Tag Archives: walnut

“Swinging Good Times” Dinner & Dance

Teens and senior citizens come together at swing dance!

Staff Reports

Walnut– Join us as we swing the night away! Students from the Walnut High School Jazz Band will usher in the distinctive sounds of 1930-40’s swing-era music during a dinner and dance on April 22. Members of the school’s Swing Club will provide instruction, comradery, and entertainment with local senior citizens!

Walnut High English teacher Jennifer Maletz came up with the idea for the multi-generational social event as a way to create a sense of connection, joy, and understanding through dance. About 40 students and 100 seniors are expected to come together for this new event!

The dinner and dance will take place at the Walnut Senior Center, located at 21215 La Puente Road. The event will be held from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Tickets are $10 for members and $12 for non-members. Please call the Walnut Senior Center at (909) 598-6200.

 

Walnut Election Results

Staff Reports

Walnut–  The Walnut City Council election results are in! Incumbents Nancy Tragarz and Eric Ching were elected to the City Council on Tuesday night. However, Tony Cartagena’s open seat will be occupied by 23-year-old newcomer, Andrew Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is a Walnut High School graduate and he is the youngest City Councilmember ever elected in Walnut’s history.

“Over the last few months, it has truly been an honor and privilege to have met so many different people who genuinely care about the future of our community… I would like to thank the residents of this city for giving us a chance to showcase our vision for Walnut,” Rodriguez said a week before election day.

When he found out he won, Rodriguez posted a picture on his Facebook page with the caption, “Thank you Walnut! I look forward to serving as your City Councilman for the next 4 years!”

Unofficial results reported that Tragarz received 2,358 votes; Ching received 1,896 votes; and Rodriguez received 1,668 votes. They will take the three final seats on the Walnut City Council, joining Mayor Robert Pacheco and Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Su.

The unofficial results also reported that the candidate in fourth, Bella Cristobal, received 1,281 votes; Dino Pollalis in fifth place received 1,170 votes; and Betty Tang in last received 1,064 votes.

 

Mt. SAC Will Stage ‘And Then There Were None’

By Mike Taylor

Walnut–– The Mt. San Antonio College Theater Program will stage its production of Agatha Christie’s “And Then There Were None” on Friday and Saturday, April 15 and 16, at 8 p.m., with a special Sunday matinee, April 17, at 2 p.m., in Mt. SAC’s Studio Theater.
This thriller from murder mystery maven Agatha Christie brings together eight unsuspecting strangers for what promises to be a pleasant weekend at a quaint island estate. That promise turns more than ominous when the sullen staff play a recording from the absent host threatening each of the guests with dire consequences for their “crimes.” A desperate game of survival results as the guests pull together to battle an unseen enemy, and their numbers dwindle.
Theater Professor Alan Brooks directs this Mt. SAC production. Tickets are $14 for general admission, $10 for seniors, students, and children under 12.
For tickets and more information, call the Performing Art Box Office at (909) 274-2050. Tickets may also be purchased online at https://tickets.mtsac.edu.

Walnut Animal Licensing Enforcement

Courtesy of the City of Walnut

WALNUT– Officers from the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be conducting field licensing enforcement in the City of Walnut beginning April 20th, 2016. Field enforcement efforts are designed to ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with mandatory licensing requirements. Additionally, California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Securing a dog or cat license is essential to assisting animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost.

The licensing fees for City residents are as follows:

  • Unaltered dog- $72
  • Altered dog- $27
  • Altered dog belonging to a senior citizen (60+) – $9.50
  • Unaltered cat- $10
  • Altered cat- $5
  • Penalty fee- Equal to the license fee

Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees, delinquency charges, and a $40 field enforcement fee (to offset the cost of the field services.)  In order to avoid penalties, be sure your pet is licensed.

 

You can secure a new license by printing the application online at http://www.animalcare.lacounty.gov and mailing it to Department of Animal Care 12440 E. Imperial Hwy Suite 603 Norwalk CA 90650 or by visiting your local County animal care center. Residents may also renew online if their pet’s license is not delinquent at our website: http://www.animalcare.lacounty.gov. Information on licensing fees can also be found on the website.

 

DACC offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries. Please visit our website or stop by your local County of Los Angeles animal care center for more information about these services.

Sheriff’s Golf Tournament A Success

Photo by: Michael Armijo

Photo by: Michael Armijo

By Sarah Sanchez

 

Walnut/Diamond Bar– The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club held another great golf tournament on April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills. The golf tournament took place to honor the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Department’s 150 volunteers who give their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin. The golf tournament was held to provide the needed uniforms and equipment to these volunteers.

Sheriff Booster Club President, Gilbert Rivera, said that the golf tournament had a great community participation. There were a total of 127 golfers, which is the largest number of participants that they have ever had, according to Rivera. There were also 26 volunteers in attendance from the volunteer division of the Sheriff’s Department.

Diamond Bar community member and Efree Church Pastor, Mark Hopper, said he enjoyed seeing the many Deputies that participated in the golf tournament and the Cadets from the Deputy Explorer program that came out.

“It was a very nice event. It was well-organized, well-attended, and there were a lot of prizes,” said Hopper. He was even happy that his team received a trophy. He laughed that the trophy was for “Best Effort” though.

Rivera said their top priority for this year’s golf tournament was to make it a fun and successful event for the participants. They had a variety of games including a putting contest, longest drive contest, straightest drive contest, and even a marshmallow contest, where they had to hit a marshmallow off of a tee. Rivera said they wanted to include games that everyone could participant in, no matter what skill level they were at.

The price to participate in the golf tournament was only $100, which is a very affordable rate for a private golf course. The participants received lunch, dinner, goodie bags donated by Waste Management, and an opportunity to win the many raffle prizes that were donated from different businesses in the community.

Sponsors included American Pacific Mortgage, City of Diamond Bar, City of Walnut, Coca Cola, Diamond Country Escrow, Furniture of America, James & Emma Farmer, Jinza Teriyaki Restaurant, Kaiser Permanente, LA County Professional Peace Officers Assn., Lemon Creek Tires Inc., Miller Coors Brewery, PPOA Federal Credit Union, Supervisor Don Knabe, Walnut Plaza, and Wilshire Bank. Kaiser Permanente’s group even won first place in the tournament!

The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors and all the people who volunteered their time and effort to help put on a great event.

Rivera said that they are so glad it was a successful event and they are looking forward to next year’s event. Follow the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club Facebook page to stay updated on when the next tournament will take place!

Walnut Valley Trustees Honor Stand Out Students, Community Members

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Justin Tran, a Maple Hill Elementary kindergartner, was honored as a Super Star Student on March 16. Shown with Principal Nancy Stingley, teacher Lisa Esse, librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen, family members, and Board President Helen Hall.

 By Kelli Gile

 

WALNUT– The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized four stellar students and community members during the March 16 meeting.

Maple Hill kindergartner Justin Tran was lauded with the Super Star Student Award.  Justin was recently named a winner in the “Ticket to Adventure” bookmark contest sponsored by the Los Angeles County Public Library. Each fall, students submit original artwork in the K-12 competition.

“Justin is the only kindergartener that won,” exclaimed librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen.  “This is a very big deal for our school – we haven’t had a winner in 11 years!”

“He is a wonderful student, extremely caring and compassionate, and gives 110% every day,” described teacher Lisa Delio.  “Justin is one of those little boys who will be a great leader in our community someday.  I am extremely proud of him. Justin is an all-around Maple Hill super star!” she added.

Justin passed out copies of his winning bookmark as a gift for the Board members and District officials.

Global Mission Church was honored with the Partner in Education Award. For the past two years, the Diamond Bar church has supported Maple Hill’s character education program by sponsoring an assembly, providing teacher materials, and purchasing over 500 books for students.

Last year, while the school was renovating its library, Global Mission Church stepped up and provided all new shelving in the two rooms. In addition, members donated over new 200 books for the library.

“We are so very proud to have them as our community partners!” said Principal Nancy Stingley.

Westhoff Elementary 5th grader Bella Liu was recognized with the Super Star Student Award.

“Bella exemplifies all character traits taught at Westhoff,” said Principal Denise Rendon.  “Kindness and respect are ingrained in who she is as a person.”

Bella is a quiet leader who encourages classmates to do their best on a daily basis. She is humble, yet willing to take charge and get things done.

“The reason Bella shines is that she consistently makes the right choices – being safe, respectful, and responsible – with a smile on her face and joy in her heart,” Rendon added. “Bella will be a huge success next year at Suzanne Middle School.”

Westhoff volunteer Gary Chow, who has served as longtime advisor, mentor, and community partner, was honored with the Partner in Education Award.

Last year, Gary generously donated funds that helped launch the school’s robotic program for 4th grade students.  He also helped to bring popular STEM program to 5th graders through another donation made this year.

“It is rewarding to watch the progress of the students as they benefit from a second year of robotics,” said Rendon.

When Gary visits classes to watch student progress, the kids love to show off their tech skills.

“He has made our dream of providing our students a robotic curriculum that enriches and links them to middle school and beyond.  We are very grateful!” she added.

Mt. SAC Opens New Food Services Facility

By Mike Taylor, Mt. SAC

WALNUT–  Mt. San Antonio College will hold a ribbon cutting for its new $12.7-million food services facility, the Mountie Café  (building 8), on Wednesday, April 13, at 4 p.m. This event is free and open to the public.
“The new facility presents a more student-oriented approach to food service. It can accommodate more students and staff and offers everyone more choices than before,” said Administrative Services Vice President Michael Gregoryk.
The new 13,500-square-foot facility will be able to seat approximately 90 people for interior dining and over 200 for outside dining on the east, west, and south terraces. It replaces the former Campus Café.
The new building houses several new food stations, including room for a deli, a pizza location, a grill station, Asian cuisine, and a coffee shop as well as self-serve cold display cases.
College officials will make brief presentations at the ribbon cutting.
The center was funded by Mt. SAC’s Measure RR, the college’s $353-million facilities bond that was passed by voters in 2008.

Six Candidates Seek to Sway Walnut Voters

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT – On Tuesday, March 15, approximately 40 people showed up at a Candidate Forum before the April 12 election in the city of Walnut.

The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters of the East San Gabriel Valley. The candidates who participated included Andrew Rodriguez, Dino Pollalis, Bella Cristobal, Betty Tang, Nancy Tragarz (incumbent), and Eric Ching (incumbent).

The six council hopefuls are vying for the three available council seats that are currently filled by Tony Cartagena (who after 16 years of service is not running), Nancy Tragarz, and Eric Ching. The event began at 7 p.m. and was moderated by League of Women Voters President Rosie Fabian.

The candidates had one minute for an opening statement, and one more minute to answer questions from the audience. The candidates answered questions covering topics such as term limits for Council members, public safety action items, and plans for combating traffic congestion.

Following the audience questions, the candidates concluded with a two-minute closing statement, and then were able to mingle and speak to audience members individually.

The election will take place on Tuesday, April 12. Residents over 18 who have registered to vote are eligible to vote, and election information will be available in English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and Tagalog.

Walnut High And Mt. SAC Threatened With Bomb

Photo by: Louie Ortega Mt. SAC students evacuate the campus after a bomb threat.

Photo by: Louie Ortega
Mt. SAC students evacuate the campus after a bomb threat.

By Lyn Taylor

 

WALNUT–  A threatening note claiming that a bomb was going to be set off at two Walnut campuses forced the lock down and evacuation of Walnut High School and Mt. SAC college on Thursday, March 24.

A note was found by students in the boys’ bathroom at Walnut High around 10:30 a.m., according to Walnut Valley Unified School District Assistant Superintendent Matthew Witmer.  Written in red ink, the note stated that bombs would be blown up at the school and at Mt. SAC at 2:45 p.m. The writer ended the note with, “God be with you all.”

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department was contacted and Walnut High was put on lock-down.  Mt. SAC’s officials decided to evacuate the campus because of its close proximity to Walnut High.

An emergency alert text message was sent to Mt. SAC students around 11:30 a.m., according to campus spokeswoman Jill Dolan. The text read, “Report of a threat to campus at 2:45 p.m.  Calmly leave the campus. Classes and services are closed until at least 4:30 p.m. THIS IS NOT A DRILL.”

Deputies and K-9 officers searched both schools with bomb-sniffing dogs before clearing the campuses, according to L.A. Sheriff Department’s Lt. John Saleeby.  Classes resumed at Mt. SAC at 4:30 p.m.

Mt. SAC is the largest community college in the nation with more than 12,000 full-time students.  Although police were directing traffic, roads were crowded and traffic was snarled as thousands tried to leave campus.  Many students complained on social media that it took over an hour to evacuate due to the traffic conditions.  Foothill Transit ordered extra busses to be dispatched to Mt. SAC to help with the evacuation.

Golf With Your Local Sheriffs In Chino Hills

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club

CHINO HILLS – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of the sheriff department’s 150 volunteers next month.
The tournament will begin at 11:30 a.m. April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Platinum sponsor – $3,000- Includes 16 players/four teams, recognition during the awards luncheon, repeated advertising of your company in Our Weekly newspaper and during the tournament, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Gold sponsor – $2,000- Includes 8 players/two teams, recognition in Our Weekly newspaper, recognition during the awards luncheon, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Silver sponsor – $1,000-Includes one team of four players and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Other sponsorship opportunities include: beverage cart for $1,000, hole-in-one sponsor for $500, goodie bag sponsor for $500, closest-to-the-pin sponsor for $400, and tee sign sponsorship for $100.
Captain Scroggin encourages community members to join this fun and meaningful tournament to continue to help provide the needed uniforms and equipment to the people who volunteer their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

For information and reservations, contact Sgt. Mark Saldecke, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera, booster club member at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

Walnut Looking for Historians

Staff Reports

WALNUT– The City of Walnut is now seeking candidates to serve on the Walnut Historical Preservation Ad Hoc Advisory Committee. The Committee will meet the first Wednesday of each month, as well as on an “as-needed basis” and will include appointed persons that are Walnut residents.

The primary responsibility of committee members is to provide recommendations to the City Council and/or Planning Commission relating to historical preservation in the City of Walnut. Some of the historical sites currently identified in Walnut include Suzanne Park, the Bob Quattlebaum Windmill, the Brookside Equestrian Center and the W. R. Rowland Adobe Ranch House.

Applications are due to the City Clerk’s Office by Monday, May 2, 2016. Interested individuals may obtain an application on the City website homepage or by contacting Teresa De Dios, City Clerk at 909-348-0710, or by email: tdedios@ci.walnut.ca.us.

For questions regarding the committee, please contact Justin Carlson, City Planner or Derrick Womble, Senior Management Analyst at (909) 595-7543.

Walnut City Hall is located at 21201 La Puente Road, Walnut, CA. For information about the City of Walnut, please visit our web site at www.ci.walnut.ca.us.

 

Van Donated To HARTT Center

By Kelli Gile

Walnut– The Hockwalt Adult Resource & Transition Training Center (HARTT) Center received the keys to their very own minivan on Tuesday.

When the silver 2014 Lincoln Town and Country minivan was delivered to the school, students immediately gave it the thumbs up.

“These are the kids’ lives you’ve changed today!” exclaimed teacher Cheryl Faren.

The new car was made possible through generous donations from the Walnut Valley Women’s Club, Penske Mercedes-Benz of West Covina, Dedicated 2 Learning (D2L), David Lee, and Davis Lu.

The HARTT Center, which opened in 2014, serves 18-22 year-old students with disabilities who are receiving a Certificate of Completion from high school. The Center teaches important life skills as students transition into adulthood.  Partnerships with local business are helping the young adults develop job and vocational skills.

The 20 students and their job coaches take public transportation to their internships four days a week.

“Our students take public transportation everywhere. It’s a skill that they’ll need as adults to become independent,” said Special Education Director Judi Koorndyk.

But there are some areas the busses don’t go and they have to walk.  And on hot or rainy days, the mile-trek can be very long.

“This new van is going to provide a lot of opportunity for our kids!” she added.

“One of the keys to the HARTT program is for students to get out into the community and have real life experiences to prepare them for life. And that’s hard to do without transportation,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

The HARTT Center’s dedicated staff and parents had a vision to get a van from the very beginning.  When Walnut Valley Women’s Club member Jeannie Stowell read about the opening of the new HARTT Center in the Highlander newspaper, she immediately cut out the article and brought it to friend Dee Chambers.

“We needed to do something for them,” the longtime members shared.

After touring the Center with Faren, they asked a question.   “If you could have anything in the world for the program, what would be your first choice?  She immediately replied ‘A van!’” Chambers explained.

“And we said, ‘We’ll do our best!’, and that’s how it got started,” she added.  The Women’s Club donated $9,400 towards the van.

“We saw what incredible people at the HARTT Center are doing for kids today,” said Joe Mehanna, President of Penske Mercedes-Benz in West Covina after touring the Center.  “And we want to be a part of this!” He added that Penske donated a portion of the cost of the new car for the HARTT Center.

“The least we can do as a business is give back to the (Walnut Valley) community and the kids!”

“The reason we’re here every day in our school district is to help kids and meet their needs, and we can’t do that alone,” said Taylor. “It takes a village!”

“It’s the whole community working together for them,” added Nancy Hogg, retired WVUSD administrator and D2L co-founder.

Faren is excited about the future with the school’s new wheels.  “This will open up tons of new areas for us, like Brea Mall and Chino Hills.”

She also plans to help educate students about sites available after the HARTT program.

“Normally I’d have to get a school bus. Now, I can load up a couple kids that are aging out and take them around. It will be so nice!”

Walnut Hero Nominations Now Being Accepted

Courtesy of the City of Walnut
WALNUT– The City of Walnut is seeking nominations for our “L.A. County Fair Community Hero 2016” who will also serve as the 2016 Family Festival Parade Grand Marshal.
A Community Hero is someone who works determinedly to make a difference in the community without thought of recognition or reward. They volunteer at local hospitals, schools, churches and organizations such as Relay for Life, American Red Cross and Habitat for Humanity. This is your chance to nominate an individual whom you feel contributes to the quality of life in Walnut.
Selected heroes will be honored at the L.A. County Fair during a special presentation that will take place on Walnut’s Day at the Fair on Thursday, September 15, 2016. The Walnut Family Festival will follow on Saturday, October 8.
Nomination Forms are available at http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us , or you may call (909) 598-5605 to have one mailed to you. Nomination submissions may be mailed to P.O. Box 682, Walnut, CA 91788-0682 or faxed to (909) 598-2160.
The deadline to submit a nomination is Thursday, May 26, 2016. The volunteer Walnut Family Festival committee will review all nominees and their contributions to the Walnut community before making a selection.

WHO Will Take Care of Your Eyes

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Staff Reports

WALNUT–Do you know WHO will care for your eyes?

For many years, WALNUT HILLS OPTOMETRY (WHO) has taken excellent care of the vision needs of the community, serving patients from Walnut/West Covina/Diamond Bar/Chino Hills to patients from La Puente/Rowland Heights/Hacienda Heights/Whittier. Because of the quality of service provided, as well as the trusting care given by the doctor, patients travel from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas as well.

WHO considers vision to be a precious gift, and their office takes pride in providing comprehensive eye exams.

WHO believes that quality eye care involves consistent care by a professional.  Carmela Larino, O.D., and her loyal staff, will give your eyes the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Dr. Larino is proud to serve the community she grew up in.  She attended Rowland Unified schools from elementary through high school, and then attended U.C. Irvine before receiving her doctorate degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.  In 2003, Dr. Larino was honored at her alma mater – Nogales High School – when she was inducted onto their Wall of Fame.  She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, where she stays current on the latest in eye care.  As a local resident, you might find Dr. Larino eating at your favorite restaurant, shopping in a local store, or attending a community event.

WHO offers personalized eye examinations, diabetic and eye health exams, and the management and care of a multitude of eye and vision concerns.  A wide variety of eyewear is also available, from progressive and polarized lenses to silicone high-oxygen contacts, and even designer frames. They also offer Lasik Surgery co-management. If you have used eyeglass frames scattered around the house, bring them to the WHO offices and they will donate them to those in need of frames.

WHO is conveniently located near the 10, 60 and 57 freeways, on the border of Walnut and West Covina, at 18736 East Amar Road (at the corner of Nogales Street and Amar Road, next to Papa John’s Pizza.)  Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153.  For more information visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Mt. SAC Opens New $13.6-Million Student Success Center

Photo courtesy of Mt. SAC

Photo courtesy of Mt. SAC
Mt. SAC’s new Student Success Center

By Mike Taylor, Mt. Sac


WALNUT– Mt. San Antonio College will hold a ribbon cutting and an open house for its new $13.6-million Student Success Center, building 9E, on Wednesday, March 9, at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

“The Student Success Center configures in a central location many of the programs and support services that help our students succeed and reach their goals in college,” said Mt. SAC Student Services Vice President Audrey Yamagata-Noji. 

Located right next to the college’s Student Services Center, the new facility affords 22,800 square feet for classrooms, study labs, offices, and a computer lab. It houses the Bridge Program, the TRiO Programs, ACES, Veterans Resource Center, Upward Bound, the Accessible Technology Center for Disabled Student Programs and Services, and a Student Health Center satellite office. 

College officials will make brief presentations at the ribbon cutting, and tours of the new facility will be available. 

The center was funded by Mt. SAC’s Measure RR, the college’s $353-million facilities bond that was passed by voters in 2008.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Vejar Elementary to celebrate 50 golden years

 

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Vejar Elementary students and staff gather for a 50th anniversary aerial photo.

WALNUT—Vejar Elementary School, home of the Vaqueros in the City of Walnut, will mark its 50th anniversary during an Open House on March 24 from 5-8p.m.

Community members, former students, and staff members are invited to attend.

Students have been celebrating the milestone by completing acts of kindness throughout the community, including picking up grocery carts at the local Vons parking lot.

Vejar is looking for stories and memorabilia from the past five decades.  Please contact Yadira Gostel to RSVP or share your Vejar memories at (909) 594-1434 ext. 3.

 

Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – A Fontana man was arrested on insurance fraud charges earlier this month following an investigation conducted by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit.
Jamie Gallardo, 45, is charged with a violation of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Gallardo was employed at California Coach & Body located in Walnut, Calif. on or about April 21, 2010 through April 19, 2014. During this time, Gallardo filed a workers’ compensation claim alleging he sustained injuries to his chest and back while performing his job duties.
According to D.A. investigators, an investigation into possible fraud resulted in the current allegation that Gallardo presented a knowingly false or fraudulent statement in order to obtain Workers’ Compensation benefits.
After obtaining an arrest warrant, investigators–with the assistance of officers from the Fontana Police Department–arrested Gallardo at his place of residence Feb. 2. Gallardo was transported and booked into the West Valley Detention Center. If convicted, Gallardo faces five years County prison. Arraignment is scheduled for March 24 in the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse.

Suzanne’s Robotics Leading The Pack

Photo courtesy of WVUSD

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Suzanne Middle School 6th grade student Wolf Corps team members demonstrate award-winning can crusher robot.

By Kelli Gile 

 

Walnut– A new robotics club at Suzanne Middle School dominated a First Lego League (FLL) competition aimed at finding solutions to global environmental issues.

Two teams of sixth grade programmers vied in separate divisions while focusing on this year’s FLL theme – Trash Trek.  Students were challenged to explore the world of trash, from collection, to sorting, to smart production, and reuse, and then invent a solution to help our trash problem.

The Suzanne teams won coveted championship awards during the recent 2016 California FLL Cup challenge at Legoland in Carlsbad on January 24.  They also took numerous 1st place awards at tournaments throughout Los Angeles.

“We like having fun together and encouraging people to get involved in STEM education,” said Kaden Salvador about his enthusiasm for robotics.  “We want to show them how cool it is!”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the 14 students meet after school to build and program the little bots using Lego Mindstorm EV3 kits and refine their presentations.

Robotics encompasses all aspects of STEM education, according to teacher advisor Vicky Silcock.  “Not only must students learn to engineer and program a robot that will accomplish the task before them, but they also need to learn to do research and use teamwork to explain real world applications.”

Wolf Corps team members designed an automatic can crusher called the “BEATit” that compacts, counts the collected cans, and calculates a payout.

“We came up with the idea after our school held a pop top drive,” explained Gordon Lau. “This is the first can crusher designed for households.”

The robot bin opens using an ultrasonic sensor and motor, while two additional motors crush the can and drop it into a bottom bin.  Students believe their innovative product will encourage families to earn extra money from recycling (five cents a can), reduce landfill size, and save energy consumption.

“We work together like a pack of wolves!” said Wolf Corp member Kawin Watkins.

The Wolf Corp team was invited to represent the Los Angeles Region at the Razorback Invitational Tournament after their 1st place FLL performance.

The RoboHeroes team built a robot that completes recycling missions during a building demolition and salvage challenge.  During a tabletop demonstration, students expertly explained each step before sending their robot through the course brimming with trash reduction and recycling components  – landfill, methane energy, re-use of toy packaging, and trash sorting.

The team programmed their sturdy robot to move forward, backward, turn, pick up and drop off pieces, and then return to base.

“It was fun finding a design for our robot,” said Marcus Robles. “We started from scratch to make something new!”

“There’s a lot of trial and error in programming,” added Matthew Carreon, age 12. “We must have run the program over 100 times.”

Students must demonstrate how well they practice the FLL Core Values of teamwork and friendly competition during matches.  Along with participating in robotics competitions, the teams share their environmental plans with several community groups and local businesses.

The group of students began participating in robotics competitions during the 4th grade at Collegewood Elementary with Wolf Corp parent coaches Scott and Leh Watkins.

“I think the biggest benefits for students is collaborating and working as a team,” said coach Scott Watkins.

“The kids come up with a solution for real world programs. This year is trash reduction and recycling,” said RoboHeroes parent coach Jonathan Fong.

“We all hope to continue through middle school and into high school,” Watkins added.