Gold Ribbon To Three WV Schools

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile Chaparral eighth graders arrange tiles to form tessellations during math class on May 5.

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Chaparral eighth graders arrange tiles to form tessellations during math class on May 5.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Walnut Valley’s three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – have been designated as 2015 California Gold Ribbon Schools for having exemplary standards and practices.

“These schools are academically successful, vibrant and innovative centers of learning and teaching,” said Tom Torlakson, the State Superintendent of Public Instruction. “They provide great examples of the things educators are doing right – embracing rigorous academic standards, providing excellence and creativity in teaching, and creating a positive school climate.”

The state’s highest recognition went to only 373 of the 10,366 public schools in the state.

In addition, South Pointe and Suzanne were selected as having Exemplary Programs in Arts Education.

This was the first year the state issued Gold Ribbon awards. The program temporarily replaces the California Distinguished Schools Program while officials create new assessment and accountability systems.

WVUSD principals overwhelmingly attributed the achievement to the dedicated students, staff, and supportive community on their campuses.

“This is an honor that we at Chaparral are very proud of,” Principal Ron Thibodeaux stated. “We’ve put a lot into making our school a 21st century learning environment, and the Gold Ribbon validates the hard work of our learning community. Our teachers and staff, parents and students are wonderful.”

“South Pointe is proud to be recognized by the state for its innovative approach to implementing 21st century Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math programs,” said Principal Susan Arzola. “We believe that by putting the “A” (the Arts) in STEM, we provide all students a well-balanced, joyful learning experience. Come watch them STEAM ahead!”

“We are honored to receive the state’s Gold Ribbon award!” said Principal Les Ojeda. ”It reflects the hard work by our Suzanne students, teachers, staff, and parents to ensure we develop students who are prepared academically and ready to face real-world challenges. I am very proud of our school.”

Schools applied for the award based on a model program their school has adopted that includes standards-based activities, projects, strategies, and practices that can be replicated by other local educational agencies.

In Walnut Valley, Gold Ribbon model programs are the 21st Century Classroom Initiative: Chaparral; STEAM Program: South Pointe; and Global Citizenship: Suzanne.

The new award is recognizing middle and high schools this year, and elementary schools in 2016.

Pomona PD Foils Kidnapping In Progress

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Fri., May 8, at approximately 5:12 p.m., officers from the Pomona Police Department’s Major Crimes Task Force conducted a traffic stop in the area of 1700 Gillette Rd. regarding a vehicle code violation. During the traffic stop, the driver of the vehicle did not immediately yield at which point a short vehicle pursuit ensued.

During the pursuit, an occupant of the suspect vehicle was seen discarding a firearm.  The pursuit finally came to a stop and three of the male occupants were taken into custody.  Carlos Gonzales, 32, of Pomona; Juan Sanchez, 22, of Pomona, and Richard Rodriguez, 29, a transient, were arrested at the scene.

A fourth occupant of the vehicle was found to be the victim of a kidnapping, who was being held captive through the use of fear tactics.  The victim was also allegedly raped by a suspect who was not present at the traffic stop.
Through an extensive investigation, the suspect of the rape was identified as Robert Lundberg, 49, of Claremont. On May 8 at approximately 11:15 p.m., Lundberg was taken into custody at the intersection of Towne Ave. and La Verne Ave. after officers saw him leaving his residence. Officers obtained a search warrant for Suspect Lundberg’s residence in order to recover the victim’s stolen property and additional evidence related to this crime.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

Peterson Automotive pic WEBBy K.P. Sander

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

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

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

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

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

Peterson Auto Repair has a new location inside the same Big Valley Industrial Park.  Look for them a few doors down at 3980-A Valley Boulevard in the City of Walnut.

Peterson Auto Repair Center is open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.  They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.  Mention their ad (see page 10 of this publication) and get an oil change for just $21.99 (plus tax and fees).

The Mosquitoes Are Back

Beware of these critters!

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia) Ew!

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Staff Reports

Ontario – The onset of warm weather has increased mosquito breeding in the West Valley. Vector Control surveillance has seen increased adult mosquitoes in their traps designed to catch females looking for a blood meal and those looking for a water source to deposit their eggs.

The West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District warns residents that the breeding season is upon us, and preventing mosquito breeding in your backyard early will pay off in the long run! The District has sent reminder letters to residents to clean up pools and water sources now so they won’t have to worry about visits from mosquitoes or mosquito control technicians!

This is a perfect time to take a moment and remove those pesky critters from your yard.  A few weeks ago, the District conducted aerial surveillance flights for suspect water sources in backyards in the northern portion of the district (Rancho Cucamonga, North Ontario, Montclair), and sent letters out to residents with neglected swimming pools shortly thereafter. Technicians visited homes to help reduce mosquito breeding threats throughout the following week.

The District reminds residents that the West Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District is a Public Health Agency, and its mission is to provide help and protection against mosquitoes and other vector-borne diseases. The District also provides mosquitofish, a small, guppy-like fish that residents can put in water sources such as ponds, fountains, and water gardens to control mosquito breeding.

The District is here to help with mosquito problems, and will even take anonymous calls regarding green pools or other mosquito breeding sources.  It takes everyone’s participation to help fight mosquito-transmitted diseases, including West Nile Virus and Malaria.

For more information, call (909) 635-0307, or visit www.wvmvcd.org.

Chaparral Students Making A Difference

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile Chaparral students made improvements at a community garden through a Disney Friends for Change grant.

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Chaparral students made improvements at a community garden through a Disney Friends for Change grant.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Chaparral Middle School’s HUMANitarian Club is dedicated to serving.  For the past nine years, members have reached out to area homeless through local shelter programs.

On Global Youth Service Day, the 30 students continued their good deeds by making lunches for a shelter in San Gabriel.  The project was funded through a $400 Sodexo Youth Grant written by 6th Grader, Srijani Krishnan.

“It’s great that everyone is here to help the homeless,” she said to club members. “All the food will go to the St. Vianney Food Pantry today.”

Over 30 members met after school on Apr. 17 to make sack lunches with peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, fruit snacks, candy bars, and bottles of water. Volunteers from the United Cougars assisted with the project.

“It’s awesome that you’re taking your time to make this happen for 144 folks,” said Principal Ron Thibodeaux.

A hunger awareness video was also created to share with classmates.

“It makes you feel good and its fun, too,” said 7th Grader Darren Lo.

Club members also volunteered at the San Gabriel Valley Winter Shelter and sung Christmas carols at a retirement home in Walnut last winter.

President Sydney Robinson was awarded a $500 grant from the “Disney’s Friends for Change” program to make improvements at the Center Street Community Garden in Pomona.

Other HUMANitarian volunteers and their families joined the service project on Apr. 18.

“They harvested food, painted a structure to hold garden announcements, and wrote inspirational messages on rocks to beautify the garden,” said advisor Sherry Robertson.

The members helped paint and shovel mulch at the garden earlier in the month.

“The kids worked so hard!” Robertson said. “It was a cool experience, and we’re eager to go again!”

A police report stated that crime decreased by 50% with the addition of the new garden.

“It’s pretty impactful,” she said.

When A Young Person Dies

By Nancy Stoopsstoops-and-midnight-bw-ORIG

I have done a lot of grieving work with various ages and losses.  These situations are all horrible and very hard to recover from.

The one we seem to struggle with the most is when a child or teenager dies.  Recently I helped a group do some grieving work over a 17-year old. One of the teens in the group told me it was very hard to see somebody his age die.  In the same group the parents in the room told me that teenagers shouldn’t die.

I have also worked with many people that have lost young children.  For them their child’s death feels out of order because as parents we assume we should die before our children.

I guess the truth is that it is never the right time for a person to die, but it does seem more acceptable when somebody is 80 or 90 years old versus 5 or 17.  We have such a hard time when a young person dies because they haven’t had a chance to live their lives.  Death in itself is a tragedy, but when it involves a young person it is doubly so.

I don’t know why some of the sweetest young people die early and some of the most horrible people live a very long life.  I also think many people suffer from survivor’s guilt.  I think this is especially true for parents that outlive their children.  It also seems to be true for the friends of the young person that passed away.  It’s nobody’s fault that you lived and your loved one or friend didn’t.

We don’t know how long any of us have here.  All we can do is love each other well and make sure we spend quality time together while we have the chance.

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.

May 2015 SGV News

May 2015 SGV News

SGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2015-05-SGVNews-WEB

OC Firefighter Pleads Guilty

Child porn charges to produce explicit photos of young girls abroad

 

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – A Huntington Beach commercial firefighter pleaded guilty on Fri., May 8, to a federal charge of attempting to produce child pornography.

John McArthur, 57, a California-licensed fire captain – who at the time of the criminal conduct in 2012 worked for a ConocoPhillips oil refinery in San Pedro – pleaded guilty before United States District Judge Josephine Staton.

An investigation revealed that in Jan. 2012, McArthur had online conversations with a person he believed was a 13-year old girl in the Philippines. During those online conversations, McArthur agreed to send money for the purchase of a camera that would be used to take sexually explicit photographs of the girl and an 11-year old friend. McArthur later went to a Western Union agent to transfer the money to the minor.

Unbeknownst to McArthur at the time, the person posing as the 13-year old girl was Robert Oliver Clark, 75, a United States citizen residing in the Philippines. Clark was arrested in September 2014 in a related case, and he has agreed to plead guilty to possession of child pornography. In a plea agreement recently filed in United States District Court, Clark admitted that he “possessed, in his computer hard drive and in his email accounts, 5,443 images and 53 videos of child pornography, including 43 images and 1 video portraying sadistic or masochistic conduct and 16 images portraying toddlers.” Clark, who resided in Texas prior to moving to the Philippines, is scheduled to enter his guilty plea on May 21 in United States District Court in Los Angeles.

During this investigation, law enforcement authorities discovered that McArthur received hundreds of images and several videos of child pornography through his email accounts.

McArthur is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Staton on Aug. 21, at which time he faces a statutory maximum sentence of 30 years in federal prison.

The investigation into McArthur and Clark was headed by the United States Postal Inspection Service, which received substantial assistance from the U.S. Department of State, Diplomatic Security Service; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; and the Los Angeles Joint Regional Intelligence Center.

“Protecting children from crimes of sexual abuse and exploitation is a priority for the U.S. Postal Inspection Service,” stated Robert Wemyss, Inspector in Charge for the Los Angeles Division. “I’m proud of the work of the Postal Inspection Service and our investigative partners to bring child predators to justice. U.S. Postal Inspectors have investigated these crimes for more than a century. While the predators’ use of technology has evolved, the core harm has not changed: a child’s lost innocence. We will not lose sight of this, and remain steadfast in our efforts to investigate, apprehend, and assist in the prosecution of those who seek to exploit children via the U.S. Mail, wherever in the world they may be.”

 

Dominic Fights To Dominate Cancer

“When all is said and done, what is done is more important than what is said.”

Photo Courtesy: Cindy Chenelia Dominic Valentine with Carley and Sam Chenelia

Photo Courtesy: Cindy Chenelia
Dominic Valentine with Carley and Sam Chenelia

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Eastvale – If you live in Eastvale, chances are you have run into Dominic Valentine at some point. Many owe their fitter physiques to the killer workouts she leads from her garage boot camp, and others know her from her active participation in our community. But what many don’t know is that Dominic’s life changed completely on New Year’s Day of this year.

While prepping for the events of the day, Dominic decided to go for a quick walk with a friend while her husband, Fred Valentine, Jr., stayed busy around the house. When they returned, Dominic told her husband that while on the walk she had had a seizure. They rushed her to the local hospital, and spent the weekend undergoing tests before eventually being sent to UCI for further evaluation. After an MRI, and even more consults with doctors, it was discovered that Dominic had a brain tumor that would need to be removed.

Before this surgery could be done, however, Dominic had to have electrodes put on her brain to map the seizure activity. She was immediately admitted into UCI Medical Center. After the electrode procedure occurred, the time came to remove the actual tumor. That surgery left her with no mobility on her right side, but the staff at UCI advised Dominic and her husband that this was only temporary.

Friends and family who visited Dominic were continually inspired by her perseverance and determination to regain her strength and mobility. As a person who is normally up every day at 4:15 a.m. to run a boot camp, nothing was going to hold Dominic back. To stay inspired, she posted her personal training quote in her room:  “When all is said and done, what is done is more important than what is said.”

With the help of family, and devoted “boot-campers,” Dominic worked on stretching and therapy independently, before and after the medical staff’s treatments. Dominic’s husband, Fred, recalls, “The staff explained what was required of Dominic and answered our questions. Once Dominic saw that she could move her fingers, she brightened up and her confidence lifted.”

After several days in surgical recovery, Dominic had more mobility in her arm and she was able to stand on both legs. At that time, it was decided to move her to the rehabilitation unit. While she was still unable to dress herself or perform other basic functions without assistance, Dominic fought on. She eventually learned how to bathe and dress and soon was able to walk up and down stairs.

Dominic fought like a champ and was recently released from rehab.  She came home to a large group of friends and family with signs and balloons welcoming her back. Dominic even made it to the Eastvale Relay for Life on Apr. 18.

Our local community has once again rallied around one of its own and provided the Valentines with support, love, meals and prayers. Dominic has just completed three weeks of radiation and is preparing for 48 weeks of chemotherapy.  In her words, she is “ready to kick this in the butt!”

San Gabriel Valley Community Events

Staff Reports

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

67th Annual Mt. SAC Student Art Show

When:  Now through June 4, Tues/Wed/Thurs, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.; Tues, 5 to 7:30 p.m; Special Reception May 14, 4 to 6 p.m.

Where:  Mt. SAC Art Gallery, Walnut

Details:  Annual show featuring the best original work by art, photography and animation students.  Free, open to the public.

Contact:  Art Gallery, (909) 274-4328.

Kids’ Night Out

When:  May 16; Jun. 20; Jul. 18; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where:  Chino Youth Museum, 13191 6th St., Chino

Details:  Participants enjoy a fun Saturday evening at the Museum while parents enjoy a nice evening out.  Art projects, games, dinner – all with a caring staff.  Ages 4 to 10.  $12 members/$15 general.  Pre-registration is required.

Contact: (909) 334.3270 during normal operating hours, Wed. – Sun., 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; or visit chinoyouthmuseum.com.

Chino Valley Job & College Fair

When:  Wed., May 20, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where:  New Hope Christian Fellowship, 13333 Ramona Ave., chino

Details:  30 employers will be recruiting to fill a variety of positions in all genres.

Contact:  Register by visiting newhopechino.net/job-fair.html, or call (909) 628-8612, ext. 101.

St. Lorenzo Ruiz 3-Day Event

When:  May 22 – 24

Where:  St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church, 747 Meadowpass Rd., Walnut

Details:  5/22: Mass, 6:30 p.m., Volunteer Appreciation Dinner, 7:30 p.m.; 5/23: Breakfast, 7 a.m., Pentecost Fun Run, 8 a.m., Mini Carnival, 9:30 a.m., Pentecost Vigil Mass, 5 p.m., Fellowship Dinner, 6:30 p.m.; 5/24: Multilingual Eucharist Mass (all daily masses combined), 11:30 a.m., International Food Festival, 1 p.m. .

Contact:  (909) 595-9545

All-Sports Expo

When:  Sat., May 30; 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:  Ontario Convention Center.

Details:  A day for families, athletes, coaches, trainers, nutritionists and all sports enthusiasts to come together and engage in the latest techniques in training, workouts, college opportunities, financial aid, starting a business and the general love of all sports.  Professional athletes will share their experiences.

Contact:  Tickets are $10.00, $8.00 (online) and $7.00 (groups of 15 or more).  For more information, visit the website at www.thecollegeexpo.org or call NCRF corporate office at (909) 396-0151.

First Friday Food Trucks                                                     

When:  June 5; July 3; Aug. 7; Sept. 11; Oct. 2; Nov. 6; Dec. 4

Where:  WVUSD, Parking Lot, 880 S. Lemon Ave., Walnut

Details:  Enjoy gourmet food, great weather and good friends while supporting education!  Truck line-up:  The Slummin’ Gourmet; Piaggio; Me So Hungry; Street Food; Bakery Truck.

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly: June 27, July 25, etc.

Where:  First Baptist Church of Pomona, 601 N. Garey Ave., Pomona

Details:  Come help serve the homeless and economically disadvantaged at monthly dinners.  Volunteers meet in E202 (2nd Floor) at 12 noon for prayer/devotion, followed by orientation, clothing and hygiene kit distribution, and instruction for serving dinner to the homeless.  Ministry ends by 4:30 p.m.

Free Summer Lunch Program

When:  Mon. – Fri., July 1 to Aug. 21; 12 to 1 p.m. (subject to change on Tues/Thurs).

Where:  Community Building Park, 5443 B St., Chino; and Monte Vista Park, 13196 Monte Vista Ave., Chino

Details:  Children 18 and younger are welcome to enjoy a free, nutritious lunch with fun activities this summer.  The City of Chino is providing this in collaboration with the USDA and the California Department of Education.

Pomona Police Great Campout

When:  July 10-11

Where:  Pomona Fairplex

Details:  Applications are now being accepted for kids ages 9 – 12 to stay overnight in a safe environment promoting responsibility, respect and positive decision making.  Limited to 300 registrants.  All campers receive a new sleeping bag, dinner and breakfast.

Contact:  Applications are being accepted daily at the Pomona Police Department, (909) 620-2318; or at the City Hall Community Program (Mon. – Thurs., 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.).

 

REGULAR EVENTS:

Alcohol and Addiction Intervention Information

When: Third Tuesday, monthly; 6 p.m.

Where:  Aurora Charter Oak Hospital, 1161 E. Covina Blvd., Covina

Details:  Free information sessions about the intervention process, a powerful tool to combat alcoholism and addiction.  Attendees can expect to learn what the intervention process consists of, when an intervention is appropriate, and what local resources are available.  Space is limited and reservations are recommended.

Contact:  Call (626) 859-5269, or visit http://www.charteroakhospital.com.

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

 

Number Your Days

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom,” Psalm 90:12.

 

What does it mean to number our days?  The reality is that life is short and no man can boast in seeing tomorrow (Psalms 103:15-16; 1 Peter 1:24).

So, to number our days means to live rightly before the Lord today because we do not know if it is our last day.

Jesus gave a great example of this when he told a parable about a rich man.  The rich man’s crops produced plentifully, but he had nowhere to store all the crops, so he decided to tear down his barns and build bigger ones.  He then said to his soul, “Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry” (Luke 12:19).

Then God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” (Luke 12:20).

This man could have used his surplus to bless others, but instead he hoarded it for himself.  He boasted that he had plenty stored up for many years…but he did not live through the night.  This man did not learn to number his days.

May you choose to live today in a manner that pleases the Lord and blesses others!

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. and Wednesdays at 7 p.m., at 850 E. Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Did You Know?

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia
American Red Cross founder, Clara Barton

By K.P. Sander

Every time there is a disaster of any magnitude, you can count on the American Red Cross to be on site, lending substantial support in an effort to provide relief.

Founded on May 21, 1881, by Clara Barton in Washington D.C., the humanitarian organization is in the business of providing emergency assistance, disaster relief and education to Americans in every corner of the U.S.  As it has evolved over the years, the American Red Cross continues to provide relief as well as community services for the needy, including military members and their families.  They also serve in the collection, processing and distribution of blood and blood products, as well as provide educational programs on disaster preparedness, health and safety (including international relief and development).  The American Red Cross is an affiliate of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies.

According to Wikipedia, the Red Cross was established in Washington D.C., and the national headquarters itself is a National Historic Landmark.

Founder Barton learned of the Red Cross in Geneva, Switzerland, becoming so impassioned with the concept that she went to Europe in 1869 and became involved in their work. She was determined to bring the organization home.

Barton first organized a meeting on May 12, 1881, at the home of Senator Omar Conger (R-MI) with 15 people present.  She became the first president, and Representative William Lawrence (R-OH) became the first vice-president.  Funding came from John D. Rockefeller, the federal government, and four other individuals for the headquarters, and chapters soon began opening up.

Today, the American Red Cross is a network of more than 650 chapters dedicated to saving lives.  With 30,000 employees and 500,000 volunteers, they mobilize relief to those affected by over 70,000 disasters each year – including fires, floods, hurricanes, tornadoes, earthquakes, transportation accidents, explosions, and much more.

The American Red Cross is not only the largest supplier of blood and blood products, each year they train millions upon millions of individuals in life-saving medical skills, and exchange more than a million emergency messages for U.S. military service personnel and their families.

Eastvale Chamber’s Official Newsletter

Read the Eastvale Chamber’s Official Newsletter in full size by clicking the picture below!
Things to see: A letter from the Eastvale Chamber Vice President, the Eastvale Chamber Connection Breakfast at Buffalo Wild Wings, Upcoming Events in Eastvale, and the Board of Directors requirements.

2015-05-ChamberNewsletter-WEB

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 05.16.15

2015-May16-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-May16-Weekly-WEB

Emotional Instability Above The Tavern

By Michael Armijo

Recently, I visited the office above the tavern where my counseling sessions are held.  And once again, I have found useful knowledge.

Like-kind, quality people love the familiarity of others who match their emotional state. Subconsciously they seek out others who are feeling the same and have the same issues. In essence, they look for themselves.

I realize that lately I’ve been dealing with a lot of emotions that have come my way in many different forms.  From the standpoint of companionship, health, family – and recently the death of my mother – my emotions have been on a wild ride similar to an out of control rollercoaster. So I’ve found others who are also on this same ride and we hang on together, consoling one another, and giving each other free, bad advice.

This is why I believe we need to seek out our emotions, discuss them, filter out what’s unnecessary, and deal with what’s relevant.  In a way, it’s our duty to force ourselves out of the darkness and into a brighter life.  It’s certainly a better option.

Just as the sun tries to burn its way through a cloudy day, so must we. We need to continue to try and be a source of energy to one another as we work through our own emotional instability.

Maple Hill Receives $1,000 For Books

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar Friends of the Library presented a $1,000 donation for new library books at Maple Hill Elementary (shown with President Chris Ko, Principal Nancy Stingley and students).

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar Friends of the Library presented a $1,000 donation for new library books at Maple Hill Elementary (shown with President Chris Ko, Principal Nancy Stingley and students).

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – Maple Hill Elementary’s Library Media Center will be getting lots of new books thanks to a generous donation from the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library.  Board members from the non-profit presented a check for $1,000 to fund titles from the school’s “wish list” on Apr. 17.

“We have established a new book fund that we are implementing for public schools in Diamond Bar,” announced President Chris Ko.

Maple Hill received the first gift from the organization.

The wonderful new library that opened in late February was created from two connecting portables with fiction and non-fiction spaces.

“Just being able to continually add books to the collections is phenomenal and we appreciate this donation so much,” said Principal Nancy Stingley. ”It gives our students the incentive to read and nourishes their mind.”

A grassroots campaign funded new carpet, paint, furniture, ceiling tiles, and shelving for the library.

“It was all a school effort with lots of support from our parents and community,’ said Principal Nancy Stingley. The renovation wasn’t part of the school modernization plan.

Maple Hill 82-year old grandfather and artist, Cor Grieve, painted vivid murals making the library a one-of-a kind reading sanctuary.  He’s added ten paintings around the campus in the past two years.  Lions, zebras, and giraffes roam in the African Savanna depicted in the non-fiction room.  Across the library, fictional characters Clifford, Arthur, Winnie the Pooh, Little Red Riding Hood, and Harry Potter decorate the walls.

“We wanted to make sure that when we did the library that it would be a fun place for students to come – and such a lively place they wouldn’t want to leave,” Stingley said. “That was our goal and I think we achieved that!”

“It’s really a great place,” Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem and Friends’ Board Member Nancy Lyons commented during the tour.

Arrests Made In Missing Juvenile Case

Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD

Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Sat., Apr. 18, 13-year old Katherine Vance was reported missing by her parents.  Since that time, Pomona Detectives have been working diligently in locating the teen.

According to the Pomona Police Department, after multiple interviews with the victim’s family and friends, Detectives were led to a home in the 1000 block of E. Grand Avenue on Thurs., Apr. 30.  During a subsequent search of that residence, the victim was located hiding underneath the bed of her 17-year old boyfriend.

Based upon information received throughout the course of their investigation, Detectives arrested the 17-year old male, along with his mother – Wilma Brooks, 38, of Pomona – on the charges of Concealing a Child from the Parents.  The male was transported to Los Padrinos Juvenile Hall, and suspect Brooks is (at press time) being held in the Pomona Jail in lieu of $40,000 bail.

Victim Vance was unharmed, but based on the circumstances was taken into protective custody by the Department of Children Services pending further investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085.  If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call Crime Stoppers at (800) 222-TIPS (8477).

Local Eastvale Boy Crowned Prince

“Corona-Norco Day of the Child”

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News Photo Caption: (L to R) Rebecca Fransen, Jennifer and Nicholas Madrigal and Chris Gutman

Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News
Photo Caption: (L to R) Rebecca Fransen, Jennifer and Nicholas Madrigal and Chris Gutman

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Since 1992, local volunteers have been putting on an annual event called the “Corona-Norco Day of the Child.”  This is a free event for children and their families, along with over 80 local organizations that gather together to provide information on family resources throughout the Corona, Norco and Eastvale communities.   This year, the event was held at the Corona City Park.

Each year a special Prince and Princess are selected. These lucky children are nominated by their teachers and aides, and selected because they have truly proven themselves to be inspirations to their classmates, friends, families and teachers. These kids refuse to let their physical disabilities deter them from being active in their schools and communities.

This year’s Prince was Eastvale’s own Nicholas Madrigal, who attends Washington Elementary in Norco. Nicholas is 11- years old and has attended many of the schools in the Corona-Norco and Eastvale area; he has lived in Eastvale for his entire life.

Nicholas is deaf and autistic – along with a few other issues – however, he has an infectious smile and an unbelievable joy and thirst for learning. He has had the same aide, Chris Gutman, since pre-school, and he is currently in the class of Mrs. Rebecca Fransen.

Nicholas accepted the “coronation” award with Chris, Mrs. Fransen, and his mom and two older brothers watching.

A special thanks to all the volunteers, the Corona Fire Department, and especially to the Prince/Princess Coordinator, Dottie Richards. For more information on this event, check out their website at www.coronanorcodayofthechild.org

JCSD Shares Latest Drought Regulations

Achieve a mandatory 25% statewide reduction in potable water use

 

By Aileen Flores

Jurupa Valley – In response to Governor Jerry Brown’s recent Executive Order, the State Water Resources Control Board (State Water Board) released a draft of its latest drought regulations on Apr. 28.

The overall goal of the new restrictions is to achieve a mandatory 25% statewide water usage reduction.  Each urban water supplier will be required to meet a specified conservation standard based on their average gallons-per-capita-per-day (GPCD) for the months of July, August, and September 2014.  Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) and their customers would be mandated to meet a total 28% district-wide reduction in potable water usage, down from the 32% originally proposed by the State Water Board.

At a 28% water usage reduction, JCSD’s cutback is expected to be approximately 5,625 acre-feet (AF) (which is equivalent to 1,832,914,288 gallons).  JCSD’s service area has already consumed 1,345 AF to date.

The State Water Board’s most recent draft would require urban water suppliers such as JCSD to:

  • Meet water conservation standards through the reduction from both residential and non-residential users.
  • Ban the use of potable water to irrigate turf on public street medians.
  • Prohibit the use of potable water to irrigate newly constructed homes and buildings as established by the California Building Standards Commission.
  • Notify customers of a potential leak on their property.
  • Submit monthly detailed reports, starting with June 2015 metrics, to the State Water Board.

The State Water Board estimates the new regulations will go into effect May 15 and must be implemented by water urban suppliers by June 1, 2015.

All Californians are still prohibited from:

  • Washing down sidewalks and driveways.
  • Watering outdoor landscapes in a manner that causes excess runoff.
  • Washing a motor vehicle with a hose, unless the hose is fitted with a shut-off nozzle.
  • Operating a fountain or decorative water feature, unless the water is part of a recirculating system.

JCSD is currently in Level 2 (Drought Caution) of its Water Shortage Contingency Plan (WSCP). The following Level 2 irrigation restrictions were adopted in August 2014 and continue to be in place, until further notice:

  • Residential and commercial ornamental landscape and turf irrigation is limited to four (4) days per week, which equates to being able to water every other day.
  • Residential and commercial ornamental landscape and turf irrigation is limited to the hours between 8 p.m. and 8 a.m., for no longer than 10 minutes per station, per day.

Additionally, all leaks must be repaired within 72 hours of notification from JCSD.  Residential and commercial businesses are notified via door hangers or direct mailers regarding identifiable or reported leaks.

The following are currently exempt from irrigation restrictions, until further notice:

  • Functional sports and activity fields.
  • Residential or commercial ornamental landscape that use non-potable water.
  • Landscape that uses properly functioning water-efficient devices such as drip/micro irrigation systems, stream rotor sprinklers, and weather-based irrigation controllers.

The following are the State’s additional regulations that were implemented on Mar.  7:

  • Irrigating turf or ornamental landscapes during and 48 hours following measurable precipitation.
  • Restaurants and other food service establishments can only serve water to customers on request.
  • Operators of hotels and motels must provide guests with the option of choosing not to have towels and linens laundered daily and prominently display notice of this option.

Many conservation programs and services are in place to assist residential and commercial customers, which include rebates for water-saving devices (high-efficiency washers, weather-based irrigation controllers, rain barrels, etc.), turf replacement programs, free sprinklers, and educational workshops, and conservation events.  For more information about these programs visit the websites below or call JCSD’s Conservation Coordinator at (951) 727-8007.

For more information on how to increase your water-use efficiency, visit the following websites:

  • JCSD.us/Conservation provides a description of conservation programs offered by JCSD and partnering agencies. Here you will also find JCSD’s WSCP.
  • iEfficient.com is a collaborative conservation effort developed by water agencies and cities throughout the Inland Empire, including JCSD.
  • SaveOurWater.com is a partnership between the Association of California Water Agencies and the California Department of Water Resources.
  • BeWaterWise.com offers tips from Metropolitan Water District.
  • WesternTurfReplacement.com is a program that pays a rebate incentive of $2 per square foot of area that is replaced with water-friendly landscaping.
  • SoCalWaterSmart.com provides a listing of all the rebates that are available to JCSD customers and most water customers in Southern California.

CVUSD Implements GPS For School Buses

By Claire Lewis

West Covina – The Covina Valley Unified School District (CVUSD) has successfully completed the installation of the WaveControls GPS Tracking system on their entire fleet of school buses.

This new system allows CVUSD to track the location of their fleet on a minute-by-minute basis, increasing the safety and efficiency of the entire operation for the District.  Furthermore, this system provides the ability to know what time a school bus arrived at and departed each individual bus stop, as well as monitor bus speed and any dangerous conditions that might exist.

This system is part of CVUSD’s commitment to the safety of the children that are entrusted to them.  By implementing the WaveControls GPS Tracking System, the District is ensuring that the most cutting-edge technology is used to improve safety and increase operational effectiveness.

WaveControls would like to credit the following individuals at CVUSD for all of their hard work in making this system successfully come to life:

  • Debbie Shipley, VM&T Supervisor
  • Michelle Vanderlinden, Business Officer
  • Jeff Bloedorn, Chief Facilities Officer

For more information, visit www.wavecontrols.com.