Eastvale: High School Happenings

BY REZA MORENO

 

Eleanor-Roosevelt-High-School Eastvale

Eleanor Roosevelt High School Eastvale
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

The 2013-2014 Eleanor Roosevelt High School year is coming to an end, with only a few weeks left until summer. With that, spring sports are almost finished with CIF and State just around the corner.Track and Field did an outstanding job in their Arcadia Invitational on April 11 – 12. Junior April Sutton finished off her Heptathlon competition with a 2:22 800. Taelin Webb set a personal record and jumped 6’6” to win the High Jump competition, while Chastity Ducre jumped 17’8” taking third in the girl’s long jump. As for the boys, they took 2nd place in the 4×200 relay. On Sat., April 12, Simone Buchanan ran a season best of 56:35 in the open 400m. For the 4×100 relay, girls Jaela Williams, Taisyn Crutchfield, Simone Buchanan and Jasmyne Graham took second place, which is the fourth fastest time in the school’s history. On April 18, the team had a meet against Centennial at home; both the boys and girls teams came in first place and did an outstanding job in all events. On April 20 – 22 the team had their Mt. SAC invitational and one event that really stood out was the girls 4×1600 relay team, breaking the school record by over 40 seconds.

 

Swim is also having a great start, winning against rival Norco on April 10 and against Centennial on April 17.

 

As for the baseball team, they won their first two league games. On April 9 they beat Corona High 4-3, and on April 11 they played against King with a score of 4-1. Although they lost to Santiago twice on April 16 and again April 18, the score was only by one point. The softball team is also doing great at the mid season point. On April 18 they beat Norco 4-1, and won against Centennial on April 23 8-1.  The girls are right on track with trying to fulfill their goal of going to CIF for the first time.

 

ERHS has sprouted some talented athletes and here is a listing of seniors that won scholarships: For girl’s soccer, Riley Brieno is going to Marymount Cal University, Angela Mitchell to SDSU, and Elena Morrison to Cal State Bakersfield. For softball, Delainey Thompson is going to Texas A&M, and Chase Reddington is going to University of Nevada Reno. There are also two outstanding football players: Joseph Muriel is going to Missouri Valley University, and Marcus Williams is off to Utah. Taelin Webb, varsity basketball captain, is off to Cal State Northridge, and girl’s varsity basketball captain, Chiderah Uzowuru, is going to Grand Canyon University. Jada Helberg from water polo is signed to Cal State Bakersfield, and gymnast LaNiesha-Jorpe Irvin is off to UCLA. Good job, Mustangs!

 

Diamond Bar: Evergreen Puzzle Project Connects Students

BY KELLI GILE

 

Diamond Bar – For April’s Autism Awareness month, Evergreen Elementary School hosted a special puzzle project to celebrate. evergreen-elementary-diamond-barSpecial Education teachers, Laura Saenz and Ashley Marshman, distributed puzzle pieces to all students on campus. The children were asked to write about what makes them unique.

 

One by one, the pieces were brought back to their class and connected filling a wall in the multi-purpose room. As the pieces came together, the kids saw how they all fit.

 

“It is important for our students to see that just like a puzzle piece, each individual has something special and unique that no one else can contribute, which makes the entire picture much more beautiful,” said Saenz and Marshman. “We feel that it is important for us to encourage the acceptance of all students.”

 

One student wrote, “I’m special because I have nice friends that support me.” Another said, “I am unique because there is only one me and I have my own skills to do.  Everyone is special so don’t be left out.” Some drew pictures to show how they are unique.

 

Other pieces from staff members said, “Every child is gifted.  They just unwrap their packages at different times;” and “Autism is as much a part of humanity as is the capacity to dream.”

 

“This is another wonderful example of our dedicated teachers creating experiences that join students together and celebrate each child’s uniqueness, as well as our connections with each other.  Evergreen is truly a lovely work of art where each remarkable student is celebrated,” said Principal Carolyn Wills.

Eastvale: An Interview With Eastvale Council Member Adam Rush

eastvale-city-council-mayor-pro-tem-adam-rush

Eastvale City Council: Mayor Pro-tem Adam Rush

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL 

Eastvale – Mayor Pro-tem, Adam Rush, has had the prestige of serving as the very first mayor of Eastvale when it was incorporated in October 2010. He was instrumental in the incorporation process as Fundraising and Education Subcommittee Chair for the Eastvale Incorporation Committee beginning in 2007. With a background in community planning and environmental compliance, he is an integral member of the City Council. Adam and his family live in Eastvale.

 

Q: What do you feel is the biggest challenge facing the City for 2014?

A: The most important challenge that faces the City of Eastvale for 2014 is the same concern we’ve had for the last three years, which is a continual threat to our funding. These threats come from both Washington and Sacramento and it is critical that we advocate and lobby Sacramento to halt their financial imposition on all California cities.

 

Q: What is your number one goal for the City this year?

A: Given our biggest challenge being threats to local funds, Eastvale will continue to grow as a “self-sustaining” city. This includes a diverse housing base, local jobs that can pay a mortgage for an Eastvale home, and a broad range of services and commercial opportunities.

 

Q: What “feels great” about Eastvale to you?

A: I love the community spirit that exists in our wonderful city. Eastvale is quickly growing into “the biggest little city” in the Inland Empire. We come together as one family – whether it is at a community or sports event – but still are becoming a local economic powerhouse.

 

Q: How long have you been here in Eastvale? What’s your history with the City?

A: My wife and I moved to Eastvale in August of 2005 and first lived at the Homecoming Apartments until we purchased our home on Corona Valley in 2009, shortly after our daughter was born. I was appointed by the EIC board as the Chair of Education and Fundraising Subcommittee in 2007 and managed nearly every community fundraising and education event up until the Cityhood vote. From friends and family, I was encouraged to run for Eastvale City Council from my background as a Community Planner for Riverside County for over ten years. A majority of my work was right here in the City of Eastvale, where I managed a majority of the residential and commercial developments in the City. In June of 2010, I was elected, with the highest number of votes, and was honored to serve as the City’s first Mayor. I am now asking residents to allow me a second term in office to continue the important work we have started to make Eastvale the safest and most vibrant city in Riverside County.

Walnut: 3D Printer Comes to South Pointe Middle School

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut – 8th Grade creative explorers at South Pointe Middle School are now seeing their computer-aided designs come to life.

technology-teacher-allin-everman-and-3d-printer

Technology Teacher Allin Everman helps gear up the new 3D printer during class. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

The school’s Project Lead the Way (PLTW) core has just added a new 3D printer to its classroom.

 

Science Teacher Crystal Dira couldn’t be more excited for the 60 students in the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) program.

 

“Students now get to hold their designs in their hands,” she said. “We are thrilled about this program and how it’s allowing our students to get a heads up with our growing world of technology in education.”

 

This year, PLTW kids have been focusing on building and programming robotics and working on CAD designs. Teachers Dira and Kellie Muragishi (Science), Allin Everman (Technology), and Deb Brady and Annie Kim (Math), were determined to find a way of finding a 3D printer for their students. They knew it would take an innovative approach to fundraising.
”Let’s see if we can get it!” the team decided. First, they researched affordable 3D printers and funding sources. Then they posted their $2,800 dream printer on the DonorsChoose.org website. Within several weeks a donor selected the request and funded the project. The school’s Community Club pitched in the remaining $100, and the Maker Bot Replicator 2 was delivered during the first week of March. The professional quality printer is designed for engineers or people who like to make things.

 

The desktop 3D printer is about the same size as a microwave, but doesn’t cook popcorn. With just a touch of the start button it cruises at a high speed, using filament to produce the detailed designs. A cartridge smoothly rotates back and forth distributing thin layers of the melted white, red, blue or clear plastic material inside the unit. In just about ten minutes, a perfectly shaped item is ready to be scooped off.

 

“We think it’s good to have a 3D printer because it exposes us to future technology that will be used in the workforce,” said Austin Sun, age 13. “It can mass-produce things people have made by hand. The goal of PLTW is to expose us these things so we can have experience in STEM careers. The robotics computer programming is really neat,” he added.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Did You Know?

BY K.P. SANDER

 

When celebrating Memorial Day this month, remember that our freedom has always been won and sustained at a cost; a very precious price has been paid.

 

Our 34th President of the United States, Dwight D. Eisenhower, said it quite profoundly, “Freedom has its life in the hearts, the actions, the spirit of men and so it must be daily earned and refreshed – else like a flower cut from its life-giving roots, it will wither and die.”

 

Be proud of our freedom, and remember to thank a veteran this Memorial Day (and always).

Eat Well, Feel Happy

BY NICOLE GILLES, RD, CDE, CSR

 

Nutritionist Nicole Gilles

Nicole Gilles, RD, CDE, CSR

Have you noticed a change in your mood lately? Not feeling as happy and energetic as you used to? Food may be to blame.During the winter months, most Americans tend to eat more starch and fat in their diets, which can leave you feeling sleepy and emotionally unstable. High fat food, like fried food, whole fat dairy products, and fatty meats take lots of time and energy to digest. All this strain on the body may leave you in need of a nap. Large portions of starchy food, like grain products, pasta, potatoes, and sweets will cause a dramatic rise and fall in blood sugar levels. This effect may cause your mood to rise and fall as well, leaving you feeling mad or anxious. Let’s face it. We could all use a little more energy, patience, and emotional stability to help us juggle our busy lives.So what are we to do? Small changes in the diet may help support an improved and stable mood while providing increased energy levels. Can you believe food can affect your mental health that much? If you need more convincing, try it out for a month and see how you feel. Start by making small changes like avoiding fried food and switching to low fat foods for a week. The next week, continue your previous changes and start cutting back on starchy food. If this leaves you feeling hungry, increase your portions of vegetables and/or snack on one cup of fresh fruit between meals. The decreased fat and starch intake will decrease your body’s energy demands to digest food, leaving more energy for what you want to do. The decreased starch portions and occasional fruit snack will also support level blood sugars, which will support emotional stability. Together, these small changes can make a big difference in your mental health.

Celebrate Mental Health Month this May by making small food changes to feel better by June!

 

If you would like to slim down this spring, look no further than local Eastvale resident, Nicole Gilles.  Nicole is the owner of Happy and Healthy Nutrition and she is dedicated to helping you achieve your health and weight goals.  As a Registered Dietitian, Certified Diabetes Educator, and Certified Specialist in Renal Nutrition, Nicole is qualified to help you learn how to cope with emotional eating and learn to eat for your body’s individual needs.  Happy and Healthy Nutrition members discover when to eat, how to eat, and how to lose weight and keep it off permanently.  What are you waiting for? Start today, for a happy and healthy tomorrow!

Contact Happy and Healthy Nutrition at http://www.HandHnutrition.com, or call (909) 816-0977; and like them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/happyandhealthynutrition.nicolegilles. Virtual Counseling is also available. Check out their ad on this page for a special discount available to Eastvale News readers.

 

EASTVALE – Results of Eastvale DUI Checkpoint

Checkpoint Results:

Eastvale, CA – The Eastvale Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint on April 25, 2014, at Limonite Avenue and Cloverdale Marketplace, between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 11: p.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public. Due to inclement weather, the checkpoint closed early and random patrols (DUI saturation patrols) were initiated.

DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints have been shown to lower DUI deaths and injuries. A major component of these checkpoints are the deterrent effects it has on those who might drive drunk or drugged impaired, bringing about more awareness and encouraging everyone to use sober designated drivers.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent. Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

Operation Results:
616 Vehicles passed through the checkpoint
0 DUI arrests
0 Field sobriety tests for DUI of alcohol
2 Citations were issued for unlicensed drivers
0 Citation was issued for suspended driver’s license
7 Citations for miscellaneous vehicle code violations
1 Vehicle towed

During the checkpoint hours, patrol officers were in the vicinity contacting the public for vehicle code violations. Out of those contacts, 6 citations were issued. These numbers are included in the overall operation results listed above.

The checkpoint was conducted with the assistance of the Jurupa Valley Station’s K9 Team, Special Enforcement Team, Explorers and Volunteers. In addition, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Crime Analyst Unit was on scene to assist the Eastvale Police Department in processing the larger than normal volume of citations, towing records, arrest/incident reports and computer checks of various law enforcement databases. Also, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department/Cal-ID staff was on scene assisting the Eastvale Police Department to verify the identity of those subjects arrested by utilizing their mobile identification processing system.

Drunk driving is a major cause of fatal and injury collisions each year. We are seeking your assistance in saving lives. If you are on the roadways and you observe a possible drunk driver call 911 immediately. Officers will be dispatched to the location and make every effort to prevent the impaired driver from continuing to pose a threat.

Chino: Wife Killer’s Parole Overturned by Gov. Brown

STAFF REPORTS

 

Chino – Convicted killer Samuel Dubyak’s parole has been overturned by Governor Jerry Brown. The State Parole Board had recommended the former Chino resident’s release from Soledad State Prison in Northern California.

 

In a written statement from Brown’s office, the Governor said, “Mr. Dubyak’s claim of innocence is not believable. I am troubled by Mr. Dubyak’s lack of remorse and empathy.”

Lourdes Dubyak’s body has never been found, but the evidence was strong enough to convict Samuel Dubyak of first-degree murder in 1987. According to a pre-sentencing report, Dolores and Samuel had been having marital problems and Dolores was considering divorce. She had also been having at least one affair. She was last seen alive on Aug. 11, 1985 by a close friend after her lover had dropped her off at home.

 

Samuel Dubyak had never had any adult convictions, is a college graduate and had a steady job, making him an unlikely suspect. However, Dubyak did not report his wife missing until four weeks later. Again, according to pre-sentencing reports, he said that she had disappeared after making a phone call and telling him she needed to go out for awhile. Dubyak claims that she was gone when he awoke the next morning.

 

Later, police learned that Dubyak’s brother and neighbor had disposed of the couple’s bed. In the written statement from the Governor’s office this item was recorded, “The bed had a bullet hole through the mattress and box spring, and a 22-caliber (bullet was) lodged in the box springs. Traces of blood were also found in their room,”

 

Other evidence such as blood in the hatchback of his vehicle, a forged typewritten letter suggesting Lourdes Dubyak was in Mexico City, as well as other inconsistencies, raised speculation. Samuel Dubyak still continues to deny any involvement in this murder and at a 2012 parole hearing he claimed that he had bought a new mattress and dumped the old one, but someone else must have shot the old one.

 

The Governor, in his written statement, encouraged Dubyak to “continue his efforts to develop insight into the factors that contributed to his crime.”

 

Eastvale 5-2014

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, and Corona. Click this link 2014-05-EastvaleAll and access the complete May issue in pdf format.

Weekly News 5-3-2014

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 May03WeeklyAll to access the complete May 3-9, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Norco – Attempted Murder on a Police Officer

Ernest Perez Photo From: Riverside County Sheriff's Dept.

Ernest Perez
Photo From: Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

PRESS RELEASE FROM RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF”S DEPT.

On April 29, 2014, a deputy assigned to the Norco Office was dispatched to a suspicious person call in the 800 block of Sixth St. Upon arrival, the deputy was directed to Hillside Avenue, where he saw 30-year-old Ernesto Perez from Corona. The deputy determined that Perez was intoxicated to the point where Perez was unable to care for himself and attempted to arrest him for public intoxication.

While attempting to take Perez into custody, Perez fought the deputy. During the struggle, Perez was able to remove the deputy’s baton and at one point during the fight, threatened to kill the deputy. The deputy was able to wrestle the baton from Perez’ grasp and it went flying across the ground. Several bystanders came to the deputy’s aid and were able to secure the baton.

Assisting deputies arrived and they were able to take Perez into custody. Both Perez and the deputy received minor injuries and were treated by medical staff. Perez was booked at Robert Presley Detention Center after receiving a medical clearance for his injuries.

Pomona: Midnight/Plaid Shirt Bandit Arrested

STAFF REPORTS

midnight-plaid-shirt-bandit

Midnight/Plaid Shirt Bandit (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Pomona – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department has recently issued a news release stating that the suspect responsible for nearly 60 robberies in Southern California cities, including Monterey Park and Pasadena, has been arrested.

 

In a multitude of incidents involving the armed robbery of Gas Stations, Fast Food establishments, and Convenience Stores, the “Midnight/Plaid Shirt Bandit” has reportedly been associated with crimes from April 2012 through June 2013. Suspect Jermaine D. Shepherd, a 37-year old male, supposedly had a penchant for wearing plaid shirts during the commission of the robberies.

 

The news release stated that in June of 2013, a press conference was held asking the public’s help in identifying the suspect. The public was shown pictures of the suspect from some of the robberies. Since that press conference, the robberies stopped. Detectives from the Major Crimes Bureau were able to gain valuable information and evidence regarding the suspect’s identify from a combination of the public’s help, associated law enforcement agencies, and department technology. One of the clues was the unusual gait the suspect had when he walked. The investigation led detectives to Bakersfield where additional information was obtained. On Feb. 11, 2014, detectives presented their case to the District Attorney’s Office where they filed five counts of Armed Robbery, two counts of Assault with a Deadly Weapon, and obtained an arrest warrant for the suspect. On Feb.19, 2014, Major Crimes Bureau personnel responded to Bakersfield and with the assistance of Kern County Sheriff’s Department arrested Shepherd. Search warrants were executed at three locations and evidence was recovered including shirts believed to be worn in the robberies. After the suspect’s arrest, further investigation was completed and the District Attorney filed an additional 26 counts. Shepherd was arraigned and his bail was set at $2.4 million.

 

The Preliminary hearing is set for June 20, 2014, in Pomona Court, and detectives will seek an additional eight counts of Robbery that occurred in Orange County. Detectives are again seeking the public’s assistance with this case. If you have any additional information, call LASD Major Crimes Bureau at (562-946-7893), or email mcbtips@lasd.org . Anonymous calls are welcomed. “If You See Something, Say Something.” Partner with LA Crime Stoppers to prevent or report crime by contacting your local Sheriff’s station. If you wish to remain anonymous, call (800) 222-TIPS (8477), text the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or use the website at http://lacrimestoppers.org.

 

 

Pomona: A Mother’s Hope

 BY K.P. SANDER

 

cindy-belevick

Cindy Belevick with her young children, Gigi and Peter (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Pomona –  Every mother hopes for the very best for her children, including a wonderful life filled with love and promise. She also hopes to be there to facilitate as much happiness as she can. 

But for one local mother, these hopes have recently been associated with trepidation, and perhaps a deadline. Cindy Belevick, 48, has recently been diagnosed with Aggressive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia. Even more prevalent than her own concerns for health and longevity are the concerns for her precious children: Peter, 10, has Autism, and his little sister, Gigi, is just 6-years old. These children need their mother.

 

As Belevick struggles with her Leukemia, she is in urgent need of blood, platelets and bone marrow. While donor drives have been organized, with a blood drive recently completed in Diamond Bar, and a marrow drive to be held in Covina May 3, there is still much to be done for her to win this battle. While her family is not a donor match, supporters out there may be.

 

You can become one of Cindy Belevick’s supporters, and part of her hope. While Latino/Hispanic donors are critical, anyone from 18 to 44 years of age can help save a life. In Belevick’s case, time is of the essence. You, or someone you know, may be the key. Help get the word out…

 

For more information on this mother’s hope, visit http://posthope.org/operation-help-save-cindy; and http://bethematchfoundation.org/goto/swabforcindy.

 

 

 

Eastvale: Here We Grow Again

BY K.P. SANDER

 

Eastvale – With the second, and dare we say much needed, Starbucks location at Archibald and Schleisman (I mean, what if you aren’t heading in the direction of the Starbucks in the Ralph’s shopping center?) opening mid April, two additional businesses opened their doors with a ceremonious Ribbon Cutting.

 

Ponino’s Pizzarena: If you are familiar with the Original Graziano’s Pizza in Ontario, then you can appreciate the grand opening of their sister location in the Cloverdale Marketplace at Limonite and Hamner avenues on April 12. Says owner, Lee Turriciano, “We are fortunate to finally be in Eastvale; it’s been a long time coming.”

 

With bright, welcoming décor, and a business philosophy that caters to local sports teams, Turriciano says they are all about quality. “We make our own sauce and dough daily, use real cheese and fresh ingredients,” he adds. Their menu has a wide variety of choices to satisfy any appetite.

 

With a game room, party rooms, and a spacious dining area, there is plenty of space for teams and families to coincide in a friendly atmosphere to celebrate a team victory, or a regular weekly pizza night.

 

New Day Christian Church: On a cool April 26 morning, Eastvale’s first official church building opened its doors. While they were fortunate enough to have their site completed for Easter Sunday services, New Day Christian Church’s appreciation for what has transpired was very apparent at the ribbon cutting ceremony.

 

Dignitaries Mayor Ike Bootsma, Assemblyman Eric Linder, Brad Dupray (Senior Vice President of Church Development Fund), New Day church members, and many other City of Eastvale guests were present to share in the celebration of the 8,530 square foot worship center that has finally come to fruition on the 4.36 acre property next to the fire station on A Street. The realization of this building was many years in the making, and Pastor Ed Moreno couldn’t be more pleased, or more humbled. “When you look at this place, look to God, for we had very little to do with it,” says Moreno.

 

With much of the labor and materials either donated or provided at cost, the concrete tilt-up is a welcome addition to the City of Eastvale, and inspiration to the other, now mobile, churches in the City. As Mayor Bootsma said, “As you know all churches in Eastvale meet in schools and homes. It is exciting that New Day has opened its doors as the very first church here.”

 

JCSD Sewer Project: While the growth of Eastvale is very apparent above ground with new homes and businesses all around, a big part of the development is happening below ground. You may have noticed that many of the streets, especially those close to Limonite and Archibald, are undergoing changes. As part of Jurupa Community Services District’s (JCSD) ongoing capital improvement projects, they have been installing and upgrading the sewer system and non-potable waterlines throughout Eastvale and Jurupa Valley.

 

According to a press release from JCSD, this Master Plan B Trunk Sewer and Non-Potable Waterline project includes major construction in order to upgrade and improve the community’s sewer system infrastructure and to build the first major non-potable water supply line in the region.

 

This construction began March 10 and is expected to continue until May 23, 2014, with a portion of the project continuing through August. Segments of this project involve lane reductions and closures; however, designated detours will redirect motorists.

 

 

Rancho Cucamonga: Etiwanda Fire Caused Smoke Concerns for Diamond Bar/Walnut

STAFF REPORTS

 

etiwanda-fire

The Etiwanda Fire forced evacuations of nearly 1,700 homes (Photo Courtesy: KTLA.com)

Rancho Cucamonga – The South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) issued a smoke advisory due to the conditions caused by the Etiwanda Fire. This wind-driven brush fire started Wednesday, and has currently burned over 1,000 acres. The air quality impact from the blaze has signaled concern for Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Verne, Claremont and Pomona. With the fire being only 10 percent contained due to the extreme wind conditions prevalent throughout the week, as well as high heat and low humidity, citizens are advised to avoid unnecessary activities outside.

 

At this time only one home has been damaged, but air conditions have caused many schools to close due to air and safety concerns. Mandatory evacuations for nearly 1,700 homes were issued on Wednesday, but lifted on Thursday. Schools, including Alta Loma High School, Banyon Elementary, Caryn Elementary, Etiwanda High School, Golden Elementary, Day Creek Intermediate, Los Osos High School, Rancho Cucamonga High School, and Chaffey College, remained closed on Thursday as well.

 

Santa Ana wind conditions always bring fire concerns, and this season is no exception. The initial cause of the Etiwanda Fire is still under investigation.

 

Eastvale: Meet the Chamber of Commerce: Anthony “Tony” Vasquez

STAFF REPORTS

eastvale-chamber-member-anthony-vasquez

Anthony “Tony” Vasquez (Photo Courtesy: Anthony “Tony” Vasquez)

As the new Executive Assistant to the Board of Directors of the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce, Tony Vasquez first became involved with the Chamber while acting as the Clinic Community Liaison for The Joint …the chiropractic place. With a strong background in marketing, branding and business development, Tony sought to grow his strength and experiences with Eastvale.

“It is my nature to hit the ground running, leading others in the right direction. I knew working with the board and our current and future members, I could bring my skills to life,” says Tony.

With a strong passion for branding and business, Tony makes sure to put people first. Whether they are employees of the business in operation, or consumers of a local business, everyone matters to him.

Eastvale: Good Company

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

“And everyone who was in distress, everyone who was in debt, and everyone who was discontented gathered to him. So he became captain over them. And there were about four hundred men with him,” (1 Samuel 22:2).

David takes a few men, not perfect men, not model citizens, but men who are stressed, in debt, and have issues. Notice they are distressed, bankrupt, and discontented or literally “bitter of soul.” They were looking for something different in their lives, something better. So God led these 400 men to David. The pressures of life caused these men to seek refuge with David. These men came to David in distress, but they didn’t stay that way. David made them into the kind of men described in 1 Chronicles 12:8: “Mighty men of valor, men trained for battle, who could handle the shield and spear, whose faces were like the faces of lions, and were as swift as gazelles on the mountains.”

David eventually trains these 400 men into a well-oiled fighting force of great discipline and bravery. Jesus said, “Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest,” (Matthew 11:28). David dealt with the physical, but Jesus heals the spiritual. When you give your life to Christ, He goes to the heart of the problem, which is the heart (Jeremiah17:9). Jesus doesn’t focus on what brings you to Him, but on what He brings to you. He brings forgiveness, peace, and true change. “…Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun,” (2 Corinthians 5:17).

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

Don’t Forget

BY PASTOR MARK HOPPER

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

One of my most embarrassing moments occurred about a year ago. I was asked to do the invocation at the City Council meeting in Diamond Bar. But, I forgot.

I am thankful that our City Council asks different religious leaders in the community to give an invocation before each meeting. I usually do this two or three times a year. But one day last year, I got busy and completely forgot it was my day to be at the council meeting. The City Clerk had sent me a reminder, and I even had it written on my own calendar.

My name was printed on the agenda. I’m sure it was an awkward moment of silence when they called my name and I wasn’t there. People probably wondered what happened to that absent-minded pastor.

Since that time, I have taken steps to make sure I don’t forget again. I have asked the City Clerk to call and remind me on the day of the meeting. I also ask our church secretary to do the same. I even post sticky notes on my desk and in my car. So far, so good; I’m thankful they were willing to forgive me and give me another chance.

There are many passages in the Bible that exhort us not to forget. Many of the holidays and festivals in the Bible are designed to help people not forget. The Jewish Passover is celebrated every year so that parents and children will not forget the night when the Angel of Death swept over the land of Egypt. The first born in every home died, but the first born in the homes that had the blood of the Passover Lamb on the door posts were saved. In a similar way, Christians celebrate Easter Sunday every year so they will never forget Jesus’ death on the cross, and His resurrection three days later.

As we enjoy this spring season, I hope you are reminded of the importance of holidays like Passover and the Easter we just celebrated. It’s not about Easter Egg Hunts and family dinners. It’s not about spring break and time off from school. This beautiful season is about events and miracles recorded in the Bible. We celebrate so that we will never forget what God has done for us. I hope you won’t forget!

 

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.

Eastvale: I Will Say It Again: Rejoice!

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

When most people think of the month of May, two special occasions come to mind: Mother’s Day and Memorial Day. But, did you know that more than 70 obscure holidays are observed this month? From Mother Goose Day on May 1 to National Macaroon Day on May 31, there is a reason to celebrate every single day this month. And yet, some of us will find it hard to be happy on even one day. Have you ever had a bad morning? Has that bad morning ever evolved into a bad day or bad week? So often, we fixate on the negative. We see the grumpy boss and not the paycheck. We hear the temper tantrums, but tune out the laughter. We complain about dirty dishes, but forget to be thankful for dinner. And, when you focus on the negative, it multiplies. Soon, all you see are the negative aspects about your job, your marriage, etc.

Life can be overwhelming. Whether you are struggling with broken relationships, financial difficulties, or simply trying to get the kids to school on time, it is easy to get discouraged. It is a lot harder to be positive, especially in the midst of tribulation. But, in Philippians 4:4, Paul tells us to, “Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!”

It takes discipline to be happy. Every day, we need to make a conscious effort to focus on the positive and rejoice in the little stuff. This is what the month of May – and its 70 plus holidays – reminds us. Whether it is National Star Wars Day on May 4 or Dance like a Chicken Day on May 14, we need to find a reason to celebrate!

 

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

 

 

 

Walnut: Big Wins for Mt. San Antonio College

Staff ReportsMt. San Antonio College

 

Walnut – For the second straight year and the third time in the last four years, the Mt. San Antonio College Forensics Team won the Phi Rho Pi national speech title at the national tournament, held April 7-12, at Casper and Northwest colleges in Denver, Colorado. This championship victory marks the ninth time Mt. SAC has won the Phi Rho Pi national title. Combined with four wins as the top community college at the four-year college national tournament, the championship marks the 13th time in the last 20 years that Mt. SAC has been recognized as the top community college in the nation.

The Mt. Sac Jazz Ensemble and vocal jazz group, Frontline, each won first place in their respective divisions at the 52nd Annual Reno Jazz Festival, held April 10-12, at the University of Nevada. This year’s win marks the first time that Frontline has taken first place at the festival, while the Jazz Ensemble has won the college division at the festival four of the last five years. Frontline competed against 12 ensembles from community colleges and universities, including Cal State Fullerton and Cal State Sacramento. The jazz band competed against 16 university and two-year college bands. The festival provides a platform for college competition as well as participation in music workshops and concerts highlighted by performances by the some of the legends of jazz.