Walnut: Board Honors Outstanding Students and Parent Volunteers

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut — The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees paid tribute to outstanding students and parent volunteers during the January 15 meeting.

WVUSD Holiday Card Contest winner

Michelle Xu, winner of the 2013 WVUSD Holiday Card Contest.

Evergreen Elementary 5th grader, Michelle Xu, won the 2013 Holiday Greeting Card Art Contest. The talented young artist was recognized with a certificate and framed copy of her original artwork by Board President, Cindy Ruiz. She also received a gift certificate to Chick-fil-A restaurant, courtesy of owners Bob and Michelle Sun.

WVUSD Super Star Student Awardee 2014

Andrew Zambrano won the Super Star Student Award

Walnut Elementary School 5th grader, Andrew Zambrano, was honored as a Super Star Student.“Since kindergarten, he has taken advantage of several opportunities to become involved in school. He plays saxophone in our school band, sings in the Showcase Choir, won awards in chess and is an assembly greeter, which highlights his terrific interpersonal skills,” Principal Green said. Andrew has been able to do all this with the loving support of his parents who make sure he is enrolled in after-school wrestling, jujitsu and basketball.

WVUSD Partner in Education Awardee 2014

Walnut Elementary parent volunteer, Ceping Chao (shown with Board President, Cindy Ruiz), was honored with the Partner in Education Award. (photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut Elementary parent volunteer, Ceping Chao, was introduced as the school’s Partner in Education. “She is a founding parent of our Dual Language Immersion (DLI) Mandarin program and her two daughters are currently in DLI Kindergarten and Grade 2,” said Principal Green.

“Ceping volunteers her time in the classrooms and the teachers say that she is always ready to lend a helping hand. They love her because she is so patient with students. She attends parent education meetings and convinces more parents to become involved. She has even taken on the task of revamping and revising our school website – I believe there were five pages of changes to be made!” said Green.
Diamond Bar High School junior, Josh DeSoto-Rivera, was honored with the Super Star Student Award.

WVUSD Super Star Student 2013

Josh DeSoto-Rivera (shown with Board President, Cindy Ruiz) was honored as a Super Star Student

“I want to recognize Josh for the growth he has shown through the past years. He really didn’t have any goals and didn’t see the intrinsic reward of a good education. As a sophomore, he entered the Pathways Communications Academy,” she said.

“It is a great program, now 17 years old that offers our kids a school within a school opportunity. It incorporates concepts of multiple intelligences, career guidance, interactive instruction and applied learning – all while focusing on interpersonal relationships,” Real explained.

The curriculum includes a broad spectrum of college prep and career tech electives as well as a steering committee of local businessmen and educational institutions who work closely with students. “The program offers an opportunity for real life experiences and it makes students aware and competitive in today’s job force. Because of this program, I think Josh saw the light,” Real explained.

Partner in Education Awardee 2013

George Ganesh (shown with Board President, Cindy Ruiz and Principal, Catherine Real), was recognized with the Partner in Education Award

“This summer, he took on registration for the Boosters Club. Mr. Ganesh’s job was to organize and get the Booster parents enthusiastic to work at the booth during four weeks of registration appointments,” Real explained.

“And of course, the process went a lot like him: it was organized, it was pleasant and it was productive. I can’t say enough about the contributions that he made because at the end of registration, the Boosters had reached a new level of unity, sign-ups and participation,” Real said.

“When I think about Mr. Ganesh, I also think of his children, Namesha and Niraj. They are a lot like him. They are equally enthusiastic, well-rounded, intelligent, kind, compassionate and humble. I think it’s true what they say about apple not falling very far from the tree!” Real said.

Eastvale: What Makes A City?

What Makes A City?

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – Ever wonder what makes a city a city? From Jamestown to Eastvale (from the Garden of Eden, really), people have been setting up towns, cities, counties, states, districts and countries in an effort to hang up that “Home Sweet Home” sign and make a life.

It used to be, you pioneered your way to a spot you liked, pitched a tent, and started building a home. Someone else came along, liked your idea, and became your neighbor, and so on. Eventually brains were challenged by brawn and the hierarchy established itself.

Our very own mayor, Ike Bootsma, comes from a pedigree of Dutch settlers who had that pioneering spirit that said, “What if…?”

Nowadays, as with Eastvale, pretty sure you don’t just stick a flag in the ground and declare it a city. You need a visionary to see it, a mayor to govern it, a manager to care for it, laws to protect it, engineers to build it, amenities to keep it and citizens to live it.

It’s a bit of a privilege to live in Eastvale. One of the babies of Riverside County, it was officially incorporated in October of 2010. Eastvale’s much older siblings surround it with a lot of experience and history – Norco was established in 1964, Corona in 1886, Ontario in 1891, and Chino in 1910. Although Eastvale is peppered with nostalgia, there are not many hand-me-downs; everything is brand new, as is apparent by all the new homes, shops, restaurants and businesses coming to life throughout the city (read “Here We Grow Again” for details). It’s exciting to watch a city actually grow up all around you.

But what actually makes a city work? Where does the money come from, and who decides what happens?

Cities are governed by elected officials – a mayor and council members. They function in a congressional style, proposing bills, holding votes, and passing laws to keep the city on track with its own strategic goals and objectives and in alignment with state and federal regulations. Eastvale specifically strives to establish a solid fiscal foundation, optimize economic development potential, maintain an excellent level of public safety, and provide high quality public facilities and infrastructure, as stated in their Annual Operations document.

In general, cities make money from taxes and fees charged to residents and businesses (licenses, vehicle registration, fines, sales tax), and a portion of property taxes. In 2011, Eastvale, along with Jurupa Valley, Menifee and Wildomar lost approximately $14 million overall when California Legislature voted to redirect vehicle license fee revenues from the city income to law enforcement grants. While this could potentially be the end of Jurupa Valley’s incorporation, Eastvale seems to remain stable.

Eastvale’s Mission Statement reads: “The mission of Eastvale is to provide exceptional customer service to its citizens and businesses and to continue to attract new businesses to invest and locate in order to build a strong, stable community with an excellent quality of life and a vital business community.” It appears Eastvale has done an excellent job of staying true to its goals in its short life. As you look all around the City you see signs of a thriving present, and a bright future.

Refer to this table for a comparison between Eastvale and Diamond Bar, a city of similar size and population. What Makes A City Spreadsheet

Chino: Police Searching For Robbery Suspect

Chino Burglary Suspect

If you know the whereabouts of this suspect, please contact the Chino PD at (909) 628-1234. (Photo Courtesy: Chino Police Dept.)

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – A suspect described as a white or Hispanic male, in his early 20s, thin build with short brown hair, is wanted for questioning in a robbery that took place at a 7-Eleven store on the 12000 block of Mountain Avenue in Chino. He was last seen wearing a black Obey sweatshirt and witnesses say that he had fresh cuts under his left eye and on his left hand.

The Chino Police Department released a surveillance image of the suspect and is asking for the public’s assistance in identifying the man. He is also wanted in connection to at least three other robberies across San Bernardino County.
All four robberies took place Friday, Jan. 24, between 3:50 a.m. and 4:42 a.m. The other stores that were burglarized were the 7-Eleven store on the 4500 block of Holt Avenue in Montclair; the 7-Eleven store on the 2500 block of South Euclid Avenue in Ontario; and the Shell Gas Station on the 2200 block of South Archibald Avenue in Ontario.
This investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information regarding the robberies or the suspect is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

UPDATE:  CHINO, Calif. (KABC) — A suspect has been arrested in connection to a string of robberies across San Bernardino County Jan 28.

The robberies all took place Friday between 3:50 a.m. and 4:42 a.m. The suspect was connected to three robberies at 7-Eleven locations in Chino, Montclair and Ontario and a Shell gas station also in Ontario.

Diamond Bar: Massage Envy Offers The Perfect Valentine’s Day Gift

Massage Envy Diamond Bar

Massage Envy is located at 1195 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite B, Diamond Bar CA 91765. You can reach them at (909) 612-9700 or see their ad on page 7.


STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – As the month celebrating love is upon us, it’s time to think about what you’ll be getting your special someone for Valentine’s Day. Massage Envy offers the perfect gift that everyone deserves: the gift of relaxation. With Massage Envy’s coupon on page 7, you can give your loved one a remarkable spa package for less. Take advantage of this exclusive deal for a quality massage by trained professionals.

Massage Envy excels in providing professional, convenient, and affordable massage therapy and facial services. They also customize each session to their clients’ needs, meaning that you’re not constrained to a specific routine.

The owners at Massage Envy decided to locate in Diamond Bar so they could develop a team of professional and intuitive therapists and estheticians to help improve the quality of life through the healing touch of massage therapy and facials.

At Massage Envy you will be immersed in a team environment with more than 10 years of experience, and where the employees constantly giving each other comments and suggestions to help make your experience that much more enjoyable. The employees strive to constantly provide motivational support to one another, allowing them to reach their maximum potential. By doing this, Massage Envy creates an environment where clients can feel the cohesive team effort which allows for a relaxing, inviting, and memorable experience.

Massage Envy also specializes in multiple types of services ranging from relaxation, hot stone, and therapeutic, which includes sciatic pain, headaches, migraines, fibromyalgia, back pain, neck pain, frozen shoulder, and more. They also have enhanced therapies such as deep muscle therapy, sugar foot scrub, and an assortment of aromatherapies.

Massage Envy has two holiday packages available when you mention The Weekly News. Check out their newest $99 Spa Package, which includes a 1-hour massage, 1-hour facial session and a free gift. This special package is valued at $220! You can also take advantage of the “Buy 3 and Get 1 Free” deal at Massage Envy. For more information about these specials, check out their ad on page 7.

Massage Envy is located at 1195 S. Diamond Bar Blvd. Suite B, Diamond Bar, CA 91765; on the corner of Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave., right next to Starbucks. They are open seven days a week from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. You may also contact them at (909) 612-9700 for more information or to schedule an appointment.

Diamond Bar: DB Mayor Pro-Tem Runs For State Assembly

STAFF REPORTS

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar Mayor Pro Tem, Steve Tye, recently announced that he will be running for the 55th Assembly District Seat, which is currently held by Assemblyman Curt Hagman.

Tye kicked off his campaign to run for State Assembly in a Press Conference on Friday, Jan. 31 at 11 a.m. on the steps of the Diamond Bar City Hall. He was joined by City leaders who are supporting his candidacy, including Mayor Carol Herrera and Councilwoman Nancy Lyons, according to a news release.

Steve Tye was first elected to the Diamond Bar City Council in November 2005, then re-elected in 2009 and again in 2013. He served as mayor in 2007 and 2011, and currently serves as Mayor Pro-Tem. Before becoming a Councilman, Tye was appointed to the Planning Commission four times, serving from 1997 to 2005, including two terms as chairman. He was also a member and one-term chair of the Parks and Recreation Commission from 1994 to 1997.

In addition to his two decades of public service, Tye solidifies his candidacy with 12 years experience in financial planning, according to a news release.
“I want to take what I’ve learned in city government, combined with my business background, and make a positive difference in Sacramento,” explains Mayor Pro Tem Tye in a statement. “My priorities will be to work for a stronger economy, more skilled jobs and increased education and training opportunities, especially for the people in Assembly District 55.”

Assembly District 55 includes Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Hills, Chino Hills, Yorba Linda, La Habra, Brea and Placentia. It combines the northernmost part of Orange County, the easternmost part of Los Angeles County, and the westernmost part of San Bernardino County. In addition to the geographic divide, party affiliation breaks down into almost 40% Republican, close to 32% Democrat and 23% with no party preference. In the 2012 Primary, 58,000 votes were cast out of a pool of 241,000 registered voters.
“While California’s recovery is gaining strength, it’s still fragile,” said Tye. “Voters want to know that their elected officials have the economic knowhow and business experience necessary to keep our state moving forward.”
For more information about Steve Tye, his candidacy, and this upcoming campaign kickoff, call ((909) 319-5426, and watch for his website coming soon to http://www.ElectSteveTye.com.

Eastvale: City Council Recap 01.22.14

By Jennifer Madrigal

Eastvale – This month, there were two city council meetings. Here is a recap of what happened at both meetings:

The Jan. 8 meeting was attended by Council Members Ric Welch, Jeff DeGrandpre and Bill Link, along with Mayor Pro-Tem Adam Rush and Mayor Ike Bootsma. The invocation was led by Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church. There was a presentation by Darin Acevedo with Eastvale Pop Warner of a framed jersey to the City of Eastvale in appreciation for all their help. Michael Armijo of Eastvale Community News gave an update on the newspaper and on the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce.

Consent Calendar was passed 4-0-1 with Link abstaining. Item 5.2 which amends the zoning code to allow the placement of temporary signs in the public right of way, subject to Limits on Time, Place and Manner, was pulled for discussion. Motion was carried 4-1 with Welch voting No.

There were no Public Hearing items, or Old Business items. The New Business Items section was as follows:

8.1: Reaffirm or Select New Appointments to the Eastvale Community Foundation: 5-0 to re-affirm current appointments.

8.2: Reaffirm or Select New Appointments to the Planning Commission: 5-0 to reaffirm current appointments. They opened up an application for the vacant position and voted to decide on a replacement at the Jan. 22 city council mtg.

8.3: Reaffirm or Select New Appointments to the Public Safety Commission: DeGrandpre expressed concern about current functioning of the commission and would like another look at its operation and an outline of expectations. Bootsma also asked the commission to set meeting dates permanently for the commission. Motion was carried 5-0 to move this item to the Feb. 12 City Council Meeting.
8.4: Mayor Appointments to Outside Boards/Commissions: This list of appointments can be found on the City of Eastvale website.

The City Manager did not give a report and the meeting adjourned at 7:02 with closing comments from the Council. The information above was taken from the City of Eastvale Council minutes.

The Jan. 22 City Council meeting was attended by Council members Welch and Link, along with Mayor Pro-Tem Rush and Mayor Bootsma. Council Member De Grandpre was absent. The invocation was led by Pastor Ed Moreno with New Day Christian Church.
During the Presentation section of the meeting, the City of Eastvale recognized City of Eastvale volunteers for their service and dedication to helping the city.
The consent calendar with items 5.1 – 5.10 was approved 4-0-1.

The Public Hearing Section of the meeting began with Item 6.1 General Plan amendment, change of Zone, Major Development Review and Conditional Use Permit for the development of an Arco Gas Station facility, A convenience store, restaurant, and drive-through automatic car wash facility in one building, a second building for a sit-down restaurant, and a third building for a drive-through restaurant on an approximately 1.7 acre site. A second Conditional Use Permit is also being requested for the operation of a gasoline service station with concurrent sale of beer and wine in the Arco AM/PM convenience store. The City Council approved the project by approving resolutions 14-05-14-08 with a vote of 4-0-1. This property is located on the corner of Hamner and Riverside Drive.

Council Members asked about the high traffic of the industrial area on that street and whether that had been considered in the plans. In response, they were advised that it is probable that Riverside Drive will be widened in that area to four lanes or about 60-70 feet curb to curb. Council Member Welch also shared that there will be a trail consistent with Jurupa valley Equestrian trails in that area and that Jurupa Valley (not JCSD) will be in charge of landscaping and maintaining it.
During the Public Hearing Section of the meeting, a representative for the above project spoke about his general happiness and excitement for this project to proceed. He also shared that for building two of this project, they had tenants like Subway and Starbucks in preliminary discussions.

Eastvale Planning Commissioner Larry Oblea

Larry Oblea was appointed as the new Planning Commissioner at the Jan. 22 council meeting. (Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale)

The Old Business Items section of the meeting began with Item 7.1: Appointment of Planning commissioner to replace William Link. The council approved Jeff DeGrandpre’s candidate, Larry Oblea as a new City Planning commissioner. Mr. Oblea came highly recommended with great references from his time as a planning commissioner for the City of Santa Fe Springs.

New Business item 8.1 Selection and award for consultant for Traffic Engineering On-Call Support- Iteris, Inc. was passed 4-0-1. Iteris, Inc. will now handle traffic signal design and operation on the 56 traffic signals throughout Eastvale. The cost is tied to specific projects as they occur. Item 8.2 Ordinance relating to establishing speed limits on city streets was also approved 4-0-1. This item calls for the amending of speed limits on three more sections of Eastvale. These speed limits were determined after a traffic study was conducted. Council Member Link questioned how these speed limits are determined. City Manager Jacobs explained that the speed limit is based on the speed that 85% of the vehicles travel on that stretch of road. Thus the speed limit will be adjusted on the following sections of road: 65th to Hamner to 35 mph, Hamner Citrus/Schleisman to 50 mph and Schleisman to Archibald to 50 mph.

The City Manager’s Report was given by Carol Jacobs. She announced that the 3rd Annual State of the City Address will be held at Roosevelt High School on March 27. She also announced that the City will be starting a pilot program with code enforcement on the weekends. They will be keeping track of code violations and having code enforcement at different periods throughout the weekend in order to see what time period is most effective. According to Jacobs, “This new weekend program is expected to be painful to start as most new enforcement usually is.”

Eastvale City Hall Volunteers 2014

City Council recognizes City of Eastvale Volunteers at the Jan. 22 council meeting.
(Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale(

During the Council Communications portion of the meeting, the Vehicle License Fee issue was discussed. Council Member De Grandpre and Mayor Pro-Tem Rush were able to get a support letter from the California Association of Governments to Senator Roth and they are hopeful it will help improve the chance of the bill passing. Welch and Bootsma again thanked the volunteers to the City of Eastvale for all their help and Bootsma expressed his desire for some type of annual event to recognize these volunteers. The meeting was adjourned at 7:10 pm.

Eastvale: Here We Grow Again: What’s Left?

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – 2014 is off and running and Eastvale is heading toward its fourth year (officially incorporating in October 2010) as a prominent city in Riverside County. The beautiful city is virtually unrecognizable from a decade ago when dairies ruled the roost, and Eastvale is beginning to show a cosmopolitan flair.

But what’s left? There is still some land left to be developed and some amenities to be had. If you read the ‘Interview with Bill Link’ article on www.anapr.com, you know, as our newest City Council Member and former member of Eastvale’s Planning Commission, he is committed to developing the land in our fair city for long-term financial sustainability, as well as what is best for the residents.

We have a multitude of new housing projects moving forward, including Copper Sky (DR Horton) at Schleisman Road and Scholar Way; the Trails at Eastvale (Richland Communities), Archibald and 65th Street; Cleveland Square (KB Homes), on Limonite at Scholar Way; and perhaps the most luxurious community, The Palms (Lennar Homes), at Citrus Avenue and Granja Vista del Rio Road, where street improvements have kept traffic measured for some time.

Estancia West (Lennar Homes)

Estancia West (Lennar Homes)

With some homes ready as early as March 2014, The Palms includes three distinct collections coming to Eastvale in neighborhoods set in lush landscaping just south of Eleanor Roosevelt High School: Estancia East, Estancia West, and the Desi Collection, named after esteemed actor, musician and producer, Desi Arnaz. Still central to this project is the beautiful Spanish-style home once owned by Arnaz when he retired to this area as a horse breeder. Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) now owns the home and is preserving it as a jewel in the Eastvale crown, with its use yet to be finalized.

Just east of The Palms, the Eastvale Community Park at Citrus and Hamner avenues is nearly ready for its Grand Opening. The 45 acres of Phase I has Sports Fields, Concession Stands, Picnic Areas, Restroom Facilities and plenty of parking. The park also includes the much anticipated connection to the Eastvale Trail at Riverwalk Park, completing another link in the Santa Ana River Trail which will extend from the San Bernardino Mountains to the Pacific Ocean.

Around the corner from the new park onto Hamner Avenue at “A” Street, Eastvale’s first actual church building is nearing completion. New Day Christian Church’s 8,530 square foot worship center and adjacent 3,000 square foot assembly area will bring more urbanization to the 4.36 acre lot next to the Fire Station. Other prominent churches such as Edgewater Lutheran Church, Vantage Point, and Life Church still worship at local Eastvale Schools.

Speaking of Fire Stations, Eastvale will be getting a second station for its more than 57,000 residents and projected future growth. The new station will be constructed on a recently purchased 1.75 acre lot at Chandler Street and Selby Avenue. The property will also include a second building that will house Eastvale’s Emergency Operations Center. Construction is anticipated to begin sometime within the next two years.

So obviously Eastvale is flourishing and has a lot going on, but what about a future Civic Center, the Arts, a Police Station inside city limits, more upscale restaurants, and a car wash that you don’t have to drive through? There are a lot of nice-to-haves, but there are still things we need like schools, industrial parks, a possible hotel, and other businesses that generate jobs and revenue.

There is still land available for some major developments. The substantial piece of property on the northwest corner of Limonite and Hamner avenues is under specific discussion. The Leal Property has a lot of potential. According to the website, http://www.lealspecificplan.com, this property is “An opportunity for the City (of Eastvale) to re-imagine the Leal Property as a Regional Destination”, or a unique entertainment, shopping or recreation experience for which people are willing to travel long distances. The first step is a Vision Plan, which will determine the best direction for the City.

Just think of the possibilities. Indeed, Eastvale is truly becoming a destination city with much ado for the future.

Eastvale: Police Shut Down Another Marijuana House

Marijuana found inside an Eastvale residence. (Riverside Sheriff's Dept.)

Marijuana found inside an Eastvale residence. (Riverside Sheriff’s Dept.)

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Eastvale – After a relatively quiet period, the Eastvale Police Department has been successful in shutting down yet another marijuana grow house. The house was located on the 12800 block of Thornbury Lane in Eastvale.

According to a press release from Riverside County Sheriff’s website, the house was part of an ongoing investigation. Once it was confirmed the residence was being used as part of an illegal residential grow operation, officers obtained a search warrant for the residence.

The Eastvale Special Enforcement team served the search warrant on Thursday, Jan. 30 at 9:30 am. During the search, Lou Zhong Wu, a suspect was detained inside the residence. The residence had been modified for the purposes of cultivating, processing and packaging marijuana for sales. Seized were 1170 marijuana plants, 26 pounds of processed marijuana and packaging materials. Electricity had been bypassed around the meter causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in $8700.00 a month in stolen electricity, according the press release.

Lou Zhong Wu, 52, of Monterey Park, was arrested and booked into jail. He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside for conspiracy, cultivation and possession of marijuana for sales, and grand theft of utilities.

This investigation is ongoing and any information should be reported to officers Angeles and Thompson at the Jurupa Valley Station at 951-955-2600.

Inland Empire: “All You Need Is Love…”

By Pastor Tim Eaton

The Beatles made the words famous but the sentiment has been around since the dawning of romance. The trouble is that life seldom follows this sentiment. In fact, just about every heartbreaking story begins with love.

What begins as love can fade quickly. It seems like most everything around us is designed to drain the last drop of love and romance out of our lives. Long hours of work (or worries about lack of work), busing the kids all over town, trying to keep the house clean, paying the bills; all of this leaves us exhausted and frustrated, making love the last thing we feel for anyone.

It’s true. We need love. Love is what we seek from the most important relationships in our lives. Still, it’s not enough to make those relationships work. What we need is a love with faithful endurance. But what does that look like? Time, attention and action. That’s what love looks like to those who feel it from us, and what it looks like on our calendar. Without these things, love quickly fades into a distant memory leaving only heartbreak behind.

The Beatles may have written one of the greatest songs about love of all time, but the greatest love of all time is seen in Jesus: “God is love”. This is how God showed his love to us. He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him,” (1 John 4:8-9). He didn’t just begin to love, he continues to love: “The Lord is right and true; he is faithful in all he does,” (Psalm 33:4). What we need is His love; an unending, consistent love.

Reconnect with the one who will always love you, Sundays at 10am.

Pastor Tim Eaton
Edgewater Lutheran Church
Sundays at 10am
Harada Elementary
12884 Oakdale Street
Eastvale, CA 92880
http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org

Diamond Bar: Crazy Weather

Pastor Mark Hopper Diamond Bar

Pastor Mark Hopper

BY MARK HOPPER

I think all of us in Southern California have been amazed by the continuing warm weather we have been having this winter. It sure doesn’t feel like winter!
I call this, “Rose Parade Weather.” Usually right around the first of the year we get this wave of warm weather while the rest of the country is frozen under snow and sub-zero temperatures. When people in other parts of the country watch the Rose Parade, they notice the clear blue skies and warm sunny weather. The result is that a lot of them leave their homes and move to California!

But this year, the unusually warm weather hasn’t stopped. I think we are into our third of fourth week of temperatures that are far above normal. In addition, we are hearing reports that rainfall is far below normal. The Governor has declared a “Drought Emergency,” and is asking all of us to reduce our water usage.

For some people, the warm weather is wonderful. I am enjoying working in my yard and my tomato plants are happy with dozens of new blossoms. For other people, the warm weather is not as welcome. Local ski resorts have not had fresh snow in weeks. Skiers and snow boarders are hoping things will change soon.

Some things are out of our control. We can’t make it rain. We can’t change the temperature. We can’t change the weather. But, we can change how we respond to each situation we face. We can grumble or we can be grateful. We can complain or we can adapt to situations that are out of our control.

Remember, the weather will eventually get back to “normal”. The snow will come, the cooler weather will return and we will soon forget the summer of January 2014. So, enjoy it while you can!

Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd (909) 594-7604 Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM Website: http://www.efreedb.org

Inland Empire: Straight Talk With Danice-January

DEAR DANICE AKIYOSHI:

My daughter has started hanging out with a group of kids at school who are dyeing their hair unusual colors. When I say unusual, I mean green and purple and blue. So far she has only put a small streak of color on her bangs. I have not said anything, but my husband has asked me to deal with it. These kids are all seniors in high school, and aside from this weird thing they’re doing with their hair, they seem like a nice group. Can you give me any pointers on how to handle it?
Janie

Hi, Janie:

If the kids seem to be in good order with their grades and other behaviors, then I would be careful about being excessively critical. Your daughter is a senior, so I’m assuming that she is close to age 18. This is a very tricky time for parents. Sometimes teens want to exert the power they think goes with the magical adult age of 18, yet they are far from being an adult in most cases.
If I were in your shoes, I would watch and wait. Allow your daughter a little elbow room and observe how far she pushes her desire for personal expression. Sometimes when parents are too rigid, a youngster in this age group will rebel or bolt, and then you have a new set of potentially dangerous problems. I’m hoping your daughter knows your ‘firm’ boundaries and won’t cross them. If she does, then it’s time for the serious sit down conversation. Many parents choose to tolerate bizarre hair styles and wardrobe fads, knowing that these things are not permanent. Whatever you do, please think your actions through. As I said, this is a tricky age group. They need a lot of support and positive feedback.

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She has a great passion for alternative healing and has over 20 years of experience in this field. She provides a form of energy psychology called The Emotion Code, where she helps people literally get rid of their emotional baggage. She also offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Eastvale: Create a Valentine’s Day to Remember

By Nicole Gilles, RD, CDE, CSR

Have you ever wondered what would really make your Valentine happy? You’ve tried the chaotic restaurant scene in the past, only to leave feeling uncomfortably full, tired, and stressed from the overcrowded restaurant and crazy parking lot.

This Valentine’s Day, show how much you care through actions instead of food. Skip the busy restaurant and store-bought chocolates. Instead, schedule some quality time with those you love. After all, it’s the time we spend together that creates memories, not high fat food and chocolates. If your loved one is feeling stressed, make time to snuggle up on the couch with their favorite movie. Or give them a back massage to relieve stress and aching muscles.

Maybe your Valentine would like a meal prepared for them. Consider making a romantic dinner for two at home with candles and flowers. Preparing meals at home empowers you to choose healthier foods and smaller portions. When you make the effort, your Valentine will feel the love in their heart and not on their hips. After all, food only lasts a second on the lips, but years on the hips.

Has your child already requested Valentine cards to pass out at school? If so, think about pairing the cards with healthier food options like pretzels instead of candy, or even non-food options like stickers or small toys. Providing non-food options will subtly show the next generation how we can celebrate without depending on food. Food should be used to fuel our bodies to keep them healthy and strong, as opposed to making emotional connections to temporarily improve our moods while permanently affecting our health.

The more you separate food from emotions, the happier and healthier you and your family will be. So give the gift of true love this Valentine’s Day and show your emotions through your actions instead of unhealthy food.

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 Expert, 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. Start today, for a happy and healthy tomorrow!

Contact Happy and Healthy Nutrition at (909) 816-0977, or http://www.HandHnutrition.com; and like them on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/happyandhealthynutrition.nicolegilles. And see their ad on page XX for a special discount.

Walnut Valley: Governor Declares Statewide Drought

California Governor Jerry Brown

Gov. Jerry Brown declares statewide drought conditions during a Jan. 17 Press Conference in San Francisco. (Photo Courtesy: CA.Gov)

BY GLENN FREEMAN

Walnut Valley – On the heels of the driest recorded year in state history, Gov. Jerry Brown declared drought conditions in California. The statement came during a Jan. 17, 2014 Press Conference in San Francisco, where the Governor issued a State of Emergency, asking residents to conserve water.

“We can’t make it rain, but we can be much better prepared for the terrible consequences that California’s drought now threatens, including dramatically less water for our farms and communities and increased fires in both urban and rural areas,” said Gov. Brown in a press release. “I’m calling all Californians to conserve water in every way possible.”

State water officials reported that snowpack conditions are about 20 percent of normal average for this time of year, with river and reservoirs below their record lows, particularly in the State’s northern and central regions. The proclamation gives state water officials more flexibility to manage supply throughout California.
The Governor directed State agencies to use less water and hire more firefighters. He also expanded a public awareness campaign on water conservation at http://www.saveourh2o.org.

Metropolitan Water District (MWD), which provides water to nearly 19 million people in Southern California via 26 cities and water districts, released a statement supporting Gov. Brown’s declaration, asking users to take conservations measures.

“Lowering water demand in Southern California is a big reason why this region has sufficient supplies short term, but this drought is a wakeup call … to conserve every possible drop,” said Jeffrey Kightlinger, general manager of the Metropolitan Water District of Southern California.

MWD has conservation tips available at its website, at http://www.bewaterwise.com.

Locally, the Walnut Valley Water District says water use is down in recent years.

“We’re supportive of the call for reduction in water usage and have always been about water efficiency. We’re buying 15% less water now than in 2006,” said general manager Mike Holmes.

Holmes also says the district encourages customers to visit their website (www.wvwd.com) for water conservation tips, as well as a program for getting up to 25 sprinkler nozzles for free.

The district serves approximately 100,000 customers in six San Gabriel Valley communities.

Walnut: Suzanne Students Join Connected Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize Winner

Suzanne Middle School Students

On Jan. 15, Alice Chen’s 8th Grade Language Arts students participated in a Connected Classroom Conversation with Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, to celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut —Suzanne Middle School students got a special lesson from Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee, on January 15. Teacher Alice Chen’s 8th Grade Language Arts class participated in a live Connected Classrooms Conversation to remember Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., just days before the National holiday held in his honor.
Three classrooms from across the United States participated in the Google Hangout On-Air event. Each educator invited to participate is a member of Google’s “Connected Classrooms”.
“I was invited to join Connected Classrooms last fall when this community first launched. The invitation initially went out to Google Certified Teachers. Then it was opened up to other teachers as the program grew,” Chen explained. She is also a moderator for Connected Classrooms.
“Educators who want to be involved in this kind of project, they don’t specify which one, are welcome to sign up. Then, they’ll match you according to content and age appropriateness,” she explained.
Chen found out about the opportunity the day before the live conversation and was eager for her students to participate.
At 10 a.m., PST, moderator Dawn Engle introduced Nobel Peace Prize winner, Leymah Gbowee to the Walnut classroom.
“She is a woman who exemplified the Peace Jam movement. In fact, she’s a Liberian Peace Activist and is responsible for leading a woman’s peace movement that helped put an end to the second Liberian Civil War,” she said.
After each class took turns introducing themselves to the honored guest, who was in New York during the event, Engle started the one-hour conversation by asking the Nobel Peace Prize winner “Why is so it important to honor the life and the philosophy of Dr. Martin Luther King at this time every year?”
“First, I think he is in a class all by himself,” Gbowee answered. “He really was a trailblazer and it’s important to celebrate him at this time. It’s a reminder that even the most difficult of challenges in the world we can overcome if we focus, if we preserve and if we do it non-violently,” she said.
She described Dr. King as being a change agent for his belief. He was willing to go all out, persevere, be consistent, focused, and not get distracted with the negativity. Dr. King started something at a time in the world when everyone felt it was not possible,” Gbowee said.
“He decided we’re going to do this and break this barrier,” she added.
“When I sit and think of Dr. King and the incredible work that he did, and at the end of the day, when we look back, there are a lot of things that have happened in this world beyond the Civil Rights struggle. We see other situations in the world, and people say, ‘If King could do it, I too can do it’,” she said.
“The most important thing that Dr. King taught us is we are the change that we hope to see. It is in each and every individual,” she added.
Two students from each classroom also asked questions. When it was their turn, Suzanne students, Kaitlin Garrett and Steven Sakamoto, stood next to the projection screen face-to-face with the international legend. 8th Grader, Kaitlin Garrett, asked the first question during the event.
“I really liked what [Gbowee] said about us being the change. And how we can start it and I thought it was really inspiring because it is very true. I think if one person starts it and everybody joins in, it continues on,” Garrett said.
Garrett said she plans to begin finding ways to become a change maker. “This will inspire me to start thinking about changes and how we can help the community,” she said
Gbowee shared several of her own experiences about making a difference through non-violent struggle.
She said she wrote her book, Mighty Be Our Prayers, to share that it doesn’t matter if your life has taken a downturn, you can be an agent of change. “No matter how hard you fall, you are not judged in this life by the magnitude of your fall, it’s your ability to rise up and stand tall,” she said.
She also advised the students to find their own passion and that they could be difference makers too.
“When I was growing up, I never thought about a Nobel Peace Prize. I always thought about how I could make a difference,” she said
“Dr. King said anybody can be great. Those who see problems can be great through service, be great through humility, be great through doing good and not expecting anything in return. That is the kind of greatness Dr. King talked about and that has guided my work,” she explained to the students.
The recorded broadcast will also be shown to Bishop Desmond Tutu, who is on the Peace Jam board. And the kids got to wave hello to him.
Gbowee concluded the conversation by offering a challenge to the students. “Dr. King was a great man in a class all by himself. He stepped out when no one thought it was possible. I think to the young people of the world, if you read the life and legacy of Dr. King, he was one ordinary person who decided to try to do the impossible and leave an extraordinary mark on the world. We all have a light in us. If we ever decide to tap into that light, we too, can make the impossible possible. And leave an extraordinary legacy,” she said.
“You have the light, you have the examples, and you have the platform. Step out and make big changes. I hope someday I will read about one of you from these three classrooms of the great work you have done,” she added.
The Connected Classrooms broadcast can be viewed at https://plus.google.com/events/ckfsc2s5dg1aqvglm1h4ha902uo.

Eastvale: Love in Action

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

By Pastor Dennis Morales

My son, Noah, has a very unique ability to make friends easily; a character trait from my wife, Michelle, for sure. When Noah enters his preschool classroom, I can’t help but notice all his friends coming to greet him enthusiastically. As his Dad, I get a glimpse into his heart every day. It’s an amazing joy to see him grow.

We were at a park one day and Noah overheard someone crying. He ran over and found a little girl had fallen off her tricycle, so he helped her up, put his arm around her, and told her simply “It’s ok, it’s ok.” This little girl was his new buddy for the rest of their time at the park.

I believe friendship is the launching pad for love. Proverbs says that, “A friend loves at all times,” (Proverbs 17:17). Friendship has such an effect on other important relationships in life. Research points out that friendly people live longer than the general population. Jesus spoke highly of both love and friendship. Jesus said loving one another is a mark of knowing Him. “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” (John 13:35).

As you read the famous 1 Corinthians 13 love chapter, we see words in our language that qualify as descriptors or adjectives. In the original Greek language, these words are action words. John 15:13 says “Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one’s life for his friends.” God, with love in action, sent His Son. His Son actively loved by sacrificing His life for all mankind (John 3:16), so that we can have the hope of Heaven.

Calvary Crossbridge Eastvale meets Sundays, 11:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary, 7437 Corona Valley Avenue, Eastvale; http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Inland Empire: Is Anything Really Forever?

Is Anything Really Forever?
BY MICHAEL ARMIJO

Originally published in August of 1998, this is the very first “Our Life” ever printed in The Weekly News, and the reason why we started publishing newspapers. It was after writing this story that we decided how short life was, and how important it is to do what you believe in. This story helped us realize what we believe in.
The hardest day of my life was a year ago in May. It was like every other morning with the exception that it was their anniversary. Mom and dad got up, went to brunch, went home, and then got into a little argument. My dad wanted somewhere to go to be by himself, so he went to check on his rental property that was recently vacant.
I got home that night around 9 p.m. and my wife told me my mother called. She said mom was wondering why dad wasn’t home yet, but it was like him to stay at his rental property and fix things. Mom wasn’t too worried, so I went to bed. A few hours later she called me again; “Your father still isn’t home yet, now I’m worried.” At a frantic pace, I went to his rental property and found his truck in the front of the house, which was completely dark. My heart raced and I was afraid to go in and find him lying there, so I called 911 from my cell phone.
LIFE MAKES A LEFT
I told the operator that I was afraid to enter the house by myself, I was afraid of what I might find. Four minutes later, the Sheriff’s Department arrived. The officer shined his flashlight on the front door and, since it was pitch dark, I didn’t even know it was wide open. We walked inside and there was my daddy, lying in the hallway, as still as can be. I yelled, “He isn’t moving? Why isn’t he moving?” The officer grabbed me and dragged me outside, calmed me down, and told me to wait while he checked what on was going on.
At that point, I tried to convince myself he was asleep on the floor or just passed out. I was in complete denial that he would be gone – and gone forever – until the paramedics came. They ran into the house in the hopes of helping a victim survive, but three minutes later, they walked out. I wasn’t sure what to do, but I knew one thing, I had to try to be responsible, I had to go home and tell my mom.
YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT TO EXPECT
When I told my brother and sisters the news of our father, I received a different reaction from each. But the strongest reaction embedded in my memory is the one from my mom. I called my sisters to help me tell mom about dad, but they lived so far away they couldn’t be there for quite some time. I knew I couldn’t let my mom wait that long, she was waiting for me to bring my father home. I knocked on my neighbor’s front door, but they couldn’t hear me from their back bedroom. It was at that time I realized that no one was around and I’m going to have to do this on my own, so be it.
It wasn’t the screaming or the crying that affected me so much; it was what my mother said. She was angry because she and my father had promised each other they’d leave this earth together. They made a pact. They had a deal. She was angry because he broke that pact. The deal was off. At that point, I admired how strong their love was; I admired how much they really loved each other. So much so, they not only discussed how they’d be together, but how they’d leave together as well. I never knew this, and it saddens me that I had to find out about it this way. I guess sometimes regardless of what this life gives you, and regardless of how much you think you know, you find out that you never know what to expect.
A FIRST FOR EVERYTHING
Whoever said, “the hardest time after a death is the first year” was right. It has been interesting and difficult. Death really does something to people; it really makes them change. You hear things you never thought you’d hear; you see things you never thought you’d see. That first Thanksgiving, that first Christmas. The first time one of your parents isn’t at your son’s sixth grade graduation or your daughter’s recital. Your kid’s birthday parties, your son’s little league games. You sit there enjoying yourself and then sense that something’s missing. The first time I felt stressed and dad wasn’t there to tell me; “it’ll all work out ok,” that was my hardest. Dad wasn’t kidding when he told me: “there’s a first for everything.”
YOU NEVER KNOW
If there was one thing I’ve really had to push into my life it is to enjoy it. If one of my children gets out of line or has done something wrong, I talk about it. I don’t scream and yell, and I don’t smack them. I never send them to bed on a bad note, and whenever I leave, I always give them a hug and a kiss (something my 12-year-old son tries to avoid, but I force it on him). I do this because my father and I had the worst relationship in the world. And then one day, five years before he passed, for a reason only God may know, I confronted him with my feelings. We really opened up, laid it all on the table, and enjoyed ourselves. It took time for us to heal, but we worked on it, and in the end I had the fortunate opportunity to have a close and loving relationship with my dad. It was the fastest five years of my life.
We had fun, forgave each other, and told each other we loved each other. I am very fortunate to be able to say that I don’t have any regrets about our friendship. I always wanted more from life but he always told me to “stop striving for bigger toys and invest yourself in love, because you never know, son, you just never know.”
SOME THINGS ARE FOREVER
There’s something about seeing your parents in enormous grief that does something to a person. They’re your safety net in life, they’re the one thing you can bet your life on who’ll always take you back if you failed out there in the world. They’re the ones that you knew would love you forever, regardless of what you’ve done or where you’ve been. When that gets destroyed or damaged, you come to the realization that you’re definitely, and I mean definitely, on your own. Life becomes this big “do or die” situation. Ready or not, it’s time to grow up. You get kind of nervous that the encouraging source in your life is gone. The one who always said, “You can do it, you can do anything,” can only be heard from a distant memory.
It’s kind of like when you were in school; you’d walk into the class and find you were having a pop quiz. You felt this panic overwhelm you, and you’d try your hardest to remember what the teacher told you the day before. You had no warning, no time to prepare, the test is here and it’s now. You never anticipated this coming; it never even entered your mind. All you can do now is hope you were paying attention all that time, all you could do was hope you were a good student. Teacher’s not going to give you any answers today; you’re on your own.
And then someday, when life tests you and you see that big “A” across the top of that “life test,” you realize that what makes you a better person is to recognize that there are some things in life that you just have to believe in. Like the love you never knew your parents shared, some things really are forever.

Diamond Bar: Evergreen Elementary Announces School Spelling Champ

Spelling Champion Kelli Gile

Evergreen Elementary spelling champion, Thordar Han, will now concentrate of preparing for the regional contest. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Diamond Bar— Thordar Han, a 5th Grade student, is Evergreen Elementary’s Spelling Champion! Jason Chen took Second Place honors, and Jason Kim earned Third Place during the school’s Spelling Bee, held on January 10.
All 4th and 5th Grade students participated in classroom competitions that narrowed the field of 200 students down to 18 finalists, who competed in front of their peers on the Multipurpose Room stage.
In the final round, Han won the school championship when she correctly spelled, “Monochrome.”
“When I heard the word, I knew how to spell it,” the 10-year-old said.
Han said she has always liked spelling and practiced with online tests for the competition. She is also an avid reader and likes to play the drums in the school band.
“It felt good,” she said about winning the Spelling Bee. The soft-spoken Diamond Bar student said she kept her excitement on the inside and shared the good news with her family when she got home from school.
Han will now represent Evergreen and compete in the 2014 Inland Valley Regional Competition that could lead to the ultimate competition at the nationwide contest in Washington, D.C.
4th and 5th Grade teachers, Lily Chang, Sally Choi, Shelby Coomber, Cathy Patterson, Lynn Otsu and Kris Kobzeff, coordinated this exciting activity for their students with help from volunteer, Bernice Bromberg, and support from the Evergreen Community Club.
“This is another great example of our dedicated staff and fabulous volunteers working together to create wonderful opportunities for our talented students,” said Principal, Carolyn Wills.
“Evergreen is rooting for Thordar in the next round of competition. Congratulations to Thordar, Jason Chen and Jason Kim! Great job,” she said.

Riverside: A Second Chance With DRC

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Riverside – For many repeat offenders who have spent much of their life in and out of the “system”, the Day Reporting Center (DRC) in Riverside is a breath of fresh air. With the implementation of AB109, many people who would be “parolees” are now the property of the Riverside Probation Department. This change is a positive step for many as they feel that the Probation Department offers more accountability and gives them more tools to succeed.
The DRC opened its doors in October 2012 as a “one stop shop” with multiple agencies under one roof to help with the AB109 Realignment. The DRC is comprised of Riverside County agencies and community partners working together to support the goals of those on probation and to help them toward integration back into the community.
According to Chief Mark Hake, Chief of Probation, “Many of our clients come out of prison without even having the basics like a GED, a license, or a Social Security card. The DRC provides an environment where obstacles and barriers are removed and together they derive a plan of accountability in order to help them succeed.” Providing these services helps give the clients hope and the basics needs to start the job search process. The center also offers mandatory counseling classes in parenting, anger management, basic computer education, and substance abuse education, to name a few.
Courtney Johnson, Senior Deputy Probation Officer, believes that one of the reasons that their center has been so successful is because they try to build up self-esteem and help clients find success. “We have them come in and interact with us and give them the tools to at least stay clean, stay hopeful and stay on track. We want them to be the father, son, grandpa or husband that they are meant to be.” And, it’s working. Calvin Smith, who is currently on probation and reports to the DRC, finds the goal setting to be the most helpful. “They help me set little goals which lead to bigger goals. You really have to crawl before you walk, but the goals teach you patience.” Kurt Gomer also finds the goal setting helpful. He said, “You make goals happen because I’m learning how to walk up the ladder slowly to get the top.”
In addition to helping get their client’s get back on their feet, the DRC also offers family counseling. For clients like Brian Frederick, who has been in and out of the system for 20 years, this has been the biggest blessing. “My family participates with me and the classes help me to relate better with my family and for us to get back on our feet and focus on being a real family.” The parenting classes are crucial since so much of their success is dependent on social activity and family ties. Chris Duffy, the Peer Support Specialist, feels that “Building these strong family ties and having a good, solid support system helps our clients be more successful.” The parenting classes are offered to the client and other family members, and offers a holistic approach to the healing of the entire family by also including addiction services, accountability and structure. “The hope is that all these elements will increase accountability and structure to avoid going back to their old ways,” says Duffy.
The DRC is the first center of its kind and was started in Riverside since the region has the greatest realignment population. The goal was to create a cost effective place where all the services could be handled under one roof. The goal is to open up more Day Reporting Centers in the eastern end of the county and one in the desert area. The main problem is that no one wants one of these centers in their community. Transportation issues are also a common problem. But for clients of the center and those that work so hard to make it successful, the need is there. At least three or four more centers are needed throughout the county so others can also experience the hope and success that they have seen here.