Walnut: Mt. SAC Trustees Elect New Officers, New Trustees Installed

Walnut—At its annual organizational meeting on Dec. 11, the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees elected Fred Chyr as president, Dr. David K. Hall as vice president, and Judy Chen Haggerty, Esq., as clerk for a one-year term.  Also new trustees Laura Santos and Robert Hidalgo were sworn in to four-year terms as the Mt. SAC governing board expanded from five to seven members as a result of district reorganization.

The vast Mt. SAC geographic district was restructured earlier this year into seven trustee areas, requiring each representative to reside in and be elected from those areas versus the historical at-large process.

President Chyr (District 5) was elected to the governing board in November 1995 and reelected in 1999, 2003, 2007, and 2011.  He last served as board president in 2009.  He has nearly 30 years of experience in business and education and currently serves as Associate Vice President and Chief Marketing Officer at the University of La Verne.

Vice President Hall (District 2) is the longest-serving trustee by one month over Chyr in that he was appointed to fill a board vacancy in October 1995.  Two years later, he was elected to the position and was reelected in 2001, 2005, 2009 and this past November (unopposed).  Hall previously served two terms as president of the Mt. SAC Foundation.   Professionally, Dr. Hall is senior vice president of Hitchcock Automotive Resources, which owns and operates auto dealerships throughout Southern California.

Board Clerk Chen Haggerty (District 6) was elected to the board in 2001 and reelected in 2005, 2009, and this past November (also unopposed).  She is the first Asian-American to serve as a trustee and a former president of the board.   Trustee Chen Haggerty is a practicing attorney, law professor at Rio Hondo College, and the Law Area Chair for the University of Phoenix.  (Read her bio at [link]).

Trustee Santos was elected in November to represent the newly created District 3, which covers La Puente, Bassett, Baldwin Park, and Irwindale.  She previously served on the Basset Unified School District Board since 2007.

Trustee Hidalgo was also elected in November to represent the newly created District 4, which covers most of West Covina and Valinda.  He previously served on the Rowland Unified School Board of Education since 2005.

Completing the board membership are outgoing president Dr. Manuel Baca (District 7) and trustee Rosanne Bader (District 1).  In addition, a student trustee (currently Karina Maureira), is elected annually by the student body to represent its interests on the board.

 

Walnut: Winter Solstice Concert Ushers Hope For New Beginnings

Staff Reports

Walnut – The St. Lorenzo Ruiz Choir took center stage at the much anticipated “Winter Solstice” concert on Saturday, Dec. 28 at 8 p.m. at the St. Lorenzo Ruiz Catholic Church, 747 Meadowpass Rd. in Walnut. This concert featured the special participation of the Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale and a distinguished guest performer, Msgr. Joseph Brennan, Los Angeles Archdiocese’s Moderator of the Curia/Vicar General.

Proceeds from the concert will go towards the renovation of the Vellucci Hall, the Faith Formation Programs, the Typhoon Haiyan Relief Operations, and the Building Fund. Dr. Nové Deypalan, Music Director, conducted the choir.

Fr. Tony P. Astudillo, Pastor of St. Lorenzo Ruiz Church, was excited to share this joyous occasion and celebrate Christmas with family and friends in unity, harmonized in beautiful Christmas carols and ‘fa-la-la’s.

 

Diamond Bar Council Corner: Willow Heights

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met for its final regular meeting of December, which brought an end to drawn-out talks about Willow Heights and the flood control channel covering.

Council members started with various presentations starting with Jeffrey Scroggin, captain for the Walnut/Diamond Bar sheriff’s station, reporting on the state of police affairs in the city.

“Historically Diamond Bar has been one of the safest communities in all of Southern California,” Scroggins said. “For 2013 Diamond Bar has seen a 5.37 percent decrease in part one crimes as compared to 2012.”

Part one crimes, according to the FBI.gov website, includes criminal homicide, forcible rape, robbery, aggravated assault, burglary, larceny-theft, motor vehicle theft, and arson.

Combating crime has also been aided with the recently approved “Report for Reward” program, which rewards Diamond Bar residents for providing information that eventually leads to arrests concerning burglaries.

Citizen Barbara DeCarbo was thanked for her services to the city and was recognized as the first recipient of the “Report for Reward” program.

Krystal Spindler, editor, and Kristen Khoury, layout and graphic design, were also recognized by the council for their outstanding work at Windmill Magazine; a publication that has been in existence for 52 years.

Mr. G’s Pizzeria and Pasta, located at 27267 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, was awarded a City Tile and named the Business of the Month and recognized for their long-standing presence in the community.

Council members then unanimously approved all items on the consent calendar which included the approval of minutes for Dec. 3 City Council meeting, the Oct. 24 Parks and Recreation Commission meeting, Planning Commission meetings for Oct. 22 and Nov. 12, a check register dated Nov. 28 through Dec. 11 totaling $455,518.75, approval the adjourning of City Council meetings from Jan 7, 2014 through Jan 21, 2014, adopting ordinance no. 14 (2013) concerning a Diamond Bar municipal code relating to urban storm water mitigation plan, and a reprogramming of $20,000 in contingency funds from the Diamond Bar Center remodel project to the Diamond Bar Center maintenance and operation budget.

With consideration from David Doyle, assistant City Manager, the City Council then approved the community development block grant program, which includes the total amount of $231,291 in funds.

The major topic for the night was item 8 for council consideration, concerning the Willow Heights development.

Community Development Director Greg Gubman then outlined the possible resolution options for the Willow Heights development concerns, dealing with the coverage of a flood control channel.

Applicant Lennar Homes, the company in charge of the construction of the Willow Heights houses, with cooperation with the City of Diamond Bar and city manager, came to an agreement that Lennar Homes would not cover the flood control channel and would contribute $700,000 to the City’s Parks and Facility Development Fund.

“Staff recommends approval of this proposed contribution in lieu of covering the channel in order to avoid the uncertainty related to seeking a channel covering permit through the LA county public works department flood control district,” Gubman said.

The City Council then approved the vesting tentative tract and development review and tree permit for Willow Heights, with the addendum of accepting the $700,000 toward the Parks and Facility Development Fund.

The final item for council consideration was confirming appointments of specific representatives to the San Gabriel Valley Council of Governments, which was approved unanimously.

After City Council member comments, the Diamond Bar City Council meeting was officially adjourned at 8:30 p.m.

 

Walnut Council Nomination Period Open

Staff Reports
Walnut – The nomination period is now open for two seats for the Walnut City Council General Municipal Election set for Tuesday, April 8, 2014.
Two seats are up for reelection for a full term of four years. These two seats are currently held by Councilwoman Mary Su and Councilman Bob Pacheco. Pacheco was appointed this past July to fill former Mayor Tom King’s seat after he announced his retirement.
The City Clerk will issue nomination papers and candidate handbooks during this nomination period to potential candidates and will be available to guide candidates through the election process, according to City of Walnut officials. The nomination period closes on Monday, Jan. 14, 2014.
If no one or only one person is nominated for an elective office, appointment to the elective office may be made as prescribed by § 10229, Elections Code of the State of California, according to the City of Walnut.
The election process can be explained in a few simple steps. A City of Walnut news release states that the first step is forming a volunteer based Voting Rights Act Group. The Group will advise the City on effectively providing election material, information, and assistance to limited English proficient voters. In addition, Group members and their organizations will help disseminate election information and encourage resident participation in City elections. The news release also states that the City of Walnut is required to provide election material and outreach in the following languages: Chinese, Hindi, Korean, Spanish, and Tagalog. Residents with an interest in serving on this group should call the City Clerk’s office at (909) 595-7543, ext. 311.
The City Clerk’s office will then mail sample ballot pamphlets containing a facsimile ballot and polling place information to all registered City voters, and will also issue ballots to vote-by-mail ballot registered voters.
After election results are final, the City Clerk then administers the oath of office to each Council Member at the second Council meeting in April.
Voter registration is available from the Los Angeles County Registrar-Recorder/County Clerk at http://www.lavote.net or by calling 1-800-815-2666. Voter registration forms can also be picked up at City Hall, the Walnut Library, and local post office.

Eastvale: Twelve Apply For Open City Council Seat

Eastvale: Twelve Apply For Open City Council Seat
By Michael Armijo
Eastvale – Twelve people applied for the Eastvale City Council open seat by the Dec. 26 noon deadline. The opening was due to the resignation of Kelli Howell, whose last day was Nov. 30.
Ashley Quezada, Raul Gutierrez, Anwer Khan, Susan Luan, David Magsam, Cesar Morales, Jacob Tiab. Joe Tessari, Albert Randall, Warren Pulley, Robert Chang, and Bill Link have officially turned in their applications according to city staff.
The council will interview candidates at a special meeting on Jan. 6 at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School, 13830 Whispering Hills Drive., and then plans to appoint her replacement at the Jan. 8 city council meeting. The appointment will be on the council until the Nov. 2014 election. The alternative to an appointment is to hold an election, which would cost the city over $60,000.
Ashley Quezada is a registered nurse and has lived in Eastvale for 2 1/2 years. Raul Gutierrez is a counselor at the Corona-Norco Unified School District has lived in Eastvale for over 10 years. Anwer Khan is an attorney for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Susan Luan is an accountant. David Magsam is an investigator for the Orange County district attorney’s office and has lived in Eastvale for two years. Cesar Morales, a former city council candidate who lost his bid to Ike Bootsma and Jeff DeGrandpre, has lived in Eastvale for more than 10 years. Raul Gutierrez is also a former candidate who also lost to Bootsma and DeGrandpre. Jacob Tiab teaches business at a private junior college and has lived in Eastvale for three years. Tessari is a current planning commissioner appointed in 2010 and has been a resident since 2006. Randall is a physician and has lived in the city since 2008. Pulley owns a security consulting business and has been a resident since 2011. Chang’s background is in computer science and applied chemistry. Link is retired and is a current planning commissioner since 2010.
According to the city website: The City of Eastvale operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The Eastvale City Council has five members, who are elected on a nonpartisan basis and represent the city as a whole. The five Council members are elected at-large to serve four-year staggered terms, and the Mayor is selected by the Council to serve a one-year term. The Mayor and Council serve as the legislative and policy making body of the City. All Council Members are non-salaried but receive a stipend.
For more information please sign onto the city’s website at http://www.eastvalecity.org or call 951-361-0900.

Corona: Ground Broken For 91 Toll Lanes Extension

Overview of toll lanes extension project in Corona.

Overview of toll lanes extension project in Corona. (Image courtesy of Riverside County Transportation Commission)

Corona – By Glenn Freeman – For some commuters, the “Corona Crawl” may soon crawl a bit faster.

Riverside County transportation officials held ground breaking ceremonies on Dec. 11 for a $1.3 billion project to replace carpool lanes with express toll lanes on Highway 91 through Corona.

The freeway project will extend two existing toll lanes from the Orange County line to the I-15 interchange, including a new flyover ramp, allowing I-15 commuters a direct connection near Magnolia Avenue in Corona. A free, general-use lane in each direction on the 91 through Corona is also part of the overall project, with the eastbound lane stretching to Pierce Street in Riverside.

Several overpasses and ramps will be widened and rebuilt, including a new westbound entrance at Maple/Sixth streets and reconfigured eastbound entrances to the 91 at Serfas Club Drive and Main Street. The changes will help reduce congestion by separating merging traffic entering and exiting the 91.

According to Riverside County Transportation Commission, access will be at either end of the new toll lanes, which will use the existing “FastTrak” system already in place in Orange County, allowing for seamless transition between the two counties. RCTC says separate tolls will be charged for each county’s segment, offering drivers a choice of using the Riverside County toll lanes, the Orange County toll lanes, or both.

Although the new toll lanes will replace existing carpool lanes, Riverside County transportation officials say that the same “three ride free” policies currently in place in Orange County will also be applied to the lanes in Riverside County.

The toll lanes will be Riverside County’s first such lanes. They come approximately 20 years after Orange County first implemented “congestion pricing” tolls to expand Highway 91 west of Corona into Anaheim. The lanes initially drew criticism from Riverside County drivers and officials, who claimed they unfairly penalized Inland commuters, the primary users (and payees) of the lanes. An agreement between the two counties later began a partnership that included recent general use lane expansion in the Santa Ana Canyon performed by Orange County.

The project is being funded through a combination of sales tax bonds and Riverside County’s Measure A transportation sales tax. Work is set to start in January 2014 and actual construction likely to begin in spring 2014, with completion expected by 2017.

Detailed information on the project can be found at: www.sr91project.info.

Job Opportunities for 20-24 Year Olds

The Chino Valley Unified School District’s @LIKE Program participants, ages 20-24, provides guidance and mentoring to young adults, ages 18-24, with assistance in completing their secondary education (high school diploma or GED) and/or receiving work skills and life skills training to prepare them for the World of Work. Funding for the program is granted by the County of San Bernardino Workforce Investment Board (WIB; is Federally funded by the Department of Labor , and administered by the County of San Bernardino Department of Workforce Development (WDD);
The WIB builds the skills of the local workforce so they meet the needs of employers, it supports local businesses; and it helps County residents connect with well-paying local jobs.

Have you been out of work and school for 90 days?

Then call right now to set up an appointment !!!
Cathy Toole
(909) 628-1201 Ext. 5301
Cathy_toole@chino.k12.ca.us

Eastvale: Five Apply For Open City Council Seat So Far

Eastvale – By Michael Armijo – The recent vacancy on the Eastvale City Council by the resignation of Kelli Howell last month has gained the interest of five residents, all men so far, with the closing period ending at NOON Dec. 26. Howell resigned to spend more time with her family, her last day was Nov. 30.

Joe Tessari, Albert Randall, Warren Pulley, Robert Chang, and Bill Link have officially turned in their applications according to city staff.

The council plans to appoint her replacement at the Jan. 8 council meeting. The appointment will be on the council until the Nov. 2014 election. The alternative to an appointment is to hold an election, which would cost the city over $60,000.

Some of the issues that were pointed out as concerns from the candidates: pot houses, daytime criminal activity, traffic, local economic growth, senior housing, and travel time from the Jurupa Sheriff Sub Station to Eastvale to mention a few.

Tessari is a current planning commissioner appointed in 2010 and has been a resident since 2006. Randall is a physician and has lived in the city since 2008. Pulley owns a security consulting business and has been a resident since 2011. Chang’s background is in computer science and applied chemistry. Link is retired and is a current planning commissioner since 2010.

According to the city website: The City of Eastvale operates under the Council-Manager form of government. The Eastvale City Council has five members, who are elected on a nonpartisan basis and represent the city as a whole. The five Council members are elected at-large to serve four-year staggered terms, and the Mayor is selected by the Council to serve a one-year term. The Mayor and Council serve as the legislative and policy making body of the City. All Council Members are non-salaried.

The application period ends sharply at noon Thursday Dec. 26. City Hall is closed on Tuesday Dec. 24 and Wed. Dec. 25. For more information on the application process go to http://www.eastvalecity.org.

Eastvale: Vernal Springs Fire Confirmed As Grow House

Eastvale – By Shaunda Goegebuer – On December 13, 2013, shortly before 7:30 AM, a home in the 14000 block of Vernal Springs Court, in the City of Eastvale erupted into flames. Five engines, including a hook-and-ladder, as well as other fire personnel and numerous Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the blaze. Employees of Southern California Edison were also on scene.

eastvale fire marijuana

Firefighters tackle a fire Friday in Eastvale (B Walsh)

As neighbors and other onlookers watched, the fire fighters systematically worked to extinguish the fully involved structure. The fire appeared to have initiated in the area of the garage, where two vehicles were located. Reportedly no one was home at the time of the fire.

A neighbor, who wished to remain anonymous, reported he had noticed suspicious activity at the home recently. He had reported to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office that the Southern California Edison tamper tag, installed on residential electrical panels, was missing, the upstairs windows of the home were typically open, and the resident’s had sporadic patterns of coming and going. Given the increase in local marijuana grow houses, the neighbor was suspicious of these activities. He spoke with a detective but never heard back from the Sheriff’s office about their findings. He indicated he called 911 about the fire when he saw smoke emanating from the electrical panel. It took over an hour to extinguish the fire. The vehicles in the garage were destroyed and the home appeared to be a total loss.

Sheriff’s investigators got a search warrant and seized 645 plants. Upon further discovery, they confirmed that electricity was being bypassed illegally around the meter, which may have been a big cause of the fire.

Norco: America’s Country Store Has Everything Your Pets Need

Americas Country Pet Store Norco

By Sarah Armijo

Norco – The pets in our homes are more than just animals, they’re family.  America’s Country Store knows how special the littlest members of our family are, so they have a 10,000 square foot pet food and supply bonanza that carries everything possible to accommodate your pet’s needs.

“Your pet is our primary concern. We treat every animal as if it were our own.  It is our goal to provide a clean, attractive, well-stocked and enjoyable place to shop and work,” said Ruth and Larry Lumsdon, proud owners of America’s Country Store, doing business in Norco for close to 20 years.

Not only does America’s Country Store provide food for the common dogs, cats, and turtles, but they carry food for all types of pets from alpaca’s to zebra’s, and all of those in between.

To make your pet feel comfortable at home, America’s Country Store offers a variety of pet houses and beds.  They also offer shots for your dogs and cats, and other medicine to treat ill pets.  Since they are open seven days a week in the nearby city of Norco, you will never have to worry about finding a pet store open to accommodate your pet’s needs.

America’s Country Store represents the largest full service feed, ranch and farm equipment store in Norco.  They stock thousands of items for your pets, including a full line of Purina products, pet supplies, hay and grain, ranch and farm equipment, tack, hardware, tools, and even an assortment of gift items. They carry it all!

“Our passion for animals and desire to operate a first class facility offering the largest stock of animal nutrition and pet supplies under one roof has built America’s Country Store into a one-stop shopping center for all of your pets,” said the Lumsdons.

The world is full of PetCos and PetSmarts, as well as numerous independents, but there is only one America’s Country Store.  “We are driven by our love of animals to provide only the best food and lowest prices in the Inland Valley for our two and four-legged friends.  Our staff of ten dedicated employees is available, and welcomes questions regarding your pet’s health and nutritional well-being,” said Larry.

Your pets deserve the best, and the best is at America’s Country Store. Make sure to stop by their store located at 1004 Sixth Street in Norco.  They are open Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.  You can also reach them at (951) 371-4000 or visit their website at http://www.acsnorco.com.

Check out their ad on Page 11 for vaccine, food, and handmade dog house coupons, and much more. Also check out their everyday store specials available at http://www.Sales@ACSNorco.Com.

Americas Country Pet Store Norco

Shop Eastvale This Holiday Season

Eastvale Chamber President Jorge RazoJorge Razo, President

Eastvale Chamber

It’s the end of the year and important family time, but you still need to pay attention to your business. Our networking breakfast and holiday mixer is approaching. So it’s important for business owners remember: START MARKETING TODAY!

Remember to Shop Eastvale and support your local city and chamber. We have partnered up with the City of Eastvale to remind our community to shop locally and keep those local dollars inside the city wherever possible.

Don’t forget to effectively market your business and prepare for the upcoming year. Here are a few tips to effectively market your business:

1. Cut out what’s not important.

Be as clear and efficient as possible. Watch verbosity, keep the words to a minimum. The customer probably doesn’t want to hear about the company’s history, so don’t explain it unless they ask for it. We are all trying to network and market to many people.

2. Explain things before you thoroughly. Use layman’s terms. Big words may impress but it wont always make the sale. Explain so people understand. Educate them.

3. When possible, use analogies.

Comparing a complicated scenario to a common problem is helpful.

4. Be funny.

Making people laugh relaxes them. They like emotions, and laughter is one of the best emotions.

We hope these tips help, and with this month’s events, which are open to all community members, Chamber members have the opportunity to begin marketing their businesses and services while spreading the word on what they do.

So please be sure to bring plenty of business cards, flyers, coupons, or samples of your products. Keep the conversation lean by giving each person you meet a 45 second commercial with literature to complete your presentation so you, and they, can market to other members at the event.

I hope to see many of you out there letting people know of the business products and services you provide, as the time is NOW to get out there and market. If people don’t know you exist, how can you provide your services and products to them? Shop Eastvale and remember that It’s YOUR community, the more you put into it, the more you’ll get back from it.

Have a Messy Christmas

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point ChurchBy Pastor Mark Lee

Christmas really is the happiest time of the year. When you’re a kid, you go to bed at night, dreaming of sugarplums, and for the most part, you woke up and got whatever you wanted! All you really had to do was get a catalog, circle whatever you wanted, and there it was. Your brand new Malibu Barbie.

Then, you grew up. And somewhere along the way, Christmas lost its snap. No wonder! In three weeks, we try and fit in 10 Christmas parties, buy presents for everyone we’ve ever met, bake every cookie we’ve ever heard of and consume 12 times the normal number of calories.  It’s easy to get distracted during Christmas.

Instead of being a time where everything magically comes together, sometimes Christmas just brings out the worst in us. And all of a sudden, I become more like the Grinch and suddenly I’m treating people the way they treat me. And so the question that we want to ask is this – is it possible to have a merry Christmas? Is it possible to have a merry Christmas time even when the turkey doesn’t come out perfect? Is it possible to have a happy holidays even if she shows up or even if he’s in a bad mood? It is possible if we go back 2000 years to the original meaning of Christmas.

Luke 14:8-11- 9An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. 10But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. 11Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is Christ the Lord.

Good news…of great joy. The good news of Christmas is that God decided to surprise you and I with a gift, and not one that you’d want to regift either. Even though we’re always looking to fill our emptiness with stuff, God decided He’d give us the one thing that would never leave us empty…the gift of Himself.

Come celebrate the greatest gift of all at VantagePoint Church. 5 Christmas Services –  Dec 22nd @ 5pm, Dec 23rd @ 5pm & Dec 24th @1, 3 & 5pm. http://www.VantagePointChurch.org.

 

Christmas Nightmares

 

Pastor Tim Eaton Edgewater LutherenBy Pastor Tim Eaton

 

The Christmas season can be full of nightmares:  loved ones are too far away, loneliness, dealing with extended family, choosing the right gift (or receiving the wrong gift with gratitude and a smile), stressing over the holiday dinner, splitting time between multiple families, and spending way too much on all of it.

 

All of these things can create stress because we have lost sight of who Christmas is all about:  Jesus.

 

“Nightmares Without Christmas?”  Everyone can have one, but will they also get the true gift of Christmas?  From these nightmares we can wake up to lasting hope and joy when we discover the real miracle of Christmas.

 

The Christmas account from Matthew 1:22-23 includes these words, “The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel, which means “God with us”.  What an amazing gift, that God would enter our world to let us know that we are not alone.  We don’t have to overcome our nightmares or create the perfect Christmas by ourselves.  He has come to bring light into our darkness.

 

Come discover the hope of Jesus for your Christmas Nightmares, Sundays at 10:00 a.m., with a special Candlelight Christmas Eve service on December 24 at 6:00 p.m.  This is a Christmas Eve service that families and friends will love.

 

Edgewater Lutheran Church, worshipping at Harada Elementary, is located at 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880.  Contact them at (951) 479-5575, or visit their website at www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

 

 

Pastor Tim Eaton Edgewater Lutheren

Eastvale: High School Happenings

By Reza Moreno

Santiago High School Sports

Eastvale – With the seasons changing, so are the sports. Although fall sports are finally over, the teams did end their year with a bang. On Nov. 7, the football team ended their last game with a win against King with a score of 27-21. Another sport that was on a roll is Cross Country. They made it to CIF and had their prelims on Nov. 16. The seven varsity girls that ran were Jana Warrick, Morgan Tapia, Amber Allen, Jaden Warrick, Liz Unzueta, Crystal Valiente, and Lily Vargas. Although the girls weren’t able to make it to finals they did exceptional as a team and were able to go as far as the prelims and placed 3rd. As for the Varsity Boy runners, Jeremy Beck, Braden Randall, Andrew Graciano, Julio Martinez, Jesse Phipps, Anthony Hinojosa, and Hector Chavez all ran their best as a team. Branden Randall received a time of 15:10 and came in first in the race. He was able to go to finals which were on Nov. 24. He was able to compete at the state championships held in Fresno on Saturday, Nov. 30 and came in 10th with a time of 15:27.

With January approaching quickly, winter sports are preparing for their 2014 season. The boy’s soccer team is ready to increase their chances of going to CIF. The captains are Stephen Rainsbury and Nicholas Martello. Eric Vanderweerd, who has been coaching the boy’s varsity team for years, is excited about what this team will bring. Their first league game takes place on Jan. 15, 2014 at Santiago High School.

As for the girl’s soccer team, the captains Elena Morrison and Riley Brieno, both seniors, are ready to end their final year with a victory to CIF. The team is excited to welcome their new coach of the season, Annie Wilson. Their first game of the season is Jan. 15, 2014 at 5:30 p.m. against their rival Santiago at the ERHS stadium.

Wrestling is another great sport that is ready to make a title for itself. Senior captains, Elijah Castro and Nour Abdullatif, are both excited to finish strong and reach their goals this season. The coach for the team, Michael Cataline, have the wrestlers preparing and training daily in order to be ready for this intense sport.

Varsity Basketball is a major winter sport that is no doubt going to bring hype this year. The captains this year are seniors Taelin Webb, Adam Turner, and Lonnie Hinchen. The head coach, Vonn Webb, and the assistant coaches, Eder Sanchez and Brian Salone, are preparing the team for their games to increase their chances of going to the playoffs. Coach Webb is a very experienced coach and has numerous wins from CIF under his belt. One of the team’s motto is “Building from ground Zero”, and that is exactly what they plan to do.

So be sure to come out and support these extraordinary athletes and represent the Mustang orange and blue.

Eastvale: Neighborhood Preservation Standards – Did You Know?

Did you know that the City Municipal Code Sec. 120.05.080.(c)(7) – Neighborhood Preservation Standards – Temporary exterior display and holiday display provides enforceable guidelines:

a. Any temporary exterior display or holiday display shall not physically impede vehicular or pedestrian traffic on any street, sidewalk or right-of-way;

b. Any temporary exterior display or holiday display shall be allowed for a period not to exceed 45 consecutive days.

Holiday Safety Reminders

Southern California Edison reminds its customers to stay safe around electricity this holiday season. Residents are encouraged not to attach holiday lights to Edison equipment, including street lights and utility poles, since this poses a potential safety and fire hazard for the residents and Edison crews. Here are a few safety reminders as you begin preparing for the holiday season:

•       DO NOT attach decorations, lights and/or ornaments to any Southern California Edison equipment or street lights.

•       Do not use decorative lighting with frayed cords and wires, broken fuses or broken light bulbs.

•       Do not use staples, nails or tacks to hang electrical cords. These can pierce the protective insulation.

•       Use only Underwriters Laboratories (UL) approved lighting and extension cords.

•       Plug no more than three strands of lights into each electrical cord/outlet.

•       Ensure live trees are well watered, and keep electric cords away from tree stands with water pans.

•       Never use lighted candles on or near holiday trees or decorations.

•       Remember to unplug decorative lights when you leave home and before going to bed.   NOTE: See also “Safe Use of Power Cords” at http://www.sce.com

•       Safely remove and store your holiday lighting and electrical decorations.

•       Unplug all decorations, lights and extension cords before taking them down. Plugged in items are still energized and can be dangerous.

•       Don’t tug on electrical cords – this may tear the insulation and expose wires.

•       Do not approach or touch overhead power lines and avoid service drops (pole-to-house connections) when removing decorations – keeping ladders, long-handed tools and dangling light strands in mind too.

•       Follow the manufacturer and your city’s directions for safely disposing of worn or broken lights and decorations.

For more information about the Neighborhood Preservation Standards, please visit the Municipal Code page on the City’s website: http://www.eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=170

If you have additional Code Enforcement questions, please feel free to call the Code Enforcement Department at City Hall at (951) 361-2888 or email Code_Complaint@eastvaleca.gov.

Eastvale: Council Recap November 13, 2013

By: Jennifer Madrigal

Eastvale – The Eastvale City Council Meeting took place at Rosa Parks on Wednesday, November 13, with Council members Welch, Howell, DeGrandpre, Rush and Mayor Bootsma present. The invocation was led by Pastor Rick Morris from The Crossings Church. Staff members present from the City of Eastvale were: City Manager Jacobs, City Attorney Cavanaugh, Public Information Officer Nissen, Planning Director Norris, City Engineer Alvarez, Police Captain Feltenberger, Lieutenant Yates, Management Analyst Rowe, Deputy Finance Director Gitmed, and Assistant City Clerk Hall.

Following the Pledge of Allegiance the following presentations were given:

3.1    Presentation of Proclamation by John Fields, with Supervisor John Tavaglione’s Office, to Council Member Howell.

3.2    Presentation of Proclamation Designating Eastvale as a Purple Heart City.

3.3    Presentation by City Engineer Alvarez regarding the Cucamonga Creek Bridge Widening Project.

The Public Comment/Citizen Participation section of the meeting then began.  Mike Armijo, with the Eastvale Chamber, provided an update on the Chamber and upcoming events; followed by Christopher Nissen, a seventh-grade resident, who introduced himself, and thanked Council Member Howell for her service to the City of Eastvale.

The Consent Calendar section of the meeting began and all items 5.1 – 5.7 were approved by all members, 5-0.

The Public Hearings section of the meeting then began. Item 6.1 on the agenda was the Ordinance to Adopt the 2013 California Fire Code. There was no public comment on this item and the motion was carried 5-0. Item 6.2, was the Resolution to Vacate a Portion of Schleisman Road. City Manager Jacobs provided the staff report for this item. Motion was carried 5-0.

There were no Old Business Items and the meeting then moved on to New Business Items. Item 8.1, Initiating a Planning Process for The Leal Property: Motion was passed 5-0.  Item 8.2, Amend the Fiscal Year 2013/14 Operating and Capital Improvement Program by Adding Schleisman Road Project No. 93015. Motion was passed 5-0. Mayor Bootsma asked to remove items 9 and 10 out of the order. A Few council members expressed their gratitude to Kelli Howell and wished her luck and she was presented with a plaque in appreciation for all her hard work. After a closed session, the City Council adjourned the meeting around 8:15pm.

These minutes were provided by Asst. City Clerk, Ariel Hall.

The WVUSD Chinese American Parents Association will Host Annual Christmas Party

The Walnut Valley Unified School District’s Chinese American Parents Association (WVUSD-CAPA) will host its annual Christmas Party celebration for Walnut Seniors this coming Tuesday, December 17.

Walnut Council Member and WVUSD-CAPA Chairperson Mary Su said, “It is my honor and privilege to host this important event for Walnut’s Seniors again this year.  Every year we invite 50 to 60 kindergarten students to perform Christmas songs, which of course our Seniors always love, and every Walnut Senior who attends also receives a bag of handsome Christmas gifts from WVUSD-CAPA.”

This year’s Christmas Party for Walnut’s Seniors will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, December 17th at the Walnut Senior Citizens Center, 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut. This year Los Angeles County Fire Fighters will also be joining with Walnut’s Seniors for this wonderful holiday celebration.

Safety Tips for the Holiday Season

Holiday giftsBy Your Local L.E.A.F.F. Organization

Eastvale – With the holidays swiftly approaching, thefts and burglaries, as well as fire risks, are elevated.  Help keep your loved ones safe this season by following these important tips:

Indoor House Safety

• Treat your Christmas tree like another houseplant.  When you water your houseplants, check the water in your tree, and make sure and check for any dead branches, and remove them.

• Keep your tree away from electrical sources and outlets.  This includes fireplaces and burning candles.

• Before hanging lights on the house or tree, inspect the lights for rips and tears and bulbs that may be burned out or broken.

• Make sure your tree is suitable for your house.  A 10-foot tree should not go in a room with a 9-foot ceiling, and so forth.

• Make sure your tree is safe, secure and upright to prevent it from falling on children, pets or guests.

• Keep pets away from lights and trees.  Animals, especially young ones, like to chew on cords, which can cause an electrical shock and even spark a fire.

• When you are not at home, leave blinds and curtains closed so that your tree and gifts are not on display for curious criminals.  When you are home at night, it is okay to open blinds and “display” your tree.

• Boxes from the big ticket purchases like plasma TVs, X-Boxes, Play Stations, etc., should not be thrown in the outside trash container as they draw attention to what is inside your house.  Instead, flatten boxes and throw them away at work or in a local dumpster.

• Retrieve mail and packages immediately.  Do not allow them to sit on doorsteps or in the mailbox as thieves regularly break into mailboxes and steal packages right off the porch.

Shopping Safety

While out shopping, be aware of your surroundings and never shop alone.  Keep an eye out for suspicious persons or people that appear to be “watching” you. If at all possible, shop during the day and try and only go to one store.  If you need to shop multiple stores, check your purchases into the store’s bag-check instead of leaving them in your trunk. Thieves will often watch shoppers as they go from store to store, drop items off at their car, and return to shopping.  Once you have left your car, especially at night, they break into your car and grab your purchases.  If you must put things in your trunk, try to at least cover purchases with blankets or other items to make it more difficult for thieves to grab and go.

Personal Safety

When you attend holiday parties and other celebrations, make sure you designate a responsible driver or call a taxi or a friend if you drink too much.  Also be aware of your surroundings and your neighborhood.  If something looks out of place or is questionable, call the police.  According to L.E.A.F.F. President, Rigo Arrellano, local law enforcement would rather you call them than not. You never know when your suspicion could catch a criminal or save a life. In other words, don’t just talk about it, be about it.