Who Are You Going To Call?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

One of my favorite TV series in recent years was called, “24”.  The lead character was Jack Bauer – played by Kiefer Sutherland – who tried to prevent terrorists from blowing up buildings or injuring innocent people.

In one episode, I remember Jack Bauer tried to rescue a hostage, but gets trapped in a building by some bad guys.  When the hostage asked Jack what he was going to do, he replied, “I’m going to call the only person I know I can trust.”

In the famous game show, “Who Wants To Be A Millionaire,” contestants were given three options to help them answer a difficult question.  One of those options was, “Phone a Friend.”

Many years ago, I was driving a group of high school students on a back pack trip to the Grand Canyon, when my van blew an engine.  We struggled to get back to a service station on the northern edge of Phoenix, but who could I call for help at one o’clock in the morning?

Thankfully, my former youth leader lived in north Phoenix.  When I called him in the middle of the night, he gladly got out of bed, helped me get to a car rental office, and back on the road.  I knew if I called him, he would help.

I think it is helpful for each of us to think about who we would call when we need help.  Who is a trusted family member or reliable friend that you know you can call on a moment’s notice?  Who can you call in the middle of the night or in an emergency?

It is good to know that we have friends we can call on for help at any time.  It is also important to know that we can call on God for help at any time, too!  The Bible says, “Let us draw near to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” (Hebrews 4:16).

When we call out to God in prayer, He is ready to help us in our time of need.  Maybe it is time for you to bow your head, open your heart and ask God for His help today.  He is waiting to hear from 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 visithttp://www.efreedb.org.

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
But are you living IN the world
or OF the world?
What’s your reality?

 

Diamond Bar Community Foundation Helps Kids!

Photo Courtesy: DBCF

Photo Courtesy: DBCF

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC U17B Team recently won the President’s Cup Title for California.  From there, they went on to Snohomish, Washington, to play in the President’s Cup Region IV – which they also won!

The team has now journeyed to Kansas, July 8 – 12, to play in the U.S. Youth Soccer President’s National Cup, where the best teams from all over the US will play for the National Title.

This excursion – including 22 players and three coaches – costs approximately $20,000. To help the kids reach their goal of a national title, the Diamond Bar Community Foundation has donated $1,000 to offset costs.  The DBCF is pleased to be a part of their Legacy and help give these athletes a chance to play for the National Title.

The Diamond Bar Community Foundation is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, whose mission is to preserve, protect and enhance the quality of life in the City of Diamond Bar by establishing programs and facilities to address the cultural, recreational and social needs of the community. A renewed emphasis is to raise funds to eliminate the shortage of sports fields for the thousands of kids playing youth sports in Diamond Bar.  For more information, visit thedbcf.org.

The Diamond Bar Soccer League/Legacy FC is a nonprofit organization, so all donations are fully tax-deductible.

Baldwin Park Unified Invests In STEM

District adopts a local accountability plan to prepare students for college and careers

 

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Baldwin Park Unified will invest in a host of programs in 2015-16 – including an International Baccalaureate program, an alternative learning academy, STEM programs and added rigor for Advanced Placement and honors classes – to prepare students for success in college or careers as part of its 2015-18 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

The three-year plan, adopted June 23, is the second such plan required since the state altered its school funding system. It identifies goals for each of the three years covered, strategies to achieve those goals and funding sources.

Some programs target all students, while others focus on the state’s three high-needs groups: economically disadvantaged students, foster children and English learners.

Baldwin Park Unified expects to spend $13 million in 2015-16 on its high-needs students, who make up 89.4 percent of the District’s enrollment.

“Our LCAP will transform how Baldwin Park Unified serves its students, adding depth and breadth to an already rich instructional program,” said Superintendent Dr. Paul Sevillano. “We will provide avenues that prepare students to compete successfully for high-demand college majors and careers.”

Programs include Project Lead The Way, a leading provider of hands-on educational curriculum in science, technology, engineering and math, or STEM. Baldwin Park High School will add a robotics course and Holland Middle School and Santa Fe Elementary School will provide the STEM program for the first time.

Baldwin Park Unified will also boost the rigor of Advanced Placement and honors classes with an eye at how those courses can help the district develop an International Baccalaureate program (IB). IB degrees are highly valued by colleges and universities; programs can take three to five years to establish.

The District will also launch an Independent Learning Center at Baldwin Park High, where at-risk, disengaged students or those who need alternative approaches may pursue their diplomas. The Center will provide a blend of rigorous online and brick-and-mortar classes with flexible hours. Enrollment is expected to range from 75 to 120 students in its first year.

Other efforts are designed to improve student opportunities for success at all levels and improve student climate. These include:

  • Holding a District-wide college fair.
  • Expanding visual and performing arts resources.
  • Boosting partnerships with community colleges, California State University, University of California, Regional Occupational Program and the City’s Teen Center.
  • Implementing a Cal State readiness class to prepare students in high school and middle school for the demands of college.
  • Creating online local assessments to better sculpt instruction to student needs.
  • Extending the school year at the elementary level for struggling students.
  • Enabling students to improve grades or take courses they may have missed.
  • Creating professional learning communities to foster collaboration among educators.
  • Creating a bridge program to help students transition from middle to high school.
  • Investing $2.5 million to improve educational technology.
  • Implementing Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), a discipline system that uses positive feedback to minimize conflicts, suspensions and expulsions.

San Gabriel Valley: Church Burglar Arrested

Media websites help identify the suspect

 

Staff Reports

SGV – Over the course of the year, a male Hispanic suspect burglarized several churches in the Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station’s areas.  The churches had fixed post surveillance cameras which recorded the suspect at the locations, and he was described as having “tribal band” tattoos on both legs and large tattoos on both arms.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect entered churches, stealing large amounts of cash from locked donation boxes.  The burglaries occurred during the day when the churches were open to the public.

Detectives from two stations worked diligently to identify the suspect – who appeared responsible for all of the burglaries – but were unsuccessful. Special Bulletin flyers were distributed to local police agencies seeking additional information and assistance in identifying the suspect, but he remained unidentified.

Industry Station Detective, Charell Heard, who was the lead detective, created a Special Bulletin flyer with the suspect’s photograph from the surveillance videos. Industry Station personnel contacted Sheriff’s Information Bureau personnel seeking media coverage and the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

On July 2, Heard conducted an interview with television and radio media personnel at the Industry Station. Shortly after the interview, and after the suspect’s photograph was televised and posted on media websites, anonymous community members identified the suspect as Hacienda Heights resident, Carlos Montiel, 36.

Heard immediately queried Department resources and confirmed the suspect’s identity. Industry Deputies conducted surveillance on the suspect’s location, positively identified him, and arrested him without incident.

Detectives authored a search warrant for Montiel’s residence and his vehicle to recover evidence related to the crime.

The collaboration of the Detectives from Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, Sheriff’s Information Bureau, media personnel and the community, led to the successful arrest of Montiel.

Eastvale Marketplace Retail Development

By Claire Lewis

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale has recently prepared an Initial Study for the development of a new retail center.

The proposed project – dubbed the Eastvale Marketplace – will be located at the now vacant lot on the northeast corner of Limonite and Sumner avenues.  All told, it will include approximately 71,472 square feet of retail space in a center with multi-tenant and single-tenant buildings and associated parking facilities, according to the City of Eastvale.

The Center will include a 31,000 square foot grocery store; a ten-bay tire store; a bank with drive-up access; two fast food drive-thru restaurants; two additional retail buildings totaling more than 20,000 square feet; and parking access with 393 parking stalls.

Access to the center would present on both Limonite Avenue and Sumner Avenue; pedestrian connections will be located on Valencia Street.

The Initial Study did not identify any significant or unavoidable impacts.  Notice has been posted for the 21-day required public review period – which concluded on Mon., July 13 – and can be viewed at Eastvale City Hall, located at 12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910 (Monday through Thursday, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.).

Orange County: 4th Of July Trouble

Photo Courtesy: SAPD

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Ryan Matthew Brown

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Sat., July 4, at approximately 9:40 p.m., Santa Ana Police Officers responded to the 2500 block of North Linwood Avenue to assist first responders with a male who was lying in the street, unresponsive.  Officers arrived to find Orange County Fire personnel performing CPR on a 55-year old male.

The victim was transported to Western Medical Center in Santa Ana, where he was pronounced deceased.

In their preliminary investigation, Homicide Detectives found that a fight occurred during a large neighborhood Fourth of July party.  The victim was a participant in the fight, but it is unclear is the male sustained an assault injury, or died as a result of a medical condition.  The cause of death is pending autopsy.

Anyone with information regarding this incident as asked to call SAPD Homicide Detectives at (714) 245-8390, or Orange County Crime Stoppers at (855) TIP-OCCS.

In another incident that occurred on Wed., July 1, at approximately 6:47 p.m., SAPD Officers responded to the 900 block of West 17th Street in reference to a fireworks complaint.  Officers were advised that a resident at a complex had thrown a makeshift bottle bomb at a juvenile victim as he was walking in the alley.

Remnants of the device were recovered at the scene which consisted of a legal firework that was modified to explode inside of a bottle.

At the time of the initial investigation, the suspect – Ryan Matthew Brown, 37, of Santa Ana – fled the scene through the rear of his residence.  Officers returned to the suspect’s home at approximately 10:30 p.m., and took Brown into custody without incident.

The Orange County Sheriff’s Department Bomb Squad assisted officers with this investigation, and Brown was booked on felony charges of Using a Destructive Device Causing Bodily Injury, and Willful Cruelty to a Child with Possible Injury or Death.

Eastvale: About W.O.L.F.F.

WOLFF logoBy Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – W.O.L.F.F. is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting our community, establishing strong bonds and building relationships with wives of law enforcement and fire fighters. We promote the interests of law enforcement and firefighter families through volunteering, fundraising, and collaborating with local communities.

If you are interested in joining W.O.L.F.F., please email us at eastvalewolff@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolff.eastvale.

Walnut: Big Wins For Mt. SAC Students

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College vocational education student, Troy Majeska, won a silver medal at the SkillsUSA 51st Annual National Leadership Conference competition, June 22-27, in Louisville, KY.
Majeska, of La Habra, won the silver medal in the Residential Systems Installation competition, facing five competitors from other colleges across the nation.
The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 6,000 students competed at this year’s national event.
SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.

At another event, Mt. SAC’s health career students recently won eight medals – four silver and four bronze – at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) national competition held at the Anaheim Hilton. More than 8,000 secondary and post-secondary students competed in 56 different health-related events at the national leadership event held June 24-28.
Amy Barraza (Cudahy),Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park), and Yvonne Prempeh (Fontana) all won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.
Daniel Lee (Fullerton), Holly Miller (La Habra), Noehly Partida (Pomona), and Leilani Soto (Ontario) all won bronze medals in the creative problem solving competition.
Jessica Benavente (Hesperia), Patrick Chan (La Puente), and Nicole Villanueva (Pomona) were finalists in the creative problem solving event.
“We had 11 competitors this year, and all 11 ranked nationally as finalists. That is quite an achievement,” said Mt. SAC psychiatric technician professor and HOSA advisor, Mary Ellen Reyes. “Being involved in and competing in HOSA is a life-changing experience for students.”
HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.

Industry Weed Bust

Deputies seize over $3 Million in Marijuana

Photo Courtesy: LASD Industry Station

Photo Courtesy: LASD Industry Station
Marijuana plants sized at the Industry business.

Staff Reports

Industry – On Wed., July 1, Special Assignment Team Deputies from the Industry Sheriff’s Station – in collaboration with Narcotics Bureau personnel – arrested two individuals for cultivation of marijuana for sales.  Deputies developed leads based on an anonymous tip, ultimately leading them to the service of a search warrant in the 1300 block of Darius Court in the City of Industry.

During the search warrant, hundreds of marijuana plants in various stages of growth, with an estimated street value worth over $3 million, as well as hydroponic equipment were recovered.  The equipment was used to cultivate the plants inside an otherwise nondescript local business/warehouse.

Deputies arrested David Nguyen, 32, and Phong Nguyen, 54, for cultivation and sales of marijuana.  The suspects are both of Vietnamese decent, and claimed to be from out of the state/country with no local residence.  Both are being held at the Industry Station jail with bail set at $50,000 each.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, this is the second such incident of marijuana being grown indoors locally in as many months.  On June 6, the Special Assignment Team from the Industry Sheriff’s Station – accompanied by Detectives from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force – arrested three individuals for cultivation of marijuana for sales.  In that case, Deputies seized over $1.5 million in marijuana during a local search warrant operation.

For additional questions or comments, contact Lieutenant John Gannon at Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.

Inland Empire: A 5-Year Old Superhero

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis 5-year old Carter Forsyth

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis
5-year old Carter Forsyth

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – Whether it’s Superman flying or Spider-Man swinging, every 5-year old has a superhero. But Carter Forsyth is not like other 5-year olds, because Carter is his own superhero, with his “Papa”, Jerry Davis, following right behind him.

Carter is an Eastvale resident that is one of 300,000 U.S. children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an autoimmune, inflammatory joint disease that presents with varying degrees of pain, swelling, stiffness, lethargy and a reduction or loss of mobility. Growth retardation is common in children with JIA, and this symptom is often exacerbated with medications typically used to treat the disease. Muscle weakness or loss, and osteoporosis are also possible conditions associated with JIA.

Carter had been experiencing pain and medical attention from Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis since July 2013, but he was diagnosed with JIA on January 6, 2014. Facing a life-long disease as a young boy is tough for Carter and his family, but this superhero doesn’t let his disease get him down.

Carter is a “shining force, radiating happiness and hope that he shares with everyone who touches his life,” according to his family. He has a big heart and a silly personality. He is also a curious boy who constantly seeks knowledge and has an amazing memory. At his recent preschool graduation, Carter told the crowd that he wants to be a scientist and study volcanoes when he grows up.

Carter and his family have high hopes that he will be able to do just that, since the treatment he is currently on has helped give him relief from the everyday pain he was experiencing. According to his grandfather, Jerry Davis, aka “Papa”, Carter is doing much better today than he was at this time last year. His latest treatment still involves a trip to Loma Linda Hospital once a month for an all-day infusion treatment, but Carter has gotten used to them, for the most part, and he hardly complains, according to Davis.

In order to raise funds and awareness of JIA, Davis will be

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis Carter and his “Papa” at last year’s California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure.

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis
Carter and his “Papa” at last year’s California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure.

participating in the 15th Annual California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure, hosted by the Arthritis Foundation. Last year, as a first-year individual rider, Davis raised just over $13,000. This year, Davis founded “Team Carter,” which currently has 46 registered riders participating. At press time, Team Carter is the top fundraising team at $90,000.

“Our goal is $125,000, and with three months to go, I’m hoping we can reach that goal,” said Davis.

All funds will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to further the search for a cure.

Carter’s family also wants to give a big thank you to the Arthritis Foundation for all they have done for him. The foundation helped Carter find his current doctor at Loma Linda Hospital, who was able to find a successful treatment.

Davis says that the Arthritis Foundation also honored Carter as the official “Finish Line Juvenal Arthritis Honoree” of last year’s CCC Ride For A Cure. They are also sending Carter and his whole family to this year’s Juvenile Arthritis Conference, later this month in Florida.

“Our family is very grateful to the Arthritis Foundation and that is another reason why I, as Carter’s grandfather, will be involved in the ride every year for a long time to come. I believe in this organization and I am thankful for what they do,” said Davis.

To donate to Carter’s personal fundraiser, please visit www.525m4Carter.com.  To join Team Carter, visit www.TeamCarter525m4aCure.com. To follow the team and Carter on this journey, LIKE their Facebook at www.facebook.com/525miles4Carter. If you would like more information about this cause, you can email 525m4Carter@gmail.com.

Eastvale: Free VBS Returns

By Claire Lewis

Eastvale – Once again, Edgewater Lutheran Church brings Vacation Bible School (VBS) to summertime in Eastvale.  This event – free for children 4  to 12 years of age – not only helps to provide a foundation in faith, but the kids have fun, are completely engaged in the program, and enjoy being with friends, old and new.

The theme this year is, “Everest:  Conquering Challenges With God’s Mighty Power.” The program will take your children on an icy expedition where they will learn to overcome obstacles that will help them with life’s challenges based upon Bible truths.  There are group sessions, learning pods, sciency-fun gizmos, and amazing music!

Edgewater is very passionate about their VBS program, and they look forward to providing it for the community each summer.  Senior Pastor, Tim Eaton, says, “Come and join us for the most fun week of summer for the kids – and the most relaxing week of summer for the parents.  It’s a blessing for everyone!”

VBS will be held Monday through Friday, July 20 to 24, 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. daily; at Ramirez Middle School (6905 Harrison Avenue, Eastvale).  Not only is the program free, but dinner is provided each day.

Registration is now open online at:  http://edgewaterlutheran.org/#/events/vacation-bible-school.

Edgewater worships each Sunday, 10 a.m., at Harada Elementary (12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale).

PV Hospital To Provide Trauma Services

County enters into agreement for the East San Gabriel Valley

 

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – The Board of Supervisors unanimously approved the execution of a “Pre-Trauma Hospital Designation” agreement with $4.4 million in funding for specialized personnel and equipment upgrades to prepare Pomona Valley Hospital for trauma center designation, according to Mayor Michael D. Antonovich and Supervisor Hilda L. Solis.

“This agreement is the vital next step in our effort to provide a designated trauma center to serve the residents of the East San Gabriel Valley and others needing trauma services in the region,” said Antonovich.  “The funding will ensure that the hospital meets the County’s trauma center designation requirements and receives certification.”

“Whether a patient is being transported by helicopter or by ambulance, each second is critical to that patient’s survival,” Solis said.  “Today’s vote brings us one step closer to having Pomona Valley serve as our trauma center for eastern San Gabriel Valley.”

In 1987, citing significant financial losses, hospitals providing services to the region withdrew from the trauma system.  Since that time, patients who sustain significant trauma in the East San Gabriel Valley are transported to LAC+USC Medical Center or Huntington Memorial Medical Center by either ground or helicopter.  Every year, over 1,200 patients have to spend the critical moments after an injury in commute to a trauma center, which could be the difference between life and death.

While the Department of Health Services has tried to reestablish services over the past 28 years, the largest hospitals in the East San Gabriel Valley did not feel they had the available physician support or financial incentive to re-establish the trauma program.

Sheriff Approves Body Worn Cameras

City of Eastvale

Eastvale – Sheriff Stan Sniff has approved the fielding of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) throughout its patrol operations over the next few years, subject to county funding of the devices and storage.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has completed its field testing of Body Worn Cameras (BWC) in its patrol operations. Earlier this year the Department began “voluntary” field testing of the VieVu model BWC at its Jurupa Valley Station, deploying over 150 BWCs throughout the station’s patrol operations, including deputies, corporals, investigators, sergeants and community service officers (CSOs). The Sheriff had specified an initial test period of 60 to 90 days to determine what issues would arise in the Department’s first large scale fielding of these devices, to work through any issues that did arise, and for end-users to provide feedback on both their utility and cost-effectiveness. In addition, the Department researched and absorbed “lessons learned” and best practices from other agencies fielding various varieties of BWC technology.

Although the Department was prepared to continue testing, if required, for another 60 to 90 days, input from the Jurupa Valley chain of command has indicated they have learned what we needed to know, and recommended transition from voluntary testing of these devices to mandatory Department-wide use. The manufacturer has worked closely with the Sheriff’s Department in dealing with desired equipment modifications for problems encountered in the real-world testing and deployment of BWCs in our local patrol environment, under tactical conditions and used in our patrol vehicles. Our technology specialists have also been able to resolve issues concerning downloading and data storage to our satisfaction.

The Sheriff’s Department has refined its BWC procedures during the Jurupa Valley Station testing period, and the Department-wide document will replace the separate patrol station SOPs that have evolved over the last several years for this emerging technology. The Sheriff’s Department has notified County Human Resources that the decision on “mandatory” use in patrol operations has been made and the County remains open to meeting and conferring with the various labor groups on any foreseeable workplace impacts of that management decision.

The Jurupa Valley Station testing has validated that the known presence of BWCs has positively altered potential confrontations between deputies and the public, often gaining voluntary compliance by the public. Formal personnel complaints against our deputies at the Jurupa Valley Station during the testing period have declined 30%.

Based on the voluntary testing period input from the Jurupa Valley Station, the Sheriff has concurred that patrol deputies and other Department personnel utilizing BWCs shall continue to have discretion in deciding when to activate their cameras pursuant to the BWC policy guidance developed.

The Sheriff’s Department deeply appreciates the leadership efforts of our Jurupa Valley Station in fielding this BWC technology, paving the way for its use throughout our patrol operations over the next few years. In the interim, the Sheriff will continue to allow personal BWCs for on-duty use until full deployment of county-owned BWCs is completed. After full deployment occurs within patrol operations, only county-owned BWCs will be used.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will continue testing the potential usage of BWC technology throughout its operations outside of its patrol divisions, including Corrections and Courts, but the challenges and required stakeholder input will be somewhat different than in patrol operations.

The Sheriff will seek funding from the Riverside County Board of Supervisors in Fiscal Year 2015/16, for a phased acquisition, training, and fielding plan of BWCs, initially throughout its patrol operations, and ultimately across its other specialized jail and court areas after preliminary testing and needed guidance from our judicial officers has been completed.

In addition, the Sheriff’s Department is submitting for the FY “2015 Body-Worn Camera Pilot Implementation Program” grant through the U.S. Department of Justice. If awarded, the grant will require a 50% in-kind match for the purchase of Body Worn Cameras, but excludes the cost of data storage. Ultimately, nearly 3,000 BWCs may someday be deployed throughout all of the Department’s massive operations across Riverside County.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

A Letter From Ross

Q:  When I was going through my divorce two years ago, my neighbor was very supportive.  She listened to my concerns and offered good advice that helped me a lot.  When I was suffering in the beginning, she even brought meals to my house.  She was the nicest friend I had at the time.  Now I’m having problems in my new relationship and I’ve tried to get together with her so I can get some advice. She always seems to be in a hurry and is not interested in talking in the driveway when she comes home from work.  She used to invite me in, but I haven’t had that invitation in months.  I really need to talk to her. She already knows me and my problems and I can’t afford counseling.  How can I get her attention?

 

A:  Just because your neighbor is a good soul does not mean that she owes you her time or thinking skills.  For whatever reason, it sounds like she has zero interest in getting involved in your problems again. Be grateful that she was once there for you and move on.  You are not entitled to her time just because you catch her in the driveway when she comes home from work, either.  Reconsider your stand on professional coaching or counseling.  You need help seeing the big picture.  Wish you well, Ross.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Diamond Bar: Community Garden Now Open

Photo Courtesy: DBCG

Photo Courtesy: DBCG

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Community Garden (DBCG) has opened for community members to come and enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce.

“There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing something you’ve grown with your own hands on your dinner table,” states their website.

While the Grand Opening was earlier this year in May, the community of gardeners is growing. Sponsored by the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, the DBCG serves the residents of Diamond Bar and the surrounding cities by maintaining a garden that fosters community enrichment, education and economic empowerment.

According to the DBCG, this garden provides a local opportunity for community members of all ages, religious affiliations, cultural backgrounds, community standings, and socioeconomic classes to come together with a common activity of producing locally grown, organic food.

Community members can also look forward to educational classes and lectures, as well as special events like the upcoming work party to develop the Stella Hatzfeld’s memorial lemon tree orchard – to be held July 18, from 9 am to noon.

This beautiful garden will also supply fresh produce for involved residents and organizations that are associated with its philanthropy, as well as benefit low-income families within the community by providing them with fresh, healthy produce.

The goal of the DBCG is to provide a safe and attractive environment for those individuals desiring a place to grow edible produce.  A 4 x 8-foot, raised bed plot is available for just $50 annually.

The DBCG invites you to come and see their garden and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings, located near the corner of Morning Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Blvd.  You can also visit www.diamondbarcommunitygarden.com, or call (909) 861-4735 for more information.

The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is located at 2335 Diamond Bar Blvd.  They can be reached at (909) 861-4735.

Eastvale: 99¢ Only Store Coming To Town

Image Courtesy: 99Only.com

Image Courtesy: 99Only.com

Staff Reports

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale Planning Commission held a public hearing on Wed., June 17, for consideration of a Major Development Review for the construction of a 19,104 square foot retail building referred to as Project No. 13-1601.

The proposed project site is located on the southern 2.67 acres of a 5.53 acre vacant parcel north of new Schleisman Avenue (formerly A Street) and west of Hamner Ave.  The applicant is 99¢ Only Stores.

Commercial use of the property was considered in an environmental assessment (initial study) prepared by Riverside County and adopted on November 21, 2008. Staff has reviewed the environmental analysis prepared by the County and determines that it remains valid for the proposed commercial use. Therefore, no additional environmental analysis is necessary. The project site is not located on a hazardous materials site that is listed under Government Code Section 65962.5.

99¢ Only Stores is a deep-discount retailer that primarily carries name-brand consumable and general merchandise.

 

Eastvale: City Manager Honored

City Manager Michele Nissen

City Manager Michele Nissen

By Claire Lewis

Eastvale – Eastvale’s City Manager, Michele Nissen, was honored recently as the Outstanding Rising Administrator at the American Society for Public Administration (ASPA) 2015 Public Service Awards & Scholarship Luncheon.

The Inland Empire Chapter event – which was held on Wed., June 24, in Riverside, honored public administration professionals who have demonstrated excellence in public service.  The ASPA also awarded scholarships to outstanding students who have shown scholastic achievement in the field of public administration and are pursuing graduate degrees in Public Administration at Inland Empire institutions of higher learning.

Congratulations to Michele Nissen, for being committed to serving the citizens of Eastvale!

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Staff Reports

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in air conditioning and heating, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analyses, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.  They are also committed to the community.  Owners Jason and Athena Hayes have lived in Eastvale for over seven years, and as homeowners, they love to see Eastvale flourish. Advanced Improvements has been the platinum sponsor for the Eastvale Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournaments, and they will continue to invest in the City and support its growth.  Make sure to ask about their $500 discount coupon for Eastvale residents only.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761).  Their office is located at 1200 North Barsten Way, in Anaheim, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at www.AdvancedIMP.com, and see their ad in The Weekly News

Norco: DUI/ Driver’s License Checkpoint Nets 4 DUI Arrests

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Norco  – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Jurupa Valley Station/Norco Office conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on July 11, 2015, at Hamner Ave. and Commerce St., 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 driver 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 it has on those who might drive drunk or drug impaired, 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.

Checkpoint results:

  • 598 Vehicles through the checkpoint
  • 549 Vehicles screened
  • 4 DUI suspects arrested
  • 7 Drivers arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed
  • 3 Drivers arrested for operating a vehicle on a suspended license
  • 2 Misdemeanor warrant arrests
  • 6 Vehicles towed

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Jurupa Valley Station/Norco Office will be conducting additional DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint throughout the year, in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

The checkpoint was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!

Details:

Norco, CA – The Norco Sheriff’s Office will be conducting a DUI/Driver’s License Checkpoint on July 11, 2015, at an undisclosed location within the city limits between the hours of 8:00 p.m. to 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely.

In California, this deadly crime led to 802 deaths in 2012 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows nearly 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver.

Officers will be looking for signs of alcohol and/or drug impairment, as well as checking drivers for proper licensing.  Motorists should only be slightly inconvenienced. Specially trained officers will be available to evaluate those suspected of drug-impaired driving.

Recent statistics reveal 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had ingested one or more drugs.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent). Marijuana was the most prevalent drug, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol.

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. Nearly 90 percent of California drivers approve of DUI checkpoints.

DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving DUI driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of the arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, and other expenses that can exceed $10,000.  The DUI arrest is public information and can expose the violator to a degree of public embarrassment.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Norco Sheriff’s Office by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to “report drunk driver/call 911.”