Something For Everyone At Walnut Hills Village

Staff Reports

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut – Things can get hectic this time of year. Not only do you need to finish your holiday shopping, but you’ve got a party to plan, you can’t forget to drop off the cleaning (again), and you have friends coming over for dinner tonight. How do you get it all done?            Walnut Hills Village could be your answer! Conveniently located with easy access, the Village truly has something for everyone. With more than 30 stores in one location, and anchored by Stater Bros., this is one-stop shopping at its finest. And with so many independent merchants, this is the perfect opportunity to shop small by shopping local.

Drop your pet off at Sophie’s Wags To Whiskers boutique for a holiday grooming, while you relax at Newen’s Beauty Salon or Art Nails. You can run some errands at several retailers, and grab a quick lunch at Baby Elephant Thai Cuisine. There is even time to schedule that dental or vision appointment that you’ve been putting off, get your banking done, and run into Dollar Tree for some stocking stuffers. Asian Kitchen Express will even set you up with delicious Pho-Thai party trays for your celebration, while Royal Florist takes care of your table centerpiece. And, the UPS Store is right there to help mail your gifts to out-of-state family and friends. Suddenly, the holidays don’t seem so hectic with so many options in one place.

So, don’t let the hustle-bustle of the holidays get you down. Stop by Walnut Hills Village and amaze your family with your holiday organizational skills. The Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just a ½ block west of Grand Avenue in the City of Walnut. See the full page ad on page 4 of this publication for a full listing of all retail establishments.

 

 

 

 

Orange County: Ford Rewards Over 150 Local At-Risk Students

ford-transit-connect

Ford Transit Connect (Photo Courtesy: Ford.com)

Staff ReportsIrvine – On Fri., Dec. 5, the Ford Motor Company – in conjunction with the Orange County Gang Reduction and Intervention Partnership (OC GRIP), and the Taco Bell Corporation – rewarded over 150 local at-risk elementary, middle and high school students with an exclusive visit to their regional headquarters.

Students met with professional skateboarder, reality star, and entrepreneur, Ryan Sheckler, and were taken on an exclusive tour of Ford’s Design Studio. They also heard from law enforcement officers and prosecutors, including Orange County District Attorney, Tony Rackauckas, who spoke to the students about positive life choices and the negative effects of criminal street gangs. Lunch and additional activities were provided by Taco Bell.

To earn this incentive, the students met a challenge to have no unexcused absences, criminal activity or arrests, violence or weapons on campus, and no gang-related clothing, writing, or behavior.

As a reward for their commitment to additional OC GRIP programming, 25 students and their families in attendance were eligible to win an all-new Ford Transit Connect, furnished by the OC Ford Dealers Advertising Fund.

This is the third year that the OC GRIP program, in partnership with Ford and their employees, have provided at-risk-students with resources and support to encourage them to make education a priority in their lives. In this year alone, over 90 Ford employees volunteered their time by visiting 12 Orange County schools to meet with students in the program.

 

 

 

Great Harvest Comes To Eastvale

By K.P. Sander

great-harvest-bread-eastvale

Great Harvest Bread Co. is located in the Marketplace at the Enclave, at 14244 Schleisman Road, Suite 130 (behind Starbucks). They can be reached at (951) 427-5737. Expect their Grand Opening on Dec. 5.

Eastvale – Close your eyes and imagine being in a bakery, early in the morning. Smell that? That amazing sensory delight is a perfect wheat kernel that has been magically transformed into warm, nutritious, whole-grain goodness – cleverly disguised as a beautiful loaf of bread – just waiting to dazzle you with superior taste and satisfaction.            To say that Eastvale is lucky to become the newest home for the Great Harvest Bread Company is – in my humble opinion – an understatement. For more than 30 years, Great Harvest has been pursuing perfection in the baking of their breads, and very soon citizens in and around Eastvale will be able to enjoy their full range of incredibly tasty treats, including a wide variety of artisan breads, sandwiches, cookies, muffins, and much more.

Most important, perhaps, are the benefits of whole grains that you will easily be able to provide for your family by making breakfast and school lunches with the Honey Whole Wheat or Farmhouse White choices; but there is something so comforting and soul-feeding about freshly baked bread. Grilled cheese takes on a whole new meaning when you pair it with the Cheddar Garlic Bread. Ever tried a roast beef sandwich with fresh Chimichurri sauce? If you aren’t already salivating, know this…your family will throw a ticker-tape parade in your honor when you make them French toast using the Cinnamon Chip bread. I could go on and on.

Meredith Sumenek, the owner of Eastvale’s Great Harvest Bread Company, is very excited to be opening the doors to her all natural bread and sandwich shop in the city she calls home.

“We grind our whole wheat flour on site for the freshest bread around – without preservatives,” says Sumenek. “As owner, I strive to find the freshest ingredients and support other local businesses by purchasing as much as I can locally.”

Sumenek has been baking since she was a toddler, and because her mother never bought bread from the store, but baked every roll, cookie, cake, pie and loaf of bread from scratch, she has very discernible tastes and standards. After 20 years in the financial services industry, becoming a professional baker was a very logical choice for her.

“Our [Great Harvest] breads and sweets taste like no other. Every loaf of bread is hand-crafted from start to finish in the store daily. We knead every single loaf and roll it by hand until it is the way your mother or grandmother would have made it,” Sumenek says (and I believe her). “We do not take shortcuts…it takes five hours to make a single loaf of bread, and it shows in the taste and texture as well as the healthy ingredients,” Sumenek goes on to say.

“Our sandwiches are fresh and amazing with all of our sauces made from fresh ingredients in the store,” she continues. How about smoky ham and slightly melted brie cheese, with tart green apples and a homemade mustard-apricot spread on – if I might be so bold – Cranberry Orange bread? Just sayin’…

When asked why she got into the Great Harvest business, Sumenek says, “I do this because I have a tremendous love of fantastic tasting, healthy bread, and the desire to be a part of the local community. Great Harvest Bread Company is a way to help build the marvelous community we are all making here in the Inland Empire, and I want to have something to pass on to my family, friends and team.”

If you’ve had the pleasure of visiting a Great Harvest Bread Company location, you know what you’re in for. I’m not saying that the drive to Temecula is in vain just for a loaf of their bread (okay, lots of reasons to visit our local vineyards), but now I no longer have to buy in bulk. I can just run ‘round the corner to my favorite bakery any time I like. Trips to Temecula can now focus on the perfect grape to accompany my local bread purchases.

So don’t take my word for it, visit our new Great Harvest Bread Company, with an opening date scheduled for Dec. 5 in the grand city of Eastvale. Meredith Sumenek will be waiting for you, saying, “I look forward to meeting all of you, sharing old memories, and making new friendships.”

She had me at cheddar garlic bread.

SGV: Shop Local. Shop Small.

Staff Reports

SGV – Are you an over-achiever who jumped up at the crack before midnight to complete your holiday shopping on Black Friday (and are now kicked back, relaxed, and watching everyone else scramble); or are you an adrenaline junkie who loves the chase of the last few hours on Christmas Eve?

Whatever your shopping style, cities, chambers of commerce and retailers are encouraging you to “Shop Small.” When you keep your hard-earned dollars local, more of what you spend helps to support the communities where you live by sustaining parks, recreation, schools, libraries and other local services.

The City of Walnut is even promoting a “Walnut Selfie Business Campaign,” to remind residents to shop locally this season. Residents are encouraged to take pictures of themselves shopping at local businesses and forward them to the City of Walnut Community Development Department via email. Selfies will be posted to the City’s Instagram, Twitter and Facebook pages. The campaign is going on now through Wed., Dec. 31. Show your civic pride and send your selfie to dwomble@ci.walnut.ca.us.

According to the Regional Chamber of Commerce of San Gabriel Valley, there are some very good reasons to shop small, by shopping locally:

  • Shopping local creates jobs. Shops in your town create local employment and self-employment. These people in turn spend in the local community.
  • Local, independent shops invest more in their communities. Local businesses are proportionately more generous in their support of local charities, schools and community events. Supporting local shops means a financial impact on your community.
  • Local shops sell a wide range of great products at affordable prices. Many people fall out of the habit of shopping locally and are then surprised by the range of products and gifts available.
  • Shopping local saves you money. Out of town shops have done a good job of convincing us that local business equals expensive. If you add travel, fees to transfer items and your time, the overall cost is often much higher.
  • Shopping local retains communities. People don’t like losing shops and services in small towns, but don’t equate this to how they spend their money.
  • Shopping local retains your distinctiveness. Independent shops create unique shopping experiences. Local businesses respond quickly to the needs of local customers, stocking products to meet the changing population needs.
  • Shopping local saves the environment. Local shops often stock a high percentage of locally sourced goods which do not require long car and bus journeys, helping to reduce our global footprint.
  • Local shops are for everyone. Most people can get to their local shops easily and this is especially important for the elderly and young generations, and those without transportation.
  • Local shops value you more. Evidence from numerous surveys show people receive better customer care and service locally. These businesses survive by their reputation and repeat business, which means you get a higher standard of service.
  • Shopping local saves services. Private and public sector services tend to cluster around shops. As shops disappear so do hairdressers, banks, restaurants, etc.

Statistics say that each dollar spent locally can return up to five times that amount within a community through city taxes, employee wages, and the purchase of supplies and services at other local companies. Locally owned, independent businesses return about 80% of each dollar to their community, as opposed to big box or chains, which contribute about 40%.

So get out there and shop…but shop small. Happy holidays!

 

Walnut’s Winter “Whoville” Wonderland

Staff Reports

Walnut – Walnut is transforming into a wintery “Whoville” Wonderland this holiday season. The Walnut Senior Center Parking Lot will be filled with snow on Sat., Dec. 13, from 6 to 10 p.m. For only $8, participants will be able to enjoy the unlimited sled rides, ice skating, games, snow ball battlefield, and live entertainment.

This year’s entertainment line-up includes community groups opening for our main 8 p.m. act, the Filharmonic, featured in NBC’s “Sing Off” competition. This evening will be a night to remember. We encourage you to bring your blankets and enjoy our outdoor lounge area for a movie showing of “How the Grinch Stole Christmas,” at 8:30 p.m., with a Hot Cocoa bar service.

Slide your way over in your best “Whoville Do” or stop by our Whoville Hair Salon and get into the wintery “Whoville” spirit to experience the fun of Walnut’s Winter Wonderland.

As if the Winter Wonderland isn’t enough, Santa and the Grinch are inviting you and your family to gather round the tree for a festive “Whoville” dinner. The City of Walnut will be hosting a Dinner with Santa from 5:30 to 7 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 13. Dinner will include a delicious buffet-style meal with live entertainment, arts and crafts, games, and an opportunity to take a picture with our special guests, Santa and the Grinch. The cost is $12 per person and $8 per child. For more information please call (909) 598-5605.

And finally, to help you with your holiday shopping, why not stop by the Mini Marketplace to find that unique gift idea you have been looking for? Walnut’s Annual “Tis the Season Marketplace” has partnered up with the Winter Wonderland to make family time both easy and fun. The Mini Marketplace hours are from 4 to 9 p.m. on Sat., Dec. 13. There will be a variety of items such as handmade crafts, festive decorations and much more available for purchase. So, get in the spirit of the holidays and find a thoughtful gift for that special someone.

All events are located at the Walnut Senior Center, located at 21215 La Puente Road, in Walnut. To register for the events or for more information, call (909) 598-6200. Family 4-Packs and Dinner With Santa combo packs are available.

Murder At Motel 6 Pomona

Staff Reports

motel6pomona

The Pomona Motel 6, located on South Garey Avenue. (Photo Courtesy: Motel6.com

Pomona – On Sat., Nov. 29 at approximately 8:40 p.m., Pomona Police Officers responded to a disturbance at the Motel 6 on the 2400 block of South Garey Avenue. At the scene they discovered an adult female, deceased in one of the rooms.            According to the Pomona Police Department, Yvette Silva was found to be stabbed to death. The motive for the murder is still unknown at this time. Silva was the mother of a 12-year old son.Pomona Homicide Detectives have investigated every lead in an attempt to find the suspect in this murder, and they have identified Alex Clever, 26, from Pomona. Clever – an acquaintance of Silva – was recently released from prison and was currently on Post Release Community Supervision. The San Gabriel Valley East AB-109 Task Force arrested Clever as he rode a bicycle away from his parents’ home in the Phillips Ranch community in Pomona. He was taken to the Pomona City Jail and booked for murder.

The San Gabriel Valley East AB109 Task Force is a multi-agency team comprised of officers from nine agencies and includes representatives from the LA County Probation Department and the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office. Their primary responsibility is to conduct compliance checks on those individuals who have been released from prison under AB109 to ensure that they are in compliance with their terms of release. The Task Force is responsible for enforcement in the cities of Azusa, Baldwin Park, Claremont, Covina, Glendora, Irwindale, Pomona, La Verne, West Covina and Whittier.

Anyone with information regarding this homicide is urged to call the Pomona Police Department’s Detective Bureau at (909) 620-2085. Anyone willing to provide information, who wishes to remain anonymous, is urged to contact “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477, or “We-Tip” at 1-800-782-7463.

 

 

Five Holiday Safety Tips To Keep Pets Safe

By LEAFF (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

 

LEAFF Law Enforcement and Fire Protection

L.E.A.F.F. Eastvale

Eastvale – The holidays are a time of family and celebration, and that celebration also includes the family pets. While most of us know the holiday dangers in regard to keeping our homes and families safe, pets are just as likely to be injured from owner negligence. Follow these important tips to ensure that the holidays are a time of joy for all the members of your family.

  1. Secure Your Christmas Tree:Securely anchor your Christmas tree so it doesn’t tip and fall, causing possible injury to your pets. This will also prevent the tree water – which may contain fertilizers that can cause stomach upset – from spilling. Stagnant tree water is also a breeding ground for bacteria, and your pet could end up with nausea or diarrhea should they ingest it.
  2. Avoid Tinsel on Trees: While sparkly and eye-catching, tinsel can beswallowed by pets, which can lead to an obstructed digestive tract, severe vomiting, dehydration and possible surgery.
  3. Holiday Food is Not Pet Food: Chocolate and anything sweetened with Xylitol is very dangerous for animals. Keep in mind, animals will go to great lengths to chomp on something tasty. Be sure to keep your pets away from the table and unattended plates of food, and secure the lids on garbage cans.
  4. Holiday Lights: Keep wires, batteries, and glass or plastic ornaments out of the reach of paws. An exposed wire can deliver a potentially lethal electrical shock, and a punctured battery can cause burns to the mouth and esophagus. Shards of breakable ornaments can also damage your pet’s mouth and digestive tract.
  5. New Year’s Celebration Noise: As you count down to the New Year, please keep in mind that strings of thrown confetti can get lodged in an animal’s intestines, if ingested, possibly necessitating surgery. Noisy poppers can terrify pets and cause possible damage to sensitive ears. Just like the Fourth of July, the clanging of pots and pans, firecrackers, and other loud disturbances can cause outside pets to become fearful and attempt to leave your yard in search of shelter. Keep pets safely inside as midnight approaches.

 

Tips Courtesy of the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals)

Chino: Holiday Safety Tips

Staff Reports

 

Chino – ‘Tis the season of joy, cheer…and theft. Shoppers nationwide are most vulnerable to theft during the holidays. While out, shoppers are urged to stay alert, and check their safety list twice.

The City of Chino offers the following tips to make your holidays more enjoyable:

 

  • Plan shopping trips to allow extra time, and avoid dark hours.
  • Use the buddy system and include a shopping partner.
  • Walk confidently with your head up, make eye contact with people and have your keys ready.
  • Be alert and aware (look for suspicious persons or individuals who appear to be loitering).
  • Know your surroundings at all times (location, exits, security staff).
  • Always lock your car doors and remember where you park.
  • Never hide spare keys in or on your car.  If you need spare keys, keep them in your wallet or purse.
  • Do not carry more cash/valuables than is absolutely necessary.
  • Be discreet with cash and valuables. Do not count money in your car or public areas.
  • Carry your purse with the opening flap next to your body and with the strap hung over your shoulder.
  • Place valuables out of sight (i.e. bags, purses, cell phones, tablets, etc.) in the trunk prior to parking, or take them with you.
  • Re-park your vehicle if you drop bags off in the trunk.
  • Tell children where they are (location)
  • Identify a safe place and instruct youngsters to contact a store employee or security guard should he/she become separated.
  • Talk to children about stranger-danger and staying away from candy or bribes while shopping.
  • Do NOT have your child’s name visibly displayed on clothing or bags.
  • Check your basic vehicle maintenance (gas, lights, tire pressure).
  • Drive defensively and courteously.
  • Do not drive across parking stalls; use marked driving lanes and obey all traffic signs.
  • Remember, parking lots will be more crowded and checkout lanes will be busier, so be patient and have a safe shopping experience.
  • For cyber-shopping, use familiar websites and apps from reputable retail companies.
  • Look for the Lock on website URLs to ensure it is a safe site for credit transactions.
  • Do not provide information like social security numbers and birthdays.
  • Ensure your PC has anti-virus software; most will have an identity theft prevention component.
  • Use strong passwords.

 

Santa Makes House Calls In Chino Hills

Santa_Claus_PNG_ClipartStaff Reports

Chino Hills – Santa and his helper will arrive from the North Pole to spread holiday cheer and visit homes in the City of Chino Hills.

The Chino Hills recreation staff is in charge of helping Santa find his way around the City. Reservations may be made at the Recreation Office at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.

Santa visits are available December 13, 14, 19, 20, and 21 from 4 to 9:30 p.m. The cost is $40 per visit for parties of less than 20 people. Larger parties are charged $50 per visit. Each visit is limited to 15 minutes. Special requests for visits will be considered based upon Santa’s schedule. Two consecutive visits may be scheduled to provide a single 30-minute visit if desired, depending upon availability.

Call (909) 364-2700 for more information. This program is limited to visits within the City of Chino Hills.

New Mayor: Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met Tues., Dec. 2 for its regular meeting, which saw a new Mayor and Mayor Pro Tem appointed to serve the City for the next year, and the Council considerations to fill the vacancy left behind when council member Ling-Ling Chang joined the California Assembly.

The Council appointed Steve Tye as the new Mayor of Diamond Bar, with Nancy Lyons appointed as the City’s Mayor Pro Tem.

After the appointments, former Mayor, Carol Herrera, gave an outgoing presentation, as Tye presented her with a gavel to commemorate her service. Tye, Lyons and council member Jack Tanaka thanked the outgoing Mayor for her dedication and congratulated her on completing her fifth mayoral term in office – a feat that Tye said has not been accomplished in Diamond Bar’s history.

“It’s been my very great pleasure to be Mayor this particular last year since it was the City’s 25th Anniversary and there were so many memorable events,” Herrera said. “I just feel very privileged to have been able to be the Mayor this year.”

Following Herrera’s presentation, City Manager James DeStefano gave a presentation for the City’s windmill dedication. DeStefano called the windmill an “icon of historical significance” based on the City’s agricultural history.

After the presentation, the City’s schedule of future events was listed to include the Holiday Diamond Ride for free shuttle service to and from the Diamond Bar Shopping Centers through Jan. 1, 2015; the Planning Commission on Dec. 9; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on Dec. 11; the City Council meeting on Dec. 16; cancellations for the Parks and Recreation meeting on Dec. 25 and Planning Commission meeting on Dec. 23; City office closures on Dec. 24 and 25; holiday tree curbside collection program on Dec. 26; and the Late Night Transit Pass sale on Dec. 30 at 7 p.m. at Diamond Bar City Hall.

The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar, including the minutes for the City Council meeting on Nov. 18 and the Parks and Recreation Commission on Oct. 23; the ratification of a check register totaling $1,392,233.64; the Treasurer’s monthly statement for October; the approval of plans and specifications and establishing a project pavement account, waive bid irregularities, and award construction contract for the 2014-2015 Community Development Block Grant Area 2 Sidewalk Installation Project to TSR Construction and Inspection in the amount of $124,420 and a contingency amount of $31,105; and the approval for the updated Sanitary Sewer Management Plan.

The Council’s public hearing item concerning the prohibition of medical marijuana dispensaries in Diamond Bar was continued from the Nov. 18 City Council meeting due to a lack of votes needed for approval.

And the final item of the City Council agenda was the consideration for the open seat vacated by councilwoman Chang, which would need to be filled within 60 days of Dec. 1. DeStefano said the council members must either appoint a new council member, or hold an election to fill the vacancy until Chang’s term is up in November 2017.

Since an election would cost tax payers approximately $150,000, the council members were keen on appointing a candidate based on applications from Diamond Bar residents.

“I think it makes greater sense to accept applications starting today (Dec. 2) through Dec. 19…,” Herrera said. “We’ll take what we got and I would almost venture to say that there would be a lot of applications.”

Newly minted Mayor Tye said he was certain that the Council would receive an ample amount of applications for the vacancy and that saving money for the City would be in the best interest of all Diamond Bar residents.

“I’m leaning toward appointing someone to fill the position because of the high costs for a special election,” Tye said. “People elect us to make difficult decisions, so I think we should interview candidates and appoint someone ourselves.”

The City Council members then approved a motion to accept applications through Dec. 19 for the position, conduct candidate interviews, and hold a special City Council meeting before Jan. 30, 2015 to select the new council member.

The Council then adjourned with plans to meet on Dec. 16 at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

 

 

The Weekly News Complete Edition 12.06.14

Our Weekly News 12.6.14The 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  Dec6WeeklyAll to access the complete Weekly News December 6th issue in pdf format.

For The Love Of Carter

By Carissa Herb

Jerry-and-carter-davis

Carter and his Papa, Jerry Davis (Photo Courtesy: Facebook)

Eastvale – As a child, the last thing on your mind are the troubles that will follow you as you start to age. For young Carter Forsyth – who is one of 50,000 U.S. children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) – this is a problem that he is facing daily. However, Carter, 4, is making a difference with the help of his grandfather, Jerry Davis, and other sympathetic family members.

JIA is an autoimmune, inflammatory joint disease that presents with varying degrees of pain, swelling, stiffness, lethargy and a reduction or loss of mobility. Growth retardation is common in children with JIA, and this symptom is often exacerbated with medications typically used to treat the disease. Muscle weakness or loss, and osteoporosis are also possible conditions associated with JIA.

Earlier this year on Sept. 13, Carter’s grandfather – or as he likes to call him, Papa – participated in a 525 mile bike ride down California’s coast. During the 12 weeks of riding, Davis managed to raise $13,000 to be donated to the Arthritis Foundation. Davis has already begun to prepare for next year’s big ride, and plans on raising $40,000 – all of which will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to further the search for a cure.

And yet the ride is about much more than the money. Davis reflected on his experience training for the ride and touches on a moment that struck home for him.

On an extraneous day of riding, Davis mentioned that he was tempted to discontinue his participation in the ride, until he saw his son, J.T.’s, initials on the side of an old barn. J.T. was Davis’ son who had passed away recently, and the initials gave him the strength to continue on for both J.T. and Carter.

Presently Carter has started a new medication, and it seems to be helping with the pain and the progression of the arthritis. He also spends his Friday mornings having breakfast with his Papa.

Carter has to have his usual pancakes with eggs and hash browns. He brags about his favorite restaurant on Mars called the Space Rover. He promises that the next time he goes to Mars he will bring his grandfather with him so that they can hang out.

Carter’s family has continued to raise money to donate to the Foundation. Most recently, one of his cousins asked for donations to the Foundation instead of presents for her birthday.

To learn more about Team Carter and Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis, check out their Facebook page at http://www.Facebook.com/525miles4carter.

 

Chino Hills: Two Suspects Arrested In Copper Wire Theft

Staff Reports

 

copper-theft=solution

(Photo Courtesy: firstelectricalsupply.com)

Chino Hills – Chino Hills Deputies have arrested two suspects in conjunction with the theft of $50,000 in copper wiring and tools.            According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department and the Chino Hills Police Department, on Sun., Nov. 30 at approximately 12:05 a.m., a deputy was patrolling a vacant Kaiser Permanente site at 13000 Peyton Drive. The deputy happened upon Mario Lopez, 32, and Eduardo Guillen, 23, both from Ontario, in the process of stealing copper wire from a parking lot light pole.

Lopez was apprehended at the scene. Guillen fled toward Garey Avenue and SR-71. Additional Chino Hills Deputies quickly responded to the area and established a security perimeter. Guillen was soon located and detained near the intersection of Garey Avenue and Market Place in Pomona.

Deputies recovered copper wire, tools, and four damaged light poles with an estimated value and repair cost of $50,000.

Lopez and Guillen were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of Conspiracy, Possession of Stolen Property, Grand Theft, and Vandalism.

The U.S. Department of Energy estimates that the theft of copper wiring, pipes, tubing (and other metals) has reached $1 billion in loss and damages due to the increased value of scrap copper. Thieves are combing construction sites, abandoned buildings, and targeting light poles and commercial heating and air conditioning units.

One of the main concerns is that in order to get at the copper, thieves are causing more damage to the units they are extracting from than they are able to obtain looking for their $3 to $4 per pound for the metal. And if their targets are hooked up to live voltage, they could very well lose their lives.

 

 

Prop 47: What Does It Mean For Eastvale?

By Lt. Joseph Pemberton
City of Eastvale, Co-Chief of Police

Eastvale – In a nutshell, Proposition 47 permits resentencing for several convicted felons who are currently in custody, and reclassifies existing felonies as misdemeanors for specified offenses that are currently charged in our county. These resentencing and reclassification changes are not available for persons who are required to register per Penal Code (PC) Section 290, or have prior convictions for offenses listed in PC Section 667(e)(2)(c)(iv). These changes take effect immediately.

The theft offense of shoplifting (PC 459.2) is changed to punish commercial burglary as a misdemeanor if the offense occurred during business hours, and if the suspect entered the commercial building with the intent to take property that does not exceed $950 in value.

Furthermore, Subsection (b) of PC 459.2 precludes charging a defendant with both burglary and theft of the same property. We will no longer be able to charge a qualifying offender with felony burglary if the defendant enters a store during business hours to steal merchandise with a value of less than $950.

PC Sections 473 and 476 regarding Forgery will be amended to punish violations only as misdemeanors; however, if the defendant is also convicted of identity theft in violation of PC Section 530.5, neither conviction will be reduced to misdemeanor.

PC Section 490.2 regarding Grand Theft (catch-all) will take effect to ensure that all grand theft violations – including those outlined in Section 487 – will only be punished as a misdemeanor. As a result, even grand theft of a firearm will no longer qualify as a strike offense, assuming the defendant is eligible for Proposition 47 relief (i.e., has no disqualifying priors or registration requirements).

PC Section 496 regarding Receiving Stolen Property will be amended to punish this crime as a felony if the receipt of the stolen property exceeds a value of $950.

PC Section 666 regarding Petty Theft with Prior Conviction is amended to prohibit felony punishment for any repeat theft offender, unless the defendant is ineligible for relief as a result of a disqualifying prior conviction.

For drug offenses, simple possession offenses in violation of Health &Safety Code sections 11350, 11377, and 11357 will only be punishable as misdemeanors unless the defendant has a disqualifying conviction listed in PC Section 667(e)(2)(c)(iv), or are required to register per PC 290.

In response to Proposition 47, for the City of Eastvale Police Department it will be business as usual. We are still going to enforce these violations and use proactive, targeted enforcement to arrest offenders and get them into the court system. In order to achieve this, we will maintain high visibility around our City and increased patrols around our shopping centers and commercial areas to help keep the community safe during the holidays.

This year our City will also see an increase in Police Officers on bike patrols around our shopping centers that will specifically be looking to enforce many of these restructured theft offenses. This will allow our Officers to be more visible and accessible to the public, and help dispel any concerns that these changes will affect the delivery of our Police services.

 

Eastvale Chamber December Newsletter

Eastvale-Chamber-December-NewsletterThe Eastvale Chamber of Commerce is looking forward to many exciting events this month, but in particular they are pleased to announce their Connection Breakfast on Dec. 11, at 7 a.m., at the brand new Great Harvest Bread Company. This event features a new location, new food, and new business opportunities.

The Chamber is also looking forward to their first Chairman’s Gala, to be held in the New Year on January 22. This is an event that will show members how much they are truly appreciated.

The Eastvale Chamber of Commerce is located at 12523 Limonite Avenue, Suite 440-428. They can be reached at (951) 768-6000, or visit www.eastvalechamberofcommerce.org.

Let your business voice be heard. Support the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce!

 

Walnut: Donor’s Gift Boosts Mt. SAC Pathways Program

By Mike Taylor

 

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College’s Pathways to Transfer program – a program designed to help students complete a degree and transfer to a four-year university – recently received a $100,000 donation from San Gabriel Valley Charitable Foundation philanthropist, Gary Chow.

The two-year $100,000 gift will help the Pathways program continue its work to provide an accelerated learning program to help students taking basic skills English and math courses succeed and keep them on track to transfer.

Through the program, students in basic skills courses take classes in cohort groups with the same instructor in an accelerated time frame. Three courses are fit into an intersession and semester so that students are fully engaged in the subject. The classes include the same instructor throughout the sequence to provide a sense of continuity, and each class has a tutor to provide additional help.

The courses are also linked to a learning community class, a counseling class, or a library class. The result has been a dramatic rise in completion rates, a decrease in English and math phobias, and increased student self-confidence.

“There is a sense of continuity and support in this program that enables basic skills students to succeed at higher levels and makes this program unique,” said Mt. SAC American Language Professor and Basic Skills Coordinator, Glenda Bro.

In the last year, persistence rates for Pathways students were 36 percent higher in math courses compared to non-Pathways students. In English, Pathways students performed 27 percent better than non-Pathways students.

Persistence rates measure whether students successfully complete the sequence of courses.

“These students aren’t just passing one class. They are committing to the program and completing the entire sequence of classes,” said Bro.

 

Bouncing Ball

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

pastor-rob-norris-the-crossings“I considered all my activities which my hands had done and the labor which I had exerted, and behold all was vanity,” Ecclesiastes 2:11.

There are seasons in life when our work requires more of us than it does at other times; tax season for the accountant; Christmas season for the retailer. Whatever your line of work, it likely has a natural rhythm that spikes at certain times.

But increasingly in our success-driven culture, busy seasons have run together into all seasons. We have allowed the pace to perpetuate itself, driving us at full throttle month after month, year after year. Things begin to come totally unraveled at home, in our marriage, in our relationships with our children. It can happen, seemingly, in a blink.

This reminds me of a commencement address attributed to Brian Dyson, who held several senior management positions with Coca-Cola during his long career. He told a class of Georgia Tech graduates, “Imagine life as a game in which you are juggling five balls in the air: work, family, health, friends and spirit. You’re keeping all of these in the air.

“You soon understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. But the other four balls are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, marked, nicked, damaged, or even shattered. It will never be the same.”

You may not get as many pats on the back for being at home to dry the dishes or settle a disagreement or help a child study for a test. You may not receive the same sense of affirmation you feel from accomplishing a work goal or achieving recognition among your peers. But you will be living proof that winning at home first is the key to winning anything of value.

Marriages and families don’t bounce. They shatter. For generations.

Live It: What is your “busy season”? What are the first signs that work is getting out of balance? How can you help each other handle those seasons that demand more of you than usual?

Pray: Pray for the ability to juggle well, and to know which balls can drop without causing major damage.

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

 

 

Curing Your Holiday Heart Condition

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Whether it is the tale of a boy and a BB gun, the account of an old man haunted by ghosts, or the story of an overgrown elf searching for his parents, Christmas movies are one of the most anticipated aspects of the holidays. And, of the hundreds of films created to celebrate the season, one always tops the list of favorites: How the Grinch Stole Christmas. The saga of a green guy with a heart “two sizes too small” strikes a chord with audiences – and for good reason.

While some refer to December as the “most wonderful time of the year,” there are many people who would disagree. From relationship problems and financial woes to work responsibilities and time constraints, everyday life is difficult enough. Add in the demands of the holiday season, and you have a recipe for disaster. In fact, studies reveal that depression, anxiety, and stress all peak at Christmastime. Therefore, it is no surprise that many can relate to the Grinch’s heart condition.

One of the reasons our hearts aren’t quite what they should be during the holidays is because of unresolved issues. Owning up to your problems is the first step toward healing. Asking for, or granting, forgiveness is also important. The process of curing what ails you may be painful, terrifying, and unpleasant, but the results are extraordinary.

Proverbs 27:19 says, “As a face is reflected in water, so the heart reflects the person.” The way you view Christmas has nothing to do with the hustle and bustle of the holidays, and everything to do with the state of your heart. By taking the proper steps, you can ensure that the reason for the season will shine through!

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30, 10, and 11:30 a.m.

 

 

 

Eastvale: Rocks and Rubies

By Jennifer Madrigal

Eastvale – The following incidents are shared by members of our community, and are anonymous acknowledgments to the great (and no so great) things that happen around town.

  • RUBIES to the nice lady in the SUV in the drive-thru at Starbucks who bought my quadruple shot Frappe and told the cashier to wish me Happy Holidays. Wow! You inspired me to do the same for the person behind me.
  • RUBIES to the amazing Robert the Window Guy, who fixed my window at a very reasonable cost. He also gave my daughter a mirror and brought us a couch to replace the old tattered one we had. I love our Community!
  • RUBIES to Lydia Kray! She recently threw a Shrimp Boil Fundraiser for 75 people at her house in Eastvale for a little 8-year old boy with terminal cancer. She is also a mentor for teens through Inspire Life Skills, which is a program for foster kids that have aged out of foster care; as well as a volunteer for a new company that provides an ICU Mobile Clinic for the underprivileged. Please recognize her. She deserves it!
  • RUBIES to Coach Hector Chavez, who always gives us rides, runs with us, buys us hamburgers after our races, and puts up with a van full of super stinky boys after a race.
  • ROCKS to the people who STILL speed down Hamner Avenue, practically taking out kids walking to school, all while putting their make-up on and throwing trash out of the window.
  • ROCKS to the criminal who stole the package off my front porch! Hope you enjoy all the gauze and first aid products. Sorry it wasn’t the new iPhone 6, but hey, save it for Halloween and you can go as a Mummy!
  • ROCKS to the neighbor who called the Sheriff to claim we had our camper out for a week. It was there for one day so we could pack it up for Thanksgiving! I’m sure you and your non-compliant fence and the old beater car that sits and never moves are in COMPLETE compliance.

 

Seussical The Musical

2014-suess-4x6-02By Tara Lanning

 

After two long months of preparation, the Drama Department at Eleanor Roosevelt High School proudly put on an amazing show – Seussical the Musical – directed by Merica Frost.

This show was filled with many Dr. Seuss stories such as Horton Hears A Who, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, and many more.

The cast was extremely talented and shined like stars. With the hilarious Wickersham brothers, Sassy Bird Girls, Amazing Mayzie, and the talented ensemble, ERHS received a lot of positive feedback. This show was a must see!