Straight Talk With Danice

An Anonymous Letter

 

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Q:  I come from a religious family background.  My husband, kids, and I are at church most of the day on Sunday and other days during the week.  Several months ago, I started feeling overwhelmed.  I realized that this is just another church, and what really counts for me is spirituality and not organized religion.

I want to tell my family, but I know they will be crushed and think I’ve lost it.  I feel like a hypocrite.   I also have guilty feelings, because I agreed to raise my children in this religion.  My youngest child (of five) will turn 18 at the end of the year.  Do I dare to be honest, or continue feeling like a hypocrite?

 

A:  I’m very impressed with the fact that you have chosen to keep your agreements with your husband, even though you’ve had a change in your point of view.  People in committed relationships will often face growth and change in different directions, and adjustments need to be made.  Arrange a time when you can have a quiet conversation with your husband.  Explain your feelings and request a renegotiation.  Explain that you are willing to fulfill your agreement until the end of the year when your last child will legally become a young adult.  Let him know you will not take any steps to alter the belief systems of any other family members.  Then express your plans to participate in the spiritual practices of your choice.  If he seems to need some time to adjust to the new situation you’ve presented, respect his position.  Please recognize that large changes can affect the whole family, and it may take a bit of time before relations return to normal.

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.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 08.08.15

2015-Aug8-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-Aug8-Weekly-WEB

Walnut: Mayor’s Corner

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

By Bob Pacheco

Walnut – This last Tuesday was Walnut’s 30th Annual National Night Out. This event is held each year to remind the Walnut community how we can prevent crime through neighborhood involvement. It is also an opportunity to get to know local elected officials, City staff, fellow neighbors, as well as representatives from the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Everyone enjoyed an evening of dancing and listening to Top 40 band, Cold Duck.  A screening of Big Hero 6 followed the concert. Thanks to our City staff, volunteers, and Sheriff/Fire Department personnel for a great evening!

In the coming days, we will hold a Town Hall meeting to inform and communicate with all members of our community – especially our seniors and those with special needs – regarding the City’s safety, emergency preparedness and evacuation plan implementation in case of a disaster. Your input and participation is welcome.

As an update, we continue to work on plans to develop the new Aquatic Center, as well as assisting our

local businesses by promoting Shop in Walnut days.

Please feel free to contact me or the City staff with any other questions or concerns by calling (909) 595-7543, and be sure to follow the City of Walnut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest community news.

Photo Courtesy: Gayle Pacheco

Photo Courtesy: Gayle Pacheco
National Night Out in Walnut

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

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

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

By K.P. Sander

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

Back to School’s “Three R’s”: Reduce, Reuse & Recycle

Waste Management of Southern California Offers ‘Green’ Tips for Back to School

 

City of Eastvale

Eastvale – As nearly 50 million students head back to elementary and secondary school and an additional 21 million students go back to college, Waste Management encourages parents, students and educators to think about ways to make this school year a lesson in sustainability.

“As school boards, administrators, teachers, parents and students prepare for a new school year, Waste Management is providing some easy tips to use in your daily routine to help reduce waste,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California.

Here are some waste reduction tips for everyone to remember this school year:

  • Reduce trash created by disposable bags, sandwich bags and foil by packing lunches in washable, reusable lunchboxes, bags and containers.
  • Reusable coffee mugs and travel containers are a better option than disposable paper cups.
  • Replace juice boxes and disposable cans and bottles with refillable water bottles. Many have caps that can clip to backpacks and lunch bags.
  • Whole fruits and vegetables as snacks are healthier and better for the environment than packaged snacks.
  • Consider purchasing paper and notebooks made from recycled paper or other eco-friendly supplies.
  • When possible, take notes electronically on your laptop.
  • When upgrading to the latest phone, computer, tablet or other device, look into buyback and recycling programs or donate the old ones to a not-for-profit organization.
  • Educate yourself on your school’s recycling programs.
  • Create an organized group to start recycling. School-related groups might include science classes, environmental clubs, and parent-teacher organizations.
  • Encourage students and teachers to donate leftover school and office supplies at the end of the school year.
  • Classroom paper recycling can be as easy as providing every classroom with a receptacle for used paper that is collected separately from garbage.
  • If available, place lunch food and cafeteria leftovers in compost bins on campus.
  • Recycle old computers, cell phones, televisions, and other electronic equipment, or donate to a not-for-profit organization.
  • Purchase recycled paper products or other eco-friendly supplies for your campus.
  • Reward participants. A reward system could provide incentives to help the success of your waste reduction program. Pizza parties, gift certificates, or donations to charities are examples of good rewards.

 

Waste Management, based in Houston, Texas, is the leading provider of comprehensive waste management services in North America. Through its subsidiaries, the company provides collection, transfer, recycling and resource recovery, and disposal services. It is also a leading developer, operator and owner of landfill gas-to-energy facilities in the United States. The company’s customers include residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers throughout North America. To learn more information about Waste Management visit www.wm.com or www.thinkgreen.com

 

Instincts

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 think we underestimate our instincts. We seem to go to others more than trusting ourselves to make decisions.
I’ve always thought of our instincts as our own personal guide or life coach. Our instincts need to be trusted because they are a gift from God that helps us know what is right or wrong for us. We all have felt our stomachs change when we go against our instincts.
In reality, our instincts guide us. I’ve never understood why people would trust anybody else more than they would trust themselves. I think when people are generally insecure, they struggle trusting themselves and their instincts.
My instincts never fail me. When I was younger, I didn’t always follow them and would end up in trouble. Now that I’m older, and hopefully wiser, I know I can always trust my instincts.
Learn to pay attention to the red flags or warning signs, because they are there to protect us from potential harm. I have found that they generally are trying to tell me something that I need to know. Learn to have faith and start to believe in yourself. Start making decisions that are good for you and learn to trust your gut. The more you follow your instincts and see that they guide you well, the more trust you will develop in yourself.
You wouldn’t throw away a map that would take you to a very sacred destination. By not following your instincts, I think you are throwing away one of the most valuable tools you have for self exploration and finally finding confidence in yourself.
Learning to trust your instincts can also make you a good judge of character when it comes to deciding whether or not to let people into your lives. Once you find that confidence, you will be free to depend on yourself to decide what is right for your life. This confidence is a very empowering tool that can change a life.

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.

University of California Is For Bears, Bruins And Banana Slugs, Not Cash Cows

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia
California’s 29th District Senate Republican Leader, Bob Huff

By Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas)
The University of California should be a beacon of opportunity for California students; but in recent years, there’s been a clear trend at UC campuses to turn away too many of our own California students in favor of higher paying, out-of-state students and foreign elites. This crowding out of our own high school graduates from UC schools is a trend that can’t be allowed to continue.

The numbers tell the story: UC officials claim state budget cuts have forced them to admit more and more out-of-state students. This makes some fiscal sense, because those out-of-state students pay nearly triple the tuition charged to California residents.  But this year, fully one out of three freshman students admitted to UC campuses are from out-of-state.  And, despite past assurances I’ve gotten from UC officials, some of those out-of-state students are receiving financial aid that’s been paid for with California taxpayer dollars. Not only is that not fair to California families, if this trend continues we could soon see the day when the majority of students entering the University of California aren’t from California.

And while UC officials claim that state budget cuts are forcing them to turn more and more to out-of-state students and the dollars they bring, that’s not the whole story.  After all, there’s more to fiscal management than simply grabbing more dollars. There’s also controlling costs, and that’s where UC officials don’t have a very good story to tell. In the past 20 years, UC has tripled its hiring of non-faculty administrators.  That’s a big increase in spending for some very expensive bean counters and pencil pushers.  And it’s a tough increase to justify.  For comparison’s sake, over the same period UC was busy tripling its administrative staff, the California State University actually cut its administrative staff by a third.
We can do better. Our students deserve better. That’s why I signed on this year as co-author of SCA 4, a proposed Senate Constitutional Amendment which places a ten percent cap on UC out-of-state admissions.   SCA 4 also freezes UC tuition for the next five years, and bars out-of-state students from receiving financial assistance from California families.  SCA 4 protects our students while imposing a little fiscal discipline on UC’s educational bureaucracy.

SCA 4 likely won’t make it through the Legislature this year, and that’s a shame, because now the people will be denied a chance to vote for its important student protections.
Education is the great equalizer, because education is what turns opportunity into real world success. If we truly want to battle income inequality and increase opportunity for Californians, it’s time to protect UC’s educational opportunities for California students.

Senator Bob Huff serves as the Senate Minority Leader and represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Follow Senator Huff on Twitter @bobhuff99.

Reagan Elementary

Setting students on a path of integrity toward success

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez Ronald Reagan Elementary School

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez
Ronald Reagan Elementary School

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – Ronald Reagan Elementary opened its doors on July 6, as “Wranglers” for Tracks A, C and D started off the new school year in style.

With a few first-day jitters behind them, the newest member of the Corona-Norco Unified School District’s family is up and running with aplomb, and students and teachers alike are enjoying their beautiful new surroundings.

Principal Susan Helms, who has been a CNUSD principal for the past ten years, is proud to be guiding the District’s 50th school to success.

“It is extremely exciting and an honor to be here,” says Helms.  “We are here to provide a stellar education for our students, first and foremost.”

Helms also praises the stellar staff that she is surrounded by.

“Our school community from an employee perspective is wonderful, and the culture we are creating is off to such a positive start.”

Reagan started the school year with 1,250 students (which include all four tracks – B Track started Aug. 3).  Helms says the majority of their  population came from a boundary restructuring that mostly affected Barton Elementary, which was over capacity at its peak with 1,800 students.  Reagan also has 46 teachers on staff, utilizing 41 state-of-the-art classrooms.

Photo Courtesy: K.P. Sander 2nd Grade teacher, Erin Monroe, and 6th Grade teacher, Daniel Monroe – a husband and wife team committed to excellence at Ronald Reagan Elementary.

Photo Courtesy: K.P. Sander

Photo Courtesy: K.P. Sander

Photo Courtesy: K.P. Sander. 2nd Grade teacher, Erin Monroe, and 6th Grade teacher, Daniel Monroe – a husband and wife team committed to excellence at Ronald Reagan Elementary.

2nd Grade teacher, Erin Monroe – who previously taught at Barton Elementary – has a simple, but effective, philosophy for her students:  “Always try your best!”

“We are working on character development,” says Erin.  “Students are constantly reminded to be responsible citizens filled with integrity, who are aware of others.”

There is a motto posted in Erin’s classroom, encouraging students to keep that positive behavior at the forefront of their days:  “We are Reagan Wranglers!  We ride with PRIDE – Positive – Resilience – Integrity – Determined – Encouraging.  Blazing a trail to success!  Yeehaw!” She doesn’t hesitate to give out “Brag Tags” as a reinforcement of those positive behaviors.

Erin enjoys working with the DOJO app, a communication tool that keeps her in sync with parents at a moment’s notice.  Through broadcast or individual messages, parents are aware of assignments, behaviors and events that help improve the partnership for student success.  Students know that this technology provides their parents with instantaneous updates, which helps with accountability.

Erin’s husband, and fellow Reagan teacher, Daniel Monroe, has a similar philosophy for his 6th Grade students – teaching not only academics, but skills to set them up for successes that will carry them through life.  “Progress, not perfection,” is the journey he wants his students on.

“The first day of school was so exciting,” says Daniel.  “The energy was contagious and it is great to be with such a positive staff creating this new culture.  We are a team here – everybody is seeking the same Wrangler Pride.”

While the peer-to-peer accountability and being kind and supportive of each other also drives Daniel’s teaching values, the focus for these 6th Graders is CCR:  College/Career Readiness.  By instilling a yes-you-can attitude into students now, it helps stop the excuses for why they can’t later.

“I feel my role as a facilitator is to ask students what they would choose to do when nobody is watching,” says Daniel.

He says it is all about accountability with these students, who are amazingly well-organized with their super-binders – with a place for everything, and everything in its place; just another tool for success that helps to stop the excuses.

“Ronald Reagan said, ‘America is too great for small dreams,’ says Helms.  “I feel the same way about Reagan Elementary.  We are too great for small dreams; we have lofty goals and want our students to have every opportunity possible.”

With such dedicated leadership and philosophies for success, these Wranglers are indeed lucky to be studying at Ronald Reagan Elementary.

Reagan Elementary is located at 8300 Fieldmaster St., in the southwest corner of Eastvale.  They can be reached at (951) 736-7737.  The official opening will be held on Fri., Aug. 28, with a ribbon cutting ceremony and festivities.

Diamond Bar Day At The Fair

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – L.A. County Fair season is just around the corner, and Thurs., Sept. 24 has been officially designated as Diamond Bar Day at the Fair.  Diamond Bar residents who visit on this day pay only $5 for admission, and get to take part in a bevy of festivities to honor the City, including a Community and Business Expo, parade, high school marching band competition, Community Hero awards ceremony, and evening entertainment.

If you have a knack for drawing, gardening or creating, the Los Angeles County Fair (LACF) has a special contest as part of the Community Showcase program.  The “Design Your Own Crate Label Contest” is open to Diamond Bar students, pre-kindergarten through 12th Grade.  To enter, design a fruit crate label that creatively depicts a part of Diamond Bar history. There is no cost to enter, and winners will have their artwork prominently displayed for public viewing, receive four free LACF tickets for Sept. 24, and get to ride in a festive parade through the fairgrounds. The deadline to enter is Sept. 4.

Goods purchased under the Diamond Bar Day promotion, benefit the Big Yellow Bus Program, which subsidizes the cost of bus services for local students to participate in FairKids Field Trips and take part in fun and educational activities related to agriculture, art, science and literature, California heritage, and life on a farm.

For more information or to download a coupon for $5 Fair admission, good for Diamond Bar Day only, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/fair.

Join W.O.L.F.F. for NNO

WOLFF logoBy Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – Join W.O.L.F.F. at Eastvale’s National Night Out on Tues., Aug. 11, from 5 to 7 p.m. in the Eastvale Gateway Center Target Parking Lot.

There will be lots of fun, including a balloon artist, and games and prizes for kids at the W.O.L.F.F. booth. W.O.L.F.F. advocates for a safe community and will be promoting an anti-bully message at this year’s event. There will also be applications and information about joining our organization at the National Night Out booth.

If you are interested in joining W.O.L.F.F., a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting public safety officer and firefighter families through volunteering, fundraising, and collaborating with local communities, please email us at eastvalewolff@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolff.eastvale.

Helping Hands

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently I had the opportunity to travel with a team from our church to New Orleans. Many groups from around the country continue to send volunteers to help rebuild neighborhoods that were devastated by Hurricane Katrina ten years ago.

Our team worked on three different building projects.  One group put new exterior siding on a damaged home.  A second group put new shingles on the roof of another house in the neighborhood.  I was with the third group putting new flooring in another house.

The home my wife and I live in is built on a concrete foundation and cement floor.  The homes that we worked on in New Orleans are built up off the ground.  Pillars of wood or concrete blocks elevate these older houses two to three feet off the ground.  We actually saw some new homes in the area that were six to eight feet above ground!

Elevating homes off the ground probably helped prevent damage from minor flooding due to heavy rains and probably kept the bugs and critters out, too.  But the flood waters from Hurricane Katrina and the broken levies brought flood waters up ten to 15 feet, and higher, in some areas.  Even the newer homes were not able to withstand the devastation

I learned a lot about flooring during the week I was in New Orleans.  First we had to scrape and clean the original hard wood floor.  Then, we put down a cushioned, moisture barrier underlay before we put down the new wood laminate flooring.

One thing I learned about flooring work is that you spend a lot of time on your knees!  As volunteers, we wore cushioned knee pads. These gave us some protection and relief as we literally worked on our hands and knees all day long.

I have gained a lot of respect for men and women who work in the various building trades.  They work hard – very hard.  We worked hard in the hot, humid summer weather in New Orleans.  I can’t imagine what it would be like to do this kind of work day after day, week after week, year after year.

The Bible says a lot about work.  Everyone needs to be productive with their hands and mind.  God intended us to work while we live on the earth.  And He commands workers to do their jobs well.  In Ephesians 6:6, the Apostle Paul tells workers, “Don’t work just to please men, but do your work to please God.”

Whether you are a volunteer or an employee, each of us needs to do our work in a way that is pleasing to God.  Our goal should not be to simply pass “inspection” by the county building inspector, but to please God with the work of our hands and hearts.

If you are one of those in the construction trades, let me say, “Thanks,” for all your hard work.  And, if you have a worker fixing your plumbing or repairing your roof, I hope you will express your thanks to them for their hard work.

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.

Eastvale: DUI-Driver’s License Checkpoint Results

Staff Reports

Eastvale – The Eastvale Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on July 17, at Archibald Avenue and River Road, between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries. A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects they have on those who might drive drunk or drugged, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

Operation Results:

  • 743 Vehicles passed through the checkpoint
  • 0 DUI arrests
  • 36 Field sobriety tests for DUI of alcohol
  • 7 Citations were issued for unlicensed drivers
  • 2 Citations were issued for suspended driver’s license
  • 22 Citations for miscellaneous vehicle code violations
  • 5 Vehicles towed

Drunk driving is a major cause of fatal and injury collisions each year. Eastvale Police Officers are seeking your assistance in saving lives. If you are on the roadways and you observe a possible drunk driver, call 911 immediately. Officers will be dispatched to the location and make every effort to prevent the impaired driver from continuing to pose a threat.

The Eastvale Police Department wishes to remind you that if you choose to drink alcoholic beverages, please designate a sober driver before getting into a vehicle. Remember “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest!”

Back-To-School Tips

Help Keep Kids Healthy and Safe

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

By StatePoint

Back-to-school prep means more than a trip to the office supply store. Help kids stay strong, healthy and safe this school year by putting wellness front and center.

“Thinking about back-to-school now can help parents keep kids on track for a healthy summer and start to school,” says Dr. Sandra Hassink, MD, FAAP, President of the American Academy of Pediatrics.

With that in mind, Hassink recommends taking the following steps:

Ease into the School Schedule:  Ease the back-to-school transition by keeping bedtime and meals scheduled during the summer and adjusting timing as school approaches. If your child has been going to bed later than usual, begin adjusting his or her bedtime earlier toward the end of summer. Depending on age, children and teens need between 8.5 to 9.5 hours of sleep nightly.

For young children, arranging to see their new classroom and meet their new teacher before school starts can calm first day jitters. Go over the school schedule with your child, including how she will get to school and what the plans are for after school time.

Schedule a Pediatric Visit:  The back-to-school season is a good time for scheduling a pediatric exam. Create a list of items you want to discuss with your child’s pediatrician. This list should include ensuring your child is up-to-date on vaccinations, a crucial part of preventive care.

It’s a good idea to build a medical home with a pediatrician by sticking with one doctor or medical practice throughout childhood and adolescence. The doctor will be better informed of your child’s medical history and aware of any emerging problems.

Beyond medical testing, pediatricians are well-equipped to counsel patients and parents on emotional and social issues, as well as issues that often crop up during adolescence, such as smoking, drugs, drinking, sexual activity and depression.

“Parents can ask a pediatrician about anything related to the care of their child or teen, medical or not,” says Hassink. “The visit can be a good way to bring up these issues.”

Consider Sports:  Sports can foster confidence, cooperation and healthy habits, and the start of the school year brings many opportunities to join various programs.

Hydration, nutrition and proper conditioning are important for any sport, especially those with intense training in warm weather. Schedule a sports physical with your pediatrician to discuss your child’s overall health and how to prevent injuries.

Talk Safety:  If your child will be walking to school, travel the route with him to assess its safety. Find out about traffic patterns and crossing guards. Teach your child safety rules like looking both ways. If possible, have your child commute with an older sibling or neighbor. If your child will be riding a bike or skateboard, be sure he wears a helmet. Review basic rules for safer riding. Bus riders should also be mindful of safety rules, like remaining in one’s seat and listening to the driver.

As a parent, you can take steps to help ensure your children are prepared for a happy, healthy school year. More back-to-school tips can be found at http://www.healthychildren.org.

Eastvale: Attempted Robbery

attempted robbery1

Image Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On Tues., July 21, at approximately 2:30 p.m., an attempted robbery occurred at the Edwards Eastvale Gateway Stadium 14, located in the 12000 block of Limonite Avenue, in Eastvale.

According to the City of Eastvale, the suspect said he was armed with a firearm and demanded money from an employee who was working in the box office. The suspect fled on foot westbound through the parking lot before obtaining any money.

The suspect is described as a white male, about 25 years of age, 5′-6″ tall, with a medium build. He was last seen wearing sunglasses, a black hooded jacket, dark gray shorts, white tennis shoes, and a black backpack.

Anyone with information regarding the attempted robbery is encouraged to call Investigator Gonzales at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600.

Image Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Image Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Image Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Image Courtesy: City of Eastvale

Pomona Students Sample College Life

Nearly 100 percent of students who attend the program go on to pursue a college degree.

Photo Courtesy: La Verne Media Relations

Photo Courtesy: La Verne Media Relations
More than 60 college-hopeful high school students, including 21 from the Pomona Unified School District, participated in the 10th Annual REACH Business Summer Camp, hosted June 8-28 by the University of La Verne.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – 21 Pomona Unified School District students spent three weeks getting a glimpse of college life during the University of La Verne’s annual REACH Summer Business Camp, where they experienced a stimulating and enriching academic environment as they explored the world of business.

As a way to help students “Reach” their potential, the camp – which is celebrating its 10th anniversary – provides high school juniors from underserved communities with an introduction to the business field. Nearly 100 percent of students who attend the program go on to pursue a college degree.

“Working with the REACH program is just one of the ways Pomona Unified encourages students to pursue higher education,” Board President Andrew Wong said. “They learn that attending a university or college is attainable and feasible for them, and by getting an idea of what the academic standards are like, they are able to better prepare themselves for college.”

The University of La Verne’s College of Business and Public Management hosted the annual camp
June 8-28 for more than 60 college-hopeful students who took classes in accounting and finance, business ethics, economics, management and organization, marketing and website development.

Students also received valuable insight from local business owners who explained the key role leadership plays in entrepreneurship. They were also challenged to come up with their own ideas for a business and complete a thorough business plan.

“It was an amazing opportunity and unforgettable time for all of the students who gained confidence knowing that they can attend college,” said Monique Cardenas, a business teacher at Garey and Village Academy high schools, who assisted La Verne professors with lesson plans and helped students with their research projects.

“Students gained a unique understanding of the role of business in the economy and the importance of obtaining a post-secondary education,” Cardenas said. “It was exciting to see the sparkle in their eyes.”

The camp is held at no cost to students, who live in campus dorms, eat in dining halls and sit in on classroom lectures for the duration of the program. Those who complete the camp earn five elective credits through the Pomona Unified Regional Occupation Program and one unit from the University of La Verne.

“Our students have taken a significant step toward their college degrees and now have a better understanding of the business field thanks to the REACH Summer Business Camp,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “I want to thank the University of La Verne and our other community partners for encouraging our students to explore their career aspirations and giving them the hands-on opportunity to do so.”

 

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met on Wed., July 22, with recently appointed Mayor, Bob Pacheco, fitting into his old position and taking on a long agenda for the last meeting of the month.

To start, Pacheco and the other Council members met with Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Captain Jeff Scroggin, proclaiming Aug. 4 as National Night Out – a day for residents to get out and meet their local law enforcement officers and combat drug use and crime. Pacheco thanked Scroggin for the safety that the Sheriff’s Department provides to the City, and that it’s up to all Walnut residents to keep the City safe.

After the proclamation, Pacheco gave a speech about his hope for the City Council to work together in order to maintain the City’s reputation as one of the best in the country.

“We might not always agree, but if we disagree, we should do so in a civilized manner,” Pacheco said.

He spoke about getting a citizen committee together to talk about the way the Council has conducted themselves in recent months, as well as pledging to continue to serve with the citizens’ best interest in mind during his term as Mayor.

There were alternative viewpoints from some residents attending the meeting.

The Council then moved to approve the July 8 City Council meeting minutes and all items on the Consent Calendar, including a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $1,298,381.17; a resolution designating Mayor Pro Tem Mary Su as the official voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference; an amendment to the agreement for WRA Environmental Consultants; an amendment to the agreement for Leibold, McClendon & Mann; the award of bid for the Suzanne Park Parking Lot Project; an alcoholic beverage license application for 7-Eleven store #27324; the Mayor’s agency representatives; and the rescheduling/cancellation of City/WHA Council meetings for November and December holidays.

The Council also approved a resolution of the City of Walnut as Successor Agency, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $125,000.

For the discussion/transaction items, the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force decided to revise their City-wide notification mailer for August, and to meet in closed session to discuss the Notice of Nuisance Abatement hearing (a rear property block wall located at 20638 Loyalton Drive).

After the Council’s final discussion item, the meeting was adjourned with plans to meet on Aug.12 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

For more information on this City Council Recap, visit http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us/general.asp?id=372.

Orange County: Streetcar Project Takes Next Step

Image Courtesy: City of Santa Ana

Image Courtesy: City of Santa Ana

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – The OC Streetcar project marked its latest milestone this week as the Orange County Transportation Authority Board of Directors agreed to a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city of Santa Ana, outlining the roles and responsibilities associated with the development, implementation, operations and maintenance of the project.
The OC Streetcar is planned for travel through the cities of Santa Ana and Garden Grove, and intended to provide easy connections for people traveling from trains and buses to employment, retail and recreational areas.
According to the City of Santa Ana, the streetcar is scheduled to operate along a route of approximately four miles. The route will run from the Santa Ana train station, through Downtown Santa Ana and the Civic Center, along the Pacific Electric right of way, and connect to a new multimodal transit hub at Harbor Boulevard and Westminster Avenue in Garden Grove.
“This agreement is another big step toward the realization of Orange County’s first modern streetcar,” said Santa Ana Mayor and OCTA Director, Miguel Pulido. “The streetcar will improve the way people move through the heart of our county and provide needed transportation alternatives for a modern work environment.”
Up to seven streetcars are planned to run along the route, stopping at 12 stations. By 2035, the streetcar is expected to carry more than 6,000 riders a day. Initial estimates put the project cost at $250 million, with OCTA pursuing local, state and federal funding.
The streetcar is expected to move into the design phase later this year with construction planned to begin in 2017. On the current schedule, the streetcar would begin running in 2019.
To read the full MOU, visit http://atb.octa.net/AgendaPDF/2729.pdf.

Eastvale Resident Wins Chino Derby

Photo By Scott Schaller

Photo By Scott Schaller

By Josh Thompson

Chino – Heavy rain stayed away long enough for Eastvale’s Will Wright to win the 25th annual Chino Challenge Demolition Derby on Sat., July 18 at the Chino Fairgrounds.  Wright won the night’s top prize of $3,500.

Rain throughout the day in Chino drenched the dirt field, but let up about an hour before opening ceremonies, giving workers enough time to flatten the dirt and prepare it for three preliminary derbies, a last chance derby and the 24-car main event.

Wright – nicknamed “the Beast” – halted second-place driver, Dickie Vander Meulen, with several big hits to his vehicle’s front end to win his first derby title. The 24-car main event lasted 45 minutes.

Vander Meulen, of Ontario, won $1,200 for placing second. Ryan Doty, of Eastvale, placed third and won $700. Chino Hills resident, Andrew James, placed fourth, winning $400; and Corona’s Matthew Kingma took fifth and won $200.

Winning the derby title was Wright’s second victory of the night. His Star Wars themed car with Darth Vader, Chewbacca, Princess Leia and Luke Skywalker won the event’s Best Appearing Car contest and its $250 prize.

Wright, playing the role of Darth Vader, got into a “light saber” fight with Skywalker, played by Doty. The fight scene got a big reaction from the standing-room-only crowd of more than 3,500 people.

This year’s auction car brought in a record bid from J&A Manufacturing in Pixley.  The $16,000 bid for a 1975 Monte Carlo decorated in candles to mark the derby’s 25th anniversary will benefit the Let It Be Foundation, which assists children with life threatening illnesses.

The auction car, driven by John Vermeer of Chino, placed 10th.

Chino Valley: Weed Abatement

A Year-Round Commitment to Safety

 

 Staff Reports

Chino Valley – Keeping your home and property clear of brush and rubbish is a year-long commitment to fire safety.

According to the Chino Valley First District, inspections for proper clearance of tumbleweeds and other combustible materials will begin on Aug. 25. Courtesy reminder cards were mailed at the end of July to Chino and Chino Hills residents with a previous history of overgrown vegetation on their property.

Tumbleweeds, combustible vegetation and rubbish must be cleared by Aug. 25.  If a hazard exists on or after that time, property owners will be charged a $130 non-compliance fee – and owners are still responsible for clearing their property.

Properties that are not cleared by the re-inspection date of Oct. 14 will be cleared by a contractor hired by the Fire District. In addition to the cost to clear the hazard, an additional $200 administration fee will be billed per parcel. This applies to all parcels, including adjoining parcels. The legal owner of record at the time the property is cited is responsible for all fees and charges.

Fire District officials will focus on the removal of tumbleweeds during this inspection period because of the fire hazard they pose. Tumbleweeds are a high fire danger due to their propensity to break loose once dry and be carried by the wind to areas where they can accumulate along flammable vegetation, wood fences, homes and other combustible materials.

Property owners are required to maintain their properties clear of tumbleweeds, combustible vegetation and rubbish year round. Below are some helpful tips for clearing vegetation in a safe and effective manner.

  • Use trimming, mowing and power equipment before 10 a.m. and after 6 p.m. (it is cooler at that time with more moisture in the air, making fires harder to start).
  • Never use a lawn mower in dry vegetation. Use a weed trimmer to cut down dry weeds and grass.
  • Keep a cell phone nearby and call 911 immediately in case of a fire. Never put yourself in harm’s way to extinguish an advancing fire.

For more information about the weed abatement program, please visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org, or call the Fire Prevention Bureau at (909) 902-5285.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition August 2015

2015-08-EastvaleNews-COVERThe Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2015-08-EastvaleNews-WEB