Tag Archives: walnut

Walnut Valley Makes Newsweek’s Top HS List

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Diamond Bar High School has been named No. 77 in Newsweek's “America’s Top High Schools 2015” list.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Diamond Bar High School has been named No. 77 in Newsweek’s “America’s Top High Schools 2015” list.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Two Walnut Valley schools made the list of “America’s Top High Schools 2015,” released by Newsweek on Aug. 19.

The newsmagazine ranked Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools in its list of the top 500 public high schools nationwide.  The rankings are intended to identify high schools that have the highest performance on state tests and best prepare students for college, according to Newsweek.

Diamond Bar High School (DBHS) scored in the top 100, ranking the 77th best high school in the nation and 8th in California.

Walnut High School (WHS) also ranked an impressive 148th in America and 20th in California.

In addition, both schools received gold stars in an equity analysis that indicates economically disadvantaged students performed at or above average on state assessments.

“We are always proud of our high schools and the work that is done to provide our students with exceptional learning opportunities,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “Our success is a team effort that includes exceptional teachers and staff, strong commitments from our students, and outstanding parent support.”

The Newsweek list identifies the top 500 schools by measuring several factors, including graduation rate, college enrollment rate, SAT and ACT scores, Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate exams, ratio of counselors to students, and state test scores.

DBHS received a college readiness score of 85.4 on Newsweek’s ranking criteria. The school has a graduation rate of 100% and a college enrollment rate of 97.2%. The average SAT exam score at the school is 1742 and the average AP exam score is 3.7.

WHS has a college readiness score of 82.6, a graduation rate of 100%, and a college enrollment rate of 94.0%. The average SAT exam score at the school is 1696.  Additionally, the average AP exam score is 3.8.

“Our college readiness index reflects our philosophy of providing access to rigorous academic courses to more and more students, whether that’s in the form of AP and IB courses or access to career tech ed courses, for which students receive college credit while still in high school,” states DBHS Principal, Catherine Real.

See the full report at: http://www.newsweek.com/high-schools/americas-top-high-schools-2015.

 

Walnut Valley: Back To Class!

Walnut Valley begins 2015-16 School Year

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD School spirit showed during opening pep rallies held at Diamond Bar High on Aug. 17.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
School spirit showed during opening pep rallies held at Diamond Bar High on Aug. 17.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Over 14,600 students headed back to school in the Walnut Valley Unified School District on Mon., Aug. 17.

At Diamond Bar High, over 3,000 students cheered with classmates during two superhero-themed pep rallies held in the gymnasium.

“We’re welcoming everyone back today!” exclaimed Janna Van Horn, United Student Body (USB) advisor.

The extravaganza featured Drumline, Dance Company, Pep, and Song performances, and highlighted fall sports programs.

“I love the spirit here and how everyone is involved in the 4 A’s – Academics, Activities, Arts, and Athletics,” senior April Song commented.

Forty USB members organized the event during the summer.

“We put in a lot of hours to help our students have a better time on campus – especially the rallies,” added Song, the USB finance director.

At Westhoff Elementary, over 600 students and families waited for the first bell of the new school year. Many took photos to mark the first day near welcome banners and helium balloons.

For the opening class activity, kindergarten teacher, Roxanne Dennen, read the “Kissing Hand,” a sweet account of a young raccoon who was nervous on the first day of school.  The children’s book details a mother raccoon comforting her little one by kissing its paw.  After the story, Dennen asked parents to kiss their youngsters’ hands, before saying goodbye.

“You’re ready for kindergarten now!” she exclaimed.

“You’re going to learn so much this year,” Dennen said as they sat criss-cross-applesauce on lettered carpet squares.

At C.J. Morris Elementary, Carol Martindale’s 3rd Grade students loved the “First Day Jitters” story, because the teacher was also nervous about coming to school on the first day.

“It demonstrated that we all get excited and nervous about the first day of school and then we realize it is not so bad after all,” she said.

Collegewood Elementary 5th Grade teacher, Laura O’Donnell, also had memorable first day.  At the end of last year, a 4th Grader called to her and said, “Pick me for your class next year!” she recalled.  O’Donnell explained that she didn’t get to pick her students, but if she did, she certainly would.

“As luck would have it, he was on my class list,” O’Donnell shared. “When I walked down the line today to greet my students, he looked up at me, smiled, and whispered, ‘You picked me!’”

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD Kindergartners heard the “Kissing Hand” during the opening activity of the 2015-2016 school year at Westhoff Elementary (shown with teacher Roxanne Dennen).

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Kindergartners heard the “Kissing Hand” during the opening activity of the 2015-2016 school year at Westhoff Elementary (shown with teacher Roxanne Dennen).

 

Walnut Council Recap

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

By Natalie Kim

Walnut – Mayor Bob Pacheco began the Aug. 12 Walnut City Council by recognizing employee, Alicia Jensen, Deputy Community Services Director. Through Jensen’s hard work and efforts, City planned events run smoothly and successfully, and all members of the Council praised her hard work.

After Jensen’s recognition, Michael Cacciotti, a board member from the South Coast Air Quality Management District, made a presentation on the levels of pollution in the Southland, most notably the negative effects of air pollution from diesel engines in vehicles such as trucks or ships, among other sources. Cacciotti concluded the presentation on ways to reduce air pollution, such as bicycling or commuting as opposed to driving, and using electric landscaping devices like electric lawn mowers and leaf blowers.

Following Public Comments, the Council approved several items on the Consent Calendar, including a resolution allowing Walnut $934,178.50 in certain claims and demands; an amendment between Walnut and Silver & Wright, LLP; final acceptance of a Parcel Map of Avenida Esplendor; a request to proceed with formal bids for business license software; a waiver of parking restrictions on La Puente Road; final acceptance for installation of speed bumps on Yale Avenue; final acceptance for the installation of a guardrail on Gartel Drive; and the appointment of Bella Cristobal to the Parks and Recreation Commission.

The Council then denied a license agreement between the City and Verizon Wireless, after residents expressed concern about the safety and aesthetic appeal of installing a cell tower in Snow Creek Park. The Council also denied a contract to MIG, Inc. to prepare a General Plan Update. Although the General Plan has not been updated since 1978, the Council is still seeking a lower bid for the contract.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Aug. 26 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

Walnut: RN Program At Mt. SAC

Bachelor’s Program in Nursing from Mount Saint Mary’s Now Offered

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Recognizing the shortage of baccalaureate-prepared nurses, Mt. San Antonio College and Mount Saint Mary’s University, Los Angeles, will partner to launch a bachelor of science in nursing program on the Mt. SAC campus.
Classes begin Aug. 24 on Mt. SAC’s Walnut campus, with the goal of 30 students in the inaugural 2015-16 cohort. Mount Saint Mary’s will offer the Associate Degree in Nursing to Bachelor of Science in Nursing (RN to BSN) Completion Program, and admissions for the program will be handled through the Los Angeles-based university.
“There is a growing need both locally and nationally for this advanced training,” said Dr. Susie Chen, liaison for the program. “Most hospitals now want nurses with bachelor’s degrees.”
The demand for registered nurses is expected to outpace the average for all occupations, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. From 2012 to 2022, nursing jobs should increase by 19 percent.
“At Mount Saint Mary’s, we have made a major commitment to move more ADN students to BSN levels,” said Diane Vines, dean of nursing at Mount Saint Mary’s. “That’s why we created the RN to BSN Program, and that’s why we are pleased to partner with Mt. SAC. We want to help nurses reach this new standard in California’s hospitals and healthcare facilities.”
Through the educational partnership, classes will be held on the Mt. SAC campus and online, and will be taught by faculty from both colleges. The 35-unit program will consist of three continuous semesters of full-time study with core courses ranging from pediatric nursing to palliative care. Assigned hands-on clinical experience will be arranged in Mt. SAC’s local area.
Surveys have shown that more than 75 percent of Mt. SAC nursing students want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing.
“We are honored to partner with Mount Saint Mary’s in this initiative. By working together, we have created a seamless process for students to first earn their associate’s degree through our nationally ranked program, and then take the next step and earn a bachelor’s degree from Mount Saint Mary’s excellent program. Our students will be well prepared to enter a surging job market and to lead the next generation of nursing professionals,” said Mt. SAC President and CEO, Dr. William Scroggins.
“This is a wonderful example of collegial collaboration in action,” said Mount Saint Mary’s President Ann McElaney-Johnson. “We have long been proud of the respect our nursing alums have earned in their field, and we are excited to join with Mt. SAC to help even more nursing professionals attain rising professional standards across California.”
Last year, Mt. SAC’s nursing program was ranked 13th among all nursing programs in the western United States’ community colleges in a survey by NurseJournal.org. Mt. SAC’s nursing program serves 240 students, and its students achieved a 91 percent pass rate on the 2014 state board nursing exam.
In 2014, Money magazine ranked Mount Saint Mary’s as its number one value-added college in the magazine’s evaluation of “Colleges That Add the Most Value.” Bright Hub, a web publication that focuses on technology, science and education, ranked the Mount at No. 9 in its U.S. ranking of “10 Best Colleges for a Degree in Nursing.” Mount Saint Mary’s BSN program is the oldest in California, dating back to 1952.

For more information, visit mtsac.edu and msmu.edu.

Walnut Protests Cell Towers

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – More than 800 Walnut residents received a small victory this month as their combined efforts caused the denial of two license agreements between the City of Walnut and Verizon Wireless for cell phone towers – one on Gartel Drive and another at Snow Creek Park.

According to Walnut resident, Heinrich Dy, more than 800 residents signed an online petition at kidsafegps.com, asking City officials to deny the installation of cell phone towers within 1,500 feet of any school and deny the license agreement for a proposed tower at 555 Gartel Drive. Dy and the other residents claimed that the area has no need for a new cell phone tower and that building one so close to residential houses, schools and parks would negatively impact the City, bring down property values and do not fit the usage of the area.

Dy claims that he has working knowledge of how cell phone coverage works, stating that he worked as a wireless network performance specialist for Microcell/Clearnet in Canada: he has also worked for Telus in Canada and Telstra in Australia – all of which are cell phone companies. Along with another resident, Cal Poly Pomona Electrical Engineering Professor and principal investigator at AT&T Bell Laboratories, James Yeh, the two are being called “expert witnesses” in regard to cell phone communication and voicing their concerns about Verizon’s plans.

“With my experience with cell phone companies, what I can say is that a simple drive test coverage map for telephone service is a basic tool that every engineering department of every cell phone company uses,” Dy said. “This knowledge is what allowed the residents to a) create our own maps; b) seek out crowd funded maps; and c) insist on those maps being made available by Verizon – which Verizon refused to provide even in repeated requests. It also allowed us to see that the supposed drive test map that Verizon provided was not the correct map needed to prove ‘significant gap.’”

While Dy and other residents are vehemently opposed to the new cell phone towers, representatives for Verizon Wireless claim that those estimated 800 residents do not speak for the entire city, and especially their Walnut customer base. During the Aug. 12 City Council meeting, Verizon Representative Jane Collier stated that 361 Verizon customers/Walnut residents voiced their approval of the cell phone towers via text messages from August 7-9. Collier stated that the text message was sent out to their Walnut customers as proof of the City’s need for another cell tower and that additional coverage is needed in parts of the City.

“Verizon has provided the City of Walnut with data to demonstrate the need for improved Verizon Wireless coverage and capacity in the area,” said Verizon Wireless Public Relations and Employee Communications representative for Northern California, Heidi Flato. “Customers are increasing their wireless use at a dramatic pace.”

Flato also mentioned that Verizon is expecting the demand for cell phone services to increase by 650 percent by the year 2018, and that the decline of landlines will cause a higher demand for cell phone service to avoid dropped calls to friends, family members and emergency services.

Flato also mentioned that Verizon’s research shows that good cell phone coverage is a positive aspect for perspective home buyers – meaning that increased coverage would make Walnut more appealing to homeowners.

Fellow cell phone tower protestor and Walnut resident, Angela Cinader, also brought up safety concerns for the tower, stating that cell phone towers constructed so close to schools and heavily populated areas have an inherent “risk of collapses and fires.” Cinader noted that if a cell phone tower were placed at either Snow Creek Park or Gartel Drive, Verizon would be putting adults and children in harm’s way.

“They keep coming back despite lack of solid evidence on significant gap and a thorough alternative sites analysis,” Cinader said. “But the fact that both the Planning Commission and the City Council have voted to reject these towers shows that our City government has considered all the evidence objectively, and we residents are grateful for that.”

While the estimated 800 petition signatures can celebrate in their victory for now, the fight is not over, according to Dy. After Verizon’s license agreement was denied on Aug. 5 and 12, the company will have 15 working days to appeal and once again attempt to approve their license agreement and build their new towers somewhere in Walnut.

Walnut: Mayor’s Corner

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

By Bob Pacheco

Walnut – This last Tuesday was Walnut’s 30th Annual National Night Out. This event is held each year to remind the Walnut community how we can prevent crime through neighborhood involvement. It is also an opportunity to get to know local elected officials, City staff, fellow neighbors, as well as representatives from the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station and Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Everyone enjoyed an evening of dancing and listening to Top 40 band, Cold Duck.  A screening of Big Hero 6 followed the concert. Thanks to our City staff, volunteers, and Sheriff/Fire Department personnel for a great evening!

In the coming days, we will hold a Town Hall meeting to inform and communicate with all members of our community – especially our seniors and those with special needs – regarding the City’s safety, emergency preparedness and evacuation plan implementation in case of a disaster. Your input and participation is welcome.

As an update, we continue to work on plans to develop the new Aquatic Center, as well as assisting our

local businesses by promoting Shop in Walnut days.

Please feel free to contact me or the City staff with any other questions or concerns by calling (909) 595-7543, and be sure to follow the City of Walnut on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram for the latest community news.

Photo Courtesy: Gayle Pacheco

Photo Courtesy: Gayle Pacheco
National Night Out in Walnut

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met on Wed., July 22, with recently appointed Mayor, Bob Pacheco, fitting into his old position and taking on a long agenda for the last meeting of the month.

To start, Pacheco and the other Council members met with Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Captain Jeff Scroggin, proclaiming Aug. 4 as National Night Out – a day for residents to get out and meet their local law enforcement officers and combat drug use and crime. Pacheco thanked Scroggin for the safety that the Sheriff’s Department provides to the City, and that it’s up to all Walnut residents to keep the City safe.

After the proclamation, Pacheco gave a speech about his hope for the City Council to work together in order to maintain the City’s reputation as one of the best in the country.

“We might not always agree, but if we disagree, we should do so in a civilized manner,” Pacheco said.

He spoke about getting a citizen committee together to talk about the way the Council has conducted themselves in recent months, as well as pledging to continue to serve with the citizens’ best interest in mind during his term as Mayor.

There were alternative viewpoints from some residents attending the meeting.

The Council then moved to approve the July 8 City Council meeting minutes and all items on the Consent Calendar, including a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $1,298,381.17; a resolution designating Mayor Pro Tem Mary Su as the official voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference; an amendment to the agreement for WRA Environmental Consultants; an amendment to the agreement for Leibold, McClendon & Mann; the award of bid for the Suzanne Park Parking Lot Project; an alcoholic beverage license application for 7-Eleven store #27324; the Mayor’s agency representatives; and the rescheduling/cancellation of City/WHA Council meetings for November and December holidays.

The Council also approved a resolution of the City of Walnut as Successor Agency, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $125,000.

For the discussion/transaction items, the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force decided to revise their City-wide notification mailer for August, and to meet in closed session to discuss the Notice of Nuisance Abatement hearing (a rear property block wall located at 20638 Loyalton Drive).

After the Council’s final discussion item, the meeting was adjourned with plans to meet on Aug.12 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

For more information on this City Council Recap, visit http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us/general.asp?id=372.

Walnut: Santos Sworn In As Mt. SAC Student Trustee

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC New Mt. SAC Student Trustee, Elizabeth Santos

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC
New Mt. SAC Student Trustee, Elizabeth Santos

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College student, Elizabeth Santos, was sworn in as the new student trustee for the 2015-16 academic year during the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees’ July meeting.
As student trustee, Santos, 18, will present the student perspective on policy issues before Mt. SAC’s governing board. She will have only an advisory vote, which does not count toward the passage or failure of a motion. The advisory vote helps the board know how the student trustee stands on issues and strengthens the student role in the college’s shared governance process.
Santos, a resident of Rowland Heights, is a political science major. She has served as a co-chair for the Mt. SAC chapter of MeCha. In the community, she serves as a volunteer with the Rowland Unified School District and for her church, Our Lady of Guadalupe in Los Angeles. After she graduates from Mt. SAC, she plans to transfer to UCLA as a political science major.

Walnut Aquatic Park Update

Image Courtesy: City of Walnut Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park

Image Courtesy: City of Walnut
Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park

By Claudine Stines

Walnut – As you may recall, in October of last year, Standard Pacific filed a Writ of Mandate against the City of Walnut stating, in short, the Three Oaks property could not be sold, but would revert back to the original developer if not used for the purpose intended (swimming pool and recreational facility).  While the Writ was filed, they did not act upon it, preferring to negotiate; negotiations have been going on since that time.

On Wed., July 22, the Walnut City Council was scheduled to review negotiations for the sale of the property in a closed session. After their review of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Council was to reconvene at their Meeting and announce the closed session actions, according to page 6 of the Council agenda.

Other developers did bid on the sale of the property for approximately $15 to $16 million, thus causing Standard Pacific to enter the picture.  The Three Oaks property appraised at approximately $5 to $6 million – considerably short of the $20 million the City would need to build the aquatic park, per the conceptual drawing previously submitted on Oct. 8, 2014.

Depending on the financial outcome, the City may have to scale back to accommodate the shortfall, building only the recreation facility, one pool and parking – and develop a strategy to add the additional pool, amphitheater, etc., as additional funds are budgeted in the coming year(s).

As of this month, the renovation of the Walnut High pool has finally started; the estimated time of completion is not known at this time.  You may not be aware that the renovation will cause the City to modify their summer aquatic program due to the configuration of the pool.  They will no longer be able to support instruction for the smaller swimmers and some adult programs due to the new depth of the pool.

While Council members are in favor of the aquatic center, it appears even at this level of government the wheels of progress have been moving slowly. Council members need to hear from citizens; otherwise the momentum of this vision for the community will continue to move at an even slower pace.

Council members may be contacted, as follows:  Robert Pacheco, Mayor (bpacheco@ci.walnut.ca.us); Mary Su, Mayor Pro Tem (msu@ci.walnut.ca.us); Nancy Tragarz, Council Member (ntragarz@ci.walnut.ca.us); Eric Ching, Council Member (eching@ci.walnut.ca.us); Antonio Cartagena, Council Member (tcartagena@ci.walnut.ca.us).

Walnut: Big Wins For Mt. SAC Students

By Mike Taylor

Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College vocational education student, Troy Majeska, won a silver medal at the SkillsUSA 51st Annual National Leadership Conference competition, June 22-27, in Louisville, KY.
Majeska, of La Habra, won the silver medal in the Residential Systems Installation competition, facing five competitors from other colleges across the nation.
The SkillsUSA championships are showcases for the best career and technical students in the country. Contests begin locally and continue through the state and national levels. More than 6,000 students competed at this year’s national event.
SkillsUSA is a nationally affiliated vocational club representing secondary and post-secondary students in the trade, technical and health fields. The vocational education organization represents more than a quarter million students in over 13,000 chapters nationwide.

At another event, Mt. SAC’s health career students recently won eight medals – four silver and four bronze – at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) national competition held at the Anaheim Hilton. More than 8,000 secondary and post-secondary students competed in 56 different health-related events at the national leadership event held June 24-28.
Amy Barraza (Cudahy),Yessenia Campos (El Monte), Jose Montiel-Flores (Baldwin Park), and Yvonne Prempeh (Fontana) all won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition.
Daniel Lee (Fullerton), Holly Miller (La Habra), Noehly Partida (Pomona), and Leilani Soto (Ontario) all won bronze medals in the creative problem solving competition.
Jessica Benavente (Hesperia), Patrick Chan (La Puente), and Nicole Villanueva (Pomona) were finalists in the creative problem solving event.
“We had 11 competitors this year, and all 11 ranked nationally as finalists. That is quite an achievement,” said Mt. SAC psychiatric technician professor and HOSA advisor, Mary Ellen Reyes. “Being involved in and competing in HOSA is a life-changing experience for students.”
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.

Walnut: Mt. SAC Fall Registration Begins July 15

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

Photo Courtesy: Mt. SAC

 

Walnut – Online registration for Mt. San Antonio College’s fall semester credit classes begins July 15.  Classes begin on Mon., Aug. 24.
All credit students must register for classes online at my.mtsac.edu. New students must submit an admission application online. For students who do not have computer access, computers and assistance are available in the Student Services Center during business hours. The Admissions Office is open now Monday through Thursday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Prior to registering, new students are required to activate their personal Mt. SAC portal account through the college website, myportal.mtsac.edu. Instructions on how to do this, along with your username, are sent to the new student’s email address the student used when applying to the college.

Through myportal.mtsac.edu, students will be able to view their registration date and time but will not be allowed to register before their assigned time.

New students must also sign up for their assessment tests at the Assessment Center.  Appointments can be made at www.mtsac.edu/assessment, by calling (909) 274-4265, or in person at the Assessment Center.  Students are urged to prepare for assessment testing by reviewing the information available on the Assessment Center webpage.
In addition, new students must also sign up for the required new student orientation session before registering for classes. For more information about required orientation sessions, call the Mt. SAC Counseling Department at (909) 274-4380.
The enrollment fee is $46 per unit for California residents, and all fees are due upon registration.
For more registration information, call the Mt. SAC Admissions and Records Office at (909) 274-4415, or visit www.mtsac.edu.

Walnut: 4th Of July Celebration

Staff Reports

Walnut – Come and join the City of Walnut’s Fourth of July celebration at Suzanne Park on Sat., July 4, from 5:30 pm to approximately 9:30 pm.

This free event will be kicked off with a Patriotic Pooch Parade scheduled for 5:30 pm. There will also be live music from Young Guns, playing the best of the 80s; face painting; Food Trucks; and our famous Pie-Eating Contest.  The Fireworks Show will begin at approximately at 9:00 pm.

Bring your whole family and your lawn chairs/blankets and celebrate America with us!

Suzanne Park is located at 325 Suzanne Road. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. For more information, please call (909) 598-5605.

Sorry, no alcohol, smoking, BBQs, grills or other cooking appliances allowed in the Park.  Due to the loud and crowded nature of the event, people are discouraged from brining their pets (assistance dogs are an exception).

Summer Fun

summer-fun-sunshineBy K.P. Sander

SGV – Memorial Day – the unofficial start of summer – has come and gone and the school year is quickly coming to a close.

Summer Fun is upon us, and local cities have been working hard to bring you the very best in entertainment to make your summer just a little more enjoyable…and they’re FREE!

So pack up the kids, and bring along a blanket or some chairs, and a few snacks, and head on over to a plethora of entertainment opportunities.  There’s nothing like a little summer fun under the stars.

 

CHINO SUMMER CONCERT SERIES

Chino City Hall Front Lawn, 13220 Central Ave

Thursdays, 7 to 9 p.m.

Bring chairs, blankets; food vendors on site

July 9: Eclipse – Top 40 Band

July 16: Soto – Latin style band

July 23: Rock Fantasy – Rock & Roll Band (LA2015 Special Olympics Community Celebration)

July 30: Hot August Night – Neil Diamond Tribute Band

Aug. 6:  Rumours – Fleetwood Mac Tribute Band

Aug. 13: DSB – Journey Tribute Band

More Info:  www.chinokiwanis.com

 

DIAMOND BAR CONCERTS IN THE PARK (MOVIES UNDER THE STARS)

Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Road

Wednesdays, 6:30 to 8 p.m.

Free Parking & Shuttle from DB Golf Course; kids’ activities; concessions available

June 24: Southland Band – R&B/Classic Rock (Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day)

July 4:  4th of July Blast; DBHS, 21400 Pathfinder Road; 5 to 9:30 p.m. (Classic Rock performance by the band, Yard Sale; Fireworks Show 9 p.m., grass seating – bring chairs/blankets/picnic dinners)

July 8: The Kings of 88 – Piano Rock (Maleficent)

July 15: Stone Soul – Soul (The Box Trolls)

July 22: Southern Caliber Country – Rock (Big Hero 6)

July 29: Last Chance – Classic Rock (101 Dalmatians)

Aug. 5: Cold Duck – 70s/Top 40 (Alice in Wonderland – 2010)

Aug. 12: Surfin’ – Tribute to Beach Boys (Finding Nemo)

*All movies are family-friendly

More Info:  (909) 839-7067

 

WALNUT MUSIC & (MOVIES) IN THE PARK

Creekside Park, 780 Creekside Dr.

Tuesdays, 6 to 10:30 p.m.

July 4: Fireworks Celebration (Suzanne Park, 625 Suzanne Rd.; 6 to 9:30 p.m.; Pie Eating Contest, Food Trucks, Live Music by Young Guns, Patriotic Pooch Parade, Fireworks at 9 p.m.)

July 7: Chico – Latin (Despicable Me 2)

July 14: Steel Imagination – Rock (Earth to Echo)

July 21: Walk Like a Man – Four Seasons’ Tribute (Little Rascals)

July 28: The Reflexx – 80s/New Wave (Lego Movie) – Celebrating “National Night Out”

Aug. 4: Cold Duck – Top 40s (Big Hero 6)

More Info:  (909) 598-5605

The Weekly News 06.28.14

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link June28WeeklyAll to access the complete June 28-July 5, 2014 issue in pdf format

Weekly News 4-5-2014

 

Weekly News

The Weekly News  covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the  Inland Empire.  Click this link  04-05WeeklypgALLClickHere to access the complete April 5-11, 2014 issue in pdf format.

Walnut: Voters Flooded With Attack Ads Prior To City Election

By Michael Armijo

Walnut – With the Walnut City Council race nearing Election Day this coming Tuesday, April 8, the registered voters of Walnut are being flooded with not only the usual political advertising from the candidates, but also attack ads that are targeting the three candidates found on the ballot – Councilwoman Mary Su, Councilman Bob Pacheco and challenger Betty Tang.

Two political organizations are sponsoring these attack ads.  One of the organizations is Citizens to Protect Walnut, led by long-time Walnut resident, Phillip Bennett.  Bennett’s organization has been active in the last three Walnut City Council races.   The second group mailing out political “hit pieces” calls itself, “Taxpayers for Quality Leadership.”

According to their information on the Fair Political Practices Commission website (FPPC.ca.gov), Taxpayers for Quality Leadership (FPPC ID1361185) was established on October 7, 2013 and is controlled by Lisa Buchanan of Elk Grove, a suburb in Sacramento.  The PAC’s Treasurer is lawyer Gary Crummitt, who has an office in Long Beach.  Telephone messages left for Buchanan and Crummitt by our staff, asking why their political action committee was interested in the Walnut City Council election, have gone unanswered.

The campaign literature being distributed by Citizens to Protect Walnut has specialized in negative literature targeting candidate Tang, but it has also been sending out rebuttals to the attacks on Council Member Mary Su that have been sponsored by Taxpayers for Quality Leadership.  When asked why he was so involved in this year’s Walnut City Council race, Bennett replied,  “I think Mary Su and Bob Pacheco are doing a fine job, and for some reason there seems to be a lot of outside money involved in this year’s election.  I want to make sure Walnut remains in the hands of people who actually live here.”

Attack ads distributed by Taxpayers for Quality Leadership have so far only targeted Council Member Su, despite the fact that Su and Pacheco are sharing a campaign office and made it clear they are running as a team.  Asked why she felt she is the only incumbent councilmember being attacked by Taxpayers for Quality Leadership, Su said, “I can only assume there is someone with access to lots of money who is determined to remove me from office for their own political reasons, but that person is afraid to be openly associated with it.  If my enemy is from the Chinese community they know very well that most of the Chinese community will immediately turn on them if their identity becomes known.”

And a lot of money it appears to be. According to the City of Walnut website, Betty Tang’s campaign contributions are now up to $96,937. This is the current total even after Tang returned five campaign contributions she received illegally (see www.anapr.com for related stories). But interestingly enough, Tang loaned her campaign $15,000, which leaves $81,000 worth of contributions. Of that $81,000, almost 80% are from addresses outside of Walnut. In addition to the $81,000, the outside group, Taxpayers for Quality Leadership, has contributed almost $11,000 in spending against Tang’s opponents.

Other interesting tidbits about Taxpayers for Quality Leadership: According to the FPPC, the committee also filed two 462 “Verification of Independent Expenditures” reports on Oct. 22, 2013, citing their support/opposition for candidates. In the first report, Michael Lewis signed both documents stating “in support of Margaret Finlay, Tzeitel Paras-Caracci, and Sheryl Lefmann for City Council Member for the City of Duarte,” and “in opposition of Phil Reyes,” for the same November 2013 election. The report also states “in support of Cary C. Chen and Lynne Ebenkamp for Board Member for Roland Unified School District,” (http://fppc.ca.gov/form462/2013/city/1361185_10222013.pdf). Why this group has an interest in Walnut remains unanswered.

Election Day is this Tuesday, April 8.  Be sure to make an educated decision and vote for those who you feel would best represent you as a resident.