Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

La Puente: Local Girl Runs For Charity

Blanca-Ramirez-of-Operation-Smile

Blanca Ramirez at the Great Wall of China (Photo Courtesy: Operation Smile)

STAFF REPORTS
La Puente – 12-year old Blanca Ramirez is running for charity. She has a goal to become the youngest person ever to run seven marathons on seven continents…before her next birthday.

It sounds more than ambitious, but Ramirez is nearly half way there already. She has run marathons in Africa, Asia and the United States, and is looking forward to running in South America this month, Australia in November, and Europe in early 2015. That just leaves Antarctica, which is scheduled next March.

Ramirez took to running as a family affair, but then she had the idea to globalize her running for charity. She runs to benefit Operation Smile, one of the largest surgical organizations in the world, and also the largest volunteer-based medical charity providing free cleft surgeries. They have provided over 220,000 free surgical procedures to children with cleft lip, cleft palate, and other facial deformities. Every three minutes a child is born with one of these conditions, which makes it difficult to eat, speak, hear and breathe properly.

Ramirez’ effort to raise awareness for such a worthwhile cause is definitely something to smile about. You can follow her journey and find out more about Operation Smile by visiting Team Blanca at http://teamblancausa.com/#operationsmile.

 

San Gabriel: Flash Flood Kills 1 In Mount Baldy

STAFF REPORTS

Mount Baldy – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station, has issued a statement that Joohwan Lee, 48, of El Segundo, was killed in a flash flood accident on Sun., Aug. 3, between 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.

The San Gabriel Mountains experienced heavy rainfall which created a flash flood condition that overflowed Bear Canyon Creek. Lee, who was driving northbound on Bear Canyon Road, was caught in the flash and the force of the mud and debris pushed his vehicle 200 feet south on the road where it came to rest against a tree.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies patrolling nearby located Lee’s vehicle, and with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, he was extricated. However, Lee succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Coroner has yet to determine the exact cause of death.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department San Dimas Sheriff’s Station responded and assumed control of the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station, Sergeant Rodriquez, at (909) 450-2700. 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.

Walnut: Mendoza Sworn In As Mt. SAC Student Trustee

BY MIKE TAYLOR
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College student, Paola Mendoza, was sworn in as the new student trustee for the 2014-15 academic year during the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees’ July 23 meeting.

As student trustee, Mendoza, 19, will present the student perspective on policy issues before Mt. SAC’s governing board. She will have only an advisory vote, which does not count toward the passage or failure of a motion. The advisory vote helps the board know how the student trustee stands on issues and strengthens the student role in the college’s shared governance process.

Mendoza, a resident of Ontario, is a Psychology major and carries a 3.6 GPA. She has served as a senator with the Mt. SAC Associated Students (student government) and holds memberships in the campus Psychology Club and IDEAS Club, which serves as an advocate for undocumented students.

After she graduates from Mt. SAC, Mendoza plans to transfer to UCLA as a Psychology major.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

STAFF REPORTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Free ESL and Citizenship Classes

When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.

Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.

 

Calvary Lutheran Summer Kids’ Day Camp

When: Monday, Now through Wednesday, August 20; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Schools, 23300 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar 91765 Details: A fun, safe, Christian environment for your school age children. Kids’ camp is a summer day camp program based on fun, personal and spiritual growth, and the celebration of God’s Word through various activities, field trips, and daily devotions.  All children ages 5 – 12 are invited to attend.  Check out the Mt. Calvary Lutheran website for more information about daily activities, registration, and fees.

 

West Covina Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday evenings, now through August 7; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: West Covina Civic Center, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue

Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes and enjoy this summer entertainment:

  • Aug 7: Mariachi Divas
  • Aug 16: Food Truck Frenzy and Concert

Contact: Community Services Department, (626) 939-8489.

 

Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series

When: Wednesday evenings through August 13; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive

Details: Free admission and free parking

  • Aug 06: Cold Ducks (70s Tribute); The Lego Movie.
  • Aug 13: Little Lies Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute); Despicable Me 2

Contact: www.ci.diamond-bar.ca.us

 

Chino Youth Museum Family-Friendly Programs

When: Now through August 2014

Where: 13191 Sixth Street, Downtown Chino; Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nominal fees.

Details: There are some amazing events taking place this summer, from art projects and entertainment, to edible art creations and Kids Night Out. Enjoy special activities like You & Me Time, Beat the Heat cool activities, and special day Museum Birthday Parties.

Contact: (909) 334-3270 to find out more about the summer-fun schedule.

 

Wheel Food Fest

When: August 1, September 5, October 3 (1st Friday of the month); 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.

Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.

 

Chino Relay for Life

When: Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave, Chino

Details: 24-hour event that helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Run, Walk, Sponsor!

Contact: Kristine Travis, at kritravi1978@yahoo.com

 

Youth Citizens Police Academy Class VIII

When: Monday – Thursday, Aug. 11-21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue

Details: High school teens, 14-18 years of age, who live or attend school in the City of Chino, can get an inside look at all the functions of their local law enforcement agency. Participants will get hands-on experience with SWAT, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, K-9, CSI, Narcotics, Traffic and much more!

Contact: Olivia Le Van, (909) 334-3087, or olevan@chinopd.org for applications.

 

Irwindale Poker Tournament

When: Aug. 22 through Oct. 3; Tournament on Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Participating restaurants and The Pub at Miller-Coors.

Details: 6th Annual World of Food Poker Tournament, an innovative program designed to provide a fun way for poker players to earn bonus chips while driving business to local participating restaurants Registered players are encouraged to visit participating restaurants from Aug. 22 through Oct. 3 collecting chips for purchases. A Texas Hold-Em’ elimination tournament will be held on Fri., Oct. 3.

Contact: Detailed information is available on the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce website at www.irwindalechamber.org. Register no later than Aug. 7 to ensure full access to all materials.

 

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale featuring the Simpsons!

When: Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).

Details: Journey from the animated Springfield Bowl to the Hollywood Bowl for this unprecedented event as the famous orchestra accompanies your favorite scenes from the Simpsons on the big screen. Seats are located in Section F2, Rows 5, 6, and 7. The fee is $55 per person, appropriate for all ages.

Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.

 

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

 

Chino: Police Arrest Robbery Suspect

STAFF REPORTS

rafaella-benoit

Rafaella Benoit (Photo courtesy: City of Chino)

Chino – Officers of the Chino Police Department arrested a subject believed to be the suspect of the Bank of the West robbery, which took place in Chino on Mon., July 14.

Rafaella Benoit, 18, of Moreno Valley, allegedly entered the Bank of the West and passed a note to the teller demanding cash. The suspect – described as a black female in her 20s, wearing light colored hospital scrubs, a tan knit cap, and sunglasses – fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Through the investigative process, Detectives identified Benoit as a potential suspect. Benoit was out on bail for a previous bank robbery she allegedly committed on Fri., May 9, at the BBVA Compass Bank, located in Moreno Valley.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Fri., July 25, Officers arrested Benoit in the 1200 block of Autumnwood Lane as she was leaving her residence in Moreno Valley. A search of the property was conducted and evidence was found linking Benoit to the crime. She was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on robbery and committing a felony while out on bail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

Diamond Bar: Burglary Suspects Caught, Reward Paid

THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR

Diamond Bar – Two more criminals have learned the hard way that it does not pay to attempt a home burglary in Diamond Bar, and the resident who helped identify the suspects is now $500 richer.

The attempted burglary occurred last May on the 300 block of San Leandro Drive. A resident was working from home on a Wednesday morning when he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle pulling up in front of a neighbor’s home. Moments earlier he had seen his neighbor drive off, so he knew the home was empty.

He watched as the driver exited the vehicle and casually walked up to the front door. As he continued to watch, the suspect appeared to knock and ring the doorbell. After getting no response, the suspect made his way to the side yard of the home where the neighbor saw him peer through the windows and eventually move to the back of the house and out of view.

The resident immediately called the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station with a description of the suspect and vehicle. He was still providing an account of events to the station dispatcher when he heard a Sheriff’s helicopter circling overhead. Through his office window he saw the suspect run from behind the house and get into a car. He then saw him drive toward Golden Springs Drive.

A team of Sheriff’s personnel pursued the vehicle and stopped it in the City of Pomona, at which time they found a second suspect seated in the front passenger seat. They also found a worn tire iron and a black fleece glove; the matching glove fell from the suspect’s clothing during the pat down search.

Based on the initial statements and positive identification by the witness resident, Sheriff’s deputies arrested the suspects for attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools, and transported them to the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station for booking.

Under the City’s newly implemented Report for Reward program, the witness resident was nominated, and presented with a $500 reward last month.

Report for Reward aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary. The program is open to everyone; however, City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

A phone call to the Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595.2264 (call 911 if the burglary incident is in progress) is currently the only way to report suspicious activity as part of the Report for Reward program.

For more information about the program, visit diamondbarca.gov/RFR.

Chino: Illegal Sterilization At Chino Prison

STAFF REPORTS

chino-womens-prison

(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Chino – In a review concerning female inmate sterilizations occurring between fiscal years 2005-06 and 2012-13, state auditor, Elaine M. Howle, reported on some disturbing facts discovered in some California prisons.

The June 19 audit revealed that during the aforementioned period, 144 female inmates were sterilized by bilateral tubal ligation, and the Receiver’s Office of the California Correctional Health Care Services at times failed to ensure that the inmates’ consent was lawfully obtained. 39 inmates received the procedure – 11 of those women incarcerated at Chino – with deficiencies in the process.

In 27 of those cases, there was no evidence that a physician signed the required consent forms asserting that the patient was mentally competent and therefore understood the lasting effects of the procedure; in 18 cases there was a violation of the required waiting period between consent and procedure. In some cases, the physicians falsified the consent forms, indicating that the proper waiting period had passed when it clearly had not. In all there were numerous illegal surgeries and other violations of the state’s informed consent law.

For one case in particular for a pregnant inmate at the Chino prison, a physician filed a form requesting approval for a pregnancy evaluation and treatment. Nothing on the form indicated a request for sterilization; the woman was sterilized, regardless, during a cesarean section delivery which was performed 17 days before the woman’s expected delivery date. A review of her medical records did not indicate any emergency conditions requiring an expedited delivery or sterilization.

Auditors have begun to urge federal officials to give the names of the physicians involved in the illegal surgeries to the Medical Board and the California Department of Public Health for further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Prison advocates and former inmates say that prison medical staff targeted those who were deemed likely to return to prison in the future. The audit states that all the women who received tubal ligations had been in prison at least once before, and were repeat offenders. The prison medical officials have denied any ill intent; however, the integrity of all these incidents is in question.

This integrity, or lack thereof, leads one to remember California’s dreadful history regarding such things, labeled Eugenics. Wikipedia states that as an early leading force in the field of Eugenics, California became the third state in the United States to enact a sterilization law, forcing 20,000 sterilizations between 1909 and 1963. By 1921, California had accounted for 80% of the sterilizations nationwide. This continued until World War 2, after which the number of sterilizations began to decrease, largely due to the fallout of Hitler’s eugenics movement. It is reported that Nazi Germany sought the advice of the California’s eugenics leaders in the 1930s. More current reports tout the sterilization as a way to avoid welfare benefits for unwanted children.

In response to the audit, the state prison health department generally agrees with the findings, and noted that steps have since been taken to improve the situation. A bill has now been introduced that would ban all inmate sterilizations for birth control purposes. In May, the Senate unanimously approved SB 1135, and the measures are now being taken up by the Assembly.

Tiana Goegebuer contributed to this article.

 

 

 

Orange County: Major Layoffs At Broadcom

STAFF REPORTS

 

Irvine – Orange County chip manufacturer, Broadcom, has plans to cut at least 240 jobs at its Irvine headquarters. A plan was recently announced to eliminate 20 percent of the technological company’s total staff, including 630 throughout California and more in North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Broadcom, whose wireless and broadband communication business was founded in 1991, has been a long-time supplier to Apple, and their chips have been a component of iPhones. Their total revenue in 2012 was over $8 billion, and in 2013 they were listed as number 327 on the Fortune 500. However, the company has been unable to compete with emerging firms in Asia, and techno-giant, Qualcomm, in San Diego.

The layoffs will save Broadcom an estimated $700 million annually, and they will continue to manufacture Internet-driven devices used in home appliances, thermostats, and mobile technologies. Nearly all of the layoffs will occur on Sept. 26, with the balance taking place in early November.

 

 

Walnut: West Nile Mosquitoes In Walnut

STAFF REPORTS

 

Walnut – On Fri., July 18, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District identified two samples of mosquitoes caught in traps at Creekside Park that tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second finding in San Gabriel Valley over the past several weeks.

According to the SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District – or the Vector Inspectors – WNV is present in the San Gabriel Valley every year. You can help to eradicate this disease from the area by taking an active stance against it through prevention. The Vector Inspectors recommend that you walk around your property and dump out any accumulated water in buckets, barrels, old tires, pots, and other containers. Report any green and stagnant pools, ponds and fountains, as they can breed thousands of mosquitoes weekly; and report all dead birds to www.westnile.ca.gov.

WNV is primarily transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. In some species it is nearly always fatal. The presence of dead birds in a neighborhood is often the first indication of WNV activity.

WNV originated in Africa and was first recognized in the United States in 1999. There is currently no cure; however, most people don’t exhibit any symptoms. Since 2003, there have been more than 4,000 reported infections and 145 deaths in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), so the threat should be taken seriously. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, skin rashes and nausea, which can present anywhere from five to 15 days after exposure, and can last several days or months.

Popular Creekside Park is the venue for Walnut’s summer concert and movie series, and there are a number of precautions you can take to prevent infection during this event or any outdoor activity.

Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, and when enjoying warm summer evenings, be sure to wear loose-fitting long pants and sleeves, and shoes and socks. Treating exposed skin areas and outside clothing with repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, and oils of lemon eucalyptus can also be helpful, according to the CDC.

For more information, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

 

Los Angeles: Former Rosemead Mayor Sentenced to Prison, Avoids Bribery Charge In Deal With DA

STAFF REPORTS

Los Angeles – The former mayor of the City of Rosemead, John Tran, was sentenced on Mon., July 21, to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted witness tampering and making false statements to FBI agents conducting a corruption investigation. He struck a plea with the DA and avoided the bribery charges. JohnTran2

The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Tran plead guilty late last year to the witness tampering and false statement charges. In a plea agreement filed in United States District Court, Tran acknowledged that he received approximately $38,000 in payments from a developer in exchange for Tran’s promise to help her obtain permits for a project.

The witness tampering resulted from Tran asking the developer to lie to a federal grand jury by denying that he had recently met with Tran or paid Tran any money.

Tran made false statements to the FBI in 2011 when special agents went to his home to conduct an interview and Tran denied receiving anything but campaign contributions from the developer.

Tran was elected to the Rosemead City Council in 2005 and was mayor of Rosemead from 2007 to 2009. He was also a Garvey School Board member prior to winning a council seat in 2005.

In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered Tran to pay $38,000 in restitution, most of which has already been recovered by the FBI.

The case against Tran was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

 

Riverside: School Custodian Pleads Guilty To Child Pornography Charges

STAFF REPORTS

 

Riverside – A school custodian who sexually abused a child over a period of several years and shared visual images of the molestations online plead guilty on Mon., July 21, to federal child pornography charges.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Matthew Frazer, 39, of Yucca Valley, plead guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography and one count of possession of child pornography.

Frazer, who has been in custody since his arrest earlier this year, is scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge, Virginia A. Phillips, on October 6.

Prior to his arrest on January 31, Frazer was employed as a custodian with the Morongo Unified School District. The victim did not attend the schools where Frazer worked.

The investigation into Frazer was initiated last year after the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children provided the FBI with a series of pornographic images depicting a young female being abused by a white male. For several months, investigators attempted to identify the adult male in the images, and the FBI identified Frazier as the suspect earlier this year.

Frazer plead guilty to the two felony charges pursuant to a plea agreement, in which he admits filming sexual explicit images of the young female victim from 2008 through 2012. He admitted to making a video in October 2009, when the victim was just 6 years old, and again in 2010 when she was 7.

As a result of the guilty pleas, Frazer faces a mandatory minimum sentence of five years for the distribution charge and a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in prison as a result of his guilty pleas to both counts. The plea agreement calls for the judge to impose a sentence of at least ten years and up to 23 years, which will be followed by ten years of supervised release.

This case is the result of an investigation by the FBI. The following agencies provided assistance during the investigation: the Riverside Police Department; the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and the San Bernardino County Probation Department.

 

 

 

San Gabriel Valley: Identity Theft Crew Arrested

STAFF REPORTS

Arnulfo Rodarte, left, and Sylvester Curameng (Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

Arnulfo Rodarte, left, and Sylvester Curameng (Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department)

SGV – Over 20 people in cities across Southern California – including Arcadia, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, El Monte, La Puente, Ontario, San Dimas, West Covina, and Whittier – have been the victims of the Identity Theft Crew.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, Lomita Station, released a statement that on Thurs., July 17, suspects attached to this crime have been arrested. Arnulfo Rodarte, a resident of San Pedro, and Sylvester Curameng, a resident of Torrance, are in custody for crimes involving burglary, identity theft, and possession of personal profiles belonging to other individuals. Another suspect, Andrea Serrao, of San Pedro, was also arrested for embezzlement.

On July 6, Rodarte and Curameng used a victim’s stolen credit card to make purchases at a San Pedro Target store, and were captured on video during the crime. Detectives viewing the video footage recognized Rodarte from a previous arrest and immediately obtained a search warrant. During the search they were able to identify Curameng, Rodarte’s crime partner, as well as a notebook and mail with information belonging to more than 20 victims.

The search also revealed that Serrao had rented a 2013 Mercedes Benz C250 from Enterprise Rental Car, and never returned it. It is believed that Serrao rented the car for the suspects to commit their crimes.

Rodarte and Curameng are being held at the Inmate Reception Center on bail in lieu of $20,000; and Serrao is being held at the Century Regional Detention Facility on bail in lieu of $25,000. All three suspects were due to be arraigned in court on July 21 in Torrance.

 

Did You Know?

BY K.P. SANDER

Neil Armstrong next to the American Flag on the lunar surface. (Photo Courtesy: Bing Images)

Neil Armstrong next to the American Flag on the lunar surface. (Photo Courtesy: Bing.com Images)

45 years ago on July 21, 1969, spaceflight Apollo 11 landed on the Moon, with American astronauts Neil Armstrong, and Edwin “Buzz” Aldrin, being the first humans to ever step foot on the lunar surface. They spent 21 hours on the Moon, and about two and a half hours outside the spacecraft. The third member of the mission, Michael Collins, piloted the command spacecraft in lunar orbit, waiting for his fellow astronauts to return for the trip back to earth.

According to Wikipedia, the mission was launched on July 16 from Kennedy Space Center in Florida. The spacecraft had three components: the Command Module (CM), with a cabin for the astronauts (the only part coming back to earth); the Service Module, providing support to the CM with propulsion, electrical power, oxygen and water; and the Lunar Module, for the actual landing in the Sea of Tranquility on the Moon.

Armstrong became the very first to step onto the lunar surface on July 21 at approximately 02:56 UTC (Coordinated Universal Time, the primary time standard by which the world regulates clocks and time). His famous words were transmitted via live television broadcast back to earth for all to hear, “That’s one small step for [a] man; one giant leap for mankind.” He described the surface as very fine-grained dust, almost like powder. When Aldrin joined him, he described the view as “magnificent desolation.” Armstrong and Aldrin collected 47.5 pounds of lunar materials to bring back to earth for study.

The astronauts planted a U.S. flag on the surface, and received the most historic (and farthest) phone call from then-President, Richard Nixon. The astronauts left behind scientific instruments, an Apollo 1 mission patch, a plaque with two drawings of Earth and an inscription that read, “Here men from the planet Earth first set foot upon the Moon, July 1969 A.D. We came in peace for all mankind;” the plaque also had the signatures of all the astronauts and President Nixon. They also left behind a memorial bag containing a gold replica of an olive branch symbolizing peace, and a silicon message disk containing goodwill statements by U.S. Presidents Eisenhower, Kennedy, Johnson and Nixon, as well as the leaders from 73 countries around the world.

In the television broadcast from July 23, the night before splashdown, Aldrin said, “When personally reflecting on the events of the past several days, a verse from Psalms comes to mind. ‘When I consider the heavens, the work of Thy fingers, the Moon and the stars, which Thou hast ordained; what is man that Thou art mindful of him?” What those men experienced was beyond profound.

The three astronauts landed back home in the Pacific Ocean on July 24. The mission fulfilled the goal proposed in 1961 by the late President John F. Kennedy when he spoke before congress stating, “…Before this decade is out, of landing a man on the Moon and returning him safely to the Earth.” Mission Accomplished, Mr. President.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

Staff Reports 

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Free ESL and Citizenship Classes

When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.

Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.

Calvary Lutheran Summer Kids’ Day Camp

When: Monday, Now through Wednesday, August 20; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Schools, 23300 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar 91765 Details: A fun, safe, Christian environment for your school age children. Kids’ camp is a summer day camp program based on fun, personal and spiritual growth, and the celebration of God’s Word through various activities, field trips, and daily devotions.  All children ages 5 – 12 are invited to attend.  Check out the Mt. Calvary Lutheran website for more information about daily activities, registration, and fees.

 

West Covina Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday evenings, now through August 7; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: West Covina Civic Center, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue

Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes and enjoy this summer entertainment:

  • Jul 31: Cold Duck
  • Aug 7: Mariachi Divas
  • Aug 16: Food Truck Frenzy and Concert

Contact: Community Services Department, (626) 939-8489.

 

Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series

When: Wednesday evenings through August 13; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive

Details: Free admission and free parking

  • Jul 30: Box Car 7 (Blues, R&B); Free Birds.
  • Aug 06: Cold Ducks (70s Tribute); The Lego Movie.
  • Aug 13: Little Lies Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute); Despicable Me 2

Contact: www.ci.diamond-bar.ca.us

 

21st Annual Oxnard Salsa Festival

When: Saturday, July 26

Where: Oxnard, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).

Details: For $20 per person you can enjoy salsa, food, music and dance. Lunch is on your own at the festival. All ages are welcome.

Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.

 

Reduced Cost Vaccination Clinic

When: Tuesday, July 29, 7 to 8 p.m.

Where: Chino Community Building, 5443 B Street, Chino

Details: The Inland Valley Humane Society and SPCA will hold a reduced fee vaccination and licensing clinic for pets. Dogs: Rabies/$6; DHPP/$15; Bordetella/$15. Cats: Rabies/$10; FVRCP/$18.

Contact: (909) 706-4601

 

Chino Youth Museum Family-Friendly Programs

When: Now through August 2014

Where: 13191 Sixth Street, Downtown Chino; Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nominal fees.

Details: There are some amazing events taking place this summer, from art projects and entertainment, to edible art creations and Kids Night Out. Enjoy special activities like You & Me Time, Beat the Heat cool activities, and special day Museum Birthday Parties.

Contact: (909) 334-3270 to find out more about the summer-fun schedule.

 

Wheel Food Fest

When: August 1, September 5, October 3 (1st Friday of the month); 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.

Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.

 

Chino Relay for Life

When: Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave, Chino

Details: 24-hour event that helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Run, Walk, Sponsor!

Contact: Kristine Travis, at kritravi1978@yahoo.com

 

Youth Citizens Police Academy Class VIII

When: Monday – Thursday, Aug. 11-21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue

Details: High school teens, 14-18 years of age, who live or attend school in the City of Chino, can get an inside look at all the functions of their local law enforcement agency. Participants will get hands-on experience with SWAT, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, K-9, CSI, Narcotics, Traffic and much more!

Contact: Olivia Le Van, (909) 334-3087, or olevan@chinopd.org for applications.

 

Irwindale Poker Tournament

When: Aug. 22 through Oct. 3; Tournament on Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Participating restaurants and The Pub at Miller-Coors.

Details: 6th Annual World of Food Poker Tournament, an innovative program designed to provide a fun way for poker players to earn bonus chips while driving business to local participating restaurants Registered players are encouraged to visit participating restaurants from Aug. 22 through Oct. 3 collecting chips for purchases. A Texas Hold-Em’ elimination tournament will be held on Fri., Oct. 3.

Contact: Detailed information is available on the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce website at www.irwindalechamber.org. Register no later than Aug. 7 to ensure full access to all materials.

 

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale featuring the Simpsons!

When: Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).

Details: Journey from the animated Springfield Bowl to the Hollywood Bowl for this unprecedented event as the famous orchestra accompanies your favorite scenes from the Simpsons on the big screen. Seats are located in Section F2, Rows 5, 6, and 7. The fee is $55 per person, appropriate for all ages.

Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.

 

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

 

Walnut’s Aquatic Park

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

 

Walnut – After numerous promises during the reelection campaign from council members Mary Su and Bob Pacheco, plans for an aquatic center are starting to come together in the earliest stages of development.

In addition to Pacheco and Su, council member Tony Cartagena also expressed support for the construction of an aquatic center and with a high amount of public interest. $250,000 has been allocated from the 2014/2015 fiscal budget to go toward schematics, testing, and advanced studies in order to make the aquatic center a reality.

However, even with $250,000 being set aside by the City during the first month of its new fiscal year, they are approaching the construction with caution. According to Community Services Director Mary Rooney, the City is just now starting to assess many different aspects of the aquatic center’s construction. Plans are so new that Rooney mentioned that the location, cost, and specifics are preliminary and that everything is up for consideration.

“There are various preliminary plans that have to go in place before we can actually design and build anything,” Rooney said.

To date, the City has met in closed session to discuss the possible locations for the aquatic center while Rooney mentioned that they have only spent an estimated $22,500 of the $250,000 on professionally drawn schematics from Aquatic Design Group.

The total cost of construction for the aquatic center is being considered, however Rooney mentioned that certain council actions, including the July 23 decision to sell a tract of land near Amar Road, are possible ways to fund the creation of the center.

With funding and nearly all of the aquatics center’s plans still under consideration, Rooney wanted to make sure that residents understand that the City is still pushing forward with its plans and that one way or another, the aquatic center will be built.

“We are moving on this,” Rooney said.

Rooney said that with the help of a Parks and Recreation sub-committee, plans will continue to unfold as the year goes on.

Claudine Stines, a Walnut resident who has long been a proponent of this project says, “It’s hard to imagine what started as a swimming pool for Walnut, has now expanded to the possibility of two pools (a competitive and recreational pool). Who knows? The concept could even include a performing arts amphitheater, a series of nature trails, and family-friendly open parks with additional parking…”

Stines also encourages residents to let their voices be heard by visiting her website at http://chn.ge/1e1ewyp, where comments are shared with members of the Walnut City Council.

 

 

 

 

Chino Hills: Madrona Project Lawsuit

Aerial view of the Madrona Project. (Photo Courtesy: Hills For Everyone)

Aerial view of the Madrona Project. (Photo Courtesy: Hills For Everyone)

BY K.P. SANDER 

Chino Hills – The Madrona Project, a proposed residential hillside development under the City of Brea’s jurisdiction, is the subject of much controversy with a lawsuit brewing in its core.

The 367 acres situated in the hills north of Carbon Canyon Road, moving eastward to the San Bernardino/Orange County line is expected to incur development of 162 homes in an area wrought with environmental and safety issues. In fact, the group that founded the Chino Hills State Park – Hills For Everyone – has filed suit against the City of Brea claiming violation of state planning and zoning laws, city codes, and an inadequate environmental report failing to reveal the project’s true impacts.

According to stopmadrona.org, at issue are a multitude of considerations that cannot be mitigated, including repeated wildfires to the area, unsafe geology, dangerous traffic levels, reduced air quality, loss of important habitats, and reduced public safety.

The Madrona Project was first proposed in 1999, and the Brea City Council voted to approve it on June 3 with a 4-1 vote. Notes from an earlier Brea City Council meeting share that the Mayor said he saw three ways that the Council could possibly vote: 1) deny the project; 2) approve the project as is; or 3) approve the project with conditions of approval. The City stands by their approval (with alleged conditions) and the environmental reporting conducted this far.

Many Chino Hills residents are reportedly helping to raise funds for the lawsuit, and have been actively protesting the project from the beginning. The acreage has already burned four times in the last 30 years, and the homes will remain completely surrounded by wild land making the future tenants extremely vulnerable. This, along with the massive amounts of water required to develop the area and sustain future residents in the midst of an historic drought are cause for concern.

The land is also home to an abundance of wildlife in a corridor that has allowed many rare or endangered species to thrive in their own community. By breaking up the continuity of the habitat, many animals could become extinct or have their numbers reduced significantly, not to mention the toll on native plants and all that the biodiversity of the area provides.

Stopmadrona.org says that the Brea council was forced into a legal settlement requiring them to process the project under rules that are 27 years old, but the opted for one-time economic benefits over the safety of its existing and future residents. Former Brea mayor, Beverly Perry, has reportedly said that it [the project] is poor planning and goes against Brea’s long-held values and standards for planning.

Baldwin Park Eastside Little League Beats Washington State-On Track to World Series

BY CECELIA BERNAL

Baldwin Park – The Big League Softball team (girls age 15-18) from Baldwin Park Eastside Little League are strong competitors on track to the Softball Little League World Series.  After winning the District 19 All Star Tournament and, last week, winning the Southern California Divisional All Star Championship, on Sunday they began competing for the Regional tournament against winners of Northern California and other states.  The Regional games are taking place in Lancaster where Eastside beat Washington State with a score of 15-3 on Monday.  The Regional winner will go on to the World Series in Sussex, Delaware.

After being talked into managing the team, David Muse, said “Coaches Tony Garcia and Steve Rivera, Eastside President Cecelia Bernal, and all the player have worked hard and done a great job this year”.

 

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Eastside Little League is a non-profit organization, operated solely by volunteers, to offer an organized sport to the children of Baldwin Park.

 

Walnut: Council Corner July 23d Recap

Walnut Council presents Captain Jeff Scroggin with an appreciation proclamation; (L-R) council members Tony Cartagena and Mary Su; Captain Scroggin; Mayor Nancy Tragarz; council member Bob Pacheco; and Mayor Pro Team Eric Ching. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut Council presents Captain Jeff Scroggin with an appreciation proclamation; (L-R) council members Tony Cartagena and Mary Su; Captain Scroggin; Mayor Nancy Tragarz; council member Bob Pacheco; and Mayor Pro Team Eric Ching.
(Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – Walnut’s City Council met for its final meeting of the month on July 23, which stood as a joint meeting for the City Council and the Housing Authority.

Newly appointed Mayor, Nancy Tragarz, called the meeting to order and welcomed Pastor Paul Tan from City Blessing Church of Walnut to deliver the invocation. Tragarz then gave a declaration that the City of Walnut would recognize Aug. 5, 2014 as National Night Out, an event open to Walnut residents for an evening of family fun at Creekside Park which includes a movie screening and a concert.

Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Captain, Jeff Scroggin, was invited to accept a proclamation in front of residents, while he was given praise by council members for the department’s hard work in lowering crime rates and providing safety to residents.

The council members then spoke about the opportunity that National Night Out provides, citing it as a chance for families to enjoy themselves and celebrate the safety of the City and bringing the community together.

“National Night Out is an effort for all of us to get together, come out and know members of your community,” Scroggin said.

The meeting then switched gears to a more intense topic, with members of the Timberline Community flooding the public comment section with nine residents declaring their distaste for the amount of growth that Mount San Antonio College has undergone and the level of congestion that student parking has caused. Residents called the increase in traffic and pollution a “crisis” and several residents called for immediate action – regardless of the power that city council has on Mount San Antonio College affairs.

Council member Tony Cartagena said it would be wise for the council to further discuss what can be done in appeasing the residents of the Timberline Community, vowing to bring the item back for discussion at a later time.

After the public comment section was closed, the council members moved to approve the minutes for the City Council/Finance Authority/Housing Authority meeting on June 25, and the July 9 council meeting, before moving on to a public hearing item concerning renewal of the Animal Care and Control Services Agreement with the County of Los Angeles.

A staff report outlined that the renewed contract would last for five years ending June 30, 2019, and adopts a resolution to include fees for dog and cat licensing and modifying the age requirement for senior citizens. City council members then opted to unanimously approve the renewed contract.

Council members then moved on to approve the items on the consent calendar, including Resolution No. 14-34 for claims and demands in the amount of $817,099.51; Resolution No. 14-35 for an intent to abandon property acquired for park purposes, the Mayor’s agency representatives; Resolution No. 14-36 designating Mary Su as the official voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference; a one year contract renewal with option to extend for two additional years with RPW, Inc. for trail and right of way maintenance services; the appropriation of grant funds for the Amar Road Rehabilitation Project totaling $998,000; and the approval for sports groups requests for bi-annual field use for Fall 2014.

After council members gave their reports on meetings, comments and updates for residents, the housing authority started its business, approving its only consent calendar item allowing claims and demands in the amount of $27,695.90.

The council members then adjourned to closed session with plans to meet for the next City Council meeting at 7 p.m. on Wed., Aug. 13, in the City Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

Chino Hills: Basketball Standout Dies After Skateboard Accident

nnamdi-okongwu

Nnamdi Okongwu, 17 (ESPN Recruiting Nation Basketball)

Chino Hills – A gentle giant has fallen, as high school senior, Nnamdi Okongwu, was taken off life support and passed away on Fri., July 18.

After a skateboarding fall earlier last week that caused a serious head injury, Okongwu was airlifted on Tuesday to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in Colton. According to reports, the injury resulted in a coma, and he was placed on life support until his family made the devastating decision to remove him.

The 6’8”, Class of 2015 senior was instrumental in helping to lead the Chino Hills High School Huskies to one of their best seasons ever this past year. With a Sierra League championship and a place in the CIF Southern Section Open Championship game, Okongwu – who played center position – was looking at a very prominent position on the team next year.

A scouting report from ESPN Recruiting Nation Basketball stated that, “Okongwu can dominate [at both] due to his size, length and strength. He has a big frame with long arms and soft hands. He snatches rebounds in traffic and can throw down some ferocious dunks in traffic. He has a fairly solid drop-step move as well.”

Though Okongwu – a Nigerian native – reportedly had received a scholarship offer from Loyola Marymount, other PAC—12 schools were showing interest as well. Colleges and the Chino Hills Huskies will have to carry on without the 17-year old hopeful.

Chino Hills High School will be holding a candlelight vigil for Okongwu on Tues., July 29, 7:30 p.m., at the football stadium. A memorial fund has also been set up at www.gofundme.com/4unnamdi.

 

 

Walnut: Tragarz Vows “Honesty And Integrity” During Term As Mayor

 BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

 

walnut-mayor-tragarz

Walnut’s New Mayor, Nancy Tragarz (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut – During the July 9 city council meeting, titles were exchanged and Mayor Pro Tem, Nancy Tragarz, was officially sworn in as mayor for the City of Walnut- promising to uphold the community’s values and pledging to serve to the best of her abilities.

Tragarz, who served as mayor of Walnut once before from 2011 to 2012, said she’s looking forward to leading the council with a strong sense of leadership, finance, accounting and legal skills to help push along the city’s prominence.

“My goal is to create unity and teamwork on the council and in the entire community,” Tragarz said. “The policy I will fight for is transparency, honesty, ethics, and doing what is in the best interest of the community as a whole.”

In consideration for her background, Tragarz brings a wide variety of expertise to her role as mayor, having graduated from Walnut High School with highest honors in 1981 then obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from USC, magna cum laude, in 1985.

Tragarz then attended Loyola Law School while working as a certified law clerk for the Los Angeles County District Attorney. She passed the bar exam in 1991 and worked for two different law firms in the area of business litigation, bankruptcy, and contracts. She has also volunteered as a temporary judge in the Los Angeles County Courts since 1998.

In 2002, Tragarz worked part-time for a firm in order to spend more time with her two sons.

She then served as a vice chair for the City’s special ethics committee from 2002 to 2003, where she helped draft Walnut’s first code of ethics and candidates’ campaign manual.

By 2005, Tragarz was then appointed to the Parks and Recreation Commission and served as vice chair before being elected to Walnut’s City Council in 2008.

Tragarz said her long-time strategy of being honest and attuned with the needs of Walnut’s residents will keep the city moving in the right direction.

While elected officials sometimes have a tendency to oversell themselves with promises and delusions of grandeur, Tragarz remains realistic to her constituents by saying she has no specific agenda and that she would “respond to the needs and desires of the community.”

As she starts her second term as mayor of Walnut, Tragarz said the best way to deal with concerns of the public is to be informative and lawful in her decisions, stating that the residents are willing to accept the truth if they are provided with facts.

“I believe honesty and integrity is the best policy.”