Be Careful What You Wish For

BY ROBERT S. HUFF

A country preacher decided to skip services one Sunday and head to the hills to do some bear hunting. As he rounded the corner on a perilous twist in the trail, he and a bear collided, sending him and his rifle tumbling down the mountainside.

Before the preacher knew it, his rifle went one way and he went the other, landing on a rock and breaking both legs. That was the good news. The bad news was the ferocious bear charging at him from a distance, and he couldn’t move.

“Oh, Lord,” the preacher prayed, “I’m so sorry for skipping services today to come out here and hunt. Please forgive me and grant me just one wish. Please make a Christian out of that bear that’s coming at me. Please, Lord!”

That very instant, the bear skidded to a halt, fell to its knees, clasped its paws together and began to pray aloud right at the preacher’s feet. Then the bear said: “Dear God, please bless this food that I am about to receive!”

Eastvale: Tessari Voted Into Eastvale Council

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

joe-tessari-sworn-in-eastvale-city-council

Joe Tessari being sworn in to Eastvale’s City Council on Aug. 6, 2014 (Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Madrigal)

 

Eastvale – After interviewing 14 well-qualified candidates at the special City Council meeting on Wed., Aug. 6, the decision was made to elect Joseph M. Tessari to fill the vacant seat recently left open by Jeff DeGrandpre.

Councilmember William Link felt that it was in the best interest of the City of Eastvale to select an individual that had an idea of how the council worked, and who needed less of a learning curve, especially with important council agenda items forthcoming.

Tessari, a Sheriff’s detective, who has long been involved with the community of Eastvale, fit the City’s criteria, and after the motion was made, council unanimously voted him in, with Mayor Pro Tem, Adam Rush, abstaining.

Eastvale Community News 08.2014 Complete Edition

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click this link  2014-08-EastvalePgAll  to access the complete August issue in pdf format.

Walnut: Mendoza Sworn In As Mt. SAC Student Trustee

BY MIKE TAYLOR
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College student, Paola Mendoza, was sworn in as the new student trustee for the 2014-15 academic year during the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees’ July 23 meeting.

As student trustee, Mendoza, 19, will present the student perspective on policy issues before Mt. SAC’s governing board. She will have only an advisory vote, which does not count toward the passage or failure of a motion. The advisory vote helps the board know how the student trustee stands on issues and strengthens the student role in the college’s shared governance process.

Mendoza, a resident of Ontario, is a Psychology major and carries a 3.6 GPA. She has served as a senator with the Mt. SAC Associated Students (student government) and holds memberships in the campus Psychology Club and IDEAS Club, which serves as an advocate for undocumented students.

After she graduates from Mt. SAC, Mendoza plans to transfer to UCLA as a Psychology major.

 

Eastvale: Teens Influence Interest In Voting

BY EMILY AGUILAR

Eastvale – A surprising number of teenagers in the area have taken an interest in the political affiliations of their country, and are inspired to spread this passion with the adults in their communities. Students of Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s club, the Young Democrats of America, (which is affiliated with the Democrats of Norco and the California Young Democrats) have made it their duty to spend their summer doing just that.

The members of the Young Democrats of America (which also extends to other high schools in the region) have begun a small campaign to increase the amount of adults over the age of 18 who are registered to vote by handing out registration forms. Settling in at the local Von’s market in Eastvale recently, the members of the club didn’t necessarily persuade shoppers to become part of the Democratic Party. Rather, the teens tried to emphasize the importance of having a voice in any upcoming election.

Shukan “Shuky” Patel, who leads the club at ERHS, is especially eager to ensure that Americans will realize the importance of voting.

“Most adults feel that their vote has little or no impact on the overall political process. Therefore, it is my fundamental belief that if we can erase this ‘my vote doesn’t matter’ mentality from the adult population, then we can have a higher turnout rate,” he said.

Patel also emphasized that teenagers who are interested in their country’s politics will have more power to change the course of the activities in the region, so he was proud to see that his peers are taking up an effort to show how important voting is.

The teenagers had success in garnering a handful of people to register. They plan on spending more days throughout August registering more voters.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

STAFF REPORTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Free ESL and Citizenship Classes

When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.

Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.

 

Calvary Lutheran Summer Kids’ Day Camp

When: Monday, Now through Wednesday, August 20; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Schools, 23300 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar 91765 Details: A fun, safe, Christian environment for your school age children. Kids’ camp is a summer day camp program based on fun, personal and spiritual growth, and the celebration of God’s Word through various activities, field trips, and daily devotions.  All children ages 5 – 12 are invited to attend.  Check out the Mt. Calvary Lutheran website for more information about daily activities, registration, and fees.

 

West Covina Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday evenings, now through August 7; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: West Covina Civic Center, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue

Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes and enjoy this summer entertainment:

  • Aug 7: Mariachi Divas
  • Aug 16: Food Truck Frenzy and Concert

Contact: Community Services Department, (626) 939-8489.

 

Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series

When: Wednesday evenings through August 13; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive

Details: Free admission and free parking

  • Aug 06: Cold Ducks (70s Tribute); The Lego Movie.
  • Aug 13: Little Lies Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute); Despicable Me 2

Contact: www.ci.diamond-bar.ca.us

 

Chino Youth Museum Family-Friendly Programs

When: Now through August 2014

Where: 13191 Sixth Street, Downtown Chino; Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nominal fees.

Details: There are some amazing events taking place this summer, from art projects and entertainment, to edible art creations and Kids Night Out. Enjoy special activities like You & Me Time, Beat the Heat cool activities, and special day Museum Birthday Parties.

Contact: (909) 334-3270 to find out more about the summer-fun schedule.

 

Wheel Food Fest

When: August 1, September 5, October 3 (1st Friday of the month); 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.

Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.

 

Chino Relay for Life

When: Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave, Chino

Details: 24-hour event that helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Run, Walk, Sponsor!

Contact: Kristine Travis, at kritravi1978@yahoo.com

 

Youth Citizens Police Academy Class VIII

When: Monday – Thursday, Aug. 11-21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue

Details: High school teens, 14-18 years of age, who live or attend school in the City of Chino, can get an inside look at all the functions of their local law enforcement agency. Participants will get hands-on experience with SWAT, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, K-9, CSI, Narcotics, Traffic and much more!

Contact: Olivia Le Van, (909) 334-3087, or olevan@chinopd.org for applications.

 

Irwindale Poker Tournament

When: Aug. 22 through Oct. 3; Tournament on Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Participating restaurants and The Pub at Miller-Coors.

Details: 6th Annual World of Food Poker Tournament, an innovative program designed to provide a fun way for poker players to earn bonus chips while driving business to local participating restaurants Registered players are encouraged to visit participating restaurants from Aug. 22 through Oct. 3 collecting chips for purchases. A Texas Hold-Em’ elimination tournament will be held on Fri., Oct. 3.

Contact: Detailed information is available on the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce website at www.irwindalechamber.org. Register no later than Aug. 7 to ensure full access to all materials.

 

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale featuring the Simpsons!

When: Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).

Details: Journey from the animated Springfield Bowl to the Hollywood Bowl for this unprecedented event as the famous orchestra accompanies your favorite scenes from the Simpsons on the big screen. Seats are located in Section F2, Rows 5, 6, and 7. The fee is $55 per person, appropriate for all ages.

Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Bookstore Blowout

Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).

Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.

 

Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS

When: Second Tuesday of every month.

Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.

 

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

 

Corona PD Asks Community To Help Identify Suspect

To see video click here: http://vimeo.com/m/102775011

On July 21, 2014, shortly after midnight, a suspect robbed the ARCO AM-PM Gas station at 785 N. Main St. This incident was captured on in-store surveillance video.
The Corona Police Department is attempting to identify the suspect, seen in the video wearing a black hat, sunglasses, and a grey sweatshirt and was believed to have been armed with a handgun.
This same suspect is wanted for questioning in two other robberies that occurred at other nearby businesses.
If you recognize this suspect, do not attempt to apprehend him, please contact Corona Police Department Detective Steve Sears at (951) 279-3572.

Riverside: UPS Driver Accused of Stealing Guns

STAFF REPORTS

 

Riverside – A United Parcel Service driver was arrested on Fri., July 25, on federal gun trafficking charges for allegedly stealing dozens of guns going through the shipping company’s Ontario hub, and providing them to an associate who sold the weapons in underground transactions.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Curtis Hays, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, was arrested without incident by special agents with the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). Hays was expected to be arraigned that same day in United States District Court.

The associate who allegedly sold some of the firearms – Dennis Dell White, Jr., 35, of Moreno Valley – will be summoned to appear in federal court for an arraignment in the coming weeks.

The 16-count indictment, which was filed on July 23, alleges that Hays stole a series of packages containing guns that were supposed to be delivered to the Turner’s Outdoorsman retailer in Rancho Cucamonga. The indictment also accused Hays of stealing jewelry and mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to other retailers. This merchandise was also allegedly given to White.

Hays purportedly provided the firearms to White, who illegally sold the weapons to other individuals, and some of the guns were then sold to others. The firearms included 12-gauge shotguns and .45-caliber handguns.

Hays and White are charged with conspiracy; six counts of theft of firearms; six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms; and two counts of theft, receipt, and possession of goods in interstate commerce.

White is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The conspiracy count carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The weapons charges each carry a potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The stolen goods charges each carry a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. And, if convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, White could face up to an additional 10 years in prison.

The investigation into the stolen firearms was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Ontario Police Department.

Chino: Police Arrest Robbery Suspect

STAFF REPORTS

rafaella-benoit

Rafaella Benoit (Photo courtesy: City of Chino)

Chino – Officers of the Chino Police Department arrested a subject believed to be the suspect of the Bank of the West robbery, which took place in Chino on Mon., July 14.

Rafaella Benoit, 18, of Moreno Valley, allegedly entered the Bank of the West and passed a note to the teller demanding cash. The suspect – described as a black female in her 20s, wearing light colored hospital scrubs, a tan knit cap, and sunglasses – fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Through the investigative process, Detectives identified Benoit as a potential suspect. Benoit was out on bail for a previous bank robbery she allegedly committed on Fri., May 9, at the BBVA Compass Bank, located in Moreno Valley.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Fri., July 25, Officers arrested Benoit in the 1200 block of Autumnwood Lane as she was leaving her residence in Moreno Valley. A search of the property was conducted and evidence was found linking Benoit to the crime. She was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on robbery and committing a felony while out on bail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

Diamond Bar: Burglary Suspects Caught, Reward Paid

THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR

Diamond Bar – Two more criminals have learned the hard way that it does not pay to attempt a home burglary in Diamond Bar, and the resident who helped identify the suspects is now $500 richer.

The attempted burglary occurred last May on the 300 block of San Leandro Drive. A resident was working from home on a Wednesday morning when he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle pulling up in front of a neighbor’s home. Moments earlier he had seen his neighbor drive off, so he knew the home was empty.

He watched as the driver exited the vehicle and casually walked up to the front door. As he continued to watch, the suspect appeared to knock and ring the doorbell. After getting no response, the suspect made his way to the side yard of the home where the neighbor saw him peer through the windows and eventually move to the back of the house and out of view.

The resident immediately called the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station with a description of the suspect and vehicle. He was still providing an account of events to the station dispatcher when he heard a Sheriff’s helicopter circling overhead. Through his office window he saw the suspect run from behind the house and get into a car. He then saw him drive toward Golden Springs Drive.

A team of Sheriff’s personnel pursued the vehicle and stopped it in the City of Pomona, at which time they found a second suspect seated in the front passenger seat. They also found a worn tire iron and a black fleece glove; the matching glove fell from the suspect’s clothing during the pat down search.

Based on the initial statements and positive identification by the witness resident, Sheriff’s deputies arrested the suspects for attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools, and transported them to the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station for booking.

Under the City’s newly implemented Report for Reward program, the witness resident was nominated, and presented with a $500 reward last month.

Report for Reward aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary. The program is open to everyone; however, City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

A phone call to the Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595.2264 (call 911 if the burglary incident is in progress) is currently the only way to report suspicious activity as part of the Report for Reward program.

For more information about the program, visit diamondbarca.gov/RFR.

Walnut: Suzanne Students Join Global Math Olympiad

BY KELLI GILE

Suzanne-7th-grade-math-olypians

Suzanne 7th Grade Math Olympian winners show their awards, showing with teacher Amy Erickson. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Suzanne Middle School students were among the 110,000 students worldwide to participate in the 2013-2014 Math Olympiad program. The team participated in a series of five monthly contests, with five problems each, from November to March, and weekly practice sessions with Suzanne math teachers and coaches, Amy Erickson and Victor Lu.

The Math Olympiad contests challenged students to solve unusual and difficult problems and to think creatively. Students were awarded trophies for top scores in each grade level as well as pins and patches of recognition.

“The students responded well to the challenge and were recognized for their achievements during an end of the year awards celebration,” Erickson said.

For the 6th Grade, William Lin came in first with a total of 21 correct out of 25. Lin, Darren Chen, Derek Wang, John Chou, Amber Tsao, Jennifer Zhang, Tyler Xu, and Melony Yu all received silver pins to signify a top 10% score. An embroidered patch was also awarded to Liwen Xia, Nicole Chiang, Katherine Lee, Catherine Wang, Curtis Lin, Daniel Ahu, Marco Chan, Jeremy Hsiao, Louis Wong and Kevin Chen for placing in the top 50%.

For the 7th Grade, Aaron Chang was awarded the 1st Place trophy, along with a patch signifying a top 50% score. Alice Zhang, Ethan Lin, Oscar Chou, Sylvester Yue, Angela Zhu, Jordin Wang, Felianne Teng, Yi Chen, Jerry Guo, Sheldon Zhu, Derick Tseng, Phillip Leung and Jing Wong also received patches for their 50% scores.

For the 8th Grade, Eugene Lo was awarded the 1st Place trophy along with a silver pin recognizing his top 10% score. Christopher Wang was also awarded a silver pin. Kevin Jensen, Lydia Chan, Fabiola Delvillar, Charles Gu, Matthew Nguyen and Irene Zhou received patches for their 50% scores.

 

The Complete Weekly Edition 08.02.14

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Aug2WeeklyAll  to access the complete Aug 2-8 issue in pdf format.

Chino: Illegal Sterilization At Chino Prison

STAFF REPORTS

chino-womens-prison

(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Chino – In a review concerning female inmate sterilizations occurring between fiscal years 2005-06 and 2012-13, state auditor, Elaine M. Howle, reported on some disturbing facts discovered in some California prisons.

The June 19 audit revealed that during the aforementioned period, 144 female inmates were sterilized by bilateral tubal ligation, and the Receiver’s Office of the California Correctional Health Care Services at times failed to ensure that the inmates’ consent was lawfully obtained. 39 inmates received the procedure – 11 of those women incarcerated at Chino – with deficiencies in the process.

In 27 of those cases, there was no evidence that a physician signed the required consent forms asserting that the patient was mentally competent and therefore understood the lasting effects of the procedure; in 18 cases there was a violation of the required waiting period between consent and procedure. In some cases, the physicians falsified the consent forms, indicating that the proper waiting period had passed when it clearly had not. In all there were numerous illegal surgeries and other violations of the state’s informed consent law.

For one case in particular for a pregnant inmate at the Chino prison, a physician filed a form requesting approval for a pregnancy evaluation and treatment. Nothing on the form indicated a request for sterilization; the woman was sterilized, regardless, during a cesarean section delivery which was performed 17 days before the woman’s expected delivery date. A review of her medical records did not indicate any emergency conditions requiring an expedited delivery or sterilization.

Auditors have begun to urge federal officials to give the names of the physicians involved in the illegal surgeries to the Medical Board and the California Department of Public Health for further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Prison advocates and former inmates say that prison medical staff targeted those who were deemed likely to return to prison in the future. The audit states that all the women who received tubal ligations had been in prison at least once before, and were repeat offenders. The prison medical officials have denied any ill intent; however, the integrity of all these incidents is in question.

This integrity, or lack thereof, leads one to remember California’s dreadful history regarding such things, labeled Eugenics. Wikipedia states that as an early leading force in the field of Eugenics, California became the third state in the United States to enact a sterilization law, forcing 20,000 sterilizations between 1909 and 1963. By 1921, California had accounted for 80% of the sterilizations nationwide. This continued until World War 2, after which the number of sterilizations began to decrease, largely due to the fallout of Hitler’s eugenics movement. It is reported that Nazi Germany sought the advice of the California’s eugenics leaders in the 1930s. More current reports tout the sterilization as a way to avoid welfare benefits for unwanted children.

In response to the audit, the state prison health department generally agrees with the findings, and noted that steps have since been taken to improve the situation. A bill has now been introduced that would ban all inmate sterilizations for birth control purposes. In May, the Senate unanimously approved SB 1135, and the measures are now being taken up by the Assembly.

Tiana Goegebuer contributed to this article.

 

 

 

Orange County: Major Layoffs At Broadcom

STAFF REPORTS

 

Irvine – Orange County chip manufacturer, Broadcom, has plans to cut at least 240 jobs at its Irvine headquarters. A plan was recently announced to eliminate 20 percent of the technological company’s total staff, including 630 throughout California and more in North America, Asia, Europe and the Middle East.

Broadcom, whose wireless and broadband communication business was founded in 1991, has been a long-time supplier to Apple, and their chips have been a component of iPhones. Their total revenue in 2012 was over $8 billion, and in 2013 they were listed as number 327 on the Fortune 500. However, the company has been unable to compete with emerging firms in Asia, and techno-giant, Qualcomm, in San Diego.

The layoffs will save Broadcom an estimated $700 million annually, and they will continue to manufacture Internet-driven devices used in home appliances, thermostats, and mobile technologies. Nearly all of the layoffs will occur on Sept. 26, with the balance taking place in early November.

 

 

Eastvale: Support The Eastvale Community Foundation

BY SARAH ARMIJO

 

eastvale-community-foundation-logoEastvale – Raising money, having fun, and getting the community involved is what the Eastvale Community Foundation (ECF) is all about. The ECF is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization made up completely of volunteers, created by the Eastvale City Council in 2011 as a way of helping to assist with needs throughout the City.

The mission of the ECF is to strengthen the Eastvale community by collaborating with the City Council to identify needs and issues, and encourage the volunteering of time, talent, and resources.

The ECF is committed to serving the Eastvale Community, and has provided over $50,000 in youth scholarships for Eastvale youth sports and art programs in the last two years.

According to Sharyn Link – who has been an ECF Board Member for quite some time, as well as Executive Director of the foundation for the last year – the ECF donated scholarships to approximately 100 children in 20 different programs this year.

You can help support the ECF’s actions by attending or sponsoring their Second Annual Golf Tournament coming up on August 15, which will benefit programs in the City of Eastvale. The tournament will be held at the Los Serranos Country Club and the cost for this event is only $125 per person, although teams save $50 if they sign up as a foursome. The price includes 18 holes of championship golf, dinner reception and a few surprises.

This year, the primary goal of the golf tournament is to support the Military Banner Program, according to Link. “We want to raise enough money to provide all new hardware so the banners can withstand the Eastvale winds.  We also want to replace all of the banners that have been damaged or are missing.  Our Military personnel deserve our highest respect and honor and we plan to make our Military Banner Program show them that Eastvale is proud of them and thanks each and every one of them,” said Link.

Last year, the ECF raised over $20,000 at their 1st Annual Golf Tournament and their goal this year is to raise $30,000.  All proceeds from this event, and all their fund raisers, stay in Eastvale.

“Our long term goal is to help provide monument signs and way finding signs for our City.  We want people to know where Eastvale is when they drive into town,” said Link.

“I would like to encourage everyone to support the Eastvale Community Foundation throughout the year, but especially now for the golf tournament.  We can use sponsors, golfers, and if you don’t golf and can’t make it out during the day, come to the dinner in the evening.  We have a no host cocktail hour commencing at 5 p.m. and dinner will be at 6 p.m.  We have some amazing raffle prizes, silent and live auction items and a few surprises thrown in this year. It is a very fun evening and we encourage residents to come join the fun,” said Link.

Nine amazing board members have been putting in a lot of hours to put on this year’s golf tournament. According to Link, they also have a Golf Committee consisting of some Eastvale residents who have been helping with the planning of the tournament. On the day of the tournament, Link says that they will need about 40 people helping in order to make it as big of a success as last year’s event.

To sign up, volunteer or become a sponsor, visit the ECF’s website at http://eastvalefoundation.wix.com/eastvalefoundation#!events/coui. You can also reach them at (951) 263-0345. Also, be sure to “like” the ECF on Facebook.

 

 

 

Walnut: West Nile Mosquitoes In Walnut

STAFF REPORTS

 

Walnut – On Fri., July 18, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito and Vector Control District identified two samples of mosquitoes caught in traps at Creekside Park that tested positive for the West Nile Virus (WNV). This is the second finding in San Gabriel Valley over the past several weeks.

According to the SGV Mosquito and Vector Control District – or the Vector Inspectors – WNV is present in the San Gabriel Valley every year. You can help to eradicate this disease from the area by taking an active stance against it through prevention. The Vector Inspectors recommend that you walk around your property and dump out any accumulated water in buckets, barrels, old tires, pots, and other containers. Report any green and stagnant pools, ponds and fountains, as they can breed thousands of mosquitoes weekly; and report all dead birds to www.westnile.ca.gov.

WNV is primarily transmitted from bird to bird by mosquitoes. In some species it is nearly always fatal. The presence of dead birds in a neighborhood is often the first indication of WNV activity.

WNV originated in Africa and was first recognized in the United States in 1999. There is currently no cure; however, most people don’t exhibit any symptoms. Since 2003, there have been more than 4,000 reported infections and 145 deaths in California, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), so the threat should be taken seriously. Symptoms include fever, headaches, body aches, skin rashes and nausea, which can present anywhere from five to 15 days after exposure, and can last several days or months.

Popular Creekside Park is the venue for Walnut’s summer concert and movie series, and there are a number of precautions you can take to prevent infection during this event or any outdoor activity.

Mosquitoes are most active from dusk to dawn, and when enjoying warm summer evenings, be sure to wear loose-fitting long pants and sleeves, and shoes and socks. Treating exposed skin areas and outside clothing with repellents containing DEET, Picaridin, and oils of lemon eucalyptus can also be helpful, according to the CDC.

For more information, visit http://www.westnile.ca.gov.

 

14 Candidates Seek Vacant Eastvale Council Seat

BY K.P. SANDER 

Eastvale – There will be a Special Meeting of the Eastvale City Council held this Wed., Aug. 6, at 5 p.m., at Rosa Parks Elementary in the Multi-Purpose Room.  At that time the 14 candidates seeking the vacant City Council seat recently left vacant by Jeff DeGrandpre will be interviewed.

All 14 candidates were required to submit an application package to City Hall by July 24.  Those who met the deadline and qualifications are as follows:

  • Charles Bennett
  • Raul Gutierrez
  • Anwer Khan
  • Clint Lorimore
  • David L. Magsam
  • Cesar Morales
  • Larry F. Oblea
  • Tyrone Spears, Jr.
  • Brandon L. Stuart
  • Joseph M. Tessari
  • William Van Leeuwen
  • Robert F. Vandenheuvel
  • Brandon M. Villalpando
  • Byron G. Woods

At the meeting, candidates will be selected at random to deliver a two-minute opening statement, followed by a set of predetermined questions written by council members.  Candidates waiting to be interviewed will be asked to remain in a separate room until their name is chosen, so as not to give an unfair advantage.  Candidates are able to return to the audience after their interview has been completed. 

Once all candidates have been interviewed, members of the City Council will vote on the appointment.  If a candidate is successfully chosen on Wednesday, that candidate will be sworn in and seated as a member of the Eastvale City Council that very night.

The Eastvale Community News wishes all the candidates the very best of luck!

Los Angeles: Former Rosemead Mayor Sentenced to Prison, Avoids Bribery Charge In Deal With DA

STAFF REPORTS

Los Angeles – The former mayor of the City of Rosemead, John Tran, was sentenced on Mon., July 21, to 21 months in federal prison after pleading guilty to attempted witness tampering and making false statements to FBI agents conducting a corruption investigation. He struck a plea with the DA and avoided the bribery charges. JohnTran2

The United States Attorney’s Office stated that Tran plead guilty late last year to the witness tampering and false statement charges. In a plea agreement filed in United States District Court, Tran acknowledged that he received approximately $38,000 in payments from a developer in exchange for Tran’s promise to help her obtain permits for a project.

The witness tampering resulted from Tran asking the developer to lie to a federal grand jury by denying that he had recently met with Tran or paid Tran any money.

Tran made false statements to the FBI in 2011 when special agents went to his home to conduct an interview and Tran denied receiving anything but campaign contributions from the developer.

Tran was elected to the Rosemead City Council in 2005 and was mayor of Rosemead from 2007 to 2009. He was also a Garvey School Board member prior to winning a council seat in 2005.

In addition to the prison term, the judge ordered Tran to pay $38,000 in restitution, most of which has already been recovered by the FBI.

The case against Tran was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

 

 

Eastvale: National Night Out

You won’t want to miss this year’s National Night Out on Tuesday, August 12, 2014. It’s a great opportunity to get acquainted with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, your neighbors, and the City’s Public Safety Commission.  This is a community event with activities and opportunities to learn more about the fight against crime in your neighborhood. The event will be held at the Eastvale Gateway Target Parking lot at 12471 Limonite Ave in Eastvale. Visit http://www.NNO.org for more information.

National Night Out

Orange County: Man Pleads Guilty To Swindling Doctors

STAFF REPORTS

Santa Ana – An Orange County man plead guilty to defrauding dozens of doctors and others of more than $2 million in separate schemes that promised large returns on investments in the medical and dental fields.

David Rose, 57, of Coto de Caza, appeared in U.S. District Court on Mon., July 21, to face charges of one count of wire fraud and one count of mail fraud, according to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office.

According to court documents, during a period of over six years that ran through May 2011, Rose solicited physicians to invest in an Irvine company he called M.D. Venture Partners (MDVP) and falsely promised lucrative returns on investments in emerging medical technologies.

In a subsequent scheme, Rose used Technology Innovation Partners (TIP) to solicit dentists and orthodontists to invest, claiming funds would be pooled and invested in a company developing ablation technology that would be used to remove wisdom teeth in children without surgery.

Throughout both schemes, investor funds were misused, with Rose using victims’ money for personal expenses. According to a plea agreement filed in court, Rose used investor funds to pay $7,500-a-month rent for a house in Coto de Caza, college tuition, luxury vehicles, an $80,000 Sea Ray boat and shares in the Green Bay Packers. The investigation revealed that no money was invested by either MDVP or TIP.

In the MDVP scheme, Rose caused approximately 32 victims to lose more than $900,000, according to court documents. In the TIP scheme, 45 victims lost more than $1.4 million.

Rose was arrested in May 2013 and has remained in custody since that time. He is scheduled to be sentenced November 24, and faces a maximum statutory sentence of 40 years in federal prison.

The case against Rose is the product of an ongoing investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.