Happy Mother’s Day

mark-hopper-color-2x2By Pastor Mark Hopper

I have heard that more long distance phone calls are made on Mother’s Day than any other day of the year.  Everyone wants to say “Happy Mother’s Day” to their mom.

It is not unusual to see a big football player say, “Hi, Mom!” from the sideline bench after a game-winning touchdown.  It is clear that moms are at the top of the list.

Mothers make a life-long impact on the lives of their children.  Their love, patience and wisdom help mold children into the people they become.  Mothers always put the needs of their children and family ahead of their own.  They are often the first one up in the morning, and the last one to bed at night.  A familiar poem says, “From dawn until the setting sun, a mother’s work is never done.”

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Honor your father and mother so that you may live long in the land that God is giving you,” (Exodus 20:12).  Did you know that this is one of the Ten Commandments?

When people say that they try to live by the Ten Commandments – don’t lie, don’t steal, don’t murder – I wonder if they know that honoring your mother and father is on the same list.

I hope that you will look for some thoughtful ways to express your love and admiration for your mother and the mother of your children on Mother’s Day.

Happy Mother’s Day!

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.

DBHS Students Compete In Vans’ Custom Kicks Contest

Check out the DBHS designs and cast your vote at http://sites.vans.com/customculture/vote/ – Voting ends on Mon., May 11.

 

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile Diamond Bar High graphic design students are currently ranked in the top 10 in the Vans Custom Culture Contest.

Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Diamond Bar High graphic design students are currently ranked in the top 10 in the Vans Custom Culture Contest.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – Five Diamond Bar High students are currently ranked top 10 in the Vans Custom Culture contest.  They are looking for your votes to push them to the top.

The national high school competition invites students to show off their creativity.  Vans sent four pairs of blank white shoes to the first 3,000 schools that registered for the contest.

“All my graphic design students participated in the design process,” explained teacher Jon Haprov. “The class then voted on their favorites to be made into shoes.”

The designs of Sophia Arnold, junior; William Chen, junior; Star Vasquez, senior; Mary Zhuo, freshman; and Connie Mach, junior, made the cut.

“I love teamwork and being creative with a group,” Vasquez said about the design project.

Students customized the popular kicks around the themes of Art, Music, Action Sports, and Local Flavor.

“Some students have different strengths and they pooled those talents together in the final stages of the process,” Haprov added.

Check out the DBHS designs and cast your vote at http://sites.vans.com/customculture/vote/.   Voting ends on Mon., May 11.

“If everyone in Diamond Bar and Walnut cast one vote with their phone and one with their computer, that would be a lot of votes!” added Haprov.

The top five finalists will be flown to the final event, where a grand prize winner will be announced.

The lucky winner will receive $50,000 for their high school art program and a chance for their design to be sold in Vans’ retail stores. Runners up receive $4,000 toward their schools.

Did You Know?

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia Northern Pacific Railway postcard for Mother's Day 1916.

Image Courtesy: Wikipedia
Northern Pacific Railway postcard for Mother’s Day 1916.

By K.P. Sander

On Sun., May 10, we celebrate Mother’s Day. Literally speaking, we would not be here without our moms, but there is so much more to our love for them.
Perhaps no one will love you as unconditionally as dear, old mom. Through nursing and diapers, all of the schooling and nurturing, to watching you turn into an adult, mothers see it all and adore you through it all. Even after you are grown with children of your own, your mother never stops loving, hoping, worrying and giving.
Mothers have a wide variety of ways to show their love, but much of what they do goes without thanks, without complaint, and perhaps without notice. The dinners made, the laundry done, the money spent, the sick-bed vigils, the lack of sleep, and so much more, happen because of love. It’s no wonder we set aside a day to honor, thank and remember them for all they do and all they have done.
According to Wikipedia, the formal celebration of Mother’s Day began in America in 1908. A woman named Anna Jarvis from West Virginia held a memorial for her beloved mother, Ann, who had died. Jarvis – who began campaigning in 1905 to make Mother’s Day a nationally recognized holiday – wanted to honor her mother by continuing the work she started as a peace activist who cared for wounded soldiers in the Civil War.
Due to Jarvis’ efforts, President Woodrow Wilson signed the Mother’s Day proclamation in 1914, naming the second Sunday in May as a national holiday to honor mothers. The idea was adopted by other counties and it is now celebrated around the world.
This coming second Sunday in May, remember your mother and all she did to make your world a little bit better.
Happy Mother’s Day to moms everywhere…with love!

A New Found Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Our Found Freedom

Photo Courtesy: Our Found Freedom

By Amanda Casiano

Corona – In early November 2013, my husband, George Casiano, Jr., was diagnosed with stage III Hodgkin’s Lymphoma – just a few months after our wedding.

George underwent chemotherapy treatment every two weeks for six months.  His last treatment was on Good Friday, Apr. 18, 2014, and he has been blessedly cancer free for one year.

George participated in the Relay for Life for the first time when his band, The Pulse, played there.  The following year, he was able to participate as a cancer survivor, walking the Survivor Lap.

When George was first diagnosed, he wrote a song called, “I want to understand,” to help come to terms with what he was going through.  At the 2014 Relay for Life, the band played that song, and George was able to speak about his journey.

At this year’s Relay for Life, George will once again share the story of his fight against cancer in an effort to give hope to others.  The band – now called “Our Found Freedom” – will perform at the event.

Our Found Freedom has seen many changes over the last seven  years.  They recently changed their name to reflect their mission of the true freedom that is found in Christ.  The alternative Christian rock band desires to spread the love of Christ, share the word of God, and be an encouragement to people.

Come and join Our Found Freedom at the Corona Relay for Life, on Sat., May 16, at Santana Park (598 Santana Way, Corona 92881) at 5 p.m.  You can also listen to the band at Facebook.com/OurFoundFreedom, or Soundcloud.com/OurFoundFreedom.

 

Grocery Shopping

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

When I was in college, I worked at a local grocery store.  My first job was bagging groceries, but later I was promoted to cashier.  In addition, I was assigned to restock the shelves in one section of the store.

It was exciting to be a cashier.  I had to learn how to cash checks and make change when people paid in cash.  There were no credit or debit cards back then.

I also had to learn to weigh the fruits and vegetables. One problem was that I was not familiar with a lot of them. At our house, I was raised on meat and potatoes.  The only vegetables we had were usually green beans or corn.  The only things I knew were the bananas, red apples, lettuce and tomatoes.

I was at a distinct disadvantage when it came to identifying a lot of fruit and vegetables.  Often I would have to ask a customer what kind they had in their cart.  I noticed worried looks on many faces.

I’m sure it is a lot easier to be a cashier in a grocery store today.  The registers are computerized.  The scales are electronic.  They have bar code scanners. The fruits and vegetables usually have stickers with codes on them,  Today we can even use the self-checkout line if we want.

There is a verse in the Bible that says that God has given us food to be enjoyed when it is received with thanksgiving (I Timothy 4:3-4).  I know there are more fruits and vegetables in most grocery stores than I can name.  The varieties seem endless.

We should be thankful for the farmers that grow them and the grocers that sell them.

The next time you go grocery shopping, I hope you will say thanks to the hard working people who work there.  And, the next time you are eating dinner with your friends or family, make sure you finish your vegetables!

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.

Motherless Child

By Michael Armijo

Well it’s here. The day has come where I must find peace.  I must find a safe place, free from anxiety, fear, and neglect. Free from self destruction and harsh memories. A place protected, just as a mother would do. I am here to feel loved.

My life has not been full of paved roads or lawns of freshly cut grass. We were not privileged nor were we maintained at an acceptable level. But there was one thing we were: loved.  This is why I constantly seek acceptance in a world that sometimes does not understand my heart.

My life is different than most, but it is filled with love – just as I was taught as a child. I learned to feel love and accept it as well.

As my struggles come and go, I am thankful for my unconventional life. It has given me the ability to survive. I feel things at a very high level, and because of that I can sometimes see the goodness when others cannot.

So I now have a quest. I cannot fail. I am surrounded by love. And I am in love. But in order to honestly feel that love, I must be focused and content, open and honest, loving and caring.

I attribute all of this to the way I was brought up. And although I may have feelings of sorrow and abandonment, because of my mother, I will never feel unloved.

This is why I will never be a motherless child.

Body Worn Cameras Begin Deployment at Jurupa Valley Station

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff's Department

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Courtesy of the Riverside Sheriff’s Department

Update as of May 7, 2015:

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department began the latest ongoing testing of the use of body worn cameras (BWC) at our Jurupa Valley Station on March 16, 2015. The testing is designed to solicit confidential feedback about the usage and effectiveness of devices in a field setting by making these devices available voluntarily to members of three different county labor groups, RSA (deputies, corporals, and investigators), LEMU (sergeants), and LIUNA 777 (community service officers). Those participating are providing confidential surveys about their experience using BWCs for management’s consideration in reaching any final decisions about the use of BWCs and governing policies. The Sheriff’s Department has over 300 BWCs in use, and has conducted testing for nearly 7 years. The Jurupa Valley Station is the latest and largest testing effort to date, and involves the very latest technology; over the past 7 years the BWCs have decreased in size, increased in high definition capability, increased storage capability and battery life, and dramatically dropped in cost as technology in this particular arena has rapidly exploded.

A total of 139 personnel have volunteered to participate in the Jurupa Valley Station program, now about 6 weeks old; only 3 members of the station have voluntarily opted not to participate.

The “Vievu“ brand body worn camera is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. Continued testing is expected to last an additional 45 days. Without disclosing any details of the confidential input and surveys, initial results show that the BWCs have enthusiastically embraced by participating Sheriff’s personnel at our Jurupa Valley Station.

Since the beginning of the testing phase, Jurupa Valley Station administration has encouraged all participants to provide weekly anonymous and forthright feedback, both individual and collective, of their use of the BWC. The ongoing survey feedback questions are designed to capture our staff’s candid opinions and experiences on their ability to both deploy the BWC effectively coupled with the operational aspects of routine processes like downloading and retrieval procedures at the end-of-shift. Participants have rated the BWC very highly in most areas. Staff continue to use their discretion on filming incidents they deem appropriate, but BWC’s have been found to be powerful tools used by station’s patrol staff to calm situations down rather dramatically-and this has accelerated their optional use in routine calls of all types. The public is well aware of the cameras being used in the station’s area of service and ask questions about the devices, easily noticed on our staff’s uniforms.

Although not originally envisioned, personnel at the investigator rank assigned to the station’s detective bureau have now asked to be included in the ongoing testing of BWCs, further expanding their use in the test period while receiving information about the devices on a confidential basis to encourage forthrightness. BWCs have been tested by a few investigators utilizing cameras to film interviews and citizen contacts in areas away from the station. Staff working in the following assignments at the Jurupa Valley Station are currently volunteering to participate in using the BWCs: patrol, special enforcement team, traffic team, and the school resource officer team.

The ongoing testing process at Jurupa Valley Station has also revealed a few areas identified for improvement or modification to any final BWC decision or policy. The vendor continues to work closely with our Technical Services Bureau personnel to resolve any minor remaining issues or concerns. Staff have also been adapting to the BWCs on their uniforms and while on duty.

Overall, participants in the testing program overwhelmingly report positive feedback and enjoy having the option to be equipped with a BWC while working patrol related duties. Our staff are directly involved in the ongoing development and refinement of the station’s BWC SOP, and the station’s efforts and “lessons learned” will be incorporated into the Department’s finalized policies and procedures before Sheriff Stan Sniff makes the decision to either expand their use or mandate department-wide patrol use of BWCs. The Sheriff’s Department also continues to monitor lessons learned from other agencies testing BWC’s as well.

The Sheriff continues to believe that the use of BWC technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, officer accountability, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability with the communities we serve. These devices are also expected to enhance community policing methods and strengthen relationships with the public and law enforcement. But the Sheriff also repeatedly warns that they are not a “panacea” in reducing liability or making incidents always clearer.

The use of body worn camera information is freely allowed by deputies in preparation of their routine reports, just as any other information maintained by our deputies is utilized. The only narrow exceptions to that procedure are “critical incidents” that involve in-custody death/injuries and officer-involved shootings or the use of deadly force, where the Department must lawfully conduct objective and credible investigations of our involved officers and staff. A major concern about providing video camera information to deputies involved in a critical incident before they report it, is that it can be argued to undermine the credibility and objectivity of those investigations. This could subject the Department and every officer to allegations that their reports or statements were coached by reviewing the video, rather than documenting their own perception of the incident.

The Sheriff’s Department continues to believe strongly that the conduct of its investigations-especially in the areas of the use of deadly force-must have credibility and objectivity to the public we serve as well as best serving the interests of the department and its deputies. This is especially critical in the context recently of the national discussions on creditability, transparency and accountability of law enforcement agencies to the very communities we serve. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department views this as critical, and has staked out the “high moral ground” on one of the key issues of the day across our nation in that very debate.

 

Original Details:

On Monday, March 16th, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department continues with its uninterrupted voluntary testing program of the body worn cameras (BWC) at the Jurupa Valley Station. Body Worn Cameras began being issued to Sheriff’s staff this morning at the Jurupa Valley Station.

The Sheriff’s Department has conducted testing of BWC for a number of years, with over 200 of these small cameras in voluntary use throughout Riverside County patrol station operations. It has continued refining the program over time and adopted local and nationwide procedures based on the experience of these numerous agencies. As BWC technology has rapidly increased and been refined, especially over the past year, more and more police agencies have seen these devices fielded, and many of these same procedures have been adopted as agencies share insights, challenges and best practices.

In early November 2014, the Board of Supervisors authorized $384,000 to purchase BWCs in addition to the necessary data storage/retrieval equipment at Jurupa Valley Station to further expand the voluntary testing efforts of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. The Department purchased and took delivery of the BWCs at the end 2014. To accommodate the storage of the video recorded by these additional devices at the Jurupa Valley Station, a request for quotes (RFQ) for additional hard drive storage was created. The responses to this request were far in excess of the projected budget, so the RFQ was canceled, revised and reposted. This has caused a delay in the Sheriff’s Department being able to begin fully deploying the new BWCs. The closing date on the newest RFQ was in February 2015. Late this past month, the best and lowest bidder was selected, with the hardware costs finally in line with the original cost estimates of $200,000, and finally met the budget adjustment authorized by the Board of Supervisors for this project this past November.

The Department expects to take delivery of the selected hardware, which is compatible with Hewlett Packard, in late April or early May. In the meantime, the Department was able to create a temporary storage location to store the data that has now allowed the Sheriff’s Department to move forward with its voluntary testing program until that ordered hardware is delivered. The funding for this entire project was approved by the Board of Supervisors as recommended by the Sheriff to come from the Department’s Asset Forfeiture accounts, and without the use of any new General Fund monies being added.

This next phase of the ongoing testing program will help the Department continue evaluating how best to equip deputies in other communities of Riverside County and in our other areas of operation, once this Jurupa Valley test phase is completed. The cameras are expected to add to our existing arsenal of cutting edge technology.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s use of BWC technology will provide value in enhancing officer safety, reduction of liability, assist with prosecution and case resolution, and further promote professionalism and accountability with the communities it serves. These devices are also expected to enhance community policing methods and strengthen relationships with the public and the law enforcement. But the Sheriff also warns that they add considerable complexity in fielding, and are not a panacea in reducing liability or making incidents always clearer.

The “Vievu” brand body camera was selected through an earlier testing phase that included several other brands of cameras. The Vievu camera is an ultra-durable on-officer camera designed to balance both simplicity and performance. The Vievu camera will provide our members with a core unibody design for easy deployment.

This testing phase at Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station is expected to last between 90 to 180 days. As has been the ongoing practice, input on these BWCs by end-users from a variety of labor groups will be collected as will changes to refine the department’s SOPs, as we continue to assimilate lessons learned from other agencies.

One of those labor groups, the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association (RSA) filed suit in January 2015 alleging that the voluntary testing of BWCs could not proceed without the union’s approval, arguing this was a new program. Upon learning that the Department has issued hundreds of BWC over the past 7 years, RSA recently withdrew and watered down its allegations in the lawsuit. The matter will be resolved in court sometime later this year. In the interim, the RSA action has had no impact on the Department’s voluntary testing program. Contrary to RSA assertions, the use of body camera information is freely allowed by deputies in preparation of their routine reports, just as any other information maintained by deputies are. The only exceptions to this procedure are critical incidents that involve in-custody deaths/injuries and officer-involved shootings or the use of deadly force, where the Department must lawfully conduct objective and credible investigations of our involved officers and staff. Providing video camera information to our involved deputies in those narrow circumstances before they make a statement undermines the public credibility and legal objectivity of those investigations in the Department’s view, allowing the deputy to be coached by having access to the evidence at hand.

Point of Contact: Chief Deputy Kevin Vest

Welcome to W.O.L.F.F.

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By Patricia Flinn

Eastvale – W.O.L.F.F. (Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting public safety officer and firefighter families through volunteering, fundraising, and collaborating with local communities.

We realize that it is not easy being a first responder’s wife, and it is our goal to provide a support system for those that can relate to our lifestyle. W.O.L.F.F. members have been establishing bonds and building relationships with wives of law enforcement and firefighters since 2010.

W.O.L.F.F. hosts many events throughout the year, which include police and fire recognition, mixers, holiday socials, paint night, and wine tasting – along with various fundraisers that support our organization and local charities.

On Thurs., May 7, at 4 p.m., the Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters, along with area service organizations, will present Cal Fire and City of Corona Firefighters with a plaque thanking them for their hard work, bravery, and dedication during the Highway Fire. This wild fire, which started in the Prado Flood Control Basin, burned over 1,000 acres and threatened over 300 area resident homes. The Stone Bridge Christian Academy, which is a local pre-school, was also threatened and saved by firefighters.

The communities of Norco, Corona, and Eastvale will gather at the Norco-Cal Fire Station #47, located at 3902 Hillside Ave in Norco, and present firefighters with heartfelt tokens of their appreciation. Local Girl Scout troops, as well as area residents, will join us to give thanks to these brave men and women. We invite the communities of Norco, Corona and Eastvale to join us in this event.

L.A. County Search & Rescue Task Force #2 is an elite team that has been utilized in Haiti, Japan, Hurricane Katrina and other disasters around the world. One of our own – Battalion Chief Bob Harris – is leading a team that arrived in Nepal. We will be honoring his wife, Nachet, at this event also. Both are local residents who are active in our community.

The magnitude of stress that wives endure from the realization that there is always a possibility that their loved one may not come home, increases substantially when they volunteer to rescue people in other countries.

If you are interested in learning more about W.O.L.F.F., or would like to join our organization, please email us at eastvalewolff@gmail.com or visit our Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/wolff.eastvale.

DB “Through My Lens” Photo Contest

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Do you love to take pictures?  The City of Diamond Bar is now accepting photo entries for their “Through My Lens” contest.  The deadline is Mon., Nov. 16, with a limit of two entries per person.

Co-sponsored by the City of Diamond Bar and the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, this contest is open to Diamond Bar residents of all ages, and photographers of all skill levels.  Entrants will be separated into two divisions:  Youth (17 years and younger); and Adult (18 years and older).

There are five subject categories:  People, Pets, Places, Nature, and Digitally Altered.

Entry forms are available at City Hall (21810 Copley Drive); the Diamond Bar Center (1600 Grand Avenue); and online at DiamondBarCA.gov/photocontest.  Mail the completed form with your entry on a labeled DVD or CD to Diamond Bar City Hall, Through My Lens Contest, 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765.  You can also email the form and your entry in an electronic file to photocontest@diamondbarca.gov.  Please include only one entry per email.  Labels should include the entrant’s first initial, last name, contact number, category and division.

The digital file size should approximate 9” x 7.25” @ 300 dpi (if you are unsure, set your camera to the highest quality available).  The preferred file format is jpg or jpeg (gif, png and bmp formats will not be accepted).  With the exception of the Digitally Altered category, photos must not be altered in any way utilizing Photoshop or comparable programs.  No print photos will be accepted.

All entries must be photographed within the Diamond Bar city limits, and must not be previously published.  All content must be suitable for publishing by the City.  Entries may be in color, or black and white.

The City reserves the right to reject any entry deemed unsuitable for any reason.

Winning entries will receive recognition by the Diamond Bar City Council and the Community Foundation Board at a regularly scheduled council meeting.  Winning entries may also be featured as part of the City’s Calendar and Services guide, website, newsletter, social media pages and more.  Additionally, the Grand Prize winner will receive $150; First Place $100; and Honorable Mention $50.

For more information, call (909) 839-7057, or email photocontest@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Mt. SAC Backs Water Conservation Plan

Prior water conservation efforts net campus a 30 percent reduction in water use

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Coming on the heels of Gov. Jerry Brown’s mandatory water reduction plan, Mt. San Antonio College is in the process of initiating its own plan that could realize a reduction in water use at the college of up to 50 percent over a ten-year period. The current water conservation master plan is actually a continuation of campus efforts to reduce water use that began in 2007.
“Our programs are driven by cost savings, which are considerable, but also by the knowledge that as a large institution in the San Gabriel Valley, we must be smart and responsible in how we manage all of the earth’s valuable resources,” said Mt. SAC Administrative Services Vice President, Michael Gregoryk.
Reclaimed water use, landscaping redesign, improved irrigation systems, the use of technology, and the addition of two new wells all figure highly in Mt. SAC’s multifaceted water conservation master plan. With the plan, the college is looking at saving an additional 100 acre-feet of water per year when it is fully implemented. An acre-foot of water is 325,851 gallons.
One part of the plan will look at replacing turf areas on campus with California native landscapes, which require much less water. In some areas, artificial surfaces may be an option as well.
An extension of the campus’ computerized irrigation control system is also on the table. The system reduces water waste by adjusting irrigation times and frequency according to temperature, winds, and humidity data. The campus already uses a computerized irrigation system for the main campus areas. The system expansion would include the farm pasture and rangelands.
On the 421-acre campus, the Mt. SAC farm comprises 75 acres. Athletic fields take up 18 acres, and 22 acres are devoted to the college’s wildlife sanctuary. Another 40 acres are rangeland for grazing. All of these areas have traditionally required irrigation or other water use.
But potential partnerships with local agencies for reclaimed water to use on pasture land are expected to make a big difference as the college moves from potable water to reclaimed water sources to irrigate rangeland and athletic fields.
Mt. SAC is also looking at adding two new wells to the existing three campus wells that will result in up to 60 acre-feet of water savings per year and will be used for irrigation of farm pastures and rangeland. The addition of two new wells will have a huge impact on the conservation effort.
Other strategies to achieve the water conservation goals include drip-line irrigation and the construction of a 1 million gallon domestic storage reservoir.
Yet the ambitious plan appears even more noteworthy when one considers that Mt. SAC has already realized a 30 percent reduction in water use since 2007. Faced with drought conditions eight years ago, college officials devised a strategy that would help the campus reduce its water use.
“In 2007, Mt. SAC took the lead in water conservation,” said Gregoryk. “They didn’t have to tell us we had to do it. We just did it. The 25 percent in water savings that the governor is now requiring, Mt. SAC achieved years ago.”
Prior to 2006, the college used an average of 598 acre-feet of water per year. But by 2013, water use dropped to 412 acre-feet per year, a reduction of 30 percent potable water and 16 percent in overall water use.
One of factors for that reduction was the rehabilitation of the three existing water wells on campus. The wells produce an average 90 acre-feet of non-potable water every year, which is used for irrigation on the college’s soccer and baseball fields and pond recharge in the wildlife sanctuary.
Another factor that helped the college realize a 30 percent reduction in water use is the practice of replacing old facilities with new energy and water efficient buildings that adhere to the United States Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design program. Since 2003, 30 new facilities have been built on campus, and these have been landscape-designed for water conservation.
“As Mt. SAC continues to grow, so will our commitment to the environment,” Gregoryk said.

Attempted Murder Suspect Wanted

Wanted-WEBPomona Police search for suspect in 2012 shooting

Staff Reports

Pomona – Pomona Police Detectives are searching for 28-year old Pomona resident, Francisco Casillas, a known gang member wanted in a shooting incident that occurred in front of Jake’s Market, located at 1135 E. Philadelphia Ave. on Wed., July 4, 2012.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office has filed three counts of attempted murder against Casillas in the shooting of Atalla Trad, 56, of Chino.

Casillas may be avoiding capture by using an alias, and Pomona Homicide Detectives are seeking the public’s assistance in locating him.  The suspect is known to frequent the City of Pomona, as well as Colorado and Hawaii.

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).

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition May 2015

2015-05-EastvaleNews-COVERThe Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2015-05-EastvaleNews-WEB

AB109 Compliance Sweep

Staff Reports

Corona – On Tues., Apr. 28, the Riverside County West Post-Release Accountably and Compliance Team (PACT) conducted a Parole, Probation, and PRCS compliance sweep in the City and unincorporated areas of Corona and Norco.
The operation included Law enforcement personnel from West PACT, Central PACT, East PACT, Corona Police Flex Team and the Riverside County Gang Task Force Regions 7 and 8.
In total, the teams served 38 Probation, Parole, and AB109 compliance searches. The operation resulted in 22 arrests including 15 felony adult arrests and 7 misdemeanor arrests. The arrests included felony arrest warrants and various narcotics and weapons violations.
With the implementation of AB109, the burden of supervision responsibilities for many offenders released from state prison and state parole has shifted to the probation department. In an effort to improve oversight and accountability for this population, Riverside County is working in collaboration with local law enforcement agencies to enforce terms of supervision and actively pursue offenders who are non-compliant with their terms of release with the goal of reducing crime in our local communities.
The mission of West PACT is to conduct compliance checks on designated Post Release Community Supervision (PRCS), subjects on Split Sentence and Mandatory Supervision.

Eastvale Chamber Events

Thurs., May 7, 7 a.m.
Connection Breakfast*
Buffalo Wild Wings
12411 Limonite Ave., Eastvale

Guest Speaker – Kymberly Reis, Workforce Development Riverside County
$10 Members, $15 Prospective Members
*Meeting the first Thursday of every month

 

Thurs., May 7, 4 to 7 p.m.

Fire Department Appreciation Event
Norco Cal Fire Station 47

3902 Hillside Ave., Norco

Come show appreciation to the Fire Departments for their performance during the recent Prado Dam fire (supported by the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce)


Fri., May 8, 7 a.m.
Chamber of Commerce Board Meeting

Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

 

Wed., May 13, 6:30 p.m.

Eastvale City Council Meeting

Rosa Parks Elementary

Bob Velcker, Chamber Director, will be provided a Chamber of Commerce update.

 

Thurs., May 14, 5 to 7 p.m.

Eastvale’s San Antonio Medical Center Ribbon Cutting

12442 Limonite Ave., Eastvale

 

Fri., May 15, 8 a.m.

Ambassador Meeting

Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

 

Thurs., May 21, 5:30 p.m.

Chamber After-Hours Mixer

The Joint…the chiropractic place

12411 Limonite Ave., Suite 610, Eastvale

 

Wed., May 27, 6:30 p.m.

Eastvale City Council Meeting

Rosa Parks Elementary

Joel Seigler, Chamber Director, will be provided a Chamber of Commerce update

 

Thurs., May 28, 3 p.m.

Chamber/City Manager

Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

My roommate belongs to a church that reminds me of a gang.  They try to get him to teach classes, conduct religious meeting in people’s homes, knock on doors, and make and take phone calls regarding others joining the church. He’s politely told them that he doesn’t have that kind of time to dedicate to those tasks.  If he refuses, they show up at our apartment and try to intimidate him, saying since he’s behind on his tithing he has an obligation to do all of these other things.  I have watched him give in three times.  He is one of the nicest people I’ve ever met, so last week I called them goons to their faces and told them to get out of our house and to never knock on our door again.  This is my house, too, and I shouldn’t have to tolerate bullies pushing their way in.  Now he is depressed, fearing that his family will hear about it and be upset.  They belong to this church, too. He’s even asked me to call these bullies and apologize for being rude.  I won’t do it.  My roommate is a really nice guy, but I wonder if it’s time for me to move.

-Jack S.

Hi Jack:

Your roommate is nice.  In my opinion, he is TOO NICE.  He should not allow his personal choices to bleed over and into his roommate’s home life.  Make it clear that bullies are not welcomed by you in any capacity.  If the two of you are unable to come to an agreement on this, and get on the same page, give him 30 days notice and move out.  It sounds like the poor guy has no personal power and is unable to stand up for himself.  That’s a shame.  Keep in mind that getting out of this trap is an inside job for him.  He has to make the tough decisions and do it for himself.  Religion is a huge subject.  I don’t think you stand much of a chance of correcting this problem if he’s already asking you to call and apologize.  Wish him luck and ask him if he thinks he can get a new roommate in 30 days.  If he feels he can’t, kindly give him 60 days, but be firm and move on.  Take care, and good luck.

-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

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.

Socially Speaking

By Randi Hauser

Does anyone else feel like April just flew by? Summer is fast approaching, but first you have your child’s prom, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, and then graduation…whew!

I hope you are slowing down long enough to catch up on the local news we bring you each day on social media. Trending topics this month have seen the Silverlakes project back in action, 91 Project updates – including citrus-themed landscaping and artwork, the Prado fire being safely extinguished, and Norco’s fun and famous Horse Week.

Many of you participated in our Circus Vargas ticket give-away.  Congratulations to our three winners, Melissa Brown, Lorraine Gonzalez and Michelle Carvalho. Great job ladies and we appreciate you following us!

We’ve got another great contest this month, but it’s just for the kids this go-around:  The Bike Give-Away Essay Contest, open to students in 1st through 6th Grades. The topic of the essay is: “Reasons Why I Should Win A New Bike.” Students should use this opportunity to explain why they are deserving of this terrific bike give-away prize. All essay entries will be judged on creativity, content, grammar and spelling- with an emphasis on the creativity. Judging will be done in two age groups, 1st through 3rd Grades; and 4th through 6th Grades. Entries for the 1st through 3rd Grade group must be between 100 and 200 words; entries for the 4th through 6th Grade group must be between 200 and 300 words. Parents, encourage your children to participate in this contest, but please do not provide direct assistance. The most charming essays often come directly from the minds of our children. One winner from each group will win an age-appropriate bike!

Completed essays must be dropped off in person at one of our three locations:  Great Harvest Bread Company, 14244 Schleisman Rd., Suite 130, in southwest Eastvale; Mountain View Tires, 6080 Hamner Ave., Suite 105, in northeast Eastvale; or our Eastvale News office, 14144 Central Ave., Suite H in Chino.  The student’s name, grade, school – and parent contact information for winner notification – must be on each entry; only one entry per student will be accepted. Essays will be accepted from Wed., May 6 through Sun. May 24.  All entries will be judged by the Editorial Staff at the Eastvale News.

Have you been checking out our monthly calendar? Stay updated on current events, family outings and city meetings when you visit our calendar on Facebook.  LIKE our page at Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews or on Instagram at @EastvaleNews. Use #iloveeastvalenews to tell us why YOU love Eastvale News.

Keep on Trending, Eastvale!

Brahmas Sign Athletic Scholarships

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile) Four Diamond Bar High athletes signed college letters of intent on Apr. 17 - William Yang, Tyler Peterson, Jordan Rosas and Jessica Pierce.

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Four Diamond Bar High athletes signed college letters of intent on Apr. 17 – William Yang, Tyler Peterson, Jordan Rosas and Jessica Pierce.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – Four Diamond Bar High standout athletes will be taking their skills to compete at the collegiate level after signing scholarships on Apr. 17.

Senior William Yang will play golf at California State University Dominguez Hills. Yang first picked up the clubs when he was 8-year old.  By the time he was in 6th Grade, he was playing competitively in tournaments. Yang played golf all four years at DBHS, along with travel teams.

“I’m pretty excited today,” the 18-year old said during the signing ceremony with family and school officials.

Quarterback Tyler Peterson will play football at Dixie State University in Utah.

“It’s a proud day. I’ve been looking forward to this since 6th Grade!” said Peterson.

Jordan Rosas will play rugby at Notre Dame College in Ohio. The 17-year old plays for a club team, and he will be joining his older brother, Justin, who received the same Notre Dame scholarship two years ago.

“He’ll show me the ropes. It’s going to be great!” Rosas said.

Senior Jessica Pierce will play volleyball at Beloit College in Wisconsin.

“It’s an exciting day!” the varsity side-hitter said.

ERHS Prom Drama

Photo Courtesy: Bethlehem Michael The 2015 ERHS Prom Court

Photo Courtesy: Bethlehem Michael
The 2015 ERHS Prom Court

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – Although many seniors at Eleanor Roosevelt High School have been accepted to their dream schools, earned scholarships, and formed close friendships, there was one thing missing to complete a cherishable memory of their high school experience: a Prom Ticket.

Chaos broke out on the week of Apr. 6, when seniors viciously fought to gain access to their dream night at the Old Ranch Country Club in Seal Beach. Although tickets had gone on sale in early March at the reasonable price of $65, many students decided to wait for the week before spring break to buy their tickets – by which time, the price had increased to $85.

In fact, on the day before spring break, there were less than 100 tickets remaining; and the competition of student vs. student began in the race to go to the Prom.

Starting at 5:40 a.m. on Apr. 6, the line to the Student Store was densely packed with annoyed and impatient students looking to get tickets. The bell had rung for class, but tensions were only beginning to mount. Classes didn’t abate those tensions at all.  Throughout the day, students had apparently snuck out of classes to get to the Student Store. Two hours before school ended, an announcement was made that additional tickets were ordered, and would be put on sale the next day. Unfortunately, the school didn’t order enough tickets, and seniors would not accept the cruel reality.

Even though a waiting list had been issued, enraged seniors and their parents tried to guilt the school into accommodating their anger.  Some criticized the school for not having ordered enough tickets in the first place (ERHS had only ordered 450 tickets, expecting a small number of students to attend); others stated that the school should have organized the Prom at a bigger venue; still another group pitched the idea of having two proms, one for upperclassmen and another for lowerclassmen.  Worst of all, students went so far as to demand that the Student Store force the lowerclassmen to give up their tickets.

In the end, the angry voices were not heard, and some students had to (reluctantly) accept they wouldn’t go to Prom.

Many have viewed this behavior as selfish.  At the age of 17 or 18, it’s immature to act as if the world is ending when one doesn’t get what they want. Then again, pop culture has illustrated Prom Night as the unofficial rite of passage from adolescence to adulthood.

“I think it sucks that everyone [the seniors] won’t go to prom…it means a lot to a lot of people,” stated senior, Derrick White.

Countless seniors sat at home on Prom Night, Apr. 11, disappointed they wouldn’t be able to attend a euphoric evening to epitomize the grace of their temporary youth.

“You’re overreacting and it’s so annoying it amuses me,” joked an anonymous social studies teacher. “Prom is nothing; there are going to be better days in your life. Don’t sweat.”

Nevertheless, the school hopes to make up for the disaster on Grad Night, an event that will be held at Disneyland on June 2.

 

Large Scale Fraud Arrests In Chino Hills

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD) ID Theft paraphernalia found with suspects

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD)
ID Theft paraphernalia found with suspects

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Tues., Apr. 28, the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) Deputies arrested two Chino women on a slew of charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale, the theft of identities of dozens of Southern California victims and manufacturing a firearm using a 3D printer.
The extensive investigation started with the simple report of a credit card being stolen off the front porch of a Chino Hills resident. Further investigation discovered the card was used at local retail establishments and the San Manuel Casino.

Patrol and MET Deputies discovered a group of associates who were connected to a larger identity theft ring led by Josephine Chai, 30, of Chino; Jessica Duong, 25, of Chino; and Steven Phong, 32.  Phong was arrested last month for identity theft, along with his associate, Wesley Isaacs, 50.
On the morning of Apr. 25, a search warrant was served at Chai’s Chino residence in the 14000 block of Ironbark Ave.  Upon service of the warrant, Deputies recovered dozens of forged or altered credit cards issued in the suspect’s name, as well as other names; several computers; an embossing machine; a credit card manufacturing machine; several card encoders; foil used to emboss fraudulent credit cards; a card encoder; several white, stock credit cards; a money counter; and hundreds of documents containing the personal information of other probable victims, including bank statements, bills and other mail.
During service of the search warrant, Deputies also discovered a 3D printer that was in the process of creating a lower receiver for an AR-15, which is an integral part of the assault rifle. Deputies also recovered a manufactured lower receiver that was loaded with live ammunition, as well as a manufactured gun loaded with airsoft ammunition.
The suspects had very elaborate computer systems and machinery, with some credit card manufacturing machines that were professional grade, costing thousands of dollars. The suspects were also in possession of mailbox keys throughout various cities. Detectives at the Chino Hills station will be researching the vast information in an effort to identify as many victims as possible.
Chai and Duong were booked at the West Valley Detention Center. This investigation is ongoing.

What You DON’T See Is What You Get

By Michael Armijo

Inland Empire – When Daniel started his carpet cleaning business six years ago, he had to get insurance. So he did, and he faithfully paid his premiums every month. Unfortunately, Daniel’s business was burglarized, but he had no need to worry; he was fully covered and he had never missed a payment in nearly six years.  Then Daniel found out some very disturbing news.

Daniel’s insurance company gladly filed his claim. The reports were all in order and the estimate of $16,839 was right in line with specifications. But Daniel only received a check for $3,000.  He had no idea his policy coverage for theft or fire had a limit of $3,500, with a $500 deductible.

“It’s common for a business, especially a small business, to be under-insured,” said Grace Buencamino, a longtime broker at George L. Brown Insurance. “You need a proactive agent who will periodically go over your coverage with you to ensure your business is adequately covered.”

Buencamino also points out that it’s not always the client’s fault for not knowing their policy limits.

“Sometimes a business will outgrow their coverage,” she says.  “I’ve seen businesses who thought they had adequate coverage. The business owner didn’t realize that after five years, the company had acquired more equipment, increasing their Business Property from $3,000 to $20,000. To avoid my clients being under-insured, I do an annual review of their policy. Changes in Business Property can be discovered during this review and the policy limits can be changed at very little cost.”

Buencamino also said that by working closely with the business owner, she can get a better understanding of their needs and work with them to limit their exposures. She encourages clients to contact her if they make any changes to their business that may affect their current coverage.

One advantage of consulting with a broker, they can find the best priced insurance to meet your needs, whether they are “rate driven” or “coverage driven”. A broker can shop multiple carriers and bring you the options you deserve.

If you have questions about your Business Insurance Policy, Grace Buencamino with George L. Brown Insurance Agency can be reached at (909) 973-8233 or GBuencamino@georgebrowninsurance.com.  See their ad on page 2.