City of Eastvale Eastvale – With graduation and summer season upon the City of Eastvale, the Eastvale Police Department is likely to respond to many calls for service related to parties. The City of Eastvale adopted a Social Host Ordinance in 2012 to combat the serving or furnishing of alcohol to underage persons. The ordinance can be found under Municipal Code section 8.06.010 – Prohibition of parties, gatherings or events where alcohol is served to, consumed by or in the possession of underage persons. In this chapter, a minor or underage person means any person less than 21 years of age. According to the ordinance, Sec. 8.06.020, “No person responsible for an event shall allow, arrange, assist, permit or host a party, gathering or event where alcoholic beverages are in the possession of/or being consumed by, or served to any underage person.” Eastvale Police Officers will be paying extra attention this graduation and summer season to enforce of the Social Host Ordinance, and the consequences are severe. Under Sec. 8.06.030 (a), Any person violating Section 8.06.020 is guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction shall be punishable by a fine of not more than $1,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not more than six months, except as noted in subsection (b) of this section. Subsection (b) states: The procedures provided for in this section are in addition to any other statue, ordinance or laws, civil or criminal. This section in no way limits the authority of law enforcement officers to make arrests for any criminal offense arising out of conduct regulated by this chapter. We encourage Eastvale residents to have a safe and festive summer. Don’t drink and drive and never provide, serve or allow the consumption of alcohol by a minor or underage person. For more information on the Social Host Ordinance, please visit the Municipal Code page on the City’s website: http://www.eastvaleca.gov/index.aspx?page=170

By Kimberley Sander SGV – The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station will be participating in this year’s Special Olympics Torch Run. On Monday morning, June 3, they will receive the torch from Industry Station officers around 9:30am, and proudly run and bike their way into the Special Olympics Lanterman Development Center. They will pass the torch to Pomona Police Officers around 11 a.m. Walnut/Diamond Bar officers will also proudly enjoy celebrating with the Special Olympic participants at the center. The Wichita Police Department in Kansas created the run back in 1981 as a way to involve officers in the community. Since its inception, the Torch Run has grown to include over 142,000 law enforcement officers running in more than 125 events in 48 countries. Most importantly, they have raised over $414 million for the Special Olympics worldwide. Pomona Valley officers helped contribute to the nearly $1.2 million raised in Southern California last year alone. The Special Olympics organization of Pomona Valley offers year-round programs and physical fitness competitions for children and adults with intellectual disabilities. Programs like the Special Olympics help to develop fitness and motor skills, and instill self-confidence and a positive self image. For more information on this year’s Torch Run and the Special Olympics of Southern California, visit http://www.sosc.org. Lanterman Development Center Central Program Services is located at 3530 W. Pomona Blvd. Pomona, CA 91769.

Staff Reports For 17 years, Miguel and Macrina Gutierrez’s Whittier, Calif., home was occupied by only themselves and two cats. On July 30 of last year, that occupancy status increased, dramatically! As Miguel recalls, on that fateful Monday, “We became a family.” While the Gutierrez’s became a foster/adoptive family of five, literally overnight, their path toward parenthood actually spanned several years. Wed in 1995, the couple set their sights from the start on having children. It was soon discovered, however, that Macrina – who works at a Montebello elementary school as an early intervention specialist – had a medical problem that would make conceiving naturally difficult. Several years were then spent pursuing infertility avenues, including in vitro fertilization, with no success. Then, a chance conversation pointed to another avenue. Miguel, who works at UPS, was talking with a coworker about his and Macrina’s struggle to start a family. The coworker told Miguel that his wife works at a local agency, Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services, and that they have adoption and foster-family programs. Miguel, who is now 44, was extremely excited and thought to himself: “Now is the time. If we’re going to do something, we need to get moving.” Although she didn’t share Miguel’s immediate enthusiasm, Macrina, 46, agreed to attend a Hathaway-Sycamores Foster Parent Orientation. Because the Gutierrez’s overall goal was to have a permanent family, their first question was: Can fostering a child lead to adoption? The answer was a resounding “yes.” In fact, the Gutierrez’s learned that there are currently more than 56,000 children in California’s foster care system, with over 13,000 needing an adoptive home. Nationally, there are some 382,000 youngsters in foster care, with about 104,000 available for adoption. Sensing that foster/adoption was the right path to pursue, Miguel and Macrina began the process to become certified foster parents. From the first class on, Miguel was impressed with Hathaway-Sycamores’ program. “They are so thorough, helpful, open, and honest. They answer all of your questions, and are with you every step of the way.” Those steps included training, a home inspection and a home study, which is an in-depth interview of each applicant’s motivation to become a foster/adoptive parent and their history. Commenting on Hathaway-Sycamores’ program, Macrina says, “They really prepare you well for being a foster parent. They had guest speakers, educational movies, and you had the chance to talk with actual foster parents.” With Hathaway-Sycamores’ guidance, Miguel and Macrina received their foster and adoptive parent certification on July 9, 2012. Just 21 days later, on July 30, 2012, Miguel and Macrina became foster “Mom and Dad”. The couple hadn’t planned on becoming a family of five, but when they learned the siblings’ story, they instantly became committed to keeping the trio together because their young lives already had been so difficult. The oldest girl, now 6, and her brother, who is almost 4, had been in four foster placements over the last three years. The youngest, a 2-year old toddler girl, had been in foster care since she was four-months old. All had been removed as a result of parental substance abuse and domestic violence. While Miguel admits that overnight parenthood was “a big shock and a big change,” he adds, “Hathaway-Sycamores’ support made the transition very smooth. You can literally call them for help any time of the day or night”. And that support doesn’t end when the children walk through your door. While all three youngsters are truly thriving, the oldest is struggling with memories of early childhood trauma. To help her navigate these painful recollections, Hathaway-Sycamores home-based services provides weekly in-home therapy to the little girl. While the Gutierrez’s have only been a family of five for just short of one year, Macrina observes, “Now, we couldn’t imagine life without them.” She has also learned, “Being a parent isn’t just about giving birth. It’s about taking care of the children and showing them that they’re loved.” Miguel shares similar sentiments. “I can’t imagine our lives any other way,” he says. “They’ve made such a difference in our lives, and we’ve made a difference in their lives. They tell us they love us and want to be with us forever.” Miguel and Macrina also want the sibling trio to be with them forever, and have been identified by the court as the prospective adoptive home for the children. There is a pressing need for foster families who are willing to care for a child temporarily, and for foster/adoption families who want to provide a forever home for a child. Foster families come in many forms of race, lifestyle, income and education levels; full-time employees or retirees; home-owners or renters. The crucial requirement is that you’re dedicated to helping a child in need. It’s also important to know that Hathaway-Sycamores trains, certifies, supervises, and supports its foster families, including weekly social worker visits, along with virtually any home-based services that are needed. Anyone who has ever considered opening their heart and home to a foster child is urged to contact Hathaway-Sycamores Child and Family Services at 1-888-24-FAMILY ((888) 243-2645), e-mail VirginiaMontoya@hathaway-sycamores.org; or learn more by visiting http://www.hathaway-sycamores.org.

Staff Reports LA County – The Memorial Day Weekend Anti-DUI crackdown has resulted in a significant number of DUI arrests from local routine traffic enforcement and special “Avoid the 100 DUI” campaign, overnight in Los Angeles County. From 12:01 a.m. on Fri. May 24, through midnight on Sat. May 25, officers representing 100 county law enforcement agencies have arrested about 529 individuals for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. This number may increase due to some agencies that have yet to report their arrests. All too often, members of our community are senselessly injured or killed on local roadways by impaired drivers. Alcohol impaired deaths make up the largest number of vehicle fatalities, with 31 percent of all vehicle fatalities caused by a drunk driver. The LA County Sheriff’s Department objective is to send out a clear message by advocating “Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest” to those who are considering driving a motor vehicle after consuming alcohol and/or drugs. In an effort to reduce the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol involved crashes, DUI checkpoints are conducted to identify offenders and get them off the street, as well as educate the public on the dangers of impaired driving. A DUI checkpoint is an effective and proven method in lowering alcohol related traffic deaths. By publicizing these enforcement and education efforts, the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and others experts believe motorists can be deterred from drinking and driving. Statewide, overall traffic deaths have declined 23 percent from 3,995 in 2007 to 3,081 in 2009 and total traffic fatalities are at their lowest level in six decades. DUI deaths have declined from 1,132 in 2007 to 950 in 2009, which is a decrease of over 16 percent. Law enforcement officials are continuing DUI efforts throughout the county and region. CHP throughout the state also had all available officers patrolling freeways and county roads during the Memorial Day weekend. “Saving lives, reducing injuries, traffic collisions and property damage is important work,” said Sheriff Lee Baca in a press release. “Every life is a life worth saving and we will do our utmost to help keep the public safe.” Police, Sheriff and the CHP encourage all motorists to help make your community safer: Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911. As a driver, plan ahead with these TIPS: – Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins – Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver – Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours. – Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food. Before you drive under the influence, also remember that the high cost of a first time DUI conviction could cost someone anywhere between $6,000 to $10,000 when all the potential fines, fees, classes, lawyers, work days missed, and increased insurance for years to come have been factored in. The LA County Sheriff’s Department encourages sober designated drivers. Funding for “Avoid the 100 DUI” program was provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Avoid programs, named for the number of police agencies in each county in California, will also concentrate crackdowns on the Independence Day holiday period as well as the 18-Day August/Labor Day period. In recognition that the summer season is among the deadliest time of the year, law enforcement agencies throughout the county will be making every effort to arrest drunk drivers before another life is lost.

City of Diamond Bar Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar has completed the Draft Environmental Impact Report (DEIR) to the 2008-2014 Housing Element of the General Plan, and it is now available for public review and comment. The public is invited to submit written comments regarding the environmental findings presented in the DEIR during the 45-day review period. Comments must be received by 5:30pm on July 8, 2013 in order to be considered. Hard copies of the DEIR and its appendices are also available for review at Diamond Bar City Hall (21810 Copley Drive, 2nd Floor, Diamond Bar, CA 91765) as well as at the Diamond Bar Community Library (21810 Copley Drive, 1st Floor, Diamond Bar, CA 91765) during normal business hours. The Housing Element is a component of the City’s General Plan, which is required by California law; sets forth guiding policies for its future development. This plan includes five other elements: Land Use, Circulation, Resource Management, Public Health & Safety, and Public Services & Facilities. The Housing Element provides an overarching statement of City policies and programs to maintain and improve existing housing, and accommodate new housing development needed to meet the City’s fair share of the state’s population growth. Although the implementation of the Housing Element would designate specific sites where multi-family housing could be developed in the future, there is no specific development projects associated with the proposed rezoning effort at this time. For more information, contact Senior Planner Grace Lee by phone 909.839.7032 or email glee@diamondbarca.gov. To view the DEIR, please visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/housingelement.

By Sarah Armijo One of our Facebook Giveaway winners, CHRISSY BERRY LIDDICOTE, picked up her prize donated by Tequila 88!! The winner had the option of picking between a bottle of Tequila 88, valued at $52, or a $25 gift card to Applebee’s restaurant. All Chrissy had to do was LIKE our Weekly News Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheWeeklyNews), and JOIN our event and she won a free prize! The winner was picked and announced in a video message on Facebook and was published in The Weekly News, the Eastvale Community News and the Community News. The winner was also checked for proper identification indicating she was at least 21 years of age, before she was able to claim her Tequila 88 bottle. Tequila 88 is crafted by using the most innovative fermentation and distillation techniques in the industry, a process so intricately detailed that it could do no less than to create the ultimate flavor-palette to arouse your taste buds. Tequila 88 is perfectly balanced with the elements of cooked agave flavor and its sweet aroma, a modern touch on a classic spirit, according to their website. For more information about Tequila 88, go to http://www.tequila88.com or call (909) 786-1071. You may also email Tequila 88 at info@tequila88.com for further details. Our next Facebook Giveaway will be announced shortly, so make sure to LIKE our Weekly News Facebook page (www.facebook.com/TheWeeklyNews) and keep an eye out for our next Facebook Giveaway prize posting. For more information about our Facebook Giveaways, please call (909) 464-1200 or message us on our Facebook page.

By Sarah Armijo Walnut – The Walnut City Council approved the $16 million budget plan for 2013-14 and the five-year Capital Improvement Program at the last City Council Meeting on Wednesday night. The Walnut City Council approved the annual operating budget plan and the program with a vote of 5-0. The Capital Improvement Program includes a little over $1.4 million for the next fiscal year, which begins July 1. The council approved the plan after a study session of the budget on May 8. At the study session, City Manager Wishner provided an overview of the revenues and expenditures, the impacts of the budget, and various projects, which were all outlined in a set of slides provided to the City Council. Wishner explained that the process of preparing the budget begins in January of each year and in May, staff presents a final budget for adoption. Wishner was extremely pleased to present a balanced budget. Projected revenues totaled $16,091,290 and expenditures totaled $16,063,100. Wishner stated that the upcoming budget impacts were: the 2014 City Council Elect (this is budgeted bi-annually); the Sheriff Contract Increase of 5%; the on-going transfer of expense from Lighting and Open Space Maintenance District (LOSMD) to the General Fund (direct and overhead costs are included); the General Fund Loan to LOSMD (tree trimming, water, maintenance of slopes); storm drains; and Meadowpass Road monitoring and maintenance. Also, this year’s budget mirrors last year’s budget, which means no services were cut. The City Council praised their staff for their hard work on keeping the Walnut budget balanced. They also encourage residents to “Shop Walnut” to help boost revenues. One percent of all sales tax collected in the City goes towards the City Budget. Here is a breakdown of the budget revenues and expenditures, according to the Walnut City Council minutes: Budget Revenues: – Restricted Revenue Applied (Gas Tax, Propositions A & C transportation restricted resources): $4,230,370 – Non-Restricted Revenue (General Fund revenue consisting of property and sales tax): $10,501,850 – General Fund Loan to LOSMD: $104,400 – Restricted Fund Balance Applied (amounts not spent and carried over to the next fiscal year): $358,800 – Facility Maintenance Fund Applied (funds City facilities): $619,600 – Walnut Housing Authority: $276,270 Total: $16,091,290 Budget Expenditures: – Personnel: $4,656,660 – Operations: $11,033,990 – Capital Outlay: $372,450 Total: $16,063,100 Here is a breakdown of the 2013-2014 Capital Projects: -Trail Projects: $100,000 -Street Resurfacing: $675,000 -Slurry Seal Projects: $650,000 Total: $1,425,000

Staff Reports Diamond Bar – The arraignment for a former Community Club treasurer that was charged with grand theft and forgery has been postponed. The charges stem from the misappropriation of funds from the Castle Rock Community Club, a non-profit organization created to raise funds and enhance opportunities for students attending Castle Rock Elementary School, according to an LA County Sheriff news release. Lisa May, also known as Lisa Haygood, appeared in Pomona Superior Court last week to formally hear her charges and enter a plea, but her attorney, Albert Perez, Jr., asked that the arraignment be postponed to give him more time to prepare for the case. Specifically, Perez asked for the arraignment to be postponed to June 13 so he can go over financial documents in evidence. May agreed to the postponement, according to local reports. May, 55, was previously a volunteer as Castle Rock’s Community Club treasurer. An investigation had determined that May took $39,651 from the Community Club’s fund by forging checks numerous times. The release stated that the theft occurred over a 6 year period and was discovered in June of 2011. Since then, detectives sifted through a paper trail of bank records, checks and receipts which culminated in the case being presented to the D.A. for filing consideration. Detectives from Walnut/Diamond Bar Station filed a felony complaint with the District Attorney charging May with six felony counts including Grand Theft and Forgery. A felony warrant was issued for May’s arrest and she was taken into custody on March 5, 2013. May was also known as the AYSO Regional Commissioner. However, no reports of any missing money from AYSO have been reported. May remains on a bail of $120,000.

Staff Reports Diamond Bar – The arraignment for a “Bank Burglary Crew”, a crew of five men, who allegedly robbed banks by entering through the rooftops, was postponed on Monday. Laurentiu Penescu, 38, Lucian Isaia, 32, Alceu Andreis, 44, Dean Andrew Muniz, 45, and Daniel Soto, 36, were scheduled to appear at Pomona Superior Court to formally hear the charges against them and enter a plea, but the arraignment for all of them was postponed to June 24. Sheriff’s Major Crimes Detectives arrested the five men in April after the suspects cut a hole in the roof of a Citibank off Diamond Bar Blvd. and Grand Ave. The crew of burglars used ladders to climb to the top of different banks where they would then cut a hole into the roof of the banks with power tools, allowing them access to the cement vault. The suspects would use walkie-talkies to stay in contact with another suspect, who acted as the team lookout. Each suspect wore identical outfits including identical shoes. They also traveled in a van with a missing license plate. The Sheriff’s Detectives started the investigation with a bank burglary in August 2011, and investigated the crew for a year. They believe they are responsible for at least three similar bank jobs in the Diamond Bar and Rowland Heights area, according to a LA County Sheriff news release. On April 5, detectives watched the burglars operate at the Citibank in Diamond Bar under the cover of darkness. When the burglars left the bank, deputies followed and arrested the crew. Evidence from the arrest were recovered, which included a portion of the banks roof, roofing material, two way radios, tools, gloves and ski masks. After the arrests, sixty Sheriff’s Deputies served search warrants at seven residences in Banning, Beaumont, Yucaipa, Fontana and Riverside, to gather additional evidence and search for the proceeds from the prior burglaries. Investigators seized 12 high end vehicles, a 24 foot power boat, seven Ducati motorcycles, several firearms, and jewelry from the locations. Detectives also recovered approximately $30,000 dollars during the search. But, the majority of the money is still missing. “We’re talking a lot of money, about 6 million dollars in total,” said Sheriff Lee Baca at a press conference on April 10 when talking about how much the suspects had stolen in total during the year. Yucaipa resident Penescu, Beaumont resident Isaia, Banning resident Andreis, Fontana resident Muniz, and Riverside resident Soto were all booked at the Walnut Sheriff’s Station. They are all being held on a bail amount of $500,000 dollars, except for Soto, who has a bail amount of $3 million dollars. The suspects were charged with several counts of burglary, conspiracy, grand theft and vandalism. “One will ask why is this crime considered a burglary and not a robbery? A robbery involves force or fear and this is a burglary because they entered the roof with an intent to steal,” said Baca after the arrest. “This is one of the most sophisticated and well organized operations that we have ever come across.” Andrew Hoover contributed to this story.

By Kimberley Sander San Gabriel Valley – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department hosted its 36th Annual Memorial Torch Relay Run throughout the San Gabriel Valley from May 17 – 19. This special event was established back in 1976 to honor the memory of fallen peace officers in Los Angeles County. This year’s participants ran in honor of Deputy Constable Charles De Moranville, Deputy Harry S. Guard, and Deputy Emma Benson, of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department; and Chief Henry P. Tracy of the Pomona Police Department. These brave officers were killed in the line of duty between 1909 and 1919. The relay run consisted of 56 legs of four to ten miles each, travelling a circuit of mainland Sheriff Stations covering over 300 miles. This year’s relay began at Monterey Park headquarters on Friday, May 17, and concluded at the Altadena station on Sunday, May 19, with the Memorial Torch being passed at each station. Sheriff’s Deputies from Walnut, San Dimas and City of Industry stations joined other deputies from around the county to make up the nearly 2,000 participants. Deputy Aaron Scheller of the Walnut Sheriff’s Station, who ran an eight and a half mile leg said, “For everyone in law enforcement, it is important to remember the sacrifices made in the line of duty. It is a day to ponder how important our jobs are. We could have our names on a t-shirt some day, and we need to honor those that have given their lives in service.“ The Walnut Deputies received the torch from Pomona deputies, and delivered it to the Industry station. Story Contributions by George Ogden.

By Michael Armijo Diamond Bar – After a Supreme Court ruling determined that cities can ban medical marijuana dispensaries, many dispensaries were forced to close. But Diamond Bar’s 2006 ordinance allows one in the city, so one will remain for now. The ordinance allows a single medical marijuana dispensary to operate within city limits. The sole dispensary, Farm Assist Caregivers, was the fortunate one. This move, back in 2006 when many dispensaries fought cities to remain open, was a novel idea when laws were unclear and lawsuits were filed. Considering the laws have changed, the city may readdress the seven-year-old ordinance. California’s Proposition 215 and Senate Bill SB420 allowed individuals to use marijuana for medicinal purposes and issued patient identification cards to differentiate themselves from drug users and patients. The lingering question had asked: “do cities have the right to ban the facilities?” This was answered when the Supreme Court unanimously agreed on Monday that cities can prohibit dispensaries while state law allows medical marijuana patients the right to use the controlled substance. Confusing, but the end result is that many cities have closed down the facilities. According to online reports, there hasn’t been any problems with the sole dispensary in Diamond Bar and the Mayor is considering a revamp of the ordinance. As of early May, there were no plans to revamp the current ordinance. Local cities that have banned dispensaries and have been closing them down include Ontario, Riverside, and Upland.

Photo by Kelli Gile
The WVUSD Board of Trustees approved Dr. Robert Taylor as the new superintendent.

By Kelli Gile Walnut —The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees has approved Dr. Robert P. Taylor as the new superintendent of the 14,700-student district. Dr. Taylor was confirmed with a unanimous 5-0 vote during the May 15 Regular Board Meeting. He will officially begin duties on July 1, 2013, bringing more than 20 years of leadership and experience in education. The Board of Trustees hired an executive search firm to spearhead the selection process for a new superintendent. The firm facilitated stakeholder meetings and a survey to gather input to ensure a math of candidate background and district expectations. Board members, school officials, and bargaining unit leaders conducted a validation visit to the Corona-Norco Unified School District on May 6, 2013. “The Board unanimously feels that Dr. Taylor is an outstanding choice for superintendent. We feel that he will bring leadership skills and genuine care for people that will serve our students, staff and community as well,” said Board President Helen Hall. “I am excited and humbled to have this opportunity to work in such an outstanding district,” Dr. Taylor said at the meeting. Dr. Taylor currently serves as the Deputy Superintendent of the Corona-Norco Unified School District. He began his administrative career in the Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District. Dr. Taylor has also served as Assistant Superintendent, Administrative Director of K-12 Education, Principal, Assistant Principal, and Teacher. Dr. Taylor is an Adjunct Professor of Education at the University of California, Irvine. He received a Bachelor’s Degree in English from the University of Redlands, a Master’s Degree in Educational Administration from Azusa Pacific University, and a Doctorate in Educational Leadership from Azusa Pacific University. Dr. Taylor will succeed Superintendent Dr. Dean S. Conklin, who, after almost 15 years of service to the Walnut Valley Unified School District, will retire in June 2013. Dr. Taylor and his wife Tamara have three children.

Staff Reports Assemblyman Curt Hagman’s AB 308 Passes Assembly Appropriations Committee with Bipartisan Support Sacramento— Yesterday, Assemblyman Curt Hagman’s (R- Chino Hills) AB 308 unanimously passed the Assembly Appropriations Committee. “AB 308 is a practical measure ensuring our state’s school facility funds are being utilized within the initial intent,” said Assemblyman Hagman. “This bill encourages sustainability of state dollars and spending efficiencies, which would keep facility funds for facility use,” Hagman added. Assembly Bill 308 authorizes the State Allocation Board to establish a program that requires school districts, charter schools, and county offices of education that sell or lease real property to return the portion of state funds that were provided to purchase, construct, or modernize the property. It is not sound policy to use one-time funds for expenditures that are continuous and ongoing. This bill will provide a disincentive for educational institutions that sell or lease properties that were purchased, constructed or modernized using state funds to use the proceeds from the sale or lease of those funds for general fund purposes. For more information, please visit: http://www.assembly.ca.gov/hagman