The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
Staff Reports
Eastvale—In the last month, there were several crime incidents in the surrounding areas of Eastvale.
On September 23, Eastvale SET deputies located a fugitive wanted for human trafficking and a multitude of other violations related to human trafficking. “A search of his car revealed blank federal checks, fraudulent credit cards, personal checks and equipment used to print fraudulent checks,” stated the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Department. He was sent to jail and the Federal Government was notified.
The information below is courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Date: September 24, 2023
Location: Jurupa Valley
Details: On September 24, 2023, at 8:46 pm, deputies from the Jurupa Valley Station received a call of a major injury traffic collision on Van Buren Boulevard, north of 56th Street. Deputies, along with paramedics from Cal Fire, responded and located a single-vehicle traffic collision with a horse. The driver was pronounced deceased at the scene by Cal Fire personnel. The horse was also located deceased. The Jurupa Valley Traffic Investigation Team responded and assumed the investigation, which is ongoing. The driver’s name is being withheld pending next of kin notification. Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Deputy Shinn of the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-955–2600 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-776-1099.
Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Date: September 23, 2023
Location: Jurupa Valley
Details: On September 23, 2023, at 3:03 a.m., deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station received a call of a major injury traffic collision on Mission Boulevard just east of Wineville Road. Deputies and paramedics from Cal Fire responded and located a severely injured pedestrian in the roadway who had been struck by a vehicle. The pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene. Jurupa Valley Traffic Investigation Team responded and assumed the investigation.
A preliminary investigation revealed the vehicle was traveling eastbound on Mission Boulevard when the pedestrian stepped out into the roadway, crossing into eastbound lanes of traffic, and was struck by the vehicle. It is unknown at this time if drugs or alcohol were a factor in the collision. The driver and sole occupant of the vehicle was uninjured. The driver remained at the scene of the collision and was cooperative with the investigation.
The decedent’s identity will be released by the Riverside Sheriff’s Coroner Bureau upon next of kin notification. This is an ongoing investigation; no further details are available at this time.
Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to call Deputy Petersen of the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at 951-955-2600 or the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office at 951-776-1099.
Incident: Fatal Traffic Collision
Date: September 22, 2023
Location: Jurupa Valley
The Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station Traffic Collision Reconstruction Team responded to the location and assumed the investigation. There is no suspect in custody, and it is unknown if alcohol and/or drugs were a factor in the collision. The victim has been identified as 42-year-old Jamie Pruitt of Jurupa Valley.
This is an ongoing investigation, and Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station is seeking the public’s assistance in locating the white 2012 Toyota and identifying the suspect driver. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Robert Packer at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 776-1099.
Updated Details: On September 22, 2023, deputies assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station served a search warrant in the 2800 block of Armstrong Road, Jurupa Valley. During the service of the search warrant, the vehicle was located and impounded. The search warrant also lead to information regarding the identity driver of the vehicle at the time of the collision.
On September 23, 2023, the suspect, Jose Manuel Aguilar-Acosta, a 23-year-old resident of Jurupa Valley turned himself into deputies at the Jurupa Valley Station and was arrested. Aguilar-Acosta was accompanied by Erika Guevara, a 24-year-old resident of Jurupa Valley who was also arrested. Aguilar-Acosta was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on one count of gross vehicular manslaughter and one count of fleeing the scene of a traffic collision involving death. Guevara was also booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on one count of being an accessory after the fact.
Staff Reports
Eastvale – West Nile virus was recently detected in the City of Eastvale. Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District (NWMVCD) recently reported detections of West Nile virus in 17 dead birds and 8 mosquito samples throughout Eastvale, according to a City news release.
An infected mosquito can transmit West Nile virus to humans and animals with a mosquito bite. Approximately 20% of humans will be infected with “mild symptoms such as fever, headache, and body aches,” stated the City news release. “Less than 1% of individuals develop serious neurological illness.” Anyone with symptoms is advised to contact their healthcare provider.
The City of Eastvale and Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) are working together with NWMVCD to “educate residents on virus symptoms, transmission, source reduction, and prevention,” stated the City. The information below was provided in the City news release.
NWMVCD recently performed a wide area adult mosquito treatment between the areas of Scholar Way, the 15 freeway, Riverboat Drive, and Limonite Avenue to lower the mosquito population affecting residential areas.
The district treated these areas with Aqua-Reslin (EPA Reg.# 432-796) due to the increased West Nile virus activity. NWMVCD’s primary focus is the treatment of immature mosquito larvae which happens in stagnant water. Residents are advised to dump any standing water on their property to limit mosquito breeding.
In the meantime, the City of Eastvale, the Jurupa Community Services District, and the Northwest Mosquito and Vector Control District urge you to protect yourself from mosquito bites using the following methods:
For additional information, visit www.northwestmvcd.org and www.westnile.ca.gov.
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
By Reverend Wayne Chu
If you keep up with international news, you may know that there was record-breaking rainfall causing terrible floods in China. Last week, even the Forbidden City (a historic palace) in Beijing was flooded, (It is the first time in 600 years that the Forbidden City has flooded). This week, the heavy rain moves to the northeastern area of China where the flooding followed. More than 2 million people needed to evacuate. Many towns are inundated and many people lost their families, their land, and many even lost their lives.
We feel the pain of the people. We pray that God has mercy on them, rescue will come and the situation will improve soon.
As we read Genesis, we read that God promised Noah never again He will destroy all living creatures through the flood. So we would ask the hard question: Why does God allow these disasters to happen to people today?
In the Gospel of Luke, there is an incident Jesus explained to us why some people experience suffering like this and I think it may give us an answer. Jesus asked a question, “Do you think these people were worse sinners than all the others because they suffered this way? And Jesus said, “No, but unless you repent, you too will all perish”. Jesus gave another example: “Or those eighteen who died when the tower in Siloam fell on them—do you think they were more guilty than all the others living in Jerusalem? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish.” (Luke 13:1-5)
Future judgment has never been a popular topic, but it is the core teaching in the New Testament and it is exactly because of the terror of the future judgment that our salvation becomes so precious.
All these natural disasters are acting as a sign for the world; if people do not repent when the judgment eventually comes the consequence of sins will bring these disasters. For Christians, it is our responsibility to tell the world that there is a way out, which is by believing in Jesus Christ, we can be saved.
Riverside Christian Alliance Church meets on Sundays for worship at 10:30 a.m. and it’s located at 9640 Jurupa Road, Jurupa Valley CA 92509. You can reach them at 951-360-0113 or visit their https://www.riversidecma.org/
By Mark Hopper
My wife Susan and I celebrated our honeymoon by spending two weeks in Hawaii. We enjoyed a quiet restful time eating breakfast on the lanai at our condo and discovering new restaurants for lunch and dinner. We also did a lot of cooking at the condo and enjoyed eating some delicious steaks from the BBQ grill.
We used a rental car to visit a variety of places on Maui and to purchase some souvenirs and gifts. It was fun to discover some new places and beaches that neither of us had been to before. We continue to smile as we remember our time together in Hawaii.
However our airplane flight home brought us back to reality. We flew my favorite airline Southwest non-stop from Long Beach to Maui. Our return flight was also non-stop back to Long Beach. But unlike our outbound flight the trip home was very different.
Both flights were full but the plane ride home was filled with over 40 children. There were a large number of families with little kids. It wasn’t as bad as it could have been but it was a noisy active group on our flight. Some babies and little children struggled with the change in air pressure. It was difficult for some to sleep. The cabin was filled with the cries of infants who were tired and uncomfortable.
The parents tried so hard to comfort and quiet their little ones. Some walked them up and down the aisle of the plane and tried to settle their child down. Others used electronic toys and video screens to keep their kids quiet. Some were successful and some were not.
Eventually we arrived safely in Long Beach. It was a long flight. By now most of those little kids are home in their own beds and their parents are probably reconsidering their plans for their next trip to Hawaii. I suspect they may wait until their young children are teenagers.
There is a passage in the Bible which illustrates Jesus’ love for little kids. He scolded his disciples for preventing young children from gathering around Him. He opened his arms and welcomed them to his side. (Mark 10:13-16). Let me encourage you to be patient and understanding when you are in a room full or a plane full of young children. And you may want to check with your airline to schedule your next flight with fewer kids on board. You will be glad you did.
“You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!
By Pastor Dennis Morales
Leviticus 6:12 “And the fire on the altar shall be kept burning on it; it shall not be put out. And the priest shall burn wood on it every morning…”
A first-grader wondered why her father brought home a briefcase full of work every evening. Her mother explained, “Daddy has so much to do that he can’t finish it all at the office.” “Well, then,” asked the child innocently, “why don’t they put him in a slower group?” I believe there is much truth to this. We find our fast paced environment creeping its way into our lives more often these days. We can walk into worship at church lacking energy and being a spectator rather than a willing participant. This may not always mean it’s time for a vacation, but it may be an indicator to at least “slow down.” The fire on the altar of “burnt offering” was to never go out. If your time with God is dissipating, you will burn out. God is calling upon us to burn brightly for Him in our daily lives, but there needs to be fuel for the fire. The priests would throw wood on the fire every morning to keep the fire burning. It may be time to prioritize, slow down, and put wood on the fire. There is no greater fuel for the Christian heart than the Bible. In Luke 24 after Jesus rose from the dead, he met two disciples on a road and opened the Scriptures to them. After their encounter with the Risen Christ they proclaimed “did not our hearts burn within us while He talked with us?” (Luke 24:32) Make it a priority to get back into the “daily” practice of reading your Bible and praying. It will bring fuel to your life.
Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 8:30 and 10:30am at the Eastvale Community Center http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.
By Melody Kraemer
How could summer be over? It just started. The last week of school seems like last week: the year-end parties, the turning in books, the minimum days, and the excitement of summer ahead.
But here we are the beginning of a new school year. The long days of summer will be coming to an end. The beach days, park days, swimming, and hanging out with friends will soon be just a memory of this past summer.
As we head into the new school year, I urge everyone to pray daily. Pray for the safety of our children and schools, for the teachers who get overworked and overwhelmed but keep pushing through. Pray that each child will be kind to one another and understand that special needs children are around them. Pray that all will have patience and compassion for each other.
As we spent the summer with our kids having a blast and enjoying and soaking up that sun, it’s time we send them off to their new classrooms, teachers, and even maybe a new school. Again pray that each child comes home with a positive attitude. Pray they have a good day each day and are excited to return and learn. For the homeschoolers, pray that each day brings them joy and the love of learning. No matter where our kids are on the level of education, in school or homeschool, we need to pray over them daily. They are our future. Have a great school year!
Verses to pray over your kids as they head back to school
Ephesians 4:32 – Pray they will be kind to one another
Jousha 1:9 – Pray that the Lord will be with them wherever they go
Psalms 56:3 – Pray to always trust in God
Proverbs 17:17 – Pay they love their friends at all times
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of AutismMomAdventures.com. Follow her on Instagram @lifewithmelody_k. Tik Tok @lifewithmelodyk and Facebook.com/autismmomadventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com
Staff Reports
Eastvale – There are still many fun filled events for your whole family in the next few months! Mark your calendars for these events below.
Eastvale Collective Market
When: Every Monday from 4 pm to 9 pm
Location: 7155 Hamner Avenue, Eastvale
Details: Stop by for a quick bite, fun games, and some amazing craft vendors!
Live Music Saturdays
When: Every Saturday from 6 pm to 9 pm until September
Location: The Station: 12585 Cantu-Galleano Ranch Roach
Cost: FREE
Details: Enjoy a night of music while you eat from one of the nearby restaurants.
Eastvale Library Events
When: Monthly
Location: 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale
Details: Monthly activities include Saturday story time, art club, teen craft, weekly game night, Mandarin lessons, and more. Visit the Eastvale Library website to view the full calendar at https://rivlib.net/branch/eastvale
EATSvale Food Truck Festival
When: September 9 from 4 pm to 9 pm
Location: 7155 Hamner Ave., Eastvale
Details: It will feature a variety of food trucks, food booths, limited craft-retail booths, live music performances, a mini-beer garden, and children’s activities.
Catalytic Converter Etching Event
When: September 17 from 8 am to 4 pm
Location: Tires Les Schwab
Details: the City of Eastvale is hosting another Catalyic Coverter Etching event in partnership with RSO, and sponsors Les Schwab and Pizza Nora. Les Schwab will double the number of appointments, allowing 60 vehicles to receive etching. To make an appointment, visit https://waitwhile.com/locations/etchingevent.
Mid-Autumn Festival
When: Saturday, Sept. 29
Details: Contact Riverside Christian Alliance Church www.riversidecma.org
13th Annual State of the City
When: October 5 at 5:30 p.m.
Location: VantagePoint Church, 8500 Archibald Avenue
Details: The City of Eastvale will be partnering with the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce to host their 13th Annual State of the City. This year’s theme is “Community, Pride, Prosperity.” After the program, the Taste of Eastvale event will take place and feature the best food in Eastvale.
Hay It’s Harvest
When: October 10th 4 pm to 10 pm
Location: VantagePoint Church, 8500 Archibald Avenue
Details: A FREE event! Enjoy a night of fun for the whole family! Hay rides, petting zoo, face paining, balloon animals, giant slide, live unicorn, picture opportunities, story time, line dancing and more!
Staff Reports
Eastvale/Norco – In the last month, several crimes took place in the City of Eastvale, Norco, and Jurupa Valley. The information listed below is courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Date: August 18, 2023
Location: Norco
Details: The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office/Jurupa Valley Station conducted a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) / Driver’s License checkpoint on Friday, August 18, 2023. The checkpoint was in the 1700 block of Hamner Avenue between the hours of 7:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. During the checkpoint operation a total of 699 vehicles were screened, resulting in the following:
Details: Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.
During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Office reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Some prescription medications or over-the-counter drugs may interfere with driving.
Always follow directions for use and read warning labels about “driving” or “operating heavy machinery,” which includes driving a vehicle. While medicinal and recreational marijuana are legal, driving under the influence of marijuana is illegal.
If you plan on drinking or taking medications that may impact your ability to drive safely, plan on staying at home.
Drivers charged with DUI face an average of $13,500 in fines and penalties, as well as a suspended license.
Funding for this checkpoint is provided to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.
Date: August 9, 2023
Location: Eastvale
Details: On August 9, 2023, at 7:17 p.m., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office responded to the 7600 block of Soaring Bird Court, Eastvale, for an arson investigation. On arrival, deputies discovered a small structure engulfed in flames and three juvenile suspects were seen running from the scene. A coordinated effort between responding deputies and personnel assigned to the Sheriff’s Aviation Unit resulted in the arrests of all three suspects. Cal Fire responded and extinguished the flames. Deputies discovered the structure had been completely charred and a total loss. All three suspects were booked into juvenile hall for arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
Anyone with further information about this case is encouraged to call Deputy Guerrero at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling 951-955-2600.
As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005.
Suspect Arrested for Multiple Burglaries
Date: August 6, 2023
Location: Eastvale
Details: On May 5, 2023, deputies assigned to the city of Eastvale Special Enforcement Team (SET) began investigating a burglary that occurred in the 5400 block of Homecoming Circle, Eastvale. In the following weeks, deputies learned the suspect was on a crime spree victimizing citizens for their personal property and/or damaging their homes. Deputies collected evidence from the crime scenes and identified the suspect to be Dylan Lauder-Bussard, a 20-year-old resident from Eastvale.
On August 6, 2023, SET Deputies located and arrested Lauder-Bussard. Lauder-Bussard was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for multiple counts of felony burglary, grand theft, felony vandalism and providing false identification to a peace officer during his arrest.
Anyone with information on these cases is encouraged to contact Deputy Cosper at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling 951-955-2600.
As a reminder, “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005.
Date: August 4, 2023
Location: Jurupa Valley
Details: On Friday, August 4, 2023, at 12:32 a.m., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Office, Jurupa Valley Station, responded to the intersection of Van Buren Boulevard and Bellegrave Avenue in the city of Jurupa Valley regarding a traffic collision involving a vehicle versus pedestrian. Deputies and Cal Fire arrived within minutes and located a vehicle that collided into the victim. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene by Cal Fire. The driver of the vehicle remained at the scene and is cooperating with the investigation.
The Jurupa Valley Traffic Collision Reconstruction Team responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. The victim’s identity is being withheld pending next of kin notification.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Oscar Chavez at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 955-2600.
New Officers
Staff Reports
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale continues to grow in a variety of new ways!
The City welcomed Eastvale Deputy Perez and Deputy Ayers as the new Eleanor Roosevelt High School Resource Officers. Deputy Perez and Deputy Ayers have been assigned to protect and serve the students of Roosevelt High.
The City also met with Jurupa Community Service District to explore new and innovative ways to enhance their partnership! “The discussion was led by JCSD’s Conservation team and the Eastvale Community Enhancement & Safety team,” stated the City. They encouraged all members of the community to report non-emergency issues to Eastvale and JCSD through an easy-to-use mobile application. To report to the City of Eastvale, download the My Eastvale app. To report to JCSD, download the My JCSD app.
There are several businesses expected to come to Eastvale so stay tuned for grand opening dates!
Staff Reports
Eastvale – On August 7, two suspects distracted an elderly victim and robbed him at a business in The Station.
The two suspects “lured an elderly victim toward them to have a conversation,” according to a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department news release. “During the interaction, the suspects distracted the victim and robbed him of jewelry he was wearing. The suspects fled the scene in a vehicle” and were later identified as Petre Alexandru, 27, and Gratiela Stoian, 22, both residents of Romania.
Deputies assigned to the city of Eastvale Special Enforcement Team (SET) responded to the scene and met the victim in a parking lot of a business located in the 5000 block of Hamner Avenue, in Eastvale.
“Through several investigative means, SET deputies learned the couple was responsible for a similar incident in Vancouver, Canada,” stated the news release. “Deputies identified both suspects and the vehicle used in the crime. Deputies coordinated an apprehension of the suspects with the Palm Springs Police Department.” Both suspects were arrested in Palm Springs and deputies found other jewelry in their vehicle, including multiple necklaces, rings, watches and bracelets that possibly belonged to other unidentified victims.
Both suspects were subsequently transported and booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for robbery, elder abuse, and conspiracy to commit a crime. “Alexandru and Stoian are currently pending a $500,000.00 bail,” according to the new release.
Anyone with information on this case or who may have been a victim to these suspects is encouraged to call Deputy Morris at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station by calling 951-955-6006.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the community that “Community Policing” involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency. Criminal activity can also be reported through the We-Tip Crime Reporting Hotline, (909) 987-5005.
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
By Reverend Wayne Chu
When I was in the seminary, I was very excited to have the chance to study ancient languages. Through the study of the ancient civilizations, I want to have a better understanding of the cultural background of the Bible. Later, I learned that if anyone wanted to seriously study a Ph.D. in the Old Testament it was a requirement to learn all the ancient languages. This is actually quite a barrier. I remember reading the Akkadian language, a language that archeologists discovered thousands of clay tablets from ancient Mesopotamia. These tablets are written in a script called cuneiform. It looks like a different arrangement of fish bones. (Actually, it is likely that they used fish bones to represent different words at that time.) Only a few experts in the world can read and translate them. Therefore, as of today, most of them remain untranslated and inaccessible to the general public.
However, today I read a news about an AI system created using Google technology that can translate this ancient Akkadian language and it made me very excited. Although according to the expert, the output can’t reach a high confidence level and the system still makes many mistakes. As a result, we cannot trust the output. But at least, it is a great start, and positive example of using AI, a promising tool to save huge amounts of time and preserve the limited and valuable expertise we have today.
It gives us a glimpse of the future and the past. Many years ago, everyone rushed to learn how to program and becoming a programmer. But now, AI can program better than humans, so what is left for humans to do? We can be an AI trainer. Like this example, we can train AI to overcome the issue of the richness of the meaning in idioms, understand nonliteral language, and translate in the case of informal grammar. With the good use of technology, I believe we can know more about the past and more importantly, it can enrich our knowledge of the Bible.
For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD as the waters cover the sea. Habakkuk 2:14
Riverside Christian Alliance Church meets on Sundays at 10:30am and it’s located at 9640 Jurupa Road, Jurupa Valley CA 92509. You can reached them at 951-360-0113 or visit https://www.riversidecma.org/
By Mark Hopper
I pastored only two churches over a span of 40 years. It was a privilege to lead and serve these two congregations. There were many memories of marriages and new babies. We celebrated the completion of several buildings and participated in many missionary adventures.
But one of the favorite things I remember were the church picnics and family campouts. Picnics at a local park were always a lot of fun. There were games to play for children and adults. Typically the food was potluck although in later years it was easier for the church to provide the food and just ask people to bring desserts to share.
Family campouts were also wonderful times. In Arizona we camped on Mt. Lemon high above Tucson and also in the White Mountains near the border of New Mexico. In California we camped near the beach above Santa Barbara and also in some inland mountain areas.
It was so relaxing spending a week or a weekend with other church families. The kids played, the dads fished and the mothers talked. I liked getting to know people better in this more personal setting. It was interesting to see family dynamics in a less formal atmosphere. Some people drove large motor homes or pulled travel trailers. Others like my family used a Coleman tent, a Coleman stove and a Coleman lantern and slept in sleeping bags.
I also liked to watch people make new friends at picnics and campouts. Most attended the same church but many attended a different church service. Camping people were usually friendly people. Introductions and conversations were the seeds which blossomed into lifelong friendships. Singing songs around the campfire were memorable too.
One of the most famous books of the Bible recorded a forty-year long camping experience. The book of Exodus tells about the journey of the Israelites from slavery in Egypt to freedom in the promise land. As you read it yourself you will see many similarities to a church picnic or a church campout.
Let me encourage you to make a plan and set a date for a picnic or a campout with some church members, your own family or some friends. You will be glad you did and they will too.
“You can read more stories by Mark Hopper in his new book “Let Me Encourage You More – An Encouraging Story for Every Day of the Year”. Order your copy today at markh@efreedb.org. The price is $25 per book or two books for $40 plus postage ($5). Purchase one for yourself and give one to a friend. You will be glad you did!
By Nancy Stoops
We all work really hard creating a lifestyle that provides us comfort and allows us to purchase the things that provide us joy. For me, as much as I love my work, I too need breaks. I usually take some time off in the winter and in the summer. I love to do some travelling as well as stay home and just float in my pool. I know when I start looking at the clock during sessions I’m due for a break. I know this means it’s time to put back into myself. I know I need some rest and relaxation.
Burn out can happen in many professions. I know I’m no good to my clients or anybody else when I feel empty. This is when I know I need to spend some time floating in my pool or travelling to a new destination. I love the warmth of summer and being able to spend some wonderful time in the water. I love being able to be on vacation and just move at a slower pace. I also know that when I take some time to relax, when I do return to work I’m a better and more effective therapist.
I think if we run on empty for too long without allowing time for renewal we can become resentful and sometimes even ill. It’s important when your body indicates it’s time for a break that you listen and honor what is being requested of you. Whatever needs to be done will be there waiting for you after you get rejuvenated. So enjoy some down time and go out and just play for a while. Go to the beach, take an evening walk or do some travelling. Reward yourself for all of your hard work and take some time just for you to rest and relax and to just enjoy yourself. It’s the perfect season to put some back into yourself and to just go slower!!!!!
This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727. You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.
By Pastor Dennis Morales
“Behold My hands and My feet, that it is I Myself…” Luke 24:39
It’s been said that hands can tell you a lot about a person. Hands that are rough, or strong, may be hands that have seen heavy labor. Hands that are smooth and gentle may belong to a loving mother prone to comfort her child. Hands heavy with wrinkles may have seen many days and hold wisdom. Jesus had already risen from the dead. Then He appeared to His disciples and said “look at My hands…” Have you ever thought about what Jesus’ hands represent? His hands touched blind eyes and caused them to see, His hands healed the lame and sick, His hands hugged the children and blessed them. These were also the hands nailed to the Roman cross for all humanity (John3:16). In Heaven we will be healed, but the nail marks in Jesus’ hands will remain as an eternal reminder of His love for us. He could have removed all those marks of His suffering when He rose from the grave. But He didn’t. Instead, there are the nail scars in His hands and feet (Zechariah13:6/Revelation5:6). Jesus will have the only scars in Heaven. We will be in Heaven complete and whole because of His sacrifice. The nail scarred hands are eternal reminder that Jesus is the Savior! Jesus’ hands continue to touch and heal lives today. He is healing mentally, physically, and most importantly, He heals spiritually. Jesus said “… he who believes in Me has (eternal) life” (John6:47).
Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays at 8:00am and 10:00am at the Eastvale Community Center. Address: 13820 Schleisman Rd, Eastvale CA 92880. http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.
Staff Reports
Norco/Jurupa Valley – In the last month, several crimes took place in the City of Norco and Jurupa Valley. The information listed below is courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Commercial Burglaries
Date: July 15, 2023
Location: Norco
Details: On July 15, 2023, at 2:24 a.m., deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to multiple commercial businesses in the 12500 block of Limonite Avenue, in the city of Eastvale and the 1400 block of Hamner Avenue in the city of Norco, regarding alarm activations which occurred within minutes of one another. Responding deputies discovered adjoining business at both locations were burglarized. Based on the initial investigation, it appears the incidents are related. The suspects are believed to be adult males who were both masked and gloved. This is an ongoing investigation and no further information is available at this time.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Vallejo at (951) 955-2600 or Deputy Kantar at (951) 270-5673.
Accidental Drowning
Date: June 30, 2023
Location: Jurupa Valley
Details: On June 30, 2023, around 4:28 p.m., deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to an accidental drowning at Rancho Jurupa Park in the 4800 block of Crestmore Road. Responding deputies learned that an adult male had entered the water and swam approximately thirty yards into the lake to retrieve a fishing rod. The male went underneath the water; however, witnesses stated he never resurfaced. Cal-Fire, Jurupa Valley Park Rangers, and Riverside Sheriff’s Helicopter Rescue 9 assisted with the search. The male was located by Rescue 9 and pulled ashore with the assistance of a Cal-Fire boat. Life-saving measures were performed; however, the male succumbed to his injuries. The identity of the male will be released by the Coroner’s Office upon notifying the next of kin.
This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Barba at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station (951) 955-2600.
Staff Reports
Corona – There are thousands of children in foster care in the Inland Empire who have entered the foster system at no fault of their own. They’ve often suffered abuse, neglect, and trauma. However, you have an opportunity to provide a safe and loving home for these children and Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency can help you every step of the way.
Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency is a private, non-Profit 501(c)3 community service organization that was founded in 2003 and is dedicated to improving the quality of life for children and youth in foster care from 0 to 20 years of age. They also hold the distinction of a three-year CARF accreditation, signifying their commitment to excellence toward the people they serve.
For twenty years, Greg Estravit, CEO and Founder of Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency, has been passionate about placing foster youth in the best possible home environments. Estravit discovered his passion for helping children after the birth of his own daughter.
Avant-Garde Foster Family Agency carefully evaluates applicants before placing children in their care, eliminating the undesirable turnover common with foster care. The requirements to becoming a resource parent applicant are that you must: be 25 years of age, own or rent a home, have adequate income to meet your own needs, pass a background check, and have a valid Driver’s license and social security card. Once an approved applicant passes the background check and home study, they become part of the Avant-Garde Foster Family community.
Avant-Garde is also a small-sized agency, allowing their case workers to make frequent home visits, which provides adequate attention to their foster families and kids. Their staff are also here to support you every step of the way, 24 hours a day, so you are never alone.
The agency currently serves Riverside, San Bernardino, and Orange Counties. Their office is located at 1655 East 6th St. Suite A-4C, Corona, CA 92879.
For more information about becoming a resource parent, volunteer opportunities, or donation needs, call 951-735-5300 or visit their website at www.avgffa.org.
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