Walnut: New Mustang in Town

Brandon Dade takes helm at Walnut High

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Brandon Dade has been named the new principal at Walnut High School.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Brandon Dade has been named the new principal at Walnut High School.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District is pleased to announce that Walnut High School has a new leader. The Board of Trustees unanimously approved Brandon Dade as Principal during the July 15 meeting.

“I am excited to join the Walnut High team and am looking forward to working with students, families, teachers and staff,” Dade said.

The 15-year education veteran began his new post at the 2,700-student campus in late July.  Dade plans to kick off the first day of school by greeting students as they come onto campus.

“I’m going to be out in the parking lot, waving, and trying my best to say hello,” he said.

Once school is in session, he’ll visit as many classrooms as possible.

“Not only to see the students, but also to say good morning to the teachers.  “I’ll also be out talking to kids throughout the day. I want to be out there and available to students,” he added.

Dade recently met the Mustang staff during an opening meeting.

“We just had fun!” he said, adding the 150-plus staffers got to know each other better during a cross-curricular activity.

“I also shared some funny moments from my life and a video of a police officer singing Taylor Swift’s hit song, “Shake It Off.  I want them to think of this video and laugh when they have those ‘really?’ moments during the school year,” he added.

The new principal agrees with the existing school vision developed for students.

“My vision is to make sure that when students leave here, they’re ready for any post-secondary options, because the world changes so much from year to year,” he said.

Dade said he wants students to be foundationally well rounded.

“I just want them to go out there and dream big!”

Most recently, Dade served as principal at Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School in the community of Eastvale in the Corona-Norco Unified School District. Prior to that, he was assistant principal at Eleanor Roosevelt High School, also in Eastvale.

Additionally, Dade served four years as assistant principal and three years as a high school counselor at Alhambra High School. He was a teacher at Nogales High School and an elementary teacher.

Dade was previously a Los Angeles County children’s social worker. He is also fluent in American Sign Language.

The 6’4” administrator also played professional basketball in Europe and China for two years. He continues to utilize strategies from his days on the court as an educator.

“Being able to trust that everyone has a skill or unique talent and that I can help them use those skills, makes the team better.” Dade said.

“I look at the whole staff – classified and certificated – as being on one team. And when we have success, everybody contributes to that success. You stay together as a ‘we’,” he added.

Years ago, Dade attended middle and high school in a local school district. He was surprised to learn that his 7th Grade flag football coach and freshman basketball coach, Dave Smith, is a Walnut High teacher.

“I had no clue!” Dade exclaimed.  “I told him, thank you, because you helped me get to where I am today.”

Dade’s positive outlook is evident through his warm smile.

“I think I’m blessed to be where I’m at and that’s why I tell people ‘you’ll see me smile every day, no matter what.’ Great people around me have helped and supported me,” he explained.

“It feels like all the experiences I’ve had brought me to this point to be able to give back to the community.”

Dade is married and has three children.

He succeeds Jeff Jordan who was named Administrative Director of Educational Services in June.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar – Mayor Steven Tye began the Aug. 18 City Council meeting with several special presentations.

First, county librarian, Margaret Donnellan Todd, was presented with a City tile upon her retirement, ending a 37-year career and following 22 years of commendable service to Diamond Bar. Although the Council was saddened at the thought of her leaving, they praised her for her hard work and dedication.

Next, a City tile was presented to Graybar Electric of Diamond Bar, a Fortune 500 company, as the Business of the Month for August 2015.

Finally, Carlos Gonzalez was recognized as an exemplary citizen for his actions in December 2014, when he assisted a fellow Diamond Bar resident in need of emergency medical attention. Although the resident passed away, Gonzalez’s actions allowed her to live out the last few months of her life comfortably, and it was in her last wishes for Gonzalez to be recognized by the City.

There was an update on the Grand Avenue Beautification Project, which began on May 20, and when completed will improve the intersections of Grand Avenue running through Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive. Unfortunately, due to unforeseen delays, the project will be delayed for an estimated six weeks, pushing the end date of the project from Aug. 12 to October 2015. Construction will continue Mondays through Fridays, from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Following the public comments, the Council then read the schedule of future events, which included a Planning Commission meeting on Aug. 25 at 7 p.m.; a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on Aug. 27 at 7 p.m.; a tentative City Council meeting on Sept. 1 at  6:30 p.m.; Labor Day Holiday on Sept. 7, during which City Hall offices will be closed; a Planning Commission meeting, on Sept 8 at 7 p.m.; a Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Sept. 10 at 7 p.m.; and another City Council meeting on Sept. 15 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the Council minutes from Aug. 4; Planning Commission minutes from July 14; ratification of a check register dated July 30 through Aug 12, 2015 totaling $2.418,821.26; a resolution to join a national intergovernmental alliance to purchase janitorial supplies from Waxie Sanitary Supply; the next City Council meeting on Sept. 15; and an application for grant funds from the Recreational Trails Program Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act Fund for the Ridge Route Trail connecting to the Grand View Trail. The Council also agreed to appropriate $110,165 from traffic mitigation funds from the special funds budget to the Public Works Operating Budget; to approve a contract amendment between David Evans and Associates, Inc. for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project; and authorize the City Manager to execute a Use Agreement with Los Angeles County Flood Control to build a pedestrian bridge.

After a public hearing on Diamond Bar’s state of compliance with the 2015 Los Angeles County Congestion Management Program, the Council adopted a resolution that stated Diamond Bar’s conformance to the program.

Finally, Council appointed Raymond Wolf as the next Planning Commissioner, to fill a vacancy filled by Peter Pirritano, who relocated from Diamond Bar to Chino Hills. After the Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on Sept. 15, 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Inland Empire: Teen Arrested For Pointing Laser At Sheriff’s Helicopter

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Staff Reports

 

Hesperia – On Mon., Aug. 17, at approximately 10:42 p.m., a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s (SBSD) helicopter 40k1 was en route to Apple Valley to assist with a call when a high powered laser was pointed at them.
According to SBSD, Deputies in the helicopter were able to discern which home the laser came from and notified the Hesperia Station. Deputies responded and made contact with persons at the residence. Through investigation they discovered suspect Spencer Hamm, 18, had pointed the laser at the helicopter.
Hamm was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on charges of pointing a laser at an aircraft. Hamm’s actions could have resulted in impairment of the pilot’s vision and ability to safely fly the helicopter.

Please keep in mind that emergency vehicles and aircraft need to respond to their call safely so they can help others.

Walnut: RN Program At Mt. SAC

Bachelor’s Program in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary’s Now Offered

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Recognizing the shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses, Mt. San Antonio College and Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, will partner to launch a bachelor of science in nursing program on the Mt. SAC campus.
Classes begin Aug. 24 on Mt. SAC’s Walnut campus, with the goal of 30 students in the inaugural 2015-16 cohort. Mount Saint Mary’s will offer the Associate Degree in Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Completion Program, and admissions for the program will be handled through the Los Angeles-based university.
“There is a growing need both locally and nationally for this advanced training,” said Dr. Susie Chen, liaison for the program. “Most hospitals now want nurses with bachelor’s degrees.”
The demand for registered nurses is expected to outpace the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2012 to 2022, nursing jobs should increase by 19 percent.
“At Mount Saint Mary’s, we have made a major commitment to move more ADN students to BSN levels,” said Diane Vines, dean of nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s. “That’s why we created the RN to BSN Program, and that’s why we are pleased to partner with Mt. SAC. We want to help nurses reach this new standard in California’s hospitals and healthcare facilities.”
Through the educational partnership, classes will be held on the Mt. SAC campus and online, and will be taught by faculty from both colleges. The 35-unit program will consist of three continuous semesters of full-time study with core courses ranging from pediatric nursing to palliative care. Assigned hands-on clinical experience will be arranged in Mt. SAC’s local area.
Surveys have shown that more than 75 percent of Mt. SAC nursing students want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“We are honored to partner with Mount Saint Mary’s in this initiative. By working together, we have created a seamless process for students to first earn their associate’s degree through our nationally ranked program, and then take the next step and earn a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s excellent program. Our students will be well prepared to enter a surging job market and to lead the next generation of nursing professionals,” said Mt. SAC President and CEO, Dr. William Scroggins.
“This is a wonderful example of collegial collaboration in action,” said Mount Saint Mary’s President Ann McElaney-Johnson. “We have long been proud of the respect our nursing alums have earned in their field, and we are excited to join with Mt. SAC to help even more nursing professionals attain rising professional standards across California.”
Last year, Mt. SAC’s nursing program was ranked 13th among all nursing programs in the western United States’ community colleges in a survey by NurseJournal.org. Mt. SAC’s nursing program serves 240 students, and its students achieved a 91 percent pass rate on the 2014 state board nursing exam.
In 2014, Money magazine ranked Mount Saint Mary’s as its number one value-added college in the magazine’s evaluation of “Colleges That Add the Most Value.” Bright Hub, a web publication that focuses on technology, science and education, ranked the Mount at No. 9 in its U.S. ranking of “10 Best Colleges for a Degree in Nursing.” Mount Saint Mary’s BSN program is the oldest in California, dating back to 1952.

For more information, visit mtsac.edu and msmu.edu.

We Live In A World

By Sarah Sanchez

 

We live in a world
where we can’t spend time with family
without looking at our phone
We live in a world
where we have thousands of “friends”
yet, we constantly feel alone

We live in a world
where we don’t know the time or directions
without relying on technology
We live in a world
where we’ll say and do everything
BUT actually admit we owe an apology

We live in a world
where we teach kids to speak their minds
but only behind computer screens
We live in a world
where they tell us our sexuality
is determined by our genes

We live in a world
where our kids can be kidnapped
outside the house within our community
We live in a world
where children are starving around us
while we’re calculating server gratuity

We live in a world
where we throw out food and water because we feel full
We live in a world
where we take 30 minute showers
while others bathe in a lake or a pool  

We live in a world
where people are greedy and selfish
because it is normality
Are you living IN the world
or OF the world?
What’s your reality? 

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

A Letter From Danielle:

Question:  My daughter just graduated from high school last June and she has already decided to move out with two girlfriends.  I feel she is not ready to be on her own, but when I try to give her advice she gets nasty.  How can I make sure she is okay without making her look childish in front of her friends?  I am really worried, because she is still so immature.  By the way, none of these girls are in college, but they all have jobs. They believe they can make this arrangement work out.  Please help!

 

Answer:  This is one of those difficult times in the parenting cycle.  You sound like a very caring mom and your daughter will appreciate that some day.  Have faith that you did a good job in raising your daughter, and create space in your relationship for her to develop self reliance.   When I felt a deep need to visit and “check in” on my young adult kids, I made favorite food items, or offered to share my giant bundle of paper towels or toilet paper.  Youngsters are usually very open to receiving these gifts when they are first starting out on their own.  Be careful not to criticize their dwelling if it is messy, and resist the urge to fix all the difficulties that crop up.  When young adults make a decision to enter adult living, you should allow them to sort things out on their own.  However, let your daughter know she can seek your assistance before she allows anything to become a crisis.  I am assuming you have given her guidance about credit card debt and basic health practices.  Also, you might want to explain that you will not be taking steps to maintain her former lifestyle once she moves out. For example, clothes shopping, haircuts, cell phone bill, extra gas money, medical or dental expenses.  This talk should be informative, but not manipulative.  Often young adults are so excited at the thought of being on their own, that they don’t see the big picture.  When my son called with a very expensive utility bill he and his roommates couldn’t pay, I explained that I would assist them, but made it clear that I would not fix the same problem twice.  This shows you’re interested in a good outcome, but allows respect for the fact that you’re both functioning adults. If she still decides to move out after this friendly and informative conversation, be supportive, wish her well, and get back to your own interests in life. Be well.

 

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 atstraighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Walnut Protests Cell Towers

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – More than 800 Walnut residents received a small victory this month as their combined efforts caused the denial of two license agreements between the City of Walnut and Verizon Wireless for cell phone towers – one on Gartel Drive and another at Snow Creek Park.

According to Walnut resident, Heinrich Dy, more than 800 residents signed an online petition at kidsafegps.com, asking City officials to deny the installation of cell phone towers within 1,500 feet of any school and deny the license agreement for a proposed tower at 555 Gartel Drive. Dy and the other residents claimed that the area has no need for a new cell phone tower and that building one so close to residential houses, schools and parks would negatively impact the City, bring down property values and do not fit the usage of the area.

Dy claims that he has working knowledge of how cell phone coverage works, stating that he worked as a wireless network performance specialist for Microcell/Clearnet in Canada: he has also worked for Telus in Canada and Telstra in Australia – all of which are cell phone companies. Along with another resident, Cal Poly Pomona Electrical Engineering Professor and principal investigator at AT&T Bell Laboratories, James Yeh, the two are being called “expert witnesses” in regard to cell phone communication and voicing their concerns about Verizon’s plans.

“With my experience with cell phone companies, what I can say is that a simple drive test coverage map for telephone service is a basic tool that every engineering department of every cell phone company uses,” Dy said. “This knowledge is what allowed the residents to a) create our own maps; b) seek out crowd funded maps; and c) insist on those maps being made available by Verizon – which Verizon refused to provide even in repeated requests. It also allowed us to see that the supposed drive test map that Verizon provided was not the correct map needed to prove ‘significant gap.’”

While Dy and other residents are vehemently opposed to the new cell phone towers, representatives for Verizon Wireless claim that those estimated 800 residents do not speak for the entire city, and especially their Walnut customer base. During the Aug. 12 City Council meeting, Verizon Representative Jane Collier stated that 361 Verizon customers/Walnut residents voiced their approval of the cell phone towers via text messages from August 7-9. Collier stated that the text message was sent out to their Walnut customers as proof of the City’s need for another cell tower and that additional coverage is needed in parts of the City.

“Verizon has provided the City of Walnut with data to demonstrate the need for improved Verizon Wireless coverage and capacity in the area,” said Verizon Wireless Public Relations and Employee Communications representative for Northern California, Heidi Flato. “Customers are increasing their wireless use at a dramatic pace.”

Flato also mentioned that Verizon is expecting the demand for cell phone services to increase by 650 percent by the year 2018, and that the decline of landlines will cause a higher demand for cell phone service to avoid dropped calls to friends, family members and emergency services.

Flato also mentioned that Verizon’s research shows that good cell phone coverage is a positive aspect for perspective home buyers – meaning that increased coverage would make Walnut more appealing to homeowners.

Fellow cell phone tower protestor and Walnut resident, Angela Cinader, also brought up safety concerns for the tower, stating that cell phone towers constructed so close to schools and heavily populated areas have an inherent “risk of collapses and fires.” Cinader noted that if a cell phone tower were placed at either Snow Creek Park or Gartel Drive, Verizon would be putting adults and children in harm’s way.

“They keep coming back despite lack of solid evidence on significant gap and a thorough alternative sites analysis,” Cinader said. “But the fact that both the Planning Commission and the City Council have voted to reject these towers shows that our City government has considered all the evidence objectively, and we residents are grateful for that.”

While the estimated 800 petition signatures can celebrate in their victory for now, the fight is not over, according to Dy. After Verizon’s license agreement was denied on Aug. 5 and 12, the company will have 15 working days to appeal and once again attempt to approve their license agreement and build their new towers somewhere in Walnut.

WHO Will Care For Your Eyes?

little-girl-with-reading-glasses-onStaff Reports

Walnut – For many years, Walnut Hills Optometry (WHO) has taken great care of the vision needs of its community, serving patients from Walnut and Diamond Bar, to Chino Hills and Rowland heights.  Because of the quality of service provided, as well as the trusting care given by the doctor, patients travel from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas as well.

WHO considers vision to be a precious gift, and their office takes pride in providing thorough eye exams.  They believe that quality eye care involves consistent care by a professional.  Carmela Larino, O.D. and her loyal staff will give your eyes the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Dr. Larino is proud to serve the community she grew up in.  She attended Rowland Unified schools from elementary through high school, and then attended UC Irvine before receiving her doctorate degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.  In 2002 to 2004, Dr. Larino was honored at her alma mater – Nogales High School – by being inducted onto their Wall of Fame.  She is a member of the American Optometric Association, California Optometric Association, and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, where she stays current on the latest in eye care.  As a local resident, you might find Dr. Larino eating at your favorite restaurant, shopping in a local store, or attending a community event.

Walnut Hills Optometry offers personalized eye examinations, diabetic and eye health exams, and the management and care of a multitude of eye and vision concerns.  A wide variety of eyewear is also available, from progressive and polarized lenses, to silicone high-oxygen contacts, even designer frames.  Lasik Surgery co-management is also available through WHO.

WHO is conveniently located near the 10, 60 and 57 freeways, on the border of Walnut and West Covina, at 18736 East Amar Road (at the corner of Nogales Street and Amar Road, next to Papa John’s Pizza).  Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153.  For more information visit their website at www.walnuthillsoptometry.com.

WHO looks forward to seeing you and your family soon!

Socially Speaking

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – July was a busy month on social media with updates on construction, achievements, and criminals. If you are not following us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews) or our website (www.anapr.com), make sure to do so today to stay up-to-date on what’s happening in the community.

Trending topics last month included our City Manager, Michele Nissen, who was honored as an Outstanding Rising Administrator; an ERHS student who received the national Alexander Hamilton Citizenship Achievement Award; and news releases regarding the arrests of a Target robber, a fraud suspect, and three suspects in shopping area vehicle burglaries.

A post that sparked a lot of conversation in the community was a picture of the field where the Silverlakes Equestrian Center will be built. The equestrian center will be capable of stabling and hosting world-class (possibly Olympic) events, and will include 25 soccer fields, a 5,000-seat indoor stadium, an outdoor arena and event center, picnic areas, and more – according to a story we previously published in April 2015. For more information about this project, visit our website and view the article titled, “Silverlakes: Back In Action.”

Our most popular post on social media was about a resident who informed the community to watch out for possible burglars trying to break into Eastvale homes. The resident mentioned that she recently witnessed a man running from her front door as she was returning to her driveway near Archibald and Schleisman. She witnessed two cars waiting for the running man, and they sped off in their vehicles. This post received 103 comments of concerned citizens tagging their family and loved ones’ Facebook pages. This post was also shared 96 times to alert other community members to be watchful.

Community members are encouraged to inform us regarding any crime that they have witnessed in the area. The reason we post this information to the community is not because we want to encourage citizens to complain about crime, but to provide the opportunity to share the incidents with other community members as a public service. We can use social media as a tool to catch criminals and hopefully send the message that they WILL get caught if they commit a crime in Eastvale. So remember:  never leave valuables in your car, be watchful of your home and your neighbors’ home, and report any suspicious behavior to the Eastvale Police Department by dialing 911 or (951) 955-2600. Let’s work together to stop crime in our City!

Our Facebook page also consists of new events, yard sales, and stories on a daily basis. Every Thursday, we post local yard sales for the weekend and allow you to post your own yard sale in the comments. On Fridays, we post the weekend events and link to our new monthly calendar, which includes a variety of meetings, events, and outings in the surrounding areas. We also post the online version of the full Eastvale Community Newspaper for you to download, save, and print out.

Don’t forget to LIKE our page at Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews, Follow us on Instagram at @EastvaleNews, and subscribe to our website at anapr.com. Use #ILoveEastvaleNews to tell us why YOU love Eastvale News.

Keep on Trending, Eastvale!

Anxiety And Our Youth

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

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

 

I have been a psychotherapist for 15 years, and have worked with people of all ages with various issues.

I’m constantly amazed when I have a child or teen brought to me for anxiety issues. We seem to have created a generation that feels very inadequate and struggles with growing up and being successful.  The issues this generation worries about are things my generation didn’t have to deal with.

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

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

We need to teach our teens that problems can be worked through, and that drinking and drugs are not a solution.  We need to teach them how to meditate, not medicate, to quiet their busy minds.  We need to teach them how to relax by finding balance, getting organized, prioritizing and effectively managing their time and communicating what’s working and not working in their lives.

Please don’t assume that our youth are all pot-smoking, video-game-playing, lazy, worthless human beings.  They are just scared and need some help finding their way!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, including 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, or via email at nancyjstoops@verizon.net.  Nancy’s books, “Midnight the Therapy Dog,” and “Live, Heal and Grow,” are available at Amazon.com.

Chino Hills Burglary Arrests

Deputies prevent two burglaries as a result of immediate response to reports of suspicious subjects

 

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Chino Hills Deputies prevented two pre-dawn burglaries on Mon., Aug. 17, as a result of immediate response to reports of suspicious subjects in the area.  Five people were arrested for attempted burglary and conspiracy to commit burglary.
According to the Chino Hills Police Department, Trayvean Waever, 18; Terrell Small, 22; Isaac Metzmeier, 18 – all of Yucca Valley; Maurice Ross-Goodson, 19, of Joshua Tree; and a 17-year old juvenile from Pomona, were arrested on suspicion of knocking on doors and trying to remove screens from empty houses.
A resident called authorities at 3:35 a.m. to report seeing several suspects in the neighborhood knocking on doors in the 3200 block of Olympic View. When Deputies arrived on scene, four male subjects were seen fleeing the area on foot. The four suspects were found and detained, and a fifth suspect was found at a nearby park. The suspect’s vehicle was also found, parked in close proximity.
During the investigation, Deputies found a starter pistol – which is essentially a revolver with a plugged barrel that renders it incapable of shooting live ammunition, but looks like a functioning firearm. Detectives also uncovered evidence of a conspiracy between the suspects, who were planning to travel from the Yucca Valley area with the intent to commit burglary of empty homes in the Chino Hills area.
The Chino Hills Police Department would like to remind residents to make proper arrangements with friends, neighbors or family members to have their homes maintained while on vacation. Be sure to have mail and newspapers picked up, or suspended to avoid obvious signs that nobody is home.
 

Leal Project: Share The Vision

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale, Public Review Draft An idea of what an Eastvale town center might look like.

Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale, Public Review Draft
An idea of what an Eastvale town center might look like.

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Since its 2010 incorporation, Eastvale has grown up quite a bit, and with all the development there is not much open land left in its 13 or so square miles – save the Leal Property.  The 160-acre parcel of prime real estate has an exciting future ahead.

The land is owned by dairyman, Brad Leal, who has been working with the City of Eastvale in developing a plan that brings symmetry to his ideas for the property and what is best for the City.

According to Leal at a previous meeting about the project, “This is a big project and it will develop slowly. I don’t want some guy to just come in and build a big building.”

Instead Leal hopes that the project will come in phases of construction and establish a real Downtown Eastvale feeling.

In 2013, the City Council for the City of Eastvale initiated a long-range planning process for the property located at the northwest corner of Hamner and Limonite avenues to create a mixed-use town center on the site.

According to the City of Eastvale’s “Leal Master Plan,” the City envisions the project establishing itself as the “town center,” contributing to a desired regional destination place.  The site will be anchored by a lifestyle center and surrounded by a mixture of complementary office, civic, hotel, residential, recreation and entertainment uses.  The goal for all aspects of the project will exhibit the hallmarks of thoughtful, high-quality design (Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga and The Shoppes at Chino Hills come to mind).

The benefits will not only help to make Eastvale a destination city, but will provide significant employment opportunities, encourage high quality retail and restaurant establishments to make Eastvale their home, and keep residents (and tax dollars) from leaving the City for prime shopping and dining options.

More information will become available as a timeline is put together for phasing of the diverse development aspects of the project, beginning with environmental impacts and infrastructure coordination.

You Have The Power

This Is No Trendy Diet – Power Foods Help Weight Loss, Improve Energy, and Fight Disease

By Manuel Villacorta

Detoxing seems to be the catch word of the day, with people subsisting on juice, tea, or some other liquid that is meant to flush impurities out of their cells. But, how does that work?  Since no one food or herb has ever been demonstrated to be able to detox the organs and I am not aware of any research that has been able to identify the toxins, if we have functioning skin, liver and kidneys we are detoxing every day. Even if a quick detox works for weight loss, the gains are short-term because you can’t stay on it forever. Any weight loss we see is because we’re not getting enough calories.
The key to healthy nutrition is variety. Far from drinking just juice for days on end, the way to help our body repair and restore itself is through a full range of healthy foods. The simplest way to think about this concept is color. The colors in fruits and vegetables are caused by phytochemicals, which have been shown to have a range of healthy properties. I recommend you eat all the colors of the fruit and vegetable rainbow.

Peruvian Superfoods are so beneficial because they are low in calories and high in nutrients. The good news is that Superfoods are becoming easier to find in supermarkets as demand increases, with more and more people realizing their health benefits. Superfoods promote weight loss, boost energy, enhance memory and fight disease – and when the weight comes off, it stays off!
———————–
“Health is not a diet plan, but a lifestyle. Understand your body, your strengths, and your limits and use this knowledge to make a change. Stop dieting, start living.”
 – Manuel Villacorta
——————–
Manuel Villacorta, M.S., R.D., is a nationally recognized, award-winning registered dietitian with more than 16 years of experience as a nutritionist, and is a respected and trusted voice in the health and wellness industry. For more information, visit WholebodyReboot.com.

Home Fires

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris

By Pastor Rob Norris

“We will not hide these truths from our children; we will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the Lord, about his power and his mighty wonders.”  (Psalm 78:4)

Five grown siblings came together at the event of their parents’ 50th wedding anniversary. When the time came to express their thanks to each parent for the one thing that stood out above all in their memories, each of them – without consulting the others – thanked their father for his leadership in family worship.

One of the brothers said, “The oldest memory I have, Dad, is of tears streaming down your face as you taught us from Pilgrim’s Progress on Sunday evenings. No matter how far I went astray in later years, I could never seriously question the reality of Christianity. I had seen it in you.”

Whenever the subject of family worship comes up, you may feel guilt at your failure in this area. I understand that. Few things seem harder to pull off or easier to put off. But when you consider the impact this one commitment could make in your own children for a lifetime, what could be more important?

It doesn’t have to be tightly preplanned. Take five or ten minutes before school to read a devotional with your children. Schedule one night a week when you’ll all be home to read a story and Scripture, sing (or make a joyful noise) and have some outrageous fun. Watch for those opportunities to practice “sandbox theology,” turning your children’s everyday events into spiritual training moments.

Don’t miss this: Dad and Mom, your ultimate assignment as parents is to introduce your children to God; His Son, Jesus Christ; and His Word. It may be hard to start and a challenge to continue, but it will make a huge difference in how they finish.

Live It:  Talk about what each of you can do to be helpful and encouraging to each other in getting family worship started or in keeping it going.

Pray:  Pray for priorities to firm up in your life, for incidentals to be seen for the waste of time they are, and for God’s Word to recapture each of your hearts.

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.

Borrowing From Others

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

As we go through life, it seems that we are always borrowing things from our friends or neighbors.

When we were in grade school, many of us asked to borrow a pencil or piece of paper from a friend or classmate.  Parents and teachers tried to teach us that we needed to share with others.

Today, kids in school are asking to borrow a friend’s smart phone, tablet, computer or iPad.  How times have changed!

When we were in high school, many of us were eager to borrow the family car to go out on a date or with a group of friends.   The old family station wagon was a prized possession until we could afford a car of our own.

During the college years, it was not uncommon to borrow a text book or lecture notes from a classmate so you could catch up after you skipped a class.

As new home owners, we frequently asked to borrow a neighbor’s shovel or wheelbarrow as we planted landscaping or put up a fence.  Neighbors helped neighbors install sprinkler systems and new appliances.

If you owned a pickup truck, you were one of the most popular people on the block.  Personally, I never wanted to own a pickup truck, but I was sure glad to have a few friends who had one just in case I needed to borrow it!

As we get older, the items we need to borrow change.  At our church, we have a wheelchair and some crutches that people have donated.  People often borrow these items for themselves or for older loved ones.

Recently, I had surgery on my knee.  One of the items that I needed was an ice machine that enables you to wrap a flow of cold water around your knee or leg.  It sure helped!  My wife put out a request on Facebook and we received several replies.  I was surprised to learn how many people have had similar surgeries and owned an ice-wrap machine!  What does that tell you about the age and health of my peers?

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely,” (Psalm 112:5).  God is pleased with those who are generous and willing to lend and share with others.

Let me encourage you to be more willing to share and lend the possessions and resources God has entrusted to you.  Be willing to allow others to use your shovel, wheelbarrow or crutches, just as others have been willing to share theirs with you.

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.

Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station Annual Picnic

Photo courtesy: www.ShotByMarc.com The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station held their annual picnic on Sat., Aug. 8, at the Brookside Equestrian Center in Walnut. The event celebrates local Deputies, and provides some much-deserved down time to socialize with their families, friends and local dignitaries in a relaxed setting with lots of good food, games, and fun for little and big kids alike.

Photo courtesy: http://www.ShotByMarc.com
The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station held their annual picnic on Sat., Aug. 8, at the Brookside Equestrian Center in Walnut. The event celebrates local Deputies, and provides some much-deserved down time to socialize with their families, friends and local dignitaries in a relaxed setting with lots of good food, games, and fun for little and big kids alike.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 08.22.15

2015-Aug22-Weekly-COVERThe Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills, 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-Aug22-Weekly-WEB

Modest Is Hottest


By Sarah Sanchez

From shirts that show midriffs to bikini bottoms that only cover half of your bum – has anyone noticed the change in fashion trends? It seems like what’s “in,” is to show more skin.

It’s hard to talk to teens and young adults about going against the trend, but local youth pastor, Chris Kirish, at IgniteVPC, gave it a shot with a modesty-themed sermon last month.

Pastor Kirish talked about how bikinis were invited by French designer, Louis Reard, in 1946. Bathing suits at that time were more modest, only showing a small section of the midriff.   In fact, when the bikini was introduced, it was so scandalous that Reard couldn’t find a model to wear it.  He resorted to having an Exotic dancer being the first woman to ever wear a bikini in public.

Kirish went on to educate the students about a study that was done to determine what men thought of when they saw a woman in a bikini. Men in the study were hooked up to a machine and given a variety of pictures. When they saw women in bikinis or sexually-related clothing, the region of the brain associated with tool use lit up. Therefore, the conclusion of the study indicated that when women wear bikinis or sexually-related clothing, men see them as objects, not a person they can socialize with.

As a woman, I personally thought this study was eye opening on how important it is to dress modestly. Our youth looks up to us, whether we want them to or not. So if we’re wearing a bathing suit that looks like it could be underwear (or smaller than underwear), then our youth will do the same, thinking that it’s okay.

Getting a bad tan line in a modest bathing suit is the rising issue when this topic is discussed. But really, what’s more important: getting a good tan line (that you probably will be the only one seeing), or setting a good example to the youth in your life? Considering there are so many cute bathing suits and clothing that cover up, I believe that we can set a good example and still look fabulous doing so.

Many believe this is a controversial subject, but I believe that “Modest IS Hottest”. Does your wardrobe show where you stand?

He Knows

Dennis Morales X-ORIGBy Pastor Dennis Morales

Matthew 14:14 “…He was moved with compassion for them.”

I was walking through a hospital today and I became moved.  As I saw many people in their rooms suffering from sickness and disease, I was moved to pray for their healing and comfort.   I thought about how Jesus saw the people and had compassion on them.

Compassion is a word which means “to suffer with.”  The Bible also uses the word “sympathize,” which means to “be touched with feeling.”   It’s a sense of feeling what the other person is feeling, and going through it with them.

My dad is currently fighting the battle of his life with cancer.  As with any disease, it hit our family hard and without notice.  But without fail, the Lord seems to put people in my dad’s path who have survived cancer to encourage him.  A survivor once told me that they can immediately recognize anyone who is battling the disease, because they know what it means to have been in the fight.  There is a special encouragement that comes from people who have traveled the road you’re on.

When Jesus passed through the crowds of people, He had compassion on them.  He is able to see past the surface.  He knows what many may try to hide.  The Bible says we have a High Priest who can sympathize with us (Hebrews 4:15).

Whatever the situation, Jesus wants to go through it with you.  But you have to allow Him into your life first.  He endured rejection, pain, and even death so that He may sympathize with you.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave., Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Pomona: Civilian Volunteers In Patrol

Pomona Police Department seeks local residents interested in becoming CVPs

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Staff Reports

Pomona – The CVP program was created by the Pomona Police Department to allow civilian volunteers to help the Department achieve its goals, while helping to serve and protect the local community. CVP members play a vital role in helping to identify suspicious activities, crimes in progress (or other dangerous circumstances), and notify the authorities for proper handling. Some CVP members also help enforce the City’s parking regulations through the issuance of parking citations.
According to the Pomona Police Department, in order to be considered as a volunteer candidate for the CVP program, an individual must:
– Be an adult (18 years old)
– Complete an oral interview
– Submit to a background check
– Commit to participate in continual training classes
– Meet minimum driving standards
While CVP members are not law enforcement officers, they act as the Police Department’s “eyes and ears” in the community, requesting assistance from officers when needed. The CVPs receive training from the Department to assist with such areas as:
– Traffic Control
– First Aid and CPR
– Parking Enforcement
– Vacation and Business Checks
– Residential Patrols
– Assisting with City-sponsored events

If you have questions about the CVP Program, or would like to submit an application, please contact Officer Jung at (909) 620-3641, or Harry_Jung@ci.pomona.ca.us.