Without A Friend

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

 

“Better is a neighbor who is near than a brother far away,” (Proverbs 27:10).

We’ve never had so many options for connecting with people – mail, email, phone, text-messaging, Facebook. Yet recent findings reported in the American Sociological Review show that the number of people who claim to have no one to confide in on important matters is up from 10 percent to 25 percent – 1 out of 4 – since 1985.

True friendship…what’s happened to it?

Some people, of course, claim to have a multitude of friends. One college student said, “You go on some people’s online profiles, and they say they have a thousand friends. Truth is they probably don’t even know half of them.”

So these days, in this high-tech, low-touch culture, is genuine friendship even necessary? More specifically, once you’re married and settled as a couple, is there still a great need for you to maintain friendships?

Hopefully, your best friend is the person you’re sharing this devotional moment with. That’s the way it’s supposed to be. But husbands and wives both need at least one close Christian friend of the same sex. It’s also important for you to have at least one other couple you can share with; mutual friends you can turn to for fellowship and accountability.

Tami and I have a handful of true friends upon whom we lean on for counsel, advice and balance. We’ve discussed everything from disciplining our children to finances, areas of struggle, managing pressure, and the seasons of life.

As you look at today’s culture of high-tech communication, one of the greatest needs you have is to be connected to some true friends – followers of Jesus Christ who will tell you what you need to hear.  Friends who won’t hesitate to weep with you or bring comfort or encouragement (or even correction) in a time of need.

Live It:  Who are your closest friends? What do you need to do to keep those friendships healthy and vibrant?

Pray:  If you need a close friend to come alongside you, ask God to direct you. Be patient, and expect Him to provide.

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.

Azusa School Earns Grant

Students will be provided with more fruits and vegetables

 

Staff Reports

Azusa – Azusa Unified’s Clifford Murray Elementary recently received $2,540 as one of 371 California schools sharing $12.2 million in federal grants made available through the United States Department of Agriculture’s Fresh Fruit and Vegetables Program.

According to the California Department of Education, in an announcement made on Thurs., July 16, the grant will provide Murray Elementary pupils with a full school year of fresh produce to be distributed three days a week during recess.

The produce – purchased from local farmers – is available to all students whether or not they are part of the National School Lunch Program.

 

Inland Empire: CNUSD Receives National School Safety Honor

Staff Reports

Corona/Norco – The Corona-Norco Unified School District’s Project Safety Net Program has been selected to receive the 2015 Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award by the School Safety Advocacy Council, a recognized leader in school safety based services and training. CNUSD will be honored at the National School Safety Conference on July 27, in Las Vegas, NV.

The Exemplary School Safety Initiative Award honors Districts nation-wide that have implemented programs that have had a significant impact in school safety and the community. The Project Safety Net Program serves over 53,000 students and their families in the District.

Under the outstanding leadership of Associate Superintendent of Instructional Support, Michael Cobarrubias, Project Safety Net was implemented in the summer of 2013 to ensure that each and every member of the school community experiences a safe and caring educational environment.

The overarching goal of Project Safety Net is to identify and anticipate safety concerns and systematically address each concern through the application of best practices. A key component to the success of the program is the development of innovative partnerships between the District and the Corona Police Department, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, students, parents and community organizations.

School safety is of paramount importance to CNUSD, and this accolade confirms the District’s ongoing commitment to keeping its campuses safe.

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

When we walk together, we are bigger than cancer

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Chino – Everyone, in some way, has been touched by cancer.  Either you are a survivor, or know someone who has lost the battle.  You can join the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Chino help people get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

On Aug. 1-2, from 9 a.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday, at Ayala Park (14225 Central Ave.), the Relay for Life of Chino will become part of the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer.  This experience unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.

With the support of thousands of volunteers – just like you – the American Cancer Society is helping to save more than 400 lives each day.  According to the Relay for Life Chino website, 81 teams and 1,262 participants have raised more than $124,000 to date.

You can help by starting or joining a team, or become a sponsor by visiting www.relayforlife.org/chinoca.  If you are not able to walk in the relay, you can still become part of the momentum by participating in the Goodwill Fundraiser.  Gently used items from Garage Sale leftovers or getting around to cleaning out those closets can be brought to the parking lot behind the soccer fields at College Park Ave. in Chino, on Aug. 1, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  The proceeds for every bin filled for Goodwill Southern California will benefit the American Cancer Society.  For more information on this fundraiser, call (909) 518-0097.

Come and join in the fun at the Relay for Life of Chino.  Whether you participate or just cheer others on, you will help take a stand in the fight against cancer.

 

 

Cherish The Moment

Sarah- NEW croppedBy Sarah Sanchez

In today’s society, doing things “faster” is always promoted. The latest phone is faster; MapQuest gives us the fastest route; the latest hard-drive is faster than the one before; “get cash fast” emails are constantly sent; we want the weekend to come by faster; we want to know the quickest way to get promoted; we want work/school to end sooner, and on and on.  Basically, we are programmed to think that faster is better.

We are so used to this lifestyle, that we don’t even realize how fast time is really going by. After my niece was born and I was an aunt for the first time in my life, I said, “I can’t wait until she gets older so I can play with her and watch her personality develop.” But now that she’s about seven months old and crawling, giggling when you smile at her, trying to walk, and showing a clear personality, I wish time would slow down. I can’t believe how fast she’s growing, and now I just want her to stop so I can enjoy her at this age. But I remember my first wish was that I wanted her to grow. Do you see the contradictions that we all come across in day to day life?

Society will always tell us to go faster, but I think we just need to take some time away from what society says – away from the busy routines – and just slow down to enjoy what’s happening in front of us.

My husband and I just celebrated our first wedding anniversary and we went on a cruise to Ensenada, where we didn’t have cell phone reception or WIFI. We spent the weekend without phones and without social media. We spent this time talking with each other and enjoying each other’s company. When we came back, we had a new spark in our relationship, which we didn’t even know we needed.

My husband said that before we left, we were too caught up in our routine: work, dinner, sleep, and repeat. We were too caught up and focused on the future: house, future family, careers, etc. We needed time away from the world in order to gain a new perspective. We needed to slow down and appreciate the time we had with each other in the moment.

You may not have an opportunity to take a vacation, but you always have the opportunity to change your perspective. Instead of looking forward to tomorrow, take a moment to appreciate today. Stop, put the phone down, take a look around at your life and your loved ones, and enjoy the time right now. Then, cherish that moment, for these are the moments that make life worth living.

Straight Talk With Danice

A Letter From Debbie

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Q:  My boyfriend is still friends with three of his ex-girlfriends.  I think this is inappropriate when he is in a committed relationship with me.  What do you think?

A:  In my opinion your immaturity and insecurity are inappropriate for a committed relationship.  Adults should be free to choose their own friends.  You either like this guy or you don’t.  If you need to control him, spare him the drama and move on.  I think it’s a good thing when people have shared hard times and they can still manage to be friends. Stop shopping for problems.  Join a drama class if you need an outlet.

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.

Diamond Bar: PUSD Launches English-Mandarin Program

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – One class of Pantera Elementary kindergarteners will learn how to read, write and communicate effectively in both English and Mandarin through the introduction of the Pomona Unified School District’s latest dual-language immersion program.

Launching this fall, the program will provide Mandarin and English language instruction to 25 kindergarten students, ensuring they receive an exciting and challenging educational opportunity while gaining the bilingual skills needed to succeed in a 21st century world.

The inaugural class at Pantera – located at 801 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar – is already full, but Pomona Unified is accepting sign-ups for the 2016-17 academic year.

Walnut Aquatic Park Update

Image Courtesy: City of Walnut Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park

Image Courtesy: City of Walnut
Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park

By Claudine Stines

Walnut – As you may recall, in October of last year, Standard Pacific filed a Writ of Mandate against the City of Walnut stating, in short, the Three Oaks property could not be sold, but would revert back to the original developer if not used for the purpose intended (swimming pool and recreational facility).  While the Writ was filed, they did not act upon it, preferring to negotiate; negotiations have been going on since that time.

On Wed., July 22, the Walnut City Council was scheduled to review negotiations for the sale of the property in a closed session. After their review of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Council was to reconvene at their Meeting and announce the closed session actions, according to page 6 of the Council agenda.

Other developers did bid on the sale of the property for approximately $15 to $16 million, thus causing Standard Pacific to enter the picture.  The Three Oaks property appraised at approximately $5 to $6 million – considerably short of the $20 million the City would need to build the aquatic park, per the conceptual drawing previously submitted on Oct. 8, 2014.

Depending on the financial outcome, the City may have to scale back to accommodate the shortfall, building only the recreation facility, one pool and parking – and develop a strategy to add the additional pool, amphitheater, etc., as additional funds are budgeted in the coming year(s).

As of this month, the renovation of the Walnut High pool has finally started; the estimated time of completion is not known at this time.  You may not be aware that the renovation will cause the City to modify their summer aquatic program due to the configuration of the pool.  They will no longer be able to support instruction for the smaller swimmers and some adult programs due to the new depth of the pool.

While Council members are in favor of the aquatic center, it appears even at this level of government the wheels of progress have been moving slowly. Council members need to hear from citizens; otherwise the momentum of this vision for the community will continue to move at an even slower pace.

Council members may be contacted, as follows:  Robert Pacheco, Mayor (bpacheco@ci.walnut.ca.us); Mary Su, Mayor Pro Tem (msu@ci.walnut.ca.us); Nancy Tragarz, Council Member (ntragarz@ci.walnut.ca.us); Eric Ching, Council Member (eching@ci.walnut.ca.us); Antonio Cartagena, Council Member (tcartagena@ci.walnut.ca.us).

The Law Offices Of Dominic Chacon

Dominic Chacon

Dominic Chacon

Staff Reports

West Covina – More often than not, people run into some sort of legal problems in their lifetime.  Sometimes it’s hard to know who to turn to; you need the assurance that you’re getting the right advice.  The Law Offices of Dominic Chacon are here to help.

Chacon graduated from Southwest University School of Law in 2003, and has been practicing ever since.  When he decided to start his own law firm, Chacon opted not to specialize in any one particular area of law.

“It’s a general law practice. We wanted to appeal to a broad range of people,” said Chacon. “We wanted to be a one-stop shop.”

Chacon wants to provide assistance with all facets of the law, from business legalities to divorce and everything in between; he didn’t want to limit his ability to help someone.

“We want to be able to help with all of life’s legal problems,” he said. “By opening a general practice, we are able to establish and maintain quality and familiarity.”

The Law Offices of Dominic Chacon specialize in Family and Immigration Law, Corporation Formation, Criminal Law, Bankruptcy, Personal Injury and Worker’s Compensation.  They also work with clients on an individual basis, which makes it more personalized and more affordable.

Chacon feels that the diligence, energy and responsiveness of his office are not only their best assets, but they are essential to his company and the relationships with his clients.

“When you walk out of our office, you are definitely informed about your situation, or the direction your suit will go,” Chacon said. “We can’t predict everything, of course, but we use the words ‘I don’t know’ effectively. And what we don’t know, we find out.”

For whatever legal situation you might find yourself in, put your mind at ease and contact the Law Offices of Dominic Chacon.  They are located at 2341 S. Azusa Avenue, West Covina, CA 91792, and can be reached at (626) 839-8852, via email at ldominicchacon@yahoo.com, or visit www.ldominicchaconlaw.com.  Open 24 hours, call now for a free consultation.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met for the first time in July following its Fourth of July holiday cancellation, for a short meeting of regular events.

To start, the Council presented a City tile to former Planning Commissioner, Peter Pirritano, for his three years of service to the City. Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Pirritano and thanked him for all of his hard work on the City’s commission.

Tye was accompanied on stage with Senator Bob Huff’s Senior Field Representative, Jody Roberto, and Assemblywoman (and former Diamond Bar City Council member) Ling Ling Chang, who also gave their thanks to Pirritano for his time serving the City.

“This is kind of a sad moment for me,” Pirritano said. “I’ve been involved in so many things in Diamond Bar and I’m hoping to keep doing some of the things I’ve been involved in. I’m just so thankful and grateful and thank all of you for allowing me to serve the City.”

The Council then gave a proclamation that July 2015 be recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and also presented a certificate to 123 Rakuya, located at 21076 Gold Springs Dr., as the July 2015 New Business of the Month.

Next, the Council read its schedule of future events for a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 23 at 7 p.m.; a Planning Commission meeting on July 28 at 7 p.m.; a Concert in the Park event on July 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. featuring Last Chance at Sycamore Canyon Park; a Movies Under the Stars event on July 29, following the concert at Sycamore Canyon Park; and the next City Council meeting on August 4 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar, which included the minutes for the June 16 City Council meeting; the March , April  and May 24 minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission; the minutes for the May 14 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting; the ratification of a check register dated June 11 through July 15 totaling $3,599,235.67; the Treasurer’s May 2015 statement; the award of contract to Doctor Playground, Inc. for the removal of playground surfacing at Heritage and Peterson Parks in an amount not to exceed $79,925.42, plus a contingency of $7,993 for unexpected conditions from the Park Development Fund; an approval of contract with Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley for the fiscal year 2015-16 in an amount not to exceed $12,000; an adoption of a resolution approving the design and plans for the construction of the Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation project; an award of contract to E.C. Construction Co. for a total authorization of $497,131.30; an approval of expenditures with Diversified Printers, Inc. for printing services in an amount not to exceed $69,304.40 for fiscal year 2015-16; an approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 with Onward Engineering in the amount of $15,970 for professional engineering services to provide plans, specifications and engineer estimates for the Morning Canyon Roadway rehabilitation project; and the approval of expenditures with Simpson Advertising, Inc. for specialty graphic design services in an amount not to exceed $71,762 for fiscal year 2015-16.

The Council also performed the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 1504 to Title 15 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.  The Council approved the first reading and would hold the item’s second reading during the next meeting in two weeks.

After the Council was finished with all of its items and discussions, they adjourned with plans to meet on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Dr.

Getting Ready to Start School

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

In just a few weeks, our carefree summers will end and school will begin. The lazy late nights will be replaced by endless hours of homework and studying. Very soon sleeping late during the week will come to an end, and rising early and on time will be the goal.

Don’t wait until the evening before school starts to change behavioral patterns.  Start right now on adjusting sleeping schedules and give your child or teen an advantage.  It’s really hard to make that sleeping change all at once and in one evening.

Getting organized correctly can be such a help for creating an organized student.  A good notebook with tabbed dividers and a separate folder for each subject within the dividers can be very helpful.  A pouch with the necessary writing implements and a hole-punch, stapler and whatever else will help, is also very necessary.  I think some type of planner or organizer to write down assignments can really help as well.

Help your child or teen figure out why they didn’t meet the academic goals they had for last year.  Teach them to set daily, weekly, semester and annual goals that are realistic and obtainable.  It’s important to understand that many times just doing class and homework isn’t enough, and that studying is an important part of academic success.

I work with many young people in my practice, and they seem to have a hard time asking their teachers for help because they don’t want to appear stupid in front of their peers.  Help your student find ways to get the help they need and in a way that they are okay with.  Remind them to tell you right away before they are failing and can’t raise that grade.

I wish you success this year!

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: Multiple Arrests

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Fri., July 17, Chino Hills Deputies arrested a known Pomona gang member during an extra patrol due to recent vehicle burglaries.

In the parking lot near Costco, located at 13001 Peyton Drive, Deputies conducted a check on an occupied Toyota Corolla parked at the former Best Buy. During the contact, Ruben Castorena, 28, of Pomona, was identified as a Pomona gang member. He claimed a black bag in the back seat was his and Deputies found the bag to contain tools known to be used to commit burglary.

The second occupant of the vehicle was Michael Palma, 28, of Pomona, who was found to be in possession of a controlled substance not prescribed to him.

Both Castorena and Palma were booked into the West Valley Detention Center for possession of Burglary Tools and Controlled Substance.

Also on Fri., July 17, Chino Hills Deputies were in the 15800 block of Ashwood Dr., to serve a search warrant. While at the location, Deputies heard a loud squealing noise approaching the residence and saw a suspect driving a brown Chevy truck east on Glen Ridge Dr. at an unsafe speed; the truck had obvious front-end damage.
The suspect ignored orders from Deputies to stop the vehicle and continued driving at an unsafe speed north on Ashwood Dr. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, and the driver – Eric Serna – was found to be on active CDCR parole. Serna was in possession of suspected methamphetamine, a methamphetamine pipe, several hypodermic needles, and was also under the influence of a controlled substance.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Serna struck a parked vehicle on Rolling Ridge Dr. and fled the scene without notifying the owner. Serna was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of a drug, and hit and run non-injury.

On Tues., July 21, Chino Hills Detectives arrested three men for burglary after the suspects ransacked a home in the 14800 block of Country Creek Ct.

The suspects first targeted a home in the 3400 block of Royal Ridge Court. An alert witness saw the suspects ring the doorbell repeatedly and then enter the backyard. The witness was able to get a detailed description of the suspects and a license plate of the vehicle, which was a light silver BMW.
About 15 minutes later, another call of suspicious circumstances came out in the south end of the City. As detectives arrived in the neighborhood, they saw the suspect vehicle. Detectives followed the suspect vehicle in an unmarked unit to Orange County, via the 71, 91 and 55 freeways, while waiting for marked units to assist with a traffic stop.
The suspects exited the 55 Freeway South at Chapman Avenue in Orange as CHP officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle led officers on a pursuit back on the 55 Freeway northbound and exited Katella Avenue. The pursuit continued through the city of Orange, and ended with the suspect losing control and crashing in a residential neighborhood. Orange Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department also assisted in the apprehension of the suspects. Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the case and transported the suspects to the Chino Hills Station to further the investigation.
Eddie Nguon, 26, of Long Beach, Michael Mao, 33, of Long Beach, and Polyhana Mao, 33, of Kearns, Utah, were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for burglary and attempted burglary.

Detectives recovered thousands of dollars worth of US savings bonds, US currency, jewelry and electronics from the suspect’s vehicle. The victim of the burglary on Country Creek Ct. was able to identify all the stolen property. Detectives also recovered three sets of gloves and burglary tools from the suspect vehicle.
Anyone with additional information on any of these incidents is asked to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Those who want to report information anonymously can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Did You Know?

Photo Courtesy: Columbia University War Memorial A gun crew from Regimental Headquarters, 23rd Infantry, U.S. Army

Photo Courtesy: Columbia University War Memorial
A gun crew from Regimental Headquarters, 23rd Infantry, U.S. Army

By K.P. Sander

On July 28, 1914, World War I began when the Austro-Hungarians fired the first shots in preparation for the invasion of Serbia after the assassination of heir-to-the-throne Archduke Franz Ferdinand of Austria.  More than nine million combatants were killed during the more than four years of turmoil, which ended on Nov. 11, 1918, making it one of the deadliest conflicts in history.

At the time, it was simply called the World War, or Great War, and it included all the economic powers in the world divided into two alliances.  The Allies consisted of the United Kingdom, France and Russia; and the Central Powers were Germany and Austria-Hungary.  Italy, Japan and the United States joined the Allies, and the Ottoman (Turkish) Empire and Bulgaria sided with the Central Powers.

After the Russian government collapsed in March of 1917, the war headed toward a resolution when the Austro-Hungarian Empire and Germany agreed to an armistice.  By the end of the war, the German, Russian, Austro-Hungarian and Ottoman empires ceased to exist, with the latter two becoming dismantled.  This lead to the maps of Europe and Southwest Asia being redrawn, and some independent nations being restored and even created.

As a consequence, The League of Nations was formed with the goal of preventing further global wars.  Renewed European nationalism and the humiliation of Germany contributed to a rise in fascism, and any further hopes of prevention were dashed with the culmination of World War II.

It’s Time To Catch On Fire!

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee

This month, hundreds of thousands of people will commemorate the birth of our nation by enjoying a firework show – or two!  Pyrotechnic displays have become a national tradition, with Americans using them to celebrate their independence for more than two hundred years.  In fact, an article published in a 1777 issue of the Virginia Gazette mentioned a “grand exhibition of fireworks” that left the city “beautifully illuminated.”

While fireworks and the Fourth of July seem practically synonymous, the truth is that people have been using fire to celebrate, intimidate, or entertain for thousands of years.  As early as 200 B.C., the Chinese were using firecrackers to threaten their enemies and scare away evil spirits.  Since then, fire has been used in circus tricks, at special events, and in wilderness survival.  Even the Bible has numerous examples of fire being used to emphasize a point or draw attention.  From Moses and the burning bush to the consecration of Solomon’s Temple, God repeatedly used flames to speak to his people.

Despite its literal meaning, the figurative concept of being “on fire” is extremely positive.  This label is often given to people who are extremely enthusiastic.  Much like a firework display, nothing draws attention more than someone buzzing with excitement or burning with intensity.  When you are enthusiastic about your life, your work, or the pursuit of your goals, those around you can’t help but be inspired.

In Ecclesiastes 9:10, God’s word tells us, “Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might.”  While the task may seem menial (when was the last time you were enthusiastic about cleaning a toilet?), tackling it with a positive fervor will not only encourage others – it may also encourage you!

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Counting Coins

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Two of our grandchildren spent a week at our house recently.  They are 9- and 4-years old.  We had a wonderful time with them; they are a delight.

One of the things we did together was count some coins that I had kept in an old peanut butter jar.  I had found many of these coins over the years when I was jogging through the neighborhood where we live.

Some of these coins were in pretty good shape, but others had obviously been run over many times and were hardly recognizable.  Most were pennies, but there were a few nickels, dimes and quarters.

We poured out the jar full of coins on the floor and sorted them into small piles.  Then we counted them in groups of ten.  If we had enough, we put the coins into paper rolls.  There were enough pennies to fill several rolls.  We found enough dimes to make a roll, too.

In addition, we had a few quarters.  It was interesting to see my grandchildren work on their math skills and learn the value of each coin.  Sometimes it doesn’t make a lot of sense.  For example, a dime is smaller than a penny, but it is worth ten times as much!

After we counted all the coins and wrapped them in the paper rolls, we took our money to the bank.  The nice bank teller counted out the rolls and the other miscellaneous coins and gave us 15 one dollar bills!  Wow!

My grandchildren were amazed to see that all of those coins in the peanut butter jar totaled $15.  I don’t know if they had ever had that much money before.  Each of the grandkids got seven one dollar bills and they gave the extra dollar to their favorite uncle who contributed a few coins of his own.

Money can be a useful tool in the world of commerce, but it can also be a source of temptation in our daily lives.  The Bible warns about the danger of loving money in 1 Timothy 6:10. That verse says, “The love of money is the root of all sorts of evil.  Some people who are eager for money have wandered away from the faith and have harmed themselves with many griefs.”

When people “love money” they can destroy their own lives and damage relationships with others.  Many people struggle with gambling.  They hope to “make a fast buck,” but often find themselves in debt and in desperate straits.

Other people struggle with excessive use of credit cards and find themselves with balances that they cannot pay, burdened with high interest rates.  It becomes a vicious cycle that is difficult to break out of.

I enjoyed counting coins with my grandchildren.  I think they enjoyed it, too.  They were impressed that a jar full of coins could be turned into 15 one dollar bills.  There are other lessons that they need to learn in the world of high finance – lessons that all of us need to learn as well.

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 07.25.15

2015-July25-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-July25-Weekly-WEB

How Do You Handle Life’s Detours?

Wise decisions can start with noticing silver linings

 

By Steve Gilliland

The loss of a job; a bad break-up; a nasty accident; a new, obsessive habit; a big move to a new town; health problems experienced by you or a loved one – these are some of the many things that can turn your life upside down. These are some of life’s detours that you don’t expect.

Could there be a good way to respond to such turns in life? Is it honest to “look on the bright side?” Isn’t the root feeling hurt?

I don’t think most people could ask you to deny your feelings, but you don’t have to be led by the nose by feelings which have a primary characteristic of being temporary.

Life is change – it’s axiomatic. Most of us accept this on an intellectual, abstract basis. But when it comes to experiencing change, we often resist it. Fear of change causes immense, yet unnecessary, suffering. Personal growth and maturity are based largely on how you respond to life’s unexpected detours.

  • Ask yourself about opportunity. We don’t like most of life’s detours because they force us out of our comfort zone. New duties at work or a request from a spouse may not only pique our defenses, but also make us wonder, “Can I do this?” Fear and anxiety may push us to focus on our weaknesses and convince us of what we cannot do. When we make a simple shift in mentality, however, we can empower the beginning of personal growth by seeing unprecedented challenges as opportunities.
  • Are you willing to change? If not, then you can’t see opportunity. Change is inevitable, growth is optional. If your wife asks you for a more patient attitude, for example, will you grow with an open heart or dig your heels in. She may not divorce you if you remain stubborn, but your relationship will likely flounder. Seeing a challenge as an opportunity enables self-improvement. And, when it’s time to ask something of your wife, you will have currency with which to work. The same principle applies to work. If you’re asked to take on a new responsibility and respond well, you will gain leverage in your career.
  • Can you envision something better? In the process of internally negotiating change, a positive vision can help you tilt the scales of change as something positive. The vision can be specific. If you don’t know how to use software at work that you need to use, imagine how much better your time will be spent once you learn. What will it take to get there? Practice. It may not be effortless, but you’ll have mapped out a solution. The vision can be broad, too. Is it possible to be more patient, in general, toward life’s detours? Indeed. Simply having more patience toward loved ones, for example, will improve your relationships tremendously.

Steve Gilliland is a member of the National Speaker Association’s Speaker Hall of Fame, and is one of the most in-demand and top-rated speakers in the world.  For more information, visit www.stevegilliland.com.

Pomona’s National Night Out

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Tues., Aug. 4, neighborhoods throughout the City of Pomona are being invited to join forces with thousands of communities nationwide for the “Annual National Night Out” crime and drug prevention event.

National Night Out is sponsored by the Pomona Police Department Crime Prevention Unit and the City of Pomona. They will join in the celebration with over 15,000 communities from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities and military bases around the world. In all, over 37 million people are expected to participate in America’s Night Out Against Crime.

National Night Out is designed to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime efforts; strengthen neighborhood spirit and police community partnerships; and send a message to criminals letting them know neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Join the Pomona Police Department from 5 to 8 p.m. at 400 Civic Center Plaza (in front of the Library) in a FREE celebration that will include raffle prizes, entertainment, kid’s games and crafts. All Pomona residents are encouraged to attend.

This is a night for all of America to stand together to promote awareness, safety and neighborhood unity.

Please contact the Crime Prevention Unit with any questions at (909) 620-2318.

Rowland Heights: RUSD Student Wins Poster Contest

Staff Reports

Rowland Heights – Rowland Unified School District/Killian Elementary Student, Marlene Tjutiwaty, recently became the 3rd Grade winner of the Los Angeles Fire Department’s, “Junior Fire Chiefs Poster Contest.”

The contest was designed to help send the message to “Visit a Professional Fireworks Show,” in an effort to promote Independence Day safety.”

Tjutiwaty – daughter of a Rowland Unified School District employee – was selected from more than 200 3rd Grade entries. She was recognized – along with all the 2015 Junior Fire Chiefs – on July 2, at a press conference at Los Angeles County Fire Department Headquarters.

Eastvale: NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY FOR PUBLIC REVIEW OF A DRAFT ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT REPORT FOR THE LEAL MASTER PLAN

Notice is hereby given that the City of Eastvale, as lead agency, has prepared a Draft Environmental Impact Report (Draft EIR) for the below referenced project. The Draft EIR analyzes the potential environmental effects associated with the proposed project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In accordance with Section 15087 of the CEQA Guidelines, the City of Eastvale has prepared this Notice of Availability (NOA) to provide responsible agencies and other interested parties with notice of the availability of the Draft EIR and solicit comments and concerns regarding the environmental issues associated with the proposed project.

The Draft EIR is available for public review and can be downloaded from the City of Eastvale’s website at www.EastvaleCA.gov. A printed copy of the Draft EIR is available for review at the City of Eastvale Planning Department, 12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91725 (7:30 am – 5:30 pm, Monday – Thursday).

Lead Agency: City of Eastvale
12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910
Eastvale, CA 91752

Project Title: Leal Master Plan

Project Location: The project is located in the northeastern section of Eastvale. The site is bounded by 58th Street on the north, Hamner Avenue on the east, Limonite Avenue on the south, and Scholar Way on the west. The site is located immediately west and north of existing commercial and retail developments and south and east of existing and approved but not built residential neighborhoods of varying densities. The project area is approximately one-half mile west of the Interstate 15/Limonite Avenue interchange.

Project Description: The Draft EIR evaluates the potential significant environmental impacts that may result from adoption of the Leal Master Plan, a long-range planning document that identifies the general parameters for future development of the project site, an approximately 160-acre landholding that includes one of the city’s last operating dairies.

The Leal Master Plan envisions future development of the project site as the city’s town center, anchored by a “lifestyle” retail center as described in the Master Plan and also including a mix of complementary office, civic, hotel, residential, and recreation and entertainment uses. The proposed Master Plan identifies the specific parameters for the design and quality of overall future development of the project site, establishes permitted and conditionally permitted uses, and defines a staged development review process allowing for the future development of commercial, office, hotel, civic, and residential uses on land that is currently designated in the General Plan for residential and business park uses.

The specific mix of land uses that will be developed on the project site will be fully defined in Stages 2 and 3 of the Staged Development Process (described in Chapter 5 of the Master Plan).

The City has determined that the Leal Master Plan will require preparation of an EIR to address the potential environmental impacts resulting from the project. As a result, the City has not prepared an Initial Study as permitted in Section 15060(d) of the CEQA Guidelines.


Project Impacts: The Draft EIR evaluates the potential impacts that would result from implementation of the proposed project, including the short- and long-term effects of the changes on the environment. The Draft EIR also evaluates the potential for the project to cause direct and indirect growth-inducing impacts, as well as cumulative impacts. Mitigation has been proposed for those impacts that are determined to be significant.

The approach to mitigation in the Draft EIR consists of an inventory of mitigation measures that will apply to every subsequent development plan and/or project submitted in Stages 2 and 3 of the Staged Development Process within the Master Plan area (Leal Master Plan Mitigation Program).

The Draft EIR identifies impacts that require mitigation in the following topic areas: Transportation and Traffic; Air Quality; Aesthetics, Light, and Glare; Noise; Biological Resources; Cultural Resources; and Hazards and Hazardous Materials. Significant and unavoidable impacts and cumulatively considerable impacts have been identified for the following the environmental issue areas: Transportation and Traffic; Air Quality; and Noise.

The proposed project site is not on any of the sites enumerated under Government Code Section 65962.5 and is not a hazardous waste facility, land designated as hazardous waste property, or a designated hazardous waste disposal site as reported on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor website (http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/).


Public Review Period: In accordance with Section 15087 of the CEQA Guidelines, this Public Notice is posted to officially notify the public, public agencies, responsible and trustee agencies, that the required 45-day public review period will commence on Thursday July 23, 2015 and conclude on Monday September 7, 2015. Any written comments (via e mail or letter) on the Draft EIR must be submitted no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing day of the comment period. Written comments may be submitted to:

City of Eastvale Planning Department

Attn: Eric Norris, Planning Director

12363 Limonite Ave, Suite 910

Eastvale, CA 91752

Comments can be emailed to enorris@eastvaleca.gov (please include “Leal Master Plan EIR Comments” in the subject line). The deadline for mailed comments also applies to email comments.

Information Courtesy of the City of Eastvale. To view the map of the Leal Property, visit http://www.eastvaleca.gov/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=3889