During The Gift-Giving Season
By Brittany Thomas
Online shopping has made life easier for consumers – and is especially handy during the holidays. But it’s also created more opportunities for “porch pirates,” the thieves who prey on those parcels left on our doorsteps.
Many porch pirates are low tech, simply cruising neighborhoods where they know deliveries are taking place and grabbing the unattended packages.
But porch pirates who also happen to be cyber criminals can use your own technology against you, says Gary Miliefsky, CEO of SnoopWall (www.snoopwall.com), a company that specializes in cyber security.
“A more sophisticated porch pirate might send you an SMS message or email with malware,” Miliefsky says.
“That would let them gain access to your computer or smartphone, and they could install a RAT (Remote Access Trojan). Then they can eavesdrop on your orders and deliveries.”
They also might be able to locate you through the geolocating feature on your phone, he says. That would tell them when you are away from home, the final link in their well-laid plan.
“If they know you aren’t home and that a package is scheduled for delivery, it’s going to be easy for them to steal it,” Miliefsky says.
Miliefsky offers these tips for outwitting porch pirates and keeping those packages safe:
• Get permission to ship all your packages to work. That way they aren’t left unguarded at your doorstep for hours where anyone walking by could snatch them. If this arrangement works out, be sure to tell all your friends and family also to ship packages to your work address.
• Ask a friend or neighbor to receive your packages for you. You might not be home on work days, but plenty of people are. Trusted friends who are retired or who work at home might be happy to let you have packages delivered to them for safe keeping.
• If a neighbor can’t receive your packages and you can’t get them at work, another option is available. Miliefsky suggests trying Doorman, a service that lets you arrange for a package to be held at a warehouse until you arrive home. Then you can arrange delivery for evening hours that better suit you. More on Doorman is available at www.doorman.com.
• Disable geolocation on your smartphone so that porch pirates – or other hackers for that matter – can’t track your location. No need to make it easier on them.
• Set up a live recording video camera aimed at your porch. That could allow you to spot a theft as it happens and alert law enforcement, or at least provide you with video later that might help identify the porch pirates.
“Porch pirates count on you being lax with your defenses,” Miliefsky says. “But with a little preparation, you can thwart their plans and leave them empty handed.”
Riverside County: Fraud Alert!
Don’t be scammed by fake IRS, Jury Duty, Courts, Overdue Bills, or Utility or Service Providers
Courtesy of Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
RIVERSIDE COUNTY-The holidays are approaching and Riverside County Sheriff’s Department would like to remind the public of phone/fraud scams. Please be vigilant and always question unsolicited telephone calls from deceptive businesses, banking institutions, foreign countries, or government agencies where monetary promises or threats are implied or made directly.
Numerous fraud schemes involving mortgage assistance, outstanding tax collection, foreign government assistance, and even to companies promising to return money lost are impacting citizens throughout the county. These scammers almost always request money to be paid up front for illegitimate services, or the threat of arrest, eviction or property seizure is made.
A notable and common scheme involves the caller who claims to be a member of law enforcement, or an employee of the the court system. The victim is told he or she has a warrant for failing to appear for jury duty. The caller demands payment for the warrant via credit card information, or a Green Dot card. The suspect typically remains on the phone with the victim while he or she travels to the store to obtain the Green Dot card. The suspect further instructs the victim not to tell anyone who they are talking with. After obtaining the serial numbers to the Green Dot cards, the money deposited to the card is immediately removed by the suspect.
No Riverside County Court or Sheriff’s Department employee will ever contact the public and ask for financial information or payment in lieu of attending court proceedings, or to make up for failure to appear for jury duty.
For more information regarding other scams visit: http://www.riversidesheriff.org/crime/fraud.asp
Supervisor Seeks Applicants for Workforce Development Board
Courtesy: Twitter
Supervisor Curt Hagman
Staff Reports
SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – Supervisor Curt Hagman knows that a strong workforce is vital for the county’s recovery. And Hagman along with the county’s four other supervisors are seeking applicants for the first-ever San Bernardino County Workforce Development Board (WDB).
The WDB identifies growing employment centers and trains local residents to fill new jobs and assists business in avoiding employee layoffs through improving their businesses’ productivity, showing them how to reduce costs and operate more efficiently, according to county officials.
Hagman, who represents Chino and Chino Hills, said, “Open government has always been a priority of mine. All qualified residents of the Fourth District deserve fair consideration for all my appointments and I look forward to receiving your application.”
The WDB was established after the federal Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) was signed into law in 2014.
On August 25, 2015, the County Board of Supervisors authorized the Workforce Development Department (WDD) to implement a recruitment and application process. Each County Supervisor appoints two business members to sit on the 19 member Board.
Additionally, Hagman is requiring the selected appointee’s business or organization be barred from receiving any WDB services to prevent potential conflicts of interest.
By law, business members of the WDB must provide employment opportunities for members of the public and must participate in one or more local business organizations or trade associations. The deadline to apply is Nov. 30. Interested applicants can apply online at http://www.sbcounty.gov/COB/Main/NewBCCApp.aspx.
Straight Talk With Danice
Danice Akiyoshi
By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.
A Letter from Blake
My wife is a terrible back seat driver. She complains about my driving every time she’s in my car. She says things like, “everyone is stopped ahead, and maybe you should take your foot off the gas.” “You’re getting too close to that truck.” “Why are you being so aggressive, let that guy get in front of you.” “Please don’t take that phone call, traffic is busy; you need to pay attention to the road.” And the list goes on and on. I’m driving out in traffic all day. I’ve had very few tickets or accidents in my life. I am not a bad driver. My wife only has a 15 minute commute. I hate to criticize her, but she is not an expert driver and I’m tired of her comments. How can I get her off my back? Thank you.
Dear Blake,
It doesn’t seem as if your wife is actually insinuating that you are a bad driver. It sounds a lot more to me like she struggles with anxiety. Do you notice this in any other areas of her life? I think when it comes to your driving she’s not doing a very good job of communicating and you’re taking it as a personal insult. If she were a better communicator, she might say, “I’m feeling a little nervous, would you mind slowing down…please don’t drive next to big trucks or talk on the phone in busy traffic, it makes me terribly uneasy.” If she were to own this as ‘her’ problem instead of making you feel inadequate, would you drive more cautiously or perhaps be a little more passive on the road to cater to her comfort zone? Experience with my patients tells me that it might be doubtful, because you’re hearing this as a personal attack when she is basically trying to communicate her fear to you. I hear this complaint in my practice all the time. My ‘simple’ advice is to let her drive or invite her to do whatever it is that will help her to relax before she gets into your car. Or you could be more considerate of her road anxiety. The best answer by far would be for her to address the underlying reasons for her excessive anxiety. I hope she makes that choice. Good Luck to both of you.
Danice
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.
Tamale Time at The Whole Enchilada
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – If you’re looking for a break from the kitchen this holiday season, hurry over to The Whole Enchilada for a flavorful fiesta! Visit The Whole Enchilada for a rich, delicious, invigorating Mexican breakfast perfect for any occasion.
With the holidays here, it’s tamale time! Let The Whole Enchilada help cater your holiday fiestas with delicious handmade tamales, which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese. Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.
The Whole Enchilada also offers breakfast so you can wake up to some delicious huevos rancheros, chorizo or tasty tamales with a nice cup of Joe. They are now open on Saturday and Sunday at 7:30 a.m.
Bring the entire family to The Whole Enchilada, where you can get a taste of authenticity and enjoy a wonderful experience. The Whole Enchilada offers two mouth-watering menus featuring an array classic American dishes and traditional Mexican cuisine. “All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada.
The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, and offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland. There is a reason it is a favorite with locals. The Whole Enchilada offers a variety of delicious Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas – and don’t forget their Mexican Kaluha Flan or Rio Grande Mud Pie after your meal!
Whether it’s an anniversary, a business meeting or catered Grand Opening, a fundraiser or birthday party, or even just a wonderful excuse not to cook, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food. They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.
Get The Whole Enchilada gift cards as stocking stuffers or secret Santa gift ideas. The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online. And be sure to ask about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and Kids Club.
Whether you live near or far, come be a local at The Whole Enchilada. Your taste buds will thank you! The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). They are open Mon. – Thurs., 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fri., 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Sat., 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.; and Sun., 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com.
Brahma Athletes Sign National Letters Of Intent
Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar High golfer Josephine Chang committed to University of Kentucky.
By Kelli Gile/WVUSD
DIAMOND BAR—Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) golfer Josephine Chang and swimmer Jenna Lloyd will be taking their skills to compete at the collegiate level after signing national letters of intent on Nov. 13.
Chang, 17, will attend University of Kentucky in the fall on a coveted full-ride scholarship.
Louisville coaches contacted the teen last summer and came to watch her play in an East Coast tournament.
That same week, she visited the college to meet the athletic department staff and check out the indoor facilities and university-owned golf course. It was love at first sight.
“It was everything I possibly needed to pursue golfing,” she said during the signing ceremony with school officials and families.
“The coaches genuinely want me and made me feel welcome. And it’s beautiful and green and the trees change colors,” she added.
Chang began playing golf for fun with her big sister and cousins at age 7. Chang has golfed all four years on the DBHS varsity team that has won three CIF Championships, one Runner-Up CIF, and two CIF State Runner-Up awards.
In fifth grade, she met two coaches who introduced her to the world of competitive golf. She soon began playing junior tournaments.
“They helped shape me into the golfer I am today,” she said.
In 2014, the team claimed the State Championship against reigning champion, Torrey Pines High School.
“It was an amazing feeling when we came in and realized that we finally achieved the goal we’d been chasing since freshman year,” said Chang, who advanced to the State Semi-Finals as an individual player this year.
Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar High senior Jenna Lloyd signed a college national letter of intent to attend San Jose State University. Pictured with Interim Principal Denis Paul, swim coach Darlys Ankeny Grade Level Coordinator Ginger Auten, and Athletic Director Kevin Ferguson.
Lloyd, 17, will attend San Jose State University on a full-ride scholarship.
“I was so happy when I got the offer,” she said. “I love the school!”
The sprinter’s favorite race is the 100-meter breaststroke and her best time is an impressive 1 minute, 3 seconds.
“I’ve been swimming ever since I was little, about 4 years old,” she said. “And it’s fun!”
Lloyd made a competitive national team in the eighth grade and has qualified for a national contest. She now competes at the junior national level, which is just two levels below the Olympic trials level. This is Lloyd’s fourth year on the school’s varsity swim team.
“I love the new pool,” she says about the aquatic center that was dedicated in December 2013.
“It’s a beautiful facility, compared to other schools,” she said. “Having home meets gives us a boost during competitions.” Prior to the opening, DBHS teams practiced and competed at Walnut High. Lloyd plans to study communication disorders to pursue a career as a speech therapist.
Free Holiday LED Light Exchange
By Jennifer Ward
EASTVALE–The Western Riverside Council of Governments (WRCOG), through its Western Riverside Energy Leader Partnership, will be hosting its second annual Holiday LED Light Exchange at Eastvale’s Holiday Tree Lighting Ceremony, Dec. 5, at the community center located at 13820 Schleisman Road from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m.
The 2015 Holiday LED Light Exchange events allows residents from anywhere in Western Riverside County and Southern California Edison (SCE) service territory to participate and exchange their old, inefficient, incandescent holiday lights for energy efficient LED equivalents, at no cost.
Only 100 exchanges will be available at each event, so join us early! Each participant can exchange up to two strands.
Participation is easy. You simply need to bring: 1) no more than two strands of functioning, incandescent lights, with 50 bulbs or more; 2) a copy of your SCE monthly bill (or proof of electronic payment); and 3) a license or picture identification matching the customer name on the SCE bill.
For additional information or questions, please contact Tyler Masters at (951) 955-8378 or masters@wrcog.cog.ca.us.
WRCOG is a joint powers authority, consisting of the County of Riverside, 17 cities, two regional water districts, the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, and the Morongo Band of Mission Indians. WRCOG’s program areas are varied and range from transportation to air quality, solid waste, environment, energy, economy, sustainability, and growth. For more information about WRCOG please visit www.wrcog.cog.ca.us.
Thoughts on Gratitude
Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist
Nancy Stoops, M.A., M. F.T.
I can’t believe Thanksgiving is here next week already. It is truly one of my favorite holidays. I love the gathering of my special family and friends. I think about having a whole lazy day with my favorite people and I get very happy. We are all usually so rushed but on Thanksgiving we take our time together and that is a gift.
Having time to share with my loved ones is something I’m very grateful for. Having loved ones to share the holiday with is also something that makes me feel grateful. We sit together in my big house, with much more food than we could ever really eat and again, all I feel is gratitude. I look around the table and everybody is really enjoying themselves and I think how grateful I am and how special my loved ones are. I love when people have a really good time at my house. It fills my heart with joy.
I have lost all of my siblings and my father but this year I will not mourn the losses, instead I will be grateful for their memory and for the people I have left, to help me celebrate. I know I’m a very blessed woman and this year on Thanksgiving and every other day, I will be grateful. I will sit at the table and look into the faces of the people I love. The room with be filled with wonderful smells and so much laughter our bellies will ache. My heart will sing with joy as I have the honor of celebrating all my gratitude, with all of my favorite people I wish you the most wonderful Thanksgiving. This year, really pay attention to how blessed you are and just take some time to be grateful for everything!
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 stoopsshecter@earthlink.net.
Diamond Bar Council Bids Farewell to Jack Tanaka
Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – A standing ovation at Diamond Bar City Hall last week (Nov. 17) was given to Councilman Jack Tanaka as he announced his retirement from 10 years of service to the community.
Tanaka stated that the city council, staff and residents have made his 10 years of service memorable and a great learning experience. His last day in office will be Dec. 1.
Tanaka, first elected in 2005, served twice as the city’s mayor and served on the City’s Planning Commission for more than three years. He said he wanted to spend more time with family, but will still remain active in the community who he considers family.
A retired U.S. Army Sergeant and former peace officer with the California Youth Authority and State Department of Corrections, Tanaka was first elected to the Diamond Bard city council in 2005.
A constant fixture in the community, Tanaka and his wife Wanda devoted much of their time to helping out in the community especially youth. From the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant and the local Humane Society to community birthday parties and city concerts, the Tanaka’s were always there to lend a helping hand.
The Tanakas believe community service makes each volunteer a better person, a caring person, a person living an enriched life.
The Tanakas moved to Diamond Bar in 1976 and have since remained actively involved in community matters. In 2012, the couple was honored with Lions Clubs International’s Lion of the Year Award, the organization’s highest honor and usually given to only one person in the world.
Diamond Bar resident Lorry Somers Hughes Meyer said it’s sad to see him go. “He was great asset to the city. He has surely accomplished his civic duty in spades!”
James Audley “When you are as involved as Mr. Tanaka is in his community you never retire,” resident James Audley said. “He and his wonderful wife Wanda embody the spirit of philanthropy and a service driven life. During my time working in Diamond Bar I cannot say I met anyone who was more kind and generous than the Tanakas. They are a model of what being a citizen is all about.”
Former Corona Teacher Arrested in Sex Crimes with Students
Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department
Anthony Joshua Perez
Staff Reports
CORONA – Former Lee V. Pollard High School teacher was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 17, on charges that he had a four-month sexual relationship with a minor student, officials said.
Anthony Joshua Perez, 28, of Corona was arrested by Corona police officers for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of child pornography.
Corona detectives determined that Perez engaged in a dating relationship with a minor student while teaching at Lee V. Pollard High School. Detectives determined that Perez and the minor had an ongoing inappropriate sexual relationship between December 2010 and April 2011.
In March 2015, Fontana Police Department notified the Corona Police Department regarding a child annoyance investigation involving Perez.
Fontana detectives discovered evidence that revealed Perez was engaging in inappropriate sexual acts with at least two minors in Corona, according to the Corona Police Department report.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to please call Senior Detective Gail Gottfried at 951-817-5873.
Traffic Safety Tips For Thanksgiving Weekend
Courtesy of the California Highway Patrol
Southern California- Nearly 42 million Americans will take a holiday road trip this Thanksgiving (AAA). Thanksgiving weekend, traditionally one of the busiest travel times in America, can also be one of the deadliest.
In 2014, over the Thanksgiving weekend, 45 people died in collisions on California roadways – a 36 percent increase from the same period in 2013. In addition, the CHP arrested almost 1,000 people for driving under the influence.
The California Highway Patrol will have all available officers on patrol during a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) to help avoid tragedies for California motorists. The MEP will begin Wednesday, November 25, at 6 p.m. and continue through Sunday, November 29, at 11:59 p.m.
Here are some tips to help you arrive safely to your destination:
Anything that diverts your eyes or attention from the roadway, even for 1-2 seconds, could result in tragedy. Stay off your phone!
The law is explicit: Driving with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of .08% or more is illegal, but even with a lower BAC a driver may be a hazard and taken to jail.
Prepare for potential inclement weather by leaving early, allowing plenty of time to get your destination. If you’re heading to mountain country or anywhere you may encounter snow, bring chains, a chain tightener tool, and warm waterproof clothing.
Other items which may prove useful: flares, flashlight and strong batteries, small shovel, windshield scraper, blankets, drinking water and snacks.
Check in advance for road conditions by calling: 1-800-427-7623 or go to http://quickmap.dot.ca.gov/
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) urges “Buckle Up America – Every Trip. Every Time.” Nationwide, more than half the drivers and passengers killed in crashes are not wearing seat belts. The NHTSA estimates that nationally, seat belts saved the lives of 12,854 passenger vehicle occupants in 2013.
“Having a safe Thanksgiving drive this year—and being here to enjoy next Thanksgiving—can be as simple as buckling up,” CHP Commissioner Joe Farrow said.
From the California Highway Patrol, Southern Division, we wish everyone a safe and Happy Thanksgiving.
Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Chino Hills
Staff Reports
Chino Hills –Terry Alan Read, 57, of Chino Hills was killed early Tuesday morning (Nov. 17) as he walked southbound on Valle Vista Drive, police officials said.
Chino Hills Police Department responded to the scene of the fatal traffic collision at Valle Vista Drive and Oakshire Lane in Chino Hills.
Chino Hills police investigators said, Veonna Gallimore, 41, of Chino Hills was driving east on Valle Vista Drive in a Chevrolet Trailblazer when she struck Read walking south on Valle Vista Drive just east of Oakshire Lane.
Read was walking in the traffic lane when he was struck by Gallimore. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallimore was transported to Chino Valley Hospital for complaint of pain and a precautionary evaluation. Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in the collision, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.
Anyone with information regarding this incident 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 We-Tip website at www.wetip.com
CVFD Offers Thanksgiving Cooking Tips
Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District
Chino Valley– The Chino Valley Fire District wants to help ensure that your Thanksgiving holiday is a safe and happy one. Below are some safety tips that will help you and your loved ones stay safe during the holiday.
Cooking Safety:
· Begin holiday cooking with a clean stove, oven and food preparation surfaces.
· Keep the kitchen area “off limits” to young children and adults that are not helping with food preparation to avoid accidents or mishaps.
· Have games or other activities for young children outside the kitchen area to keep them entertained.
· Avoid wearing clothing with loose or long fitting sleeves that might ignite if too close to a flame. Also avoid wearing dangling jewelry that might get caught on pot handles.
· Never leave boiling pots unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off all burners or have another adult watch what is being cooked.
· Have a fire extinguisher available no more than 10 feet from the stove or cooking area.
· Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.
· Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains— away from your stovetop.
Deep-Fryer Safety:
· If you are using a deep fryer to cook your turkey, make sure it is set up outdoors in an open area that is away from walls, wooden fences, hanging tree branches and any other structure or item that can catch fire.
· Never use a deep fryer on a wooden deck or inside a garage.
· Never let children or pets near the fryer when it is in use.
· Never leave a deep fryer unattended.
For more information on holiday safety tips, visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.
Chino Teachers Receive Walmart Cash for Classroom Expenses
Photo courtesy: Gustavo Miranda
Walmart and Sam’s Club presented 20 Walnut Avenue Elementary teachers with $50 gift cards for school supplies on Nov. 17.
By Monique Valadez
CHINO– Twenty teachers from Walnut Avenue Elementary received $50 gift cards to purchase supplies for their classrooms thanks to Walmart’s annual Teacher Rewards Program.
These funds come at a critical time, as many teachers will spend an estimated $1,000 of their own money to ensure their students have the supplies they need to learn throughout the school year, Walmart officials stated in a press release.
“I am thrilled that our Walnut teachers have this wonderful opportunity to win gift cards to purchase classroom supplies for their students,” Walnut Avenue Elementary School Principal Karen Morales said. “Thank you Walmart and Sam’s Club for your generous contribution to our school.”
This year, local Sam’s Club employees selected Walnut Avenue Elementary School to receive $1,000 in gift cards to be awarded to teachers. The school was selected from among 35 schools in Chino Valley district because of the school’s need and dedicated staff, officials said.
“The [Walnut Avenue Elementary] teachers are amazing as is the principal,” said Sam’s Club Marketing Leader Gustavo Miranda, who presented the 20 teacher’s with gift cards on Nov. 17 in the school’s library. “As soon as they heard me say that we wanted to give them gift cards for their classroom supplies, their jaws dropped. It was an emotional presentation with one teacher almost in tears. We know we made the right choice.”
For the past six years, Walmart has donated over $4.5 million in reward cards to approximately 90,000 teachers across the United States to help offset the cost of classroom expenses.
“We are proud to honor our community’s teachers, who give time and often their own money to ensure our students have everything they need to be successful throughout the school year,” Miranda said.
More than 5,000 U.S. Walmart stores, Distribution Centers and Sam’s Club locations are eligible to select one local public school, grades K-8, and provide reward cards to 20 teachers from each selected school. Winning teachers can use the funds to purchase essential items for their classrooms such as paper, folders, binders, pencils, crayons and markers.
“At Walmart, we are dedicated to supporting our nation’s teachers by providing support and resources needed to continue educating the future leaders of our community,” Miranda added.
The Teacher Rewards program is an extension of Walmart’s ongoing support of local initiatives that help students, teachers and families better prepare for their future including programs like Breakfast in the Classroom, Fill the Bus and Farm to School.
A New Legacy
By Pastor Rob Norris
“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” -Joshua 1:8
As a people, we are healthier but not happier. We are drenched in knowledge but parched for wisdom. Materially we are wealthy, but we suffer a profound poverty of the soul. The longer I live, the more I see that our nation needs a spiritual reformation in its inner spirit.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the state of the family. The biblical values that built our great nation–once passed on from each generation to the next as a national treasure–are being questioned and dismissed. As a result, never before have we seen such deterioration in our homes:
- Never before have so many children grown up in broken homes.
- Never before has the definition of marriage been altered to allow for two people of the same sex.
- Never before has the marriage covenant been viewed with such contempt by a generation of young people.
- Never before have parents been ridiculed for seeking to raise children with biblical values.
- Never before have so many Christians laughed, shrugged their shoulders or did nothing about adultery, divorce and sin.
- Never before has materialism been so flagrantly embraced over relationships.
- Never before has the family been in such need of a new legacy.
The pivotal national issue today is not crime; neither is it welfare, health care, education, politics, the economy, the media or the environment. The pivotal issue today is the spiritual and moral condition of individual men and women, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and families.
Nations are never changed until people are changed. The true hope for genuine change in the heart lies only in the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Through Him, lives can be rebuilt. Through Him, families can be reformed.
How has the deterioration of our homes affected your family? Your extended family?
Live it: Pray that change in our country will begin with change in your lives and home.
The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.
Saving Water And Saving Money
Pastor Mark Hopper
By Pastor Mark Hopper
We continue to hear about the drought here in California. We tend to forget that we actually live in a desert. Even though we have an ocean only miles away, we have cactus growing on the hillsides right here in Diamond Bar!
I sense that many people are making sincere attempts to conserve water. Some have actually removed their lawns and installed artificial grass. Others have re-landscaped their yards with drought resistant plants and shrubs.
We have reduced the amount of water we are using at our home and the number of days we water our lawn. I’m encouraged to see that our water bill reflects that we are using less water each month.
Recently I noticed that there was moisture in the flower bed where we left our water hose. I soon realized that the hose valve was not shutting off completely. A tiny steam of water was getting through. We were wasting water.
My first step was to try to turn the valve off more tightly. But that did not stop the water completely. I realized that the valve was not working properly. Calcium and mineral deposits had built up on the inside of the vale and it was not shutting off completely. How expensive was this going to be?
I went to Home Depot and bought a new valve but when I got home I discovered that it was not the same size. It looked like this project was getting more difficult and probably more expensive.
Then I want to my neighborhood Ace Hardware store hoping to could replace the parts inside the shut off valve and not have to remove the whole thing. They did not have the replacement parts that I was looking for, but I had an idea. Did they sell a simple rubber washer that is inside the shut-off valve?
Not only did they have the small washer, but the price was right, too. It cost a total of eighty cents – less than a dollar!
I went home and scrapped off the sediment and calcium that had built up inside the valve and installed the small rubber washer. It worked! No drips, no water seeping out of the garden hose!
I was so encouraged that I was not only saving water but I also save a lot of money.
Who would have thought that a small rubber washer could make such a difference? No more drips. No more wasted water!
Let me encourage you to look for some simple steps that you can take to save water and save money.
You will be glad you did and your neighbors will too!
Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Ave. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visit http://www.efreedb.org.
November 2015 SGV News
SGV 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:November 2015 SGV Newspaper
OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 11.21.15
The 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:2015-Nov21-Weekly-WEB
The Ledge
By Sarah Sanchez
I have a friend who gave an analogy to explain her depression to me. She said that some days she felt like she was standing on a ledge, barely holding on. She said that sometimes she felt like letting go of that ledge, but as she “let go” she felt others still “holding” on to her. Her point was that when she felt like giving up, she had someone who still believed in her and wouldn’t let her give up.
How many times have we felt a depression like this? How many times have we wanted to take the easy way out and give up? With the stress of finances, relationships, work, family, and busy schedules, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed and defeated. It’s easy to feel like giving up and not want to get up in the morning. It’s easy to feel like we’re ready to let go of the ledge.
But as we let go of that ledge, we can feel the others that are still holding on to us. Maybe it’s our friends or maybe it’s our family that’s still holding on. Or maybe it’s just one person in our life who we have impacted enough to still believe in us. All it takes is one person: one person who hasn’t given up on us, one person to keep going for, one person who’s worth living for, and one person who will keep holding on to us. But, will we keep holding on for them?
We have the power to be that one person in a loved one’s life. We have the tools to show unconditional love to those around us and to maybe change a life enough for someone to keep getting up in the morning.
But the big question is: are you that one person who is capable of impacting someone else’s life? Or are you the person who needs to get down from the ledge?
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