Happy Birthday Mom

By Nancy Stoops

 

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

This week is my mom’s 90th birthday, and so I dedicate this one to my wonderful mom.

She is such an amazing woman.  No matter what life throws her way, she just keeps going.  She has lost both of her sons and her husband but she refuses to give up, and I admire her so.  She tries to enjoy each day and does it with a positive attitude.  I know it’s that attitude that has kept her alive.

Let me tell you about my mother’s heart.  She is so loving, kind, and is always giving to others.  She’ll always lend an ear to hear somebody else’s troubles and is just such a good human being.  She’s very generous with what she has and would never let anybody go without.  She’s continually helping her friends and her family.  She just wants the people she loves to have what they need and to be happy.

I’m very proud to have this wonderful woman as my mom.  She has taught me many valuable lessons and has always been there for me.  As a little girl, she told me I could fly, and I believed her.  She taught me there are no limits for what I can become and what I can do in this world.  She always praised me so that I would grow into a confident woman, and it worked.

So, Mom, I thank you for believing in me and teaching me to believe in myself.  It was those lessons I know have enabled me to become a successful human being. It was your words that made me never give up and settle.  I want you to know I wouldn’t be who I am without all of your love, guidance, encouragement, support, and all of the faith you have always had in me.  I want you to know that it is an honor to be your daughter, and that every year you are here with me is a gift!

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.

OC Councilman Charged With Campaign Sign Theft

Staff Reports

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook) Adam Nick

(Photo Courtesy: Facebook)
Adam Nick

Newport Beach – On Wed., Feb. 11, a Lake Forest councilman was charged for removing campaign signs on public display belonging to another city councilman.

Adam Nick, 50, of Lake Forest, who, at the time of the crime, was serving as Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Lake Forest, is charged with one misdemeanor count of petty theft and one misdemeanor count of receiving stolen property. He is also charged with violating a Lake Forest Municipal Code section regarding campaign signs. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of one year in jail.

According to the Orange County District Attorney’s office, on Oct. 9, 2014, at approximately 2 a.m., Nick is accused of driving and parking his vehicle in a no-parking zone at the intersection of Bake Parkway and Trabuco Road in Lake Forest. He is accused of instructing a fellow passenger to get out of the car and remove a campaign sign on public display that belonged to Lake Forest Councilman, Scott Voights.

An Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) vehicle was patrolling the area at the time and approached Nick’s car. Nick is accused of possessing approximately ten other signs belonging to Voights, found stored in the back of his vehicle when OCSD conducted a search.

In 2014, Councilman Nick amended the Lake Forest Sign Code to allow for harsher penalties for those who tamper with or remove campaign signs without permission, and requested that a violation of this municipal code section be prosecutable as a misdemeanor.

Nick is scheduled to be arraigned on Mar. 2, at the Harbor Justice Center in Newport Beach.

 

Chino Hills: “Getting 2 Zero”

By Claire Lewis

 

(Photo Courtesy: ipaws.com) A microchip reader shows this pup is protected.

(Photo Courtesy: ipaws.com)
A microchip reader shows this pup is protected.

Chino Hills – Last November, the Chino Hills City Council adopted a resolution making a commitment to eliminate the euthanasia of adoptable dogs, with a goal of becoming a “No Kill” community by Jan. 1, 2016.  Their “Getting 2 Zero” program is at the helm of their commitment, helping to focus on the prevention of animal abandonment and avoiding euthanasia.

In order for the program to be successful, the community will need to be educated, adoption centers will have to become more prevalent, and the provision of low-cost veterinary clinics – including the installation of microchips (now a requirement, along with licensing, for dogs over four months of age) – will need to be made available.  In addition, the sales restriction of dogs and cats at Chino Hills pet stores and the Municipal Code legislation banning the sale of unhealthy puppy mill and cat factory animals also helps to encourage adoption.

The Inland Valley Humane Society has recently adopted a strategy to eliminate euthanasia in healthy and adoptable animals, and a multitude of local cities have been contacted with the request to adopt the policy.  Kudos go to Chino Hills for being way ahead of the game by already introducing this compassionate and common sense approach to the community.

In fact, Chino Hills has launched a dog microchip rebate program as an important component of their “Getting 2 Zero” plan.  Microchips – an easily injectable GPS-like tracker – helps reunite pets that become lost with their owners.  Now a requirement of dog ownership, Chino Hills will provide a rebate of up to $30 for dogs that are properly licensed through the Inland Valley Humane Society, and registered to a Chino Hills Address.

According to the City of Chino Hills website, the dog’s microchip must be registered with the microchip company, and the expenses incurred after Oct. 28, 2014.  This rebate program is funded through the City’s General Fund as part of Animal Control Services.  Residents can bring their dog license paperwork, the microchip receipt and proof of registration to Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive).  The rebate check will be delivered in approximately 15 days after approval.

If you are considering becoming a pet owner, or getting a companion for a pet already part of your family, take a look at your local shelter.  There are dogs and cats of every age and breed, just waiting and hoping to become part of a loving home environment.  The City of Chino Hills and the Inland Valley Humane Society have implemented programs to make adoption a viable and positive choice.

Ask your city if they are part of the “Getting 2 Zero” program.  For more information, please contact the City of Chino Hills at (909) 364-2714.

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

“You have only one way to convince others; listen to them.”  –George Washington

 

Image Courtesy: Omnitrans.org

Image Courtesy: Omnitrans.org

On Mon., Feb. 16, we celebrated the legacy of all United States Presidents, from the original, George Washington, to the present, Barack Obama.

According to Wikipedia, there have been have been 44 presidencies, but 43 men sworn into office (Grover Cleveland served two non-consecutive terms as 22nd and 24th presidents).

The youngest president to serve was Theodore Roosevelt, who was sworn in at 42; the oldest was Ronald Regan, who was 69.  The average age of our presidents on inauguration day is 55.

Four of our nation’s presidents died of natural causes while in office (Harrison, Taylor, Harding and F.D. Roosevelt).  William Henry Harrison spent just 32 days in office in 1841, and Franklin D. Roosevelt was not only the longest-serving president at over 12 years, but he was the only president to have served more than two terms.  He died shortly into his fourth term in 1945. A constitutional amendment limited the number of terms to two after Harry Truman in 1953.

17 U.S. presidents have been reelected to a second term in office; three of those men were unable to complete those terms – two due to assassination, and one due to resignation.  Richard Nixon is the only president to have resigned from office.  Overall, four of our nation’s presidents were assassinated:  Lincoln, Garfield, McKinley and Kennedy.

The celebration honoring our U.S. Presidents was originally established to honor George Washington, who at the time was venerated as the most important figure in American history, according to History.com.   In 1879, President Hayes signed the date into law, and it was traditionally celebrated on Feb. 22, Washington’s actual birthday.

The shift from Washington’s Birthday to Presidents Day began in the late 1960s, and it officially became known as President’s Day as part of the Uniform Monday Holiday Act – celebrated on the third Monday each February – passed by Congress in 1971.

 

Melissa Aguilera contributed to this story.

Near Beliefs

By Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

Pastor Rob Norris, The Crossings

“But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have firmly believed, knowing from whom you learned it,” (2 Timothy 3:14).

I’m afraid too many of us Christians don’t know what we really believe. Like a cork in the ocean, driven and tossed by the waves, we bounce from opinion to opinion, influenced more by the last book we read than by a lifetime of Biblical study. We’ve become activity junkies, seldom stopping long enough to decide what really matters to us, too busy to determine what’s really worth living for, let alone worth dying for.

As a result we live our lives based upon “near beliefs.” Near beliefs have just enough truth in them to sound strangely familiar to convictions, yet they’re too weak to inspire us or our actions. Too anemic to influence us to make a decision that demands a sacrifice.

Near beliefs wimp out when a teenager is pushing you out of his or her life. Near beliefs won’t keep a marriage together when romance fades. Near beliefs almost always fall silent on such issues as same-sex marriages and homosexuals adopting children. Near beliefs don’t inspire the courage to change a behavior or to press on against disapproval or opposition from “the herd.”

Near beliefs are to blame for a new brand of Christianity that is epidemic in our homes and churches – a faith that has little flavor, little light and little influence. When near beliefs are our only source of motivation, tough stands are never taken, feathers are never ruffled, and absolutes are held very loosely. Without core convictions to help us navigate, we stand uneasily on shifting sand, and we lack the solid footing with which to stage a life of principle and character.

Today is a call to Biblical conviction. A call to spending time studying the Word. A clarion call to challenge you to determine: What do I believe?

What is needed today is a battalion of believers who follow Christ and stand for Him and His truth.

Live It:  If you were on trial for being a Christian, would there be enough evidence to convict you?

Pray:  Ask God for the courage to stand for that which you know to be true.

Join us for our February Series “It’s Not You, It’s Me.”

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

Home Sweet Home

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

My wife and I bought our first house in Arizona in 1975.  It was a brand new tract home on the west side of Tucson with about 1,200 square feet under the roof.  We were thrilled.

I had finished graduate school without any debt.  But, we also didn’t have any money.  My starting salary at our first church was $1,000 a month, so buying a house was a big step of faith.

When I asked one of the church leaders if he thought we should try to buy a house, he thought it was a good idea but added, “I worry about those monthly payments”.  The principle, interest, taxes and insurance were just under $300 a month!

Where would we get the money for a down payment?  I think we needed about $1,200 down to buy the house.  The realtor suggested that we look into my wife’s school retirement fund.  She had taught school for two years in Dallas, Texas, while I was in graduate school. We discovered that she had about $1,000 in her retirement account that we could use. Both of our parents and my grandmother gave us some money, and we were able to make the down payment and become home owners.

When you buy a new home, you discover that you lack just about everything you need to get started.  We didn’t own a rake or shovel or garden hose.  We did not own a washing machine or dryer.  But, we were excited to have a house.

The washing machine was a top priority since we had an 8-month old child in diapers. In those days, parents still used real cloth diapers. Since we didn’t have the money to buy a dryer, we discovered that a clothes line worked just fine in the dry Arizona climate.

The landscaping provided by the builder included five one-gallon plants, two five-gallon plants and gravel to cover the front yard.  It wasn’t much, but we were thrilled to have a house.

During the 13 years that we lived in Tucson, we added three more children to our family.  We also built two room additions to the house.  First, we added a large family room to the back of the house.  Later, we added a new master bedroom and bath to the side of the house.  As our family grew, our house grew, too.

During the whole home buying process, we saw God provide in some remarkable ways.  We had no idea how we could afford a house or how we would find the money to make the down payment.

We also saw God provide money for a back yard fence through a tax rebate program for first-time home buyers.  A used clothes dryer was provided by some friends who were replacing their old one.  Later, a dish washer was provided through someone who was remodeling their kitchen.

There is a wonderful verse in the Bible that says, “My God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus,” (Philippians 4:19). We have seen this principle to be true many times in our married lives, and especially when we bought our first home!

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.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 02.21.15

Weekly WebThe 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 the following link to access the complete Weekly News February 21st issue in PDF format: 2015-Feb21-Weekly-WEB

Seven Things They Don’t Tell You About Marriage

By Sarah Sanchez

I married my best friend this past June, and I believe I’ve settled into the routine of my new married life.  I can look back over the last year and honestly say that no one prepared me and my husband for marriage. Even though we took a pre-marital course and were given advice from family and friends, there are still things that no one told us about.

Now don’t get me wrong, I love my husband and I love our marriage. This is not a complaining session, but an informative piece. If I had been given this list before the wedding, I don’t think I would have been so shocked with the changes. So pass this along to any engaged or newly married couples you may know, and you’ll save them a few surprises.

#7 – Communication And Compromise Are Key:  Marriage is about becoming one unit, and this “all for one, one for all” mentality can be a little tough to get used to. You will be making sacrifices throughout your marriage, mainly because it’s not just about you anymore; it’s all about the “we”. You are a team now and you need to constantly be on the same page. But if you communicate and compromise with one another, then both of you can be happy with the decisions that are made.

#6 – You Will Become One; But So Does Your Bank Account:  If you and your spouse put all your money into a joint bank account, all of it now belongs to both of you and you have to learn to budget EVERYTHING. This can be tough because budgeting your money makes you realize how much you need to cut down on going out to eat, and how much groceries and gasoline really cost.  My suggestion is to print out a budget sheet online, fill it out every month, and – oddly enough – actually follow it by writing down every expense you make every single day. Dave Ramsey has an awesome book and class you can take that will benefit you as well.               

               #5 – Men And Women Are Wired Differently:  This particular point actually became quite clear to us after reading a daily devotional called, “The Love and Respect Experience,” by Dr. Emerson Eggerichs. We learned that men and women are very different in almost every aspect: emotionally, physically, sexually, etc. As expressed in the book, a way to look at it is that women wear pink glasses and hearing aids, and men wear blue glasses and hearing aids. When you are in a disagreement, men occasionally need to put on the pink glasses and hearing aids, and women occasionally have to put on the blue glasses and hearing aids, in order to understand how the other is feeling.  Sometimes it’s just about perspective.

               #4 — When You Say ‘I Do’, You Marry The Family Too: When you get married, it’s a package deal, meaning the in-laws come along with the spouse. Therefore, it’s better to put your differences aside and try to be civil with one another.  A trick my husband and I use is that we confront our own families, and not our in-laws. For example, if the problem is with my side of the family, then I will be the one to confront the family member. But if the problem is with my husband’s side of the family, then he will be the one to confront the family member. That way, the relationships with our in-laws aren’t jeopardized with the confrontation. The bottom line is to try to find a way to keep the peace and don’t let the little things bother you. Also, remember that every family is different, so the way your in-laws act may be very different than the way you grew up. It’s not wrong, just different; keep that in mind.

#3 – Pick Your Battles:  There is a difference between a disagreement and a fight. From my experience, disagreements are more about bickering, while fights are the escalated form of a disagreement that usually includes some form of yelling at each other; perhaps a slammed door or two. My advice is to pick your battles, otherwise you’ll fight about the most ridiculous things. Our first fight as a married couple was about boxes.  No underlying issues.  Just boxes.  Everybody is entitled to their opinion, and there will be conflicts in your marriage; so aim for disagreements, not fights.

#2 – Learn to Embrace Your Spouse’s Differences:  You have to remember that you are two very different people who grew up in very different homes. There are certain habits, flaws, and pet peeves your spouse will have that may be very different from what you are used to.  As long as their habits aren’t hurting anyone, life will be much easier for you if you learn to accept your spouse’s differences instead of trying to change them.  You know how hard it is to change your own behavior, even when you want to.  The pressure increases significantly when someone else wants you to change a behavior that you’d rather not.  Refer to #3.

#1 – Your Spouse Is Not – And Will Never Be – The Same Person You Married:  This is the number one thing that they don’t tell you about marriage. It sounds bad, but it doesn’t have to be.  One of the most common reasons people get divorced is because their spouse is “not the same person they married”. Every relationship has phases.  For example, you start with the person you date (on best behavior); then comes the person you’re engaged to (you still know the person, but the façade starts to crack a bit); and finally, you end up with the person you marry (where, oh where, is my fiancé?).  So if you go into the marriage knowing there will be changes, your expectations will be better balanced.   I’ve only been married to my husband for eight months, and I can honestly say we both have already changed since the day we got married. I learn new things about him every day, even with dating him for four years prior. He has new dreams, new goals, and new personality traits I’ve never seen before. He’s noticed the same in me, too, and that’s okay, because we married each other for who we were to become, not the people we were at that moment.  You can be very different, and still grow together, which is the goal anyway.

Marriage is an amazing experience and I wouldn’t trade it for anything. Yes, by the list above, it is tough and there is a lot of learning you have to do. But once you get it down, it’s so wonderful to have someone who cares for you, who loves you, who supports you, and is there by your side through all of life’s adventures.  For better or worse…”The best is yet to be, come marry me.”

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

San Gabriel’s First Lunar New Year Festival

When:  Sun., Feb. 15; 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where:  San Gabriel Mission District, 320 S. Mission Drive, San Gabriel 91776

Details:  This free community event will have food, music, dancing, merchants, a beer/wine garden, and much more.

Contact:  http://www.sglunarnewyear.org

Financial Literacy Course

When: Mon., Feb. 16, 1 to 5 p.m.

Where:  Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills

Details:  The Inland Fair Housing and Mediation Board (IFHMB) is offering a financial literacy course, “Invest in Yourself.” The class will provide information to help participants learn how to understand their cash flow and improve how they handle their finances. The course is free.

Contact:  Luz Segovia, (909) 984-2254, x. 118.

Kids’ Night Out

When:  Feb. 21; 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.

Free Tax Return Services

When:  Feb. 21, 28; Mar. 7, 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.

San Gabriel Valley Orchid Hobbyists

When:  Thurs., Feb. 19; 7:30 p.m.

Where:  Los Angeles County Arboretum, 301 N. Baldwin Ave., Arcadia

Details:  Learn how to grow orchids in Southern California, and get a private tour of the greenhouses at the Huntington Library.

Contact:  www.SGVOH.org

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

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

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:  Mar. 6; 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.

Chino DairyAire 5K & Fun Run

When:  Sat., Mar. 7

Where:  Ruben S. Ayala Park, 5575 Edison Ave., Chino

Details:  This community event helps raise funds for the Chino Youth Museum.  Register before March 1: 5K $30/Fun Run $10; register on or after March 2: 5K $35/Fun Run $15.  Pre-register today at www.dairyaire5k.racewire.com. USATF Certified 5K Course.

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:  http://www.diamondbarca.gov/bday

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

SGV Hikers Rescued

Relieved hikers post with Rescuers in the San Gabriel Mountains. (Photo Courtesy of LASD)

Relieved hikers post with Rescuers in the San Gabriel Mountains. (Photo Courtesy of LASD)

Staff Reports

San Gabriel – Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department Search and Rescue Teams were activated to look for eight missing UCLA students who had become lost and hypothermic in the snow.  The students are members of the UCLA Hiking Club. Five members of the group were able to navigate their way out of the forest, while the remaining eight were lost.

The search area was near Throop Peak at an 8,200 foot elevation.  The conditions were snowy and icy, with some drifts causing the rescuers to plunge thigh-deep into the snow.

Rescue teams from San Dimas, Crescenta Valley, and the Palmdale Sheriff’s Stations responded to the 911 call.  The hikers were located at 12:30 a.m. on Sun., Feb. 8, by the Montrose Search and Rescue Team from the Crescenta Valley Station.

It took rescuers six hours to hike the students out of the area due to the treacherous conditions.  To prevent the students from falling, the rescue team placed harnesses and ropes on them to safely lower them down icy slopes.

The students were elated to see the rescue team, some being mildly hypothermic.  None of the students required medical attention, and they were taken back to their cars – safe and sound.

 

Mt. SAC To Host “Cash for College” Fair

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – With more than 1,200 attendees expected, Mt. San Antonio College will offer free financial aid assistance to area high school seniors and their parents during its annual “Cash for College” fair on Sat., Feb. 21. The event kicks off with opening presentations by Congressman Ed Royce, Assembly members Freddie Rodriguez and Roger Hernandez, and Senators Ed Hernandez, Bob Huff, and Connie Leyva, starting at 9 a.m. in Mt. SAC’s Sophia B. Clarke Theater.

“This event is all about helping students fill out the necessary financial aid forms by the March 2 deadline so that they don’t miss out on thousands of dollars that may be available to them,” said Mt. SAC Financial Aid Director, Chau Dao.

Cash for College provides hands-on assistance to college-bound students and their parents in completing and filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) forms for the 2015-16 academic year. The event also helps students maximize their financial aid prospects by meeting the March 2 priority financial aid filing deadline. Assistance with the California Dream Act application will also be available. Filing applications early is recommended.

Parents and students must bring a copy of students’ Social Security cards or permanent resident cards, and a 2014 federal 1040 tax return and W-2. If 2014 information is not available, a 2013 tax return may be used along with 2013 W-2 forms. The workshop information and assistance can be used to apply to any college, not just Mt. SAC.

Information and application forms will also be available for Admissions, Extended Opportunity and Programs Services, and other Mt. SAC student support services.

A free continental breakfast and lunch will be provided, and participants may also be eligible for a $1,500 scholarship sponsored through the California Student Aid Commission.

For more information or to make a reservation, call the Mt. SAC Financial Aid Office at (909) 274- 4457, email for more information at scholarships@mtsac.edu, or make a reservation online at http://www.mtsac.edu/financialaid/cashfair.html.

SGV Toilet Arsonist Caught

Staff Reports

David Lin (Photo Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.)

David Lin (Photo Courtesy: L.A. County Sheriff’s Dept.)

SGV – Suspect, David Lin, 42, a local transient man (formerly of West Covina), was arrested on Tues., Feb. 3 for an unusual arson spree taking its toll on retail establishment restrooms in and around the City of Rowland Heights since December 2014.

Lin, in multiple acts of dangerous bravado, allegedly paid visits to local restaurants during business hours and set fires in toilets, using toilet paper, seat covers and other flammable materials as kindling.

In total, seven fires were set in local establishments within approximately two months (three within one day), including L&L Hawaiian Barbecue in Walnut; Rolling Wok, McDonald’s, Del Taco, Ten Ren’s Tea Time, and Office Depot in Rowland Heights; and Guppy House in Hacienda Heights

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, surveillance photos, witness accounts and other information led detectives to Lin, who was spotted by a patrol on the afternoon of Feb. 3.   Although no injuries were reported from the fires, thousands of dollars in property damage occurred from Lin’s alleged arson binge.

Lin was arrested on suspicion of arson, felony evading of police and drug possession.  Lin – who is reportedly living out of his car – was arraigned on Thurs., Feb 5, and is being held on $250,000 bail pending a Feb. 19 hearing.

Anyone with information about this crime is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Arson/Explosives Detail at (323) 881-7500.

City Council Meeting Recap

Eastvale’s City Council posing with the Eastvale Queens (Photo By Adriana Agredano)

Eastvale’s City Council posing with the Eastvale Queens (Photo By Adriana Agredano)

By Carissa Herb

Eastvale – The first City Council meeting for 2015 was held at Rosa Parks Elementary on Jan. 14.  The meeting began promptly at 6:30 p.m., with council members Ike Bootsma, William Link, and Adam Rush present.

During the Presentations/Announcements, former Planning Commissioner, Fred Valentine, was presented with an award by Mayor Ike Bootsma, Bill Link, and Adam Rush. There was a presentation given for the Western Riverside Council of Governments’ (WRCOG) activities, and updates regarding City boundaries and improved energy efficiency.

The Public Safety Commission update discussed programs for safety preparedness within the community, along with upcoming safety classes taking place in order to be more prepared for a disaster.          During the Public Comments section, Kathy Walker discussed her change in position. Michael Offutt from the Chamber of Commerce mentioned the ribbon cutting ceremony for Griggs Mutual Realty & Management, and the First Annual Chairman’s Gala.  Cesar Morales shared his opinions on Shop Eastvale Pride and how there needs to be more positive promotion for shopping in Eastvale.

The consent calendar was passed 3-0. The Public Hearings passed 3-0. There was no Old Business.

In the New Business section of the meeting, there were no public comments. David Flores was sworn in as incoming Commissioner.  There was no City Manager’s Report.

During Council Communications, Councilman Rush brought up Police Department service hours, traffic shifts, hot spots throughout the area, financial statutes, robberies, and better animal control services. Councilman Link spoke about the clarification of mandatory street sweeping.

The meeting was concluded and adjourned at 7:14 p.m.

The second Council meeting of the month was held on Jan. 28, and began at 6:43 p.m. with all council members present.

There was no invocation and the meeting went straight into the presentations and announcements.

The Eastvale Community Foundation update was given by Alexandra and James Rush (no relation to Adam Rush).  They discussed upcoming events and efforts taking place regarding Picnic in the Park, youth scholarship programs, and the golf tournament taking place later this year.

Eastvale Police Chief Horton introduced new Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Scott Forbes.

The Interim Finance Director, James Riley, was also introduced.

The Student Liaison Report was given by ASB President, Jakob Rivera, who elaborated on a recent fundraiser by the local elementary schools in order to raise money for the Stacy Family, who has three children in need of special care.  The money raised went toward a new handicap van for the family.

Public Comments were brief, with discussion of the Eastvale Pageant that took place, and the introduction of the new court.

The Consent Calendar passed 5-0.

In the Public Hearing section, a presentation was given on Project No. 13-0632 (Schleisman Road and Sumner Avenue). The presentation discussed whether to turn the open lot on that corner into residential or retail.  After the vote it was decided that further discussion will be needed.

The Old Business section included ideas for the Limonite/I-15 bridge design. The design decision passed 5:0.

In the New Business section of the meeting, Items 10.1 through 10.3 passed 5:0. New appointments were discussed, including Anwer Khan, as the new Public Safety Commissioner, and Howard Feng, as the new Planning Commissioner.

The City Manager’s Report included the fixing of the City’s zip code.

In Council Communications, Clint Lorimore and Joe Tessari discussed the Public Safety Realignment Conference they attended in Sacramento.

The meeting was concluded and adjourned at 8:53 p.m.

Friends Recognizes Outstanding Volunteers

(L to R) Councilmember Jimmy Lin, Loretta Nelson, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons, Mayor Steve Tye, County Librarian Margaret Todd, Kathleen Newe, Rick Rogers, Tony Torng, Lauren Pong, Angie Valenzuela, and Ruth Low. (Photo Courtesy: DB Library)

(L to R) Councilmember Jimmy Lin, Loretta Nelson, Mayor Pro Tem Nancy Lyons, Mayor Steve Tye, County Librarian Margaret Todd, Kathleen Newe, Rick Rogers, Tony Torng, Lauren Pong, Angie Valenzuela, and Ruth Low. (Photo Courtesy: DB Library)

By Kathleen M. Newe

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library is fortunate to have many excellent volunteers who work year-round to make the Diamond Bar Library the great and welcoming place it is for the community.  Each year we recognize a few of these dedicated individuals at the Volunteer Appreciation Dinner.

Gathering at Heritage Park on Sat., Jan. 24, over 100 people honored several of these great volunteers.  Diamond Bar City Council members along with representatives from Supervisor Don Knabe’s office and Congressman Ed Royce’s office joined County Librarian Margaret Todd, Diamond Bar Librarian Pui Ching Ho and the Diamond Bar Friends’ board to acknowledge our outstanding volunteers for 2014.

Outgoing President, Ruth Low, and incoming President, Chris Ko, presented the “Outstanding Friend” award to Congressman Ed Royce and recognized him for his commitment to literacy and libraries.  Congressman Royce was instrumental in bringing David S. Mao, the Law Librarian of Congress, for Read Together Diamond Bar in October 2014.  They also presented the “President’s Award” to Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng as the “Three Amigos” for their huge commitment as co-chairs of the annual Wine Soirée for many years.  The 22nd Annual Wine Soirée will be held on Sun., April 26.

Loretta Nelson was awarded the “Bookstore Volunteer of the Year” for her dedication to Basically BOOKS; Shery Fan, CPA, received the “Business Volunteer of the Year” award for her professional expertise to the Friends; and Kathleen Newe received the “Volunteer of the Year” award for her many years of service to the Friends.  All of these awardees – along with so many of our volunteers – have made positive and significant contributions to the Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  Thank you all!

For more information, visit www.dblibraryfriends.org

Suzanne Students Meet Local American Idol Contestant

By Kelli Gile 

Walnut High 2014 alumna, Adanna Duru, recently spent time with Suzanne Middle School students at the Walnut Teen Center. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut High 2014 alumna, Adanna Duru, recently spent time with Suzanne Middle School students at the Walnut Teen Center. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – A group of enthusiastic Suzanne Middle School students met up with singing sensation, Adanna Duru, at the Teen Center on Feb. 3.  The 2014 Walnut High graduate is competing against 220 other contestants on Season 14 of “American Idol.”

Duru shared favorite memories from her years as a Suzanne student.

“I loved middle school!” she said reminiscing about favorite teachers and classes.

One standout season was playing an Umpa-Lumpa in the cast of “Willie Wonka” in the 7th Grade.

“I thought that was funny since I’m 5’ 8”!” Duru exclaimed.

The 18-year old Diamond Bar resident advanced to Hollywood Week after her successful audition in San Francisco.  Duru adeptly belted out Lady Gaga’s “You and I” before the trio of judges.  She recalled when Jennifer Lopez commented that she “had the total package.”

“I told myself ‘I need to remember this!’”  Duru gushed.

The following day, Duru received a Tweet from Lady Gaga that said, “Congratulations, you killed it!”

The teen believes she has grown as a performer since appearing on “The Voice” as a sophomore.

“Since then I’ve learned so much. I have so much fun on stage!” said Duru, who shared her strategy for the singing competition after receiving famous “Idol” golden ticket to Hollywood.

“I’m so grateful and happy. For me, it’s about staying focused, being in the moment, and doing my very best.”

Duru was eager to answer questions and sing for the 40 tweens.

“How does it feel to be famous?” asked 6th Grader Eddie Banda.

“I feel the same, but sometimes I get recognized now,” Duru replied.

The young fans cheered when she offered up Ed Sheeran’s “Give Me Love.”  After the meet and greet, Duru happily took pictures and signed autographs.

“It’s cool she went to my school,” said Aaron Rubio, 7th Grade. “She’s pursing her dream as a singer. My dream is to be in the MLB.”

“It was great seeing her today,” said 6th Grader Sharon Suarez who watched the audition on YouTube.

“She’s beautiful and awesome,’ added Elijah Christian, age 11.

“I want her to go to the top and make her own album,” said 7th Grader Jocelyn Cole.

“I’d go see her in concert!” Rubio exclaimed.

Duru gave the middle-schoolers some advice about reaching for their dreams.

“A lot of people will tell you that your dream is stupid. I’ve been told that so many times,” Duru explained. “Honestly, you’re capable of everything you believe you’re capable of if you really believe that you can do something and you have the discipline to know that when you fail it’s not the end. When you fail, you learn from your mistakes and keep changing and growing. It’s all about believing in yourself!”

Why does the teen want to be the next American Idol?

“Because there’s nothing else on Earth that I want to do besides making music; I feel like it’s my calling, it’s what I’m best at,” Duru said.

 

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Members of the Walnut City Council congratulate Jose Luis Angel and his wife Mayra Angel, for having their business - Los Amigos Restaurant – named as the Winter 2015 Business of the Quarter. Los Amigos Restaurant is located at 20835 Valley Blvd. and is known for its friendly customer service and well-liked Mexican food. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Members of the Walnut City Council congratulate Jose Luis Angel and his wife Mayra Angel, for having their business – Los Amigos Restaurant – named as the Winter 2015 Business of the Quarter. Los Amigos Restaurant is located at 20835 Valley Blvd. and is known for its friendly customer service and well-liked Mexican food. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut – Walnut’s City Council met for its first regular meeting of the month on Feb. 11.  The meeting opened with the commendation of Los Amigos Restaurant, located at 20835 Valley Blvd, as the official Winter 2015 Business of the Quarter recipient.

Mayor Nancy Tragarz was absent from the meeting.

In place of Tragarz delivering the congratulatory speech, Mayor Pro Tem, Eric Ching, spoke to owner Jose Luis Angel and his wife Mayra Angel, commenting on the family owned business and how Angel’s work ethic should stand as an inspiration for the residents of Walnut.

“This is a role model we need to look up to,” Ching said. “Many people like his food, (Angel) is good to kids; he gives a lot of opportunities for kids to work in his shop…that’s why he is chosen (as the Business of the Quarter).”

Ching also commented that he loved the restaurant’s ceviche and that he wished the restaurant luck as it continues to do business.

Following the award ceremony, the Council approved the only item on its public hearings schedule, which was Ordinance No. 15-02 to establish Article XXVIV for historical preservation of the Walnut Municipal Code.

After that, the Council approved all the items on its consent calendar, including a resolution of certain claims and demands in the amount of $869,983.61; a joint resolution approving and accepting a negotiated exchange of property tax revenue resulting from annexation of the territory to the Walnut Valley Water District; a resolution regarding the payment of salaries, sick leave, vacations, leave of absences and other regulations by revising authorized positions/salary Schedule A; and an additional appropriation request for Leibold, McClendon & Mann to provide special legal services in connection with the proposed disposition of Lot 269 in Three Oaks.

Finally, the Council moved onto the successor agency consent calendar, approving both items for the adoption of Resolution No.15-02, approving the ROPS for July through December 2015; and adoption of Resolution No.15-13, approving the administrative budget for July through December 2015.

After Council announcements, the members then adjourned into closed session to discuss negotiations of real property pursuant to Government Code 54956.8.

The next City Council meeting will take place on Feb. 25, at 7 p.m., in the Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

Corona Bank Robbery Ends In Fatality

Staff Reports

Johnson, inside the Corona bank during the robbery. (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Johnson, inside the Corona bank during the robbery. (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Corona – On Wed., Feb. 4, the Pacific Premier Bank, located at 102 E. Sixth Street, was involved in a robbery with a man, who reportedly forced employees at gunpoint into the vault where he proceeded to rob the bank and its employees of a large sum of cash.  The man threatened to kill the employees if they called the Police.

According to the Corona Police Department, Officers responded to the bank at approximately 4:07 p.m., to find the suspect had fled after an alleged carjacking.  Through the use of a tracking device bank employees were able to place with the money, Officers were quickly able to locate the suspect vehicle and a chase ensued.

Patricia Cheree Smith, the driver and accomplice, who lied about being carjacked (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Patricia Cheree Smith, the driver and accomplice, who lied about being carjacked (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

As the Officers attempted a high risk enforcement stop, the vehicle briefly stopped near San Antonio and Bickmore avenues in Chino.  The female driver – later identified as Patricia Cheree Smith, 26, of Hemet – exited the vehicle and was contacted by Police. The suspect fled the area in the vehicle with Officers in pursuit.

Smith initially told Officers she had been the victim of a car-jacking, and the unknown suspect had a gun. Corona Police Detectives conducted a follow-up interview with Smith and determined that she was involved in the robbery. Smith was arrested for robbery and additional criminal charges are pending.

Deceased bank robbery suspect, Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson (Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

Deceased bank robbery suspect, Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson
(Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department)

The pursuit ended when the suspect vehicle crashed off the 71 Expressway.  As the suspect exited the vehicle, he was struck multiple times by Police gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The suspect was identified as Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson, 59, of Hemet.  Further investigation revealed a large sum of cash, an unknown type handgun, and additional evidence linking Johnson and the vehicle to the bank robbery in Corona.

Corona Police Detectives conducted a follow-up investigation related to the Pacific Premier Bank robbery. Based on the information gathered, detectives obtained a search warrant for a residence located in the 26000 block of Cortrite Ave. in the City of Hemet.

On Fri., Feb. 6, Officers from the Corona Police Department’s Special Response Team served the search warrant seeking additional evidence to support their investigation, additional suspects and other similar bank robberies throughout Southern California.

This particular incident is a large, multi-jurisdictional investigation. The Corona Police Department is handling the bank robbery and vehicle pursuit, while the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department is investigating the officer-involved shooting in their jurisdiction. All officers are currently on paid administrative leave, per Department policy.

The Corona Police Department is seeking public assistance and is asking anyone having information related to the bank robbery to please call Senior Detective Dan Bloomfield at (951) 817-5767.

The Evolution and Downfall Of Our Police Departments

By Warren Pulley

Since the early 1700s, populations in the United States have had some form of “Night Watch”, “Town Watch” or Constable to help provide gaps in protection that the locally armed citizenry could not do. Early Americans did not depend on their police departments to protect them from each and every ill in the society of the day; they instead wanted their police officers to maintain the class systems that were in place with early settlers and help with the protection of private property when the citizenry could not.

The use of police-type organizations such as the Pinkertons, the Mint Police, US Parks Police, and U.S. Marshalls helped establish law and order in the early days, and provided the established respect for law enforcement officers and the dangers they faced in our untamed early country and westward settlements.

Fast forward to the 21st Century, and take a long and hard look at any police or sheriff’s department in this country and you will find it under siege. And when I say under siege, I mean just that.  They have constant pressure applied to them by race-baiting attorneys and news organizations that fail to do their due diligence and seek the truth of any given police situation.  Internal Affairs departments – that in their haste to calm what is seen as racial tension – go after law abiding, policy minding police officers with a vengeance for the sake of perceived fairness, along with the Monday morning quarterbacking public that gobbles up the downfall of one of its protectors with a pizza and a soda.

I spent the better part of 12 years patrolling the streets of Los Angeles in the divisions of Rampart and Southeast, and constantly walked the line of being a perceived racist cop.  Although I was a black police officer, I watched untold numbers of officers adopt the drive and wave approach to police work due to the harsh, unbalanced and out of whack internal investigations that could and did derail their careers – often times based on a misperception of a police officer’s authority and the department’s lack of ability and unwillingness to explain such to the general public.

The downfall of our police departments will be swift and permanent, and will leave a whole class of people defenseless and unprotected if, as Americans, we don’t collectively take steps to defend our officers when they are in the right.  They have the absolute authority to conduct the kind of policing they are sworn to do, and call out any officer that is failing to protect and serve citizens with the zeal that they would protect their own families with.

Let’s get something straight, not every black person shot by a white officer is a victim.  There are black males that carry guns illegally on our streets, and they do fight with police officers when confronted with arrest – and then look to illicit the sympathy of the general public by crying foul when injured or killed by the police for their aggressive and illegal actions.  This exact chain of events occurs in the white community also, but the visceral, negative reaction to the same events in different neighborhoods is the main cause of the downfall of our police departments.

Mark my words, if we as a society continue to scapegoat our police, prop up our most vile criminals and violators, and scatter reasonable discussion and discourse to the wind, then we may wake up one morning to find the disbanding of police departments nationwide and the return to self-preservation, self-protection and self-governance. How many of you are really ready for that?

Warren Pulley is a military veteran, former law enforcement officer, and current CEO of RyPul Threat Assessments (a global threat assessment company).

Candle Fire Safety

Staff Reports

Chino – According to the Chino Valley Fire District, Firefighters have responded to two residential structure fires since Jan. 1 that ignited as a result of unattended candles. According to the National Fire Protection Association, there are approximately 29 residential structure fires reported each day that are related to candles, with nearly half of those fires occurring when some form of combustible material was left on or came too close to the candle.

Do not become a statistic, use candles safely. Candle fires can be very damaging, but they are completely preventable. Below are some tips that will help you prevent this type of fire in your home.

  • Always keep a burning candle within sight
  • Never burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire
  • Always keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets
  • Never use candles as a source of heat
  • Always use an appropriate candleholder and place it on a stable, heat-resistant surface
  • Extinguish all candles when leaving the house, room of use, or when going to bed
  • Ensure that you have smoke alarms correctly installed and that they are in good working order

For more information on fire safety and smoke alarms, please visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I am in my early 20s.  I have worked as a secretary for my uncle’s company since I graduated high school.  I have finally saved enough money for the down payment to buy a new car.  When I was applying for the financing, I discovered that my uncle used my social security number and credit to buy himself a car.  When I confronted him, he admitted that he didn’t have enough available credit to buy his car.  He said I would have no problem getting financing because he would co sign for me.  He also asked me not to tell my dad (his brother) about what he did.  Now I don’t trust my uncle, but I don’t want to lose my job.  Please help me know what to do.

-Theresa

Dear Theresa:

I’m just going to come right out and say it.  Your uncle is a criminal and a rotten relative.  What he did is illegal and you could easily press charges against him.  He has no right to “borrow” your social security number, along with your financial identity to buy himself a car.  At your young age, I’m doubtful that you have the developmental skills to know how to deal with a person like this.  He has no regard for your well-being and you should definitely tell your dad what has happened.  I think you’re going to need someone with experience to help you correct this situation.  Start looking for a new job immediately.  Do not rest until his fraudulent charges are cleared from your credit.  This is so important for your future.  Good Luck.

-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.