Jogger Hit by Car and Killed

Photo By NBC Los Angeles

Photo By NBC Los Angeles

Staff Reports

WALNUT -Just before 6 a.m. on Monday, February 15, Walnut Sheriff’s deputies got a 911 call informing them of a car that had hit a brick wall outside of a home in the 20200 block of Barnard Avenue.

The vehicle, a 1989 Toyota Camry, was being driven by Haissam Massalkhy, 36, a resident of West Covina.  Mr. Massalkhy was driving eastbound on La Puente Road when he struck a male jogger, identified as 59-year-old Chi Shao, of Walnut.  Mr. Shao was jogging eastbound in the bike lane when the vehicle hit him from behind and carried him several yards on the hood of the car before colliding with the brick wall of the Barnard Avenue residence.

Homeowner Jim Li said he and his family were asleep when he heard the crash.  “It was shock. The driver was standing there. I asked him: ‘Are you okay?’ And he said: ‘Someone dead. Call 911.’”

Mr. Shao was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Massalkhy, who did not appear to be injured, has been booked at the Walnut Sheriff’s Station on murder charges.  Sheriff Lieutenant David Buckner said the incident appeared to have been intentional.  Massalkhy is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail.

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

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

peterson-auto-repair-center-walnut

Peterson Auto Repair Center is located at 3900-B Valley Boulevard, in the Big Valley Industrial Park. 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.  See their ad in the Weekly News for a great coupon.

Paul the Church Planter

Pastor Ed Moreno

Pastor Ed Moreno

By Pastor Ed Moreno

The Apostle Paul is known for many things.  He was used by God to write most of the New Testament, he was a bold witness, and he was a martyr.  But do you know what else he was? Paul was a church planter.

Church planters are a special breed.  Not everyone is called by God to be a church planter, and not everyone has been wired by God to plant a church.

Typically, church planters go to new, emerging communities that don’t have any churches. Or, they go to areas that need more churches.  But any way you slice it, church planting is enormously difficult work.  In no way is church planting ever to be thought of as an ‘easy path.’   Quite the contrary- it is one of most difficult paths a person can travel in ministry.

In most cases church planters have to raise support from friends, family members, their home church and the like.  They have to recruit people with a pioneering spirit to join in the venture.  They have to go where they don’t really know anyone.  They have to have a spouse that is supportive of the call God has placed upon their life.  And they have to establish a congregation from scratch.  They and their team have to set up and tear down their “church in a trailer” for years, because years is how long it takes to get to a point where the new congregation can secure land and then build a church facility.

Why do men and their families put themselves through all the years of struggle that are inherent in planting a new church?  They do it because they love God and people, and because they want to make sure that the residents of the new emerging communities they go to have a ministry that will share the saving message and love of Jesus with them.

Eastvale residents, you are blessed to have among you nine church planters that have come to you specifically to plant churches for you and your families.   I encourage you to treat them with love and respect.  Additionally, I encourage you to connect with one of the churches they are planting and help them in this great effort.   They have sacrificed much and deserve your support.  They are heroes of the faith and should be recognized as such.

New Day Christian Church meets Sundays at 9:30 and 11 a.m.  They are located at 7155 Hamner Avenue, at Schleisman Road, next to the Fire Station.  For more information, call (951) 278-8367, or visithttp://www.newdaycc.net.

Woman Arrested for Abandoning Baby in WC Sandwich Shop

Photo Courtesy of the West Covina Police Department. Mary Grace Trinidad’s mug shot from a drug arrest in January 2016

Photo Courtesy of the West Covina Police Department. Mary Grace Trinidad’s mug shot from a drug arrest in January 2016

Staff Reports

West Covina – On Feb. 16 at 8:34 a.m., a woman was arrested for abandoning her baby in a West Covina Subway sandwich shop’s bathroom after giving birth.

The West Covina Police Department stated that a 9-1-1 call was received on Feb. 16 regarding a baby who was found in the restroom of the Subway Restaurant located at 2540 S. Azusa Avenue. “The caller also stated that a woman who had just exited that restroom was seen bleeding as she headed toward the front doors,” according West Covina Police Department Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez.

“Employees from the restaurant heard a baby crying as they entered the restroom. An umbilical cord was seen hanging out from the toilet and the newborn baby boy was found partially submerged in the toilet water,” said Lopez.

The baby was treated and transported to the Neonatal Unit of Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina and is currently in stable condition.

West Covina Police Officers said they were able to find a blood trail that led them to the suspect in an alleyway behind the Pep Boys Auto located at 1540 E. Amar Road. Mary Grace Trinidad, 38, of West Covina was arrested immediately.

“Due to the suspect’s medical state, she was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Following her release, she will be booked for Attempted Murder and Child Abandonment. Bail will be set at $2 million dollars. The suspect also had a $30,000.00 narcotics related warrant outstanding for her arrest,” said Lopez.

The recording of the 9-1-1 call and a Subway security surveillance video has also been released.

After this incident, Supervisor Don Knabe issued a release reminding the community that the Safe Surrender program gives the opportunity for mothers to legally leave their baby with an employee at any hospital or fire station at any time, no questions asked. This provides a “safe, secure and anonymous way to get her child into safe hands–at any fire station or hospital, any time, in any county in California–and to protect a baby from abandonment: No shame, No blame, and No names,” said Knabe.

“Though 142 lives have been saved by the Safe Surrender program, this near-tragedy shows we still have a lot more work to do to spread the word,” said Knabe.

 

City of Eastvale Public Safety Commission Meeting

By Nicole Leiva

 

The Eastvale Public Safety Commission Meeting, held on Jan. 26, started with the appointments of a Chair and Vice-Chair to serve through December 2016, Chris Hook and Anwar Khan were appointed.

The meeting proceeded with the Eastvale Police Department giving an overview of their work reaching out to the homeless during the harsh rains, helping to get many people sheltered. The Police Department representative gave a quarterly report on traffic and reported that the Motor Officer program has been successful in reducing traffic accidents. It was also reported that during the holiday season, they gave out 83 citations and arrested six in the Gateway Shopping Center. During the holidays, many people have packages delivered to their homes and this led to burglaries.  On Dec. 8, a police officer patrolling Schleisman Road saw a vehicle with numerous packages.  The officer stopped the driver and discovered the packages were stolen.

Police Lieutenant Scott Forbes gave a presentation on the Electronic Citation Proposal that would make it more efficient to issue a citation. This would allow officers more time to be in the field. The violator will receive court notification a few days after violation and this enforcement will lead to fewer collisions.

The Riverside County Fire Department then presented some statistics regarding the past year.  In 2015, RCFD had an average response time of six minutes for Priority 1 calls, which was a minute shorter than 2014. The Department also had an average of 220 calls per month and 70 false alarms for the 2015 year. Currently, the average response time is under five minutes, but it is anticipated to increase with El Niño. A second fire station is being built in Eastvale and firemen are preparing for El Niño by gathering sandbags and using new smaller, and more equipped emergency trucks. Lastly, the fire and police departments are joining forces to be more efficient in serving the community. The firemen will be participating in training in how to use body armor to enter homes/buildings to rescue victims.

During the City Staff Report, staff presented their findings on how to improve the Mass Communication Emergency Alert System. Considering the warnings about the upcoming El Niño, staff is proposing to enhance the city’s ability to alert its residents of public safety emergencies through text messages and alerts on the City’s webpage. They presented the Commission with a potential company to contract with, Black Board Connect, which can provide services that enhance mass communication. In addition, it would allow them to send non-emergency messages and important community information. This system would be more effective for most residents in Eastvale, which currently has 16,000 households and 30,000 phone numbers. The Commission voted to bring this to the City Council meeting.

The next Public Safety Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23.

Anxiety and Our Youth

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops, M.A.M.F.T.

I have been a psychotherapist for fifteen years, and I have worked with people of all ages and with various issues.  I’m constantly amazed when I have a child or teen brought to me for anxiety issues. We seem to have created a generation that feels very inadequate and struggles with growing up and being successful.  The issues this generation worries about are things my generation didn’t have to deal with.

Our colleges are impacted and hard to get into.  Now kindergarteners have homework and are expected to read and know many more things than we needed to.  Video games and television are replacing playing outdoors in the fresh air and getting much needed exercise.  Outdoor playing is such a great way to reduce or eliminate stress.  Social media unfortunately has made this generation very lazy and childhood obesity and diabetes are on the rise.

As parents and community leaders, we have a social responsibility to help this generation find a healthy balance in their lives in every area.  We need to support and encourage our youth.  We need to provide the necessary tools to help them strive to become their best.  We need to have faith in our youth, as many of them are diamonds in the rough.  We need to give them guidance and the tools to help them shine and reach their full potential.

We need to teach teenagers that problems can be worked through and that drinking and drugs are not a solution.  We need to teach them how to meditate, not medicate, to quiet their busy minds.  We need to teach them how to relax by finding balance, getting organized, prioritizing activities, utilizing time management, and how to communicate what’s working and not working in their lives.  Please don’t assume they are all pot smoking, video game playing, lazy worthless human beings.  They are just scared and need some help finding their way!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909) 229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. 

Teacher Arrested for Sexual Misconduct

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Courtesy of the City of Chino

Chino – An investigation of alleged sexual misconduct between a Don Lugo High School teacher and student resulted in an arrest, Friday, February 12, 2016.

At approximately 9:19 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, February 11, 2016, Chino Police Officers took a report of sexual misconduct that had occurred at the high school campus. The reported incidents involved the victim, a minor female student, and the suspect, a Don Lugo teacher, identified as Mike Gutierrez, age 37 of Corona.

As a result of the investigation Chino Detectives arrested Gutierrez and he was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for lewd acts with a minor.  The Chino Valley Unified School District is handling a separate personnel investigation.

Please contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 909-334-3093 if you have any information related to this incident.

$50K in Scholarships Available for Class of 2016

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Tim Adams, of School Portraits by Adams Photography, provided the Board of Education with the largest check to date of proceeds from the “Hit the Greens for Scholarships” Golf Tournament held every November. Adams has been hosting the tournament for the district for six years. This year’s check in the amount of $31,329.29, added to funds available from previous years, enables the district to distribute $50,000 to students, the largest amount since the tournament began. To date, more than $145,000 has been given to 116 seniors.

“The opportunity to assist students as they choose to continue their education is something that we consider a privilege,” said Tim Adams of School Portraits.

The scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors at each of the following schools: Ayala, Buena Vista, Chino, Chino Hills, and Don Lugo. The application period has begun and will continue through Feb. 29.
Seniors at each of those schools may apply for one of the following:
• Spirit of Chino Valley Unified
Awarded to a student who has volunteered at school or in the community, has embodied school spirit by serving in a student leadership role, has participated in school activities that promote good citizenship, and has an outstanding attendance record.

• President’s Award
Awarded to a student in need of financial assistance to continue their education.

• Superintendent’s Award
Awarded to a student who has embraced academic rigor and excelled by earning an overall grade point average of 3.8 or higher.
The application is available on the District website (www.chino.k12.ca.us) with a cover letter and checklist for submission.

Day to Day Operations at City Hall

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

By Michele Nissen, City Manager

If you have ever been to City Hall, you will see that it is bustling with activity. It is my goal to provide everyone who comes in contact with City Hall the best possible customer service.   One of the many reasons Eastvale became a city was to provide better, more efficient services to the community and to have input on land use decisions.

Over the next several months, I would like to introduce you to each department in the City and describe their key roles and responsibilities.  The City’s organizational structure includes:

  • City Council: elected by the residents to set policy for the City;
  • City Attorney: appointed by the City Council to provide legal counsel to City Hall operations;
  • City Manager: appointed by the City Council and responsible for implementing the policy of the City Council and running the day to day operations of the City;
  • Office of the City Manager: responsible for communications, public relations, education/outreach, management analyst functions, economic development, personnel/staffing, human resources, and emergency management;
  • Office of the City Clerk: provides support to City Council, responsible for agendas, minutes, public records requests and records management;
  • Code Enforcement: enforces all private property maintenance issues relative to the Municipal Code to ensure that the City is well-maintained and in compliance with the City’s Municipal Code;
  • Planning/Community Development: responsible for implementation of the General Plan, processing of land use applications and ensuring development is compatible and consistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code;
  • Finance Department: responsible for managing and reporting all financial transactions of the City;
  • Public Works: responsible for maintenance of all infrastructure in the public right of way, City’s capital improvement program, and building permitting/safety;
  • Eastvale Police Department (contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department): responsible for public safety;
  • Fire Department (contract with CALFIRE): responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical response and fire protection.

The City has a current population of 60,633 (source: CA Department of Finance).  As you can see from the list above, it is City staff who provide these services and they are critical to the success of the organization.  The City has been extremely prudent and conservative in how it provides the services listed above.  The City currently has eight (8) full-time employees and three (3) part-time employees.  The rest of the staffing needs at City Hall are fulfilled by contract employees through private consulting firms.  Hiring these consulting firms during this time in the City’s history allows us the flexibility to staff the peaks and the valleys according to the workload at City Hall.

There is no staff member within the City organization who does not wear many hats.  When the staff is small, each employee must perform multiple duties in order to get the job done.  I am extremely proud of the staff that we have assembled at City Hall to serve this community.  I am confident that they will continue to provide outstanding service in 2016.

Should you have any questions or comments, City Hall can be reached at (951) 361-0900. City Hall office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm; and we are closed every Friday.  City Hall encourages all residents and visitors to register for e-notification on the City’s website: www.EastvaleCA.gov.   This is a free email notification service that allows subscribers to receive emails from City Hall regarding the latest news, announcements, events, meeting agendas, job posting, RFPs and more.  Subscribers simply register their email address and choose which type of updates they would like to receive from City Hall.  Get connected in 2016 with the City of Eastvale on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

New Teen Volunteer Program

Courtesy of the City of Chino

CHINO– The City of Chino is seeking teens interested in volunteer service.  The Teen Opportunity Program (TOP) is a new volunteer program geared toward teens in the 7th-12th grades.

The TOP program requires teens to attend monthly meetings where they are trained in customer service, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, teamwork and leadership.  Through the training, the youth are equipped with life skills that help them succeed with volunteer assignments in city programs or special events.

“The Teen Opportunity Program is a great way for teens to earn volunteer hours required for graduation,” says Noemi Luna, Community Services Coordinator in charge of the program.  “They also gain valuable leadership skills and experience for future employment opportunities,” she added.

The first two meetings were well attended.  Youth learned about the enrollment process and the requirements of volunteering through TOP.  They were also introduced to the types of assignments available and upcoming events.

To get more information or to enroll in the program, youth can call the Neighborhood Activity Center at 909-334-3260.  The upcoming meeting dates are March 17, April 14, May 12 and June 9, 2016.

Former ERHS Students Sign with NFL

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD ERHS Alumni celebrate their NFL signing (L-R: Superintendent Michael Lin, Austin Hill, Tyler Slavin, Josh Mitchell, and ERHS Principal Jeremy Goins.)

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD
ERHS Alumni celebrate their NFL signing (L-R: Superintendent Michael Lin, Austin Hill, Tyler Slavin, Josh Mitchell, and ERHS Principal Jeremy Goins.)

Courtesy of CNUSD

EASTVALE– Gleaming smiles and new NFL hats were proudly worn by three former Eleanor Roosevelt High School students from the class of 2010, all of whom have signed with teams in the NFL. Austin Hill signed with the Seattle Seahawks, Josh Mitchell with the Indianapolis Colts and Tyler Slavin with the St. Louis Rams.  This marks a significant moment for Roosevelt High School, its football program and the entire CNUSD community. Josh, Austin and Tyler are Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s first athletes to play in the NFL.

During the students’ football career at ERHS, all three players made First Team All-League.  Austin Hill was awarded Riverside County Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

The three Roosevelt Alumni were the first graduating class to attend Roosevelt all four years. “When Austin, Josh and Tyler joined the football team, Roosevelt HS football stadium was still under construction, causing them to practice at Harada Park and go to Auburndale Intermediate for weightlifting”, recalls Coach Stacy.

“I am honored to have coached them and it is an honor that they have turned out to be such great young men,” said former ERHS Football coach, Coach Stacy.

A Box of Cookies

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper
We are always thankful when new people visit our church.  We usually have a variety of guests and visitors of all ages.
Many have come because they have driven by our church on Diamond Bar Blvd. on their way to work or school.  Many other new visitors come because a friend or family member has invited them.  We make a special effort to meet these new guests when they come.  We try to introduce them to other people at our church, especially people who are around the same age or at the same life stage.
Twice a month, we go out into the community and visit the people who have visited us.  We call this program “Home Visits.”  We typically go out two evenings a month.  We bring information with us about our church.  And we always bring a box of cookies.
Some people might think this is old-fashioned, but we have found it to be an effective way to get to know new guests and thank them for coming to our church.  There are some occasions when people are reluctant to open their door when we knock, but most of the time, people seem very appreciative that we would take the time to come to their home.
I think the main reason they are willing to welcome us into their home is because we bring cookies!  Sometimes we bring Snickerdoodles, and sometimes we bring cookies with sprinkles, but I think everyone’s favorite cookies are chocolate chip- at least they are my favorite!
This simple effort has helped us to get to know many people in our community.  We enjoy telling these guests about our church and we enjoy getting to know them.  I wonder how well you know your neighbors?  Do you know their names?  Do you know their children by name?
Many people in our community do not know who their neighbors are.  We have become isolated and indifferent.  We have lost the art of being a good neighbor.
Maybe it is time for you to buy some cookies or bake some cookies and go knock on your neighbor’s door.  Maybe it is time for you to take the initiative and get out and get to know the people who live on your street or in the condo next door.  Get up and get out and get to know some of your neighbors.  You will be glad you did and they will too.  And don’t forget the cookies!
PS:  Let us know if you would like us to bring you a box of cookies.
We would be glad to!
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org

 

Congressional Art Contest

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

EASTVALE– Congressman Ken Calvert is inviting high school students throughout the 42nd Congressional District to participate in the 34th Annual Congressional Art Competition.

“I am always amazed and inspired by the artistic skills of our students,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Congressional Art Competition is a fantastic way to showcase the talents of young Americans from around the country.”

This year marks the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. Each year, Members of Congress hold contests within their districts to choose winning pieces of art by high school students. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, DC for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Only high school students residing in the 42nd Congressional District may enter. All artwork must be original and two-dimensional, and can be no larger than 28” high x 28” wide x 4” deep when framed.  Acceptable categories include: Paintings, Drawings, Collage, Prints, Mixed Media, Computer generated art, and Photography.  The deadline for submission is Thursday, March 27, 2016.

For more information, please contact Jackie Lansing at (951) 277-0042.

February 2016 SGV News

2016-02-SGVNews-COVERSGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: February 2016 SGV Newspaper

12 Suspects with Outstanding DUI Warrants Caught

Courtesy of the Eastvale P.D.

EASTVALE– Some think if they just don’t show up for a court hearing, the police won’t have the manpower to come find them. If your violation is a DUI, don’t count on it. Eastvale Police Department Officers, with dozens of outstanding arrest warrants, fanned out into neighborhoods in search of high-risk DUI offenders on Jan. 23.  Officers served warrants and arrested 12 offenders who either failed to show up for a court date or violated the terms of their probation in an outstanding DUI case.

“The best bet for anyone with a missed DUI court date is to go to court on their own now,” said Sergeant Bill Davis “If you don’t, that warrant isn’t going away. We’re going to come find you and take you to jail.”

Those caught often face additional jail time for failing to appear in court, or for violating probation. When family, friends, and co-workers find out, violators can also face personal embarrassment as they are lead away in handcuffs.  Sitting in jail and missing work is another problem offenders can face.

Special DUI Warrant Service Operations, along with regularly scheduled ‘High Visibility’ DUI enforcement, has a deterrent effect on those who disregard driving safety and abuse alcohol and drugs. Eastvale P.D. places a high priority on lowering deaths and injuries by removing impaired drivers and heightening awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 2.20.16

2016-Feb20-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format:2016-Feb20-Weekly-WEB

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

The February 2 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a crime report from Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Scroggin. According to Scroggin, the vast majority of Diamond Bar crimes are theft and burglary, which can be prevented through simple acts such as locking doors on cars and homes and investing in home security systems.

During the public comments, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events coming up, including a Chinese New Year celebration, an etiquette workshop for teens on February 6 from 2-3 p.m., and a Landlord/Tenant informational workshop on February 18 from 6-7 p.m. Another resident announced an Evening of Colors on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Diamond Palace.

The schedule of future events was read, which includes the Planning Commission meeting on February 9 at 7 p.m.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on February 11 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on February 16 at 6:30 p.m. City offices will be closed on February 15 in observance of Presidents Day.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including minutes from the City Council meeting of Jan 19; the Traffic and Transportation Commission minutes from the meetings of September 10, October 8, and November 12; Planning Commission minutes from the meeting of January 12; ratification of a check register totaling $1,452,378.07; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of December 2015; an ordinance amending penalties and civil remedies for offenses pertaining to animal regulations; notice of completion for the Ronald Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation projects; a resolution approving CalRecycle grants to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery; and a contract amendment with Tait Group for professional consulting/advocacy services.

Following Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 16 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr in Diamond Bar.

Forgive

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Psalm 86:5 “…For You, Lord, are good, and ready to forgive, and abundant in mercy to all those who call upon You.”

A man was having a discussion with a friend about his relationship with his wife.  The man said “Every time we have an argument she gets historical.” The friend corrected him and said, “Do you mean hysterical?” “No, I mean historical.  When we argue, she brings up stuff from the past and holds it against me!”

The devil would love to have you to hold grudges, because a grudge can move to bitterness.  If there isn’t forgiveness, what the Bible calls “a root of bitterness” will take place. (Hebrews 12:15)  The devil aims to divide marriages, families, and friends through un-forgiveness.  Un-forgiveness can kill any relationship.  Because we live in an imperfect world, we are bound to mess up sometime.

Has someone wronged you or betrayed you?   You may not be able to fix everything, but one thing you do have the power to do, it is to forgive.  Joseph was betrayed by his brothers and sold into slavery.   At the end of Joseph’s story, he forgives his brothers.  He had complete trust in God and what He can do through forgiveness.   Joseph brought his two sons, Manasseh and Ephraim, to Jacob for his blessing. Jacob asked “who are these boys?”  Joseph said “These are my sons.  God has given them to me in Egypt.”   “Manasseh” means “forgetful” and “Ephraim” means “successful.”   (Genesis 48)  Joseph knew the power and success of forgiveness.   He simply forgave and forgot.   God has essentially done the same with us! (Psalm 103:12)

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30am, and Wednesdays, 7:00pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale).  Visit their website at www.calvaryeastvale.org.

 

February is National Heart Month

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Staff Reports

Every 43 seconds, someone in the United States has a heart attack.  According to the American Heart Association, heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. Every year, 1 in 4 deaths are caused by heart disease.

The CDC says that Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the most common type of heart disease in the United States. For some people, the first sign of CAD is a heart attack. You and your health care team may be able to help you reduce your risk for CAD.

CAD is caused by plaque buildup in the walls of the arteries that supply blood to the heart (called coronary arteries) and other parts of the body. Plaque is made up of deposits of cholesterol and other substances in the artery. Plaque buildup causes the inside of the arteries to narrow over time, which could partially or totally block the blood flow. This process is called atherosclerosis.

Too much plaque buildup and narrowed artery walls can make it harder for blood to flow through your body. When your heart muscle doesn’t get enough blood, you may have chest pain or discomfort, called angina. Angina is the most common symptom of CAD.

Over time, CAD can weaken the heart muscle. This may lead to heart failure, a serious condition where the heart can’t pump blood the way that it should. An irregular heartbeat, or arrhythmia, also can develop

A heart attack, also called a myocardial infarction, occurs when a part of the heart muscle doesn’t receive enough blood flow. The more time that passes without treatment to restore blood flow, the greater the damage to the heart muscle.

Every year, about 735,000 Americans have a heart attack. Of these cases:

  • 525,000 are a first heart attack.
  • 210,000 happen to people who have already had a first heart attack.

The five major symptoms of a heart attack are:

  • Pain or discomfort in the jaw, neck, or back.
  • Feeling weak, light-headed, or faint.
  • Chest pain or discomfort.
  • Pain or discomfort in arms or shoulder.
  • Shortness of breath.

Other symptoms of a heart attack could include unusual or unexplained tiredness and nausea or vomiting. Women are more likely to have these other symptoms.

One of 5 heart attacks is silent—the damage is done, but the person is not aware of it.

Coronary artery disease (CAD) is the main cause of heart attacks. A less common cause is a severe spasm, or sudden contraction, of a coronary artery that can stop blood flow to the heart muscle. If you know the signs and symptoms of a heart attack and recognize that you or someone near you is having a heart attack, seek immediate treatment by calling 9-1-1. The longer you wait, the more damage to the heart muscle can occur.

In spite of all of this, the American Heart Association says there is good news.  Heart disease can often be prevented when people make healthy choices and manage their health conditions.

You can make healthy changes to lower your risk of developing heart disease. Controlling and preventing risk factors is also important for people who already have heart disease. To lower your risk:

  • Watch your weight. Make your calories count by eating a heart-healthy diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables and low in sodium and trans fat.
  • Quit smoking and stay away from secondhand smoke.
  • Control your cholesterol and blood pressure.
  • If you drink alcohol, drink only in moderation.
  • Get active and eat healthy
  • Know your ABCS:
  • Ask your doctor if you should take an Aspirin every day.
  • Find out if you have high Blood pressure or Cholesterol, and if you do, get effective treatment.
  • If you Smoke, get help to quit.

Take control of your heart health by following your doctor’s prescription instructions.

36 Students Compete in District Spelling Bee

Photo courtesy: CNUSD Aisha Randhawa of Garretson Elementary spells out her winning word to claim the District’s Spelling Bee title.

Photo courtesy: CNUSD
Aisha Randhawa of Garretson Elementary spells out her winning word to claim the District’s Spelling Bee title.

Courtesy of CNUSD

Corona – The Annual District Spelling Bee brought together the best spellers grades 4-8 to compete at Santiago High School for the District Spelling Bee title. 36 schools, elementary and intermediate, were represented.

Contestants held strong for the first few rounds, but by Round 5, the field whittled down to 18. The dictionary opened up into words with foreign words and the field dropped down to 11 by Round 6.

By Round 9, the spelling bee came down to two students, Max Chen from Citrus Hill Intermediate and Aisha Randhawa from Garretson Elementary.

Aisha defended her title by correctly spelling “effluent”, earning the right to represent the district in the Riverside County Spelling Bee Feb. 23 in Moreno Valley.