A View from the Heights

Don't drink and drive this New Year's. California Highway Patrol officers will be on the road keeping an eye out for drunken drivers during the department's Maximum Enforcement Period, which starts Wednesday night and ends at midnight Sunday.

All available CHP officers will be out on the road. The department is also asking people to call 9-1-1 and report drivers they suspect are driving under the influence.

Last year's enforcement led to the arrests of 1,661 drivers statewide for driving under the influence. There were 43 people killed in 4,613 crashes. And 18 of those fatalities were alcohol-related, according to the CHP.

Police will focusing on all types of infractions. Most DUI arrests happen when drivers are pulled over for other violations.

Other law enforcement agencies also will be on the lookout for those who drink and get behind the wheel.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Drivers will be seeing double on the Pomona Freeway from now on. And traffic fines will cost them twice as much.
The California Department of Transportation has installed 57 signs along the busy freeway, where carpool lanes are under construction.
The signs warn motorists that traffic fines are doubled in a construction zone.
"Now any traffic fines will automatically be doubled if you're stopped by the California Highway Patrol," explained Officer Joe Zizi. "For example, if you're fined $2,000 for driving under the influence, the fine will automatically be doubled to $4,000."
The Highway Patrol wants motorists to slow down in the busy construction zone, which extends through Hacienda and Rowland Heights.
"It's all part of our Slow For the Cone Zone campaign. Anything to get motorists to slow down, especially in a construction zone, where the danger is magnified," said Judy Gish, a Caltrans spokesperson.
Gish noted that more than 100 Caltrans workers have been killed while working on the state's highways.
On Dec. 15, CHP Officer Joseph Sanders was killed in an accident along the Pomona Freeway near Azusa Avenue. Sanders and his partner were helping the driver of a pickup truck that had crashed in the eastbound lanes in Hacienda Heights.
As the CHP officer was putting down flares, there was another crash on the wet roadway. A car hit the officer, who was later pronounced dead at Los Angeles County USC Medical Center.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Puente Hills Chili's joined restaurants in Whittier and Chino Hills to raise money for the family of CHP Officer Joseph Sanders, 29, who was buried Monday in Lodi. Each restaurant donated 10 percent of their sales receipts.

"We had sales of $18,200 from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m.," reported Manager Edward Esparza. "Our restaurant will filled with officers and firemen all day. Any time we can help our community we're happy to help."

"Chili's said they read about Officer Sanders in the newspaper and asked if they could do something for his family," explained CHP Officer Joe Zizi.

Soon the three local Chili's had signed up for the fund-raising event on Dec. 23.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Add freezing temperatures and an earthquake and you would have had a giant milkshake.

A freeway off-ramp in Rowland Heights was closed for several hours on Sunday after a tanker truck spilled thousands of gallons of milk onto the roadway.

The truck overturned about 6:20 a.m. on the 60 Freeway. No injuries were reported. As much as 6,000 gallons of milk may have spilled across the road and down a storm drain, police said.

Caltrans crews closed the Nogales Street off-ramp from the eastbound 60 Freeway to clean up the mess. The off-ramp later was reopened sometime before 2 p.m.

The crash occurred in a construction zone, where lanes are restricted as the freeway is being widened for a carpool lane.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:08 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Lillian Chuang, 3, poses with Santa Claus for a photo during the "Here Comes Santa" event at Rowland Heights Park on Dec. 15. At left, 9-year-old Nathan Weng is surprised by the gift given to his brother Richard Weng, 6, during the big holiday event. Children received presents and a photo with St. Nick, while parents collected some food. The annual event was also held earlier at Manzanita Park in Hacienda Heights. (Photo by Ron Fu / Correspondent)

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Whittier College has awarded its higher honor, doctorate of humane letters (LL.D.), to the Venerable Grand Master Hsing Yun, who is the head of one of the largest Buddhist sects in the world. A small delegation of Whittier faculty and administrators presented him with the honorary degree at the Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights on Saturday, December 20. The presentation was kept very modest, albeit in high regalia, in deference to Buddhist tradition.

"In giving this honor to the Venerable Master, we are celebrating his leadership, his goodness, and his example," said President Sharon Herzberger. "We are also celebrating the budding partnership that has grown between Whittier College and Hsi Lai and Fo Guang Shan Temples and our commitment to the work that they do."

Whittier College awards honorary degrees to exceptional individuals whose values and accomplishments parallel the College's educational mission.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 9:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Momma always said to button up your coat when it was cold and wet outside. A lesson not lost on the youngsters at Los Altos Elementary School.
With the frigid temperatures and rainy weather, the students arrive at the Hacienda Heights school all bundled up this holiday season.
But what if you don't have a coat? What if you didn't even have a home? Then what DO you DO?
While the kids can't find homes for the homeless, they figured they could collect warm clothes for those forced to live on the streets this Christmas.
"I volunteer at the Fred Jordan Mission in Los Angeles on Thanksgiving and Christmas. I noticed that the homeless needed warm clothes, coats and blankets more than ever," explained fifth-grade teacher Carri Peck.
So Peck and the student council decided to help the homeless.
"The kids were especially interested in collecting clothes for children in the growing number of homeless families," Peck said.
Usually the school collected canned goods for the holidays, but this year they "canned" that project for the clothing drive.
"We have bright, caring students. They thought this was a great idea and put collection boxes in every classroom," the teacher touted.
Scarves, hats, mittens, coats, pants, shirts, blankets -- the little Santas piled their woolen treasures up in the school's storage area.
Student council members gathered the gently-worn garments and bundled them into plastic bags for the long trip downtown.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hacienda Heights Library will hold a Christmas Movie Marathon from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 23.

Come take a break from shopping and get in the holiday spirit with a day-long marathon of Christmas movies. All films are rated either G or PG, and will be presented on a wide screen in the meeting room.

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For more information, call Paula Vannucci at (626) 968-9356.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 4:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

On Dec. 15, CHP Officer Joe Sanders was struck and killed by a motorist while working on the 60 freeway Hacienda Heights. Officer Sanders leaves behind three children and a pregnant wife.

Many companies and private citizens have asked to help the Sanders family. The CHP said a corporation wanted to make a very generous donation to the officer's family, and involve those individuals who wish to help.

Chili's Grill & Bar said three local area restaurants will host "Joe Sanders Night," on Tuesday,
Dec. 23, from 11 a.m. to 10:30 p.m. Ten percent of the food proceeds sold that night will be donated to the Sanders Family.

Donors must present a certificate. Participating locations include Puente Hills Chili's, Chino Hills Chili's, and the Whittier Chili's.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 5:01 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Build a Candy House at the Rowland Heights Library. Cildren (K - 6th grade) and their parents are invited to drop in from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday to build a candy house made of graham crackers, frosting and candy toppings.

Volunteer Service will be provided by the California Scholarship Federation of Diamond Bar High School.

The library is at 1850 Nogales Street. For more information, call Jeff Jarrett at (626) 912-5348.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Teens are invited to come to the Hacienda Heights Library for a Wii Play Day on Friday, beginning at 3 p.m. Drop by for this free gaming event!

The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For information, call Karen Noyes at (626) 968-9356.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hsi Lai Temple in Hacienda Heights is holding an international ordination for 120 novices from around the world. They will become monks and nuns after the 14-day ceremony.
A highlight will be the Alms Round at 1 p.m. on Dec. 20, when the monks re-enact the tradition of begging from door to door that dates back to the time of the Buddha more than 2,500 years ago.
The temple is at 3456 S. Glenmark Drive. For more information, call (626) 961-9697.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 3:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Los Altos Elementary School in Hacienda Heights has been very busy collecting warm clothes for the Fred Jordan Mission in Los Angeles.

The generous kids have gathered warm coats, scarves, shirts and pants, as well as many blankets for the homeless this holiday season.

Many area residents have also donated some much needed warm clothing during this cold snap.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Shoppers at Puente Hills Mall will enjoy special entertainment from 6 to 8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20, and Sunday, Dec. 21.
A multi-cultural holiday stage show spotlighting family-friendly variety acts will be performed in the mall's center court.
Presented by EDI Entertainment Group of West Covina, the holiday festival will also feature 60 vendor booths offering many gifts from various ethnic arts and crafts.
Prize drawings throughout the festival will end with a drawing for a $250 gift card on Sunday.
Puente Hills Mall is located at 1600 Azusa Ave., City of Industry. Center hours are Monday-Thursday, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday, 10 a.m. to 10 p.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 10 p.m.
For more information, call (626) 912-8777, or visit www.puentehills-mall.com.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 3:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Homestead Museum continues its yuletide celebrations with Evening Holiday Tours from 4-8 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 20. Tours will depart every 20 minutes.

Holiday lights will illuminate the grounds as docents guide participants through Christmas traditions from the 1840s through the 1920s. Following each tour, visitors can enjoy cider and some sweet treats in the Homestead Museum Gallery.

Admission: $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, students, and children 2-12. Children under 2 are free.

Tickets are limited. The cost is $5 for adults and $3 for seniors, students, and children ages 2-12. Make a reservation by calling (626) 968-8492.

The Homestead Museum is located at 15416 East Don Julian Road in the city of Industry.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 6:33 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Homestead Museum will hold "A Southern California Christmas" from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 14 in Industry.

The museum will explore holiday traditions from the rancho era, Victorian times and Roaring 20s. The free festival features music, food, historic home tours and dramatizations.

For information, call (626) 968-8492 or visit homesteadmuseum.org.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Santa needs your help! He doesn't have enough toys for the big "Here Comes Santa" events at Manzanita Park in Hacienda Heights and Rowland Heights Park.

"We usually have enough toys for 500 children, but this year we only have enough for 300 kids," reported Recreation Leader Denise Rede at Manzanita.

Time is running out, Santa will arrive at Manzanita at 4 p.m. Monday and continue onto Rowland at 6 p.m.

But there's still time for some generous elves to drop off gifts for children ages 1 to 12. Many area families are counting on these gifts during these hard economic times.

Rede said people can drop off toys from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, noon to 5 p.m. Saturday and 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday in the local parks. Rowland is at 1500 S. Banida Ave., in Rowland Heights, while Manzanita is on Kwis Avenue.

Help keep the Grinch from stealing Christmas.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Rowland Heights Library will present "Thirsty City" an interactive play about the early years of Los Angeles and William Mulholland's struggle to bring water to the area.

Elementary children are invited to attend the free performance on Thursday, Dec. 11, at 7 p.m. Funding has been provided by Los Angeles County Supervisor Don Knabe.

The library is at 1850 Nogales St. For more information, call Jeff Jarrett at (626) 912-5348.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Rowland Unified is a busy place for the holidays. Farjardo Elementary in Rowland Heights will hold an Award Assemblies Wednesday featuring a Focus on Caring.

Hurley students in La Puente enjoyed their annual Winter Show, while Northam also enjoyed a holiday program.

Effective Parenting Class in English will be offered at Rincon Intermediate School in the Multipurpose Room, B Building from 5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. The same class in Spanish will run from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.

At 6:30 p.m., Oswalt Elementary in Walnut will perform a Winter Choral Program

Don't forget the school board meeting from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the district offices on Nogales Street.

And good old Killian Elementary will present its fourth-grade holiday performance from 7 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Good Time Travel Club at the Steinmetz Senior Center in Hacienda Heights will visit the Tamale Festival in Indio on Sunday, Dec. 7.

The bus will leave at 9 a.m. and return at 7 p.m. The cost is $5 for members and $10 for nonmembers.

It includes transportation and admission, with a two-hour stopover at Fantasy Springs Casino. Lunch is on your own at the festival or casino.

For more information, call (626) 934-7041.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hacienda Heights Library presents its final "Afternoon Delights: Classical Guitar Concert" at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 6.

The free concert will be performed by students from USC's classical guitar program.
The library is at 16010 La Monde St. For information, call Kathia Ibacache at (626) 968-9356.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 1:00 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Richard Riggs Memorial Choir, with more than 150 singers from 50 local churches and organizations, will perform Handel's "Messiah" at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 6, and at 3 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 7.

The performance takes place at St. Matthew's United Methodist Church, 15653 E. Newton St. in Hacienda Heights.

Seating is a first come - first served basis. No tickets are sold for the concert but a freewill offering is taken at the end of each performance, with a $20 suggested donation, to help offset the costs of the presentation.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Music students in the Rowland Unified School District will perform a benefit concert for the American Red Cross from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the SpeedZone in the Puente Hills Mall.

The students want to help families who lost homes in the recent wildfires. Fifteen percent of the proceeds from purchases will benefit Red Cross Fire Relief.

Be sure to download a flyer at Rowland Unified's Web site at www.rowlandschools.org. The SpeedZone is at 17871 Castleton St. in Industry.

The Elementary Jazz Band will perform at 5 p.m., followed by string students at 6 p.m. A Holiday Sing Along with the Oswalt and Ybarra Jazz Bands will be at 7 p.m.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Percussion Band at Mt. SAC will hold a free concert at 7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Dec. 3, in the Music Recital Hall.

The show will feature the college's outstanding percussionists, who will perform popular classics, as well as contemporary music.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

The Hacienda Heights Woman's Club will host its annual Christmas Holiday Salad Bar Luncheon and Bake Sale at 11 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 4, at the group's clubhouse, 1917 La Mesita Drive in Hacienda Heights.

Donation is $7 for members and $10 for guests. Reservations are needed. Call (626) 336-8275 or (626) 336-2405.

Several of the group's current local philanthropies include supporting Shelter's Right Hand, Delhaven Community Center, sponsoring scholarships and contributing to the East San Gabriel Valley Coalition for the Homeless.

Posted by Richard Irwin at 8:00 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)