Lincoln Avenue On-Ramp Will Be Two Lanes

Courtesy of RCTC

CORONA– As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) 91 Project, the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp will be reconfigured from three lanes to two general purpose lanes through the end of 2016. The ramp meter will be turned off during this time.

The reconfiguration will allow crews to work on the new westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp that will connect directly from the Lincoln Avenue bridge.

For questions, please call the helpline at 877-770-9191, or visit http://www.sr91project.info.  Please allow extra travel time to access this ramp, especially during morning peak commute hours.

Diamond Bar: Striking A Chord

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
South Pointe Middle School choir performs during a National School to Watch awards ceremony.

Chaparral, South Pointe music programs receive national recognition

By Kelli Gile

 

DIAMOND BAR— Two Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) middle schools – Chaparral and South Pointe – have been honored with the SupportMusic Merit Award from the nonprofit NAAM Foundation for outstanding commitment to music education.

A total of 118 schools across the country recognized with the prestigious award in 2016.

“This award puts Chaparral and South Pointe on an exclusive list that receives national attention – and that is something to celebrate!” said Chaparral band director Leslie Schroerlucke.

The SupportMusic designation is awarded to individual schools that demonstrate outstanding achievement in efforts to provide music access and education to all students.

The award recognizes schools that are leading the way with learning opportunities as outlined in the new federal education legislation, Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), that recommends music and the arts as important elements of a well-rounded education for all children.

Congratulations to Chaparral music teachers Greg Rochford-orchestra, Leslie Schroerlucke-band, Rich Langham-choir, South Pointe music teachers Susan Willmering- band, and Robin Wadsworth-choir.

“It is such an honor to be recognized for the second consecutive year by NAMM. It is fantastic to know that Chaparral is seen in such high regard,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.

“Our music programs are essential to our students and their families,” Schroerlucke added. “The NAMM award reaffirms once again that music programs in WVUSD are exemplary in terms of the number of students in our programs, the quality of the programs, and parent support.”

At South Pointe, over 500 students participate in music arts classes. Choir teacher Robin Wadsworth, who works with about 150 students in her classes, is passionate about the benefits of music education.

“There have been many scientific studies that show that music helps creativity, coordination, reasoning skills, and improving test scores,” she said.

Wadsworth also sites another benefit of being a part of music groups.

“Music performing groups give kids a place to belong. Playing, singing, or just listening to music relieves stress and gives groups of students that perform together a common purpose.”

Her students agreed. “Music makes me happy. When I’m sad, I sing!” said 6th grader Shannon Kelly.

“Music helps me express my feelings,” added 7th grader Maxine Magpayo.

“We are fortunate to have remarkable teachers and a district that understands the importance of the arts in education,” said South Pointe’s Principal, Susan Arzola.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Hundreds of Chaparral Middle School students participate in music education courses each year. Shown: Orchestra in rehearsal with director Greg Rochford.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Hundreds of Chaparral Middle School students participate in music education courses each year. Shown: Orchestra in rehearsal with director Greg Rochford.

Marching Orders

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

 

For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers . . . the powers . . . the world forces of this darkness.
Ephesians 6:12

Whether you realize it or not, you are engaged in a spiritual battle every day. You live in a culture that is increasingly hostile to your faith. The devil and those who promote his self-indulgent agenda are relentless in their assault on your mind and affections. You can’t afford to drop your guard for a minute.

Here are some suggestions for surviving—and thriving—in the battle:

  1. Don’t engage the enemy alone. Ephesians 6:10 says, “Be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might.” Whatever temptations you’re facing right now, it is His strength alone—not yours—that can see you through. Keep on surrendering daily to the Master.
  2. Employ every piece of your spiritual armor. As Ephesians 6:13 says, to resist the schemes of the devil, you must “take up the full armor of God.” Not just the belt of truth, but also the shoes of His gospel, the breastplate of His righteousness, the shield of faith, the helmet of His salvation and the sword of His Spirit—the Word of God (see verses 14-17). Don’t head off into battle without them.
  3. Go on the offensive. It’s not enough just to play defense. Though people without Christ may seem fulfilled and self-satisfied, the truth is that they need to know God’s forgiveness.
  4. Quit wasting time. You and I are fighting for the soul of future generations. So turn off the television. Put down the sports page. Unplug from the internet. The consequences of your life are too eternal to waste on forgettable moments.

Never forget that your marriage is taking place on a spiritual battlefield, not on a romantic balcony. Help one another maintain your “war footing.” If you do, you won’t be a casualty.

Live It: Identify two or three areas where the constant pull of the world has been wearing down your spiritual sharpness lately. Talk about what you need to do.

Pray:  Pray for strength when you’re weak, attentiveness when you’re tired and new discoveries of what it means to put your trust in God.

The Crossings meets Sundays at 10 a.m. at River Heights Intermediate School, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale.    For more information, visithttp://www.atthecrossings.com

Fresh vs. Canned vs. Frozen

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

What’s the best produce to buy?

 

Courtesy of Food Network

Spring is finally here! And with it, fresh, locally grown produce is starting to return to farmers markets that have peddled root vegetables all winter. But how do frozen and canned rank? Are they always inferior to the fresh stuff? Let’s break it down.

Fresh, uncooked produce tends to be highest in the nutrients that break down or get leached out with heat (especially water-soluble vitamins, like vitamin C). Many nutrients in produce are also highest at the moment the fruits or vegetables are picked and then start to degrade with time — so if it’s fresh but has been shipped a long distance and takes a week or more to get to the supermarket, it’s probably not bursting with nutrients. The same is true if you buy a picked-that-morning lettuce from your farmers market and then let it sit in your fridge for several days.

Canned produce is cooked as part of the canning process, so it’s often lower in water-soluble vitamins. On the other hand, some vitamins get intensified by cooking — canned peas, for instance, have three times the vitamin A of fresh, uncooked peas. Most canned vegetables have salt added, although you can sometimes find “no salt added” varieties (typically for an up charge). Canned fruit can be canned in fruit juice or in syrup — syrup adds a lot of extra sugar that’s not good for you.

Frozen produce is frozen soon after picking, so a lot of the nutrients are locked in. And, since it stays frozen until you’re ready to use it, it’s often a better bet nutritionally than those fresh peas you bought last week and meant to use but didn’t. However, the texture is definitely compromised, and so it works better in some dishes than in others — you can’t use frozen spinach in a spinach salad, for instance.

Your diet should include a variety of fruits and vegetables. Explore your supermarket and see what new foods await you!

IE News: Youth Takes Unique Approach to Leadership

Photo courtesy: Doug Gaehle

Photo courtesy: Doug Gaehle

4-H proven to empower area youth through life skill development

By Doug Gaehle

CORONA– It’s no secret that today’s youth feel pressure. Pressure to excel in school, to go to college, to get a job, etc. How they overcome those pressures is a true testament to their character. Take Corona native Aidan Longridge for example.

Aidan, 17, credits his enrollment in 4-H, the nation’s largest youth organization, to helping him overcome adversity and build confidence along the way. The life skills taught through 4-H helped Aidan learn to work with others, overcome challenges and complete jobs once he started them.

Aidan took advantage of the breadth of programs 4-H offers, from science and agriculture to business and creative arts.

“I enrolled in 4-H after my mom received a recommendation to join from a family friend,” said Aidan, a member of the Alvord Aggies 4-H club. “I’ve always had a passion for speaking in front of people and through my years in 4-H I’ve had many opportunities to get involved in projects that have made me more confident in myself and my abilities as a speaker.”

Aidan started in 4-H when he was 5 years old, and since then has participated in the communications project.

Today, Aidan is involved in communication, chess, drama and leadership projects as well as part of a national home school speech and debate league.

“Joining a speech and debate league was a direct result of the confidence and experience I gained through my 4-H projects,” said Aidan.

America needs more true leaders focused on today’s challenges, as well as the issues of tomorrow. A recent survey by National 4-H Council found that 71 percent of today’s youth view leadership as something they can practice improve over time. But those same youth need supportive adults to help them along the way.

4-H brings a community together to grow true leaders in today’s youth – helping build confidence, teamwork, curiosity and resilience.

“My advisor Heather Bean has been a positive impact on my 4-H experience,” said Aidan. “In addition to valuable life skills, 4-H teaches you about building character, problem solving, fostering friendships and to keep challenging yourself.”

Any child can grow with 4-H, an organization that has something for every interest. But 4-H is always looking for adult volunteers and funding to help expand their reach and empower young people through doing. To find out more about helping 4-H in your area, contact your local extension office or visit 4H.org. Or, visit www.ca4hfoundation.org to make a donation to the California 4-H Foundation.

Four Chino Valley Juveniles Arrested

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– Four juveniles were arrested for a string of vandalisms at Chino Hills schools.
Numerous vandalisms and arsons were reported at Litel Elementary and Ayala High School between January to March of 2016, according to the Chino Hills Police Department.

Following a lengthy investigation regarding these crimes, deputies arrested four suspects responsible for the crimes. The suspects were identified as a 14-year-old male resident of Chino Hills, two 15-year-old male residents both of Chino Hills, and a 15-year-old male resident of Chino.

The suspects were involved in setting fire to the Ayala’s athletic field and a building section of Litel, graffiti of racial slurs and phallic images, and damage to school equipment. It is estimated the suspects caused over $5,000 in damages.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-TIP Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the website at www.wetip.com.

Three Arrested In Connection To San Bernardino Terrorist Attack

Three People Connected to Shooter in San Bernardino Terrorist Attack Arrested on Federal Conspiracy, Marriage Fraud and False Statement Charges

By Thom Mrozek, Public Affairs Officer of the United States Attorney’s Office
RIVERSIDE, California – Three people with family connections to Syed Rizwan Farook, one of the perpetrators of the December 2, 2015 terrorist attack at the San Bernardino Inland Regional Center (IRC), were arrested this morning on federal conspiracy, marriage fraud and false statement charges.
A five-count indictment returned yesterday by a federal grand jury charges three defendants in a marriage fraud conspiracy that involved making false statements under oath for the purpose of obtaining immigration benefits for one of the defendants.
The three defendants arrested this morning are:
• Mariya Chernykh, 26, of Ontario, who, according to official records, is married to Enrique Marquez, Jr., who is awaiting trial on charges of conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to provide material support to terrorists;
• Tatiana Farook, 31, of Corona, who is Chernykh’s sister; and
• Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, who Tatiana Farook’s husband and Syed Rizwan Farook’s brother.
The indictment charges all three defendants in a conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States. This charge carries a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison.
The indictment also charges Chernykh with fraud and misuse of visas, permits, and other documents; perjury; and two counts of making material false statements to federal agents. These four charges carry a combined statutory maximum sentence of 25 years in federal prison.
When Marquez was indicted by a federal grand jury at the end of 2015 with conspiring with Syed Rizwan Farook to provide material support to terrorists, he was also charged with entering into a sham marriage with Chernykh in November 2014 and illegally signing an immigration form that falsely declared he was living with her (see: http://go.usa.gov/cuKEm).

“This is the latest step in the comprehensive investigation into the horrific attacks in San Bernardino last year that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and deeply affected so many more,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “As I have said previously, we owe the victims, and the entire community of San Bernardino, a thorough investigation that uncovers all criminal activity surrounding these events. Today’s arrests open a new phase in the process of bringing to justice all individuals who allegedly committed crimes that were uncovered during our exhaustive investigation. The charges also reflect the importance we place on statements made to law enforcement officials during a terrorism investigation. Those who lie to or conceal material information from law enforcement officers investigating terrorist acts will be prosecuted to the fullest extent of the law.”
Acting Assistant Director of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office, James Struyk, said, “Members of the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force worked around the clock in an attempt to find immediate answers in the days and weeks following the December murders in San Bernardino to ensure no additional threats to the community were present. As proof of our enduring commitment to the victims and their families, the FBI and our partners will continue to pursue all leads developed in this matter to build cases when evidence of a crime is revealed.”
Joseph Macias, Special Agent in Charge U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) in Los Angeles, stated: “Last year’s tragedy in San Bernardino showed yet again how our nation’s legal immigration system can be subverted and exploited by those intent on doing this country harm. As the second largest presence on the nation’s Joint Terrorism Task Forces, HSI special agents, in collaboration with their JTTF partners, are using their unique skills and authorities, including their immigration expertise, to pursue individuals and organizations that pose a threat to domestic security. As this case underscores, that vigilance extends to those whose actions directly or indirectly put our communities and our country at risk.”
The case against Chernykh and the Farooks stems from the overall investigation into the IRC terrorist attack. While investigating the terrorist attack, federal agents obtained official records showing that Marquez, a former neighbor of Syed Rizwan Farook’s, is married to Chernykh. The investigation determined that Marquez agreed to marry Chernykh so she could obtain immigration benefits that were not available to her because she is a Russian citizen and did not have legal status in the United States. The indictment alleges that Marquez received money from Chernykh to enter into the sham marriage.
In furtherance of this conspiracy, both Marquez and Chernykh signed immigration documents, under penalty of perjury, that included information that they lived at the same address, when they did not.
Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook participated in the conspiracy by, among other things, witnessing Marquez and Chernykh’s wedding, taking staged family pictures of Marquez and Chernykh, establishing a joint checking account for Marquez and Chernykh, and creating a back-dated lease for Marquez and Chernykh to create the illusion that they shared a marital residence with Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook.
FBI agents interviewed Chernykh as part of the investigation into the IRC terrorist attacks, and she allegedly made false statements that she lived with Marquez at Syed Raheel Farook and Tatiana Farook’s residence in Corona.
All three defendants are expected to be arraigned on the indictment this afternoon in United States District Court in Riverside.
An indictment contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.
Today’s operation is the result of an ongoing investigation by the FBI’s Joint Terrorism Task Force, which includes partners with HSI, the San Bernardino Police Department, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the Ontario Police Department, the Riverside Police Department, the Corona Police Department and the Chino Police Department.

Did You Know?

Courtesy of Google Images

Courtesy of Google Images

Not So Fast, Not So Furious 


Courtesy of the California Highway Patrol
From Greased Lighting to Eleanor, street racing has been woven into the fabric of Southern California both in real life and the movies. What is the allure of street racing?

Those involved have said it’s an adrenaline rush similar to being on a roller coaster. The only difference is you are safely strapped into a roller coaster that has a beginning and an end. When you mix thousands of pounds of a vehicle with speed, it only takes a second for tragedy to occur. What is the draw for young people to street race even though many admit to the dangers and consequences? For many young people, it’s the sense of belonging to a select group, for some it’s a way to find some semblance of an identity they long for, and for others it’s the thrill of doing something that’s on the verge of recklessness.
Street racing is always illegal and extremely dangerous to both participants and onlookers. The California Highway Patrol actively investigates street racing and takes enforcement action whenever possible. The CHP has partnered with several allied agencies to combat the issue of illegal street racing. This partnership has led to arrests, vehicle impounds and citations.
Here are just a few hazards associated with street racing:

  • Some people think a vehicle is a toy and when used in this manner it becomes a deadly weapon.
  • Street racers often don’t wear safety belts and sometimes have been drinking or using illegal drugs.
  • Racing should only be done on a dedicated track, not on public roads were accidents can occur.

If you engage in street racing, remember these possible consequences:

  • Jail or prison time
  • Injury resulting in death
  • Injury to yourself or others
  • Damage to property

The community’s concern makes a big difference. Anyone who hears about a street race, planned or already taking place should advise the CHP promptly. We’ll take it from there.
The CHP wants to remind you-don’t live your life a quarter mile at a time, you might not ever get a chance to cross the finish line. For more information, visit http://www.chp.ca.gov.

Socially Speaking

By Sarah Sanchez

Is it April already? If you were too busy in March to keep up on social media, we’ve provided a list of what was trending on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews) last month.

Trending posts included: An armed robbery suspect was arrested; the CNUSD Spelling Bee Champion Aisha Randhawa is now going to the Scripps National Spelling Bee; Eleanor Roosevelt High School Cheer Team won the National Championship at the All Star Cheer Jamz Nationals; and a reminder of an Eastvale anti-scavenging ordinance.

However, the most popular post on social media was a video that a resident shared with us on our Facebook page. The video was a security camera that caught three suspicious men pulling up to the residents’ home in a BMW 6 series and Honda Odyssey Van, rang the doorbell, claimed to be the police, and allegedly tried to kick the door down. The resident asked for the community’s help in finding the three individuals and many community members shared the video to spread the word.

Stay up to date on what’s happening in the community by liking our Facebook page (Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews). We post a variety of articles, meetings, city news releases, yard sales, and events on a daily basis. Every Thursday, we post notices of local yard sales for the weekend and allow you to post your own yard sale notice in the comments. On Fridays, we post the weekend events and link it to our local monthly calendar. We also post the online version of the full Eastvale Community Newspaper for you to download, save, or print out.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @EastvaleNews, and subscribe to our website at anapr.com for daily emails regarding our community. Use #ILoveEastvaleNews to tell us why YOU love Eastvale News.

Keep on Trending, Eastvale!

Who Defines Your Worth?

By Sarah Sanchez

One day about a year ago, I told my dad that I had struggled with self-esteem issues. He was extremely shocked at my statement and he asked why I would feel this way because as he stated, “everyone loves me”. He went on to say that all his friends always compliment how wonderful I am. 

I thought it was interesting how my dad associated my self-esteem with the acceptance of others. If everyone loved me, then I should love myself right? This is the way we are trained to think: that the way we feel about ourselves should be based on if we’re accepted by others. 

I lived with this mentality growing up because I constantly compared myself to others. For example, if I see a beautiful woman with a thin waist, I’ll instantly wish I had a thin waist so I can look at beautiful as her. I think many of us compare ourselves like this. 

I’ve also noticed that when I go out with my group of girl friends, I’ll get more dressed up than I would if I went out with my husband. Why? Because if you’re in a group of women who are all wearing dresses and heels to dinner, you will feel compelled to wear a similar outfit so you can look just as nice as them. 

It’s sad that this way of matching others is the way many women (and even men) think today. It’s all about comparing ourselves with others because we care too much about what others think.

I struggled with these self-esteem issues for a while but I recently learned that there are actually two separate ideas: self-esteem and self-worth. Self-esteem is what we think of ourselves but it’s usually based on what others say to us, such as praise, compliments, or disapproval. So the reality is that our self-esteem can constantly change because we base it off of what others say. 

But self-worth is not supposed to change because it’s how we value ourselves personally. It’s the high standard we are supposed to set ourselves at. However, we tend to combine self-esteem and self-worth together. We tend to rely on what others think of us in order to determine our own value. 

We are taught to determine our self-worth based off how much others like us, compliment us, and accept us. Then when they don’t like us or accept us, we no longer like ourselves. We are no longer valuable. We are no longer worth anything because they don’t think we are worth anything. 

But I think it’s time we go against the norm and separate our self-esteem and our self-worth. Our self-worth should never change. It’s how we value ourselves, not how others value us. So it’s time to ask ourselves… who defines your worth?

Legislation Approved For State Cyber Security

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Establishes Strong Foundation for Securing the Most Sensitive Information Systems

 By Chris Wangsaporn

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) announced that her legislation to put California’s troubled cyber security system back on track was approved by the Assembly Privacy & Consumer Protection Committee. On the heels of a troubling audit of the state’s cyber security program, AB 1881 will ensure the state’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) establishes minimum security controls for state departments and agencies. California is vulnerable to thousands of hacking attempts per month but has a porous information security operation.

“Without proper security controls in place, it’s akin to leaving your front door unlocked at night,” said Assemblywoman Chang. “It doesn’t matter if we have state-of-the-art technology or firewalls in place if you lack proper policies to keep data secure.”

AB 1881 will require the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) to develop baseline security controls (minimum security requirements) for all state agencies and departments.  The CIO would further be required to report on compliance to the Legislature.  Security controls are procedures — sometimes performed by people rather than IT systems — that reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities such as password procedures, personnel access, or data disposal.

In 2015, the California state auditor outlined an extensive assessment of the Department of Technology’s oversight of California’s State’s information security operations.  The results of the audit painted an alarming picture of California’s cyber security system and practices. For example, 95% of surveyed departments and agencies stated they are not fully in compliance with existing state security standards.   And shortly after a recent committee hearing on cyber security discussing the audit, a top cyber security official stepped down.

“The state is falling short on some of the most basic aspects of cyber security,” said Chang.  “There really shouldn’t be an information security program in place without developed security controls.”

State government is responsible for securing highly sensitive information of its citizens. From social security numbers and medical records, to the integrity of wastewater treatment plants, state government’s information systems ensure our privacy as well as the reliability of critical infrastructure and resources.

Two Suspects Arrested At CH Shoppes

Chino Hills Police Department
Chino Hills– On Wednesday, April 13th, at approximately 6:19 p.m., deputies from the Chino Hills Police Station responded to The Shoppes regarding suspects stealing merchandise from businesses.

Shoppes security officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot and gave deputies a general description of the suspects. Deputies and Shoppes security located Felicia Kelley and Andrew Rodriquez in The Shoppes parking lot as they returned to their vehicle.

During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, deputies located stolen property from Barnes and Noble, along with illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Additional suspected stolen merchandise was located and collected for further investigation.
Both suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on various charges.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1(800)78-CRIME.

CVFD Announces Award Recipients

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

By Massiel Ladrón De Guevara

Chino Valley– The Chino Valley Fire District is proud to recognize former San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Gary Ovitt and Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council founding member Ron Nadeau as the 2015 recipients of the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award. Both award recipients were instrumental in the implementation of programs that reduced the fire risk in the Carbon Canyon area. “These two members of our community are certainly well deserving of the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award,” Board President Brian Johsz said, “Mr. Ovitt and Mr. Nadeau have made a real impact on protecting our community and removing a fire threat to many homes in Carbon Canyon.”

The Fred L. Burns Community Service Award was established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Fire District in the area of furthering the District’s Mission Statement and/or who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Community in the area of community service in support of public safety.

Mr. Ovitt served as Fourth District Supervisor from 2004 to 2014. During his tenure as Supervisor, Mr. Ovitt demonstrated a commitment to public safety by supporting several projects related to reducing fire risks in the community. He was a strong supporter of the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council, which was founded in 2001 under the guidance of the Fire District to support and implement programs and events related to fire safety within the Carbon Canyon community. Mr. Ovitt was instrumental in securing funds to remove overgrown vegetation that posed a fire danger in Carbon Creek. He also played a vital role in securing a location for a critical fire communications repeater in Carbon Canyon.

Mr. Nadeau has taken a lead with various projects that help protect Carbon Canyon from the devastating effects of fire. He has been instrumental with brush removal programs in the Canyon, wildfire defensible space planning and public outreach events. He also helped lead the arundo donax hazardous vegetation removal project in Canyon Creek that Mr. Ovitt helped fund. The overgrown brush in the creek is what helped fuel the fires that burned through the creek west of the San Bernardino County line during the 2008 Freeway Complex Fire.

Mr. Nadeau and Mr. Ovitt’s partnership with the Fire Safe Council has dramatically reduced the potential for loss of life, property destruction and damage to the environment that is associated with wildfire. The Chino Valley Fire District is proud to honor them for their work in keeping our communities safer from the detrimental effects of wildfires.

Tips From Deputy Myers

Deputy Myers

Deputy Myers

How can I start or join a Neighborhood Watch near my home?

By Deanna Myers

This is still a hot topic, so I thought a refresher would be beneficial. There are six basic steps to getting a neighborhood watch program started within your community.

Step 1- Create Awareness. Start a buzz in the neighborhood about keeping it safe. Many people nowadays, with all the modern technology, have started to disconnect from their neighbors. Communication starts with a wave and a smile, followed by starting to talk about your concern for continued safety within your community.

Step 2- Organize Volunteers. Once you have started a buzz, neighbors often begin sharing their personal information in order to become more involved. Gather their information and set up a neighborhood meeting with them.

Step 3- Coordinate with Law Enforcement- this is where I come in. I will provide a short Power Point presentation and an activity for your neighbors. I will give them the tools they need to combat current issues in the neighborhood and keep those issues from returning.

Step 4- Identify Concerns, Issues and Problems. Once the group has been formed and they have had time to think about the new tools they have been given, it’s time to discuss where the problems are in your neighborhood. It is best to prioritize the concerns of the volunteers so they can all get addressed in a timely manner.

Step 5- Develop Strategies. Six heads are better than one. As your group comes together, you can start to come up with ways in which to deal with issues. Having additional people from different backgrounds that come with different resources can be invaluable in eradicating problems in your neighborhood.

Step 6-Action Steps.  Depending on the severity of the problems that arise in your neighborhood, there are several different ways to attack the issues. Planning activities such as clean-up days, neighborhood patrols, and joining social groups such as www.nextdoor.com are just a few of the ways to bring your neighborhoods closer and keep people involved. IF YOU SEE SOMETHING SAY SOMETHING!

 

Deanna Myers is the Volunteer and Programs Coordinator for the Jurupa Valley Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that services the Eastvale Police Department.  She has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for about eight years, and most recently was assigned to patrol within the City of Eastvale before moving into her current position where she is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program for the City of Eastvale.

Straight Talk with Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

“My new guy is a drinker”

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Danice,

I’m going out with a new guy that I met at my spinning class.  He always takes me out for smoothies after class and seems like he is very health conscious.  He drinks lots of water during our work out and eats fruit and protein bars as snacks.  Last weekend we went to the beach.  When he went into a sandwich shop to get food for our picnic lunch, I took a drink of what I thought was iced tea in his travel tumbler cup.  I was surprised to taste alcohol and he was driving us around while he was drinking.  I really like him so I decided not to say anything, but this bothers me.  My health is my top priority and he knows that I only drink on special occasions.  Should I wait and try his drinks a few more times to see if this is a habit?  Did I mention that I really like him?  I’m so disappointed.  Help…

Linda

 

Dear Linda,

Intelligent, healthy people are generally opposed to drinking and driving.  I’m having great trouble making sense of your date’s behavior.  On one hand he displays healthy behavior; on the other hand, he is secretly putting you both in danger by drinking and driving.  It’s my experience when people take steps to hide what they are doing, that’s a red flag and cause for concern.  If he was openly taking you to lunch in a restaurant and ordering a cocktail, I would be fine with it.  If he took you on a picnic and openly had a cocktail I would not raise an eyebrow, but hiding the fact that he is drinking is unimpressive and causes me to wonder what his consumption is really like.  Causal drinkers don’t feel the need to hide the fact that they have a drink on occasion.  If you really like him then address it, but don’t be surprised to find out that this is a much bigger problem than you’re prepared to handle.  If he admits he has a problem and is willing to seek help, consider sticking around awhile and perhaps show support for his progress, but don’t count on this happening.  He knows he has a problem, that’s why he’s hiding it.  Ultimately, he has to be ready to do this for himself.  Please be wise in your choices.  This is a big issue for a new relationship.

Danice Akiyoshi ND

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Norco College Turns 25!

Photo courtesy: Norco College

Photo courtesy: Norco College
Norco College students form the number “25” to help celebrate Norco’s Silver Anniversary

Staff Reports

NORCO– Norco College celebrated its 25th Silver Anniversary last month with a group photo, a time-capsule opening and a western-style jamboree.

Norco College, a branch of Riverside City College, first opened in 1991. Riverside Community College leaders first began to dream about a branch campus in the area in the early 1970s. On June 4, 1985, that dream was realized when more than 141 acres of U.S. government-owned land—the site of what would become Norco College—were acquired by RCCD for one dollar to build a satellite campus.

The campus was expected to open in 1989, but funding and construction delays pushed the date to 1991. On March 13 of that year, two classrooms in the Student Services and Little Theatre buildings were ready for students, and about 15 short-term classes in economics, philosophy, public speaking, and a handful of other traditional academic disciplines were held on campus that spring semester. (Approximately 100 other classes that began in January were taught in Norco area high schools and a church, as they had been for years.) The formal opening of the full campus (with two more classrooms: Science and Technology and Humanities) took place in the fall of 1991— coinciding with the 75th anniversary of Riverside City College.

The celebration, which included music, a snow cone truck, a birthday cake and real horses, brought in to represent the Norco Mustangs, was just part of the fun for students.  A large group of students had their photo taken on the quad as they stood in the shape of the number “25”.

Norco College freshman Jennifer Lyn, who was part of the photo, said that she “loves Norco College and its small feel.  All of the teachers and staff truly want to help students succeed.”

A time capsule left by the 1991-1992 Norco student body was opened on March 10.  Math Professor Bob Prior, who was also the Student Activities Coordinator in the early years of RCC’s Norco Campus, led the unveiling with special guest Pedro Argumendo, retired Grounds staff, who helped bury the time capsule in the 1990’s.  Included in the capsule were Norco College flags, a university-edition Bible, a student I.D., a photo CD and a convocation booklet, among other items.

On March 12, Norco College continued its 25-Year Anniversary celebration with a western-style jamboree that included individuals from the cities of Norco and Corona, RCCD Board of Trustee members, and current and past employees of the college.

Local Company Looks To Help Others In Need

Staff Reports

According to The Knot, which is the #1 wedding site in the nation, the average cost of a wedding is $33,118, with nearly $5500 of that money going towards creative services such as providing a DJ, photographer, and videographer.  The average cost to throw an event in California with the same services ranges from $5,000 to $40,000!

With high costs and high demand for these services, a local company began thinking of ways in which they could leverage those services listed, while giving back to local and global communities around us that are in need!

Remedy Collective plans to use creative services in DJ’ing, photography, and videography in order to provide excellent service and an opportunity to help change people’s lives in the process.

For every event they provide services for, they are going to have an opportunity to provide remedy (cure, help, aid) and provide impact to a local or global outreach.

For global impact they are going to provide rent for families serving in unreached, unchartered villages overseas for an entire month.

For local impact, they are going to provide food for people that live in lower social-economic areas, or who are homeless and living on the streets and or shelters!

Remedy Collective’s mission is “Healing Culture with Creativity” and their hope is that through their creative gifts, they can provide ways to give back and love on today’s culture. “Every good and perfect gift comes from above, and we just want to use our gifts to point to Jesus. So we invite you to join us as we seek to provide a remedy to this world!”

Be a part of Remedy Collective’s cause by supporting their campaign, which will help them purchase the resources and equipment they need for several upcoming events in the near future. This will also finalize their insurance and web development. Also check out their video on their GoFundMe account at: https://www.gofundme.com/4dzpjft8

All donations are greatly appreciated. But if you provide a $50 donation, you will receive a Remedy Logo Sticker.  If you provide a $100 donation, you will receive a limited Remedy Collective T-shirt. And for a $500 donation, you will receive DJ/emcee services for 5 hours!

DB High Ranked Best School

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, April 19, the US News & World Report published their 2016 Best High Schools Report. Diamond Bar High School was once again ranked among the best schools in the state and the nation.

Diamond Bar High School was ranked 51st in California and 338th in the Nation. Their Magnet rank was 60th and their STEM rank was 98th. This means that they received Gold Medal Status out of 30,000 US high schools.

Diamond Bar High School’s student body makeup is 52 percent male and 48 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 89 percent, according to the US News website. In addition, the school’s data, district’s data, AP® participation rate, and test scores calculated on student performance were also listed.

Visit the following website to see the full list of Diamond Bar High’s results: http://www.usnews.com/…/walnut-valley…/diamond-bar-high-3634.

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.

Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.

By K.P. Sander

Walnut – If you are looking for a local automotive repair center that performs quality work at reasonable prices – and delivers it all with excellent service – look no further than Peterson Auto Repair Center.

Peterson now houses a full mechanic shop to serve all your automotive needs.  They not only specialize in lube and oil changes, but also repair and maintain radiators, alternators, starters, brakes, clutches, shocks and struts, axles,  air conditioning, belts and hoses, and much, much more.

In business for over 15 years, owner Eric Peterson says, “For me, it’s all about providing quality automotive repair for the neighborhood.  I grew up in La Puente and Walnut, and we have so many good customers in this area.  We really appreciate the business and word of mouth referrals.”

Carhelp.com customers agree constantly giving Peterson high marks for quality workmanship and fair pricing.

Look for Peterson to add quality auto-body services to the business in the future.

Peterson Auto Repair is located in the Big Valley Industrial Park, at 3980-A Valley Boulevard in Walnut.  They are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (909) 598-3881.  Mention their ad and get an oil change for just $21.99 (plus tax and fees).

Mt. SAC Students Win 14 Medals at HOSA State Competition

Health career students advance to national competition in June
By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College health career students won a total of 14 medals, including seven gold medals and seven silver medals, at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) state leadership conference held April 6–10 in Anaheim. More than 2,500 students competed at the state competition.

Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Sierra Gomez (San Bernardino), Keili Hiniker (Walnut), and La Tonya McDaniel (Perris) won gold medals in the creative problem solving competition. Eduardo Guzman (Baldwin Park) Maria Jauregui (Covina), and Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park) won gold medals in the biomedical debate competition.

Remington Cole (Pomona), Sue Mass (Chino Hills), Sandra Medina (La Puente), and Felicia Ngo (Alhambra) took silver medals in creative problem solving. Rebecca Cruz (Rancho Cucamonga), Kirk Loualhati (Covina), and Joe Sanchez (Covina) won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.

All 14 Mt. SAC students will advance to the national HOSA competition to be held June 22–25 in Nashville, Tenn.

HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.