Winning The Holidays!

Courtesy of Clark’s Nutrition

The holidays are that special time of the year where every indulgence is neatly packaged, socially encouraged, and conveniently available. Pumpkin-spiced, chocolate-dipped, rum-soaked, caramel-topped “megatreats” are found everywhere, from the checkout stand to the drive-thru to school fundraisers. And while the odd confectionary indulgence certainly does not make a bad diet, the holidays have become a seemingly endless parade of pies, sweets, drinks, and culinary inventions of bacchanalian proportions. So what to do if your desire is to enjoy the holidays yet still maintain workout, weight, and longevity goals? The first thing to do is be realistic. Setting a goal to drop 20 pounds is setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal would be to maintain one’s weight throughout the holidays whilst allowing for plenty of shared festivities and a few indulgences. Here are a few suggestions that will help in the battle to win the holidays:

-Remember there is always strength in numbers. There is nothing wrong with letting others know of your goals and surprisingly, you may find others who have similar goals

-Prepare and bring healthy snacks to school or work

-Portion-Portion-Portion. Try and use smaller plates and cups (bring if necessary)

-Drink a 12 ounce glass (think soda can size) of water before sitting down at the holiday table

-Offer to bring a healthy dish to parties (what host would say no to eggplant parmesan or grilled cucumber and hummus wraps?)

-Have a healthy snack before going to the party or dinner and once there, plan your meal in your head. Lastly, savor every bite.

-Remember to wait 20 minutes before going for seconds (better to skip them altogether)

Remember that the holiday season is strategically followed by the “New-Years Resolution” season. Making better choices during the former means making easier choices during the latter. Also, having a bite of something sweet now is better than a having 10 bites later. Oftentimes, willpower can dissolve later in the night when our bodies start to wind down. It is possible to wipe a good workout off the map with a few mindless spatula-fulls of pumpkin cheesecake. Being active and even ramping up workouts is a very effective way to make those extra calories work in your favor. Try making some personal record (PR) goals during this time of year. A cupcake-fueled sprint or latte-energized bench press may be your best attempt all year.

  • Plan group activities that are not centered on food, like going on walking tours of decorated homes (also, volunteering opportunities are everywhere during the holidays as needs rise drastically)
  • Be the life of the party! Mingle, move, and burn more calories
  • Let your brain, not your stomach do the choosing. Showing up to functions hungry means being mostly defenseless against overindulgence.
  • Be picky. Take a moment to think about what indulgences are worth your extra work.
  • Get a high-quality digestive enzyme. These supplements can mean the difference between burping and “Burpees”. By assisting digestion, enzymes help
  1. Extract vital nutrients from foods
  2. Shuttle undigested foods through our digestive system
  3. Reduce gas and bloating

The holidays do not have to be an automatic “lose my gains and gain weight” season. It can be a time of intense satisfaction when we prove to ourselves that planning really does lead to success. Plan time to be mindful of your goals and increase your holiday cheer.

Right Back Where I Started From

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, my wife and I were looking forward to spending a week in Hawaii, but it was a lot more difficult than we expected.

Our travels started easy enough.  We got up early at 4 a.m. and left our house before 5 a.m. to catch our flight to Hawaii.  Freeway traffic was better than we expected and we got to the airport in plenty of time for our 8 o’clock flight.

We had made our reservations using airline miles almost a year ago.  We were scheduled to go from LA to San Francisco and connect with a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Maui.  Unfortunately, our flight out of LAX was delayed and we began to wonder if we would make our connection in San Francisco.  But, our airline was reassuring.  We had time to catch the Hawaiian flight.

When we finally got to the San Francisco airport we discovered that we had to go outside security, go to another terminal and go through security again.  There were about 10 people like us who were scheduled to connect with the Hawaiian flight.

As we ran to our departure gate we could see the big, beautiful Hawaiian plane pulling away from the gate.  It did not wait for us and it did not come back for us.  We missed it.

All of us were told to go back to our original airline’s ticket counter to get booked on another flight since they had caused us to miss our connection.  We were told there were no other flights available to Hawaii from San Francisco on that day.

We could stay at a hotel near the airport (at our own expense) and try again the next day.  Or, they offered to fly us back to LA and see if there were any empty seats on planes going to Hawaii that evening.  All 10 of us decided to take our chances in LA.  So we flew back to where we started from!

Two couples got rebooked on a Hawaiian Airline flight from LAX to Honolulu and then on to Maui.  Two other couples got on a flight from LAX direct to Maui on our original carrier.  We did too.  We got the last two seats on the last flight of the day!

Hurray, we were finally going to Hawaii!  Our flight was packed but we were just glad to be going to Maui and not going back to Diamond Bar.  We arrived at about 10 p.m. Hawaiian time which is about 1 a.m. our time.  We had been waiting and flying and waiting and flying for almost 24 hours!

Just when we thought we had successfully completed our travel adventure, we discovered that our bags did not make it.  Thankfully, we had our clothes in our carry-on bags but the most important one, my golf club bag, did not make it.  How can you enjoy Hawaii without your golf clubs?

The airline assured us that my golf clubs would be on the next flight and would be delivered to our hotel the next day.  What they didn’t tell us was that my golf bag was actually still in San Francisco. I finally found it in a locked office at the Maui airport two days later.  I’m not sure what happened to the overnight delivery.

I know that there are many things much worse that can happen in life.  Our little Hawaiian adventure was more of an inconvenience, not a national disaster.  You probably have a similar story of missed flights and lost bags.  I suppose we should expect things to not always go as planned.

There is a verse in the book of Proverbs that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In all of life there will be unexpected bends in the road and delays at the airport.  We need to learn to trust God to direct our paths and not become impatient or frustrated with the missed connections of modern travel.  Who knows, you may find yourself right back where you started from, 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.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 11.14.15

2015-Nov14-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:2015-Nov14-Weekly-WEB

Lead By Example

By Sarah Sanchez

I attended a celebration a few months ago that honored Mark and Jeanne Hopper for dedicating 27 years of ministry to EFree Church and to the Diamond Bar community.
At the event, I heard so many wonderful stories about Jeanne and Mark. The theme I consistently heard was that they loved others and showed their love through their actions. Evelyn Gonzalez, a member of the worship team, said that she witnessed the Hoppers being very generous, very loving and accepting of everyone. She said that not only is Pastor Hopper a gifted teacher that can explain the Bible in an understanding way, but he also has the heart of a shepherd. “There was no ministry that he was above doing,” she exclaimed. “He is definitely a servant.”
Describing the Hoppers as servants and shepherds continued as many different people shared how the Hoppers have impacted their lives.
Mary Jo Dell-Imagine, Deacon of Submissions and a member of the church for 24 years, was the woman whose story truly touched my heart. With tears, she said that Mark Hopper was there for her when her husband was diagnosed with a terminal disease. Mark also helped Mary Jo when her mother passed away five years later.
Denise and Dennis Ahern agreed by saying that the Hoppers are caring people who live by example. Denise said that Jeanne is the reason why she is a teacher today because Jeanne went out of her way to help Denise get a teaching job. Then Dennis said that Mark took time out of his day to help him move. He said that the Hoppers don’t just speak the word of God; they live the Word through their actions.
This philosophy was truly shown through the people of EFree Church. Many of the members of the church showed us an overwhelming love by introducing themselves and even helping us find specific people in a crowd of 400.
But I think Dennis Ahern was the person who left the biggest impact on our experience at this event. Dennis left his dinner to help us find people to interview for an article. He went out of his way to help us capture the event perfectly. This one act amazed me because you usually don’t find many people willing to help others for nothing in return. But Dennis followed what he was taught by Pastor Mark; he showed love to a total stranger, to a reporter who saw a large crowd of people to interview and didn’t know where to start. To feel loved when you walk into a room of strangers is amazing.
For Mark and Jeanne to touch and change so many lives is inspiring and moving. Mark and Jeanne have shown us that it’s possible to change lives without saying a word; it’s possible to lead by example.

Riverside: WRCRWA Construction Update

Construction and odor minimization efforts continue at the WRCRWA Treatment Plant.

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

WRCRWA November Update

Construction and odor minimization efforts continue at the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) Treatment Plant. The WRCRWA team is committed to providing regular updates to the community about the project. In recent weeks, there has been an increase in concerns regarding odors from the facility and this post is an update on actions WRCRWA has implemented and are in the process of doing: 

  1. Installation of tarp enclosure around solids loading structure. WRCRWA installed a tarp canopy system around the loading structure that was completed on Sept. 15. The purpose of the tarp canopy system is to enclose the loading structure where biosolids are loaded into trailers for offsite disposal. With the enclosure, the goal is to contain the odors and to have the air pass through passive carbon filters to reduce odors. However, WRCRWA staff is not satisfied with the effectiveness of the tarp system as originally designed and installed, and our team is in the process of making modifications to the system. Staff has met with the tarp contractor and modifications are in process and should be re-installed the week of Nov. 16.
  2. Facility misters. Staff checks the misters on a weekly basis.  The misters are changed out as they fail. Our goal is to have 100 percent of the misters running 24/7. There is only one misting system at the facility and staff does not have the ability to turn sections on/off independently.
  3. Centrifuge Building & Temporary Air Scrubber. With the expansion of the facility, three new Andritz Centrifuges are being installed to replace the aged Alfa Lavel Centrifuges installed in 1998. Centrifuges dewater the sludge coming out of the digesters prior to loading solids into trailers for offsite disposal. WRCRWA installed a rented temporary centrifuge and has operated it while the Alfa Lavel Centrifuges were removed and the new Andritz Centrifuges installed. The new Andritz units are now in start-up testing, which should be complete within 7 to 10 days.

    At the end of September a Duall rental air scrubber was installed to treat air within the Centrifuge Building. Although this air scrubber has been working continuously since the end of September, the Centrifuge Building has remained open during working hours so the contractors can install the new Andritz centrifuge units. Because the Centrifuge Building has been open during this installation process, effectiveness of the air scrubber has been diminished during the hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Once construction activities have wrapped up in the Centrifuge Building (anticipated within the next seven to 10 days), the building will remain closed (except for the occasional need to move equipment in/out) aiding in the effectiveness of the air scrubber. The following sequence of events will occur:

    1. Removal of the temporary centrifuge
    2. Relocation of the rental air scrubber where the temporary centrifuge was located
    3. Change out of air ducts from the centrifuge building to the relocated air scrubber
    4. Restart of the air scrubber
    5. Closure of the Centrifuge Building

Items a through e will take another few days, with goal to be complete prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The result will be a totally enclosed Centrifuge Building with full air scrubbing of air within the Centrifuge Building prior to release to atmosphere.

  1. Digester Operation. WRCRWA has successfully converted one of the two digesters to full aerobic process with the second unit acting as pretreatment sludge thickener using the facultative bacteria process. Both digesters are running well; the aerobic with a musty odor expected from an aerobic process and the facultative digester with a deep layer of clear water suppressing odors from it. Once the Andritz Centrifuges have gone through their start-up testing as explained above, WRCRWA staff will begin working towards operating the facility with one aerobic digester. This one digester operation is required to turn over the other digester to the contractor so it can be converted to anaerobic digestion, which will be a fully enclosed process. After the first digester is converted to anaerobic digestion and put into service, the second digester will be turned over to the contractor for conversion to anaerobic.   Staff is working closely with the contractor on the schedule for this effort and once final dates are determined that information will be shared on our website.
  2. Recent manure smells. In recent weeks a property owner west of the WRCRWA facility has initiated the spreading of manure to fertilize a field used for crops. WRCRWA immediately notified the Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and an AQMD inspector visited our site and the surrounding area and confirmed that there were manure smells coming from the west. WRCRWA is in no manner attempting to shift responsibility; however, we want to report on recent activity in the area.

WRCRWA staff is diligently working to control odors at the facility. Significant effort is being made to systematically work through issues at the plant toward interim and permanent improvements. We appreciate your concerns and your patience during construction and are working as quickly as we can to implement all the improvements to control odors.

A tour of the plant is being scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 to 11 a.m. We look forward to showing you all the things we have completed and the progress made that has been made.

For more information, contact WRCRWA Administrator Jeff Sims at 951.571.7220 or visit WRCRWA.org.

Forty Barrels of Cola

By Clark’s Nutrition
100 years ago, the US government sued the “Most Refreshing Beverage on Earth”, stating the inclusion of caffeine, marketed as a headache tonic, was an adulteration and misbranding that was both harmful and deleterious. The product that was sued was Coca Cola, and while the government lost its case, outside pressure created some few changes in the beverage industry governing additives and claims. Little changed until the 1950s when the proliferation of the new “fast food craze” witnessed the rise in demand for ‘on-the-go’ caffeinated beverages. Since then, the number of products has risen every year and consumption rates of drinks containing caffeine is skyrocketing. This has led to the creation of thousands of caffeine products and tens of billions of dollars in profit every year. This rise is not without its caveats, as the number of hospital visits has increased due to overconsumption of these types of super-drinks.
Now, manufacturers are adding exotic and little known herbal ingredients that can compound the effects of caffeine and create unwanted side effects. The caveat to this story is one of caution and moderation. While enjoying caffeinated beverages can help increase mental acuity, work output, and athletic performance, there is, like most things in life, a smart way of using them and a less-than-smart way. Most individuals would do well to keep their caffeine intake below the 400 milligram mark. This means no more than four to five cups of coffee daily or no more than one or two energy drinks. But it is not as easy as that, as energy drinks containing Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, and the amino acid Taurine can prolong and heighten the effects of caffeine. Caffeine also acts as a mild diuretic and increases urine production which can lead to dehydration in times of increased activity or heat. One smart guideline would be to consume two to three cups of water to every caffeinated beverage. This would eliminate the propensity towards dehydration and would help to self-regulate caffeine consumption.
Energy drinks are here to stay, as there is too much demand and too many advances in taste formulation for them to go away, yet the effects that the increased use of these drinks are having needs to be addressed. As new drinks come on the market, they have to stand out in terms of both marketing and envelope-pushing formulations. This comes in the form of more stimulants, less concerns over public safety, and more marketing to younger consumers. The research is starting to show that the many side effects of energy drink consumption such as insomnia, risk taking, and hypertension are very real and need to be addressed as the market is inundated with colorful, yummy, buzz-inducing drinks. At the rate at which the market is saturating, it is not unreasonable to believe that the amount of caffeine consumed will increase as people become desensitized.
In the case of the Herculean-sized super cans, most consumers still view a can as a serving size and many of these drinks can have two and a half servings per can which has the amount of caffeine found in five cups of coffee. The best way to consume these products safely is to limit their use, cycle on and off to avoid adrenal fatigue and desensitization, always include water in between drinks, and ensure that the reasons for consuming them always outweighs their side effects.

Chino PD Receives Traffic Enforcement Grant

Courtesy of Chino Police Department

CHINO– Chino PD has been awarded a $167,872 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a yearlong program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries.
After falling dramatically between 2006 and 2010, the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions has been slowly rising. Particularly alarming are recent increases in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, the growing dangers of distracting technologies, and the emergence of drug-impaired driving as a major problem. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunken driving, speeding and crashes at intersections.
“Chino PD has an ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe through enforcement and education. The partnership and support provided by OTS will allow us to further enhance those efforts and put a stop to the emerging upward trend,” said Chino Police Chief Karen Comstock.
Activities that the grant will fund include:

  • Educational presentations
  • DUI checkpoints
  • DUI saturation patrols
  • Motorcycle safety enforcement
  • Distracted driving enforcement
  • Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement
  • Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement
  • Speed, red light and stop sign enforcement
  • Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders
  • Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets,” identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders
  • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)
  • Stakeout operations to observe the “worst-of-the-worst” repeat DUI offender probationers with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses

“Overall, California’s roadways are among the safest in the nation,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “But to meet future mobility, safety and accessible transportation objectives, we have to reverse this recent trend in order to reach our common goal – zero deaths on our roadways. The Office of Traffic Safety and the Chino Police Department want to work with everyone to create a culture of traffic safety across Chino and the state.”

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on Traffic Unit services contact Corporal Trosper at 909-334-3153 or email, strosper@chinopd.org.

Time To Live 2 Give This Thanksgiving

Photo courtesy of Live2Give Facebook page Live2Give team is always in need of volunteers. Be a part of the Live 2 Give Crusade.

Photo courtesy of Live2Give Facebook page
Live2Give team is always in need of volunteers. Be a part of the Live 2 Give Crusade.

By Noah Reyes

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” -Acts 20:35

Thanksgiving is a time of giving back and to remember those less fortunate than us.

We have all had our share of adversities and understand how encouraging the help can be when someone is at a low point in their lives. That is the reason my wife Erika and I created the Live 2 Give charity organization. When we got married, we decided that we were going to build our marriage based on creating wonderful memories of helping others. We are so grateful for the people that God has placed in our lives who continue to help in so many ways. The mission of Live 2 Give Crusade, a non-profit organization, is to help people who are in need and could benefit from receiving a helping hand during tough times, and to share compassion with those we serve.

Be a part of our Thanksgiving Live 2 Give Crusade. Last year, we delivered to 56 homes.  Our goal this year is to deliver well over 300! We need your help assembling and filling boxes with food (lunch will be provided). Join us at Eastvale’s Mayor Ike Bootsma’s home on Nov. 22 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. we will be delivering the prepared boxes to the homes of nominated families.

Live 2 Give Crusade welcomes small and large-volume product donations — especially food, bottled water, new and lightly used clothing (for children, men and women), blankets, new toys, markers, crayons, coloring books, baby products, gift cards, and other items that could be used to help someone in need. Every item counts! All product donated to Live 2 Give Crusade will be gratefully received on behalf of the people we serve. It is given to people in need and is never sold.

Live 2 Give also hosts a “Sock It To ‘Em” Homeless Outreach Christmas crusade where we deliver blankets, socks, a variety of items that can be used for hygiene purposes, and dog food for pets. During Valentine’s Day, we host a toy drive for foster children.

We need volunteers, donations of canned goods, hygiene items, toys, books, crayons and people that would like to be a blessing to others. We thank you in advance for your support and interest in wanting to impact others. If you have any questions, please call (888) GODS-WRK (888) 463-7975 or visit our website to learn more about what we do, www.live2givecrusade.com.

We look forward to growing this crusade of blessing others and doing the work that God has put forth for us.

Honoring Walnut Valley’s Best

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Valley Unified School District honored the 2014-15 Teachers of the Year during Salute to Teachers held on October 21. Shown: Eunice Lee, Pam Acosta, Hyeyon Park, Marla Rickard, Jennifer Veneracion, Anna Chung, Sherry Truong, Jennifer Hooton. Back Row: Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Member Dr. Tony Torng, Deanne Rodriguez, Board Member Helen Hall, Mabel Woken, Judy Ameluxen, Judy Olmos, Dr. Buddy Clements, Board Member Cindy Ruiz and Board Member Larry Redinger.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut Valley Unified School District honored the 2014-15 Teachers of the Year during Salute to Teachers held on October 21. Shown: Eunice Lee, Pam Acosta, Hyeyon Park, Marla Rickard, Jennifer Veneracion, Anna Chung, Sherry Truong, Jennifer Hooton. Back Row: Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Member Dr. Tony Torng, Deanne Rodriguez, Board Member Helen Hall, Mabel Woken, Judy Ameluxen, Judy Olmos, Dr. Buddy Clements, Board Member Cindy Ruiz and Board Member Larry Redinger.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT-Fourteen of Walnut Valley USD’s finest educators were honored during the 18th annual Salute to Teachers on Oct. 21.

The 2014-2015 Teachers of the Year from each site were chosen for putting “Kids First” each and every day.

Over 300 teachers, staff, family, and friends gathered for the celebration of excellence held at the Diamond Bar High School Theater.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor recognized the dedicated group of educators and commended them for the work they do every day to support students.

“This is an opportunity not only to recognize our 14 Teachers of the Year, but to recognize our entire teaching staff throughout our District.  I want to thank our teachers for what they do every day!”

Congratulations to the following Teachers of the Year:  Judy Ameluxen – Castle Rock Elementary, Jeanette Hooton – Chaparral Middle School, Jennifer Veneracion – CJ Morris Elementary, Sherry Truong – Collegewood Elementary, Mabel Woken – Evergreen Elementary, Howard Alcosser – Diamond Bar High, Eunice Lee – Maple Hill Elementary, Anna Chung – Quail Summit Elementary, Judy Olmos – South Pointe Middle School, Marla Rickard – Suzanne Middle School, Pam Acosta – Vejar Elementary, Deanne Rodriguez – Walnut Elementary, Dr. Buddy Clements – Walnut High School, and Hyeyon Park – Westhoff Elementary.

Fifth grade teacher Jennifer Veneracion was named the 2015 District Teacher of the Year at the culmination of the program.

Veneracion was presented with an engraved award and additional gifts including a weekend getaway and ergonomic workstation.

She told the audience that she was “honored and thankful” to be among the 2015 Teachers of the Year.

“I know that these teachers we are honoring today are part of many success stories of students in our District.”

The recognition event included personalized tributes and awards and student entertainment by the DBHS Solitaire advanced women’s choir under the direction of Patti Breitag.

Each Teacher of the Year received a personalized golden apple bell award courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation. Honorees received rolling carts filled with gift cards, school supplies and certificates of achievement from Congressman Ed Royce, Senator Bob Huff, Assembly Member Ling Ling Chang, Supervisor Hilda Solis, City of Diamond Bar, and City of City of Walnut.  “Teachers do their best to make sure that no one is left behind,” she said, noting time spent before and after school, prep periods, and lunch recesses working with children who are struggling.

A special thanks to our event sponsors Chick-fil-A, Benihana Restaurant, Schools First Federal Credit Union, Chaffey Federal Credit Union, BB & T Insurance Services, Staples, ESR Construction, Maintex, P-Line Consulting, Roule Construction, and WVUSD Educational Services Department.

Walnut Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT-The Oct. 28, Walnut City Council meeting began by recognizing resident John Hoang, who played an instrumental role in arresting the mail thieves that have been plaguing the city. The City thanked him for his diligence in reporting suspicious figures to the Sheriff, who in turn managed to arrest the thieves, who will be tried in a federal court. The City also recognized the Starbucks store located on Grand and Valley as the business of the summer 2015 quarter.

During the public comments, a resident expressed her concern with the current location of cell towers and their proximity to elementary schools. Several other residents complained about a lack of code enforcement in Walnut homes. Finally, a representative from Habitat for Humanity announced a lack of eligible families for a new home the organization is in the process of constructing. All Walnut residents that meet the requirements of being a multigenerational disabled veteran family are encouraged to call Habitat for Humanity at (909) 596-7098 and apply for housing.

An ordinance revising the methods of drawing warrants was read for the second time, and subsequently approved. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar: a resolution allowing claims and demands in $1,006,946.03; a request to solicit bids for City Attorney services; awarding a bid to Deere and Company for the purchase of utility tractor and attachments; awarding a bid to Shade Structures, Inc. for Creekside Park Fitness Zone shade structure installation; and an amendment to the agreement for Leibold McClendon & Mann.

During the Council comments and updates, Councilmember Su announced a health fair on Thursday (Oct. 29), from 9 a.m. to noon, where flu shots will be available. Councilmember Cartagena also announced a wildlife tour at Mt. San Antonio College’s wildlife sanctuary on Nov. 10.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road.

How to Make the Perfect Care Package for Troops

By United Service Organizations

It’s easy to take the little things for granted. For most Americans, stocking up on snacks, baby wipes and Kleenex is as simple as heading to a convenience store.
But for troops stationed around the world — especially at overseas locations like the Mideast or Okinawa — stocking up on every day commodities can mean waiting on, or rationing from, care packages shipped from the United States. However, even the most thoughtful — and jam-packed — of care packages eventually runs empty.
Luckily, the USO is there to help.
Anyone who wants to create the ultimate box of goodies for the troops can do so. Remember, even just one package worth of supplies can brighten a service member’s day.
Step 1: Find a USO center
This is easy. For a list of all USO centers, visit www.uso.org/Centers/Locate-A-Center.aspx.
Click the dropdown menus on the left side of the page to search for a center in the region you want to help out.
Step 2: Check in with that center before you buy
Before you gather supplies and seal that box, send your selected center an email to double check that they’re able to receive care packages and ask them what sort of items troops at their location need most. They’ll help you get the right address to send your package to, too.
Step 3: Fill up a box
We always defer to the individual centers’ knowledge (see Step 2) when it comes to knowing what troops need. No one knows our troops like the USO staff and volunteers on the ground. Still, we took the liberty of compiling a list of some of our downrange troops’ favorite things to receive in care packages:

  • Healthy snacks: Jerky, trail mixes, granola bars and fruit snacks
  • Drink mix packets: Gatorade, lemonade, iced tea and crystal light packets
  • Microwavable food: Easy Mac, popcorn, Cup O’Noodles, Chef Boyardee, oatmeal and other snacks that come in their own bowl (dining ware is scarce in Afghanistan)
  • Non-perishable food: Tuna cans or packets, fruit cups, peanut butter, Nutella, soups and other canned foods
  • Chocolate: Wait until the winter months to send chocolate, as it will melt in the mail if sent now
  • Toiletries: Travel-size shampoo, conditioner, body lotion, body wash, wet wipes and hand sanitizer (Please send these in separate boxes from food — no one likes shampoo-flavored oatmeal!)

Step 4: Don’t have the time? We can do it for you …
Everyone has something they’re passionate about. And if you’ve read this far, helping our troops is probably one of those things for you. But time can get in the way, especially during the holidays. If you still want to help troops, but can’t make it to the store to fill up a care package, the USO can take care of it for you through a donation to USOwishbook.org, where you can send items like comfort food packages, books, movies, video games and more.

What’s W.O.L.F.F. Been Up To?

WOLFF logoBy Patricia Flinn

EASTVALE-The Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters (W.O.L.F.F.) have already begun planning a very busy holiday season!

On Thursday, Nov. 5, members of W.O.L.F.F., along with police officers and firefighters from various Southern California agencies, will be delivering plush toys to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). The plush toys will be given to children with chronic illnesses by the officers and firefighters, who will also work on crafts and activities with the children. Collection boxes are located at Eastvale City Hall, and Albertson’s Grocery Store. Residents are encouraged to drop-off a plush toy and partner with public safety families to bring joy and a sense of comfort to the children at CHOC.

On Sunday, Nov. 15 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., W.O.L.F.F. will host the 5th Annual “A Taste of Fabulous” Holiday Boutique on Patti Ann Court, in Eastvale. The Boutique will feature 30-plus vendors, offering a wide variety of unique and affordable merchandise for everyone on your Christmas list! For more information, email atofabulous@gmail.com or visit https://m.facebook.com/ATASTEOFFABULOUS.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m., W.O.L.F.F. will host a benefit dinner to kick off The Lieutenant Pat Libertone Charitable Giving Campaign. This event will be held at the Cal-Aero Country Club, located in Chino at 14925 Cal Aero Drive, B181.

Lieutenant Libertone was a 32-year law enforcement officer employed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  Lieutenant Libertone tragically lost his life on-duty, while keeping the public safe. The Lieutenant Pat Libertone Charitable Giving Campaign was established to give back to the community and to bring a positive image to American law enforcement. To date, 102 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty. Donations will help to benefit local communities and public safety families which The Wives of Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters are dedicated to serving.

To learn more about W.O.L.F.F. or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.eastvalewolff.com.

Military Mail Deadlines Announced

Staff Reports
Mailing something to deployed troops for the holidays? You may only have a few days according to the U.S. Postal Service (USPS).

Thousands of troops will still be deployed when the holidays get here. And if you want to send them care packages (check out our “How to Make the Perfect Care Package for Troops” article) or gifts, you need to know the deadlines.
The USPS has issued delivery guidelines for when you should ship your package to make sure it gets to the recipient by Christmas.
According to a USPS release, the postal service will also offer discounts for packages sent to APO/FPO/DPO addresses. A special $15.90 rate will be applied to their largest Priority Mail Flat Rate box and $2 will be discounted off every other standard box shipment.
To ensure delivery by December 25, the postal service recommends the following:

  • Mail all Standard Post Packages by Nov. 7
  • Mail all PAL (Parcel Airlift Mail) by Dec. 3
  • Mail all SAM (Space Available Mail) by Nov. 25
  • Mail all PMEMS (Priority Mail Express Military Service) packages by Dec. 17
  • Mail First Class Letters, Cards and Priority Mail by Dec. 10 for all ZIPs except 093
  • For ZIP Codes 093, Mail First Class Letters, Cards and Priority Mail by Dec. 3

Adopt-A-Family in Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: DandelionMoms.com

Photo Courtesy: DandelionMoms.com

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS-The City of Chino Hills is seeking donors for the annual Adopt-A-Family Program to assist families who face difficult financial hardships that may prevent them from providing food, clothing, and gifts for their families during the holiday season.
Established in 2005, Chino Hills’ Adopt-A-Family Program offers community members the opportunity to give back to less fortunate families during Christmas.
Families qualify for the program through an application and interview process.  Residents, local businesses, and community groups are asked to “adopt” one or more of these families to provide them with the items they need so they may have a happy holiday season.  Donors must complete a donation form and submit it by 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 to the Recreation Division at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, or online at http://www.chinohills.org/AdoptAFamily.
Donors may select a small, medium, or large family to “adopt.” The family’s Christmas wish list will be provided no later than Nov. 16, after all interviews have been conducted.
Adopt-A-Family donors are required to drop off their wrapped and labeled gifts at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30.
If unable to Adopt-A-Family, gift cards can also be donated and used to purchase gifts for a family. Gift Card Donors must complete the online form and mail or drop the gift card off at Chino Hills City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709.
For additional information, please call the Recreation Division at (909) 364-2730.

Nighttime Full Closures – Southbound I-15 at 91

Nighttime Full Closures – Southbound I-15 at 91; Nights of Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17

Courtesy of RCTC

The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project in Corona will require nighttime full closures of southbound Interstate 15 at the 91, starting Nov. 12.

The roadway will close at 10 pm each night and reopen by 5 am the following morning on Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17. The connecting ramps to the 91 will remain open during the closures.

The closures will allow crews to place temporary support materials for the construction of a bridge that, when completed, will serve as the new express lane connector between the 15 and the 91.

As a detour, motorists may travel east on the 91, use the McKinley Street off-ramp, and then enter the westbound 91 to reconnect to southbound I-15.

Motorists are reminded to allow extra travel time, follow the designated detour and watch for construction workers and signs. Motorists also are cautioned to use reduced speeds when approaching the detour route; speed limits on the 15 and the 91 are 55 MPH, and fines are doubled in construction zones.

The 91 Project is adding regular lanes, tolled express lanes, auxiliary lanes and direct express connectors from the northbound 15 to the westbound 91 and from the eastbound 91 to the southbound 15. Improvements to interchanges, ramps, lanes and surface streets also will be made along the 91 between the Riverside County/Orange County Line in Corona and Pierce Street in Riverside. The new lanes are expected to open in 2017.

For more information, visit sr91project.info or call the helpline at 877-770-9191.

Inland Empire: 91 Project Task Force Seeks Volunteers

Photo Courtesy: RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer

Photo Courtesy: RCTC
Executive Director Anne Mayer

By Anne Mayer, 91 Project Executive Director

CORONA – Last month, storm damage forced a closure of a lane on the Westbound 91 which made a challenging commute even worse. Although the damage was quickly repaired, the impact it had on the local community was intolerable.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) needs to do a better job communicating directly to those impacted by the construction of the 91 and its traffic impacts. During the last few weeks we have enhanced our efforts to work closely with our partners at the City of Corona to get the facts out and address your concerns. We are committed to improving communication and we need your help.
RCTC is creating a Corona Community Task Force (CCTF) to create a productive forum for citizens to raise their concerns and provide feedback to our team on what works and what doesn’t work. A good two-way conversation starts with facts and information and the task force will be a good place to have that conversation. The primary topic will be on traffic and how to address the impact of the construction work on residents, but we could also cover other issues involving the project which might impact local residents. The task force is expected to begin meeting this fall and continue to meet on a monthly basis. Meetings will be held on a weeknight from approximately 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you have an interest in serving, we encourage you to apply. To apply, please email, sr91project@rctc.org, or call, 951-787-7141.  Applications must be submitted by Nov. 16 for the initial CCTF meeting. Late applications will be considered for future meetings. We would like to form this committee quickly and have it in place for the length of the project.

The 91 Project is more than 50 percent complete and great progress is being made on improvements that will benefit commuters and the City of Corona for years to come. We are committed to improving communication and minimizing the impacts where we can. Join us in making this work for your community.

Boots to Business: Reboot for Military Veterans and Spouses

Staff Reports

The Small Business Administration is helping military families trade in their military boots for business boots through the Boots to Business: Reboot entrepreneurial training program. The program assists all military veterans, service member including National Guard and their spouses develop a set of skills and competencies focused on entrepreneurial opportunity recognition, innovation, and small business management.

“Military veterans represent a vast pool of talent and tested skills that makes them natural business leaders,” said SBA Administrator Maria Contreras-Sweet. “This private-public partnership will make it possible for more veterans to gain the tools necessary to start their own successful businesses and create good jobs in their communities.”

The Boots to Business: Reboot curriculum will introduce veterans to the fundamentals of business ownership including evaluating business concepts and developing a business plan. Course participants will be introduced to their local SBA resource partners, consisting of Veterans Business Outreach Centers, Women’s Business Centers, Small Business Development Centers and SCORE.

Additionally, upon completion of the introductory course, participants will be eligible to register for “Foundations of Entrepreneurship,” an eight-week, online course led by instructors from Syracuse University’s IVMF that offers in-depth instruction on the elements of a business plan and techniques and tips for starting a business.

The nearest SBA office offering this program is at Tustin City Hall. Sign up today by registering at http://www.boots2business.org/rebootapply and select ‘Tustin, CA’ from the drop-down menu.

Class dates are Nov.4, 18, 25, Dec. 2 and 9 but are subject to change depending on student availability. Classes will be held at Tustin City Hall Council Chambers from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. For more information, contact Tustin’s Small Business Administration at 714-560-7467 or email douglas.dare@sba.gov.

 

Eastvale’s October Council Meeting Recap

Photo By: Emily Aguilar New Eastvale Motor Cop Aaron Hownbeck was welcomed by Eastvale City Council on Thursday, Oct. 28. (Pictured L-R) Mayor Ike Bootsma, Mayor Pro Tem William Link, Councilman Adam Rush, Officer Hownbeck, Councilman Clint Lorimore and Councilman Joseph Tessari.

Photo By: Emily Aguilar
New Eastvale Motor Cop Aaron Hownbeck was welcomed by Eastvale City Council on Thursday, Oct. 28. (Pictured L-R) Mayor Ike Bootsma, Mayor Pro Tem William Link, Councilman Adam Rush, Officer Hownbeck, Councilman Clint Lorimore and Councilman Joseph Tessari.

“Big Ike” Pumpkin, New Motor Cop Welcomed While Residents Put Brakes on Trucks

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – A pumpkin by the name of “Big Ike” was just one of the “spooktacular” moments during Eastvale’s bimonthly City Council meetings. There were also some newly awarded construction contracts for Chandler Street and River Road street improvements as well as discussions on the Hamner Traffic Signal Synchronization Project.
Here are a few highlights from the City Council’s Oct. 14 meeting.

During Presentations and Announcements, the council proclaimed Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, and Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week, Oct. 18-24. Certificates of appreciation were presented for the City’s 5th Birthday Celebration. Additionally, the Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Commission Chris Hook provided an update and it was decided that a joint workshop will be held.

During the Public Comment, community members discussed their upcoming events. Roth Heng of the Eastvale Garden Group presented the City Council with a pumpkin named “Big Ike.” The group was seeking the Council’s support in creating a community garden in the future. Noah Reyes of Live 2 Give Crusade organization discussed a thanksgiving food drive to be held Nov. 22.

Preparing for the winter storm and revised water efficient landscaping regulations were discussed during the City Council Business. City staff recommended that the City Council prepare an updated water efficient landscape ordinance; propose changes to the City’s regulations to expand the requirement for landscaping plans and permits to cover re-landscaping of existing homes and businesses; and update the City’s zoning code and design standards and guidelines to be consistent with the new landscape ordinance.

During the City Council Communications, Councilmember Rush discussed the bridge collapse on the 91 freeway. Councilmember Tessari discussed the recent annual conference of the League of California Cities. He asked staff to look into hiring an economic development consultant. Councilmember Lorimore discussed the recent annual conference of the League of California Cities. He discussed a tour of the central valley to examine water infrastructure with Western Municipal Water District. Mayor Bootsma expressed his concern for trucks that are speeding in the City. He noted that the City’s 5th birthday celebration was a great success.

The City Council’s Oct. 28 meeting spotlighted a new hire in the Police Department’s Motor Division. Here is a review of what occurred during the Oct. 28 meeting:

Before the meeting, the council agreed to move their closed-session items to the end of the evening.

After closed session, the Community Foundation discussed the city’s military banners. They announced with enthusiasm that they were currently working on four new banners, and are always happy to take in new applications. They took this opportunity to say that two military banners were taken down because they were not placed on the proper street. Afterwards, the Foundation informally presented the new Vice Chair of the Public Safety Commission Don Hook, who will be officially approved in the next meeting.

Someone who was formally introduced to the council by Chief of Police Jason Orin, however, was the city’s new motor officer, Aaron Hownbeck. Hownbeck is a former Marine who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has trained officers as well. He has served as an officer for 12 years, and he will be monitoring Eastvale drivers who “jeopardize the lives” of our citizens. Hownbeck told the council that he would “hate to see anything happen” to the residents and vowed to keep the city safe.

The Student Liaison Julia Sung announced that all schools in the area had concluded Red Ribbon Week, which promotes drug prevention education and healthy, drug free youth.

Sung also mentioned that Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) is looking forward to organizing a winter festival, which is still in the planning stages. Updates will be announced as event moves forward.

There were three items for the Public Commentary section of the evening. The first to speak were two Eastvale citizens named Kenith C. and Louis R., who addressed the illegal trucking by Bellegrave and Sumner. The men feel that it is unfair to keep these drivers in their neighborhoods since it is not permitted for them to be there. While the council is aware of the issue, they admit that they are unsure of what they can do. They were especially uncertain of what to do since those trucks come from Ontario; they most likely cross their neighborhood because Eucalyptus is closed off. Although Kenith did display his annoyance with the council, one city manager promised to talk to the two men personally at a later time.

Chamber of Commerce President Arie briefly discussed that membership with the Chamber has increased to 124 members. He also invited the council to attend its chamber meetings every second Friday of the month from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The final presenters were Chris Villamore and her husband, who are in a “battle” with the Homeowner’s Association. They are currently living next to a resident who has six exposed antennas throughout the property. The family has found that they have faulty WiFi access and have trouble using other electronic devices such as their cellphones because of their neighbor’s excessive antennas. Villamore has reached out to countless people ranging from the FCC to the police, all of whom have not helped the couple because the city does not have an ordinance on the sizing and amount of antennas homeowners can display. The council advised the couple to file a report to the city manager, and they promised to look into both this particular situation as well as looking into the municipal code in order to see how they can deal with this problem like this in the future.

All items were motioned in the consent calendar.

The only item in the public hearings was a request to have the Leal Master Plan taken off the calendar to discuss at a later date.

The three items in the city council business, all of which had to do with street projects, were motioned. The items included approving a contract with the All American Asphalt company to work on Chandler Street and River Road improvements, approving a contract with Crosstown Electrical and Data Inc. for the Hamner Traffic Signal project, and finally, approving a grant application submitted to the development of Safe Routes to School master plan.

To conclude the evening, the city manager announced that the city will be working alongside other districts to clean up public spaces such as Walmart, Corona Park, and locations near Citrus Street. Council member Lorimore spoke of his experience at an ERHS event to raise awareness for breast cancer, and stated that he had a good time. Council member Rush stated that he will be going to Washington DC to lobby federal funds that will help with the construction of the 91 freeway.

The next city council meeting will be held Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary. City Hall will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi,

My mom’s best friend fell off the face of the earth about 10 months ago and it just crushed my mom.  This woman means the world to our family and we have really missed her.  She is like a family member to all of us.  She told my mom that she needed to take care of some personal business and we haven’t heard a word from her in all this time.  Last week, I saw her getting into her car at the mall with her sister and she looks like she’s lost 50 or 60 pounds.  She looked terrible and I think she must be sick.  I’m afraid to tell my mom I saw her.  I don’t want her to start crying again.  She cried for 4 months after her friend left.  I don’t know what to do, but I think our friend needs help.  Should I go to her house?  My family would do anything for her.  I’m mad that she shut us out this way.  We didn’t deserve this.  We were good friends.
-K.M.

 

Dear K. M.:

The issue at hand is not whether or not you and your family are good friends.  The issue here is that your mom’s friend doesn’t want any of you in the front row of her life as she deals with her issues.  Not everyone craves a large support system when they are struggling.  If your friend is out and about at a mall with her sister, she obviously has the strength to make a phone call to your mom or anyone else in your family.  She has not chosen to do this.  Accept and respect her enough to not barge in on her.  If all of you miss her, send her a card saying that you miss her and see if you get a response.  If not, my advice is to mind your own business.  Issues like this can be very complex.  Don’t make matters worse for her by making it about you or your family.  You may not know the whole story.
-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

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.

Diamond Bar: Lane Closures on Grand Avenue

Courtesy of Diamond Bar Diamond Bar Blvd. Map

Courtesy of Diamond Bar
Diamond Bar Blvd. Map

Staff Reports
DIAMOND BAR– Motorists are urged to plan ahead for heavy traffic impacts anticipated as part of construction work taking place the first two weekends in November in Diamond Bar along Grand Avenue at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive.

The work involves the installation of colored concrete and decorative pavers as part of the final phase of the federally-funded Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The labor-intensive nature of this work and types of materials used will require extended construction hours and continuous traffic lane closures.

Closures at the intersections of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue and Longview Drive will begin on Friday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 16 at 6 a.m.   Lanes through these two intersections will be reduced to at least one through lane and one turn lane in each direction at all times during these closure periods.

Because major traffic delays of up to one hour are anticipated, motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the construction work areas if possible. Electronic message signs are set up. Traffic notices were mailed to residents of the scheduled lane closures.

A project location map and a construction schedule are available on the City website at www.DiamondBarCa.Gov/Grand.

As in any work zone, motorists are reminded to use caution at all times when traveling through the area and pay attention to signs, speed limits and traffic control devices.