City of Walnut
Walnut—Residents have cleaned out their closets and are heading to the Walnut Senior Center (21215 La Puente Road,Walnut) for a Community Rummage Sale! Join us on Saturday, May 6 from 8:00 am to 1:00 pm as the City of Walnut host its annual Peddlers’ Market in partnership with over 40 residents selling their old treasures. There is no entry fee to shop and everyone is welcome. For information contact the Walnut Senior Center at 909-598-6200.
By Marissa Mitchell
Walnut – A recent judge’s ruling has given Mt. San Antonio College the go-ahead to construct its long-awaited solar project, previously contested by the City of Walnut and neighboring residents.
On March 14, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant found that because the project is a solar generation facility, it is exempt from city land use, zoning, and building controls. This ruling halts the city’s stop-work order on the college. Moreover, he rejected the city’s request to take lead agency status. Mt. Sac thus maintains responsibility for conducting the project under the CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act.
“We are pleased the judge supported Mt. SAC’s position on this matter,” stated the President of Mt. SAC Bill Scroggins. “We are looking forward to working cooperatively with the City of Walnut and neighbors.”
The project will be located on Mt. Sac premises known as the “West Parcel,” a triangular piece of land South of Temple Avenue.
Even though the judge ruled that Mt. SAC is not required to apply to the City of Walnut for a conditional use permit or building permit, it must submit grading and truck hauling plans for the solar project. City engineers must then review and process the grading plans for approval. However, the authority of the city’s review is limited by state code to onsite review only – meaning the design and grading issues can only be judged and assessed inasmuch as they affect the site itself.
“The college has had a long history of working with the city on construction issues such as grading and truck hauling,” Scroggins declared. “We will monitor the city’s progress on the review of our grading and hauling plans and collaborate with city staff to expedite the process.”
Because the system will generate 2.2 megawatts of electricity for the campus, it will save taxpayers at least $480,000 a year, as well as approximately $15 million over the 25-year life cycle of the system. This project will move the college closer to energy independence and improve the quality and reliability of campus electrical service.
Funding for the project has included voter-approved Proposition 39 Clean Energy Funds, California Solar Incentive Funds, and California Energy Commission loans.
Staff Reports
Walnut – One person was transported to a local hospital after a fire broke out in Walnut last Thursday.
The fire broke out in the 800 block of North Silver Valley Terrace around 11 am when the Walnut Fire Department were called out to the residence. One person was treated for smoke inhalation.
The fire department extinguished the flames at the two-story building in 21 minutes, according to the county fire department.
No other injuries or damage assessment was available at press time.
Walnut – The City of Walnut’s Community Services Department in collaboration with Mount San Antonio College will host the 13th Annual Intergenerational Art Show, “America.” This group exhibition will feature mixed medium pieces from throughout the community. The show will run from April 24 through April 28, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road.
We invite you to join us on Saturday, April 22, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, for our Artist Reception and Live Auction. Meet the artists, take home a beautiful work of art and enjoy appetizers and refreshments, all compliments of Brookdale of Walnut Senior Living.
The show is open to all ages. For submissions or more information please contact the Walnut Senior Center at 909-598-6200. You may also email Gabriela Encinas at gencinas@cityofwalnut.org.
“Mystery Crime Scene”
City of Walnut
Walnut – Back by popular demand!!! The City of Walnut Community Services Department is hosting its annual Family Science Night event on Friday, March 31, 2017 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Come and investigate the suspicious activities taking place at the Walnut Senior Center. Help solve crimes with clues and science showcasing your forensic mind. Family Science Night is fun for the entire family. Pre-sale registration is available now for only $10.00 per family of four and $12.00 on the day of the event.
Family Science Night is located at the Walnut Senior Center at 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut, California 91789. For more information, please contact the Walnut Senior Center at 909-598-6200.
By Racine Guajardo
Looking for a local Independence Day Celebration? Here are lists of local events you may attend!
Chino- On Saturday, July 2, City of Chino and Chino Girls Fastpitch present “Chino Fireworks Spectacular” at Ruben S. Ayala Park, 14225 Central Avenue.
The event starts at 3 p.m. and ends at 9:30 p.m. Included will be carnival rides and games, a food court, a performance by The Answer, Military recognition, and end with a firework showing starting at approximately 9 p.m.
For more information about this event, you may visit http://www.cityofchino.org/events or call (909) 334-3258.
Chino Hills- The City of Chino Hills invites you on June 29 to attend the Independence Celebration at Veterans Park, 14877 Eucalyptus Avenue.
The event will be held from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. including free activities, live tribute band, concession booths, carnival games, face painting, arts and crafts, live entertainment, balloon artists and giveaways.
Diamond Bar- Diamond Bar High School, 21400 Pathfinder Rd., will be hosting a 4th of July Blast!
This event will start at 5 p.m. with a musical performance by the band, Cold Duck; followed by a firework show that will start promptly at 9 p.m. Parking and admission are free. You may bring a picnic dinner or purchase concessions from local non-profit vendors.
If you have any questions about the event, you may email atarazon@diamondbarca.gov or call (909) 839-7070.
Walnut- City of Walnut will be celebrating on 4th of July at Suzanne Park, 625 Suzanne Rd.
The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with activities such as face painting, pie eating contest, and food trucks. The firework show will start at approximately 9 p.m.
For more information, contact The Walnut Community Services Department at (909) 598-5605.
By Natalie Kim
Walnut – The May 25 Walnut Council meeting began with several presentations, the first of which went to Collegewood Elementary School. Collegewood received an award for the Trash Free Lunch Challenge. Stanley G. Oswalt Academy also received a California Gold Ribbon School achievement. The Council proclaimed May 2016 as Water Awareness Month, and announced New York Pizzeria as the Spring 2016 Business of the Quarter.
Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including the Study Session minutes of May 11; the City Council meeting minutes of May 11; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $1,147,134.41; and an award of a bid to L. Barrios & Associates, Inc. for Trail Improvements.
After Councilmember reports and comments, the Council adjourned to the next City Council meeting on June 8 at 21201 La Puente Rd., Walnut.
Staff Reports
Walnut – A man was killed by a freight train on the border of Walnut and City of Industry last week.
On Saturday, May 7 at about 7 a.m., a Union Pacific train approached a man on a set of train tracks near Lemon Avenue and Lycoming Street. The personnel conducting the train sounded the horn and applied the brakes, but the train could not stop in time, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. The train hit the man and he was pronounced dead at the scene.
The man’s name or age has not been released. An autopsy will be conducted by the Los Angeles County Department of Medical Examiner-Coroner.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Elementary student Michael Wu is the big winner in a National Missing Children’s Day Poster Contest.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut–Walnut Elementary fifth grader Michael Wu has been named the grand prize winner in the National Missing Children’s Day poster contest.
The talented 11-year-old’s entry in the “Bring Our Missing Children Home” competition depicts the silhouette of a young boy hugging his teddy bear.
“It shows that the child feels lonely and he wants to be back home,” Michael explained.
The annual competition is sponsored by the U.S. Department of Justice to create awareness and promote child safety.
Michael was named the 1st place winner in California. His original artwork was then submitted for the national judging.
“It feels awesome!” the soft-spoken student said about receiving the national award.
Teacher Seema Bagai was happily “shocked” after learning the news that her student took the top prize.
“I am thrilled for Michael and can’t wait to celebrate with him in Washington D.C. later this month!”
Michael learned about the contest from his mom, Wendy, an art teacher at the school. He quickly decided to pull out his paint brushes for a good cause.
“I wanted to help find missing children!”
Michael used colored pencils in shades of brown to bring life to the cuddly teddy bear. To achieve a splattered shadow around the outline of the child, he flicked dark green paint from an old toothbrush.
Michael, along with his parents, and teacher have been awarded a trip to Washington D.C. to be recognized during the National Missing Children’s Day ceremony on May 25. This ceremony honors the heroic and exemplary efforts of agencies, organizations, and individuals to protect children.
The young artist also took 1st place in the fifth grade category of the Walnut Valley Water District 2016 Water Awareness Month Poster Contest. Michael is a back-to-back winner and his entire class will be visiting the Three Valleys Municipal Water District Miramar Treatment Plant for a tour and pizza lunch.
By Mike Taylor
Walnut–– The Mt. San Antonio College Forensics Team took second place overall at the 2016 Phi Rho Pi National Tournament held recently in Costa Mesa, with students winning five gold medals, seven silver medals, and 12 bronze medals. More than 500 students from 64 colleges throughout the nation competed.
Mt. SAC’s Jacqueline Yu (Walnut) won first place overall and the Bovero Top Speaker Award as the outstanding speaker at the national competition, winning gold medals in informative speaking, after dinner speaking, and communication analysis, and a silver medal in the impromptu speaking competition.
Joey Fontana of Diamond Bar won a gold medal in informative speaking and a silver medal in persuasive speaking. Sarina Wang of Hacienda Heights won a gold medal in informative speaking and a bronze medal in debate.
Azzaam Siddiqi of Walnut won a silver medal in impromptu speaking and a bronze medal in informative speaking. Christopher Robles of La Puente won silver in poetry interpretation and bronze in programmed oral interpretation. Amy Jajieh of Menifee won silver in persuasive speaking and bronze in dramatic interpretation. Matthew Rodriguez of Rio Rancho, NM won silver in persuasive speaking, and bronze as part of a parliamentary debate team. Tiffany Pla of Claremont won silver in extemporaneous speaking, a bronze in persuasive speaking, and a bronze as part of a parliamentary debate team.
Matthew Dowling of Norco won bronze in extemporaneous speaking and bronze as part of a parliamentary debate team. Anthony Flores of Baldwin Park won bronze in the prose competition. Kai Vibar of Walnut won bronze in programmed oral interpretation and bronze as part of a duo interpretation team. Lastly, Alexandria Romero of Chino won bronze in dramatic interpretation and bronze as part of a duo interpretation team.
The team is coached by faculty members Roxan Arntson, Danny Cantrell, and Roger Willis-Raymondo. Since 1994, Mt. SAC has won nine community college national titles and has placed among the top 10 in university-level competition four times.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High students paired up with local seniors for a Lindy Hop dance lesson. Shown: Freshman Brian Duran teaches community member Leann Curren some new steps.
Walnut teens and local seniors come together at Big Band dance
By Kelli Gile
Walnut—The Walnut High School Swing Club and Jazz Band joined the fun during the Swinging Good Times dinner and dance at the Walnut Senior Center on April 22.
High school musicians took to the stage to perform a set of 1930-40’s swing-era music including “Not What” and “Sing Sing Sing.”
Senior Ryan Maidment, who plays trumpet in the group, took the lead organizing the ensemble, selecting music, and scheduling rehearsals for the special performance.
“I love jazz completely and listen to it all the time!” he said.
The teens said they were a little nervous, but excited to be a part of the service project with senior citizens.
“It’s definitely not like anything I’ve seen before,” Maidment said. “It’s been fun!” added electric bass player Matthew Distante.
The multi-generational social dance was the brainchild of English teacher Jennifer Maletz.
“I’m taking a class in community leadership, and we have to create a project that meant something to us. I was a dancer and band singer, so I know that this is a great opportunity to bridge the gap between generations through music and dance,” she said.
A dozen members of the school’s Swing Club showed off their skills performing a Shim Sham Shimmy dance routine.
The girls wore black and white polka dot dresses and the smartly dressed boys donned tuxedo shirts and bow ties for the event. Not the typical Friday night attire for teens.
The local seniors were then invited onto the dance floor for a beginning Lindy Hop lesson to the classic Big Band music.
“If you want to learn some basics of swing – please come and pair up with one of our Swing Club members,” Maidment announced.
The teens quickly partnered with the eager seniors.
The 20-minute tutorial included the quick turn, tuck turn, spin out, and Charleston moves, according to junior Patrick Stephanoff. “You can learn it in a night, but it takes longer to master,” he said.
Walnut resident Leann Curren was one of the first to take the dance floor to learn steps from freshman Brian Duran.
“I love to dance! I’ve been married almost 48 years, but my husband doesn’t dance,” Curren said. So, she took up line dancing about a year ago at the Walnut Senior Center.
“You don’t need a partner!”
“This has been great!” said Richard Pena after taking a spin on the dance floor. His group of retired friends attend ballroom dances that feature the rumba, foxtrot, salsa, cha cha, and waltz.
“I’ve done the West Coast Swing, but never tried the Lindy Hop. It brings back memories!” he added.
The Walnut High Swing Club members are passionate about jazz and it showed as they seamlessly quick-stepped and twirled to the familiar sounds of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, and more.
“I’ve danced a lot of different genres, but I really like swing the most,” said junior Chelsea “Cat” Tuason.
“I enjoy the fact that it gives me a chance to meet new people!” said 18-year-old Brion Robles.
“There’s dance at school, but it’s modern and it’s very hip-hoppy,” added senior Riley Herms, who has been a member of the after-school club for three years. “It’s neat doing something fancier!”
“I think that sometimes we end up being segmented by our ages and not mingling,” Maletz said. “Here in Walnut High School, we have an amazing group of dancers who enjoy music from a very different generation, so there’s a bridge of music and dance that can create a connection within the community.”
“I am so proud of the students and the effort they put in. The event exceeded my expectations for connection and fun!” Maletz said.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Vejar Elementary celebrates its 50th birthday, shown with current and former staff members, district administration, board members, and city officials.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut—When Vejar Elementary marked its 50th birthday party, scores of former students, staff, principals, and teachers returned for the milestone celebration, eager to see familiar faces, and share fond memories.
Art Hermosillo was one of the first students to attend the new school as a kindergartner when the doors opened in January 1966.
“We had such a great time!” he said standing in the courtyard of his alma mater reciting every one of his teachers’ names, including the school’s first principal, Doug Rosenow.
“We were always looking forward to the holiday parties at Halloween and Christmas. And I remember the mobile library that would visit the school.”
Mary Trout, who taught at Vejar from 1977-2001, was quick to share her favorite memory at the school.
“It was our fifth grade ‘Let’s Hear it for America’ patriotic performance,” she said. “It was amazing!”
Truman Collins, who served as the school’s fourth principal from 1981 to 1988, said that he wouldn’t have missed the party.
“I’m so happy to be here!” he said while shaking hands of dear friends and colleagues.
The party included band and choir performances, memorabilia, and of course, cupcakes for everyone during a special open house held on March 24.
“We have the best staff and students in the world!” said proud Principal Jennifer De Anda to about 400 members of the extended Vejar family gathered at the event.
“It’s been an exciting year of celebration – receiving the state’s Gold Ribbon award on the year of our Golden Anniversary is the icing on the cake!” she added.
“I know this school means so much to all of us!” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor about the school that has a “neighborhood feel.”
“Teachers and staff are so committed to student achievement and truly care about every child.”
Vejar students left a long-lasting imprint on a tile wall created to commemorate for the event.
Fifth grade teacher Karen Montgomery, who has called Vejar her home for the past 27 years, used her talents to stitch together a collection of the school’s logo t-shirts to create a 50th anniversary quilt.
“My hope was that the gift would celebrate the Vejar family and add beauty and a sense of school pride for all that see it.”
The choir even led the audience in a special rendition of the Birthday Song, written by teacher Pam Acosta.
“Happy Birthday Vejar. Happy Birthday with cheer. The year was 1966 that kids first came here!”
Fifty years of school history was on display in the school library with tables filled with yearbooks and photos, news clippings, and artifacts from the past five decades, including an “antique” rotary telephone and record player.
Retired administrator Yvonne Sevilla, who also served as the school’s ninth principal, shared details of its rich history including the early years when the school was surrounded by farmland, creeks, and orchards.
“In the 1960’s things looked quite different at the school – there was no air conditioning, no carpet or phones. Men wore ties and women wore dresses everyday!” she exclaimed.
Vejar was built on the site of the Ricardo Spanish land grant and its logo – a cowboy boot- represents the Vaqueros cowboys who took care of the rancho during the 1800’s.
A colorful carved four-foot-tall version created by 5th grade student Mora Hanks and WVUSD carpenter Mike Bromberg was unveiled for the party.
The school’s longtime motto “Future Leaders Learn Here” was etched above a cowboy on horseback depicted on the plaque.
“It’s so very true!” Sevilla commented. “And for that, we need to clap and cheer right now!”
By Thom Mrozek
Walnut – A couple from Walnut, California and two of their import and distribution companies have been sentenced after previously pleading guilty to a wide variety of criminal activity, including smuggling Harp Seal oil into the United States from China, falsely classifying goods to avoid import duties, and importing mislabeled food into the United States from China.
Lynn Leung, 61, the former president and co-owner of the UBF Group, Inc., doing business as the Nu-Health Products Company, was ordered to serve five years of probation, which will include one year of home detention. Leung was also ordered by United States District Judge Dale S. Fischer to pay a $20,000 fine. Additionally, Leung was banned from working as a manager, officer or director of any business entity – including her own family companies – for a period of five years.
Daniel Fu, 65, Leung’s husband and the former vice-president of UBF Group, Inc., was also sentenced Monday to five years of probation, ordered to spend six months under home detention and fined $20,000. During the period of probation, Fu is also banned from working as a manager, officer or director of any business entity – including his own family companies.
Leung and Fu jointly owned and operated a number of local dietary supplement import and distribution companies doing business as the Nu-Health Products Company, including UBF Group, Inc. and ASN Group, Inc.
Judge Fischer also sentenced UBF Group, Inc., ordering it to pay a total monetary penalty of $1.29 million. The company was ordered to pay a $230,000 fine, to forfeit $941,000 in proceeds derived from criminal activity, and to pay $119,000 in restitution to the United States Customs and Border Protection agency for import duties it avoided as a result of the criminal scheme.
ASN Group, Inc., also on Monday was sentenced to pay a $30,000 criminal fine and ordered to implement a compliance program designed to insure compliance with all relevant United States Food and Drug Act requirements and regulations.
Leung and Fu previously pleaded guilty to introducing misbranded food into interstate commerce with the intent to defraud or mislead. The “food” at issue consisted of millions of capsules of honey bee royal jelly – dietary supplements that were falsely and misleadingly described in import records as “aloe vera.” The mislabeled dietary supplements were purchased from UBF Group, Inc.’s supplier in China, the Sirio Pharma Company, Ltd. Both Leung and Fu admitted that the royal jelly was falsely described in import and export documents because Sirio Pharma lacked regulatory certificates required for export of the honey bee products from China.
“Laws protecting wildlife are also designed to protect consumers, who deserve to know that products are legally obtained and do not pose a threat to their health,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Prosecutions like this one demonstrate the commitment of my office and our partner regulatory agencies to stop crimes motivated by greed that threaten our environment.”
UBF Group, Inc. previously pleaded guilty to two felonies, specifically smuggling 4 million capsules of Harp Seal oil into the United States (the shipments were falsely labeled as fish oil) and smuggling falsely classified Chinese goods into the United State to avoid payment of import duties. Harp Seals are protected by the federal Marine Mammal Protection Act, which forbids importation of any seals or seal parts, except for scientific or educational purposes. By falsely classifying the value of its imported products on customs documents, UBF Group, Inc. avoided payment of at least $119,000 in import duties legally owed on its Chinese merchandise.
ASN Group, Inc. previously pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor offense of introducing mislabeled food into interstate and foreign commerce.
The Chinese supplier, Sirio Pharma Company, previously pleaded guilty in this case to wildlife trafficking and was ordered to pay $500,000 in monetary fines and penalties. Sirio Pharma admitted that employees of the Nu-Health Products Company asked Sirro Pharma to falsely label certain products, including Harp Seal oil and honey bee products, and invoice its shipments of various dietary products in a manner that helped the Nu-Health Products Company to disguise the true cost of the products and their true description.
“This case is victory for protected species everywhere,” said Eileen Sobeck, assistant administrator for NOAA Fisheries. “Taking enforcement actions against those who violate the laws protecting marine species will always be a top enforcement priority.”
This case was investigated by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration – Office of Law Enforcement, the United States Food and Drug Administration – Office of Criminal Investigations, and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigation.
A four-year-old is expected to donate her hair at local Relay For Life
Staff Reports
Walnut – A four-year-old girl is raising awareness of the American Cancer Society’s services and programs through her fundraising efforts for this year’s Relay For Life of Walnut Valley.
The local Relay For Life will be held Saturday, June 25 to Sunday, June 16 from 9 am to 9 pm at Suzanne Middle School.
Four year-old-Isabella Encinas’ fundraiser started after she asked her parents if she could donate her hair to a child battling cancer. “With her father’s blessing and her mother’s passion for a cancer free world, Isabella was granted permission to receive her first haircut ever, on the premise that she would raise $1000 for this year’s American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life of Walnut Valley,” according to a City of Walnut news release.
If Isabella is able to meet her fundraising goal by the event date, then she will be sharing in the joy of having her first haircut on the day of Relay and making a difference in another child’s life, according to the news release.
Isabella invites you to join her in this life enriching opportunity by either donating to her fundraising efforts or consider joining her for a haircut on the day of Relay. Hair donations will be made to the non-profit organization Wigs for Kids.
To make a monetary donation to her campaign, please visit http://main.acsevents.org/goto/isabellarelays.
If you are interested in donating your hair, please contact Gabriela Encinas at (626) 388-7444 to schedule your haircut on the day of Relay or arrange pick-up. Keep in mind that hair donations must be 12 inches in length and free from bleaching or chemicals.
“Together we can Paint the World Purple and make great strides for a cancer free tomorrow.”
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Senior Derek Wan dives into the clear blue during the grand reopening at Walnut High.
By Kelli Gile
Walnut- Community members caught their first glimpse of the renovated Aquatics Center at Walnut High School during a poolside event on April 20.
“It’s a great day to celebrate the opening of our new pool!” said Principal Brandon Dade as he welcomed parents, students, staff, and officials gathered for the celebration.
The grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony marked the completion of the $2.3 million construction project.
The nine-lane competition venue and upgraded facilities were made possible by voter approval of Bond Measures S & Y passed in November 2007.
“I want to thank the parents, because without them, we would not have this today,” said Board President Helen Hall. “Our parents really care in Walnut Valley!”
The construction began in July 2015 with the removal of the outdated swimming pool and surrounding decking.
For the past several months Mustang swim and water polo teams have been practicing and competing at Diamond Bar High.
“I’m appreciative of our coaches and administration that have been so flexible during this project,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.
Walnut students and staff were excited to host their first competition in the new 304,603-gallon swimming pool immediately following the ceremony.
“We’ve had a great team for several years and now we have a pool that represents the quality of our program,” said head swim coach, Ed Gautreau. “I’m happy that we can call this our home again!”
“The athletic department would like to thank everyone that was instrumental in the modernization of our aquatic facility,” said director Jerry Person.
The swim complex features new decking and lighting, locker rooms with men’s and women’s restrooms, coach’s room, pool storage building, mechanical room, pool equipment building and supplies, public restrooms, galvanized iron fencing, aluminum bleachers with shade structure, and scoreboard.
After the ribbon cutting, swim team and water polo members took to the blocks for their first official dive.
Senior swim captain Leah Rickard said joining the swim team four years ago was one of the best decisions of her life.
“Sports programs teach respect, self motivation, time management, and how to be a team player,” she said.
“It is on this deck that I’ve not only grown as a swimmer, but also as a person and a leader.”
The new aquatics center will primarily be used for the school’s swim program and physical education classes, but will soon be open to the community for recreational activities during the summer as well.
“Walnut High School Aquatics has a strong tradition that will be carried on for many years to come,” Person added.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High swim team and water polo members celebrate at the opening of the new aquatics center. Shown: Erin De Anda, Emily Honng, Leah Rickard, Jarren Peng, Garrett Gautreau, Jerry Chen, and Derek Wan.
By Natalie Kim
Walnut – The April 13 Walnut City Council Meeting began by recognizing the many volunteers that gave their support to the City. To celebrate Volunteer Recognition Month, the Council recognized the Rotary Club, the American Youth Soccer Organization, the Walnut Valley Women’s Club, the Chinese American Association of Walnut, the Walnut Lion’s Club, the Walnut Valley Relay for Life, and several residents who have offered many hours of hard work and service to the City.
Following the presentations, the Council approved all items on the consent calendar, including an ordinance amending water efficient landscaping requirements of the Walnut Municipal Code; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $49,335.71; an alcoholic beverage license application for Valley Market & Liquor; a request by Canning Hunger for a non-profit solicitation permit and waiver of business license tax; rate increases for the fiscal year of 2016-17 and 2017-18 of a three year contract with West Coast Arborist for City wide tree trimming and related services and extension of the contract for an additional year, fiscal year 2018-19; the American Cancer Society 2016 Relay for Life request and fee waiver for City service and equipment fee; and an announcement for application period for the Senior Citizens, Parks and Recreation, and the Planning Commissions. The Council also approved a resolution of the Successor Agency allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,250.00.
The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on April 27 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd. in Walnut.
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.
By K.P. Sander
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 and get an oil change for just $21.99 (plus tax and fees).
Health career students advance to national competition in June
By Mike Taylor
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College health career students won a total of 14 medals, including seven gold medals and seven silver medals, at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) state leadership conference held April 6–10 in Anaheim. More than 2,500 students competed at the state competition.
Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Sierra Gomez (San Bernardino), Keili Hiniker (Walnut), and La Tonya McDaniel (Perris) won gold medals in the creative problem solving competition. Eduardo Guzman (Baldwin Park) Maria Jauregui (Covina), and Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park) won gold medals in the biomedical debate competition.
Remington Cole (Pomona), Sue Mass (Chino Hills), Sandra Medina (La Puente), and Felicia Ngo (Alhambra) took silver medals in creative problem solving. Rebecca Cruz (Rancho Cucamonga), Kirk Loualhati (Covina), and Joe Sanchez (Covina) won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.
All 14 Mt. SAC students will advance to the national HOSA competition to be held June 22–25 in Nashville, Tenn.
HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The organization provides students in 40 states with skills, leadership development, and career development.
Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut High School will celebrate the grand reopening and ribbon cutting of its aquatic center on April 20.
Walnut High School swimming pool renovation complete
By Kelli Gile
Walnut—Walnut High School is set to celebrate the completion of a $2.3 million pool renovation during a grand reopening and ribbon cutting ceremony on April 20.
The community is invited to join the 3:30 p.m. poolside event that will feature an inaugural dive-in by swim team members.
The huge construction project began in July 2015 with the removal of the outdated pool and surrounding decking.
The star of the Walnut High Aquatics competition venue is a brand new 304,603-gallon swimming pool with nine racing lanes.
Additionally, the swim complex features new decking and lighting, locker room with men’s and women’s restrooms, coach’s room, pool storage building, pool equipment building, public restrooms, aluminum bleachers with shade structure, and scoreboard.
Construction and modernization projects in the Walnut Valley Unified School District were made possible by voter approval of Bond Measures S & Y passed in November 2007.
Walnut High School is located at 400 N. Pierre Road in Walnut.
California Coach
By J.D. Alberts
Walnut – For over 25 years, California Coach Auto Collision has served its community with top notch repair and assistance services, reaching from “Diamond Bar to Chino and beyond.”
Under original ownership, California Coach takes great pride in their quality service reputation and understands the importance of automotive safety. Their highly trained, certified mechanical technicians take great care of every vehicle they service. And with a 16,000 square foot “state of the art” collision repair shop and one acre adjacent storage space, California Coach is well-equipped to take care of all of your auto collision needs, including:
California Coach has earned a reputation for courteous service, high standards, and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings since they opened in 1998. Most new customers are a result of referrals by happy customers, and this is a standing they don’t take for granted. They understand the stress associated with an accident or tow, and their goal is to take care of your car and reduce your frustration. They will work hard to restore your car to its original condition and keep you updated throughout the process; and all insurance claims are welcome.
In partnership with Mercury Insurance Group and Diamond Honda of Puente Hills (as an approved repair facility), California Coach is also ASE certified, and a AAA Roadside Assistance Provider and Patrol. They are also members of the California Auto Body Association, the California Tow Truck association, and the Walnut Sheriff’s Booster Club.
California Coach Auto Collision is located at 22064 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Body Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can reach them at (909) 595-9448, or (909) 595-6970 for their 24-hour towing service. For more information visit their website at http://www.calcoachautobodytowing.com, or send them an email at info@CalCoachAutoBodyTowing.com.
ABC PR -Community News, Public Relations and Advertising Services 