Dreams Become Reality When You Believe In Yourself

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

We all have dreams for our life.  Why is it that some of us turn our dreams into reality and some of us just keep dreaming?  Why do some of us find the motivation to make our dreams come true and others just give up?

I believe we are all capable of getting what we want from our lives.  I also think we all have the potential to grow into somebody that we are proud of being.  I think what sets a person apart is they believe they can, or they believe they can’t.

I find it very sad when I see somebody with a vision of what their life could be, yet they think they can’t ever obtain the life they are supposed to have.  This person somehow has never been taught to believe in themselves, and gets cheated out of the life they should have had.  This is where really effective parenting is so essential.  We also need to help those not so effectively parented to reach for the sky as well.  We need to not give up on our dreams, ourselves and each other.

Dreams can become our wonderful reality if we create a plan with the correct steps.  Think about every other goal that you have met and the plan that was made up of baby steps.  I promise you that if you have a dream and want it to become your reality, all you have to do is trust yourself and take the steps that turn dreams into reality.

The first step is having the faith and trust inside yourself to believe that you can do it.  Never lose sight of the already wonderful you, and think of your plan as just adding to that wonderful person!

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.

$1 Million Marijuana Grow Op Arrest

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD) Elaborate marijuana grow operation in Pomona

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD) Elaborate marijuana grow operation in Pomona

Staff Reports

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD) Phillip Startsman, marijuana grow mastermind

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD)
Phillip Startsman, marijuana grow mastermind

Pomona – Officers from the Major Crimes Task Force followed up on a tip of a “marijuana grow” operation located at 2713 N. Towne Ave., an industrial area in the City of Pomona.

According to the Pomona Police Department, when Officers arrived, they smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the business. Officers subsequently wrote a search warrant for the location.

On Fri., Mar. 6, at approximately 1 p.m., Officers served the search warrant and located a sophisticated marijuana grow operation.

Suspect Phillip Startsman, 35, was found to be the mastermind behind the elaborate operation.

Officers recovered approximately 630 mature marijuana plants with a weight of over 300 pounds. The marijuana had an estimated street value of over $1,000,000.

The illegal operation was found to be a hub for the distribution of marijuana to local dispensaries. Suspect Startsman was arrested and charged with Health and Safety Code violations, including Cultivation of Marijuana, and Possession of Prescription Drugs for Sale.

 

Two Guilty In Nip And Tuck Bust

Staff Reports

Orange – A federal jury has convicted two local women in connection with a scheme to defraud union and private health insurance programs by submitting bills for more than $71 million – and receiving over $50 million in payments – for medically unnecessary procedures on patients who received free or discounted cosmetic surgeries.

According to the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office, on Thurs., Mar. 5, Theresa Fisher, 45, of Tustin, was found guilty on five counts of mail fraud; and Lindsay Hardgraves, 30, of San Pedro, was found guilty on two counts of mail fraud.

The evidence presented during a six-day trial showed that members of the scheme lured insured “patients” to a surgery center in Orange, with promises that they could use their union or PPO health insurance plans to pay for cosmetic surgeries, which are generally not covered by insurance. The surgery center was known at various times as Princess Cosmetic Surgery, Vista Surgical Center, and Empire Surgical Center.

Marketers such as Hardgraves referred “patients” to the surgery center, where they were told they could receive free or discounted cosmetic surgeries if they underwent multiple, medically unnecessary procedures that would be billed to their union or PPO health care benefit program. Fisher was a consultant at the surgery center who scheduled procedures after telling the “patients” about the free cosmetic procedures they could receive, and coaching them to fabricate or exaggerate symptoms so that their medical procedures would be covered by their insurance.

The unnecessary procedures typically performed on the “patients” were endoscopies, colonoscopies and cystoscopies. Once the health care benefit program paid the claims, the patients were given free or discounted cosmetic surgeries, including “tummy tucks,” breast augmentations and liposuction. In some cases, the surgery center simply billed cosmetic procedures (such as tummy tucks) as if they were medically necessary procedures (such as hernia surgeries).

A large number of the fraudulent claims were submitted to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Operating Engineers Union health insurance plans. Other victim insurers included Aetna and Anthem.

Fisher and Hardgraves are scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge, Josephine L. Staton, on May 29. At sentencing, each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of mail fraud.

 

Maternity Motels: Birth Tourism In Eastvale?

By K.P. Sander and Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Photo Courtesy: NationalVisas.com

Photo Courtesy: NationalVisas.com

Eastvale– You may have heard about Birth Tourism, and the so-called Maternity Motels that help to propagate it.  This is a nationwide issue that has been amidst a lot of controversy in the City of Chino Hills, and now it seems the City of Eastvale may have a thing or two to say about the matter.

Wikipedia describes Birth Tourism as travel to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country.  One of the main reasons for taking such measures is for the newborn to gain citizenship of that country, as well as take advantage of the destination’s healthcare system.

In the United States, our 14th Amendment to the Constitution guarantees U.S. citizenship to those born on its territory, provided the individual is subject to the jurisdiction thereof.  To stop Birth Tourism, some other countries, such as France, Australia, and the United Kingdom, have made the proviso that at least one parent must be a citizen of the country, or a legal, permanent resident.  The U.S. is unconditional.

The practice of Birth Tourism is popular among women in South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, usually in elite or wealthy circles.  For a fee of around $15,000, women can come to the U.S., take a holiday with sightseeing and shopping excursions, and give birth to an American citizen.  But is this “playing the system” lawful?  Most aspects of it are not.

The organization, Not in Chino Hills, says women are coming to the United States under false pretenses.  They are learning about Birth Tourism through websites instructing them how to come here legally, but that is not necessarily the case.  Some of their guidelines are downright deceitful.

The Chinese website, starbabycare.com – and many others like it – actually provides specific guidelines for giving birth in the United States.  Their hyperbole suggests entering the U.S. two to three months prior to delivery and wearing relaxed and comfortable costumes in order to help “facilitate” the U.S. Immigration process at the airport.  They regale about the benefits of American citizenship, including education, political asylum, and how the baby can help others immigrate on their ticket.

The website offers special “Star Packages,” featuring luxurious accommodations (that look nothing like a hospital, but more like an upscale hotel), promising everything from the ultimate in mother/baby care with full-time nurses and exclusive chefs “preparing meals according to your tastes.”  There’s even a thrice weekly shuttle for shopping trips and site-seeing, as well as “major cleaning,” or maid services.  They entice it to sound as if you are booking the vacation of a lifetime abroad.  But who is in charge of the prenatal and neonatal care?

Local attorney, Rossanna Mitchell, who has lived in Chino Hills for 26 years – and is a spokesperson for Not in Chino Hills – says the whole system is misleading.

“Foreign women are being misled by these business operators.  They are flying over here on a tourist visa – ‘to visit Disneyland’ – and told to wear baggy clothes and not let anyone know they are pregnant,” says Mitchell.

The women are seeking the beautiful hospital accommodations shown on the websites, but are arriving in “residential areas where the accommodations are very substandard, with no amenities, and home improvements that are not permitted,” Mitchell adds.

Inspections of such homes have reportedly revealed exposed wires, unsafe water heaters, rooms with illegal distances from combustible appliances, improper ventilation, and a lack of emergency exits.  Generally, there are unsafe accommodations, not to mention the sewage (spillage) and sanitation issues, and excess trash that accompany the retrofitting for excessive occupants.

Mitchell continues, “You can’t turn your residence into a motel.  There are legalities involved.  Plus, a lot of these places are turning cash transactions to evade income taxes.”

This issue has caught the eye of Eastvale City Councilman, William Link, who has received many inquiries from the Eastvale community. Link decided to investigate the topic and got in contact with Assemblyman Ken Calvert.

According to Link, “There is nothing we as a city or a council can really do about it. It’s a federal issue and only if laws are changed, can we do anything.”

As it stands now, the only way to shut these homes down is if they make structural changes or violate housing codes. Link has received reports that there may be Maternity “Motels” in the Enclave and Serafina communities, as well as in other parts of Eastvale.

In Chino Hills, there has been action to help write the wrongs.  State Assemblyman, Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills), previously introduced a bill that would criminalize the operation of a hotel in a residential zone. Link is hoping that Calvert will also look into similar ways of helping Eastvale with this issue.

In January 2013, L.A. County Supervisor, Don Knabe, called on the Board of Supervisors to crack down on these maternity motels, which were becoming increasingly ubiquitous in the San Gabriel Valley.

“Across the United States, the recent trend in ‘birthing tourism’ has led to money-making schemes that put the health and safety of mothers and babies in jeopardy.  We have had an increase in complaints from neighboring residents, concerned about the well-being of those in these homes, as well as the concern about the quality of life in residential neighborhoods when these facilities are allowed to operate,” said Knabe.

This isn’t about denying anyone the American Dream, but is American citizenship really for sale?  As one Chino Hills resident put it, “This is a perversion of our legal system.”

To find out more, visit http://notinchinohills.org.

The Ford Customer’s Best Friend

By Lisa Browning

(Photo Courtesy: Hemborg Ford) Hemborg Ford is located at 1900 Hamner Avenue in Norco. Visit them at Hemborgford.com.

(Photo Courtesy: Hemborg Ford)
Hemborg Ford is located at 1900 Hamner Avenue in Norco. Visit them at Hemborgford.com.

It’s been 112 years since Henry Ford first incorporated and the Ford Motor Company was born. Today, it’s one of the most popular vehicle brands in the country, and there are an estimated 3,800 Ford dealerships across the nation. Hemborg Ford, nestled in Norco, was opened by Bob Hemborg in March of 1983. They’ve been serving up a special brand of service for 32 years.

The dealership is the very definition of a family-owned and operated business; the Hemborg family started it, and they still own and run it today. Their commitment to customers and the surrounding communities is how they separate themselves from other dealerships in the region.

“It starts with a great product,” says General Sales Manager, Daryle Uhrich. “We certainly have that with the Ford line-up. But, you have to go beyond that. There’s no lack of Ford dealers in the region. The Hemborg family insists that the experience a customer receives here is friendly, and helpful. We’re old school in that sense; we don’t hassle, we handshake.”

Uhrich pulls up an online comment from a customer and reads it out loud. “Best car buying experience we have ever had. Can’t say enough about the sales person; honest, funny, fair, patient. Will be coming back.”  Ulrich smiles, adding with emphasis, “That is exactly what we want to hear!”

An experienced, knowledgeable staff pays close attention to the enormous inventory of F-Series trucks that are a staple. The Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for nearly 40 years. More than 2,000 are sold in the U.S. every day, and a great deal of truck business comes Hemborg’s way. The Truck Center is a huge section of the dealership, with row after row of gleaming workhorses.

“Norco is known as ‘Horse Town USA,’ and trucks are part of the lifestyle here,” Uhrich says.

Ford’s tagline is “Go Further,” while Hemborg’s tagline is a tongue-in-cheek nod to its surroundings, “Saddle Up!”

Not everything at Hemborg is old school. When the dealership first opened, there wasn’t a freeway within sight, and many current neighborhoods didn’t exist. The dealership has expanded to meet the growing needs of Norco, Corona, Chino and now Eastvale. Today, Hemborg’s service department maintains state-of-the-art diagnostics and highly skilled technicians. To accommodate the growing number of shoppers who turn to the Internet to browse and buy, Hemborg has invested in a comprehensive, user-friendly site.

Hemborg Ford supports a variety of local events, area schools and charitable organizations.

“You can treat your business address as just your location. The Hemborg way is to treat it like your home,” Uhrich says.

Asked what Hemborg’s goal is for 2015, Uhrich replies, “The same as it was last year. To be the Ford customer’s best friend.”

Hemborg Ford is located at 1900 Hamner Avenue. They are north of the 91/15 freeway interchange, at the Second Street exit in Norco. You can visit them online at Hemborgford.com.

Did You Know?

By Melissa Aguilera and K.P. Sander

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

Eastvale – On March 17, you can be sure that many throughout the world will be celebrating Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

Maewyn Succat – the man who would become canonized by the Catholic Church as Saint Patrick – was born in Kilpatrick, Scotland in 387 AD.  He was famous for his extensive missionary work in Ireland, and it is reported that he converted more than 135,000 people to Christianity, established 300 churches, and consecrated 350 bishops.

Succat died on March 17, 461, and while that date is celebrated in reverence for all that Saint Patrick accomplished in his lifetime, it is very often associated with “the drink.”   So much so, that it has become one of the deadliest days of the year due to drunk driving.

According to Trafficsafetymarketing.gov, St. Patrick’s Day has ended in tragedy for too many Americans.  From 2009 to 2013, 276 lives were lost in drunk-driving crashes.  Most importantly, nearly three-quarters of those fatalities involved drivers who were at twice the legal limit of alcohol. That is way too much celebrating.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that 32% of all fatalities from motor vehicle crashes on St. Patrick’s Day are connected to drunk driving.  They are reminding drivers not to get behind the wheel if they’ve had too much to drink.  Whether you are gathering with friends at a local pub, or attending or hosting a party, adhere to these NHTSA sobriety tips to keep yourself and others safe.

 

  • Avoid drinking too much alcohol too fast. Pace yourself by eating enough food, taking breaks, and alternating drinks with non-alcoholic beverages.
  • If you don’t have a designated driver, ask a sober friend for a ride home; call a cab, friend, or family member to come and get you; or just stay where you are and sleep it off until you are sober.
  • Use your community’s sober ride program.
  • Never let a friend leave your sight if you think they are about to drive and have had too much to drink.
  • Always buckle up – it’s still your best defense against other drunk drivers.
  • Remember, you can be held liable and prosecuted if someone you served ends up in a drunk-driving crash.
  • Serve lots of food and include non-alcoholic beverages at your party.
  • Stop serving alcohol before the end of your party and begin serving coffee and dessert.

 

Lt. Scott Forbes from the Eastvale Police Department says, “The Eastvale Police Department is always concerned for our residents’ driving safety, particularly during holidays and Saint Patrick’s Day.  We want everyone to enjoy their night and encourage them to plan ahead if people in their group will be drinking.  Designate a sober driver before you arrive.  If no one in your party is sober, call a cab or a sober friend for a ride.  If all else fails and you see someone who you believe is driving while impaired, call 911 immediately.  We’d rather respond to a false alarm than a fatality.”

St. Patrick’s Day brings to mind shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold and the luck o’ the Irish. But no amount of luck can save you from a drunk-driving crash. Be Safe.  Be Smart.  Be Sober.

 

 

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 03.14.15

2015-Mar14-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-Mar14-Weekly-WEB

March Madness

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

The highlight of the college basketball season is “March Madness.”  This is when 64 college teams are selected to participate in the annual NCAA basketball tournament.

During the month of March, these 64 teams will be reduced to the Final Four and only one will be crowned the champion.  It is an exciting month.

I have told you that when I was in high school, I played baseball and ran cross country; but, my favorite sport in school was playing basketball.

I am not very tall and I wasn’t very fast, but I loved to play basketball.  Unlike baseball and cross country, there were usually a lot of people at a high school basketball game.

There were cheerleaders, lots of fans, and usually a small “pep band” that filled our school gym with noise and energy.  It was loud and crazy and lots of fun.

I played point guard on the team.  My job was to set up plays and pass the ball to my teammates near the basket.  I was also expected to play defense and prevent the other team from getting a fast break and easy bucket at our end of the court.

Basketball is fluid; it keeps moving.  Plays and opportunities develop quickly and it was fun to work with other members of our team to score a basket.

Baseball is different.  It is a slow paced game where you wait for the pitcher to pitch and the hitter to hit.  A baseball game can last for hours.  A basket ball game is a lot faster and a lot shorter.

One of my favorite movies is, “Hoosiers.”  It is about a basketball team from a small town in Indiana that makes it to the state finals.  In one scene, the coach tells a player, “Don’t shoot the ball unless you are right under our basket and no one else is around!”

I think that is what my high school coach said to me.  I think he preferred that I pass the ball and shoot as little as possible.  I think I usually scored about 4 points a game.  I do remember scoring 13 points one time, but most of them were on free throws!

March Madness is almost here.  College teams from around the country will be competing for the national title.  For a few short weeks, basketball will capture the attention of the sports world and fill our TV screens with many memorable moments.

I hope you can enjoy it.  I know I will.

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.

Fix-A-Leak Week

Receive a Free Kit March 16 through 22

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – More than 1,000,000,000,000 (one trillion!) gallons of water are lost in the United States each year due to plumbing leaks within the home.

The City of Chino Hills has proclaimed March 16 through 22 as “Fix-a-Leak” week, and urges residents to make a commitment to check plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks – and make the necessary repairs.

Free Home Leak Detection Kits will be available for the first 1,500 Chino Hills households beginning on March 16.  The Home Leak Detection Kits include a guide to home water conservation, dye tablets to detect toilet tank leaks, and a tool to measure flow rates for your showerheads and faucets to compare with flow rates of water-saving fixtures.

Residents should bring a water bill or utility account number to receive the free kit while supplies last. Visit the water counter on the second floor at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.

Visit http://www.chinohills/FixALeak for tips on saving water and detecting leaks. For additional information, please call the Utility Conservation Coordinator at (909) 364-2804.

Forgiving Yourself

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

jennifer-Jester-MadrigalThere is a saying that says something about forgiveness being a gift you give yourself. The idea is that once you forgive those who have wronged you, you take that load off your own shoulders and release that poison from yourself.

This is true in so many ways, but never is that load so heavy as when it is your own forgiveness. It’s so much easier to forgive others than it is to forgive yourself. Often we judge ourselves so much harsher than others, and we make ourselves miserable trying to live up to some insane version of how we think we should be.  The truth is, we’re not perfect and we never will be.

Stop trying to be perfect and instead focus on who you are and the progress that you have made. Try and give yourself the same grace and charity that you give to others, and take a step back.

I do this all the time – I judge myself so much more rigidly than others and expect myself to always know better, do better and be better. But, I’m human, I mess up, I say the wrong things, do the wrong things, etc.  These things don’t make me bad and they don’t define who I am.  They are just mistakes.

Last year, I made some major life changes and decided to get real with myself. I was tired of making excuses and feeling guilty about poor choices I’ve made, and instead I took action. I forgave all those who wronged me, even if they never apologized. I set myself free from the burden of trying to make everyone else happy, and instead focused on just being a better person for myself and my kids.

The struggle to forgive myself has always been within me, and setting achievable goals has been a hard step to take. But, it’s working. I know in God’s eyes I’m amazing, and that He sees me for what I really am even when I am unable to. He sees the struggles, the heartache and all the good intentions. Most importantly, He has forgiven me.  If He can, who I am to say I am greater than He is and not do the same?

That’s the thing about mistakes and bad choices, they are so easy to do; but it’s also easy to convince yourself that you are somehow not worthy of forgiveness.

So finally, after years of hurting and setting unreasonable expectations for myself, I finally have made peace within. I gave myself the same grace that I give others, and I let it all go.

Forgiveness is truly the best gift that I have ever given or received, and it turns out I had the power inside me all along.

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Free Tax Return Services

When:  Mar. 14, 21; Apr. 11 – 8 a.m. to Noon

Where:  Ganesha High School, 1151 Fairplex Drive, Room 12, Pomona

Details:  IRS-certified volunteer students who have been officially trained and tested in current tax law will offer free tax return preparation services to community members during eight Saturday sessions.  No appointment is necessary; the service is available to those whose annual income is $53,000 or less.

Contact:  Jackie Jones, (909) 397-4400, ext. 30012.

“Oliver!”

When:  March 20, 21, 27, (7 p.m.); 28 (2 p.m.)

Where:  Walnut High School Performing Arts Center, 400 N. Pierre Road, Walnut.

Details:  “Oliver!” is an enthusiastic experience, packed full of some of the most iconic characters to ever grace the stage, from the wily trickster Fagin, to the swaggering pickpocket, The Artful Dodger.  The musical adaptation is based on Charles Dickens’ timeless classic of an orphan boy who dared to ask for more.   Advance purchase tickets are $13 for adults and $11 for students/seniors. Tickets purchased at the door are $15 for adults and $13 for students/seniors.

Contact: Tickets are available at www.seatyourself.biz/walnutmusical.  For show information, please contact director Joanne Karr at (909) 594-1333, ext. 34212.

Kids’ Night Out

When:  Mar. 21; 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.

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly: Mar. 28, 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.

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.

Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club Annual Golf Classic

When:  Mon., April 6.  Registration will be held between 9:30 am and 11:15 am, with a Shotgun Start at 11:30 am.  .

Where:  Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., Chino Hills 91709

Details: Proceeds benefit the Explorer, Reserve Deputy and Citizen volunteer programs at the Sheriff’s Station.

Contact:  For further information contact Sergeant Mark Saldecke at (909) 595-2264; or Gill Rivera at (909) 967-4525.

Diamond Bar Birthday & Business Showcase

When:  Sat., Apr. 11; 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Where:  Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar

Details:  Be part of the DB Birthday Celebration by getting a booth at the Business Showcase.  Over 6,000 attendees!  Sign up while premium exhibitor space is still available.

Contact:  www.diamondbarca.gov/bday

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

Social Media Lure And Kidnap

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: SBSD Aaron Misael Viteri Vera, arrested for kidnapping.

Photo Courtesy: SBSD
Aaron Misael Viteri Vera, arrested for kidnapping.

Chino Hills – On Wed., Mar. 4, Chino Hills Detectives arrested a Riverside man for kidnapping after he used social media to lure a victim to Chino Hills by falsely representing himself as an employer for Amazon, and then held the victim against her will.

Aaron Misael Viteri Vera met the 19-year old victim on a phone application designed to connect people for social, personal or professional relationships. The victim had posted her profile as “Seeking Employment.”  Viteri Vera – who used the screen name, “Jay Delgado” – communicated with the victim for weeks via social media and text messages regarding employment at the Amazon warehouse. In the texts, he told the victim his name was “Jay” or “James.” The communications were professional and revolved around possible employment.

On Feb. 26, Viteri Vera and the victim met at a Subway to eat lunch and discuss her possible employment with Amazon. Viteri Vera waited for the victim in his car and told her he did not want Subway. He offered to drive the victim to Wendy’s instead. The victim got in the car and Viteri Vera got on the freeway. He took the victim’s phone and refused to return it to her.

The victim realized they were not traveling toward Wendy’s and became alarmed. There was a brief struggle inside the car and the suspect started to slow down. The victim, fearing for her life, opened the door to jump out of the car. The suspect grabbed her by the waist of her pants and tried to keep her in the car. Viteri Vera slowed the car and tried to keep her inside. As he continued to slow down, the victim jumped from the car and ran. The victim reported the incident to law enforcement and Deputies began the investigation.

Detectives and deputies from the Multiple Enforcement Team at the Chino Hills station served a search warrant at Viteri Vera’s house in Riverside on the morning of Mar. 4.  Viteri Vera was contacted and taken into custody without further incident. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for the above charges.

Viteri Vera had documents with the names of other women and had several profiles on various social media sites. Detectives fear there may be other victims of Viteri Vera’s scheme and urge anyone with information to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Walnut-Diamond Bar Annual Golf Classic

Photo Courtesy: Western Hills Country Club

Photo Courtesy: Western Hills Country Club

Staff Reports

Walnut – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club cordially invites you to participate in the Annual Golf Classic, to be held on Mon., Apr. 6.

Proceeds from the Golf Classic will benefit the Explorer, Reserve Deputy and Citizen Volunteer programs at the Sheriff’s Station.  These volunteers give thousands of hours of work by doing extra patrols, staffing community events, and providing additional clerical and support work inside and out of the station.

The non-profit Booster Club’s sole purpose is to provide much needed equipment and logistical support to the Volunteers, Explorers, Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and Disaster Communication Specialists.  A tax deductible donation will help purchase equipment and supplies for all of the volunteer programs to be vibrant and successful.

The Annual Golf Classic will be held at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Road, in Chino Hills (91709).  Registration will be held on game day between 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., with a Shotgun Start beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Sponsorships are available in Platinum, Gold, and Silver, as well as Beverage Carts, Hole in One, Goodie Bags, Closest to Pin and Tee Signs – with donations ranging from $100 to $3,000.  The cost for a Single Player to golf is $100.

For additional information, contact Sergeant Mark Saldecke at (909) 595-2264; or Booster Club Member, Gil Rivera at (909) 967-4525.

 

Chino Home Fire Causes Injury

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District) Traumatized, but okay, two pups are rescued from a house fire by CVFD Fire Inspector/Community Liaison Officer, Lena Lin; and Firefighter/Paramedic, Brett Underwood.

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District)
Traumatized, but okay, two pups are rescued from a house fire by CVFD Fire Inspector/Community Liaison Officer, Lena Lin; and Firefighter/Paramedic, Brett Underwood.

Staff Reports

Chino – On Wed., Mar. 4, Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) firefighters responded to an outdoor fire on the 12000 block of Falcon Place in the City of Chino.

According to CVFD, the fire originated in the back patio/deck area of the single-family structure and extended into the attic. Firefighters started with an exterior attack and switched to interior once the fire spread into the attic.

One female patient in her 20s sustained burn injuries to five percent of her body. She was transported in stable condition to an area hospital.

Firefighters rescued two dogs from the structure.  The dogs were removed from the home and given oxygen.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

WV Parents Get Close-Up Look At Common Core

By Kelli Gile

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile) Vejar Elementary parent, Christina Kondo, chats with kindergarteners ready to create a design with triangles.

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Vejar Elementary parent, Christina Kondo, chats with kindergarteners ready to create a design with triangles.

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District parents recently stepped into classrooms to see the new Common Core State Standards in action.

Vejar Elementary opened its doors to a delegation of 35 parent leaders and administrators on Feb. 26.

“We want to provide parents with an opportunity to see firsthand what Common Core looks like in practice and what the instructional methodology looks like and sounds like,” explained Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

Members of the Coordinating Council parent leadership group represented all fourteen schools during the tour.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to show what’s happening in classrooms with the transition into Common Core,” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Witmer.

Teaching and learning looks different in classrooms with the implementation of Common Core.  Along with implementing the new standards, there is a shift in the way instruction is taught in classrooms, embedding 21st Century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and citizenship into the curriculum.

Students have become involved with projects and collaboration, along with expressing and writing about their thinking processes in all subject areas, including mathematics.

The tour offered a snapshot into this transition.  Parents split into small groups with WVUSD principals and administrators to tour all grade levels – transitional kindergarten through 5th Grade.

“I’m very interested in seeing what Common Core looks like,” said Collegewood and Walnut Elementary parent, Lily Eibert.  “And I want to share with other parents.”

“The more we get to understand it and see the impact on students, I think the more comfortable we all are as we make this transition,” Witmer added.

During the tour, parents immediately saw visible student engagement, interactive instruction, and increased use of technology.

Groups visited each class for 15 minutes, and then debriefed outside.

“We saw kids collaborating and working in groups. It just seemed like they’re learning more and doing a lot more thinking – which is good!” said Sam Castorena from Castle Rock.

Castorena shared that he had a certain perception about the new standards when he went into the experience at Chaparral.

“And by the time we were done it had changed. I think Common Core is probably one of the biggest benefits that we’re going to see in our country for a really long time.”

Diamond Bar parent, Yara Sands, was very impressed during the visit to an 8th Grade Language arts class.

“In the past, students read a book and took a 10-question quiz – and that was it,” she noted.

During a multi-layered assignment, a class studied about the author Edgar Allan Poe, and discovered that his wife and several family members died of tuberculosis. To integrate science into the lesson, students also read an article by the American Lung Association about the disease. And finally, they wrote a letter to the famed author to describe how the women in his life could have been saved, citing evidence from the article.

“They’re digging in deeper and deeper. It was a great experience and made me even prouder to be a Chaparral Cougar!” exclaimed Sands, the school’s Community Club President.

“The conversations after the tour were amazing.  Parents gained an awareness of how literacy is incorporated across all subject areas and observed some of the real world examples and applications,” Taylor added. “I think this separates us from other districts around the country. We’re doing something that is really unique.”

 

Name Change For CNUSD?

Is CNEUSD in our future?

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale is a significant part of the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), which is the largest District in Riverside County.  Eastvale currently has seven schools (four elementary, two intermediate, and one high school) in the District, including two California Distinguished Schools (Clara Barton and Harada elementary schools).  In addition, Eastvale’s eighth (and the District’s 50th) school – Ronald Regan Elementary – is under construction and scheduled to be ready for the 2015-16 school year, opening this July.

With all the positive improvements imminent to the District and the impact it will have on Eastvale and its more than 57,000 residents, it only makes sense to add “Eastvale” to the moniker.  And while Bill Newberry – CNUSD Board Member and President of the Riverside County School Boards Association – asked staff at a recent Board meeting to research the possibility of a District name change to reflect the City of Eastvale, there is a little more to it than just a yes or a no.

“The District is currently formulating a survey to be disseminated district-wide, along with researching the cost and timelines to undertake such a large project,” said Newberry when asked if the change will come to fruition.

CNUSD is currently dealing with the redistribution of the boundary lines affecting Ronald Regan Elementary, and the rebalancing of the student load to ease much of the overcrowding in Eastvale schools.  In addition, another 100 students from the Eastvale Estates are involved in a petition filed last November requesting annexation to Eastvale schools rather than continue on in Jurupa Valley.

With regard to a name change and all that it entails, Newberry says that a follow up report from CNUSD staff will be presented to the Board of Education at a future meeting.

For CNEUSD, time will tell.

February 2015 Community News

2015-02-SGVcommnews-COVERCommunity 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: Community News February 2015

Diamond Bar Council Recap

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – On Tues., Mar. 3, the hot topic of the night at the Diamond Bar City Council meeting was trees.  Diamond Bar residents came out in droves to fight for the preservation of several trees that they argued represented the beauty of the City.

The evening’s public comment section was filled with residents asking for City officials to consider different plans concerning several trees on streets between Diamond Bar Blvd. and Stonepine Drive for the Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project.

The City, with the help of an arborist, noted that the large pine trees had grown out of control and have caused damage to the street’s asphalt and the sidewalk area. Pictures shown at the meeting illustrated that even with ongoing trimming and cutting of roots, the trees in the area were causing immense damage that could lead unsafe roadways and walking areas.

Attending residents did not give up their cause, stating that routine tree maintenance could make the streets safe again. Council member Nancy Herrera disagreed with some of the residents, citing past litigations that had been brought against the City for damages caused by unsafe roads as a result of tree root growth. She also mentioned the possibility of the tree roots damaging the streets enough to cause sinkholes. Herrera said the possibility of these safety hazards were a most compelling argument since personal safety is more important than trees.

“Lives and safety are paramount over trees,” Herrera said to the meeting attendees.

Mayor Steve Tye and the other members of the Council instead fell back to compromising on the plans. Tye made an analogy that removing the trees would be akin to cutting off a portion of one’s leg after finding a minor infection localized on a toe.

Tye’s mode of thinking was to instead reject all current bids for the rehabilitation project and bring the plans back to City officials for re-evaluation before a final approval could be given. His motion was approved 4-1 (with Herrera dissenting) and residents cheered at the possibility of keeping some of their neighborhood’s trees intact.

During the meeting, the City’s schedule of future events were announced for the Mar.10 Planning Commission meeting, the March 12 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, and the March 17 City Council meeting.

The Council also approved all items on the Consent Calendar concerning the minutes for the Feb. 17 Council and Dec.9 Planning Commission meetings, as well as ratification of a check dated Feb. 12 through Feb. 25 totaling $716,891.89, and the Treasurer’s statement for January 2015.

The Council then approved the only item on its consideration calendar, which was for the re-appointment all of its commissioners.

Following the final item’s approval, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on Mar. 17 at 7 p.m., in the Windmill Community Room, at 21810 Copley Drive.

22nd Annual Wine Soiree

Viva Italia!

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Chairs Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announce that the annual Friends of the Diamond Bar Library Wine Soirée will be held on Sun., Apr. 26, at the Diamond Bar Center.

In 2012, with the support of the community through the Wine Soirée, the Friends donated $80,000 to partner with the County of Los Angeles and the City of Diamond Bar to make the new library a wonderful addition to Diamond Bar.  They could not do this without the help of the community.  By participating in the 22nd Annual Wine Soirée, you will have a great afternoon with old and new friends and know that all of the proceeds go directly to your local library and literacy in the community.

Come, bring your friends and neighbors, and join this festive and exciting afternoon with delicious food from local restaurants, great wine, music, raffles and exciting silent and live auctions.  Some of the great restaurant food hosts include Aljibani Halal Market, Buca di Beppo, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Coco’s Bakery, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Diamond Palace, Got Taco Party?, Graber Olive House, House of Bread, It’s A Grind, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, NiNi Bakery, Round Table Pizza, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them in person and thank them for their support of literacy in the community.

With your help, the Friends gave over $30,000 in 2014 for much needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc., that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and the non-profit bookstore, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also sponsored “Read Together Diamond Bar 2014,” that brought Librarian of Congress, David S. Mao, to Diamond Bar last October.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all proceeds from the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, and the music they enjoy – will go to improving the quality of life and learning.

The Annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar, and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors. Tickets are $60 per person.  Advertising is also available in the beautiful annual program.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.

For tickets and program information, call (909) 861-2002, or visit www.dblibraryfriends.org.

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I have a friend who is very controlling. Every time we get together, we have to eat where she wants to eat, and see the movie that she wants to see. If I say we did it her way the last few times and make a suggestion, she gives me the silent treatment. Every time this happens, I tell myself to never go out with her again, but when she calls I cave in and do what she wants. I really do like her company most of the time. I’m weak, I know. I need help! Thanks in advance.

-Lynn

 

Dear Lynn:

You are obviously easy going, and that’s a good trait, but in this case it’s causing you to feel taken for granted. It would be a good idea to set up a fair system with your friend. Continuous feelings of being taken for granted will eventually diminish your self esteem. I think expanding your friendship base would also be a good idea.

-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.