Diamond Bar: Council Recap Nov 4

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Diamond Bar – While state-wide elections were on the minds of most Californians, the Diamond Bar City Council kept its discussions local with its latest meeting on Tues., Nov. 4.

After an invocation by Worship Pastor, Jeremy DeFriend, and public comments from attending residents, the Council delved into the reading for its future event schedule.

The schedule included a Veterans Day celebration on Nov. 5 at the Diamond Bar Center, the Veterans Day holiday on Nov. 11, a cancelled Planning Commission meeting on Nov. 11 because of Veterans’ Day, a Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Nov. 13, a Heritage Park Rehabilitation public workshop on Nov. 13, an Eco Expo on Nov. 15, the next City Council meeting on Nov. 18, the Walnut Valley Water District public meeting on Nov. 19, the Windmill Dedication on Nov. 20 at the Diamond Bar Towne Center, and the Grand View Trail opening on Nov. 22 at 1600 Grand Avenue.

The Council then went on to approve the items on the agenda, including the minutes for a study session on Oct. 21, a regular meeting on Oct. 21, the Planning Commission on Sept. 9, the Parks and Recreation Commission on Sept. 25, the ratification of a check register in the amount of $1,327,948.87, the Treasurer’s Statement for September 2014, Amendment No. 4 for the Memorandum of Understanding between the City and the Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority for the State Route 60/Lemon Avenue Partial Interchange project, the authorization and approval of the $450,000 sale of Proposition A funds to the City of Industry, and the award of a contract in the amount of $36,202.41 to Interior Office Solutions for the purchase and installation of office furniture at City Hall from the General Fund reserves.

The Council then discussed its only public hearing item for adopting a resolution confirming a cost report for nuisance abatement costs concerning 427 N. Platina Drive. A presentation by Community Development Director, Greg Gubman, outlined that the property at 427 N. Platina Drive is considered a public nuisance because of its overgrown vegetation and dilapidated state. Gubman said the property owners, after failing to improve the site after months of warnings, were subject to City intervention which cleaned up the property for a total cost of $3,624.63 to the owner. Gubman also issued a $100 citation to the property owner and said the City would be keeping an eye on the property to see that it remains within City codes.

The Council then approved the resolution concerning the nuisance abatement.

The final item of the evening appointed Surendra Mehta as the Traffic and Transportation Commissioner.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet on Nov. 18 in the Diamond Bar City Council Chambers.

 

Walnut: 18th Annual Teddy Bear Tea

BY GAYLE PACHECO

teddy-bear-tea

(Photo Courtesy: Gayle Pacheco)

Walnut – The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation will be celebrating its 18th Annual Teddy Bear Tea on Sat., Nov. 15, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Royal Vista Golf Club (located at 20055 E. Colima Road in Walnut).

This year’s Master of Ceremonies will be Walnut Valley Unified School District Superintendent, Dr. Robert Taylor. In addition, the Foundation will be honoring the District’s 2013-14 Teachers of the Year, as well as the Classified Employees of the Year.

As in the past, the highlight of the Tea will be a beautiful display of creatively dressed and decorated Teddy Bears. Those in attendance will have the opportunity to take one home by purchasing raffle tickets at the event.

All proceeds from the Tea will be used to fund classroom mini-grants throughout the Walnut Valley Unified School District.

Your support of this enjoyable and worthwhile event is appreciated as it will help teachers provide quality education for our students.

For further information on the event or to purchase tickets, call (626) 673-6010, email WalnutEdFoundation@gmail.com, and see the ad on page 6 of this publication.

LA County: Operation Safe Halloween Rescues Pomona Child

STAFF REPORTS

County of Los Angeles – When the Special Enforcement Officers (SEO) set out in the pre-dawn hours of Halloween, they were looking to see if 66 of the Department’s highest risk child predators were in compliance with their court orders ranging from no child pornography on their phones or computers, to no candy or costumes in their homes used to entice children on a day famous for temptation. Deputy Probation Officers (DPOs) found much more than that on Halloween morning.

In a Pomona home, the SEO team entered to find a 32-year old sex offender in bed with a 10-year old girl.  According to the County of L.A. Probation Department, the probationer and another adult male were arrested at the scene, as was the mother of the girl.  The child was taken into protective custody by the Department of Children and Family Services. The SEO team also confiscated a methamphetamine pipe and marijuana. The contraband was taken to the Pomona Police Department for processing.

Another team – this time in Santa Clarita – arrested a 22-year old sex offender who was residing with his mother. The SEO team learned that the mother runs what appeared to be a child daycare service out of her home. A female tenant who also lived in the residence with her infant son and 9-year old daughter told SEO she had no idea the man was a convicted sex offender.

“Operation Safe Halloween is about ensuring probationers are in compliance with the law, but at its core, the Operation is about protecting children and we were able to accomplish that mission today,” said Assistant Chief Margarita Perez.

60 L.A. County SEOs deployed at 5 a.m. from eight staging areas Countywide, with a pre-dawn strategy to check on child sex offenders at a time when offenders least expect to be visited by law enforcement.

In total, five sex offenders were arrested and taken into custody, along with five computers, 13 USB sticks and memory cards, three computer towers, and drugs/drug paraphernalia were confiscated. The Department of Children and Family Services took one 10-year old girl into protective custody and is investigating the status of two other children involved in a home where a sex offender resided.

“Today is a perfect example of the value of going into the communities, into the homes of probationers to see who they are living with, what is their environment, and what is the real story of their compliance with the orders of the court,” says Special Enforcement Director, Eric Newby.

This is the third year L.A. County Probation has conducted Operation Safe Halloween.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Santa Ana: Former OC Teacher Charged In Sex Tourism Case

STAFF REPORTS

Santa Ana – A former teacher with the Santa Ana School District has been charged with traveling to the Philippines to engage in sex with an underage girl and producing a video of the encounter.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Robert Ruben Ornelas, 63, of Santa Ana, was taken into federal custody on Fri., Oct. 24 after being named in a criminal complaint filed in United States District Court.

The three-count complaint accuses the onetime school teacher and girls softball coach of engaging in sexual conduct in a foreign place, producing child pornography, and possessing child pornography.

Ornelas also faces state charges of lewd acts with a child, but the defendant was turned over to federal custody after the new complaint was filed.

The federal complaint details allegations that Ornelas traveled in March 2012 to the Philippines, where he engaged in sexual conduct with a girl who was approximately 14. According to the affidavit in the case, Ornelas took video of his encounter with the girl and brought the images with him when he returned the U.S. the following month. The third count in the complaint accuses the defendant of knowingly possessing the child pornography.

While Ornelas is charged with conduct related to one victim, the affidavit discusses evidence linking him to the sexual molestation of additional victims.

The federal case is based on information and images found on Ornelas’ computer and digital media seized by investigators when they executed a search warrant at his residence. On the seized media, investigators discovered communications between Ornelas and several underage girls in the Philippines dating back to 2007. Investigators also found numerous sexually explicit photos and videos of underage girls.

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office previously charged Ornelas with two counts of lewd conduct with a child for allegedly molesting a relative. While those charges remain pending at this time, Ornelas was transferred to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service on Oct. 24 to facilitate the federal prosecution.

At his initial court appearance that same day in federal court, Ornelas was ordered held without bond and was ordered to appear at an arraignment on November 10.

The three charges in the criminal complaint carry a cumulative maximum sentence of 80 years in federal prison. The charge of producing child pornography carries a mandatory minimum sentence of 15 years.

Diamond Bar: Evergreen 2nd Graders Have A Scary Good Time

BY KELLI GILE

 

evergreen-elementary-students

Evergreen Scary students gathered together to perform songs and a poem after the dance. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Diamond Bar – It looked like Evergreen Elementary 2nd Graders were ready for Halloween moments before the Danse Macabre, held on Oct. 22.

The youngsters were dressed up as vampires, black cats, ghosts, witches, skeletons, and zombies – boo! But when the music began, they had a hauntingly fun surprise for their families!

The students performed an interpretive dance to classical music by the French composer Camille Saint Saens. The Danse Macabre begins at the stroke of midnight when a stranger enters a graveyard.

“That’s the moment when the characters all get to come out for one time during the year,” explained teacher Loree Hoff.

At their cue, each group came out and danced.  The little witches flew around with their brooms and the vampires twirled with their black and red capes. The skeletons drummed and the zombies danced in the graveyard. The little black cats scampered and pawed and the ghosts happily circled the stranger and violinist waving their arms.

When the sun is just about to come up, they hear the rooster crow, and must go back and wait another year to be together and celebrate.

“I’ve never enjoyed classical music so much as when I see your kids performing to it,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.

After the dance, students sung Five Little Pumpkins, The Pumpkin on the Vine, and My Friend The Ghost, and recited the poem Enter This Deserted House, by Shel Silverstein.

“My favorite song was Five Little Pumpkins,” said Emily Fang, age 8, after the show.

Student Yousef Saiv, who played a vampire during the dance, and his parents loved the scary performance.

“My favorite part was when I turned into a bat!” he exclaimed.

Did he plan to dress up as a vampire for Halloween next week?

“No, I think I’ll be a ninja!”

Diamond Bar: 25th Anniversary Time Capsule

STAFF REPORTS

diamond-bar-time-capsule

Photo Caption: Diamond Bar Princesses, Landi Gonzales and Vivian Li; Miss Diamond Bar, Taylor Kalinowski; and Princess Stephanie Alvarez were on hand for the Time Capsule dedication on Oct. 25. (Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez)

Diamond Bar – On Sat., Oct. 25, the City of Diamond Bar continued the celebration for their 25th Anniversary with a ceremonial Time Capsule dedication at City Hall.

Mayor Carole Herrera, Councilman Jack Tanaka, and Congressman Ed Royce were all in attendance at the dedication, along with Miss Diamond Bar, Taylor Kalinowski, and her court of princesses.

An assortment of documents, memorabilia and other items of historical significance were compiled for the capsule, including a plaque from Congressman Royce, a letter and book from Assemblyman Curt Hagman, a congratulatory letter from Senator Bob Huff, and a commemorative program, wine bottle and glass from the 2014 Wine Soiree from the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library.

The Time Capsule will be housed inside one of the walls on the first level of the City Hall building, with the intent of reopening it in 2039, when Diamond Bar celebrates 50 years of cityhood.

For more information on the Time Capsule or the City of Diamond Bar, contact info@diamondbarca.gov, or call (909) 839-7055.

 

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

23rd Annual Scholarship Tree of Lights Fundraiser

When: Now through Thurs., Nov. 20; and Dec. 4 – 5; noon to 4 p.m.

Where: Von’s Market, 350 N. Lemon Avenue, Walnut

Details: The Walnut Valley Women’s Club announces it will be selling lights for $5, and ornaments for $10. All proceeds go toward scholarships for 2014 graduates from Walnut and Nogales High Schools.

 

Community Volunteer Fair

When: Thurs., Nov. 6, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College, Student Life Center Patio, Building 9C

Details: This fair provides an opportunity for students to engage in public service, obtain hands-on learning experiences, and make a difference in the community. Some of the organizations participating this year are AmeriCorps, Covina Public Library, IE United Way, House of Ruth, and many more.

Contact: Community organizations that would like to participate should call the Mt. SAC Student Life Office at (909) 274-5953.

 

Connections To The Future

When: Thursday, Nov. 6; 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Rowland High School, 2000 S. Otterbein Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Business and community leaders will help high school students learn how to network and practice their presentation skills at a special luncheon event. Organized and facilitated by senior students in the award-winning Career Certification Program at Nogales and Rowland High Schools. Henry DiCarlo, Meteorologist for KTLA-TV Morning News is the keynote speaker.

Contact: For more information visit http://careerpathways.rowland.k12.ca.us; Business Leaders wanting to participate should call (626) 854-8303.

 

Mt. Calvary Veterans Celebration BBQ When: Sun., Nov. 9, 1 to 4 p.m.

Where: Family Life Center; Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

Details: In recognition of veterans all are invited to a catered BBQ lunch, including live music. All donations and proceeds go toward the church’s ministry.

 

50th Annual Home for the Holidays

When: Sun., Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: St. Lucy’s Priory High School, 655 W. Sierra Madre Ave., Glendora (Barranca and Grand Avenues).

Details: Shop, dine and be entertained at St. Lucy’s Priory High School’s Christmas Boutique. Visit the North Pole Food Court for gourmet offerings; enjoy live entertainment. All proceeds go toward supporting the school’s curriculum and operational needs. Event and parking are complimentary.

Contact: Call (626) 963-0017, or visit www.stlucys.com

 

Operation Christmas Child Packing Party

When: Sat., Nov. 22, 4 to 8 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

Details: Mt. Calvary will be filling 1,000 shoe boxes with items they have been collecting all year. Operation Christmas Child sends filled boxes around the world for Christmas, so children less fortunate can hear about the word of God and receive a gift on Christmas.

Contact: Ann Lovell, (909) 730-9057.

 

Inland Pacific Ballet’s, The Nutcracker

When: Nov. 29 through Dec. 27

Where: Arcadia Performing Arts Center (188 Campus Drive, Arcadia), Nov. 29/30, 2 p.m.; Lewis Family Playhouse (12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga), Dec. 6, 1 and 7 pm., Dec. 7, 1 p.m.; Pomona College’s Bridges Auditorium (450 North College Way, Claremont), Dec. 13/14/20/21; Fox Performing Arts Center (3801 Mission Inn Ave, Riverside), Dec 27, 2 and 7:30 p.m.

Details: The critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet brings The Nutcracker story to life with dazzling sets, beautiful costumes, and nearly 100 dancers on stage – in four theatres! Tickets start at $38, with discounts available.

Contact: jpballet.org

 

Christmas Advent Services

When: Dec. 3 – Christmas Play/Preschool; Dec. 10 – Christmas Play/Children K-4th Grade; Dec. 17 Advent Services/Grades 5-8. All services are at 7 p.m. Christmas Eve Service 11 p.m. Christmas Day Service 10 a.m.

Where: Family Life Center, Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

 

Mt. Calvary Annual Christmas Boutique

When: Thurs., Dec. 11 and Fri., Dec. 12.

Where: Family Life Center; Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church and School, 23300 Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar

Details: There will be crafters selling inexpensive items.

Contact: If you are interested in being a crafter, call Cathy Harden at (909) 861-3526.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Bookstore Blowout

Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).

Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.

 

Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS

When: Second Tuesday of every month.

Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.

 

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

 

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

 

DB Community Garden Space

When: Ongoing; daylight hours.

Where: United Church of Christ, 2335 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar

Details: The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is progressing on their Community Garden space, located behind the church. Residents interested in developing their own garden space, or helping with this project, are encouraged to visit the Labyrinth on the hilltop. This is also a wonderful location for reflection, and enjoying some peaceful moments in your day.

Contact: Susanne Potter, (909) 861-4735, or visit http://www.diamondbarucc.org.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Doctor Charged With Drug Dealing

STAFF REPORTS

SGV – A San Gabriel Valley doctor has pleaded not guilty to federal drug trafficking charges that allege he illegally distributed drugs that include the powerful and addictive painkiller, oxycodone.

Dr. Daniel Cham, 47, was arraigned on a 31-count indictment on Thurs., Oct. 23, at which time a trial was scheduled for December 16.  Cham was arrested on Oct. 22 at his residence in Covina. At the arraignment, bond was set at $140,000, and Cham was ordered to serve home detention while free on bond and was prohibited from practicing medicine.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the indictment, which was returned by a federal grand jury on Oct. 7 and unsealed when the defendant was arrested, charges Cham with drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud and making false statements to federal authorities. The indictment focuses on prescriptions Cham wrote at various locations, including his medical offices in La Puente and Artesia. The drugs involved in the allegedly illegal prescriptions include oxycodone (a powerful narcotic painkiller best known under the brand name OxyContin), hydrocodone (a narcotic painkiller often sold under the brand names Vicodin and Norco), alprazolam (commonly known by the brand name Xanax), and carisoprodol (as muscle relaxer best known as Soma).

“The problem of pharmaceuticals being diverted to the black market continues to grow, which feeds drug addiction and leads to additional criminal acts by addicts,” said Acting United States Attorney Stephanie Yonekura. “Unscrupulous doctors who prescribe controlled substances without a legitimate medical purpose are simply fueling a black market of narcotics. These doctors are the same as street dealers who face lengthy sentences in federal prison.”

In May 2014, investigators executed federal search warrants at 13 locations, including Cham’s residence and medical offices. According to the affidavit in support of the search warrants, which was unsealed at Cham’s arraignment, the doctor often saw patients between 8 p.m. and 2 a.m. on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, and he post-dated prescriptions to make them appear to have been written on weekdays. In the year that ended in March 2014, Cham issued more than 5,500 prescriptions for controlled substances – primarily for oxycodone, hydrocodone, alprazolam and carisoprodol – and he issued more than 42,000 such prescriptions since July 2010, according to the affidavit.

The affidavit also discussed how an undercover officer made three visits to Cham’s La Puente office earlier this year, and how Cham wrote prescriptions for controlled substances in exchange for $200 or $300 in cash or money orders. As discussed in the affidavit, Cham issued a prescription for oxycodone even though the undercover operative said he “had been high and drunk while receiving controlled substance prescriptions” previously from Cham. On another occasion, Cham prescribed oxycodone even though the undercover law enforcement officer presented, in lieu of photo identification, a written notice that his license had been suspended for driving under the influence.

“Daniel Cham’s arrest sends a clear message to doctors who violate their sworn public duty by selling prescriptions for highly addictive opioids – the DEA will shut down your operation and put you behind bars,” said Anthony D. Williams, Special Agent in Charge of the DEA’s Los Angeles Field Division. “Along with our law enforcement partners, we continue to aggressively target medical professionals who act as drug traffickers cloaked in a white lab coat.”

An investigation by IRS – Criminal Investigation and the Drug Enforcement Administration’s Financial Investigation Group showed that Cham used at least four bank accounts to launder the proceeds of his illegal prescriptions. The indictment charges Cham with concealing proceeds derived from the undercover visits by depositing them into an account held in the name of a separate business.

If convicted of the 31 counts in the indictment, Cham would face a statutory maximum sentence of 339 years in federal prison.

 

Pomona: Fallen Pomona Police Officer

STAFF REPORTS

swat-officer-shaun-diamond

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona Police Department)

Pomona – On Wed., Oct. 29, the Pomona Police Department reported the sad news that SWAT Officer, Shaun Richard Diamond, 45, had died.

On Tues., Oct. 28, in the early morning hours, Pomona Police SWAT Officers, including Diamond, were assisting in the service of a search warrant in San Gabriel. Diamond was shot during this operation, and was transported in critical condition to Huntington Memorial Hospital in Pasadena. He was surrounded by his family and members of the department when he succumbed to his injuries the following day.

At the direction of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Bureau, 36-year old David Martinez – a resident of San Gabriel – was initially booked by the Montebello Police Department for Attempted Murder on a Peace Officer. With the death of Officer Diamond, Martinez’ charges will be upgraded. He is currently being held in lieu of $4 million bail. Suspect Martinez’ criminal history includes assault with a deadly weapon and domestic violence.

Officer Diamond was a 16-year veteran in law enforcement, serving with the LAPD and the Montebello PD prior to joining the Pomona Police Department in 2006. He had been a member of Pomona’s SWAT Team since 2008, and proudly served the City in dozens of SWAT operations.

Diamond worked with the Downtown District Enforcement Team, providing service exclusively to the businesses and residents of Pomona’s downtown area. He was also a Field Training Officer, responsible for training new recruits from the academy. Diamond greatly contributed to many of the Department’s community outreach efforts, including K9 demonstrations, Special Olympics events, and SWAT demonstrations for local school children.

The Pomona Police Department states that they sincerely appreciate the outpouring of support from surrounding law enforcement, fire agencies, and the communities.

The Pomona Police Officers’ Association will be accepting donations on behalf of Officer Diamond’s family. Donations may be sent to them at 174 W. McKinley Avenue, Pomona, 91767. Please include Officer Shaun Diamond’s name on any donations or correspondence.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

 

 

Pomona Families Receive Free Health Services

BY JULIETTE FUNES

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President of the Pomona Community Health Action Team and student physician, John Quiamas, gives a flu shot to a parent during PCHAT’s free community health clinic at Madison Elementary on Oct. 17. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Fines)

Pomona – More than 75 Pomona families participated in a free community flu immunization and health clinic organized by the Pomona Community Health Action Team (PCHAT), which was held in an effort to provide accessible health care and serve local residents’ medical needs.

PCHAT – a partnership between Western University of Health Sciences, Associated Pomona Teachers and Pomona Unified Health Services – held the event on Oct. 17 at Madison Elementary School.

“For those who may not have health care insurance, this event was a critical step in being able to access  health care providers and services, including basic medical checkups, screenings and immunizations at no cost,” said Pomona Unified School District Board of Education President, Frank Guzman. “Thanks to this decades-long coalition, we have continued to be successful in ensuring our community’s health.”

Western University students from the school’s doctor of osteopathic medicine, physician assistant, physical therapy and health professions education programs conducted the health screenings under the supervision of licensed physicians and other health care professionals. APT members provided snacks and beverages to faculty and students, as well as raised awareness about the fair to surrounding schools.

“For more than 30 years, PCHAT has served two purposes: affording health care services to those in need of medical care, and providing hands-on learning experiences to our future doctors and medical practitioners at Western University,” said Mark Maine, Pomona Unified’s Director of Student Wellbeing. “The collaborative nature of this project has enabled us to expand services to our local schools and help thousands of our students and families for free.”

Free services included full medical exams, sports physicals, blood pressure and Body Mass Index (BMI) calculations, as well as free flu vaccines and tetanus, diphtheria and pertussis (Tdap) vaccines, known to protect against whooping cough and other diseases.

“This year, Western University students will begin to follow up with the patients served to make sure they continue receiving treatment,” said PUSD Superintendent, Richard Martinez. “It’s exciting to see our local families and students taking advantage of PCHAT events and the resources available to ensure they are healthy and come to school ready to learn.”

Palomares Academy of Health Sciences, at 2211 N. Orange Grove Ave., will host the next PCHAT Health Fair on Nov. 14, with more clinics planned in the future.

 

 

Chino Hills: Tip-a-Cop Fundraiser To Benefit Special Olympics

STAFF REPORTS

Chino Hills – In a fundraiser to benefit the Special Olympics Inland Empire Region, the Chino Hills Police Department Deputies will serve patrons at California Pizza Kitchen on Thurs., Nov. 6, from 5 to 9 p.m.

The Deputies will serve dinner patrons as hosts and waiters for the evening, and proceeds from this Tip-A-Cop event will benefit Special Olympics Inland Empire Region athletes.

Additionally, simply mention the Special Olympics at any time during your visit on Nov. 6, and 20% of your meal purchase will be donated to support these athletes!

Come support your local law enforcement officers and enjoy delicious food and fun, all for a great cause. California Pizza Kitchen is located in the Shoppes at Chino Hills, located at 3505 Grand Avenue, in Chino Hills.

 

Walnut Family Festival Thank You

BY CLAUDINE STINES

Walnut – The purpose of our presence at the Walnut Family Festival was to make a difference in our community and continue to bring awareness of the need for an aquatic park.  This year, we gave residents the opportunity to view the proposed drawing of the aquatic park and amphitheater and to increase our data base in order to keep residents informed.

Our presence at the festival was well received.  Additionally, after one year, we continue to receive an overwhelming amount of positive comments. All questions posed to volunteers at the booth centered on the aquatic park and when it would be built. Certainly, I wanted to say next year, but will continue to keep you informed of the City’s progress.

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Walnut Aquatic Park Conceptual Drawing (Photo Courtesy: Claudine Stines)

While the schematic of the proposed site of the aquatic park was displayed and its location identified (Sierra Alta Road intersection and entry into the park, west of the soccer fields, and even sighting Westhoff Elementary School), attendees looking at the conceptual drawing could not grasp the exact location. Suggestions were made to place signage at the proposed site on Amar Road identifying the exact location.  The sign currently in the proposed area of the site states, “Walnut Ranch Park Expansion,” which was placed there by the previous developer.

The community liked the idea of the elevated water temperature in the vicinity considered recreation/therapeutic pools, 6-lane lap pool, zero to four feet entry pool and River Current Channel.  The age group varied and included both men and women.  Seniors just liked the therapeutic area, period.

Additionally, it was asked if the Recreation Building could include a ballroom with a capacity of 500 people and additional classrooms as promised.  Some years ago Walnut residents were invited to a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to identify what they would like to see in this facility; hence the comments.  For those of you who are not familiar with the Diamond Bar facility, the banquet room has seating for 800 plus people, which is continually booked, and, not because it is low-priced.

Finally, young parents really liked the Spray Park with zero depth. The Amphitheater and additional parking for the soccer field were also well received. Naturally, our young adults and teens wanted to know when the water slides would be built.

In no particular order, please join me in thanking those volunteers who have always been there to support our efforts. Without you, we wouldn’t have had a booth at the Festival.

  • Paul and Linda Yang, from Walnut Signs, for our two banners and translating our flyer into Chinese.
  • Venessa Pai, for attaching ribbons to over 1,000 pictures.
  • Michel Paulson and Jackie, Golden Spoon Representatives, who walked the festival passing out brochures and Golden Spoon coupons wearing Walnut Aquatic posters.
  • Sharon Walker, a Red Hat Lady.
  • Noni Nabong-Cabote.
  • Lily Tseng.
  • Roger Peng.
  • Angel Lin.
  • Magdalena DeZubiria and Nicholas.
  • Shelly Rzonka and Family.
  • Jodie Lepp and Friends.
  • Kenny Silverberg.
  • The Manuel Family.