Special Olympics Torch Run

Photo Courtesy: Special Olympics of Southern California

Photo Courtesy: Special Olympics of Southern California

Staff Reports

Eastvale – The Law Enforcement Torch Run is one of the largest fundraisers and public awareness campaigns for Special Olympics worldwide.

In 2014, officers raised more than $1 million for Special Olympics Southern California.

This year, more than 4,000 officers carried the Flame of Hope over 1,500 miles to the Summer Games Opening Ceremony.

On Mon., June 8, the Jurupa Valley Station’s personnel participating in the Torch Run received the Torch from the Ontario Police Department at the intersection of Hamner Ave. and Riverside Dr., in the city of Eastvale. JVS Personnel then carried the torch and passed it on to the Corona Police Department at the intersection of Hamner Ave. and Hidden Valley Parkway, in the city of Norco.

C.J. Morris To Explore America’s Beginnings

Photo Courtesy: History.org A reenactment at Colonial Williamsburg

Photo Courtesy: History.org
A reenactment at Colonial Williamsburg

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Two Walnut Valley educators will soon experience an exciting week of learning at the world’s largest living history museum.

C.J. Morris Elementary 5th Grade teachers, Tara Noelte and Jennifer Veneracion, have been invited to attend the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in Virginia.  They are among 50 teachers, selected from over 300 Los Angeles County applicants, who will study and experience Colonial times.

The teachers will meet character interpreters of 18th Century people and become immersed in early American History through hands-on activities and reenactments of historic events.

Participants will visit nearby Jamestown, the site of the first permanent English colony in America, and

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD C.J. Morris Elementary teachers Jennifer Veneracion and Tara Noelte will explore America’s beginnings at the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in Virginia this summer.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
C.J. Morris Elementary teachers Jennifer Veneracion and Tara Noelte will explore America’s beginnings at the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute in Virginia this summer.

spend a day at Yorktown visiting the battlefields where the Continental Army forced the British to surrender.

The professional development opportunity is slated for July 28 through Aug. 3.

These educators will bring back a new depth of knowledge and teaching strategies to show students that history is vibrant and alive!

Care For Women’s Medical Group

Experience the Difference

Photo Courtesy: Care For Women’s Medical Group Care For Women’s Medical Group is a premier medical practice that cares about your health and your time.

Photo Courtesy: Care For Women’s Medical Group
Care For Women’s Medical Group is a premier medical practice that cares about your health and your time.

Staff Reports

That annual trip to the gynecologist is something that most women dread, even though a routine PAP can help in early cancer detection.  There is really nothing that can be done to make the procedure any more comfortable; however, there are things you can do to make your appointment go a bit smoother.  The American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists suggest these tips in preparing for your next visit:

  • List Your Questions: Write down questions that you may have before you get there.  It will make the process go faster and you won’t forget.
  • Write Down Signs and Symptoms: Give some thought to your symptoms and write them down prior to your appointment. Be sure to include when they started, what they look/feel like, and what provides relief.
  • List Your Medications: Include prescription drugs, over the counter drugs, vitamin supplements and herbal medicines.
  • Give a Complete Health History: If it’s a first time visit, you will need to fill out forms regarding your health history. Prepare a written health history to use in completing your forms and keep a copy on hand for future use.

If you’re in need of an OB/GYN, Care for Women’s Medical Group is one of the premier medical practices in the Inland Empire. They are dedicated to women’s health offering complete obstetrical and gynecological care, specializing in robotic surgery and minimally invasive surgery.  They appreciate how valuable your time is and will treat you with respect and consideration.

Care for Women’s Medical Group has three convenient locations:  Eastvale (12442 Limonite Ave., Suite 207) – OPENING MARCH 2015; Upland (1310 San Bernardino Rd., Suite 201, (909) 579-0806); and Chino Hills (15944 Los Serranos Country Club Dr., Suite 230, (909) 355-7855).

Learn more about their services at www.careforwmg.com, and see their ad on page two of this publication.

Getting Out Of Our Own Way

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops

People love to blame others for their failures or for why they haven’t become who they were intended to be.  We do this so we don’t have to accept responsibility for getting in our own way.  It’s much easier to convince ourselves that somebody else is to blame for our failures, rather than looking inward.

There is usually a reason we get in our own way.  Sometimes we get comfortable in our misery or in our failure to change.  I think there is some amount of fear that comes with change.  I think there are those that are afraid of success, because it comes with a certain amount of expectation.  For me, staying stuck is much more fearful.

I think about someone having so much potential, but never seeing that or becoming who they were intended to be.  You need to take a look at why you keep getting in your own way.  Do you fear change?  Do you fear success?  Do you fear becoming who you were intended to be?  Maybe you just don’t feel like you deserve anything more than you already have.  Whatever the reason is, you need to get out of your own way and stop preventing the good from coming.

You need to tear down the road blocks you have put up and begin to understand just how wonderful you are and how amazing life could be.  We all have the potential to be who we are intended to be.  The trick is to stop fighting with ourselves and give ourselves permission to overcome our obstacles and find our true selves.

What a beautiful world this would be if everybody would allow themselves to be who they are intended to be.

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.

San Dimas Murder Suspect Wanted

$20,000 reward in exchange for any information leading to the arrest or conviction of the man responsible

Image Courtesy: LASD Composite sketch of San Dimas murder suspect

Image Courtesy: LASD
Composite sketch of San Dimas murder suspect

Staff Reports

San Dimas – On Wed., June 10, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Homicide Detectives held a press conference to release a composite sketch of the murder suspect wanted in relation to the murder of San Dimas restaurant owner, Pravin Patel.

On June 2, at approximately 3:20 p.m., the suspect entered the Quizno’s restaurant located in the 1000 block of W. Arrow Highway in San Dimas, brandishing a gun and demanding money.  The owner, Patel, complied, giving the suspect cash from the register.  When the suspect ran outside, Patel followed and a physical altercation commenced in the parking lot – the suspect then shot Patel and fled on foot.

Patel was transported to a local hospital, and later succumbed to his injuries.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect is described as a male Hispanic or Caucasian in his mid 20s, 180 pounds, with a tall and skinny build.  At the time he was wearing a baseball hat, black t-shirt and plaid shorts.

The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors unanimously approved a motion by Mayor Michael Antonovich offering a $20,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and/or conviction of the suspect responsible for the murder of Patel.

On a memorial page dedicated to Pravin Rabojibhai Patel, 62, of San Dimas, he was remembered as a

Photo Courtesy: YouCaring.com Pravin “Peter” Patel

Photo Courtesy: YouCaring.com
Pravin “Peter” Patel

hard-working family man, known for bringing people together.  He is survived by his loving wife, Maya, a son and daughter, and two grandchildren.  Patel – who went by “Peter” – was reportedly looking forward to retiring in a few years so he could spend more time with his loved ones.

“He will be dearly missed by everyone who knew him,” the memorial page stated.

If you recognize or have information on the person depicted in the sketch, you are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

 

Eastvale’s “Dr. D” Is CNUSD Principal Of The Year

Photo courtesy: CNUSD Principal of the Year, Trevor Dietrich

Photo courtesy: CNUSD
Principal of the Year, Trevor Dietrich

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – At a Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) event held on Tues., May 7, Trevor Dietrich, Ed.D, was named Principal of the Year.  Dr. Dietrich is the Principal at McKinley Elementary in Corona.

“Principal of the Year” is an Association of California School Administrators (ACSA) award, and those in consideration must demonstrate exemplary performance in criteria for exceptional leadership in managing school programs, strong support of school management teams, and commitment to educational quality and student achievement (and much more).

Each year ACSA sends out ballots with the names of those who are eligible in multiple categories, and administrators vote for who they think are deserving of the awards.

Says Dietrich, “Every year I try and take the process seriously and vote for who is doing a good job.”

Obviously Dietrich’s peers thought the same thing when they nominated him.

“Dr. D,” as he is fondly called by his students, has been with CNUSD for 15 years.  He began as a 5th Grade teacher at John Adams Elementary in Corona, and in 2009 became principal of that school.

Evita Tapia, Public Information Officer for CNUSD says about Dietrich, “He is the perfect fit to be an elementary school principal, with his high energy and amiable personality.”

Two years ago, the District moved Dietrich to William McKinley Elementary to implement some of the successes he had realized at John Adams.

In Dietrich’s tenure, McKinley is definitely enjoying some success.  McKinley is the first in the Inland Empire to become a “Leader in Me” site, a whole-school transformational process that teaches students how to be leaders of themselves, and how to work with other people using the soft skills of the 21st century (focusing on Franklin Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People).

Implemented in over 2,000 schools worldwide, the Leader in Me process has schools consistently reporting an increase in students’ self-confidence, teamwork, initiative, creativity, leadership, problem solving, communication, diversity awareness and self-directed learning – as well as dramatic decreases in disciplinary issues (according to the Leader in Me website).

“What’s great is that the Leader in Me program has bonded the staff at McKinley; it’s given us something to be proud of.  And, its turning heads, making other schools notice us,” says Dietrich.  “Other District schools are now in the process of becoming Leader in Me schools because of what we are doing.”

Surprised that he won the award, Dietrich says, “It’s validating for what is happening at McKinley.  I’m the one getting the recognition, but it’s all about what the team is doing.”

In fact, Dietrich’s team was just notified that they are receiving the Models of Academic Excellence and Innovation award from the Riverside County Office of Education; and they are one of CNUSD’s three nominations for the California Golden Bell award, a prestigious recognition from the California School Board Association.

“Individuals are getting recognized, but it is all because of what’s happening in the totality of the Leader in Me process,” says Dietrich.  “Parents are recognizing that what we are doing is much more impactful for the whole child in preparing them for the future.”

When asked what his biggest hope for McKinley is, Dietrich says, “Our WIG (Wildly Important Goal) is

Photo Courtesy: Dietrich Family (L-R) The Dietrich Family, Emma, Sarah, Luke, Trevor and Justin

Photo Courtesy: Dietrich Family
(L-R) The Dietrich Family, Emma, Sarah, Luke, Trevor and Justin

to become a Lighthouse School by the end of next year.  To become a Lighthouse School means you have checked off every box and have done all the things that you can do to ensure that the leadership theme has been built into the culture.  If the principal leaves, the program doesn’t.  My hope is that what we are doing with the Leader in Me program is so impactful that eventually it has nothing to do with me – but it has everything to do with McKinley and what they are doing.”

Dietrich holds a Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science and Master’s degree in Curriculum Instruction from Concordia University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from La Sierra University.  He and his wife, Sarah, have three children:  Emma, Justin and Luke.  He is active in his church, extremely handy around the house, and enjoys sports – as an avid St. Louis Cardinals and San Diego Chargers fan; he also enjoys the Lakers (“Just not lately,” he says).  “Dr. D” also teaches leadership classes at Concordia University.  The Dietrich family lives in Eastvale.

Did You Know?

Photo Courtesy: Healthyfoodhouse.com

Photo Courtesy: Healthyfoodhouse.com

By K.P. Sander

Summer Shape Up Series #2:  Let’s say that you take care of yourself.  You do all the necessary things to eat right every day, exercise regularly, and work hard to have a great balance of work/play/family/personal time.  Life is good, and you’re feeling healthy.

But despite all your efforts, things are not so healthy.  Dangers lurk all about your home in every day products that seem so innocent.

Just as important as what you put in your body, is what you put on your body and what you are exposed to.  According to realfarmacy.com, the Cancer Prevention Coalition (CPC) has put together the top 12 most common products manufactured by “big business” that need to be avoided and kept out of your homes and away from your body.

  • Johnson & Johnson Baby (Talcum) Powder: Talc is a carcinogenic and a risk factor for ovarian cancer, not to mention a lung irritant.
  • Procter & Gamble Cover Girl Replenishing Natural Finish Foundation: Not so “natural,” this make-up contains parabens, untested fragrances, lanolin, talc, and BHA – just to mention a few – all known to cause or be associated with cancer and dermatitis.
  • Procter & Gamble Crest Tartar Control Toothpaste: Would you switch to a natural toothpaste if you knew you were brushing twice a day with carcinogenics FD&C #1 and Saccharin?  Time to switch.
  • Alberto VO5 Conditioner (Essence of Neutral Henna): Essence of cancer, with formaldehyde, polysorbate 80, FD&C Red #4 and other undisclosed ingredients hidden in fragrance.
  • Clairol Nice ‘n Easy (Permanent Hair Color): There is nothing nice and easy about carcinogenics, neurotoxins, and dermatitis, but you can find these things hidden in quaternium-15, diethanolamine and phenylene-diamines. The article also notes a “causal relation to non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, multiple myeloma and other cancers.
  • Colgate-Palmolive Ajax Cleanser and Reckitt & Colman Zud Heavy Duty Cleanser: Both contain the unlabeled toxic ingredient of crystalline silica, a carcinogenic and eye, skin and lung irritant.
  • Reckitt & Colman Lysol Disinfectant Spray: Although the carcinogenicity is denied in their Material Safety and Data Sheet, the carcinogenic and irritant, orthophenylphenol is an ingredient.
  • Sandoz Agro Zodiac Cat & Dog Flea Collar: With carcinogenic and neurotoxin, propoxur, around your pet’s neck, the fleas aren’t the only ones in jeopardy.
  • Monsanto Ortho Weed-B-Gon Lawn Weed Killer: “Weed Killer” labels don’t leave much to the imagination – something is going to die.  Just make sure you wear gloves and masks when using these types of products so you aren’t exposed to carcinogens and neurotoxins.
  • Oscar Mayer Beef Frankfurters: Don’t you just love throwing some benzene hexachloride, dacthal, dieldrin, DDT, lindane, nitrates, hormones and antibiotics on your summertime grill? In the case of a hot dog, if it isn’t chemical and nitrate-free, and made up of pure, normal parts – don’t go there.
  • Borden or Lucerne Whole Milk: Milk does not do a body good in this particular case, with DDT, growth hormones, antibiotics and other carcinogenics mixed in.  Find another option to dunk your cookies in.
  • Most Brand-Name Laundry Detergents: Clemson University conducted a study which found that 2% of a fabric’s weight comes from laundry detergent. The skin absorbs 75% of any fat soluble substance it comes into contact with within 26 seconds, and laundry detergents include anionic surfactants, petroleum distillates, phenols (and more) that are toxic, carcinogenic and can cause organ damage.

The realfarmacy.com article states that current product labeling provides no warnings for cancer and other chronic health risks.  Food is labeled for cholesterol, but not for carcinogens.  Frankly, high cholesterol is the least of your worries in these instances.

In the “Top 10 Most Unhealthy, Cancer Causing Foods,” American political activist, Ralph Nader, says, “What is particularly galling about the ‘Dirty Dozen,’ is that these toxic chemicals don’t have to be there.  Yet these corporations continue to expose people to health hazards unnecessarily.”

Do yourself and your family a favor, and read labels, educate yourself on chemical that you use on a regular basis, and begin to eliminate them all from your house and your life.

“Legacy”

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“As for you, my son Solomon, know the God of your father, and serve Him with a loyal heart and with a willing mind; for the LORD searches all hearts and understands all the intent of the thoughts. If you seek Him, He will be found by you; but if you forsake Him, He will cast you off forever,” (1 Chronicles 28:9).

David instructs Solomon to “serve God with a loyal heart.”  These are instructions of a father on his death bed to his son.

On a personal level, I have been given the greatest gift in my dad, which is a legacy of faith and loyalty to the Lord.   He has not ceased to reflect Christ in his every action.  He never misses a morning to pray with my mom or to make her favorite toast with honey and peanut butter.  He often shows Jesus in the little things he does.  It’s an honor to see my dad serve faithfully in my church.

Some fathers think that fatherhood means that they should be waited on all the time, but the Bible indicates a father should be quick to serve.  “The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many,” (Matthew 20:28).

God has placed parents as the authorities in the life of the child.  In many ways, as fathers, we represent God to our children.  Often as men, we think about the mark we will make in this world.  I believe the greatest mark we can leave is the legacy we pass on as fathers, not an inheritance or a good name.  It is the spiritual heritage that we give to our children.  So pass it on, Dads!

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

Conversations At Costco

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

My mother-in-law lives in Scottsdale, Arizona.  We enjoy visiting her as often as we can.  The drive from California to Arizona takes about five hours each way.

My wife and her mother often go out to lunch when we are in town.  My wife has several sisters who live in the Phoenix area, so they usually join in these lunch time adventures.

One of my jobs is to go to Costco to refill our car with gas and to pick up a few groceries, too.  So, I usually have lunch at Costco by myself while my wife and her sisters have lunch with their mother.

The Costco in Scottsdale has an indoor eating area.  I’ve noticed that a lot of the people eating at Costco are retired people.  Many have come from different parts of the country to spend the winter in sunny Arizona.  Some of them have settled in Scottsdale permanently.

Almost every time I sit down to eat at Costco, I find myself in conversations with total strangers.  I suppose I am the one who usually starts the conversation, but most folks are very friendly and are willing to share about themselves.

Each conversation is delightful.  I have met nice people from Maine to Minnesota.   There are people from Seattle to St. Louis.  They always talk about how wonderful the weather is in Arizona.  They are friendly folk.

Some are just seasonal visitors, but many have bought a home and settled down in the desert.  Some are new transplants, but others have lived there for many years.

When I tell them that I grew up there many years ago, they act like they are speaking to a celebrity.  They can’t believe that my parents came to Arizona with me and my brother in the 1950s.  Some joke that we probably came in a covered wagon!

Scottsdale certainly has changed since the days when my parents moved there 60 years ago.  There are a lot more houses and a lot more people.  It seems like most of the people today shop at Costco.  And, a lot of those people take time to eat lunch and talk with folks they have never met before.

Let me encourage you to watch for an opportunity to begin a conversation with someone at your local Costco or coffee shop; maybe an older couple or individual sitting by themselves.  You will enjoy it, and they will too!

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 06.13.15

2015-June13-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-June13-Weekly-WEB

Six Secrets to Helping Kids Thrive

Lessons Learned from a Former Child Star

Photo Courtesy: S. J. Miller Communications Jimmy Osmond

Photo Courtesy: S. J. Miller Communications
Jimmy Osmond

By Jimmy Osmond, Ph.D.

My parents, George and Olive Osmond, didn’t raise nine perfect children. But they did nurture nine youngsters – Virl, Tom, Alan, Wayne, Merrill, Jay, Donny, Marie, and (last but not least!) me, Jimmy – who have honored our parents’ lessons throughout the highs and lows of our lives.

Now, as we Osmond siblings raise children (and even grandchildren) of our own, we appreciate more than ever the things our parents taught us that have helped us to thrive and accomplish so many of our goals as a family. Here are just six of those lessons:

  1. It all starts at home. As children, we were given opportunities that a lot of our friends didn’t have. Yes, we knew how lucky we were, because our parents emphasized that, too. We traveled to various places in the U.S., and we even got to travel around the world as we worked. Performing took a lot of our time and energy, but George and Olive always kept us centered. Home, according to our parents, was wherever the family happened to be. It didn’t have to mean Provo, Utah (although that was our home base). It could mean Los Angeles, New York, London, or even Tokyo. But the definition of home, for us, was that it was the place the family congregated after the workday was through to share our feelings, hopes, fears, and joys. It was the family who gathered there with us. It was the place where – regardless of how we spent our day – we felt safe, loved, and fully accepted just for being who we were. That’s what home meant to the Osmond family then, and that’s what home means to us all these years later, too.
  2. Shine! Our parents wanted all of their kids to shine, and that didn’t mean they insisted that we be stars. They just wanted us to be the best that we could be at whatever made us the happiest. If we found our true joy fixing cars (and, yes, Wayne did), then that was perfect. If football quarterbacking – presuming the footballs were all properly inflated! – was our thing (as it was for Jay), then we should be out on the football field. If you wanted to exercise your musical gifts, and be part of the family band, then that was cool, too. Our parents wanted their kids to be self-actualized, fulfilled human beings who were filled with love and light – and they wanted us to share that love and light with everyone around us. We hope we’re doing that, and teaching the next generations to do the same.
  3. Communicate. Every family has its dreams and its challenges, and the Osmond’s were no different. But, while some families go off in different directions because they’re not sure how to pull together, our parents taught their kids to communicate. We didn’t always use words or music to do that — sometimes, we signed to each other or read each other’s lips – and it wasn’t always easy to tell each other how we were really feeling. But we worked at it, and however tough it sometimes was for us, we made communication a priority. That has kept us together, as a family, all of our lives.
  4. Love and respect each other. The Osmond family was made up of children, and for years, upon years, many of those children were teenagers. And they were brothers; and a sister. So when our parents told their kids to love each other, they weren’t insisting that their children agree about all things, all of the time. They were, however, setting an example of unconditionally accepting each other, despite whatever differences arose, and putting each other’s needs and welfare above anything else. Most of all, they taught us to respect each other. My parents gave their children nothing except unconditional love and respect, and their kids learned to give that to each other so as the years went on, they had those gifts to give to their own children, too.
  5. Give back. My parents’ philosophy was that whatever you were lucky enough to have, you shared with others. You didn’t have to have recording contracts or a television series to give something of value to others. Long before people were humming those songs about Puppy Love or Paper Roses, the Osmond kids were giving their time to their community – whether it was singing at a children’s hospital or collecting donations for those who were hungry. These days, philanthropy is still one of the activities that consume much of the Osmond children’s time and energy, and it will always be the work that’s closest to all of their hearts.
  6. Focus on education. My mother came from a long line of educators. She would have loved to see all of her kids get traditional college degrees, but our professions have led us in different directions. Academic skills are so important, and it’s a privilege to be able to spend at least twelve years in a classroom. But my father taught us that education doesn’t end there. It also includes gaining people skills, and learning about teamwork and hard work. Sometimes, the best education you can give your child is to encourage them to befriend the new student at school or the new kids in the neighborhood, or to apply for an entry-level job where they’ll get their hands dirty. That’s what I did, and look where it led: to a successful career, and even to getting an honorary Ph.D.!

Although my parents are here only in spirit now, that spirit is strong enough to guide their “children” through their lives. We’ve had ups and downs in our lives, and we’ve learned from our successes as well as our false starts and – let’s face it – our failures, too. But those lessons that our parents shared started us on the road to lifelong independence and happiness – and the ability for everyone to learn those lessons are the main gifts that George and Olive Osmond shared with the world.

Jimmy Osmond, Ph.D., is the author of “Awesome Possum Family Band” (RegneryKids).  For more information, visit http://www.jimmyosmond.com.

Food Drive Benefits Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

Local Efforts in Inland Empire Part of Nationwide Goal to Provide 2 Million Meals To Feed Children Over Summer Month

Information courtesy of Kim Kimbriel 

Riverside– Knowing that kids can’t have summer fun on an empty stomach, Caliber Collision is launching its 4th annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive from June 8th through June 26th to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Riverside & San Bernardino.

Caliber Collision has set up food collection bins at each of its 17 centers in the Inland Empire and urges customers and the public to drop off food items or cash donations at local centers.

The local Caliber locations are part of a company-wide national food drive that last year provided more than one million meals for children in need of food.  The annual food drive is a grassroots, volunteer effort by Caliber teammates who have challenged each other to break 2014’s record and have set a nationwide goal of 2 million meals this year for at-risk children and families.

According to a recent report by Feeding America, despite the economic recovery, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. continue to struggle with hunger.  Chronic illness is reported to be higher among children living in food-insecure households and the lack of adequate nutrition can literally change the structure of a child’s brain and affect learning.

“For too many children, no school means no lunch,” said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Local food banks need extra help during the summer to ensure that those in need don’t go hungry. We are committed to doubling our efforts this year to restore the rhythm of regular meals to children in each of the communities that Caliber serves.”

In addition to the food items, Caliber Collision has also committed to a corporate matching contribution for local food banks based on the amount collected by Caliber teammates locally.

Non-perishable food items or cash donations can be dropped off at any of the Caliber Collision locations listed below. The food bank cannot accept glass or open containers, perishable or homemade items.

CATHEDRAL CITY

68-945 Perez Rd., No. 7

Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.328.5334

CHINO VALLEY

14622 Ramona Ave.

Chino, CA 91710

909.597.2203

CITY OF INDUSTRY

15120 E. Valley Blvd.

City of Industry, CA 91746

626.968.6430

CLAREMONT

2542 N. Towne Ave.

Pomona, CA 91767

909.482.4343

COVINA

433 E. San Bernardino Rd.

Covina, CA 91723

626.915.4953

HESPERIA

11182 “I” Ave.

Hesperia, CA 92345

760.949.6269

INDIO

82-279 Ave. 44

Indio, CA 92201

760.347.5866

NORCO

2000 S. Four Wheel Dr.

Norco, CA 92860

951.736.1398

ONTARIO

200 S. Wineville Ave.

Ontario, CA 91761

909.937.0132

 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA

9490 9th St.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

909.941.3466

REDLANDS

450 Nevada St.

Redlands, CA 92373

909.793.3442

RIALTO

421 W. Rialto Ave.

Rialto, CA 92376

909.874.4470

RIVERSIDE

6634 Indiana Ave.

Riverside, CA 92506

951.683.6734

SAN BERNARDINO

1197 E. 3rd St.

San Bernardino, CA 92410

909.889.2121

SOUTH EL MONTE

1841 Tyler Ave.

South El Monte, CA 91733

626.442.8776

UPLAND

2110 Aviation Dr.

Upland, CA 91786

909.243.7470

WALNUT

20601 E. Valley Blvd.

Walnut, CA 91789

909.598.1113

 

About Caliber Collision Centers

Caliber Collision Centers is one of the largest collision repair companies in America with 297 I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers across 13 states. Caliber is consistently ranked among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry and backs all repair work with a written, lifetime warranty available at any of its 297 repair centers.  For more information about Caliber Collision, please visit our website at www.calibercollision.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Chino Man Missing

Homicide Detectives seek public’s help in locating Raymond Collins; reward offered

Photo Courtesy: LASD

Photo Courtesy: LASD

Staff Reports

Chino/Compton – On Sun., Feb. 15, at approximately 4 p.m., Raymond Tremaine Collins was last seen by his family leaving his residence in the city of Chino.  Collins, a music video producer, was on his way to the Compton area to meet a friend to discuss filming a music video the following day.

On Mon., Feb. 16, at approximately 2 a.m., Collins was seen leaving the area of Alondra Blvd. and Dwight Avenue in his dark grey Toyota Camry.  One hour later, at approximately 3 a.m., witnesses observed a black male exit Collins’ vehicle and walk east on Raymond St. and out of view.

Neither family nor friends have seen or heard from Collins since that time, and there has been no activity on his social media accounts.

Collins is a 29-year old African American male, who also goes by the name of “Ray Rich.”  He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown eyes, and brown hair with a mustache and goatee.  He has a “Blessed” tattoo on the left side of his neck; “Ray” tattooed on his right knuckles and “Rich on his left knuckles.  He also has “Annie” tattooed on his left forearm.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Sheriff’s Information Bureau at (323) 267-4800. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Diamond Bar Council Recap

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza The Diamond Bar City Council congratulates members of the Diamond Bar High School Badminton Team for winning its fourth consecutive championship.

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
The Diamond Bar City Council congratulates members of the Diamond Bar High School Badminton Team for winning its fourth consecutive championship.

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met on Tues., June 2, with a regular agenda of presentations, a reading of future events, numerous action items and a public hearing concerning a new wireless telecommunications facility.

The meeting was started off with a presentation to the members of the Diamond Bar High School badminton team for winning their fourth consecutive championship.  Mayor Steve Tye congratulated the 14 team members in attendance for their hard work and continuing the proud lineage of the school’s team.  Tye offered his congratulations to not only the members but also Head Coach Kemp Wells, who promised to bring a fifth championship next year.

“What could be harder than winning once?” asked Tye. “Winning twice. What could be harder than winning twice? Winning four times. You have a winning program, congratulations.”

The second presentation was to David Matsukiyo and Matthew Chen for being “Report for Reward” recipients, meaning that their information led to making Diamond Bar safer from crime.

Tye and the Council then presented a City tile to Kaiser Permanente’s Diamond Bar offices and proclaimed the hospital as “Business of the Month” for June 2015. Tye thanked them for their years of service to the City and wished them well in their continued business.

“We are grateful that Kaiser Permanente has chosen Diamond Bar and we look forward to your future expansions,” Tye said.

The schedule of future events was then read off to include a pop-up City Hall on June 4 at the Diamond Hills Plaza, at 2825 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting on June 9; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on June 11; and the next City Council meeting on June 16.

The Council then approved all items on its Consent Calendar, including the minutes for the study session and regular meeting of the May 19 City Council meetings; the April 9 Traffic and Transportation Commission; the April 14 Planning Commission; the ratification of check register dated May 14 through May 27 totaling $1,494,739.50; the Treasurer’ April statement; the approval of the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with ECS Imaging, Inc., extending the contract term through June 20, 2016 in the approved not-to-exceed amount of $87,000; the approval of the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with Sytech Solutions, Inc., extending the contract term through June 30, 2016 at a cost of $40,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $140,000; the approval of Amendment No. 4 to the contract with Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to extend the term of the contract from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 to provide landscape maintenance services at nine city parks, the grounds of the Diamond Bar Center, the football field and slope at Lorbeer Middle School and the Mesa Trail/Trailhead at Sycamore Canyon Park in the amount of $368,995 each fiscal year and as-needed work in the amount of $25,000; an approval of adjourning the June 16 City Council meeting to July 21; a resolution calling for the holding of a general municipal election to be held on Tues., Nov. 3, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities; a resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the county of Los Angeles to consolidate a general municipal election to be held on Nov. 2, with the school elections to be held on the date pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code; a resolution adopting regulation for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidates statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Nov. 2; the approval of supplemental appropriations of $559,591 into the fiscal year 2014-15 building fees revenue accounts, and $233,547 into the fiscal year 2014-15 building and safety contract services expenditure account to fund the payment of RKA Consulting Services invoices; approval of professional services agreement with David Evans and Associates, Inc., to provide landscape plan checking services for three fiscal years (2015-16 through 2017-18) with an option for two one-year extensions; authorization for the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority to share the costs for installation of monitoring equipment and monitoring pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants total maximum daily loads for a total amount not to exceed $30,000 for the term of agreement; and a resolution adopting the statement of investment requested by the finance department.

After the Consent Calendar, the Council approved two consideration items, including an appointment to the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Advisory Committee, and the approval and adjustment of City Council appointments.

The Council then moved onto its only public hearing item, denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a conditional use permit for a request to allow the installation of a new wireless telecommunications facility consisting of 12 panel antennas, three remote radio units and a 24-inch diameter microwave dish antenna on the 65-foot high artificial tree and associated above-ground equipment cabinets (from T-Mobile) within a 220 square foot enclosure at Maple Hill Park.

The reason for the denial, as stated by the Planning Commission, was that the antenna would obstruct the park’s views and take up too much space – and that a large number of residents agree with the decision.

Several representatives from T-Mobile spoke during the meeting, asking the Council to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision and allow the construction of the structure and antenna. The representatives claimed that without the new antenna, the City’s T-Mobile customers would have a significant lack of coverage. Furthermore, the representatives stated that the structure and antenna would not have any adverse effect on Maple Hill Park or the City’s residents.

Throughout the speeches, the council members disagreed with the T-Mobile representatives, stating that the addition of this extra antenna and structure should not be considered a “necessity” to the City and that mobile phone users are not facing coverage burdens as of yet.

Some 20 residents also spoke during the public hearing, listing dozens of reasons why the antenna and structure should be denied.

After the speeches were over, the City Council members voted to deny the conditional use permit, blocking the construction of the new structure and antenna.

Following the public hearing item, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on June 16, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

SAPD Arrests Suspect In Bank Robbery

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Suspect Justin Thomas Yrrarazaval

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Suspect Justin Thomas Yrrarazaval

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Thurs., May 28, at 4:41 p.m., Officers were dispatched to a bank robbery that had just occurred.  The investigation revealed that a Hispanic male suspect – armed with a black handgun – entered the Schools First Bank located at 2115 N. Broadway, demanding money and stating that he had a bomb.  The bank teller complied with the suspect’s demands and an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency was taken.

The suspect – who was described as a male adult in his 20s, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, scar on his left cheek, wearing a trucker hat, plaid shirt and carrying a backpack – was last seen walking eastbound toward Main Street.

On Fri., May 29, at approximately 9 a.m., a Santa Ana Police Department Officer observed suspect, Justin Thomas Yrrarazaval, 20, of Santa Ana, walking in the 1300 block of North Spurgeon Street. The Officer believed Yrrarazaval was the same suspect he observed on surveillance video during the bank robbery the previous day.

Robbery Detectives responded to the Officer’s location and transported the suspect to the Police Department where he was questioned about his involvement in the Bank Robbery.  Yrrarazaval was then booked into the Santa Ana Police Jail on the charge of Bank Robbery.

A Special Thank You

PrintBy Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – The Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters (W.O.L.F.F.) recently had the pleasure of recognizing and remembering law enforcement officers and firefighters who have spent countless days and nights protecting our local communities.

On May 7, W.O.L.F.F. – along with the Cities and Chambers of Commerce for Norco and Eastvale – honored the men and women who fought the recent Highway Fire in the City of Norco. Members of the Norco and Eastvale stations of Riverside County Cal Fire, and the Corona Fire Department, were presented with plaques and certificates to show appreciation for their diligent efforts in fighting this fast growing fire. In addition, the Stonebridge Christian Academy students created banners and wrote thank you notes for our local fire stations, while Eastvale Elementary’s 1st Grade class presented thank you cards to one of our own, Battalion Chief Robert Harris, who led a team to Nepal for earthquake relief efforts.

On May 20, members of W.O.L.F.F. attended the L.A. County Peace Officers Memorial Ceremony, which recognizes law enforcement officers who have recently lost their lives, including Lieutenant Patrick Libertone, an Eastvale resident. Lieutenant Libertone suffered a fatal heart attack during a traffic stop on Aug. 12, 2014.

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.

The World Of Paul

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife taught 6th Grade at Chaparral Middle School for many years.  Her subjects included language arts and social studies.  In California, 6th Grade social studies covered ancient civilizations like China, India, Egypt, Israel, Greece and Rome.

Over the years, my wife and I have been able to travel to each of these countries.  Sometimes we went on guided tours.  Sometimes we went with short-term teams from our church.  Every country and every culture has been very interesting.

Next year, we will be leading a tour to experience some of the world that the Apostle Paul lived in and traveled.  We will be going to cities like Rome, Corinth, Athens and Ephesus.  We will see historical sites where Paul spoke before city leaders and where he was held in prison because he was a follower of Christ.

In the past, my wife and I have led groups to Israel where we saw many places that are mentioned in the Bible.  It was fascinating to see the Sea of Galilee, the Dead Sea and the beautiful city of Jerusalem.

This time we will be traveling on a modern cruise ship on the Mediterranean Sea with stops in Italy, Greece and Turkey.  We will have local guides in each city we visit.

If you would be interested in traveling with us on this 16-day tour,  please contact our church office for more information.  The dates of the trip are April 21 to May 6, 2016.  We have a brochure available with all the details.

We are thankful that we have been able to travel to so many different places around the world.  We are looking forward to our next adventure in 2016.

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.

Norco Astronomy Night 2015

Staff Reports

Norco – Come join the City of Norco Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Riverside Astronomical Society for a fun night of star gazing, and learn about the wonders of the night sky.

Astronomy Night 2015 will be held on Tues., June 23, at the Corydon Staging Area – directly across from Fire Station # 57 – on Corydon Avenue in Norco. The event will be from 8:30 to 10 p.m., and is free to the community.

Please note that the event may be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

For more information regarding this event, please call (951) 270-5632, or visit www.norco.ca.us.

San Dimas Shooting Death

Quiznos’ store owner killed in robbery

Staff Reports

San Dimas – On Tues., June 2, L.A. County Homicide Detectives responded to the 1000 block of W. Arrow Highway to investigate a shooting incident.

Deputies arrived at the Quiznos restaurant regarding an assault with a deadly weapon call, and found a male adult suffering from a single gunshot wound to the torso area.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, an unknown male suspect entered the business about 3:20 p.m. He approached the cashier’s counter, brandished a semi-automatic handgun and demanded money from the Quiznos’ business owner. The owner – and victim – complied and give the suspect money from the cash register.

The victim followed and confronted the suspect outside of the business. The two were involved in a brief struggle, and the suspect shot the victim one time in the torso area and fled the scene on foot in a southwest direction.

The suspect was described as a male in his 20s, white or Hispanic, approximately six feet tall, 160 pounds, with brown hair. His clothing was described as a black cap, black shirt, and dark short pants with a plaid pattern.

The victim, Pravin Patel, 62, of San Dimas, was transported in critical condition to a hospital via helicopter – where he later succumbed to his injuries.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Senior Award Night

Photo Courtesy: Karmen Chavez-Sam Back Row: Uriel Neis, Alex Tung, Nival Patel, Principal Goins; Front Row: Erica Chau, Valerie Kwee, Vivienne Le, and Karmen Chavez-Sam

Photo Courtesy: Karmen Chavez-Sam
Back Row: Uriel Neis, Alex Tung, Nival Patel, Principal Goins; Front Row: Erica Chau, Valerie Kwee, Vivienne Le, and Karmen Chavez-Sam

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – After four years of grueling work in studying, sports, and being active in prestigious clubs, ERHS Seniors were finally recognized on Senior Award Night. The event was held on Thurs., May 14, at 6:30 p.m.

Behind the stage, numerous students were cheering one another on; most of the award recipients were life-long friends.  The atmosphere was filled with love as students took selfies and congratulated one another on their awards.

While the award ceremony rewarded students with certificates for being in nationally acclaimed clubs such as CSF and NHS, or receiving anywhere from $500 to $5,000 in scholarship money, the award ceremony was more of an opportunity for teachers and staff to reflect on how grateful they were to have worked with a plethora of talented students.

There exists a rare group of teachers who rightfully believe their students will influence the rest of the world. Thankfully, these teachers can be found at ERHS. As Victor Ruelas, an AP Government teacher, presented the Principal’s Award to Shukan Patel, he began to cry as he swore that Patel’s diligence, brilliant mind, and dedication to politics will one day make him “the next president of this country.”

Patel, who will be attending UCLA as a political science major, was only one of students to be recognized for his brilliance. Future UC Berkeley student, Alex Tung, was showered in scholarship gifts, recognitions, and praise until the night came to a close.

At the end of the ceremony, Valerie Kwee, who had already been given a scholarship for science, was called on stage once more to be declared as the school’s valedictorian. The designation had been a close call with fellow student and friend Alex Tung, and although Kwee was excited to have received the honor, she remains humble about the title.

When asked if she felt relieved to have received the honor, Kwee said “To me, education is a process and it doesn’t just end once you receive a title. I guess you can say being a valedictorian is more exciting than it is relieving.”

Kwee will be attending Harvey Mudd College this fall to study biomedical engineering.

With the awards they have received, and the caring support they have received by peers and fellow friends, ERHS students have nothing less than a bright future ahead of them thanks to the dedicated effort they have put in place for the past four years of high school.