St. John Vianney Catholic Church opens new sanctuary

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Their prayers have been answered. After waiting nearly 15 months, the parishioners at St. John Vianney Catholic Church have a new interim sanctuary.

The sprawling, white structure stands bright next to the blackened church beside it. The old sanctuary was destroyed by fire in the early morning hours of April 16, 2011.

The fire caused more than $6.5 million worth of damage to the sanctuary and other nearby church-owned buildings. Gregory Yusuke Shiga, 34, has been charged with arson in connection with the fire.

But on July 7, the congregation raised their voices in prayer in their new $800,000 home.

“We are really blessed to have this interim church,” said Monsignor Timothy Nichols.

Read more in Rich Irwin’s story SANCTUARY.

Walnut puts an English spin on council meetings

If you want to address the Walnut City Council but don’t speak English, don’t look for help from City Hall. A new policy being considered by the Walnut City Council Wednesday night says non-English speakers must bring their own interpreters to city meetings or address the city body in English.

The idea came from resident and council watcher Wendy Barend Toy, who said she couldn’t understand a couple of speakers who addressed the council in Chinese, explained City Manager Rob Wishner. Several of the councilmembers speak Chinese.

Read more in Steve Scauzillo’s story ENGLISH.

Hacienda Heights man killed on 60 Freeway

A Hacienda Heights man who apparently darted on the 60 Freeway was struck by a big rig and killed early Monday.

Ed Winter, assistant chief of operations and investigations for the Los Angeles County Department of Coroner, identified the man as Rick Chungnam Chan.

The fatal crash happened about 4:30 a.m. on the eastbound 60 Freeway, west of Rosemead Boulevard.

California Highway Patrol Officer Doris Peniche said the man was driving a 2000 BMW and stopped on the right shoulder.

“He exited the vehicle. He walked on the right shoulder, in front of the vehicle and waited,” Peniche said.

She said as a 2009 Freightliner approached, the man sprinted in the path of the big rig and was hit. He was pronounced dead at the scene.