PUSD Discusses Shift In Elections

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – The Pomona Unified School District Board of Education discussed a potential shift from at-large to trustee-area elections during a special meeting on Jan. 28.

In recent years, many school districts have moved to trustee-area elections in response to federal, state and voter rights laws designed to ensure underrepresented groups have equal opportunities and access to voting and representation.

The meeting provided board members with an overview of the voting history in Pomona Unified and served as a forum for community members to provide feedback on the topic. Community-wide forums on the potential shift will follow to ensure all voices are heard.

“When you view Pomona Unified’s election history, our community has consistently selected board members that reflect the makeup, values and priorities of our community,” said PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez. “However, we are presenting our board members with this information for consideration as we evaluate the legal trends and possible ramifications in sustaining at-large elections.”

With at-large elections, registered voters are able to vote for any board member candidate on the ballot regardless of where in the PUSD District boundaries they reside. Trustee-area voting requires voters to cast a ballot for only the board member residing in their voter district, which is typically based on geography.

PUSD’s voting track record is strong, but in some districts groups are using the courts to raise issues, leaving school districts vulnerable to lawsuits, litigation fees and special elections, according to District Legal Counsel, Kasey Haws.

“Litigation regarding the California Voting Rights Act is sweeping municipalities and school districts across the state,” Haws stated. “To avoid this costly process, stay ahead of any potential court action and preserve the District’s ability to determine the outcome, we are taking the prudent step to discuss what viable options are available.”

At-large voting requires every board member to campaign to and be responsive to all constituents in the school district, with an opportunity to run for a board seat every two years.  Board members consider the district as a whole.

In trustee-area elections, it is less expensive to run for office, campaigning is less intensive because candidates have a smaller voter base, and board members typically focus more specifically on the needs of schools and neighborhoods in their specific district. Candidates would be eligible to run once every four years.

Trustee-area elections provide for more diversity on a board. However, the PUSD community has traditionally voted in a diverse board of representatives.

The District has two options.

Option 1: The District can oppose trustee areas through a resolution, which would result in holding a series of public hearings and presenting supporting evidence against the move to a county committee. The committee would have the option of setting the matter for a public vote, hiring its own demographer to draw boundaries and requiring a special election in early 2016.

Option 2: Board members could pass a resolution agreeing to move to trustee-area voting and seek a waiver of an election from the California Department of Education. The District would then hire a demographer to draw several possible trustee maps for public discussion, hold multiple hearings, vote for a final map and present the plan to the committee for final approval. A likely result is that two areas would be up for vote in 2015 and three in 2017.

“At this point, we are just discussing this issue and weighing our options,” said Board President Andrew Wong. “Our goal was to hear what the public had to say on this issue and take a hard look at what will be in the best interests of Pomona Unified and our community.”

The board was expected to come to a decision during the board meeting on Tues., Feb. 11.

CH Council Seeks Healthy Cities Applicants

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Residents who are interested in serving on the City of Chino Hills Healthy Steering Cities Committee (Healthy Cities) are invited to complete an application for consideration. The Council voted recently to accept applications so that each member may appoint one resident to serve on Healthy Cities.

Each council member will recommend an individual for appointment, which must be affirmed by the Council. The term of the appointment matches the term of the appointing council member.

Healthy Cities was formed in 1994 and revamped in 2014. The Committee was established to assist in assessing community needs, defining health priorities, and developing programs to enhance the quality of life within the community. Meetings are held quarterly, on Mondays at 6 p.m., to evaluate and recommend programs that meet the Committee’s goals through the use of a variety of service providers.

Programs operating under the Healthy Cities umbrella are as varied as enrichment programs for all ages, fitness and hiking programs, opportunities for youth involvement, health and wellness seminars, and more. A complete list is noted on the application.

The Healthy Cities Committee will be comprised of 25 people including City Commissioners; students at the high school and college level; and representatives from Chino Valley Unified School District, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, Chino Hills Police Department, County of San Bernardino, Chino Valley YMCA, Chino Valley Fire District, five residents appointed by the Committee, and five residents appointed by the City Council.

Completed applications must be returned to the City Clerk’s Office on the second floor of City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, by 4 p.m. on Fri., Mar. 6.  Council members will review applications and schedule interviews. Selections are expected to be announced at the March 24 or April 14 City Council meeting.

The next Healthy Cities Committee meeting is on Mon., May 11, at 6 p.m.

Applications are available online at http://www.chinohills.org/HealthyCitiesApplication and at Chino Hills City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills 91709, on the second floor in the City Clerk’s lobby.

Completed applications can also be mailed to the address above.  To request a faxed application, please call (909) 364-2620 or send an e-mail to www.cityclerk@chinohills.org.

For additional information, please call the City Clerk’s Office at (909) 364-2620.

Advanced Improvements Provides Comfort For Your Home

Staff Reports

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

Advanced Improvements can be reached at (888) 698-8859.

SoCal – Advanced Improvements is an expert in heating and air conditioning, water heating, water filtration, and solar power.  For over 20 years, they have been providing eco-friendly, energy saving home and office comfort solutions for Riverside, Orange, San Bernardino, San Diego and Los Angeles counties.

Advanced Improvements’ mission is to build top quality home and office improvement projects on time, with exemplary customer service, and within your budget.  Right now, Advanced Improvements is offering specials and discounts on a variety of their products.

Solar:  Whether you’re looking to go completely off the power grid, or just reduce your carbon footprint, Advanced Improvements can help by providing you with solar solutions.  They offer both solar electric (photovoltaic) and solar thermal (solar water heating) technologies.  The average solar system pays for itself in as little as four years.  When you fit your home for solar, you can receive up to 30% in tax credits, and Advanced Improvements has 2.99% financing options available for solar upgrades (OAC).

Water Heating:  Advanced Improvements carries a full line of different models and types of water heaters.  They offer everything from traditional tanks and tankless, to the new hybrids and eco-friendly solar water heaters.  Advanced Improvements specializes in tankless water heaters, claiming the title of the largest tankless water heater installation company in the nation.  They have installed over 10,000 tankless water heaters over the last ten years.  Take advantage of their $500 discount coupon on a Rheem Tankless Water Heater, or $100 discount on a Rheem Tank Water Heater.

Water Filtration: Advanced Improvements offers water filtration systems that protect against hardness elements, iron, rust, sediment, and a variety of other substances that may be present in your water.  Their systems are high flow and low maintenance machines that are designed for optimum performance.  Ask about their $500 discount coupon for Anti-Scale and Carbon Water Filtration systems.

Heating and Air:  Advanced Improvements has trained professionals that provide expert analyses, top quality equipment, and skilled installation or repair of your heating and air conditioning equipment.  They can give your home a heating or cooling system that is not only reliable, but efficient.  They also offer heat pumps, gas furnaces, package units, air handlers, and cooling coils.  Their current heating special will allow you to get $1,500 off in factory rebates for qualifying systems.  Also, ask about their $75 special for a winter tune-up for your current system.

Go Green:  You can GO GREEN with Advanced Improvements, as they provide eco-friendly, energy saving, green products for your home and business.  They can help you go completely independent with solar power, replace your heating and cooling system with a new high-efficiency unit, or lower your energy usage by installing a tankless water heater.

Advanced Improvements stands behind their products and services and is committed to excellence.  They are also committed to the community.  Owners Jason and Athena Hayes have lived in Eastvale for over seven years, and as homeowners, they love to see Eastvale flourish. Advanced Improvements has been the platinum sponsor for the Eastvale Community Foundation’s Annual Golf Tournaments, and they will continue to invest in the City and support its growth.  Make sure to ask about their $500 discount coupon for Eastvale residents only.

Make your home or business comfortable today with Advanced Improvements (Contractor State License Board #947761).  Their office is located at 1200 North Barsten Way, in Anaheim, and they can be reached at (888) 698-8859.  Visit their website at www.AdvancedIMP.com, and see their ad on page 14.

Eastvale Town Hall Recap

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal      

: Mayor Ike Bootsma makes a presentation at Eastvale’s Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 27. (Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News)

: Mayor Ike Bootsma makes a presentation at Eastvale’s Town Hall Meeting on Jan. 27. (Photo Courtesy: Eastvale News)

Eastvale – Eastvale’s first Quarterly Town Hall meeting of 2015 was held on Tues., Jan. 27, at Rosa Parks Elementary. The meeting was sponsored by the Eastvale Community Committee and was an opportunity for the various organizations that call our City home to update residents on the latest news.

Mayor Ike Bootsma updated citizens with a positive forecast for the City this year. CERT training has been completed by another group of 36 people. The Leal property Master Plan is still on track.  Businesses are doing well overall; and road construction throughout the City is progressing.

Tyler Madary, Field Representative from State Senator Richard Roth’s Office, spoke on behalf of our Senator and informed us that the legislature has just come back to session. The Senator is focusing on increasing healthcare access for the Inland Empire and hopes to increase public and private funding.  He is also hoping that State Bill 22 will pass, which will award money to recent graduates to practice in local hospitals with a high number of Medi-Cal patients. SB25 is another bill that the Senator’s office hopes to pass. This bill will basically rewrite the failed Vehicle License Fee bill, excluding annexed areas, which would make the bill more likely to pass.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department presented another new Assistant Chief of Police for Eastvale, Lt. Scott Forbes.  Forbes has been with the Sheriff’s Department for over 20 years.  He provided an update on statistics for the last quarter of 2014. There was one fatal traffic collision; 22 injury collisions; 86 non-injury collisions; and 36 hit and run/property damage reports.  The Department issued 420 hazardous violations and over 2,000 parking violations. Most accidents occurred on Hamner Avenue, Schleisman Road and Chandler Street.  For Crime, there was an increase in mail theft, construction theft and tailgate theft. There was also a spike in arson, but Cal-Fire made an arrest and that number has since dropped.  Pot houses remain an ongoing battle, but some are “legal” and are difficult to prosecute.

Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) reported that construction on Ronald Reagan Elementary is going smoothly and Principal Susan Helms says that everything is on track for the July 2015 opening. They are currently registering students and hiring teachers. JCSD hopes to have a Kids-Zone in place to open with the school.

The District has purchased AEDs (Automated External Defibrillators) which will first be placed in CNUSD high schools. Over 230 district employees have been trained in administering these devices.

The idea of adding “Eastvale” to CNUSD has been put on the radar and is being discussed.

The next school to be built in Eastvale – Rondo Elementary – is being planned for completion in 2018.  An offer on a 10-acre parcel of land on the corner of Hellman Avenue and Walters Street has been made, and if accepted, the school will begin the long planning and construction process.

The District has also refinanced a group of Community Facility District (CFD) bonds, bringing savings to over 350 homes in Eastvale. This is the fourth refinance that CNUSD has completed, and the District hopes to do more to help lower the residents’ tax burden.

CNUSD Superintendent, Dr. Michael Lin, was awarded recognition of being the top County Superintendent in Riverside County.

Residents raised questions on the need for more intermediate and high schools in Eastvale. Middle schools are projected to be adequate for the City, but with the only high school at 4,000 students – with projections of 4,700 in the next few years – another school is necessary.  CNUSD Board Member, Bill Newberry, discussed the STEM Magnet School that will be placed on the softball field behind Eleanor Roosevelt High in the next few years. The softball field will be removed and the service road behind the school expanded. Start and end times for ERHS and the new school would be adjusted to help ease traffic.  The STEM school would focus on Science, Technology, Engineering and Math, and would initially be open to Eastvale students only.

Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) has just released their newly updated website. Movies in the Park will be coming soon and will provide entertainment through August. Construction of Phase II of the Eastvale Community Park – with four new softball fields and two soccer fields – will begin soon.  In addition, the rehabilitation of the old fire station site at Cedar Creek Park will begin soon.

City of Eastvale Code Enforcement Officers, Travis Engelking and Allyn Evans, gave an update on City violations.  The most common are regarding trash cans and RVs.  Feb. 9 is the deadline to remove holiday lights. In 2014, 5,235 sign were removed and 5,642 inspections were completed.  Refer to the City website (www.eastvaleca.gov) to update yourself on City codes and rules for posting signs.

Animal Control Services Officer, Mark Visyak, gave an update on animal control in the area. He spends about four hours each day in Eastvale.  In 2014, Visyak made 3,475 calls in the City:  382 animals were impounded (four were turned in by residents); 177 animals were deceased and 1 livestock was deceased; 25 animals were quarantined for rabies; 35 stray dogs were captured; 106 citations/infractions were written; 11 potentially dangerous animals were contained; and 93 animal welfare issues were completed.

Sharyn Link, from the Eastvale Community Foundation, made a presentation that the Foundation will be re-hanging some of the previously damaged military banners, at about six banners per month. Banners remain in place as long as the individual is active in the military, has been killed in the line of duty, or has served for 20 years or more. The Foundation plans on having a booth at this summer’s Picnic in the Park, and will host their annual golf tournament. As always, they are looking for volunteers to help with their many events.

To Win – Make It Fun!

Coach-Mike-Green-Graphic-WEB

By Mike Green

As a youth coach, you may feel like your goal is to have a winning season. The fact is a winning season is a by-product of a good process, based upon having fun.

The key feature in a winning season for a youth coach is that your players MUST enjoy themselves. If the coach makes the experience a positive one, the players will want to put the extra effort into the process.

I’m not saying all you do is mess around and not provide discipline, structure or accountability to your team. Those attributes are present within every winning team. Children need those responsibilities to learn and grow, and if you can create an enjoyable environment they will work very hard without even knowing it.

The best coaches are the ones who create a passion for the sport they are coaching, regardless of the win-loss record. The only way to do this is to respect and treat every player as a valuable member of the team while making the experience a fun and positive one. When your players say, “Practice is over already?” you’ll know you’ve done a great job as a coach.

Mike Green is a coach for The Sports Family Club, a website dedicated to enriching the lives of children through sports and activities. For more information on The Sports Family Club visit http://thesportsfamilyclub.org/home

Marshall Middle School Celebrates 60th Anniversary

School receives $1,500 Walmart grant to fund e-readers and new mural 

Marshall Middle School Principal, Juan Ortiz, is presented with a $1,000 school grant from the Pomona Walmart, which provided an additional $500 in other school grants to the school for its 60th anniversary celebration. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

Marshall Middle School Principal, Juan Ortiz, is presented with a $1,000 school grant from the Pomona Walmart, which provided an additional $500 in other school grants to the school for its 60th anniversary celebration. (Photo Courtesy: Juliette Funes)

 By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Marshall Middle School is kicking off its 60th anniversary celebration in style, thanks in large part to Walmart, which awarded the Pomona Unified school $1,500 in school grants. The funds will be used to help refurbish Marshall’s cafeteria and buy new e-readers for the school library.

“It is wonderful to see such leadership and collaboration between our schools and local business partners to improve the learning environments of our students,” said Pomona Unified Board President Andrew Wong. “We believe that strong bonds and engagement between students, parents, educators and local businesses make us a stronger, more accountable school district.”

Named after the nation’s longest-serving Supreme Court Chief Justice, John Marshall, the school opened its doors in 1955 as a Grade 7 to 9 junior high. Now a 6th through 8th Grade school, Marshall (located at 1921 Arroyo Ave.) will celebrate its longevity and success during a ceremony tentatively scheduled for April.

“As part of our 60th anniversary, we plan to update and upgrade some items on campus so that over the next six decades, Marshall students can continue to feel a sense of pride in their school,” Principal Juan Ortiz said. “On behalf of Marshall Middle School, I want to thank our brand new Walmart store in Pomona for its generosity and helping us build on our sense of community.”

The celebration will focus on the complete refurbishing of the school cafeteria and its centerpiece – a new mural depicting three different color representations of the school mascot, the Marshall Mustang.

“This mural has welcomed students into our cafeteria for the last 30 years and we are ready to create a modern mural that our children can enjoy,” Ortiz said.

The Walmart grants will partially fund the new mural, as well as assist in the purchase of three e-readers for the school library to better help students in the transition to new digital learning technologies.

“It is our continuing mission to provide our students with the most modern learning facilities available,” PUSD Superintendent Richard Martinez said.  “We are grateful to Walmart for its commitment to our schools. Every child deserves an opportunity to excel.”

More information about Marshall Middle School can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/pages/Marshall-Middle-School/138200929561507.

Calling For Responsible Pet Owners

By Nancy Stoops

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

It is on behalf of dogs everywhere that I write this article.  Being the proud owner of Midnight – the black lab/black shepherd mix shown with me in my photograph – is truly a joy and honor.  Midnight is almost 8-years old and very healthy.  Midnight and I take lots of long walks in our neighborhood and he has many buddies along the way.  Some of his buddies are very well cared for and live safe lives.  Some of his buddies aren’t so lucky and are let out to walk themselves.

I can’t believe how many wonderful dogs I have seen without tags that are let out to walk themselves.  I can’t believe how many dogs end up hit by cars and die because they are illegally let out.  Legally, dogs are supposed to be licensed, vaccinated and leashed when they are out off their property.  They should be walked by humans that can help guide them on what is safe and what is not when they are outside of their house or yard.

A dog is a huge responsibility and an enormous joy.  Caring for a dog properly involves feeding them healthy food, cleaning them, vet visits, walks, licensing them, cleaning up after them, and always providing clean drinking water and shelter…and lots of love, affection and attention.

It’s not okay to have a dog – or any animal – that is neglected.  There have been many new laws passed to help protect animals, and people lose their pets every day because of neglect.

So I ask you to think about all of this before you get an animal.  I beg you to stop allowing your dogs to walk themselves.  I ask you to understand how helpless they are and how much they count on us to care properly for them.  Please take the time to be a responsible and loving pet owner!

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.

DB Through My Lens Winner

Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above” won the Grand Prize. (Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar)

Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above” won the Grand Prize. (Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar)

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The 2014 “Through My Lens” photo contest turned up a new batch of winning photos skillfully capturing moments and sceneries of Diamond Bar.

One photo in every division and category was selected as the front-runner, and another 17 images were chosen for honorable mention distinction, for a total of 22 winning entries.

Top prizes in the youth division went to Mikaela Pham, Lynn Lee and Garrett Masuda; and the winners in the adult division were Chuck Wong, David Moreno, Alfred Bertulfo, Steve Sustayta, and Tom Zeller.

Honorable mentions were presented to youth entrants Daniel Xu, Garrett Masuda, Mikaela Pham, Kyle Liu, Aish Rane, and Mustafa Arif; and adult entrants Amanda Pechy, Jet Long, Chuck Wong, Diana Dieu, Teresa Wang, Long Pham, Bruce Davis, William Anderson, and Robert Burns.

Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above,” won the Grand Prize.

All winners were congratulated at the Jan. 20 City Council meeting.  Each winner took home a special certificate and a cash prize, courtesy of the Diamond Bar Community Foundation.

A panel of judges selected the winners from each division based on composition, creativity, originality and visual appeal, and how well the photographs illustrated the theme.

Co-sponsored by the City and the Diamond Bar Community Foundation, the Through My Lens contest is now entering its eighth year, and will reopen for entries this April. More information about the contest as well as the list of the winners and their entries can be viewed online at http://www.diamondbarca.gov/throughmylens.

Eastvale Estates Fights For Annexation

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Eastvale – For the second time, a group of Eastvale residents have filed a petition to become annexed by the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD) as opposed to the Jurupa Valley School District they are now a part of.  Their goal is to have their children attend Eastvale’s highly rated schools.

According to Bree Pressler-Dennis, a resident of one of these communities, “We live in Eastvale and it makes sense that our children should have the same rights as others to attend these schools. I was initially told when I moved here, I would have to send my children to a Pedley school with scores in the 300s instead of the highly rated schools here.”

A resident from the Eastvale Estates, who wished to remain anonymous, agreed with this statement and added, “As a parent, why would you want to send your child to a low-rated school when you could send them to higher scoring school that is in your city?”

The second petition, which was filed on Nov. 13, 2014 and includes 117 valid signatures, was made up of only those residents from the 244-home Eastvale Estates tract. According to the Riverside County Department of Education, the petition has enough valid signatures and will move forward.

Bill Newberry, CNUSD Board Member, spoke briefly about the annexation request at Eastvale’s Town Hall meeting on Jan. 27. Newberry said that there were about 100 students involved in this petition, about 50 of which are already in Eastvale on inter-district transfers. If the petition passes, Newberry doesn’t expect it to really impact Eastvale schools too severely.

A public hearing must now be held by the Jurupa and Corona-Norco school boards within 60 days of Jan. 8. If this petition is accepted, it can then move forward to the next step which will most likely occur in mid to late February, according to the Riverside County Department of Education.

Eastvale schools are part of CNUSD, but a small percentage of Eastvale residents – east of Hamner Avenue and west of Interstate 15 – are actually not inside CNUSD and are thus not eligible to attend schools within the district.  These communities include Eastvale Estates, Swan Lake and Homecoming at Eastvale; however, the latest petition was submitted on behalf of Eastvale Estates residents only.

Arrest In OC Transgender Homicide

Staff Reports

 

Liborio De La Luz Ramos, 44, arrested for Voluntary Manslaughter. (Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana PD)

Liborio De La Luz Ramos, 44, arrested for Voluntary Manslaughter. (Photo Courtesy: Santa Ana PD)

Santa Ana – On Wed., Jan. 28, at approximately 10 p.m., the Orange County Coroner’s Office notified the Santa Ana Police Department of a suspicious death that occurred on Thurs., Jan. 22.  The decedent was a 40-year old transgender woman who died of silicone embolism syndrome related to a silicone injection to the buttocks for cosmetic reasons.

Homicide Detectives initiated a death investigation which revealed that the victim – Felipe De La Riva (who also went by the name of Katya) – went to a “silicone party” in the area sometime in late Dec. 2014.  On Jan. 1, De La Riva admitted herself into Kaiser Hospital due to a respiratory problem.  Silicone embolism syndrome symptoms include fever, chest pain, coughing up blood and altered consciousness.

On Jan. 21, at 7:06 p.m., De La Riva died of an embolism related to the silicone injection. Because the injection was received in a non-medical facility – possibly a hotel room – Kaiser contacted the coroner’s office.

On Thurs., Feb. 5, Santa Ana Police Homicide Detectives arrested Liborio De La Luz Ramos, 44, of Santa Ana, in connection with the death of De La Riva.  Ramos faces one felony count of voluntary manslaughter and two felony counts of the unauthorized practice of medicine, and is being held on $500,000 bail.  Detectives believe there may be additional victims who received injections from the suspect.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Santa Ana Police Detectives at (714) 245-8390.

Did You Know?

By K.P. Sander

Antique Valentine’s Day Card (Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Antique Valentine’s Day Card (Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)

Ah, l’amour!  It’s the stuff that makes the world go ‘round, vous ne trouvez pas?  St. Valentine might have a thing or two to say about that.

This Sat., Feb. 14, millions of people around the world will celebrate Valentine’s Day with their sweetheart by way of candy, flowers, cards, dinner out – or with extravagant gifts of jewelry and marriage proposals.  Elementary school children still pass out cards to their classrooms, making little girls think of a secret admirer (and little boys think, “Ew!”).

More factually speaking, it all began as a church celebration centered on early Christian saints named Valentinus, and was often associated with martyrdom.  Wikipedia states an account of Saint Valentine of Rome, who was imprisoned by Roman Emperor, Claudius II, for Christianity.  This particular St. Valentine healed Julia, the blind daughter of his jailer – according to legend – and in a farewell letter sent to her before his execution, he signed, “Your Valentine.”  The jailer, Asterius, and his household of 44 family members and servants came to believe in Jesus because of this miracle and were baptized.

Before the greeting card industry embellished it to what it is today, St. Valentine’s Day was first linked to romantic love in 18th century England, when courtly love flourished.  Lovers often expressed their love through the presentation of flowers, sweets and special cards called, valentines – traditions that are common today.

However you spend your Valentine’s Day, remember to tell someone that you love them, in remembrance of St. Valentine, who lost his life for the love of Jesus.

Competitive Coverage To Meet Your Family’s Needs

Staff Reports

Melanie Smith-Rice of State Farm Insurance in Norco.

Melanie Smith-Rice of State Farm Insurance in Norco.

Norco – At the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office, 24-hour good neighbor service is at the forefront.  Smith-Rice is confident that she can meet your needs for all insurance and financial services, and promises to wow you with expert professional service.

A State Farm Agent since 1985 and a Corona resident since 1971, Smith-Rice understands the needs of the community and has worked hard to provide a palette of services that makes one-stop-shopping easy and affordable.  Along with Auto insurance, Smith-Rice provides Home Owners and Renters Insurance.

“A home is a big investment, so let’s make sure you have enough coverage at the right rate,” says Smith-Rice.  As well, protecting your personal property may be more affordable than you think.  “The average person has over $200,000 worth of stuff that is probably not covered under your landlord’s policy.  That’s where our State Farm Renters insurance comes into play,” she adds.

More important than the care of your property is the care of your family.  Along with Life Insurance, the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office can provide various types of health insurance, including Long-Term Care should you become unable to care for yourself.

And for the business owner, Smith-Rice says, “I understand the needs of a business owner like you.  Together we can help protect your business and plan a roadmap for your financial future.

As if all this weren’t enough, the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office can provide you with financial services such as Mutual Funds, Annuities, and even Banking (yes, Banking!), including Bank Accounts, Credit Cards, and Loans.

Don’t wait another minute to help ensure your family’s well being.  Call the Melanie Smith-Rice State Farm Office today, and get peace of mind in return.  A staff of professional experts is standing by at (951) 734-5290, or Toll-Free at (888) 734-5292.  They are located at 2027 River Road in Norco, in the Stater Bros. shopping center at Second Street and River Road.  You can also email Smith-Rice at Melanie.smith-rice.bu0o@statefarm.com.

Run Forrest Run

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

I don’t remember the words to a lot of songs.  The tunes may be familiar, but I don’t remember all of the lyrics.  But, I do tend to remember words and phrases from movies.  Many of these memorable phrases are often quoted in other movies in the entertainment world.

For example, in one of the Indiana Jones movies when someone asked Indy what he was going to do next, he replied, “I don’t know. I’m making it up as I go.”  And, when he was being questioned by some FBI agents about what the Ark of the Covenant was, Indy asked them, “Didn’t any of you ever go to Sunday School?”

In the movie, Apollo Thirteen, when the spacecraft is damaged by an explosion, one of the astronauts speaks the famous words, “Houston, we have a problem.”  In the movie, Forrest Gump, you hear the famous phrase repeated several times, “Run, Forrest, run!”

I know that millions of people watched the Super Bowl recently.  It was an exciting football game as each team made some mistakes and each team made some amazing plays.  But, in case you may be one of the few people in our country who did not watch the game, let me explain how it ended.

The Seattle Seahawks drove the football deep into the New England Patriot’s end of the field.  The Seahawks were trailing, but a touchdown would put them ahead and assure them of another Super Bowl title.

With the ball on the one-yard line and only 30 seconds on the clock, Seattle did the unthinkable.  Instead of running the football into the end zone, they surprised everyone by throwing a short pass.

If the pass was caught, Seattle would likely score and win the game.  But, the pass was intercepted by New England and Seattle lost the game.  Everyone was stunned.  Everyone thought Seattle would run the ball into the end zone and win the game. Instead, Seattle lost and New England won.  It was one of the most unexpected endings in Super Bowl history.

Later, as I reflected on the unexpected outcome, I remembered the famous phrase from the movie, Forrest Gump, “Run, Forrest, run!”

I don’t know if the Seattle coach watches many old movies, but he might want to watch Forrest Gump again.  If Seattle had only run the ball, they would probably be the Super Bowl champions. Instead, they elected to pass the ball, which was intercepted, and New England is the 2015 Super Bowl champion!

Someone may want to send a copy of the movie, Forrest Gump, to the Seattle coach and remind him that next time his team is on the goal line, they should, “Run, Forrest, run!”

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.

Amazing Love

By Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community Church“How precious is your steadfast love, O God!” (Psalm 36:7).

God’s love is truly amazing! His love is poured out on us through his grace, mercy, and patience (Psalm 145:8). Although we are deserving of death, God’s love offers us eternal life (Romans 6:23).

My friend, there is no greater love than this! How will you respond to His wonderful love? David responded this way, “Because your steadfast love is better than life, my lips will praise you. So I will bless you as long as I live; in your name I will lift up my hands,” (Psalm 63:3-4).

When we stand in awe of God’s amazing love for us, we will seek for Him to refine us. In response to God’s great love, David prayed, “Prove me, O LORD, and try me; test my heart and my mind. For your steadfast love is before my eyes, and I walk in your faithfulness,” (Psalm 26:2-3).

Respond to God’s love! It is God’s love that will drive you to bring him glory. It is his love that will keep you fixed on him and able to endure until the end (Matthew 24:13).

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

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 02.14.15

Weekly 2015 0214 ScreenThe 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  2015-Feb14-Weekly-WEB to access the complete Weekly News February 14th issue in PDF format.

DB Construction Alerts

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – There are two major utility upgrade projects in progress, aimed at improving service delivery reliability.  The projects – which began on Jan. 28 – include the installation of new SCE electrical circuits, and replacement of a deteriorated vault; and the replacement of a Gas Company 3” gas main with a 4” line to accommodate the South Coast Air Quality Management District’s operations.

Construction will be carried out in phases, with various road closures and cautionary detours.  Please note the following traffic concerns, and make time allowances or avoid these areas altogether, if possible, during construction times.

  • The eastbound right-turn lane along Grand Ave. will be closed for approximately three weeks beginning Feb. 17.
  • The #2 eastbound through lane along Grand Ave. will be intermittently closed on weeknights from 8 pm to 5 a.m., and fully closed on weekends from Feb. 17 to Mar. 2.
  • One through lane along Golden Springs Dr. will be closed from Copley Dr. to Grand Ave. for one week beginning mid-February.
  • One through lane along Golden Springs Dr., as well as two right-turn lanes near Grand Ave. will be closed for two weeks beginning late February.

Both projects are scheduled to be completed on or before March 2.

Gotta Get That Root

By Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

jennifer-Jester-MadrigalOne of the chores I hated the most when I was a kid was pulling weeds.

We had a large slope behind the pool and my mom would have us help her pull weeds when they got out of hand. Of course, I’d be in a hurry and try to just rip the tops off so I could finish as fast as possible and move on, and my mom, of course, would tell me to slow down and make sure I “got the root”. She’d always point out that if you didn’t get it at the root then it would just grow back right away.

Most individuals who suffer from addiction, depression, anxiety, etc., will eventually get to the point where they will have to look the cause of their issues in the face and see what it is that brought them down the path. It could have been a failed relationship with a parent, abuse, or maybe even a traumatic event that was never dealt with.

Whatever the “root” is, it eventually must be dealt with because these things have a way of continuing to come to the surface until they are finally handled.

Years later – and probably because I am a writer and somehow always manage to find the “deep meaning” of simple sayings – this phrase has a deeper significance to me. I now apply this to my own life and try to remember when times get tough, that in order to make progress, I have to make sure that I attack the issue at the root.

I’ve learned that if you don’t take the time to really find the root cause of the issue, then all your surface work will do very little to actually solve the problem.

Face your issues, your demons, and your insecurities head-on, and do something about them. Talk to someone, get help, get out, make a plan, or whatever it takes to finally attack that root and move toward fixing whatever is keeping you from being the best version of yourself.

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

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.

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

Love ACTually

By Pastor Tim Eaton

pastor -tim-eaton-edgewater-lutheren

Pastor-Tim-Eaton-Edgewater-Lutheren

“People do crazy things when they’re in love.”

This quote from Disney’s “Hercules” may make you think of a time when someone drove you crazy in love. Maybe you couldn’t think straight, or string more than a word or two together in their presence.  Or maybe you simply lost all sense of good judgment.

The quote reminds us about the connection of love and ACTION. But more than losing your mind when you are overcome with love, it’s really about finding motivation and courage to do things you otherwise wouldn’t do.

Martin Luther King, Jr. is known for his passion to help make a better life for others. He said this in a speech about life and love: “I say to you this morning…that if you have never found something so dear and so precious to you that you aren’t willing to die for it, then you aren’t fit to live.”

Wow. That is a powerful love that motivated him to do all he could for his people. Tragically, he did give his life for what he loved, but the greater challenge that he accepted, was to live his life for something every day.

What about you? What do you love? What are you living for? What do you spend your time, money, and energy on? Measure your love with this question:  Can anyone else tell what it is that you love? Is it obvious? Or are you just drifting?

Find your passion, direction, and hope in Jesus. Jesus had direction; He lived for something He would eventually die for… You!  (Matthew 20:82).

Discover the one who has Crazy Love for you, Sundays at 10 a.m.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshipping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880; http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Brahma Football Star Joins National Signing Day

DBHS football player, Antonio Hull, signed a national letter of intent to play at the University of Wyoming. Shown with Pathways Director Julie Salas, Principal Catherine Real, Coach Marcus Hughes, and Assistant Principal John Terry. (Photo Courtesy: Kelly Gile)

DBHS football player, Antonio Hull, signed a national letter of intent to play at the University of Wyoming. Shown with Pathways Director Julie Salas, Principal Catherine Real, Coach Marcus Hughes, and Assistant Principal John Terry. (Photo Courtesy: Kelly Gile)

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar High School standout football player, Antonio “Noodles” Hull, officially committed to the University of Wyoming during National Signing Day on Feb. 4. Hull signed a coveted four-year, full-ride scholarship to play Division I football.

Family members, staff, and students from the Pathways Communication Academy cheered for Hull during the signing ceremony held in the theatre.

“I want to thank God, my family, my coaches, and Diamond Bar High for their support. I won’t let you down!” the 17-year old Hull said on stage.

Hull was lauded for the accomplishment during the celebration.

“This is huge! There are over a million high school football players and less than 2% receive full-ride Division I scholarships. You truly have to be gifted and blessed, and you definitely earned it,” commented Head Football Coach, Marcus Hughes.

As a junior, Hull was declared ineligible to play by a CIF ruling. Players traditionally gain attention from college scouts during their junior year.

“This road has not been easy for Antonio.  He’s proven to all of us that he can step up and meet any challenge whether it’s on the field or in the classroom. And that makes today even more special,” Principal Catherine Real said.  “We’re so incredibly proud of you!”

Hull came back with a strong senior season along with the interest of several colleges. He finished up with 1,278 yards rushing and 12 touchdowns; and he was successful returning kicks and 38 tackles on defense.  Next year he will play defensive back and return kicks for the Cowboys.

“He did it! When others stepped away, he stepped up!” praised Assistant Principal John Terry. “Antonio, watching you play on that field is amazing. You’re an amazing athlete. But even more you’re an amazing young man.”

“It’s extremely rare for a player to miss his whole junior. He came out his senior year and played hard and was a great teammate and leader on the field,” Hughes added.

A year ago, Hull made a commitment to match his academic performance with his athletic performance.

“Antonio is a true testament to what you can be if you set your heart and mind to accepting nothing less from yourself than your personal best,” said Pathways Director Julie Salas.

“I think Wyoming liked who I am in the classroom and on the field,” Hull proudly said.

“This is one of the most talented football players I’ve ever seen on a high school team, And I have no doubt when you get to Wyoming you’re going to be putting on quite a show up there,” Athletic Director Kevin Ferguson stated.

“And make sure you bring that winter coat – you’re going to need it!” Ferguson added.