Mt. SAC Students Win 15 HOSA Medals

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College health career students won a total of 15 medals, including nine gold medals and four silver medals, at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) state leadership conference held March 25 – 30 in Sacramento. More than 2,500 students competed at the state competition.

Daniel Lee (Fullerton), Holly Miller (La Habra), Noehly Partida (Pomona), and Leilani Soto (Ontario) won gold medals in the creative problem solving competition. Amy Barraza (Cudahy), Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Yvonne Prempeh (Fontana), and Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park) won gold medals in the biomedical debate competition. Miller also won a gold medal in the human growth and development competition.

Jessica Benavente (Hesperia), Patrick Chan (La Puente), and Nicole Villanueva (Pomona) took silver medals in creative problem solving. Lee also won a silver medal in the human growth and development competition.

Villanueva also took a bronze medal in the pathophysiology competition, and Campos took bronze in trans-cultural healthcare competition.

All 11 Mt. SAC students will advance to the national HOSA competition to be held June 24 – 27 at the Anaheim Hilton.

HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.

April 2015 SGV News

2015-04-SGVNews-COVERSGV 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: 2015-04-SGVNews-WEB

March 2015 SGV News

2015-03March-SGVNews-COVERSGV 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: 2015-03March-SGVNews-WEB

CH Deputies Arrest 2 For Identity Theft

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Police Department has been investigating a series of crimes associated with credit card and identity thefts.  One of these cases led members of the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team to the city of Upland to locate and interview a person of interest.

On Tues., Apr. 14, at approximately 5:24 p.m., the Team contacted the residents of an apartment located on the 170 block of Armstrong Way.  During the course of the investigation, Deputies determined that residents Lan Le, 31, of Rowland Heights, and Adam Le, 32, of Upland, were in possession of stolen credit cards, stolen personal information used to obtain fraudulent credit, and equipment used for counterfeiting credit cards.

Deputies arrested both men for investigation of conspiracy to commit a crime, identity theft, and credit card fraud.  The suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center, and held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputies from the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team at (909) 364-2000.

San Dimas PD Investigates Cyber Threats

What parents can do to protect their children

Image Courtesy: Slideshare.net

Image Courtesy: Slideshare.net

Staff Reports

San Dimas – According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department San Dimas Station, when threats to any person occur, they take them very seriously and investigate to whatever extent possible.  When threats involve children and teens, it necessitates significant attention from law enforcement, schools and parents.

Recently, threats were posted via a social media account from anonymous persons. The threats and denigrating messages were directed at a student at a local school in San Dimas. Immediate steps were taken to ensure the safety of the intended target of the threats, and to address the safety of all students at the school.

School officials have cooperated and assisted investigators from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department in identifying potential sources of the threats. The forensic investigation – the legal and technical process of identifying the persons who created the accounts and the devices or locations used – will take some time. In the meantime, school and law enforcement personnel will take the reasonable steps necessary to protect the students. The Sheriff’s Department will continue the investigation to conclusion.

Conflicts and bullying at schools are very real problems. When the conflicts expand to social media, parents are often unaware of the communication occurring silently on cell phones and computers. Parents should remain aware of the online activities of their children, and educate them of the serious consequences of bullying and threats. Children are sometimes suspended or expelled from school based on the serious nature of threats, often considered crimes, or at least violations of school policies.

What can parents due to protect their children from harm when the threat isn’t so obvious?  The website, Web MD notes that “Teens are teens, online or off,” and has the following advice:

“With such online perils, tried and true parenting skills, such as letting children know you love them and setting clear, consistent guidelines, may be more important than ever.”

“Parents should be proactive and fold the Internet into engaged parental activity,” says Anne Collier, Executive Director of Net Family News, Inc. Collier advises parents to talk to their kids regularly about their online activities: what sites they visit most often, and if they ever see things that make them uneasy.

Parents should recognize that an Internet-enabled phone (i.e. any device capable of downloading “apps” or accessing the Internet) is an Internet machine, capable of almost anything a stand-alone computer can do. As such, users can fall victim to predators and anonymous bullies, or be exposed to harmful material from anywhere in the world. Would you allow your child to walk unsupervised at any hour of the day or night, anywhere? Consider the Internet a space where parental attention and supervision is just as critical as any other place.

Not only can minors fall victim to others, they might choose to do things illegal, or harmful to others. Parents should counsel children on acceptable behavior and activities online. A simple standard that might apply is, “Don’t do anything online or with your phone that you wouldn’t do in front of me.”

Many advise that parents should possess, and use, the passwords to all devices and accounts for minor children. As one local parent said, “Getting a smart phone or tablet is a privilege, not a right.”

While the free Internet has many powerful and useful qualities, parents should be mindful of the potential for abuse by, or against, children. Please monitor these activities, and report threats or other crimes to local authorities.

Phone Call Scam Alert

Staff Reports

Image Courtesy: www.bbb.org

Image Courtesy: http://www.bbb.org

Riverside – It seems as if fraudulent phone calls are on the rise, and uninformed victims may find themselves short on funds and long on disappointment.

According to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, criminals are impersonating law enforcement officials, utility company personnel, and even county court employees, making random calls and threats in an attempt to extort money.

In one scheme, a victim is told that they have an outstanding warrant for failing to appear for jury duty.  In another scheme, the caller threatens to shut off utilities for past due payment or the installation of a new meter.  The caller would demand payment via credit card or Green Dot card. The suspect would typically remain on the phone with the victim while the money is transferred.

While these suspects are very convincing, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Riverside Superior Court District make it very clear that they will never contact the public in such a way.

If you find yourself a victim of one of these calls, never, ever, provide any type of payment or personal information.  Tell the caller that you are going to contact the company they “represent” directly to resolve the situation.  If possible, write down any incoming numbers from your Caller ID (although many of today’s technologies can hide or scramble phone numbers) and as much information as possible.  Hang up and contact your local law enforcement.

To learn more information on phone scams please visit the Federal Trade Commission at www.consumer.ftc.gov.

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

My husband has recently started taking a new medication.  It has drastically changed his personality.  It helps his medical problems, but it takes away his interest in spending personal or intimate time with me.  Our marriage is suffering.  I can tell he is uncomfortable when I mention the subject. We are too young to be in this situation (late 40s).  Help!

-S.W.

Dear S.W.:

If he is taking blood pressure or diabetes medicine, this is a common side effect and can often be remedied by simply changing the prescription.  Some acid reflux medications are also hard on a man in this way, as are anti-depressants.  Please encourage him to discuss it with his doctor right away.  Quite often, it’s as easy as trying a new medication.  If it turns out that there are emotional issues at hand, consider counseling so you can get to the bottom of it before it becomes a bigger problem.  It’s in your best interest to start the conversation.  Don’t delay. Allowing resentment to settle into your marriage is a mistake.  I wish you a smooth outcome. Let me know if you need any further guidance.

-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.

DEL Records Donates $12,000 To Nogales HS

By Gina K. Ward

DEL WEBRowland Heights – On Fri., Apr. 10, the Rowland Unified School District announced that DEL Records – the largest regional record company in the United States – along with SONY Latin U.S., has donated more than $12,000 to RUSD for student and teacher scholarships.

“On behalf of DEL Records, we are pleased to make a difference in the lives of future leaders,” said Nogales High School Alumnus and Executive Vice President of External Affairs for DEL Records, Brian Gutierrez. Of the funds donated, DEL Records will contribute $5,000 to Nogales High School for student scholarships that will be awarded to graduating seniors and one underclassman student.

“We want to recognize students for their academic efforts, good citizenship and commitment to their community. DEL Records believes that students today are the leaders of tomorrow,” said Gutierrez.

Nogales High School students can apply for the DEL Records Scholarship beginning the week of Apr. 27.

An additional $3,000 will be used for RUSD teacher classroom grants.

“It is important that teachers are recognized for their hard work and dedication to students. This grant will allow them a shopping spree to buy materials and other items for their classrooms and students,” said Angel Del Villar, owner of DEL Records.

A donation of $4,200 was also made by DEL Records to support this year’s “Principal For A Day” event, which supports schools and student scholarships for the Bassett, Hacienda, La Puente, and Rowland Unified School Districts, and the La Puente Valley Regional Occupational Program.

DEL Records is the largest Latin Regional music record label in North America and is a subsidiary of Sony Music Entertainment Latin U.S. For more information, visit www.delrecords.com or www.Facebook.com/DelRecords.

 

 

DB Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met for their first meeting of the month on Tues., Apr. 7, beginning with two proclamations:  one for designating April 2015 as DMV/Donate Life California; and the other naming April 24 as Arbor Day.

Mayor Steve Tye said becoming a donor of organ, tissue, marrow and blood is a life saving act and he encourages all Diamond Bar residents to become donors due to the shortage of donated organs and blood that leads to thousands of deaths each year.

Following the first proclamation, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons stated that this year’s Arbor Day would be on April 24. Lyons noted that the proud tradition of Arbor Day not only helps save the planet, but also provides countless resources and continues Diamond Bar’s tradition of being a “Tree City USA” designee.   The day will be marked with an event at Pantera Elementary Park at 9:15 a.m., with school children giving presentations about the history of Arbor Day, the planting of several new trees, and each child being given a seedling to plant their own tree.

After the proclamations, the schedule of future events was listed to include the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Apr. 9, the City’s birthday celebration on Apr. 11 at Pantera Park, the Planning Commission meeting on Apr. 14, the Pop-up City Hall on Apr. 18 at the Towne Center, and the next City Council meeting on Apr. 21.

The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar including the City Council minutes for Mar. 17; the Planning Commission minutes for Jan. 27, Feb. 24 and Mar. 10; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of Feb. 26; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Jan. 8 and Feb. 12; the ratification of check register dated Mar. 12 through Apr. 1 totaling $1,005,308.73; the Treasurer’s Statement for Feb. 2015; the approval of a contract amendment with Tait and Associates, Inc. for a Comprehensive Groundwater Drainage Study in the amount of $9,070; the approval of a contract amendment for storm water compliance and environmental engineering services with John L. Hunter and Associates for a total amount of $67,133, plus a contingency amount of $6,000; the approval of fiscal year 2015-16 City Council Goals and Objectives; a resolution accepting the easement for public street and slope purposes over the Brea Canyon Flood Control Channel;  authorization for the City Manager to enter into a contract for annual independent audit services with Lance, Soll and Lunghard, LLP, for fiscal years 2015-16 through 2016-17, with an option for two one-year extensions; the adoption of a resolution declaring the City’s intention to levy and collect assessments for Landscape District No. 38; and direction for the City Clerk to advertise the Public Hearing before the Council at the May 19 regular meeting.

Following the consent calendar approval, the City Council adjourned with plans to meet on Apr. 21 at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Is Nestlé Ignoring The Drought?

Nestlé ’s perspective in the wake of finger pointing.

Photo Courtesy: Arrowhead.com

Photo Courtesy: Arrowhead.com

By K.P. Sander 

Riverside County – By now you have most likely heard of Gov. Jerry Brown’s (D-California) declaration of a statewide drought emergency, urging all Californians to reduce their water usage by 20 percent.  Not surprising, with California facing one of its most severe droughts on record.

Municipalities and individuals alike are trying to do their part: shorter showers, landscaping changes, fixing leaky faucets, and more.  But what about Corporate America?  Is everyone doing their part?

There is some controversy surrounding corporate giant, Nestlé Waters North America, owner of Arrowhead Water.  Arrowhead Mountain Spring Water is sourced from a natural spring located on the reservation for the Morongo Band of Mission Indians, located at the base of the San Bernardino Mountains.

Nestlé leases tribal land and has been extracting the water from wells near the spring for about 15 years.  With underground water stores declining due to the drought – in a desert area that only gets a few inches of rainfall each year – many are wondering how much water Nestlé is extracting, and what accountability measures are in place.

The Morongo Reservation is in itself a sovereign nation, and as such is not required to comply with Gov. Brown’s drought mandate.  But is that allowing Nestlé to make environmentally unconscionable decisions?

The Desert Sun reported that Morongo filed a 2013 accounting with the state for 598 acre-feet of groundwater being pumped: “Those amounts translate to about 200 million gallons a year,” or enough water for approximately 400 typical desert homes.”  Nestlé allegedly stopped releasing annual reports of accountability in 2009.

The spring in question was sold by the Cabazon Water District to the Morongo tribe in early 2000, and the Arrowhead bottling production started shortly thereafter.  While no one is questioning that the plant helps the economy in terms of jobs, some say bottling the water in the midst of a severe drought is not the best use of the resource.

The truth of the matter is that U.S. consumers are drinking more water – specifically more bottled water.  And Nestlé is not the corporate villain they have been made out to be.

Jane Lazgin, a spokesperson for Nestlé Waters North America, Inc., provides a different perspective, and one that is more in alignment with California’s drought concerns than previously thought.

Nestlé does, in fact, have five springs in Southern California, and one of those springs is on Tribal lands belonging to the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.  Nestlé employs a team of geologists who manage and measure each of these springs for sustainability.

“Our water use needs to be reported to the governing body, and in the case of the Morongo spring, it is the Tribal officials – who, incidentally, are great conservationists and hold Nestlé  to a very high standard,” says Lazgin.

Overall, water consumption is up due to health consciousness, and Nestlé supplies drinking water as an alternative to sweetened, caloric drinks; good for health and good for the environment.  Lazgin says that Nestlé’s job is to be sure that they have a sustainable supply of water available to meet demands.

“By nature, the bottling of water is an efficient process,” she says.

Nestlé’s production plant has received a silver LEED rating (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design – developed by the U.S. Green Building Council to guide and provide sustainability standards).  To earn points for this environmental leadership rating, they need to limit water and energy loss; so, yes, they definitely share the concerns for California’s drought.

Nestlé is an obvious water user, but of the 108 facilities that bottle water in California, Nestlé owns only five of them.  And even this is only a “drop in the bucket” of water used by industrial manufacturers.

Says Lazgin, “This is the equivalent of watering two golf courses over the period of one year.”

To further share in environmental consciousness, Nestlé has been able to extract 60% of the plastic used in all of their water containers, and the bottles themselves are manufactured with 50% recycled materials.  Working in concert with the CarbonLITE recycling plant in Riverside, California, Nestlé strives to further reduce carbon emissions and environmental waste.

“It creates an eco-friendly domino effect of savings to the environment – less plastic, lower shipping costs, less energy being used,” says Lazgin about their commitment to the environment.

Perhaps it’s all about perspective, but Nestlé appears to be working with – not against – the efforts to assist with California’s drought initiatives.

Chinese Actress Lipo Li Entertains At Mandarin Taste

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For reservations, or more information on special entertainment with actress, Lipo Li, call (909) 861-1819. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For reservations, or more information on special entertainment with actress, Lipo Li, call (909) 861-1819. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – Mandarin Taste is well known in the city of Diamond Bar for its delicious, authentic Chinese cuisine, but beginning May 1, they will add a very special show to entertain guests on Friday evenings.

The beautiful and talented Chinese actress, Lipo Li, will be visiting Mandarin Taste for a limited engagement.  Li gets rave reviews for her performance of Face Changing, a magical dance.  Face Changing is part of a three-century-old theatrical tradition that originated in the Sichuan Province of China.  In the performance, each rapid face change represents a different character in Chinese opera, and each character assumes a unique body posture, stance and gait.

“I am delighted and honored to bring the traditional Chinese performing art of Face Changing to the Asian American, as well as mainstream communities,” says Li.  “Through my performances, I wish to further introduce and promote Chinese cultural heritage and further enrich the cultural diversity in Los Angeles.”

Li is a graduate of the Sichuan Province Art Institute, and has performed on many stages, television programs and movies.

Don’t miss the opportunity to see this amazing cultural performance, and take advantage of a wonderful dining experience.  With delicious food, great service and a family-friendly atmosphere, it’s no wonder customers return again and again.  Mandarin Taste has been in business for more than 31 years and is a favorite among locals.

From the popular Champagne Sunday Brunch to the new Friday entertainment, and everything in between – even orders to go! – Mandarin Taste invites you to visit for a taste of China.  Specializing in Honey Walnut Shrimp, Fried Dumplings and Sizzling Rice Soup, there is something for everyone.

For more information, call Mandarin Taste at (909) 861-1819, or just stop by their location at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar.

Orangetheory Fitness

Affordable Group Personal Training

(Photo Courtesy: Orangetheory Fitness) Orangetheory Fitness is located at 12459 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway Shopping Center (next to Bank of America and Verizon Wireless). They can be reached at (951) 681-8890, and visit their website at www.orangetheoryfitness.com/eastvale.

(Photo Courtesy: Orangetheory Fitness)
Orangetheory Fitness is located at 12459 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway Shopping Center (next to Bank of America and Verizon Wireless). They can be reached at (951) 681-8890, and visit their website at http://www.orangetheoryfitness.com/eastvale.

Staff Reports

Eastvale – A new fitness opportunity is coming to Eastvale, and the New York Times is calling it the best one-hour workout in the country.

Orangetheory Fitness will be opening soon, and owner, Todd Randall, is excited to share his passion for fitness with the community.

“First, surround yourself with great people who are passionate about the goal.  Next, only run teams that you’re willing to be personally invested in.  The rest mostly takes care of itself.”

What Randall is expounding on is success.  Orangetheory’s group training approach is based on science, using a heart rate monitor to inspire performances.  Because they focus specifically on getting each student into their “Orange Zone,” a spike in metabolism occurs that lasts 24 to 36 hours after the session is completed.  This “after-burn” has given Orangetheory quite the reputation for burning calories.

Randall, who has 26 years of experience in the healthcare and fitness industries, didn’t always make his own health a priority.  As a bureaucrat for one of the largest companies in the country, he was good at his job, but he wasn’t taking care of himself, or his family, the way he wanted to.  That all changed for the better with Orangetheory.

“Not everyone has the option of changing careers mid-life,” says Randall.  “This is my way of helping people take a little bit better care of themselves, whatever their schedule is.  If they only have a few hours a week to invest in fitness, it really has to count.”

Randall says it’s not his own expertise that is the most relevant to Orangetheory.  He has surrounded himself with a team of trainers and managers that have competed in the highest levels of collegiate sports, and have nutrition, fitness and medical certificates.  And even though there are three professional athletes on staff, all personal trainers are required to have nationally recognized certification, making not only fitness, but safety and well-being, their priorities.

Orangetheory is also invested in the community.  They support the American Cancer Society and are sponsoring the upcoming Relay for Life Walk on Apr. 18.  Some of the trainers and staff are even participating in JCSD’s Biggest Loser event, to be held Apr. 20 to June 22.

While they are putting the finishing touches on the construction of their new fitness studio, they have a booth set up next to the storefront several days a week.  Stop by and say hello, learn more about the Orange Zone buzz, and ask about their special pre-opening membership rates.

Orangetheory Fitness is located at 12459 Limonite Avenue, in the Gateway Shopping Center (next to Bank of America and Verizon Wireless).  They can be reached at (951) 681-8890, and visit their website at www.orangetheoryfitness.com/eastvale.  See their ad on page 10.

 

 

 

DBHS Orchestra Cup Grand Champions

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile) The 140-member Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 1st place Orchestra Cup award while sightseeing at New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
The 140-member Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra celebrates their 1st place Orchestra Cup award while sightseeing at New York City’s Rockefeller Center.

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar High School Symphony Orchestra has been crowned the best in the nation.  The 140-member orchestra won the National School Orchestra Finals at New York’s Lincoln Center.  As Grand Champions, Diamond Bar High received the prestigious Orchestra Cup award.

Guest Conductor, Sey Ahn, and Instrumental Music Director, Steve Acciani, led the stellar performance of Brahms 4th Symphony.

The top eight schools in the country were invited to compete in the Finals, held Mar. 8, in the Alice Tully Hall.

“Just to be invited is fantastic,” Acciani said.

Two years ago DBHS came in second place.

“This year we picked a very difficult piece. Every person in the entire group has to be at a very high level just to even attempt it,” the orchestra director explained.

The elite musicians at Diamond Bar High were up for the challenge.

“We had the right combination of great wind players, great string players, and great percussion players,” said Acciani, a 2015 Grammy Music Educator Finalist.

“At the beginning we all knew the Brahms was a super difficult piece and we’ve played difficult pieces before,” said senior violinist Grace Chin. “Eventually it all paid off.”

Leading up to the festival the dedicated musicians put in weeks of after-school and weekend rehearsals.

“It was a really good moment for us because we had put in so much work,” shared junior cellist Eric Zhu.

“The kids were just phenomenal. To be able that pull it off at the level they did is remarkable,” Acciani said.

The DBHS performance earned a standing ovation from the other competitors and high praise from the judging panel.

“The judges commented that it was one of the finest orchestras they’ve ever heard,” Acciani said.

The 40-minute presentation was everything the group hoped it could possibly be.

“When we played in the big hall it sounded really amazing. Everything was on point and it felt like it was like worth the time and effort we put into it!” Zhu stated.

“It was one of those moments where everything connects. You’re able to take what the composer intended and communicate that to the audience. It was something pretty spectacular,” Acciani added.

Diamond Bar High School is the 2014 National Grammy Signature School.

 

Free Counseling Available

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

For the past 18 years, I have had the honor of facilitating a free counseling group every Monday evening.  Our group meets at the Walnut Teen Center and Gymnasium located at 21003 La Puente Rd., in the city of Walnut.  We meet year round from 6 to 8 p.m. (unless that Monday is a holiday).

Even though this group meets at a Teen Center, I invite people of all ages, with all types of issues, to attend.  This group helps parents, students, and all those that are just struggling in their lives.  My goal is to make our community healthier, and help individuals be more effective and successful in their lives.  We work on an array of issues that many people present day are dealing with. There is no reason for anybody to be stuck in an unhealthy place.

If you are tired of the fight between you and your child regarding homework, or need some more effective ways to communicate, this is the group for you.  Maybe depression or anxiety seems to be holding you or a loved one back; this is a place to find solutions that could be life changing.  If you or somebody you know is struggling with drugs or drinking, this group is a great place to get some coping skills to help you get clean.  We even talk about ways to deal with bullies and how damaging that can be for someone’s self-esteem.

Bring in an issue, and I promise you will feel hopeful and have new tools to help you confront the situation head on.  Don’t let embarrassment stop you or a loved one from getting the help you need to reclaim the wonderful life you are so deserving of.

All are invited, and you do not need an appointment to attend this group.  Additionally, this program also satisfies many court-mandated needs.

For more information, contact me at (909) 229-0727; or call the Teen Center at (909) 444-0089.

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. Nancy is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. She runs free family support groups, 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 Nancy at (909) 229-0727; or you may e-mail her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books, Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.

Fun In The Sun At DB Birthday Party

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – Local residents of all ages enjoyed a sunny day of food, games, rides, and fun at the 26th Annual Diamond Bar Birthday Party last week. The birthday party is the City’s largest annual event that is held in partnership with community organizations, school districts, law enforcement agencies, local businesses, and non-profit service agencies.

Birthday3-WEBThe event took place on Sat., Apr. 11 at Pantera Park. From 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., cars were lined up around every street corner nearby. Local residents filled the park as they were dressed in red, white and blue attire to support the “Spirit of Diamond Bar.”

A Ferris wheel towered over the park next to whirling swings, a giant slide, a kid’s Merry-Go-Round, and a wide selection of other carnival rides that were run by local organizations. Nearby, a line of white tents showcased a variety of games that supported different non-profit service organizations. Some of the organizations included the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club, the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club, Walnut Solar Car, and local Leo Clubs. Children of the community were able to play the games and claim their winnings at the Prize Booth.

Local musicians and groups performed on the main stage as birthday party entertainment. Around the stage were blue tents with local groups selling delicious food and snacks, including tacos, cotton candy, and kettle corn. Organizations running the food booths were Pop Warner, Boy Scout troops, Heart of Hope, and the local Rotary, just to name a few.

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Beautiful antique cars were also displayed on the park grass.  The Diamond Bar Car Show is an annual event, and volunteer judges examined the cars and picked their favorite as the winner. Residents were also in on the fun as they were allowed to vote for their favorite in the Car Show’s People’s Choice Awards. In addition to the antique cars, local law enforcement displayed their police vehicles nearby with the doors open, so residents could take a peek inside.

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Photo Courtesy: Sarah Sanchez

Local law enforcement and the fire department were very supportive of the event.  Police Captain Jeff Scroggin was in attendance, along with a variety of other Police Deputies and Sheriff Volunteers. The Los Angeles County Fire Department also provided a Shakey Quakey Earthquake Preparedness Truck that moved to reenact an earthquake.

Birthday4-WEBA Business Showcase was available for residents to enjoy, hosted by the San Gabriel Valley Chamber of Commerce.  Local businesses came together under one tent, advertising their wares to the community. Residents were able to go around to each booth, win prizes, sample treats, and collect information.  Smaller tents were lined up nearby to display a variety of informational booths and organizations, such as Walnut Valley Unified School District, Marine Corps, Walnut Valley Water District, and the City of Diamond Bar Environmental Services.

At around 3 p.m., the City Council and City staff gathered together to announce the Outstanding Volunteer Awards. The Diamond Bar Council honored adults and youth with this award for good deeds and community service. Residents throughout the City were previously given the opportunity to nominate who they felt deserved this award, and the winners were announced at the birthday party.

Birthday1-WEBMayor Steve Tye, on behalf of the Council, honored the following awardees: Alex Lee, Jeff Koontz, Sameer Sharmal, and Richard and Rosette Clippinger. Former Diamond Bar Mayor, Aileen Asari, also honored Rosette Clippinger with flowers for her work as the President of the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club. The last awardee was Lori Ingoglia, who was unable to attend the event.

After the awards, the newly announced 2015 Miss Diamond Bar and the Princess Court were called to the stage to help cut the birthday cake. City of Diamond Bar staff and the City Council surrounded the stage as Mayor Tye led the Happy Birthday song.  Streamers filled the air as everyone cheered for another year in a great city.

After the event, local high school student volunteers and City staff gathered together to help clean up the party that took months to plan.

The birthday party has been held annually at Pantera Park for 26 years. If you missed this year’s party, make sure you don’t miss out on the fun next April!

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 04.18.15

2015-Apr18-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-Apr18-Weekly-WEB

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Kids’ Night Out

When:  Apr. 18; 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 www.chinoyouthmuseum.com.

11th Annual Intergenerational Art Show

When:  Apr. 20 – 24, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road

Details:  Group exhibition featuring mix mediums including oil, watercolor, photography, writings, jewelry and more.  This event is free, open to the public, and artist submissions are currently being accepted.

Contact:  Walnut Senior Center, (909) 598-6200

“Puttin’ On The Hits” Scholarship Fundraiser

When:  Fri., Apr. 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Apr. 25, 3 and 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Clarke Theater, Mt. San Antonio College, Walnut

Details:  For the 17th year, you can see stars such as Dean Martin, Judy Garland, Queen and Pharrell Williams on one stage, at the Mt. SAC Faculty Association Scholarship Fundraiser.  Tickets $25 and up for general admission; $15 for students with ID.

Contact: Call the Performing Arts Box Office at (909) 274-2050, or visit http://www.tickets.mtsac.edu.

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly: April 25, May 23, 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.

Diamond Bar’s 22nd Annual Wine Soiree

When:  Sun., Apr. 26

Where:  Diamond Bar Center; 1600 Grand Ave.

Details:  Wine tastings, delicious foods, benefit auction and more!  All proceeds benefit the Diamond Bar Library.  Tickets: $60 advance; $65 at the door.

Contact:  Tickets available at the DB Library and Basically Books, 21800 Copley Drive; and online at dblibraryfriends.org.  Call (909) 861-2002.  21 and over only.

First Friday Food Trucks

When:  May 1; 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.

Peddler’s Market

When:  Sat., May 2, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Where: Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road

Details:  All residents are encouraged to clean out their cupboards, closets, garages and become a vendor.  18×18’ booths are just $35 ($45 including table/2 chairs)

Contact:  Walnut Senior Center, (909) 598-6200

Chino Corporate Challenge

When:  May 2 – 15

Where:  City of Chino

Details:  Commit your company and yourself to a healthier lifestyle by joining the two week event where company teams can complete with other local businesses in a variety of games, including Kickball, Bunco, Softball.

Contact:  Carolyn Owens, Community Center, (909) 334-3258; email communityservices@cityofchino.org; or visit the website at www.chinocorporatechallenge.com

Irwindale 35th Annual Golf Tournament

When:  Thurs., May 7; 10 a.m. Registration; 11:30 a.m. Shotgun Start; 5:30 p.m. Catered Reception Dinner

Where:  Sierra La Verne Country Club

Details:  The tournament is open to every level of golfer and offers an invigorating day of business networking, socializing and sporting fun. Registration is limited to 144 players and sells out every year.

Contact:  Call the Chamber office at (626) 960-6606, or visit http://www.irwindalechamber.org

 

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

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

Did You Know 2

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia) Earth Selfie

On Wed., Apr. 22, we celebrate Earth Day, the annual event demonstrating support for environmental protection of the place we call home.

First celebrated on Mar. 12 – the first day of spring – in 1970, the idea was proposed as a day to honor the Earth and the concept of peace, by activist, John McConnell.  A separate Earth Day was founded just a month later, on Apr. 22, by U.S. Senator, Gaylord Nelson.  He was later awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom in recognition of his work.

According to Nelson (and Wikipedia), the moniker “Earth Day” was the most “obvious and logical name,” and a friend suggested that it rhymed with “Birthday” – making it a good choice for the occasion.

In a recent press release from EarthDay.org, more than 1 billion people in 192 countries around the globe participate in related activities and events, making it the largest civic observance in the world.  Earth Day is now celebrated in more than 192 countries.

On this 45th anniversary, do something kind for our Earth.  Plant a tree or native foliage; reduce, reuse and recycle; buy or make Earth-friendly cleaning products; conserve water; and most importantly, educate yourself and your family in an effort to make good choices to be kind to our Earth.  The changes you make will help preserve our planet for generations to come.

Active School Shooters Are Not “Campus Visitors”

By Warren Pulley

CEO, RyPul Threat Assessments

RyPulSecuring school campuses around the country has become a major point of contention, with each side of the debate entrenched in the fact that they believe their ideas are the best and most reasonable. But the first thing school systems need to do is to stop designing protection plans as if active shooters are merely visitors to our campuses, when, in fact, they are killers at large.

Both sides do have some degree of support in their respective circles of influence, and in some cases, what each side is proposing just may work on a small, district-sized scale.  For instance, I often hear gun rights advocates supporting the idea of arming teachers as one of the most effective means of protection for our children while at school.  While this approach may have some effect on the active shooter, that shooter would have to encounter the armed teacher who is adequately trained to square off and stand in the line of fire with an armed intruder, and fire well-placed, consistent shots under pressure.  If all of those factors can be achieved them there is room for a measure of success.

However, in my professional opinion as a former police officer and current worldwide protective specialist, training a teacher to that level of profiency may require more instruction than most teachers or school systems are willing to dedicate.  On the other hand, I do support the deployment of more armed school resource officers and directed police patrols as a way to help in the deterrence of armed violence.  But in most cases, there are just not enough police professionals available to make a noticeable difference in the response times needed to make this approach effective as anything other than highly visible window dressing.

Then we come to the other side of the debate that insists on increased video surveillance, key card scanners, mental health legislation, limited entry and exit ways, metal detectors, student badges, etc.  Now, all of these things can make a difference – if used correctly all of the time, maintained in proper working order, are fully funded, and are used in conjunction with armed security staff.  We must remember that active shooters or armed intruders do not follow the standard protocol of using designated entry ways, nor do they wear badges that can be scanned, or stand in line to be processed into the school campus, or even really care about the presence of school video surveillance systems.  Active shooters arrive on our campuses with one single-minded purpose:  to inflict as many causalities as possible in the shortest amount of time before the arrival of highly trained, paid and competent security professionals.

And while the argument continues to rage about who is right or wrong, or best suited to draft policies that mitigate the loss of life and property damage on our school campuses, the active shooter is only doing one thing:  planning their next attack regardless of school policy, procedure or practice.

The active shooter will engage our children while they stand outside in perfect lines to be processed into our wholly unsecure campuses. The active shooter will do the evil deed of killing our children while being watched by the overpriced, high-definition camera systems that our school systems have purchased to watch and record the murder of our children.  And afterward, parents, educators and security professionals will launch into the debate about what to do.

I recently learned that a school system in this great nation came to the conclusion that the best way to deter a school shooter is to simply “move the doors on each of its campuses to a new location within the building.”  I am supposing that this idea will somehow confuse the shooter and cause them to just forego their intent?  I shook my head in disbelief while reading the article, and wondered just how idiotic we as a society have become.  And don’t get me started on one Alabama school district’s idea of simply having its children “throw canned goods at its armed intruders;” what poppycock.

The answer to our questions is extremely simple.  Let’s no longer debate the issue about the so-called “militarized look of our campuses,” as we already have that in place in nearly every school in the country with our high wire fences, armed security staffs, metal detector entry points, roving armed patrols, locked metal gates, key carded entryways and high frequency radios. Let’s simply utilize the current technology in place today.  Passive ballistic protection products are on the market which are already offered to police officers, food service workers, airline pilots and bank employees.  This low visibility and high protection option has become the gold standard for protecting against gun violence around the world.  Passive ballistic protection works.  Debate over.

Arrest In 2008 OC Cold Case

Man arraigned for entering home and sexually assaulting sleeping child.

(Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana Police Department) Cold Case Suspect, Dustin Lee Morgan

(Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana Police Department)
Cold Case Suspect, Dustin Lee Morgan

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – A man was arraigned at the Central Jail in Santa Ana on Mon., Apr. 13, for entering the home of a girl under 10 years old and sexually assaulting her while she was asleep in her bed.

Dustin Lee Morgan, 36, of Texarkana, Texas, is charged with one felony count of performing lewd acts upon a child under 14, one felony count of sexual penetration of a child under 10, and a sentencing enhancement allegation for performing lewd acts on a child under 14 during the commission of a burglary. If convicted, Morgan faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison.
At approximately 5 a.m. on Feb. 8, 2008, the Morgan is accused of breaking into the Santa Ana home of Jane Doe, who was under the age of 10 at that time. The defendant is accused of walking into Jane Doe’s bedroom while she was sleeping. The defendant is accused of pushing the victim’s face down after she woke up and covering her mouth to prevent her from making any noise while sexually assaulting her.

Morgan is accused of fleeing the residence through a sliding glass door from the victim’s bedroom to the balcony after the victim screamed. Jane Doe’s family members contacted the Santa Ana Police Department (SAPD) that night, and SAPD began investigating this case.
In Feb. 2015, SAPD’s Family Crimes Unit conducted an additional DNA analysis of evidence recovered from the 2008 crime scene, and linked Morgan to the crime. On Mar. 26, Morgan was arrested by the United States Marshall Service in Texarkana, Texas. He was extradited back to Orange County on Mar. 31.