Tag Archives: City of Walnut

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim 

Walnut – The Walnut Council meeting of December 14 began with several presentations. The first was a presentation for Andy Jin, a Walnut High School student being recognized not only by the city of Walnut, but also the Los Angeles County. Jin began charity work in his freshman year, selling his photographs and donating the profits to those in need, such as the homeless population. As Jin grew and matured, so did his charity work. Jin began to also focus on other important issues, such as conservation. In thanks for his recognition before the Council, Jin presented the Council with a Christmas wreath made purely out of recycled materials.

Pastor Anna Crews Camphouse of the Walnut United Methodist Church was also recognized by the Council. The pastor dedicated her life to service; not purely in the church, but to the rest of the City as well. The Council bade her farewell and wished her good luck on her return to her home state of Alabama. Camphouse praised the City for being a success of diversity and respect for all people.

Finally, the Walnut High School Freshman/Sophomore Volleyball Team was recognized by the Council. The team were League Champions this year, and the Council praised the team for their hard work, dedication, and showcasing the well roundedness of students at Walnut High School.

Following the oral communications, the Council approved the minutes for the October 19 Joint City Council/Planning Commission Workshop; the October 26 City Council meeting; the November 9 City Council meeting; and the November 9 City Council SPecial meeting.

Next, the Council opened a public hearing concerning an urgency ordinance adopting the 2017 Los Angeles County Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes with local amendments and the 2016 California Green Building and existing building codes with local amendments. After hearing the staff report and closing the public hearing, the Council adopted the urgency ordinance. The Council also approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing the City of Walnut claims and demands in the amount of $1,433,181.17; a request by Valley Vista Services for a rate adjustment for CPI increase and adoption of organic material recycling rates; a resolution authorizing destruction of records pursuant to resolution No. 01-18; a resolution amending the seasonal part-time salary schedule; a resolution supporting the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Complete Streets policy; the donation of $500 from the Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Solis’ Board of Supervisors Revolving Fund and appropriate the $500 towards the purchase of lunches for seniors at the Walnut Senior Center; award of a bid for the Lemon Creek Park Playground Renovation Project; and the final acceptance of a tract map.

Following individual reports and comments, the Council adjourned to January 11, at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Walnut High Alumni Bid Farewell To Retiring Maestro

By WVUSDwvusd

Three decades of Walnut High students, parents, and staff surprised retiring music director Buddy Clements during a farewell concert last Saturday night.

Clements thought he was going to dinner with a former student and fellow director Corey Wicks.

But when a limo arrived to pick him up, all his friends would say was they were headed to a show.

As Clements entered the school’s Performing Arts Center, the audience of about 400 burst into cheers.

Guests lauded the teacher who has been at the school since 1984 for his generosity, kindness, and for giving students “gentle nudges” in the right direction.

“He’s been like our second dad,” said organizer Jennifer Santillan-David, Class of 2000, who spread word about the event through a secret Facebook page.

“I felt like I wanted to do this for him because he always taught me to think out-of-the-box,” she said. “Before he retires, he deserves to see all of us as established adults and to conduct us.”

Alumni musicians dusted off their instruments to perform several pep and holiday songs during the show.

At the finale, Clements came to the stage to conduct the grads performing his favorite song, The Magnificent Seven – in a nod to the movie Mr. Holland’s Opus.

Chris LaCoste-Crumley, a 1988 alum, got a chance to thank the band teacher for his welcoming enthusiasm for the program in the early days.

“You believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself,” she said.

Parents Lou and Joan Simonelli, Blue Thunder Band Boosters since 2001, have remained loyal volunteers long after their two children graduated.

“It’s a very successful program that teaches students to go do their best,” Lou Simonelli described.

“I grew up in the band,” recalled Kat Simonelli, Class of 2012, who remembered first watching her brother’s band competitions as a six-year-old.

“Dr. Clements is such a great person and so special to our family.”

During his tenure, Clements introduced his teenage musicians to several big name performers and directors including Maynard Ferguson, Bobby Shew, Ricky Lawson, Glenn Miller Band, and Elmer Bernstein.

“He raised the bar in our entire Fine Arts program,” retired grade level coordinator Scott Cassells said.

“Thank you for your guidance, inviting Glen Miller Orchestra to our stage, shared memories, and the “How to Train a Dragon” field show,” said 2013 grad Katie Takahashi who currently studies music at ULCA.

“You’re an inspiration to all of us!”

“There’s nobody like Buddy Clements,” said Wicks who was saluted for his 20 years at the school.

“It’s a real blessing in life to be able do what you love for a living. And to do it with my best friend has been amazing.”

“I’m overwhelmed and humbled. This has been a super surprise!” Clements said.

“I knew this is where I needed to spend a good chunk of my life. I’m so proud of all my students.”

Avoiding Apartment Rental Scams

BY Walnut/DB Sheriff’s Department

Walnut-Diamond Bar-The Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department has offered the following tips when looking for apartments to avoid rental scams.
Finding an apartment can often be time consuming and emotionally frustrating. Time constraints and financial considerations can often place the apartment seeker in a vulnerable position where they can fall prey to Apartment Rental Scammers.
While Apartment Rental Scams come in a variety of schemes, they basically boil down to two types: Either the scammer has no authority to offer an existing apartment for rent or the scammer is trying to rent a fictitious apartment. In either case, the goal of the scammer is to get the victim to pay money upfront for a list of available apartments in the area or to arrange the rental of a particular apartment.
The following tips from Federal Trade Commission Consumer Information Page: Rental Listing Scams: 
How Rental Scams Work
Scammers know that finding the right apartment or vacation rental can be hard work, and a seemingly good deal is hard to pass up. They’ve been known to game some vacation rental websites and bulletin boards. The take-away: when you’re looking for a rental, its caveat renter renter beware.
Hijacked Ads
Some scammers hijack a real rental or real estate listing by changing the email address or other contact information, and placing the modified ad on another site. The altered ad may even use the name of the person who posted the original ad. In other cases, scammers have hijacked the email accounts of property owners on reputable vacation rental websites.
Phantom Rentals
Other rip-off artists make up listings for places that aren’t for rent or don’t exist, and try to lure you in with the promise of low rent, or great amenities. Their goal is to get your money before you find out.
Signs of a Scam
Being savvy when you’re in search of a rental is well worth the effort. Here are some signs you may be dealing with a scam:
They tell you to wire money
This is the surest sign of a scam. There’s never a good reason to wire money to pay a security deposit, application fee, first month’s rent, or vacation rental fee. That’s true even if they send you a contract first. Wiring money is the same as sending cash once you send it, you have no way to get it back.
They want a security deposit or first month’s rent before you’ve met or signed a lease. It’s never a good idea to send money to someone you’ve never met in person for an apartment you haven’t seen. If you can’t visit an apartment or house yourself, ask someone you trust to go and confirm that it’s for rent, and that it is what was advertised. In addition to setting up a meeting, do a search on the owner and listing. If you find the same ad listed under a different name, that’s a clue it may be a scam.
They say they’re out of the country
But they have a plan to get the keys into your hands. It might involve a lawyer or an “agent” working on their behalf. Some scammers even create fake keys. Don’t send money to them overseas. If you can’t meet in person, see the apartment, or sign a lease before you pay, keep looking. What if the rental itself is overseas? Paying with a credit card or through a reputable vacation rental website with its own payment system are your safest bets.
How to Report Scams
If you find yourself the target of a rental scam, report it to your local law enforcement agency and to the FTC. Contact the website where the ad was posted, too.

Court Upholds Walnut Order To Halt Solar Project

Mt. SAC’s proposed Solar Project cannot proceed without preserving community health and safety

WALNUT – On December 6, 2016, the City of Walnut prevailed when the Superior Court denied a request by Mt. San Antonio College (Mt. SAC) to lift the City’s Stop Work Notice prohibiting Mt. SAC from commencing grading and construction of the proposed Solar Project. In the same hearing, Superior Court Judge James Chalfant also granted the United Walnut Taxpayers’ (UWT) request for a preliminary injunction against the project. The Court’s ruling puts the proposed Solar Project on hold until the underlying lawsuits are resolved. The trial is presently scheduled in March 2017. “Yesterday was an important win for our community. The City fought aggressively to protect the safety, health, and welfare of our residents, and we have succeeded,” said Walnut Mayor Eric Ching. “Resorting to the courts is never our first choice, and I hope Mt. SAC will now recognize that cooperation with the City is a more effective way forward for both our City and the college.” The underlying lawsuit involves disputes between Mt. SAC, the City of Walnut and UWT regarding several college projects, including the proposed Solar Project on the “West Parcel”. The West Parcel is a triangular lot of undeveloped hillside bounded by single-family residences along its

southern and western borders and separated from Mt. SAC’s main campus by Grand and Temple Avenues. Mt. SAC proposes to tear down hillsides and fill in existing ravines to create a building pad. Approximately 10 acres of ground-mounted tracking solar photovoltaic panels will be installed in the leveled area. The City challenged the proposed project alleging that Mt. SAC failed to adequately evaluate the potential impacts of the project under the California Environmental Quality Act and, further, that Mt. SAC failed to obtain necessary City permits, including grading and hauling permits.

“The proposed Solar Project involves a massive grading effort requiring approximately 160 large truck trips per day to import between 163,000 and 260,000 cubic yards of fill dirt, or the equivalent of filling an ordinary football field to over 120 feet in height. The truck activity alone poses a significant safety hazard with large 40-foot trucks coming in and out of the West Parcel every 90 seconds at North Grand Avenue just 200 feet from the intersection at West Temple,” said City Manager Rob Wishner. The proposed Solar Project was “on hold,” but on Thursday, October 20, 2016, Mt. SAC notified adjacent residences that grading activity would commence on the West Parcel the following

Monday. In response, the City issued a Stop Work Notice, citing Mt. SAC with violations of 14 separate municipal ordinances. Mt. SAC sought an injunction against the City to prevent enforcement of the Stop Work Notice. Meanwhile UWT additionally sought relief from the court by way of a preliminary injunction to stop the project. Efforts to resolve the dispute by mediation among the City, Mt. SAC and United Walnut Taxpayers on November 17 failed, resulting in the injunction hearings scheduled for December 6, 2016. The court ruled in favor of the City and UWT.

 

One-Stop Shopping At Walnut Hills Village

Staff Reports

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut –Walnut Hills Village can help you be more productive and efficient while doing your daily errands. With more than 30 stores in one location, and anchored by Stater Bros., this is one-stop shopping at its finest. There is something for everyone. And with so many independent merchants, this is the perfect opportunity to shop small by shopping local.

Drop your pet off at Sophie’s Wags to Whiskers boutique for some grooming, while you relax at Newen’s Beauty Salon or Art Nails. You can run errands at several retailers, and then grab a quick lunch at Baby Elephant Thai Cuisine. There is even time to schedule that dental or vision appointment that you’ve been putting off, get your banking done, and run into Dollar Tree for discounted items.

Asian Kitchen Express will set you up with delicious Pho-Thai party trays for your next celebration, while Royal Florist takes care of your table centerpiece. And, the UPS Store is right there to help mail out a birthday card.
With so many options in one place at Walnut Village, now you can tackle those daily errands.

The Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just a ½ block west of Grand Avenue in Walnut.  See the full page ad on page 6 of this publication for coupons and a full listing of all of the retail establishments you can find there.

 

 

 

Mustang Pride!

By WVUSD 

WALNUT-Walnut High showed its blue and gold school spirit during a Parade of Champions to celebrate winning athletes on December 6.

Several fall sports teams secured league titles including Girls Cross Country, Golf, Tennis, and Boys Water Polo. Additionally, Girls Golf won the CIF state championship in November.

The Blue Thunder marching band, drumline, color guard, and pep squad led the line up during the mile-long route around the campus.

Students and staff cheered and clapped as the parade passed by their classrooms. wvusd-web

“We want to celebrate loud, hard, and often – and today ASB and the band led Walnut High to do just that!” said assistant principal Petria Gonzales.

OurWeeklyNews.com Complete Edition 12.17.16

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The Weekly News covers community news for Chino, Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, Walnut, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2016-dec-17-weekly-full2016-dec-17-weekly-cover

Walnut Holiday Events

Staff Reports

Walnut – Thanksgiving has come, and now it’s gone! The City of Walnut has the following events coming up soon.

Community Holiday Dinner & Dance
December 9, 2016 at 6:30 pm to 9:30 pm at the Walnut Senior Center. $15 per person.
This is your chance to dance the night away while celebrating the holidays. This fun evening will feature live music, a buffet dinner and door prizes. Space is limited, so please register early. Ages 21 years and older are welcome. For more information or to register, contact the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200. Ask us how you may reserve a table.

A Winter Wonderland
December 10, 2016 at 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm at the Walnut Senior Center. $8 per person.
Featuring:  Kiddie Snow Area – Arts & Crafts – Sled Rides – Snow Ball Battle Field – Games & Live Entertainment! For more information call (909) 598-5605. Rain date – TBA
Dinner with Santa 
December 10, 2016 at 5:30 pm to 7:00 pm at the Walnut Senior Center. $12 adult/$8 child.
The holidays come but once a year! Why not spend some time with Santa himself? Join us for a hearty and delicious dinner. You and your family will enjoy games and other winter activities. Don’t forget to bring a camera as Santa will be posing for pictures with the children.

WVUSD choral students make honor choir

whs-honor-choir-web

Walnut High Honor Choir members Adrienne Caparaz, Nellie Kwang, Eugene Lo, Matthew Huang, Jocelyn Chow, and Raji Rajkumar gather before the second 12-hour day of rehearsals. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Walnut – Congratulations to ten talented Walnut Valley Unified School District choral students named to the 2016 Southern California Vocal Association (SCVA).

The teens participated in two days of intense rehearsals culminating in a concert held Saturday, November 19 at the University of Redlands.

Walnut high School Honor Choir students are Adrienne Caparaz, Nellie Kwang, Eugene Lo, Matthew Huang, Jocelyn Chow, and Raji Rajkumar.

Diamond Bar High School Honor Choir students are Kaitlyn Lee, Karoline Chuang, Rebecca Chuang, and Jodie Liu.

For more pictures and videos of the event, please follow the Walnut High School choir on Instagram at walnut_choir.

 

Evergreen STEAMS Ahead as Golden Bell Award Winner

By WVUSD  

PLTW in action! Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor visits with Evergreen third grade engineers designing a vehicle to rescue a trapped zoo animal. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

PLTW in action! Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor visits with Evergreen third grade engineers designing a vehicle to rescue a trapped zoo animal.
Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Walnut/Diamond Bar- Engagement and excitement are key ingredients in making Evergreen Elementary a great place to learn!

The school’s innovative Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math (STEAM) and Project Lead the Way (PLTW) Programs are developing globally competitive citizens with character, problem solving skills, and social skills.

These programs have earned the enthusiasm of those involved and the admiration of the experts in education.

This month, the California School Boards Association (CSBA) selected Evergreen to receive the prestigious 2016 Golden Bell Award.

The Golden Bell recognizes innovative and sustainable programs that are making a demonstrated difference for students. A total of 56 public schools received the state’s leading educational honor.

“STEAM and PLTW are game changers! Our students are engaged and having fun learning,” said Principal Carolyn Wills. “We have fun down to a science. With community and staff support, our Evergreen Eagles are STEAM-ing toward their future!”

Evergreen’s Golden Bell marks the 3rd time a Walnut Valley Unified School District program has received the honor in the past decade.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor announced the award during the Board of Trustees meeting on October 19.

“We couldn’t be prouder of this well-deserved recognition for Evergreen. In all my years in education, I have never seen a school move so far, so quickly. I have witnessed a dramatic change in student engagement at Evergreen in the past four years with the advent of STEAM and PLTW,” Taylor said.

Evergreen has become a flagship school for the District’s STEAM vision, with six additional elementary schools launching the PLTW program this year.

“PLTW provides the foundation that allows students to be critical thinkers and collaborators – skills that will impact their entire life,” said Board Member Cindy Ruiz.

“We are creating global citizens of the 21st century,” added Board President Helen Hall. “I think we are very fortunate to have seven of our elementary schools implementing PLTW. It’s definitely the way of the future!”

Evergreen will receive its award at the annual CSBA Golden Bell Awards Luncheon December 3 in San Francisco.

Walnut Valley Salutes Teachers of the Year

By WVUSD

WALNUT, CA—Fifteen of Walnut Valley USD’s finest educators were honored this week during the 19th annual Salute to Teachers.

The 2015-2016 Teachers of the Year, one from each site, were chosen for putting “Kids First” each and every day.

Over 300 teachers, staff, family members, and local officials gathered for the celebration of excellence held at the Walnut High School Performing Arts Center on October 19.

Congratulations to the following Teachers of the Year:  Shannon Cooper – Castle Rock Elementary, Denise Loera – Chaparral Middle School, Christa Richard – C.J. Morris Elementary, Linda Freedman – Collegewood Elementary, Katherine Royer – Evergreen Elementary, Emily Clark – Diamond Bar High, Kathy Hurley – Maple Hill Elementary, Pam Leslie – Quail Summit Elementary, Frank De Anda – Ron Hockwalt Academies, Susan Willmering – South Pointe Middle School, Lauri Ujita – Suzanne Middle School, Sara Schilz – Vejar Elementary, Jill Takayama – Walnut Elementary, Corey Wicks – Walnut High School, and Kimberley Dalton – Westhoff Elementary.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor commended the dedicated group of educators for the work they do every day to support students.

“It is so special to formally recognize teachers for their hard work, commitment, compassion, and caring attitude,” he said.

Science and Independent Study teacher Frank De Anda was named the 2016 District Teacher of the Year at the culmination of the program.

De Anda said one approach to ensuring student success is building a sense of self-efficacy.

“What teachers do beyond the classroom matters.  It is more than the lessons we teach and the grades we give,” he commented.

“It is the relationships we form and interactions with our students that are key to building the social emotional skills that will prepare our students for adulthood.  I am proud to work in a district that values the whole child.”

The recognition event included personalized tributes, awards, and student entertainment by the Walnut High Men’s Ensemble and Chamber Singers choirs under the direction of Lisa Lopez.

Each Teacher of the Year received a golden apple bell award courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation. Honorees received rolling carts filled with gift cards, school supplies, and certificates of achievement from Congressman Ed Royce, Senator Bob Huff, City of Diamond Bar, and City of Walnut.

A special thanks to our event sponsors On Pointe, Massage Envy, Chick-fil-A, Benihana Restaurant, Schools First Federal Credit Union, Chaffey Federal Credit Union, LifeTouch Photography, Farmer Boys, Julie’s Café, Mr. G’s Pizza, The Whole Enchilada, Rubio’s, L.A. Fitness, My Lunch Spot, Henry Woo Architects, Roule Construction, In-N-Out Burger, Starbucks, Yogurtland, and Chipotle,

The District Teacher of the Year was presented with an engraved award and grand prize package that included an interactive flat screen courtesy of OnPoint Innovative Learning Environments.

De Anda shared that being named Teacher of the Year for Alternative Education has been the highlight of his career.

“It is truly the biggest honor a teacher can receive and I could not be prouder to represent such a wonderful district!”

Walnut Valley Board Honors Outstanding Student, Parent

BY WVUSD

Collegewood Elementary student Pitzil Milagro Avila Castellanos received the Super Star Student Award on October 19. Shown with Board President Helen Hall. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Collegewood Elementary student Pitzil Milagro Avila Castellanos received the Super Star Student Award on October 19. Shown with Board President Helen Hall.
Photo courtesy: WVUSD

WALNUT, CA–The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees honored a standout student and her mother during the October 19 meeting.

Collegewood Elementary 4th grader Pitzil Milagro Avila Castellanos received the Super Student Award for going above and beyond in her learning.

She excels in all content areas, acts with integrity, and consistently demonstrates thoughtfulness, shared Principal Mary Wendland.

This year, Pitzil Milagro started her own business to raise money for a playhouse and donated books to a kindergarten classroom.

Teachers describe Pitzil Milagro as kind, intelligent, motivated, responsible, and an out-of-the-box thinker.  Classmates say the super star student has a “golden heart.”

Pitzil Milagro aspires to become a doctor or a soccer player.

“I have no doubt that she will work to make her dreams come true,” Wendland added.

“She is an example of everything we value at Collegewood and she represents the very heart of our school.”

Collegewood parent Betsy Avila Castellanos, Pitzil Milagro’s mother, received the Partner in Education Award.

“She sets a wonderful example of what it means to live out commitment with heart,” said Wendland during the presentation.

Betsy serves on the school’s Community Club with a positive outlook and willingness to help in any capacity. Last year, she played a pivotal role in developing the successful Grades of Green recycling program

The dedicated parent also donates countless hours to ensure the school carnival is a success and a place where students can create lifelong memories with their families.

“She is truly a reminder of the good that exists in our community and it makes perfect sense that her daughter would share those same admirable qualities,” added Wendland. “The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree!”

Mock Interviews are a “Win” for RHA Students and Local Businesses

By WVUSD

Photo courtesy: wvusd Ron Hockwat Academies students sharpened their business skills during mock interviews with local business representatives.

Photo courtesy: wvusd
Ron Hockwat Academies students sharpened their business skills during mock interviews with local business representatives.

Walnut –  Mock interviews with local, national, and international businesses were the much anticipated culmination of Ron Hockwalt Academies’ (RHA) first 2016-2017 School-to-Career event.

Students were “dressed to impress” when they met with representatives from Target, Spencer N. Enterprises, Schools First, Applebee’s, McDonald’s, Sysco, and PetSmart on October 11.

In an after-interview debriefing, Cindy Totten, President of Totten Consulting Group and Human Resource representative for Spencer N. Enterprises, said that RHA students “could surely teach something to our earlier millennial generation.” She added that RHA students were “enthusiastic and excellently prepared” for their interviews.

“RHA is such a small school that we can spend hours personally preparing students, much like you would find at a small private school,” commented Richard Root, English teacher and School-to-Career coach.

Students spent weeks developing and editing their resumes, practicing interview techniques, reviewing common interview questions, and researching visiting companies.

Other businesses in attendance agreed. Although these companies did not come offering jobs, the tune seemed to change throughout the course of the six rounds of interviews. Business cards and email addresses were shared with successful interviewees, while some businesses invited RHA students to proceed into a second round of interviews.

The mock interviews were the brainchild of Patricia Dimas, RHA’s Transition/Workability Specialist.

“In a nutshell, I just wanted to bring more to the table for our students at RHA,” Dimas stated.

“The best service I can offer our students is the tool of awareness to better equip them to make intelligent decisions.”

King of Walnut High School

By WVUSDwvusd-king-queen-crouched

WALNUT, CA—Stephan Capps, 18, may only stand three-feet-tall, but this week he’s feeling like a giant.

The Walnut High senior was crowned 2016 homecoming king during the annual dance held last weekend.

He began campaigning for the crown several weeks ago.

“I’d ask everyone to vote for me. I really wanted to be king!’ he explained.

The whole experience of being part of the court has been “very fun,” according to Capps.

During the Oktoberfest-themed assembly, each prince and princess, donned in formalwear, paired up for a special dance.

“We did the Dab!” he proudly exclaimed while demonstrating the popular move.

The school’s homecoming queen, Kayli Brown, 17, was announced during the football game held October 7.

“I was really surprised and had wanted this since I was little!” she said.

During the dance held Saturday night in the gymnasium, Capps heard his name called as the winner of the school-wide vote.

“They gave me the crown and everybody cheered,” he recalled of the exciting moment.

Then the royal couple held hands during a slow dance.

“I was proud that we both won together,” said Brown, a member of the school’s Academic Design Program.

About two years ago, Capps was profiled in the school’s Mustang Update broadcast about disability awareness.

His message remains the same: “I’m just like everybody else – who cares about size.”

“It’s really nice here (at Walnut High) and everyone accepts me. In every class, I’ve met some really cool people,” he added.

 

“Our students have embraced this special young man,” said teacher Bob Van Setten.

Along with his new title, Capps is enjoying working with kids through an ROP child development class, and after school at the Vejar Elementary Fun Club. He’s also a member of the Leos Club and hopes to become a child psychologist someday.

“I have a job that’s so much fun and they really like me – it’s nice,” he said.

Capps said that being named homecoming king is a good way of leaving his mark on the campus.

“I think people will remember me for this after I leave here.”

Elderly Couple Involved in Murder-Suicide

Staff Reports

WALNUT-On September 30, Two bodies were discovered at a Walnut home after an apparent murder-suicide, according to The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

The two were identified as a couple, the husband, Yasheng Zhuang, 68, and the wife, as Guizhi Zhang, 50  in a home near N. Avenida Alipaz and N. La Tortola Drive in Walnut.
Authorities initially said an hourslong standoff ensued after reports of a domestic dispute at the home, and that a barricaded man was possibly armed with an AK-47. Officials later stated the shootings were believed to have occurred before deputies and a SWAT team arrived at the scene, according to ABC7.

Also according to Diamond Bar/Walnut Patch, “Coroner’s Assistant Chief Ed Winter identified the man as husband and wife. Investigators believe the husband shot his wife and then shot himself, Winter said.”

 

“I’m shocked,” said Valerie Guitron, who has lived in the neighborhood for 13 years. “I mean, that just doesn’t happen here. “She said she did not know the man and woman but was heartbroken for their relatives. “I’ve never seen this,” she added. “Our neighborhood is very, very quiet, so when I saw this I knew that something serious must have happened. It’s just sad with everything that’s going on in the world,” according to an interview conducted by ABC7.

 

The Walnut Sheriff’s Department watch commander announced over its Twitter account that law enforcement activity was near Lemon Creek Park. However, there was no danger to the public and to avoid the area.

The couple was both pronounced dead at the scene. Further investigation is being done at this time.

 

 

One-Stop Shopping At Walnut Hills Village

Staff Reports

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just ½ block west of Grand Avenue, with easy access from the 60 and 57 freeways.

Walnut –Walnut Hills Village can help you be more productive and efficient while doing your daily errands. With more than 30 stores in one location, and anchored by Stater Bros., this is one-stop shopping at its finest. There is something for everyone. And with so many independent merchants, this is the perfect opportunity to shop small by shopping local.

Drop your pet off at Sophie’s Wags to Whiskers boutique for some grooming, while you relax at Newen’s Beauty Salon or Art Nails. You can run errands at several retailers, and then grab a quick lunch at Baby Elephant Thai Cuisine. There is even time to schedule that dental or vision appointment that you’ve been putting off, get your banking done, and run into Dollar Tree for discounted items.

Asian Kitchen Express will set you up with delicious Pho-Thai party trays for your next celebration, while Royal Florist takes care of your table centerpiece. And, the UPS Store is right there to help mail out a birthday card.
With so many options in one place at Walnut Village, now you can tackle those daily errands.

The Walnut Hills Village is located at 20747 Amar Road, just a ½ block west of Grand Avenue in Walnut.  See the full page ad on page 4 of this publication for coupons and a full listing of all of the retail establishments you can find there.

 

 

 

Walnut City Council Meeting

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – The September 28 Walnut Council meeting began with a commendation for Captain Scroggin of the Sheriff’s Department. The Council thanked the Captain for all his hard work in making Walnut a safer, better place to live, and wished him good fortune in his future. Although the Council were sad to bid farewell to Captain Scroggin, they were glad to see his career flourish.

Next, the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control gave a presentation on mosquito and disease control. A representative from the San Gabriel Valley Mosquito & Vector Control explained that mosquitoes lay eggs in still water, and that mosquitoes can lay eggs in pools of still water small enough to fit inside a bottle cap. The representative also cautioned that rainwater collection barrels require modifications in order to prevent mosquitoes from laying eggs inside of them. Mosquito eggs are not toxic or harmful, and prevention requires merely emptying out water receptacles and ensuring that the eggs are also removed from receptacles.

Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing the City of Walnut claims and demands in the amount of $864,006.09; a traffic mitigation agreement with the City of Industry Successor Agency for the Industry East and Industry Business Center Developments; and a three year contract extension for ICF Jones & Stokes, Inc. for biological monitoring of Meadow Pass mitigation area. The Council then approved all items on the successor agency consent calendar, including a resolution of the City of Walnut as Successor Agency allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $3,000; and a resolution of the City of Walnut as Successor Agency to the Walnut Improvement Agency approving the amended recognized obligation payment schedule for January 1, 2017-June 30, 2017.

During the Council individual comments and updates, Councilmembers reminded residents of the upcoming Walnut Family Fun Festival, as well as to keep in mind the safety precautions presented earlier in the meeting.

The Council adjourned until Wednesday, October 12, at 21201 La Puente Rd. at 7 p.m.

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

By K.P. Sander

Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881. Also see their ad on page 8 Weekly News.

Visit Peterson Auto Repair Center in the Big Valley Industrial Park, located at 3980-A Valley Boulevard, in Walnut. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881. Also see their ad on page 5 Weekly News.

Walnut – If you are looking for a local automotive repair center that performs quality work at reasonable prices – and delivers it all with excellent service – look no further than Peterson Auto Repair Center.

Peterson now houses a full mechanic shop to serve all your automotive needs.  They not only specialize in lube and oil changes, but also repair and maintain radiators, alternators, starters, brakes, clutches, shocks and struts, axles,  air conditioning, belts and hoses, and much, much more.

In business for over 15 years, owner Eric Peterson says, “For me, it’s all about providing quality automotive repair for the neighborhood.  I grew up in La Puente and Walnut, and we have so many good customers in this area.  We really appreciate the business and word of mouth referrals.”

Carhelp.com customers agree constantly giving Peterson high marks for quality workmanship and fair pricing.

Look for Peterson to add quality auto-body services to the business in the future.

Peterson Auto Repair is located in the Big Valley Industrial Park, at 3980-A Valley Boulevard in Walnut.  They are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (909) 598-3881.  Mention their ad (see page below) and get a discount on your brakes.

 

C.J. Morris students vie for spots on Science Olympiad team

By WVUSD 

Charles Lei’s Pasta Mobile with hand-carved wheels sails down the ramp during the Science Olympiad Trials. Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Charles Lei’s Pasta Mobile with hand-carved wheels sails down the ramp during the Science Olympiad Trials.
Photo courtesy: WVUSD

WALNUT, CA—C.J. Morris Elementary 5th grader Harrison Chung is hoping to win a spot on the school’s Science Olympiad team.

On Tuesday, he patiently waited for his turn during the Egg Drop trials held at lunchtime. The mission was to create a cushioned package to protect a raw egg from a high free fall. Chung, who used bubble wrap and straws, was relieved that his egg bundle survived the drop.

“Last year, I was an alternate, so I really wanted to be on this year’s team,” he said.

Several retired educators were invited to coordinate and judge three different events held September 27-29.  “They made the little containers and we put a fresh egg inside,” explained C.J. Morris retiree Katie Trumbo who recorded the entries.

Steve Cusson, retired social studies teacher from Suzanne Middle School, climbed up a ladder to drop each egg package over a chalk bull’s eye on the black top. “This has been a lot of fun! At Suzanne we did this from the top of the library!” he said.

For the second round, Cusson launched the egg bundles from about 15-feet atop a supply shed. A crowd of students and staff cheered as he held each entry over the drop area.

Five of the eggs survived the fall on the first day, others didn’t and splatted their yolks.

Forty 3rd-5th grade students are competing for 15 spots on the Science Olympiad team.

They’ve been encouraged to enter more than one event during the trials for prepare for regional competition held next spring, according to Principal Shezhad Bhojani. “Our goal is to provide more access to students in experiencing hands-on science in an authentic selection process to represent C.J. Morris at the L.A. County Science Olympiad.”

Students also showed off their creative skills during the Pasta Mobile and Can Race events.“This competition is also allowing them to think outside the box,” Bhojani added. The tin can cars were designed to drag down a three-meter track on the playground.

“I like science a lot and wanted to give it a shot!” said 3rd grader Lorelei Silva-James while waiting to race.

Students fashioned running arms from toothpicks and rubber bands to propel their entries. “They can put weights inside the can, but they can’t push it at the starting line,” said Suzanne retiree Ronnie Hee.

Teacher Dave Boots built a wooden ramp last weekend for the Pasta Mobile contest. Students used all shapes and sizes of dry pasta including penne, macaroni, and rigatoni to build their entries.

Boots steadied each car at the top of the ramp using a yardstick. On his cue, the little cars rolled down onto the 1.5-meter lane. The goal was to travel the farthest without going out of the boundaries or falling apart.

Fourth grader Hailey Chan’s lasagna car rolled an impressive 150 centimeters on Day 1 of the trials. And Charles Lei, a 5th grader who was leading after the first day’s noodle event, carved oversized wheels from flat noodles.

The elementary students are also invited to put their skills to the test this week during Anatomy, Astronomy, and Physical Science Knowledge multiple choice exams. In the Anatomy test, they will also be asked to identify structures and organs of the body. They’ll be quizzed about the planets, the moon and its phases, the sun, a spiral galaxy, a nebula, a star cluster, and a comet on the Astronomy quiz.

“It takes courage and confidence to come out and try for this team!” Boots said.

Walnut City Council Discuss General Plan Update

Staff Reports

Walnut – Walnut City Council is working with the Planning Commission to discuss the progress of the General Plan Update. The workshop will be taking place at 6 p.m. in the Council Chambers at Walnut City Hall on Wednesday, October 19.

The City Council and Planning Commission will discuss the subject of Land Use possibilities for other areas of Walnut. The General Plan Update is believed to be the “law” or “backbone” of Walnut’s land use and related policy. It serves as a manual to assist policy actions and expand the vision for the community related to land use, circulation, housing, conservation, open space, safety and noise. Walnut’s current General Plan has aided the community for over 38 years since its adoption in 1978. Although, due to the significant growth in Walnut, council members are forced to discuss their further plans regarding the physical, environmental, economic, social, and demographic characteristics of Walnut.

Residents with inquiries on the project are encouraged to contact Walnut City Hall at 909-595-7543 or visit their office directly at 21201 La Puente Road, Walnut, California, 91789. City Hall is open Mon-Thurs from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Residents can also visit the City’s website at www.cityofwalnut.org under the header Popular Links and the Community Resources drop-down menu.