Straight Talk With Danice

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

My best friend is perfect in every way, but for some reason she is always criticizing herself and her appearance.  Now I’m starting to feel self-conscious every time I’m around her.  She is much prettier than I am, so if she magnifies her own flaws, I wonder what she must think of me.  I’m starting to avoid her unless I’m looking my best.  What should I do?

-Farzi

Hi, Farzi:

Your friend might be suffering from insecurity or low self-esteem.  Just because she judges herself harshly does not mean that she has the same magnifying glass on you.  Don’t avoid your friend.  Share your feelings instead, and help her see her true value.

-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.

Beware Of IRS Phone Scam

By Claire Lewis

Chino – On Jan. 21, a local Chino resident (who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons) was the victim of an attempted scam.  She received a voicemail message – supposedly from the IRS – stating that she owed $3,981 and must pay this outstanding debt immediately.  The victim was threatened with arrest and seizure of all of her property, and becoming alarmed, she called them back at the number provided:  (866) 931-3773 (we called and received a busy signal).

The man who answered the phone (as “Internal Revenue Service”) reiterated the threats, and stated he needed to be kept on the phone while the victim withdrew money from her bank account and deposited it into the “IRS account” by providing verbal information.  Luckily, she did not comply, and the man hung up on her.

Shortly after the call ended, the victim received another call from a woman identifying herself as from the Chino Police Department.  She was told that the Police Department had dispatched an officer to come and arrest her.

The victim immediately contacted the Chino Police Department, and was reassured that this was, in fact, a scam.  They were quick to confirm that the victim did not provide any personal information.

The Chino Police Department would like to remind you that these are not the practices of the IRS or the Police Department.  Beware of such callers; they are very aggressive and use scare-tactics to steal money from unwary victims.  Never provide personal information, including social security numbers, bank account numbers, passwords, addresses or other critical data that could allow criminals into your life – often with serious consequences.

Unfortunately, these scammers get lucky sometimes.  If you have been the victim of a phone scam, report the information to your local Police Department.

Valentine Getaway At Comfort Suites

Staff Reports

Comfort Suites in La Puente. (Photo Courtesy: Comfort Suites)

Comfort Suites in La Puente. (Photo Courtesy: Comfort Suites)

La Puente – With Valentine’s Day just a few weeks away, now is the time to make plans to show that special someone how much you care.  Sure, chocolates are nice, and dinner at a restaurant is fun – if you can get a reservation.  Why not make your celebration really special with a romantic weekend getaway at Comfort Suites?

Not only is every room a beautiful suite, but you can enjoy a delicious, complimentary hot breakfast with your stay.  With affordable rates and a variety of restaurants and entertainment nearby, this could be the perfect gift for your Valentine.

With a welcoming atmosphere and friendly service, Comfort Suites can make you feel as comfortable as if you were at home. Certified with a three-diamond rating from AAA, the Comfort Suites’ staff ensures that guests are always satisfied with their stay (AAA is one of the most widely respected information sources for travelers throughout the United States and recommends hotels on a 1 to 4 scale).

Comfort Suites offers a wide variety of amenities including free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite on a flat screen plasma TV, a fitness center, 100% smoke-free hotel, and free parking.

Maria Mendoza, General Manager of Comfort Suites, personally invites you to come enjoy your stay at their hotel and take advantage of the unique opportunity to experience the area’s rich history, culture and urban energy. Visitors of every age and interest can enjoy a wide range of activities. La Puente Comfort Suites is located near the Irwindale Speedway, Industry Hills Expo Center, Raging Waters, the beautiful Huntington Library, and much more.

Located at 753 Glendora Avenue in La Puente, Comfort Suites can be reached at (626) 330-0030, or visit their website at www.industryhillshotel.com for more information and photos of their site.  And be sure to check out their ad on page 6 of this publication.

ERHS Students Donate Blood

By Emily Aguilar

The American Red Cross vehicle/blood lab on the ERHS Campus (Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

The American Red Cross vehicle/blood lab on the ERHS Campus (Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

Eastvale – Many students are beginning to realize the importance of giving back to their community: they volunteer, they host fundraisers, and they try to promote philanthropy.

When the American Red Cross offered to let ERHS students donate blood on Jan. 23, over a hundred students – mostly upperclassmen – rolled up their sleeves to donate their blood in the school cafeteria.

Donating blood is necessary for patients who have been in traumatic accidents or have health related issues, but the drawing of blood isn’t as simple as it seems. Eligible donors have to be over 100 pounds, cannot have health-related issues such as diabetes, must be at least 16, and must face the risk of feeling immense fatigue afterwards. Even after signing away their consent, nurses must ask the donors a series of questions to ensure that they are physically prepared to undergo the rigorous process.

In spite of these barriers, students still stand by the belief that their half hour of discomfort is worth saving someone’s life.

ERHS student and blood drive volunteer, Jackie Camuy (Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

ERHS student and blood drive volunteer, Jackie Camuy (Photo By: Emily Aguilar)

Included in the ERHS donors, was Jackie Camuy, an avid volunteer who has donated blood numerous times. Despite the anxiousness that she felt while having a nurse draw her blood, she has never been hesitant to take advantage of the opportunity to make a difference in someone else’s life.

“I feel like it is my responsibility to contribute to society in any way possible. I specifically chose to donate blood because I want to give somebody a better chance to live.” Camuy stated.

For those interested in donating blood or volunteering in the medical field, please visit http://www.redcross.org.

How Distracted Is Your Driving?

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – I was recently listening to a favorite radio program, and the DJ made mention of a man who was pulled over by police and cited for eating a hamburger while driving.

At first I thought, really?  What’s next? But as I was driving down the freeway attempting to put hot sauce on my taco*, I began to think, perhaps eating while driving is as much of a distraction – if not more – as texting.

Years ago, a friend of mine was on the road for work and had grabbed some drive-thru lunch on her way to an appointment.  As she attempted to merge her little pickup from the onramp to the travel lane – simultaneously picking up freeway speed and taking that first bite of a juicy burger – her tires caught in the grooves of the shoulder.  Not willing to sacrifice the burger, she one-handedly over corrected her steering and flipped her truck.  The burger didn’t make it.  Without the grace of God, she wouldn’t have made it either.  After a couple of weeks in the hospital, she thought twice before ever eating while driving again.

Distracted driving includes a variety of activities, the very popular texting, phones (laptops!), eating, talking to passengers, grooming (if I had a nickel for every time I saw someone applying mascara at a traffic signal…), reading, using navigation, watching videos – you name it; if it takes your visual, manual or cognitive attention away from your driving, it’s a distraction.  And by the way, texting requires all three skills…at once.

The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration (NHTS) revealed from a survey that only one out of five young drivers thinks that texting makes no difference in their driving performance.  The average text takes your eyes off the road for about five seconds.  Combine that with traveling 55 miles per hour; that’s enough time to cover the length of a football field – blindfolded.  A frightening visual (pun intended) that I would venture to say might make a difference.

A National Occupant Protection Use Survey showed that at any given daylight hour across the nation, more than 660,000 drivers are manipulating electronic devices – the lion’s share by texting.  NHTS says that in 2012, 3,328 people were killed and 421,000 were injured in distraction-affected crashes – depending on how you look at it, more than 60% of those distracted while driving, crashed.

71% of teens surveyed admit to composing and sending a text while driving.  Coincidentally, nearly 70% of California drivers surveyed in 2013 said they had been hit or nearly hit by a driver who was talking or texting on a phone.

These are all statistics that just scream, STOP!  Do you really want to drive in an environment where you are surrounded by – maybe you are one of them – individuals creating a crash risk 23 times greater than driving while not distracted?  I’m visualizing a group of friends in a car:   they just hit the drive-thru on their way to a party, and they are having a great time texting back and forth with other friends heading to the same party…they are all engaged on everything, except the road.  How often do you think this happens?  Exactly.

Whatever takes your eyes from the road – even for a second – has the ability to alter your life forever.  The outcome is rarely a good one.  Don’t learn from experience, take statistics to heart.  That call, text, burger or ? can wait until you are stationary and safe.

We lived quite comfortably for thousands of years without the immediate gratification of iPhone/Android technology.  There is nothing worth the risk of a precious life – yours, or someone else you may affect, by being impaired in some way.

A vehicle can be a symbol of success or poverty, a well-loved member of the family (good, old Bessie), or simply the thing that gets you from A to B.  I can also be a lethal weapon when operated outside of the law.

Lt. Scott Forbes from the Eastvale Police Department gives us this sage advice, “In the short time it takes to read or respond to a text, your vehicle can conceivably travel hundreds of feet.  Please don’t gamble with your safety or the safety of other motorists.  The risk is just too great.”

Be safe. Don’t drive distracted.  Ever.

Visit www.distracted.gov to learn more.  Educate yourself, your teens, your friends, all those you care about.

 

*An embellishment for entertainment purposes.  No tacos were harmed in the writing of this article.  Oh, c’mon!  How many times have your knees done the steering for you?

A Life Without Regret

By Nancy Stoops

Just for a moment, picture your last day here on earth.  You’re not in any pain and you’re lying on your bed.  As the day goes by, you’re entire life is flashing by and you’re really taking stock of your life.  I want you to ask yourself, will you be content with your life or will you be filled with regret?

So once again, I find myself writing a very motivational article that is intended to wake those of you who always put off ‘living your life’.  I wonder what it is that you fear, and why you don’t understand that this is the only chance that you will get.

We seem to believe that we have many more tomorrows than we actually do.  All we really can count on is today, and the here and now.  Today is the day to start making your dreams come true.  Today is the day to start living a life with no regrets.

Don’t feel guilty because you have a dream and need to put energy into making it happen.  I mean, after all, dreams coming true are just our rewards for hard work.  I’ve seen many of my own – and many other people’s – dreams come true.  I believe anything is possible if you are willing to do the work.

To me there is nothing worse than a life filled with regret.  To me a life filled with regret is a life wasted.  Trust me when I tell you, it’s never too late to go after a dream.  Don’t tell me you’re too young or too old, but instead modify that dream for the time being.  I know that part of a dream come true is better than none at all.  Inner peace comes by living a life without regret, and so does happiness!

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.

Meet New DB Councilman Lin

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar’s new council member, Jimmy Lin. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar’s new council member, Jimmy Lin. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar – Following the departure of former councilwoman Ling Ling Chang to the California State Assembly during the November election, the Diamond Bar City Council launched a month-long search to find a suitable replacement in her stead.

After reviewing more than a dozen candidates, the Council appointed Jimmy Lin, a 12-year resident of Diamond Bar and longtime public servant.

Lin – who holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University – spent 32 years living in Kansas where he worked for the engineering firm, Bucher, Willis and Ratliff, and eventually became the chairman of the firm.

In 2012, Lin, and his wife, Sophia, decided to retire and move to Diamond Bar.  They have an adult son who is currently practicing medicine in the Midwest.  Lin – not exactly in retirement mode – is now the President, CEO and Chairman for the KOA Corporation – an engineering firm in Monterey Park.

Lin said beyond his professional qualifications, he is an “experienced public servant” who has not only served in Diamond Bar, but also in Leadwood, Kansas.

“I am happy that there is a very minimal learning curve for me to understand the needs of Diamond Bar and her citizens and residents,” Lin said. “I am excited about the opportunity and I am certain that I can do a good job.”

Lin said he believes his background in civil engineering will be a boon to the City, since the growing population of Diamond Bar means higher traffic volumes – a topic that he is well-versed in considering his lifelong profession.

“One of the bigger challenges facing Diamond Bar, is, of course, the traffic issues,” Lin said. “Physically, we are located in the center of the L.A. Metropolitan area and traffic from all directions converges and disperses here on our freeways. When the freeway gets congested, traffic starts to funnel through local streets such as Diamond Bar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Golden Spring and other minor arterial streets.”

Lin said traffic problems will be a major concern of his during his time as a Council member, and that he looks forward to making a cost effective solution that will help commuters and residents.  Lin also said he’s looking forward to working with the local Sheriff’s Department to curb small incidents involving petty theft in order to maintain Diamond Bar’s image as one of the safest cities in America.

Beyond that, Lin said being appointed to the City Council will be a major opportunity and responsibility, and that he is willing to listen to any resident on any matter that would improve Diamond Bar during his tenure on the Council.

“As a public figure, my number one responsibility is to learn and understand every public issue and try to build a consensus to solve the problem,” Lin said. “I certainly welcome comments and recommendations from every citizen and resident of Diamond Bar. My door is always open.”

“True Comfort”

By Pastor Dennis Morales

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things,” (John 14:26).

“Comforter” describes the Holy Spirit of God, which means in the original New Testament language “to come to the side of another.” There is something cool about the word “comfort.”  We get the word comfort from two Latin words meaning “con” (in company with) and “fortis” (to strengthen).

We just signed my son, Noah, up for his first organized baseball team.  Along with that comes my responsibility to provide as much encouragement as possible for Noah in his development as a player.  We were practicing batting the other day and he got a little discouraged and just sat down.  I was moved and came along side of him and gave him a few words of encouragement.  He then sprang to his feet, and to both of our joy, he a hit the ball squarely all the way to the outfield grass.  It would have done him no good for me to take the bat out of his hand and hit the ball for him.

We usually think of “comfort” as soothing someone, consoling someone; and to some extent this is true.  But true comfort strengthens us to face life bravely and keep on going. It does not rob us of responsibility or make it easy for us to give up.

God comes along side of us not to remove the difficulty or hardship, but to strengthen us along the way (Isaiah 41:10, Philippians 4:13).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

OC Mother Gets 11 Years For Stabbing Children

 Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Fri., Jan. 23, a mother was sentenced to 11 years to life in state prison for attempting to murder her two young children by stabbing them while they were asleep.

Thuy Thi Le, 43, of Westminster, was found guilty by a jury Feb. 4, 2014, of two felony counts each of attempted murder, and child abuse and endangerment with sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a deadly weapon and committing great bodily injury.

On Oct. 27, 2014, a unanimous jury found the sentencing enhancement for premeditation and deliberation for the attempted murder charge to be true following a retrial of the sentencing enhancement, as a former jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

The defendant, who entered pleas of “not guilty” and “not guilty by reason of insanity,” was found to be legally sane at the time of the murder by the jury on Oct. 31, 2014.

Back on Sept. 16, 2009, Le spent the night at a family member’s home with her children, a 5-year old and a 3-year old.  Her boyfriend – who is the father of the children – was at work. Le slept with her two children together on a mattress in the family room.  At approximately 6:30 a.m., she went into the kitchen, picked up a knife from the sink, walked back over to the children, stabbed each of them in the chest, and then stabbed herself nearly 25 times. She then called 911.

The children were rushed to the University of California Irvine Medical Center.  The 5-year old child suffered a stab wound to the chest and the knife penetrated her heart; she underwent emergency open-heart surgery to save her life. The 3-year old child suffered a stab wound to the chest area, but the knife missed all vital organs.

Both children are reportedly recovered and are living with their father.

Did You Know?

 

Punxsutawney Phil forecasting more winter weather on Groundhogs Day in 1963. (Photo Courtesy: Nationalgeographic.com)

Punxsutawney Phil forecasting more winter weather on Groundhogs Day in 1963. (Photo Courtesy: Nationalgeographic.com)

By K.P. Sander

On Mon., Feb. 2, Groundhogs Day will cast its shadow in America, and we shall see if an early spring is in our forecast.

According to folklore – and Wikipedia – on this particular winter day, if a groundhog emerges from its warm and cozy burrow to find a cloudy sky, then spring will quickly be on its way.  Conversely, if the sun is shining and the groundhog sees its shadow, it will retreat back underground to hunker down for another six weeks of winter weather.

One of the most prominent celebrations in the U.S. happens each year in Gobbler’s Knob, the home of celebrity groundhog, Phil, in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where crowds as large as 40,000 have gathered for the celebration since 1886.  Made famous in the 1993 film, Groundhogs Day, Punxsutawney Phil keeps folks from near and far on tenterhooks as he emerges to tell the weather’s fortune early in the morning on Feb. 2 (this year’s forecast is a high of 21° – a low of 2° – with snow showers).  Most Punxsutawnians are probably hoping for no shadow.

Punxsutawney Phil – a whopping 129 years old – is taken care of year-round by a very select group called the “Inner Circle.”  They are widely recognized by their top hats and tuxedos, and they make sure that Phil has everything he needs to thrive happily.  From his allegedly heated, synthetic tree staged for the annual celebration, to the magical elixir (providing another seven years of life) he drinks each summer at the Groundhog Picnic – never mind that the average groundhog lives about seven years – the Inner Circle takes very good care of its charge.

Interestingly enough, the fuzzy prognosticator has an astonishingly high rate of accuracy in his meteorological forecasts – so say Groundhog’s Day organizers.  Weather Almanacs are not as flattering, stating that Phil’s predictions since 1887 are more around the 39% mark.  Still respectable…for a rodent.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 01.31.15

2015 0131 Cover 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 this link  2015-Jan31-WeeklyWEB to access the complete Weekly News January 31st issue in PDF format.

Reset the Course

By Pastor Dennis Morales

 

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“Forget the former things; do not dwell on the past. See, I am doing a new thing!” (Isaiah 43:18-19a NIV).

New phone luster, new clothes, new car smell, new resolutions.  These all seem to fade pretty quickly.

Given the New Year, it is still a great time to reset the course to change. God sets the first course in change, which is to “forget the former things.”  God doesn’t concentrate on your problems or failures.  He says, I am going to do something “new.”

Isaiah was speaking to God’s people who were in captivity.  They had failed miserably, and it seemed they had no way out.  As long as they dwelled on the past, God could not do something new.

The devil would always have you look back, too.  Because when we dwell upon our failures, often fear, shame, and isolation are not too far away.  And that’s the devil’s intention, to get you isolated from God.  Because when we come to God, we find forgiveness and peace.

The Bible says, “Gods mercies are new every morning,” (Lamentations 3:23).  The Apostle Paul practiced, “… forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead,” (Philippians 3:13).  Paul’s life had a strong focus on God that helped him prioritize everything else.

God always fixes our eyes on the things that are ahead because He wants to do something new.  He wants you to have not just a better physique or a better relationship; God wants to give you something deeper.  He wants to free you from sin and set you on the course of peace (Philippians 4:7).

Happy New Year!

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website athttp://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

What Color Is Your Car?

By Pastor Mark Hopper

I have heard people say that you can learn a lot about a person by the color of their car.

People with flashy red or bright yellow cars are probably seeking the attention of others.  This may be true.  I read somewhere that people who get the most traffic tickets are people who drive red cars and trucks.

I have also heard that people who desire less attention drive cars that blend in, like gray, silver or tan.  We have a gray car and a silver car.  So that must tell you something about my personality!

As I looked around our neighborhood, I noticed that one neighbor had only white vehicles parked in their driveway.  Every car and truck in their family was white.  Maybe this reflects the unity in their family?  However, I think I did notice a darker color recently.  Maybe more diversity is emerging at their house.

It is also surprising how many dark colored cars there are in our neighborhood.  One member of our family has a black Honda Accord.  Another neighbor has a black pickup truck.  Maybe the darker colors look more expensive and luxurious.

A few years ago, a hot topic in the news was the question, “What kind of car would Jesus drive?” This generated a lot of discussion and controversy.  My answer was that Jesus would probably drive a large passenger van so He could help bring people to church!

Maybe we can start a new discussion by asking, “What color car would Jesus drive?”  I’ll let you ponder this deep question.  I don’t know for sure, but I do know that the two passenger vans at our church are dark green.

There is a verse in the Bible that says, “Man looks at the outward appearance, but God looks at the heart,” (I Samuel 16:7).  Maybe we should not give as much attention to the color of the cars our neighbors are driving.  Maybe we should focus on what is “under the hood”.

Let’s do the same with the people we meet each day.  Don’t focus on their hairstyle or the clothes they wear.  We should focus on their heart and realize that each person we meet is precious and valuable in God’s sight.

 

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.

Navigating The ‘Main Street Squeeze’

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: RCTC.org

Photo Courtesy: RCTC.org

Corona – If you are one of the local commuters who travel into the perfect storm of the 15 and 91 Freeways merging with the influx of vehicles entering from Main Street on your way to work, there might be some relief in your near future.

The Corona Police Department is offering five tips to help you navigate the traffic, and perhaps make for a more enjoyable drive.

  1. Allow extra travel time. Do yourself a favor and leave for work or school a little earlier. That will help you relax and be more patient as your drive through this area.
    2. Make good driving decisions. When the road narrows, move over and get behind the car in front of you. Please don’t try to go around that car and then get stuck at the K-rail (cement barrier) up ahead. There are “No U-Turn” signs at Third St. and on Grand Blvd, so don’t try and make a U-turn. Please follow all rules of the road and be patient during this time.
    3. Pay attention. Travel conditions will be changing during the next two years. K-rails will be shifting. There may be some additional lane closures at night. Follow the signs, put down your cell phones, and please be respectful with other motorists and contractors.
    4. Know alternate routes. The eastbound on-ramp of Main Street will be closed, so use Lincoln Ave., Magnolia Ave., McKinley St. or Hidden Valley Pkwy. instead.
    5. Watch for workers and equipment. Although crews will be primarily working behind K-rails, there are exceptions. Please keep an eye out for crew members and their vehicles. Safety is paramount and we want everyone to make it home safely.

The Corona Police Department would like to reiterate that this is a temporary inconvenience that will ultimately benefit all commuters in the long run traveling through this area. Please remember that we’re all in this together.

The Grass Is Greener

By Michael Armijo

Years ago, I read a Question & Answer column in a local newspaper about Bob Pacheco, and it really moved me.

I picked up the phone that day, and called his office in Sacramento (when he was our local Assemblyman), and asked him about his life. He was very open and candid, and told me the truth about his life in an effort to help me with my own. I thought my life was tough and that I had a rough time. I thought I overcame a lot.

Bob spoke of his father who was a farm worker and didn’t speak any English. He mentioned how his mother was crippled and only had a 2nd Grade education. He recalled helping his father in the fields, and how poor his family was – and yet he managed to graduate from college and finish law school.

I’ve been told to stay away from politics, stay away from mentioning political candidates or endorsing people. But I’m not speaking about Bob the politician; I’m speaking about Bob the human being.

I believe the toughest dreams in life are the ones that require forging new paths.  Bob mentioned that when he was in junior college, he took an entrance exam and the counselor asked him what he wanted to do. He said he wanted to be an attorney. She suggested he should be a mechanic.

When I was 16, I was working for Sav-On. My father always spoke of security in income, security in employment, and hoped that I would someday become manager of Sav-On.

Sometimes we need to go against the grain, against the odds, against what others call “the norm”. If Bob and I had listened to others, I would be managing Sav-On and he would be fixing my car.

But I didn’t want to be a manager; I wanted to own the place. I wanted to have enough financial comfort that I could follow my dreams of being a writer, touching lives and helping people. Bob wanted to become a lawyer. He wanted to be in a position where he could help people in serious need; inspiring disadvantaged children who do not believe they have the skills to be accomplished in life.

Although it’s tough disregarding all that we’re told and going with our hearts, I believe that sometimes it’s necessary. I believe that we should always listen to others advice but never abandon our dreams.

When I was in 7th Grade, I realized I wanted to become a writer and now, years later, I make my living as a writer. At 19, Bob Pacheco realized he wanted to be an attorney, and years later, he finished law school and passed the bar exam.

I look at myself now and I like who I’ve become. Friends of mine have taken other routes that brought them picket fences and fancy cars at a young age, while I went against the odds and followed my dreams.

I look at Bob and I see someone who is always trying to help, who always offers a kind word and a warm heart; a man who also has ignored the easy route and chose to follow the tough road of a dreamer.

Many people say that the grass is greener on the other side of the fence, and many times it is. That can be very distracting to the dreamers in life. So if the greener grass is distracting and you truly want to follow your heart, then start watering your own yard, and stop looking at the other side of the fence.

Community Events

Staff Reports

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Pomona Inner City Homeless Ministry Dinner

When:  The 4th Saturday monthly:  Jan. 24, 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.

Fit Food Fundamentals

When:  Beginning weekly, Thursdays now through Feb. 12.  The last session will occur on Fri., Feb. 20, and the teens will serve a healthy meal to seniors during a dinner and a movie, 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Where:  Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut

Details:  Teens, ages 12 to 16, will learn basic knowledge of nutrition, safety, and food preparation skills to incorporate a healthy diet into their everyday routine.  Teens can gain insight on how to lead a healthy lifestyle by means of fitness and proper nutrition, which can be a foundation for lifelong well-being.  $35 for five weeks (includes all materials).

Contact:  (909) 598-6200.

Run for Cody 5K

When:  Sat., Jan. 31

Where: Frank G. Bonelli Park, 120 Via Verde, San Dimas, CA 91773

Details:  Cops 4 Causes invites all walkers and runners to join them to help Cody Misch and his fight against kidney failure. Register to participate online at www.cops4causes.org. Registrations start at $25 per person.  All ages are welcome to attend.  The 5K Walk/Run will be a timed event in association with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Athletic Association (LASAA).

Baldwin Park Pro Wrestling

When:  Sat., Jan. 31, at 6 p.m. (doors open at 5 p.m.)

Where:  Ester Snyder Community Center, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Gymnasium

Details:  A Wrestling Extravaganza in conjunction with the Empire Wrestling Federation, the show will feature six matches, “Lucha Libre” pro-style wrestling, and much more for the entire family.

Contact:  (626) 813-5245, ext. 317, or visit http://www.baldwinpark.com

Citizens’ Police Academy

When:  Wednesdays, 6:30 to 9 p.m., Feb. 4 to March 25

Where:  Pomona Police Department, 490 W. Mission Blvd; Pomona City Hall, 505 S. Garey Avenue.

Details:  The Pomona Police Department is offering an eight week program that provides citizens with the opportunity to learn about the inner workings of the Police Department.  Space is limited to 40 approved applicants.  Beginning Jan. 5, applications can be obtained at the front desk of the Pomona Police Department or at the Crime Prevention Office at City Hall.

Contact:  Crime Prevention, (909) 620-2318.

Roaring 20s Casino Night

When: Fri., Feb. 6, 6:30 to 11 p.m.

Where:  Diamond Bar Golf Course, 22751 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar

Details:  The Diamond Bar Woman’s Club presents a night of fun, food and gaming.  Just $50 per person, which included dinner, $50 in chips, a drink ticket and a commemorative photo.  All proceeds benefit the Diamond Bar Woman’s Club Charities.

Contact:  For tickets and information, call Debbie Avila-Mott at (909) 860-1063.

Bosco Tech Math Competition

When:  Sat., Feb. 7; 7:45 a.m.

Where:  Don Bosco Technical Institute, 1151 San Gabriel Boulevard, Rosemead

Details:  Mathematics competition for 5th through 8th Grade students.  The 43rd annual event will offer awards for the highest scoring individuals and teams.  Students from all San Gabriel Valley public and private schools are invited to participate.  $8/individual; $5/teams per person.  Food, fun, awards ceremony.

Contact:  Ms. Valeria De Luna at MathCompetition@boscotech.edu. For further information about Bosco Tech, call (626) 940-2000 or visit www.boscotech.edu.

4th Annual Yurak Memorial 5K Run

When:  Sat., Feb. 14

Where:  Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, 15501 East Arrow Highway, Irwindale

Details:  Don Bosco Technical Institute will host the Memorial 5K Run and kids-only 1K Fun Run.  All proceeds will benefit Bosco Tech’s Yurak Athletic Center.  Race registration is $35; online registration is available at www.boscotech.edu/events.

Contact:  Athletic Director, Chris Shockley, (626) 940-2101, or via email at lshockley@boscotech.edu

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

Baldwin Park Proposes Work Center

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – If all goes according to plan, local residents may be on their way toward a few job leads by the end of summer. The possibility comes with great relief to Nick Hernandez, 27, who has recently become unemployed.

“Everyone needs help during unemployment because it could be a trying and discouraging time,” said the Baldwin Park resident. “A lot of people don’t know the right way to look for a job, such as networking, and how to tailor your resumes for exactly what you’re looking for.”

City officials said locals such as Hernandez have been the driving force behind an effort to open a WorkSource office in Baldwin Park. They have been in ongoing conversations with representatives from the Baldwin Park Adult School, WorkSource, the California Employment Development Department (EDD), as well as the Baldwin Park Business Association to get their plan into action.

Marc Castagnola, Baldwin Park’s Director of Community Development, said the city has been exploring the option for an in-town WorkSource office since last summer. WorkSource recently ran an office in Irwindale, he added, but its services were sometimes limited, and that facility eventually closed its doors a few months ago.

Since then, Baldwin Park Councilman, Ricardo Pacheco, has pioneered the effort to debut employment outreach out of the Baldwin Park Adult School along Maine Avenue. Pacheco reported that his city’s unemployment rate is at about 11 percent, the highest in the San Gabriel Valley for the last few years. That statistic is also above the state’s unemployment rate, which measures at about 8 percent.

Those figures won’t change until something is done to reach out to residents within the community, according to Pacheco. “There are not enough resources in our community to find jobs or for job training to encourage people to take advantage of what’s available out there.” he said. “Having something like this at the adult school would be a good start.”

According to its website, WorkSource California connects Los Angeles County job hunters with specialists, job listings, training resources, and even technical support to help get their foot in the employment door. The agency also links businesses with qualified candidates, training centers, and other assistance for their operations. WorkSource lists about 40 locations throughout Southern California – including one in El Monte – but creating a more local outlet for employment resources could benefit Baldwin Park residents and their surrounding cities.

“This is a resource where people that are looking for jobs or retraining or assistance can go. It helps residents connect with opportunities toward their future,” Castagnola said.

City officials expect the local WorkSource center would additionally be a hub for vocational training opportunities through the adult school; if all goes well, there is also a proposal to start a satellite office out of the facility as a way of expanding its services.

Finalizing plans for a Baldwin Park WorkSource office may take some time, organizers believe, mostly because each participating agency has its own set of stipulations and accommodations to be met. Project funding should not come at a great cost, if any, to the city, since most operations are run by county and state groups. Nonetheless, Castagnola said there is a strong interest in debuting a WorkSource office here.

Without a job source center within close proximity, Baldwin Park residents are often met with restrictions in time or reliable transportation to moving forward quickly toward employment, he said.

“We’ve heard this from many people. If someone has to take a bus to travel to El Monte and wait in line, they spend a whole day on the bus and commuting,” added Castagnola. “What they get in one day may not be as productive as what they could have gotten if it was closer to them.”

Hernandez couldn’t agree more. He said he had frequented the Irwindale WorkSource center and benefited from its services in the past; but now that the facility is closed, he’s been directed to use the location out of West Covina. Although he has his own transportation, Hernandez said the potential for a WorkSource center close to home is “actually perfect.”

“I really believe there’s a real need for that in communities with high unemployment and within any community really,” he said. “It’s an answered prayer.”

 

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Members of the Diamond Bar City Council honor former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, Jen Mahlke, with a City Tile, a distinction which represents years of hard work for the City. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Members of the Diamond Bar City Council honor former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, Jen Mahlke, with a City Tile, a distinction which represents years of hard work for the City. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar – Residents and proud family members attended the Diamond Bar City Council meeting in high numbers on Jan. 20, which included the award ceremony for the City’s annual “Through My Lens” photo contest.

To start, council members gave out two City Tiles: one to former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, Jen Mahlke, for her outstanding service to the City from March 2011 to October 2014; and the other, to former Planning Commissioner – and newly appointed council member – Jimmy Lin. Both Mahlke and Lin were thanked for their service to the City in their respective positions and their years of hard work.

The Council then welcomed and congratulated nearly 20 Diamond Bar residents for their award winning participation in the 2014 “Through My Lens” photo contest, which had residents snapping shots around town for categories including people, places, nature, pets and digitally altered. The contest was also split between youth and adult participants.

Mayor Steve Tye thanked all the residents for their outstanding work and for continuing to show off the City through the perspective of their camera lenses.

“The Contest was started in 2008, and has focused positive attention on our community, which we’ve accomplished,” Tye said. “The result has been a win-win for residents and the City.  Residents get to exercise their passion for photography and the City gets a collection of incredible random art photographs to showcase throughout the year.”

After all the category and honorable mention winners were announced, Tye proclaimed that resident, Alfred Bertulfo, was this year’s grand prize winner.

The Council then moved to the list of future events, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission Jan. 22 meeting, the Planning Commission Jan. 27 meeting, the City Council Feb. 3 meeting, and the Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundup on Sat., Feb. 14 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the Gateway Corporate Center in the 1300 block of Bridge Gate Drive.

The Council then approved all the items on its consent calendar including the minutes for the Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 City Council and Traffic meetings, and the Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 Transportation Commission meetings, the ratification of check register dated Dec. 31 through Jan. 14 totaling $986,081.06, the authorization from the City Manager to execute any necessary documents/agreements from Winstream for 36 months of phone service in an amount not-to-exceed $50,000, and the authorization from the City Manager to execute any necessary documents/agreements from SC Fuels for 36 months for City vehicle fuel card services in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.

With no more public hearings for consideration, the Diamond Bar City Council officially adjourned at 7:13 p.m., with plans to meet next month on Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m., at 21865 Copley Drive.

Armstrong Creates Living Museum

By Juliette Funes

Photo Courtesy: Armstrong Elementary School

Photo Courtesy: Armstrong Elementary School

Diamond Bar – 5th and 6th Grade students at Armstrong Elementary invite the public to their annual “Living Museum of Historical People,” featuring performances reviving famous scientists, inventors, presidents and other historical figures in honor of Presidents’ Day.

The “Museum” will include student-created murals and science boards, which will encourage visitors to press buttons – at which point students will pop up and recreate a scene from American history.

The Armstrong Elementary “Living Museum” showcases a variety of subjects which are consistent with the Common Core State Standards of learning. Many exhibits will be on display, including a focus on the American Revolution, featuring such historical figures as Paul Revere, Mary Draper, Thomas Jefferson and George Washington.

The event will be held on Thurs., Jan. 29, with performances at 8:30, 9:45 and 11 a.m., and 1:30 and 5:30 p.m.  Performances last approximately one hour.  Armstrong Elementary is located at 22750 Beaverhead Drive, in Diamond Bar.

This event is open to the public, and visitors must check in at the office before coming to the museum.

What It Means To Be A Police Officer

By LEAFF (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

Photo Courtesy: LEAFF of Eastvale

Photo Courtesy: LEAFF of Eastvale

Eastvale – Have you ever heard the saying, “If you want to be loved, be a firefighter; and if you want to be hated, be a cop?”  It seems that in today’s world and with recent cases in the news – including the brutal execution of two New York Police Officers – this has never been more true. However, let us take the time to really think about what it takes to be a Police Officer and reflect on that this year.

In 2014, 113 police officers were killed in the line of duty. These courageous men and women will never see their families, friends, or co-workers again and all for the service of others. While there may be “bad apples” in the bunch, the facts are that there are far more “good” cops that go to work each day and work vigilantly to uphold the law.

Representatives like Officer Stacy from Alabama, who caught a women stealing from a grocery store to feed her kids because she was short 50 cents to buy a dozen eggs. Instead of arresting her, he went back into the store and bought her a carton of eggs. Later, he brought her two truckloads of food. These stories don’t always get told.

What about Hamburg Officer, Joe Bloom, who helped a family with a disabled child get her medicine during the terrible storms on the East Coast?  Or Officer Briggs, who talked a man out of jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Police Officers do much more than arrest criminals, write tickets and patrol the streets. Often, they go above and beyond to keep your family safe and to help those that others may walk by.

On behalf of all citizens, THANK YOU to our Law Enforcement Officers who go out and do the right thing each day. We appreciate what you do.

In 2015, take the time to be thankful for all the good Police Officers out there who deserve your respect and admiration.