Grammy Foundation Honors DBHS’ Acciani

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile 2015 Music Educator Award top-ten finalist, Steven Acciani, receives his honorarium, shown (L-R) with Assistant Supt. Dr. Michelle Harold; Assistant Supt. Dr. Matthew Witmer; Grammy Executive Education Director David Sears; Board Members Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz and Helen Hall; Principal Catherine Real; and Ford Motor Company Fund’s Dee Dee Boykin.

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
2015 Music Educator Award top-ten finalist, Steven Acciani, receives his honorarium, shown (L-R) with Assistant Supt. Dr. Michelle Harold; Assistant Supt. Dr. Matthew Witmer; Grammy Executive Education Director David Sears; Board Members Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz and Helen Hall; Principal Catherine Real; and Ford Motor Company Fund’s Dee Dee Boykin.

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Mon., May 18, Music Educator Award Finalist, Steven Acciani, was honored at a presentation by the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation at the Diamond Bar High School Theater.

Grammy Foundation Vice President, Scott Goldman, presented honorariums to Acciani and Diamond Bar High School with generous support and resources provided by the Grammy Foundation’s Education Champions Converse, Disney Performing Arts, Ford Motor Company, Journeys, and Microsoft.  Acciani received a $1,000 honorarium, and DBHS received a matching $1,000 grant.

A joint partnership of the Recording Academy and the Grammy Foundation, the Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education, and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.  A total of ten music teachers from ten cities across nine states were finalists for the award.  In total, more than 7,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.

Acciani is the Instrumental Music Director at Diamond Bar High School, and has been with Walnut Valley Unified School district for 26 years.

OC Attorney Charged With Witness Tampering

Irvine lawyer arrested after accepting money to smuggle a witness out of the U.S.

Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice Attorney Ken Zhiyi Liang

Photo Courtesy: U.S. Department of Justice
Attorney Ken Zhiyi Liang

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – An Irvine-based immigration attorney has been arrested and charged with attempted witness tampering after agreeing to help a Chinese national flee from the United States after the woman had been designated as a “material witness” in a criminal investigation into “birthing houses” operating in Southern California.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Ken Zhiyi Liang, 38, of Irvine, was arrested on the afternoon of Fri., May 15, after accepting $6,000 from the witness in exchange for assisting her abscond to China. In a criminal complaint filed on May 16, Liang was charged with attempted witness tampering.  Liang was scheduled to make his initial court appearance on Mon., May 18 in United States District Court.

The Chinese national had been designated as a material witness in the federal investigation, meaning she was subject to a court order preventing her from leaving the U.S. without authorization from the government or court. Liang had represented the witness in the matter until the court removed him as attorney of record, over his objections, on Apr. 17.

The federal investigation – which became known when authorities executed dozens of search warrants in early March – focuses on so-called birthing houses that “provided services to Chinese nationals, who travelled into the United States from China, for the purpose of giving birth to children so that the children could obtain United States citizenship,” according to the affidavit in support of the criminal complaint against Liang.

The affidavit, which was written by a special agent with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations, recounts several video- and audio-recorded calls and meetings between Liang and the witness. During these conversations, Liang outlined a plan in which he would assist the witness by having her board a commercial airliner in the United States without travel documentation, so she could escape to China undetected by federal authorities. At one of the meetings, Liang told the witness that he could guarantee her safe return to China in exchange for a $6,000 fee for himself, and up to $3,000 to pay for help provided by three others.

During the meetings detailed in the affidavit, Liang refused to provide a written contract to the witness and requested that she pay him in cash, delete text messages and call logs, and begin using a prepaid cellular phone for all future communications.

Unbeknownst to Liang, the witness was cooperating with federal agents, who were monitoring the conversations between Liang and the witness. Liang was arrested by federal authorities as he was walking with the witness toward his car, supposedly to begin a trip to a coffee shop in Corona, where he was going to introduce the witness to the co-conspirators, who are not identified in the affidavit. After his arrest, Liang led agents back to his office, where he returned the $6,000 he had accepted from the witness.

According to the affidavit in Liang’s case, the attorney provided assistance to two other material witnesses – LongJing Yi, and her husband, Jun Xiao – who fled to the U.S. on Apr. 4 and were subsequently charged in relation to their flight from the U.S.  Another material witness who allegedly received help from Liang was intercepted at Los Angeles International Airport on Apr. 15.

If convicted, Liang could face a statutory maximum penalty of 20 years in federal prison.

CPD Places 3rd @ B2V

Staff Reports

Corona – On the weekend of March 28 – 29, the Corona Police Department participated in the 31st Annual Challenge Cup Relay Race, which started in Baker, California, and ended in Las Vegas, Nevada.
After 120 miles of pavement, running all day and all night, the official results are in. Out of 265 teams, the Corona Police Department placed 74th overall and 3rd overall in the 500 Invitational Division, which was the best finish in CPD history. The official finishing team time was 16:33:33, which was an approximate 8:15 per mile pace.
This collaborative team effort would not have been possible if it was not for the hard work by all the runners and support personnel, but more importantly, the staff left back to keep the City in full operation.
Congratulations Team Corona!

 

WV Teams Win 27 Medals At Math Fair

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile 8th Grade WVUSD math team members Ethan Lin, Danny Mansour, Megan Yang, and Timothy Yeh won gold medals at the 2015 L.A. County Math Field Day (shown with teachers Amy Erickson and Gary Dresser).

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
8th Grade WVUSD math team members Ethan Lin, Danny Mansour, Megan Yang, and Timothy Yeh won gold medals at the 2015 L.A. County Math Field Day (shown with teachers Amy Erickson and Gary Dresser).

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Walnut Valley’s high-scoring mathletes brought home a total of 27 medals during the 2015 Los Angeles County Math Field Day.  

“Our teams did a terrific job!” exclaimed Suzanne Middle School math teacher and district coach, Amy Erickson.

Overall grade level trophies were awarded to 5th and 7th Grade teams during the Apr. 25 competition.  Additional top awards included gold medals for 8th Grade, double silver medals for 7th Grade, and silver medals for 6th Grade.  As the newest entry from Walnut Valley, a 5th Grade team, took home gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Math Field Day is an enrichment activity that promotes mathematical reasoning, teamwork and a balanced mathematics curriculum for all students in upper elementary and middle school. Students – working in teams of four – demonstrate their math knowledge in problem solving, conceptual understanding, and computational/procedural skills.

Congratulations to our WVUSD students on an outstanding performance!

8th Grade Team:  Ethan Lin (Suzanne); Danny Mansour (Chaparral); Megan Yang and Timothy Yeh (South Pointe).

7th Grade Team:  Darren Chen, Tyler Xu (Suzanne); Ryan Lou (South Pointe); and Keshan Sriram (Chaparral).

6th Grade Team:  Jacob Khuu, Bryan Wang (Suzanne); Warrick He (Chaparral); and Nathan Song (South Pointe).

5th Grade Team:  Alice Chou, Lina Huang, Zachary Lin and Deven Tseng (Westoff).

4th Grade Team:  Ashley Chan, Alexandros Kam, Rachel Lee, and Alex Wang (Quail Summit).

Each year, Erickson prepares all Walnut Valley mathletes for the county contest during several practices held at Suzanne.  Additional teachers provided supervision during the field day, including Gary Dresser (South Pointe); Sharon Soto and Larry Pinto (Suzanne); and Norma Morales (Quail Summit).

Ordinary Miracles

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

Nancy Stoops and Midnight

By Nancy Stoops         

Learning to go slow and embrace each and every moment can truly be a wonderful thing.  I think by living in the moment you can experience all of the daily ordinary miracles.  We live in a world that honors our senses with many ordinary miracles.  Ordinary miracles are free, and to me some of the best our world has to offer.

Let me share what I believe to be ordinary miracles:  I watch the sun smile upon us for another day and then at night it goes to bed, only to be replaced by the moon and stars.  I look at all the trees and flowers around my house and I think about how they grew from a seed.  The growing of a baby in a mother’s belly and their birth into this world is miraculous. I can sit for hours and watch the waves move in and out on the shore and am blessed with another miracle.  To me finding a soul mate or your kindred spirit is a life-changing ordinary miracle.

Now that I’ve shared a few of mine, I want you to think of some of your ordinary miracles.  Take a few minutes and write them down.

Now that you have a list of what you believe to be ordinary miracles, post the list in a room you are often in.  The next time you feel badly about your life, I want you to spend some time with the list you have made.  I think it is impossible to stay depressed or angry when you see all miraculous things in your life and in this world.

Stop focusing on what you don’t have and embrace those little everyday ordinary miracles.  I promise if you can do this, your life will be much more meaningful and joyful.

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.

Happy Memorial Day From The Whole Enchilada!

By Claire Lewis

The Whole Enchilada's Grilled Chicken Tostada with Mango Salsa

The Whole Enchilada’s Grilled Chicken Tostada with Mango Salsa

Diamond Bar – Come celebrate Memorial Day at local favorite, The Whole Enchilada!  Whether you are looking to dine in, or have your holiday celebration catered, The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant, too.

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.  They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada.

The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas – and don’t forget their delicious Mexican Kaluha Flan or Rio Grande Mud Pie after your meal!

The Whole Enchilada can help cater any event you have planned featuring their delicious handmade tamales, which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s a Memorial Day fiesta, business meeting or catered Grand Opening, a fundraiser or birthday party, or even just a wonderful excuse not to cook, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift for Dads and Grads, too!  And be sure to ask about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and Kids Club.

Don’t deny your taste buds this Memorial Day, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at www.wholeenchilada.com.See their ad on the back page of this publication.

Did You Know?

Photo Courtesy: MemorialDay.org

Photo Courtesy: MemorialDay.org

By K.P. Sander

On Mon., May 25, we celebrate Memorial Day – the federal holiday dedicated to the memory of those individuals who died while serving in the U.S. armed forces.

Observed annually on the last Monday in May, the holiday originated after the Civil War in an effort to commemorate all the soldiers – Union and Confederate (over 600,000 in all) – who gave their lives for a better country.  It was originally called Decoration Day, bestowing military graves with flowers and flags

Now, of course, Memorial Day honors all of those who have given their all in military service.  It is a day of visiting cemeteries and memorials, displaying American flags, and giving thanks for the strength and courage of those who died for our freedom.

According to Wikipedia, historians in Boalsburg, Pennsylvania claim that local women decorated soldiers’ graves on July 4, 1864, and they promote themselves as the birthplace of Memorial Day.  Many other cities have done the same.  On May 26, 1966, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed a proclamation naming Waterloo, New York, as the originator.  Where the holiday began is not as important as never forgetting who it is for.

This Monday, take a moment to remember all those who paid the ultimate price for America and the freedom we hold so dear.

Neighborhood Watch Works

Alert citizen notifies Chino Hills Police of suspicious activity resulting in arrests

 

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., May 7, an alert Chino Hills resident noticed the three suspects in an older model, black Nissan Maxima. The suspects were seen parked in the area of Avenida Hacienda and Windmill Creek Road, possibly casing homes. The concerned citizen called Sheriff’s Dispatch Center to report the suspicious activity. Deputies quickly responded to the call for service.
According to the Chino Hills Police Department, Atraiu Odell, 26; Jabrii Belgrove, 20; and Theron Childs, 18 – all Riverside County residents – were contacted at the scene.

A subsequent search by Deputies led to the discovery of a radio scanner programmed to the Chino Hills Police radio frequency, a spring loaded center punch (commonly used for breaking windows) and rubber gloves. The three suspects were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for being in possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit burglary.

After the arrest, Odell was determined to be on probation for Possession for Sales and was recently released from State Prison under the Assembly Bill 109 Prisoner Realignment Program; he is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.  Belgrove is on active parole for burglary and is being held on a no-bail parole hold.  Childs was out on bail for a previous arrest in another county, and is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.

Gold Ribbons For Seven PUSD Schools

Award honors outstanding, innovative schools throughout California

 

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – On May 5, Seven Pomona Unified schools were named California Gold Ribbon Schools, the state’s highest award recognizing academic excellence and innovation.

Receiving the awards were Lorbeer Middle, Emerson Middle, Ganesha High, Garey High, Palomares Academy of Health Sciences, Pomona High and Simons Middle schools.

“There are so many exemplary programs our Pomona Unified schools offer, and this award demonstrates the amazing work our staff is doing to strengthen and improve them for the benefit of all our students,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong.

The Gold Ribbon Award was created to honor schools in place of the California Distinguished Schools program, which is on hiatus while the state creates new assessment and accountability systems and revises how it calculates its Academic Performance Index, a key factor in the old award system.

The individual Pomona Unified campuses were recognized for best practices that can be replicated at other school sites, including boosting parent and community involvement, increasing STEM programs such as robotics, closing the achievement gap and reducing absenteeism through programs such as Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) and other engaging electives.

“I’m so proud of our teachers, administrators and staff for their collaborative efforts in providing rigorous educational opportunities to our students and for improving the educational environments for the students to thrive in,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “These Gold Ribbon awards are a true testament to Pomona Unified families and Pomona Unified team working together to help our students succeed.”

Walnut Council Recap

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza Walnut City Council members, along with Walnut High Principal Jeff Jordan and So Cal Edison Representative Ben Wong, present Ted Zhu with a $40,000 scholarship from Edison’s program. Zhu's mother is also in the photo, next to her son.

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
Walnut City Council members, along with Walnut High Principal Jeff Jordan and So Cal Edison Representative Ben Wong, present Ted Zhu with a $40,000 scholarship from Edison’s program. Zhu’s mother is also in the photo, next to her son.

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – Walnut’s May 13 City Council session was standing room only, as residents and proud parents packed the room to watch Council members hand out recognitions to dozens of Walnut High School students for various activities.

The meeting started out with Walnut High School student, Ted Zhu, receiving not only a recognition from the City, but a $40,000 check from the Southern California Edison Scholarship program. According to Edison Representative, Ben Wong, the company received 2,800 applications for the scholarship, but only selected 30 based on each student’s strong promise in the STEM careers path.

Mayor Nancy Tragarz thanked Zhu for his hard work ethic and wished him luck when using his scholarship money to attend Harvard in the fall.

The Council also recognized the Walnut High Olympiads for finishing fourth in the State Science Olympiad Competition, the Walnut High wrestling team for being undefeated in the Hacienda League Championship, and the outgoing Youth Advisory Commissioners.

A small group of residents were also in attendance purely to speak during the public comment section of the meeting to urge City officials to remove several cell phone towers that are in close proximity to the City’s public schools. While no actions could be taken by the City Council at the time, Tragarz assured the citizens that the City’s Planning Commission would look into the matter.

The Council then approved the minutes for the Apr. 22 special meeting, and the Apr. 22 City Council/Walnut Housing Authority meeting before approving the only item on its public hearing section: a resolution regarding 2015-2016 lighting and open space maintenance assessments.

Following that, the Council then approved all items on its consent calendar including a resolution allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $910,205.66; the authorization to request proposals for the General Plan update; the approval of the Trail Improvement Project in the amount of $24,300; a bid award to National Auto Fleet Group for a City Fleet Vehicle in the amount of $36,770.17;  the appointments of 15 residents to the City’s Mt. San Antonio College development task force; and the United Walnut Taxpayer Facility Fee waiver request.

After the final item was approved, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on May 27, at 7 p.m., in the Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

Reunion

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, my wife and I traveled to Dallas, Texas, to attend my 40th reunion from Dallas Theological Seminary.  We both had graduated from college at Arizona State University, and then I went on to study for four more years to prepare for church leadership and Biblical studies at DTS.

During those years in Dallas, I served on the staff of Northwest Bible Church where together we led the High School and College ministries.   This was a growing and dynamic church and we enjoyed working with these teens and young adults.

On our recent trip to Dallas, we had a small reunion with a number of these people. 40 years ago they were in school and planning for their future.   Now, they are mature adults who are not much younger than we are.

Most of these former students found careers, got married and have raised their own families.  In fact, most of them are now grandparents!   How can that be?  We knew them when they were in high school and college, but now they are grandparents just like us.

It was delightful to hear each one share a little of their story about who they married, where they lived and what they are doing now.  We were surprised by how many children and grandchildren they have.  It was interesting to discover that many of them still live in Dallas not far from where they grew up.

It was encouraging to learn that most of them are still active in local churches and many continue to volunteer as teachers and leaders.  We are thankful that the faith they embraced during their high school and college years is still a vital part of their lives today.

I wonder if your children or grandchildren are part of a high school or college group at a local church in our area today.  Are they learning about the importance of a personal relationship with God that they can carry with them during the rest of their lives?

It is not too late to take your children or grandchildren to a church near you.  There are many churches in our area that have vital programs where children and teens can study the Bible and discover what it means to have a personal faith in God.

The children and teens of today will become the parents and grandparents of tomorrow.  Your faith in God will impact generations to come.  Let me encourage you to find a Bible teaching church near you and begin a journey of faith.   40 years will go by quicker than you think!

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.

All In Good Time

Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

 

“Time is what prevents everything from happening at once,” -John Archibald Wheeler.

Ever wondered why the good things that finally happen to you couldn’t have happened much earlier? If only you had met that person earlier, taken that job earlier or even played those lottery numbers, everything would be so much different!

The truth is, it probably would have been different, but would that “different” actually be an improvement?

I feel like all the happenings of my life have prepared me for the life I live today and the life I will live later.

When I was 22, I had a 3-year old at home and a very, very sick baby fighting for his life in the NICU. I thought that was the worst thing that could ever happen, and then I had Nicholas.

The patience and faith I gained watching Andrew fight for his life, prepared me for the life-long struggle and journey that Nicholas would take me on.

When I was 30, I lost my mother – who was my very best friend – to cancer, but again the patience and faith that I had gained through the previous struggles helped me to cope through the deep hole her loss left.

Here I sit at almost 36; almost a year into a completely new life where I am single with three kids, but happier then I have ever been. Is it ideal?  No.  Is it what I hoped for or would wish for anyone? No, of course not.  But, this is my reality and where I am in this life and I’m making the most of it.

I have learned that every struggle is for a reason and truly does have a purpose – even when it is not obvious at the time. The new relationships I have formed and the new path I’m on now have been paved by the experiences of yesterday, and because of that I am able to appreciate the walk I’m on now.

I’m not perfect.  I still fail and struggle daily, but I’d like to think the life I was so graciously given has humbled me a bit. Less is more, and I am content with what I have at this time and extremely excited and a little nervous about what the future holds. However, I know that whatever it does hold, my life up to this day has given me the tools to figure it out and find my way…and that it all will be okay, all in good time.

Major Marijuana Seizure In Industry

 

Photo Courtesy: Industry Sheriff’s Station

Photo Courtesy: Industry Sheriff’s Station

Staff Reports

City of Industry – On Tues., May 12, Deputies and Narcotics Detectives assigned to Industry Sheriff’s Station conducted a search warrant in the City of Industry, discovering and seizing a large marijuana grow within a warehouse.

Deputies arrived at the location on the 18000 block of Railroad St., along with members from the Los Angeles County Fire Department in response to a fire alarm call for service.

According to the Industry Sheriff’s Station, Deputies smelled the overwhelming odor of fresh marijuana upon arrival, and saw various items used in cultivation, including lights, chemicals and more.  A search warrant was obtained and Deputies later discovered three separate rooms containing over 300 plants in various stages of maturity with an approximate street value of over $1.2 million.

Deputies have arrested an Asian male in his late 40s, associated with the indoor grow. His name is being withheld pending further investigation.

This investigation is ongoing.  If you have any related information, please contact Industry Station Narcotics Detectives at (626) 330-3322. 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.

“Our Everything”

Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“The LORD is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer; My God, my strength, in whom I will trust; My shield and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold,” – Psalm 18:2.

David, the author of this Psalm, writes eight titles referencing God and His reliability.  David experienced God’s hand of protection and deliverance from his enemies and now he is worshipping God for His faithfulness during battle.

I’m sure David sang often in battle.  I heard it said of a young boy who was trying to pull a large weed from his front yard.  Suddenly, the weed came out, root and all, and the boy was thrown back and fell in the process.  A man happened to be passing by and said to the young boy, “That sure was a hard pull!”

The boy replied, “It sure is tough when you have the whole world pulling against you.”

We can all feel what this boy said at times.   But the cares and concerns of the “pulling world” have a way of fading away in God’s presence.  Pressures, demands, deadlines, and failures are no match for the reliability of God.   He strengthens you when you are at your weakest point (2 Corinthians 12:9).

David rejoiced that God was everything he needed to get through the most difficult of situations.   When the battle rages or the world pulls, it takes strong faith to worship.  But as you worship, you will find the One supplying the strength to worship is your “stronghold.”  God is closer than you think and He is “able to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”  (Philippians 4:19).

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.

 

 

Vejar Science Night Offers Family Fun

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile 4th Grader, Winston Chang, used his breath to lift heavy books.

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
4th Grader, Winston Chang, used his breath to lift heavy books.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Vejar Elementary’s annual science night offered a dozen fun and captivating activities for families.

At the airlift challenge, students learned how much they could lift with their breath.  Students blew into a straw attached to a baggie positioned under a textbook. Many could lift an entire stack of six books.

At another table, youngsters made parachutes from paper cups, string, and a sheet of plastic.  They launched their creations from the top of the amphitheater in front of cheering parents.

The elementary students also made hoop gliders by taping two paper loops to straws. They found out the simple design could fly up to ten feet.

During minute challenges, the Walnut students raced the clock using chopsticks to pluck tiny planets (marbles) into a cup.  Others raced to stack plastic cups into towers.

Miguel Villavert, a 1st Grader, handily stacked an impressive seven red cups before the wind knocked it over.

Teachers Lora Wilson, Giselle Cordova, and Glenda Baker organized the family event held on Apr. 24.

Experts from Walnut High’s Science Olympiad team assisted the young inventors during the activities.

Sophomore Cherie Chu headed up the levitating sphere challenge where students wrapped up a tissue paper ball and made it float.  The youngsters lined up for a chance to magically make the blue paper sphere float in an empty water bottle.

At the invention convention, students showed off their clever designs.  Anastasia Davis used her programming skills to create a Robo Timer from a Lego Mindstorm kit.  The robot beeps every 20 minutes to help students remember to take a 20-second break while playing video games.

“It’s totally fun; there’s a lot of imagination!” exclaimed parent Ying Liu.

CH Deputies Thank Students

Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD

Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – A box full of heartfelt thank you letters was recently left in the lobby of the Chino Hills Station, evoking emotions in the deputies at the Station that are often not shared by members of the law enforcement community.
“When I read the letters written by these junior high students I was overwhelmed with emotions,” said Chino Hills Lt. Dave Phelps. “I am honored to be in the law enforcement profession and these students summed up the reason why: It is about service and protection of others.”
The letters were delivered anonymously, but because the personnel at the Chino Hills Station are trained investigators, it was quickly learned the letters were written by children from a class at Canyon Hills Junior High in Chino Hills.
“Dear Sheriff, Thank you,” one letter read. “You risk your lives for ordinary citizens. You try your best every day. You aren’t afraid of doing what’s right. You are my inspiration and my hero.”
And other letters encouraged deputies to know people value the job they do:
“I hope you know people appreciate the things you do,” read the letter. “…Even though I don’t know you personally, I know you are great and amazing [people].”
“So if you ever think the world doesn’t need you anymore just know we do need you!” a letter from a 7th Grader read. “At the end of every day just know you are very much respected.”
Capt. Robert Guillen, who serves as Chief of Police for the Chino Hills contract station, shared the letters with the men and women at the Station. The unexpected gift provided encouragement that deputies do not often get. Guillen and his crew are grateful to serve a city with future leaders such as these students.
“Together we felt honored to share this community with those students and felt an even stronger obligation to serve,” Guillen said.
According to Guillen, he wanted to personally thank the students and organized a visit from Sheriff John McMahon and the members of the Chino Hills Station to do just that. On the morning of Mon., May 11, Sheriff McMahon, Capt. Guillen, and about a dozen members representing all ranks from the Chino Hills Station visited the classroom of Mrs. Rosen, the teacher who prompted her students to write the letters.
The students asked some very insightful questions about law enforcement, such as the role of psychology in the profession and the requirements to become a deputy. They also asked informal questions about hairstyles and why police drive Ford vehicles. The most poignant question was, why do law enforcement professionals do what they do. The answers varied from person to person.
Guillen spoke about the calling to be in law enforcement and the responsibility deputies face in their day to day jobs. Lt. Phelps talked about the freedom of not being stuck behind a desk, getting out into the community and having fun.
When asked what they would be if they were not in law enforcement, Sheriff McMahon and Capt. Guillen both answered the same: there is nothing else they would rather do. Law enforcement is the profession they have the greatest passion for and have always wanted to pursue.
Monday’s event was a great way to connect the “anonymous” students with the nameless and faceless deputies they were writing to. And it was a way for the deputies to say thank you for such a simple gesture that had such a great impact.
The letters touched members across all ranks of the Chino Hills Station giving a much-needed sense of optimism to members of a profession that has been under such intense scrutiny. Despite the fact more than 99% of all public interaction with law enforcement ends peacefully and with no conflict, stories of alleged misconduct seem to permeate public dialogue.

Deputies On Leave For Pusok Arrest

Photo Courtesy: SBSD Francis Pusok, 30, of Apple Valley

Photo Courtesy: SBSD
Francis Pusok, 30, of Apple Valley

Staff Reports

Apple Valley – Criminal and administrative investigations are currently underway regarding the use of force in the arrest of Francis Pusok.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, on Thurs., Apr. 9, at approximately 12:12 p.m., Deputies from the Victor Valley station went to a residence on Zuni Road in an attempt to serve a search warrant related to an Identity Theft investigation.

Upon arrival, the suspect, Francis Pusok, fled the location in a vehicle. Deputies pursued Pusok through the unincorporated area of Apple Valley, the Town of Apple Valley and further into the unincorporated area of Hesperia. Pusok abandoned his vehicle southwest of Bowen Ranch and fled on foot. Deputies were actively searching for Pusok on foot, using off-highway vehicles and helicopters.

Within minutes, deputies received information that the suspect came into contact with a group of people near the Deep Creek Hot Springs and stole a horse. Pusok fled on horseback on dirt trails, through very rugged, steep terrain, causing numerous injuries to the horse.
A Sheriff’s helicopter inserted a team of deputies in the area of Hwy 173/Arrowhead Lake Rd. to take the suspect into custody. Deputies made contact with Pusok and as they approached, the horse threw him off. A Taser was deployed by Deputies, but was ineffective due to the suspect’s loose clothing. A use of force occurred during the arrest, sparking the internal investigation.

Two deputies were injured during the search, with injuries consisting of abrasions, a twisted knee and a back injury from being struck by the horse. They have been treated and released.
Francis Pusok was initially treated at a local hospital for minor injuries consisting of abrasions and bruising, and then transported to West Valley Detention Center for booking. He was booked for Felony Evading, Theft of a Horse, Possession of Stolen Property and an active warrant for Reckless Driving. Bail was set at $115,000.

“The video surrounding this arrest is disturbing and I have ordered an internal investigation be conducted immediately”, stated Sheriff John McMahon. He further stated, “In addition, members of the Specialized Investigation Detail are responding to conduct the criminal investigation.”

On Fri., May 8, ten Sheriff’s Deputies were placed on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the ongoing investigation.

Become An Eastvale Chamber Board of Director

Do YOU want to get involved with the Chamber?
We are currently looking to fill our last Director Seat on the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce Board of Directors. We are seeking motivated and driven individuals that have a passion for assisting the businesses in Eastvale
Requirements:
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be a member in good standing with the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce
• Must not serve as an Officer or Director for another local Chamber of Commerce
• Hard working and dedicated
• Has a passion for the economic growth of Eastvale
If the above sounds like you, please email your completed application to Vice President, Tobie Anderson, at tanderson@eastvalechamberofcommerce.org or mail it to the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, 12523 Limonite Ave. Suite #440-428, Eastvale, CA 91752

Applications can be downloaded at http://www.eastvalechamberofcommerce.org

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I was the victim of a violent crime 18 months ago.  It has affected me terribly.  I won’t ever be the same again and I cry all the time.  I am filled with fear and I struggle to go to my part time job.  I’m embarrassed by my weakness.  Relying on my family for help all the time makes me want to die.  My doctor pushed me to go to a counselor, but he was not helping me at all.  I went for six months and gave it a fair try.  I looked on your website and read about the Emotional Release work you do.  I think I need something like this.  Do you think you can help someone like me?  I need to get control of my life again.  Thank you.

-Sandra W.

 

Dear Sandra:

Yes, I absolutely do believe I can assist you in improving the quality of your life.  You are not weak.  You are suffering the effects of emotional trauma.  I have assisted many people in your situation.   The Emotional Release work assists with releasing the trauma from your subconscious mind.  Even though the memories and details of your ordeal are harsh, I believe I can get you to a point of feeling neutral about it, instead of highly charged and emotional.

-Warmest regards,

Danice Akiyoshi ND

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.

“Sell Your Casa” With Gil Rivera

Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

Gil Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers. For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation.

By Sarah Sanchez

Southern California – In this day and age, it’s important to know all aspects of your business. For Gil Rivera from Sell Your Casa Realty, he definitely knows every aspect of buying and selling a home. Rivera is a reliable, experienced, and affordable Realtor, Broker, and Certified Appraiser.

Rivera sells houses, condos, and two- to four-unit investment properties in Los Angeles, Orange, San Bernardino and Riverside Counties. He also does real estate appraisals for banks, estates, taxes, trusts, divorces, attorneys, refinances, and home purchases.  Rivera also has assistants that work with him who are fluent in Spanish and Chinese, which helps him to reach people of different dialects all over Southern California.

Rivera is in his 21st year of business and he has sold homes in 26 different cities throughout Southern California, so his coverage area is expansive.

Says Rivera, “I can do this because I appraise homes in so many different cities and have the knowledge and expertise associated with your marketplace. Give me an opportunity and you will surely be happy you did!”

In Feb. 2013, Rivera listed a home in Monterey Park worth $470,000. Rivera received 53 offers in seven days, and sold the property for $515,000.

Rivera’s philosophy is to “treat my clients the way I want to be treated.” In fact, Rivera said that he became a Realtor because he did not like the way his Realtor treated him when he was buying his home. Rivera shows respect for his clients at all times. He listens to what they say, so that he can better serve them.

Rivera also does not push his Buyers into a sale. Rivera said, “I always tell Buyers: ‘You will know right away when we walk into the house that’s meant for you.’ Whether it takes a week or months, my Buyers will always be satisfied with their purchase and never pressured into it.”

Rivera’s Sellers love the fact that he offers a discounted commission, but with full service. Rivera offers a 4% Total Commission for Sellers, which includes 2.5% to the Buyer’s Agent and 1.5% to Rivera’s office. Most Realtors negotiate a 6% commission because they have to split the fees with their brokerage. But, Rivera passes on the savings to the Seller. This will save Sellers thousands of dollars in commission fees.

Rivera’s team offers full service for that discounted rate, including high quality flyers, professional photos, open houses (as allowable by the Seller), and extended advertising coverage on the Internet and social media.

Rivera absolutely loves what he does. He loves selling homes to Buyers because he helps fulfill their dreams of home ownership. His favorite part of selling homes to is transferring the keys to the excited new owners.  Rivera also loves selling homes for Sellers, because he enjoys the uniqueness that each property offers and selling the positive attributes of the home.

Rivera says, “Many agents spend their time showing houses….I SELL them!”

For more information, call (877) 888.SOLD (7653), email GRiveraEmail@gmail.com, or visit SellYourCasa.com. Call today for a free market evaluation, and see Gil’s ad in the Eastvale Community Newspaper.