Eastvale: Vacation Bible School

BY K.P. SANDER

 

About a hundred years or so ago, back when I was in elementary school, I had what I now realize was the privilege of attending Vacation Bible School, or VBS as it were. In those days they used to pull a trailer up in the front of the school; almost a little chapel on wheels. For a couple of weeks each year I was excused from class by way of a permission slip from my mother, and I spent an hour or so each day learning about Jesus.

I used to love being dismissed from my studies (yeah, I didn’t fall in love with school until college). There was something very special about walking up the steps of that trailer and sitting in one of the little pews. I can tell you as a certainty that I don’t remember a single moment of the studies that I missed during class time, but I profoundly recall the stories and teachings that I learned at VBS. In fact, I would be so bold as to say that the learnings that happened so many years ago have had a direct correlation to the strong level of faith that I have today.

I still look forward to seeing what VBS has in store locally, and appreciate that Eastvale churches offer several programs each year. Some offer paid curriculums, and some are free (and even include a daily dinner – a true definition of a happy meal). I am grateful that my family is still involved in VBS and that two little boys in particular look forward to it, just as I did.

This summer, when you hear that charming phase that always seems to accompany children too long ‘round the house, “Mom, I’m bored!” remember that there might be a local VBS program just around the corner that could not only occupy their time, but perhaps teach some positive, life-long lessons.

Happy VBS-ing!

 

Walnut: Council Corner 06.11.14

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

national-anthem-walnut-city-council

Singing the National Anthem
(Photo Courtesy Raymond Mendoza)

Walnut – Walnut’s City Council met for a regular meeting on June 11 to discuss various business issues and to honor the Filipino citizens of the City by recognizing Filipino Heritage week, which runs from June 8 through June 14.

Mayor Tony Cartagena welcomed the incoming Filipino Consul General, Leo M. Herrera-Lim, along with the rest of City Council, and wished him luck and prosperity in his office.

Herrera-Lim said he was honored to have his fellow Filipinos honored by Walnut and the nation, stating that the Philippines share the same love of freedom that Americans do.

After the presentations were over, City Council members approved the minutes for the regular City Council and Walnut Housing Association meeting on May 28, and adopted the 2014 Los Angeles County Fire Code.

The Council then went on to approve the six items on the Consent Calendar: Resolution No. 14-26 for the City of Walnut allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $510, 661.35; granting of the utility easement to Southern California Edison at Creekside Park; the Draft Watershed Management Plan; an alcoholic beverage license application for Imomo Sushi; and a bingo permit application from the Walnut Senior Club.

The only topic that was discussed was the continuing use of religious invocations at City Council meetings, where City Attorney, Michael Montgomery, noted that the City Council does not discriminate against any other religion.

“Anyone that wants to do it, Jewish, Muslim – they can all apply,” Montgomery said. “We’re receptive to it.”

After the councilmember announcements, the meeting adjourned. The next scheduled meeting is set for June 25 at 7 p.m. in the City Council chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

 

Chino: Police Arrest Multiple Thieves

BY K.P. SANDER

 

Chino – The Chino Police Department has issued news releases regarding the arrest of a Copper Wire Thief, as well as the arrest of four individuals who misused an EBT card.

 

On Thurs., June 5, Chino Police officers arrested a suspect at approximately 4:52 a.m. after receiving a call regarding a suspicious person in the area. Officers responded to a vacant residence in the 5100 block of Washington Avenue at approximately 1 a.m. regarding a possible burglary. During the initial investigation officers were unable to locate any suspects. After several hours of proactively patrolling the area, they came into contact with Allen Dane, 40, of Pomona, who is currently on parole. Dane was located about a half mile from the property on Washington Avenue.

 

Through investigation, Dane was linked to the residence, where it was confirmed that he had entered the house and stolen copper wiring. He was subsequently arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for burglary and possession of drug paraphernalia.

 

According to FBI.gov, the demand for copper from developing nations such as China and India is creating a significant international copper trade. Thieves are exploiting this demand by stealing and selling the metal for high profits to recyclers across the U.S. As the market expands, the need for copper will continue to encourage theft. Metal thieves are targeting vacant homes and construction sites, and cutting copper wiring from air conditioning/heating units, plumbing, telephone lines, cell towers and other means, the tampering of which presents a serious public threat by disrupting the flow of electricity and creating fire risks.

 

According to the Chino Police Department, copper wire theft continues to be an ongoing crime trend, causing victims thousands of dollars in repairs. Residents are asked to be vigilant in recognizing and reporting suspicious activity related to subjects who are in possession of copper wire, wire cutting tools, or appear to be tampering with objects or locations containing copper wire.

 

In another arrest, Chino Police officers arrested four suspects on Wed., June 4, at approximately 1 p.m. while conducting an undercover operation on the 5200 block of Philadelphia Street. According to a CPD news release, officers encountered three subjects who were sharing cash proceeds after one of them used a California Advantage EBT card (public assistance funds) to withdraw cash from a local market. The investigation reveled that the cardholder was not entitled to receive these cash benefits, but through a relationship with a store employee, funds were withdrawn from the account through the merchant’s register. The store employee received cash compensation for his involvement.

 

Chino residents Derek Greenshields, 24, and Ann VanWinkle, 23, were arrested for conspiracy, burglary, and unlawful transfer of public assistance funds.  Scott Sanchez, 28, from Pomona, and Nabil Dib, 54, from Placentia, were arrested for conspiracy and unlawful transfer of public assistance funds.  All suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information regarding this type of crime should call the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

 

 

The Weekly News 06.14.14

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 June14WeeklyAll to access the complete June 14-20, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Staying Out Of The Negative

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

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

BY NANCY STOOPS

Do you see the glass as half full or half empty? Do you focus on the good in your life or on what’s wrong? Do you take the time to count your blessings each and everyday?
We all have things that go wrong in our lives, but I believe we create our own energy based on what we focus on. I mean, if all we see is the negative and can’t seem to find the positive, then I think we will be pretty negative.
Stop what you’re doing for a moment and do this little exercise with me. Take a piece of paper and fold it in half. Write down all the negatives in your life on one side, but write a positive thing to negate the negative thing on the other side. Now decide how you want to live your life and which side of the paper you want to focus on.
I believe everything happens for a reason. Each and every trial life offers us also teaches us a lesson, if we take the time to see and learn it. Don’t make the negative the focus of your life; learn the lesson and move on.
Good and bad times are going to come and go. We must learn to be victorious through the bad times and celebrate the good. We must also learn to stop taking the good times for granted. Take control of your life and help yourself learn to create positive energy by focusing on the good. Learn to trust in yourself and have faith that you will find your way through the negative things that come your way. Make the decision to invest your energy in the good in your life and if you do, life will be good and you’ll be very happy.

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. She is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members. Nancy conducts 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 her at (909) 229-0727. You may also e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net.

Eastvale: Here We Grow Again-REVISED

eastvale gatewayBY K.P. SANDER

 

Eastvale – Let’s take a drive through the grand city of Eastvale and see what is new and exciting as we continue to grow.

Start in the east part of the City near the I-15 Freeway, and pull into the Eastvale Gateway center at the northeast corner of Hamner and Limonite. Take a gander at the brand new Food Court sign stretching across the area by The Habit Burger Grill and Von’s market. The new signage really spruces the courtyard up, and alludes to some wonderful culinary possibilities (have you ever had the pastrami on sourdough at The Habit? I’d call it wonderful). Not quite a food choice, but new all the same is the Cellular Repair store, between the dentist and the forthcoming Tio’s Mexican Food. Since practically everyone on the planet has a cell phone, I’d say, “Well done, Gateway.” Speaking of Tio’s, word on the Eastvale News Facebook page is lots of positive anticipation and reports of really good food and service – okay, that was a few words, but excitement over delicious tacos cannot be contained to just one.

Staying in the same center, now drive over toward the movie theatre where you will find Pho Viet, a Vietnamese noodle house next door to Bamboo Thai. And then right between the theatre and Nestlé’s is the Snow Station. I had to know more, and found that their website asks a poignant question: “Have you ever wondered what freshly fallen snow would taste like if it were combined with your favorite flavors?” If it is macaroni and cheese, then no, I have never wondered about this. But if it is a “cold, light, fluffy, cotton candy melting cream that is rich and dreamy and will dazzle my taste buds and is a healthy, lactose-free and vegan friendly dessert option with flavors like strawberry, mango, passion fruit, green apple and raspberry,” then YES! Sounds like a great post-movie or beat-the-heat treat.

We are now going to head to the southwest part of the city, so exit Gateway onto Limonite, but before you do, take a look across the street at Gateway South and be amazed by the progress that the Eastvale San Antonio Medical Center has made. That building is up and the exterior is quite polished; it appears to be developing nicely toward the grand opening this fall.

As you pass the Starbucks on Limonite, set your GPS for “the other Starbucks,” and head toward the Marketplace at the Enclave, at the corner of Archibald and Schleisman. You know CVS and Jack-in-the-Box, and you might know that appearing in the not-too-distant future are Fantastic Sam’s, Mes Amies Hair and Nails, Foot Massage, Dentistry with Nihar Tanna DDS, Lee’s Noodle House and Juice It Up; but did you know we are getting a Great Harvest Bread Company? Oh, joy of joys! Not only do they bake amazing, whole-grain, healthy bread daily, but they make some seriously mean sandwiches. But come autumn (and according to Great Harvest themselves, a September Eastvale opening is a possibility) they bring out the big guns…a pumpkin swirl delight that can be transformed into a french toast that is a bucket list all by itself. Seriously, you make some of that at home and a ticker-tape parade will be held in your honor. Just sayin’; its pretty good stuff, if you like that kind of thing (OMG!). Oh, yeah, they’re pretty generous with their samples, too.

Now drive home, get your family, and go out and enjoy the new businesses in Eastvale!

 

Orange County: $3.3 Million Embezzlement

STAFF REPORTS

Irvine – The former controller of a company that provides supervision services, including electronic monitoring programs to courts and probation departments, plead guilty this week to federal charges of embezzling well over $3 million from the company over the course of two years.

According to the U.S. District Attorney’s Office, Steven A. Hagstrom, 37, of Anaheim, who was an accountant and then controller of the Irvine-based Sentinel Offender Services, LLC, plead guilty on Tues., June 3, to one count of embezzlement before United States District Judge, David O. Carter.

As controller of Sentinel, Hagstrom had access to Sentinel’s bank accounts where fines, court fees and restitution payments from criminal defendants were held in trust. The accounts also held money paid to Sentinel for services provided to state and federal court systems. Beginning in early 2012 and continuing until April 2013, Hagstrom transferred approximately $3,338,197 from Sentinel’s bank accounts to bank accounts he controlled, where they could be used for his own benefit.

Judge Carter is scheduled to sentence Hagstrom on Sept. 29. The embezzlement count carries a statutory maximum sentence of ten years in federal prison. About half of the embezzled money has already been returned to Sentinel, and Hagstrom has agreed to make full restitution to his former employer.

The investigation into Hagstrom was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service Criminal Division.

Walnut: Vejar Students Grow Blue Ribbon Garden

vejar-elementary-win-Agriculture-nutrition-fair

Vejar Elementary students and staff celebrate winning entries in the 2014 Schools’ Agriculture and Nutrition Fair. (Photo Courtesy: Kellyi Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut – Vejar Elementary 4th Grade students harvested awards during the 2014 Schools’ Agriculture and Nutrition Fair. The Special Education class is celebrating four blue ribbons they received during the springtime contest.
Top prizes were awarded to their Grape Expectations sawhorse display, a Lion farm animal, and Classroom Garden bounty of fruits, vegetables, and flowers.
“The kids came up all the adjectives to describe why grapes are good,” said Teacher Jennifer Troudy, who printed out words including Sweet, Raisins, Dulce, and Jelly that were nestled among decorated vines and bunches of grapes.
The “From Egg to Chick by Room 26” entry earned an additional blue ribbon. The project chronicled the 21-day adventures of the little chick named, Number Seven, who hatched in the class. Students love to pet the two-month-old spunky clucker, who often flies around the classroom.
“He’s funny because he walks super fast and pecks at our shoes and sandals!” one student said.
Each day, he follows Instructional Aide Helene McDonald down the hallway to the nearby garden. Lucky Number Seven chomps on pesky pill bugs that like to invade the lush greenery. McDonald credits the successful crop to fresh coffee grounds provided each day by a local Starbucks, and the tender care provided by the students in Room 26.
A three-foot tall Tin Man Scarecrow created from empty coffee cans earned a 4th place ribbon.
“I am so proud of my students! They worked hard all year to make our garden beautiful and I am so impressed with their garden knowledge,” Troudy said.

It Looks Like Summer

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

I was having lunch at my favorite restaurant the other day and it was packed with people. There were all these students lined up waiting to order their food. It was crazy! Why weren’t these kids in school?

I found out that it was the last day of school for the Walnut School District. I think the students were released at 11 a.m. and it seemed like all of them descended on In-N-Out at the same time. The kids were excited and full of energy. It was like a huge dam had broken and all their pent up energy was filling the restaurant. It was clear that these students were ready for summer.

It is true that we all need a break from time to time. Certainly teachers need a break from the demanding role of teaching students five days a week. I’m sure that students also need a break from all the homework that they deal with during the school year.

Parents may feel a little different. There is something nice about kids having a routine. I’m sure parents are also glad that their children are learning and growing at school each day.

What are you planning to do with your kids now that school is out for the next ten weeks? I recently saw an article in the Orange County Register titled, “50 Things To Do For Free In Orange County With Your Kids This Summer.” I think every parent could use some helpful, inexpensive ideas to fill these lazy, hazy days of summer.

One thing I encourage all of the parents at our church to do is send their kids to summer camp. There is nothing quite like a week away from home at summer camp. Camp is expensive, but worth every dollar. In addition, many churches offer an inexpensive week of Vacation Bible School in the summer. Our VBS will be July 28 to August 1. It is a great week for kids to grow and learn.

I hope you have some creative plans for your students this summer, although I do recommend a visit to In-N-Out from time to time.

School is out. The kids are ready for summer. Are you ready, too?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

(909) 594-7604

Sunday Services: 9 and 10:45 a.m.

ALAMO CAR WASH AND PASSIONATE FLORIST HOSTING “FATHER’S DAY…FUN DAY”

Father’s Day Fundraiser for Walnut Relay for Life, (American Cancer Society)

Alamo Car Wash and Passionate Florist are hosting a “Father’s Day…Fun Day” to raise money for the Walnut Relay for Life, American Cancer Society. The fundraiser will take place on Sunday, June 15, 2014, from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at Alamo Car Wash, 784 North Nogales, Walnut, CA 91789. On this day, fathers who wash their cars, will receive free food and have an opportunity to have a fun day at the Alamo Car Wash. A portion of all car wash sales will be donated to the Walnut Relay for Life.

For the past six years, Alamo Car Wash and Passionate Florist have had a team at the Walnut, Relay for Life. “I enjoy being involved with my community, and this is one way that the Alamo Car Wash can make a contribution. By working with the Passionate Florist, we are able to pull our resources together and make a difference.” said Danny Gerstner, Alamo Car Wash. For the past Relays, Helena Arellano has been the team captain for the Alamo Car Wash and Passionate Florist.

“The effort involved in this event is well worth it, especially when we listen to cancer survivors during the beautiful Luminaria ceremony in the evening and honor those we have lost to cancer. ” said Helena Arellano. Also at the Luminaria ceremony, there is a slide show of those who have passed from cancer and a silent remembrance walk around the track.

Festivities on “Father’s Day…Fun Day” will include sports channels on all Alamo Car Wash TVs, wrestling table and games. Street Tacos, from Walnut, will provide all the food. Fruit Revolution is providing fruit trays and La Petite Beauty Salon is giving free Man-icures. Alamo Car Wash and Passionate Florist will provide the games and treats.

Walnut Relay for Life is a 24 hour event taking place at Mt. San Antonio College, Hilmer Lodge Stadium, 1100 North Grand Avenue, Walnut, CA 91789. The relay begins on Saturday, June 21, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. and ends on Sunday, June 22, 2014 at 9:00 a.m. Participants may register online at http://www.relayforlife.org/walnutca or they may register onsite at 8:00 a.m.

For additional questions, call: Passionate Florist (626) 506-8014.

Forgiveness for a Price

Pastor Rob Norris

Pastor Rob Norris (image courtesy of Google Images)

BY PASTOR ROB NORRIS

1 Peter 4:8 says, “Most important of all, love each other deeply, because love makes you willing to forgive many sins.”

I don’t know anything at all about what caused it, what led up to it, or even what came of it. But I’m sure it was hard for people not to notice a full-page ad in a Jacksonville newspaper one morning that read: “Please believe the words in my letter. They are true from my heart. I can only hope you will give me the chance to prove my unending love for you. Life without you is empty and meaningless.” It was a full-page, $17,000 advertisement, and plea for forgiveness.

According to the ad’s author, his wife of 17 years had left him two weeks earlier. She was living temporarily with her parents in a gated community, beyond the reach of her husband. Even her cell-phone number had been changed to keep him from contacting her. But relatives told him that she had indeed seen the large display ad and had left the room crying.

I pray that they were able to work things out. But, again, not knowing the circumstances, this still goes to show you that marriage, unlike any other human relationship, is the joining of two hearts into one flesh. The pain of living at a distance, even temporarily, feels like a limb being torn away. We can’t think straight. We can’t enjoy ourselves.

This is why your marriage must be a place where mercy and forgiveness are regularly being asked for and extended. Given, received and embraced. None of us are able to always be everything our spouse wants us to be. Only through the power of grace and forgiveness can you live through seasons of disappointment – with yourself and with one another – and come out feeling united again. It might even save you $17,000 and even more heartache.

Live it: Is there anything between you two today? Is there anything that you need to ask forgiveness for, or forgive one another for, right now? Just do it.

Pray: Thank the Lord for His full forgiveness of our disappointments and for the ability to extend the same to each other.

Rowland Heights: RUSD Music Teacher Finalist For Grammy Foundation Award

BY GINA K. WARD

Rowland Heights – The Rowland Unified School District is proud to announce that music teacher, Mark Anderson, is a quarterfinalist for the Music Educator Award™ by the Recording Academy® and the Grammy Foundation®.
Anderson is not only driven to inspire young musicians across the Rowland Unified School District, but he actually drives the innovative mobile music bus, “The Music Machine,” to bring music to six elementary schools each week. Anderson teaches Elementary Band, Orchestra and Mariachi. A classically-trained bass player, he is often called a “Renaissance Man,” since he can pick up and play any instrument. Anderson is honored to have been nominated by one of his students for this award.
“The most important thing for me to pass on to my students is a love for learning something new,” said Anderson. “That can be math, reading, auto mechanics, learning a new trick on your skateboard or learning to cook – anything – just falling in love with the process to learn something new. My goal is to give them the confidence to take on any challenge that they are faced with.”
A total of 222 music teachers from 208 cities across 41 states have been announced as quarterfinalists for this award. In total, more than 7,000 initial nominations were submitted from all 50 states.
The Music Educator Award was established to recognize current educators (K through college; public and private schools) who have made a significant and lasting contribution to the field of music education and who demonstrate a commitment to the broader cause of maintaining music education in the schools.
One recipient will be selected from ten finalists, and will be recognized for his/her remarkable impact on students’ lives. The winner will be flown to Los Angeles to accept the award, attend the GRAMMY Awards ceremony, and receive a $10,000 honorarium. The nine finalists will each receive a $1,000 honorarium, and the schools of all ten finalists will also receive matching grants.

Walnut: Suzanne Middle School Teacher Named to Dream Team

Helen-Papadopoulos

Helen Papadopoulos (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLY GILE Walnut – Helen Papadopoulos, a Math and Drama teacher at Suzanne Middle School, has been selected to the 2014 Learn Zillion Dream Team. She is one of 77 returning members to the elite team.

Over 4,000 educators applied for the 200 spots available on the 2014 Dream Team. Members were selected for their content knowledge, grit and humility. These impressive Math and English Language Arts teachers represent the best of district, charter and independent schools in 42 states and three countries.

The Dream Team convened in New Orleans for TeachFest, a unique professional development event that was held June 4 through 7. There they kicked off a rigorous summer-long collaboration to create high-quality formative assessment tools and resources that will support teachers implementing the Common Core across the United States. Following TeachFest, Dream Team members returned to their respective districts and will continue to work in facilitated online professional learning communities.

Being on the Dream Team is about more than world-class professional development and creating great content — it’s about being a member of a vibrant and enthusiastic community of educators who are eager to help others and hopeful about the future.

The diverse group brings over 2,300 years of teaching experience, ranging from two to 42 years in the classroom.

Papadopoulos is a 2007 California Teacher of the Year and 2012 Bravo Award winner.

Teach Your Children To Love Their Elders

BY NORMA PADILLA-MURAKAMI

The elderly, often times, are forgotten; but how can we change this? It really is pretty simple, but it takes thought. As long as you are instructing and reinforcing a few simple steps, you can instill the importance of elderly care in your children.

Whether you are caring for aging parents, grandparents, neighbors, or the elderly from your church fellowship, teaching your children how to value life – whether it be young or old – is imperative. Try incorporating these ideas into your family routines.

Visit the Elderly: Be it at their home, an assisted living facility, or just down the hall in your own home, spend some time together. You can play card games, make a meal together, bake cookies, or pick flowers from the garden. Remember some of the things that they can no longer do, like raking leaves, changing light bulbs, and general housekeeping. Let your children see you do these things, as well as making phone calls, and including the elderly in your family outings. Teach them to slow down, and take a few moments to show they care.

I often think about a youth group from my church. Each Mother’s Day they host a tea, and every Christmas they put on a dinner theatre for the elderly. The youth decorate, serve, and are basically in charge of the events. This makes the elderly feel needed and appreciated. It shows they are not forgotten and left to feel lonely, but are valued by our youth.

Try incorporating some of these simple practices into your family or church as soon as your children are able to imitate what you do. Ensuring that the elderly in your life are not forgotten is a lesson in the value of life.

Norma Padilla-Murakami is a wife, mother of four adult children, and has six grandchildren. She is a former parenting class instructor with her husband, Tim.

Making Progress

Jennifer
BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Progress is advancing in some way. Progress is making changes to yourself and hoping that those changes make you a better person. Progress is inspiring. Progress is hoping against all odds and actually seeing it happen. I’m progressing in life. I’m changing things, myself, my situation, my outlook, my faith, my hopes, and my dreams. I’m trying to redefine my own reality and see things for how they actually are and what they can be, not what they will never be.

I’m faithful, but not patient. Yet I am faithful that I will learn to be patient and that I will be given the opportunities to advance both my patience and my courage. Evan (Steve Carell) in the movie, Evan Almighty, said something along the lines of, “We pray for courage. But God does not make us brave; he instead gives us the opportunities to be brave, thus making us courageous”. Progress means that while I may not be there yet, I am further than I was yesterday and that I am moving forward.

While I progress another year in my life, I look back and see how far I’ve come, and that pushes me on to aspire for something greater. We should never stop progressing, aiming, hoping or dreaming to be better than we were yesterday. Life is unique, in that one must always aspire to higher levels to avoid being mediocre. This has always been a fear of mine, mediocrity. I do not want to be mediocre, I want to be extraordinary and exact a change on this world. I need to make goals, checklists, recordings, or whatever it takes to keep myself accountable to what really matters.

The best advice I can give anyone in this regard is to really, seriously, hold yourself accountable. You are responsible for your happiness, success, etc. If you don’t like the path you are on, no matter how old or young you are, no matter what your fitness level is, your education or your financial situation, change it! Make progress, even if it just means you take one step toward being where you want to be. Just remember to progress.

EASTVALE: Suspect Arrested in Troy Davids Hit And Run Death

Troy Davids, 21, was killed in April by a hit and run driver. Photo: Facebook

Troy Davids, 21, was killed in April by a hit and run driver. Photo: Facebook


BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

EASTVALE- A suspect has been arrested in the hit and run fatality of 21-year old Troy Davids. The suspect’s name is Casey Coltrain, a 26 year old Riverside County resident who will be charged with 2nd degree murder and hit and run. According to Lt. Yates, who has been actively working this case, “This has been an active investigation with thousands of hours used to find this suspect. We never stopped looking for the suspect responsible for this horrific crime and thanks to the hard work of investigators we were able to make an arrest”.

According to a Press Release from the Riverside County Sheriff Department, the suspected driver of a black sedan struck and killed Davids as he rode his bike home from work on April 25. The car sped off, and was last reported turning southbound on Scholar Way. According to the police report, witnesses said the driver didn’t even stop. Davids was transported to the local Ontario Kaiser hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.

A few weeks ago, it was revealed that there was a tan Chevrolet Suburban that may have possibly witnessed the accident. Eastvale Police Department’s Traffic Division and local volunteers set up a checkpoint near the incident location on Hamner and Limonite and handed out flyers. The hope was that by getting the public more involved, someone who may have witnessed the incident would come forward with more information.The flyers provided a brief summary of a fatal hit and run traffic collision in the hopes of identifying possible witnesses. At the conclusion of the public outreach, five citizens came forward and provided information to Traffic Investigators about the case.The Eastvale Police Department had also assigned a full-time traffic officer to this case and the officer actively followed up on the many leads that came in.

“The Davids family has been an active part of this investigation. Cooperating and helping us in any way possible and we hope that this arrest can bring them some type of closure”, said Lt. Yates.

Walnut: Hats Off To Class Of 2014!

Walnut-High-School-Class-of-2014

Hats Off to Walnut High School Class of 2014 (Photo Courtesy: Kelly Gile)

BY KELLY GILE

Walnut – Nearly 1,500 Walnut Valley Unified School District graduating seniors participated in commencement ceremonies held May 29. Families and friends filled the football stadiums ready to celebrate the milestone accomplishment.

During the 45th Commencement at Walnut High School, 715 seniors in blue and white caps and gowns filed into the Ken Gunn Stadium.

“These four years went by so fast!” said Eric Dayrit, before the 7 p.m. ceremony.

“It hasn’t really hit me yet. I’ve been telling my friends that I’m feeling a mixture of nervous excitement and obliviousness!” exclaimed Plato Seto.

“I’m feeling excited. It’s like a formal last goodbye with all our friends,” said Alicia Wei.

“I had a really good experience at Walnut High. The teachers and kids are really great. And
I’m just excited to move on to the next chapter in my life,” Kathy Ho added.

Principal Jeff Jordan addressed the Class of 2014 during the ceremony. “I want to congratulate you on your high school careers and wish each one of you the very best as you move forward in your life. Remember one thing – you will always be a Mustang,” he said.

Congratulations to the WHS Valedictorians: Austin Au-Yeung, Isabela Chang, Allison Do, Max Hsu, Howard Phang, Derek Pi, Nancy Sheu, and Tanya Wanwatanakool. Each stellar scholar earned a perfect 4.0 G.P.A. all four years. They wore gold medallions to signify the accomplishment.

Student speaker, Ryan Woo, urged fellow graduates to pursue their dreams with courage and to pursue their hopes relentlessly and passionately. Daphine Ha encouraged the Class of 2014 to thank their families, friends, and teachers for unwavering support and encouragement. She also offered some sage advice for the group: if you fail the first time, find the courage to try again.

“Never let any opportunity go untaken, never let any dream go unchased, and never let anyone tell you that you can’t. Because the simple fact that you made it this far is a testament to the world that you are capable of reaching your highest potential,” said Ha.

Diamond Bar High School held commencement ceremonies in the Holmes Memorial Stadium for 768 graduating seniors.

Congratulations to the DBHS Valedictorians: Christina Chen, Tiffany Cheng, Frank Fu, Steven Gomez, Sylvia Guan, Scott Jew, Bill Kwai, Tiffany Lam, Dana Li, Jasmine Lin, Yingjie Ren, Vrajesh Shah, Akruti Singh, Savannah Tan, Jane Wu, Ashely Xie, and Jason Yu.

An afternoon commencement ceremony for Ron Hockwalt High School graduating seniors was held at the WVUSD District Education Center.

“The future starts today for you; congratulations!” said Principal Jose Annicchiarico.

Eastvale: 10 Reasons to Become A Member of the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce

1. The Eastvale Chamber is focused on creating a strong local economy.
2. The Eastvale Chamber continuously promotes the community and your business.
3. The Eastvale Chamber is the clear voice of business communicating to all levels of government to hold the line on taxes and government regulation/interference.
4. The Eastvale Chamber provides an extraordinary array of effective business networking opportunities to help your business get connected.
5. The Eastvale Chamber aggressively advocates for business through effective political action, to ensure that government offices are business sensitive.
6. The Eastvale Chamber keeps you informed on important issues impacting your business, keeping you in front of the curve.
7. The Eastvale Chamber provides meaningful business education and timely skill building workshops to improve your business effectiveness.
8. The Eastvale Chamber has assembled a unique array of member discounts and benefits to save you time and money.
9. The Eastvale Chamber is uniquely positioned to represent your business to relocating residents, new business and visitors to our community.
10. The Eastvale Chamber is an exciting organization of energetic, vibrant members joining together to help make the City of Eastvale an even better place to live, work and play!

And don’t forget, “Good Morning Eastvale,” a monthly networking breakfast for Chamber members and non-members. The next event will be held on June 12, from 7 to 8:30 a.m., at Corky’s Kitchen and Bakery.

Walnut: Library Closes For Five Months

walnut-library

Photo Courtesy: Los Angeles County Library in Walnut

STAFF REPORT

Walnut – Due to a major renovation, the Los Angeles County Library in Walnut will be closing its doors for five months beginning June 7, according to the City of Walnut. The cost of the project is estimated at $945,000.
“Walnut is grateful to the L.A. County Board of Supervisors for approving this project to enhance our community,” said Mayor Antonio “Tony” Cartagena in a news release. “The Walnut Library is a vital resource for our families, students, and seniors, and we are excited to see the renovations that will take place.”
The renovation will include a new floor plan to maximize public space, new furniture, self-checkout technology, additional computers, a large group study room, a new teen area, new carpet and paint, ADA upgrades, a redesigned public meeting room and a digital display in the lobby.
While the Walnut Library is closed, library patrons can visit the L.A. County Diamond Bar location at 21800 Copley Drive, in Diamond Bar; or the Rowland Heights location at 1850 Nogales Street, in Rowland Heights.
Didn’t return your books before the Walnut Library closed its doors? Don’t worry about incurring a five-month late fee. According to a City of Walnut news release, materials checked out from the Walnut location can be returned to any L.A. County public library.
For additional information, please visit the L.A. County Public Library website at http://www.colapublib.org, or the City of Walnut website at http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us.