Raiders edge Highlanders in first matchup See SPORTS Page 11 La Habra’s Independent Community Newspaper
www.lahabrajournal.com
No. 95499
March 23, 2017
Paver program offered by LH
A new reign
By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Helping with the crown: La Habra Senior Kellie Stein was crowned as the new Miss La Habra Saturday night at the La Habra Community Center. Stein received the crown, sash, a necklace and a $1,000 scholarship. The other four members of the court were also named. To see them, go to Page 7.
Heights creating investment committee LA HABRA HEIGHTS
By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
The city of La Habra Heights will be accepting applications from residents interested in being a part of the city’s Investment Management Committee. The purpose of the committee is to provide advice to the city council regarding the city’s investments, conduct an annual review of the city’s investment policy, review the city’s investment portfolio quarterly and consult the city treasurer with insights on investment opportunities. City Manager Jarad Hildenbrand said that many neighboring cities have similar committees in place. He clarified that the committee would only have an advisory responsibility and that the treasurer would be the only person with authority to invest money.
He explained that he sees the committee being like the current Roads Committee in its structure. Many committees are comprised of some combination of one or two council members, the treasurer and three to five residents who are industry specialists. The city currently has $4 million deposited in the state’s Local Agency Investment Fund, $1.2 million in a Wells Fargo Savings account and $2.1 million in a Wells Fargo checking account. The proposed earnings for the city’s current investments is budgeted at $13,500. Hildenbrand said that with a properly managed and safe investment policy, the city could see upwards to $75,000-$100,000 per year. He noted that there are knowledgeable investment managers
within the city and he is hoping they will apply to be on the committee and share their insight and experience. For those residents who are interested, applications can be picked up at the La Habra Heights City Hall. Applications will be reviewed by the city treasurer and brought to the council for approval. More information can be found at the city's website and by contacting the city at (562) 694-6302.
WHAT ’ S INSIDE THIS ISSUE A celebration of life for the daughter of the first LH mayor
La Habra comes out to run in the streets at annual race LOCAL NEWS PAGE 6
LOCAL NEWS PAGE 5
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The city of La Habra has created a commemorative paver program for the new Civic Center Plaza outside the council chamber offices. Those interested can purchase a customized engraved paver to celebrate their family, honor a loved one, remember a special occasion, or highlight a business or organization. According to City Manager Jim Sadro, pavers will be carved in place, and will only have to be removed if there is some kind of specialized logo to be carved. This will expedite the process and allow for minimal disruption to the new grounds. There are two options for residents to choose from when ordering a paver: An 8 x 8-inch paver and a 12 x 12-inch paver. According to Sadro, company logos can be engraved onto the pavers for an additional cost, depending on the scope of the artwork. It may require the paver to be moved to the vendors shop to carve. There will be a section of pavers set aside for council members to dedicate them to, and residents can pick and choose the location of their pavers. For more information, contact the Community Services Department at 562-383-4200, ext. 5202. CORRECTION In the previous issue (dated March 9) It was stated that the La Habra City Hall project cost $22.5 million. That number includes renovations to Legion Hall and the Police Department buildings as well as the additions to the Community Center to accommodate the LH Women's Club, the Scout Hut and the Art Gallery. This is in addition to the new city hall and post office.
LHPD's biggest drug asset...Bobby FEATURES PAGE 8
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COMMUNITY CALENDAR
The Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra provides a free, nutritious meal to all youth ages 0- 18. Youth in the community are welcome to come to the club Monday-Friday between 3:45 p.m. - 4:00 p.m. to receive a free meal.
Thursday, March 23, 2017
Help support La Habra High School’s Baseball team at Pizza Rev from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Pizza Rev will donate 20% of your purchase, just mention the fundraiser at the register. Pizza Rev is located at 1841 W. Imperial Hwy, La Habra
Saturday, March 25, 2017
Health & Fitness Expo from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Southern California University of Health Services, 16200 Amber Valley Drive, Whittier. See their ad page 7. La Habra Host Lions 7th Annual Pasta Fest at the Community Center, 101 W. La Habra Blvd. All proceeds benefit the La Habra Senior Programs. Registration begins at 5:30 p.m. and dinner will be served at 6:30 p.m. Contact Josie Anderson at (562) 307-0284 or janderson@lahabraca.gov for more information. Armstrong Garden Centers in La Habra will teach you how to grow your own hot peppers this morning at 8 a.m. Choose from mild to nuclear. Armstrong’s experts will show class attendees the best varieties to use in California gardens.
Monday, March 27, 2017
Homework Help at the La Habra Library Monday-Thursday from 4-5:30 p.m. High school students volunteer to help elementary students (K-5) with their homework as well as computers with educational software and links to websites that the school uses, such as ST Math, and tablets with books and educational software as well. Parents need to register their student at their first session. Night Owl Specials at La Habra 300 Bowl! Monday through Thursday from 6-11 p.m. unlimited bowling with shoe rental for only $10. La Habra City Planning Commission Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
Wednesday, March 29, 2017
Grand Re-opening of Northgate Market beginning at 9 a.m. Free 100% cotton bag with groceries to the first 300 customers with any purchase. New Location: 1305 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra.
Saturday, April 1, 2017
today beginning at 10 a.m. Free gifts, fun for the kids, food tastings and more! New location: 1305 W. Whittier Blvd., La Habra.
NEWS BRIEFS
Shop Magnolia Vintage, Home & Gift for their 2nd Annual Spring Boutique. All items are handmade. From 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at 310 E. Whittier Blvd., La Habra. (562) 694-5901. Our Lady of Guadalupe Food Drive for the LH Resource Center is this weekend. Everyone in the community is invited to come to the church parking lot today between 5-6 p.m. or tomorrow (Sunday) from 6-11:30 a.m. to drop off canned goods, dry goods and toiletries.
Monday, April 3, 2017
The Children's Museum at La Habra Chipping in for Kids Golf Classic at Hacienda Golf Club. For more information please call (562) 383-4242. See their ad on Page 10 Boys & Girls Club of La Habra Golf Tournament at Friendly Hills Country Club benefiting La Habra children and teens. Please contact Michelle Lawson at (562) 691-2413 or mlawson@ourchildrensfuture. org for more information. La Habra City Council Meeting begins at 6:30 p.m.
Tuesday, April 4, 2017
Save your family history/memories at this free Memoir Writing Workshop. Class begins at 10:30 a.m. at the La Habra United Methodist Church, 631 N. Euclid.
Have an event? Get it in our calendar! Contact the La Habra Journal at:
Sue Thompson/La Habra Journal
The Gary Center opened the doors to its new resourse center at 201 South Harbor Boulevard. The clinic provides core counseling, dental and auxiliary programs such as food distribution and education.
Community has opportunity to be part of LH City Hall
The city of La Habra is selling customized engraved pavers that will be placed in the new Civic Center plaza. The pavers can celebrate families, honor a loved one, highlight a local business, or anything else. Pavers can be in a 12-inch by 12inch size for $300 or an 8-inch by 8-inch size for $200 through June 30. For more information, or to order a paver, go to: lahabraca.gov/ paverprogram, or contact La Habra Community Services Department at(562) 383-4200.
Boys and Girls Club offers Spring Break activities.
The Boys & Girls Clubs of La Habra has activities planned for the entire week of Spring Break. Members are able to participate in daily field day competitions, basketball, soccer and flag football tournaments, ceramics, guitar lessons, dance classes, computer
time, STEM activities, field trips to Laser Quest and movies. There are themed spirit days also. For more information about spring break activities call 562.694.1805
LHPD net three DUI arrests and seven unlicensed drivers at checkpoint.
The La Habra Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI checkpoint March 17, along the 700 block of E. Lambert Road between the hours of 10 p.m. and 3 a.m. Of the more than 600 vehicles that were scanned, the LHPD arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol, one for the influence of drugs and 10 people for driving while operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended or revoked. According to LHPD officials, the LHPD will conduct more DUI/ Driver’s License Checkpoints and DUI saturation Patrols in 2017 in its ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries on the streets and highways.
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Northgate Market is continuing their grand re-opening celebration
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OPINION Did you know... By Nicole Panza La Habra Historical Museum
Early inhabitants of the La Habra Valley had a difficult time acquiring reliable sources of water for irrigation, particularly during drought years. The Coyote Creek, La Mirada Creek and Brea Canyon Creek were the only surface water sources that La Habra Valley inhabitants were able to use in the late nineteenth century. Early ranchers and farmers tapped into underground water supplies that originated east of the La Habra Valley to create wells. Families who were unable to drill their own wells to irrigate their land were dependent on purchasing water from those who could. Some of the first efforts to irrigate large portions of land in the La Habra Valley were initiated by W.J. Hole. Hole had a 100,000 gallon reservoir on his property supplied from various water sources in La Habra including wells on his ranch. Water from his pumping plant was sold to neighbors. Other ranchers were also able to secure strong wells and pumping plants to irrigate their lands. Baldwin, Hiatt, Bush, and Landreth, all ranchers on the Lowell tract, combined resources and efforts to install a pumping plant to bring water to their lands, and the Leffingwell Ranch was also able to drill wells and install a compressed air process to raise water for irrigation. Securing reliable water for irrigation was a community effort, particularly when it came to developing a water system for La Habra. In the summer of 1891, the East Whittier Land and Water Company succeeded in delivering water from artesian wells on the San Gabriel River to East Whittier by gravity flow in a combination of flume and conduit. La Habra ranchers wanted to extend that water system so their properties could have guaranteed water supplies.
COMMENTARY
In 1902, after many years of uncertainty over the fate of this project, the East Whittier Land and Water Company along with the newly incorporated La Habra Water Company and California Domestic Water Company were able to move forward with the extension of the Whittier waterlines into La Habra. The La Habra water system had both a lower and upper line. Completed and turned on in 1903, the lower line was a cement gravity flow pipeline. The upper line was initially made of steel, but it was replaced by the redwood line in 1906. Pictured below this redwood line remained in use until it was replaced in the 1940s by a heavy steel line. Just another interesting piece of history about where we live, work, and enjoy being a part of the La Habra community. Sources: La Habra: The Pass Through the Hills by Esther Cramer; La Habra Historical Museum Archives
Miss LH is more than just a pageant winner As you can see in this issue, a new Miss La Habra was crowned. There may be some of you reading this and wonder why there is a Miss La Habra. I can tell you that it is a tradition that is part of the community and gives a great benefit to the young women involved. First, let me address how it is an enhancement to the community. Many of our neighboring cities have discontinued their pageant programs. They were mostly run by small nonprofits, or city. They couldn’t maintain momentum. Miss La Habra is celebrating its 69th year. It is tied into the Corn Festival and run by the La Habra Host Lions organization. This aspect alone helps solidify it as part of our community. It is promoted, presented and carried on throughout the year as a community event. I was talking with the photographer who was shooting the pageant for the OC Register. As I was bringing him up to speed about what was happening and how the event was run, he stopped and said that he really liked the event. He said it had a “small town feel to it,” like “something in the Midwest.” Mind you, this is a Register photographer who,
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like many of their staffers, they send to cover events all over the county. He has photographed many other pageants across OC, but agreed that this one had charm and seemed like it meant something to the city. Miss La Habra and her court are seen all over the city promoting the Corn Festival and working as local ambassadors. They are at various Chamber of Commerce events, city functions and of course, Lions Club events. This brings me to my second point, because of their work as representatives of La Habra, there is a great benefit in the growth of these young women. Pageant Director Cindy Singer believes strongly in developing the court, and to some extent even the contestants, into strong, confident individuals. I have seen her work with the girls and know the passion that she has in ensuring they grow and become better people through this experience. So when you're out this year and you see Miss La Habra or her court, you can take pride in knowing that they are part of our long community history. —The Editor
Photo courtesy LH Historical Museum
A La Habra 6-foot redwood water line being put in place from East Whittier, some time around 1906.
The La Habra Journal is an independent, locally owned and run, community newspaper published bimonthly and serving the cities of La Habra and La Habra Heights. The Journal’s mission is to provide a vehicle of communication for the whole community and bring the community members together. The La Habra Journal welcomes views and comments from the community. All letters to the editor need to have a name for publication. Comments by the community are the views of the community and subject to verification. Authors will be contacted and notified prior to publication of their letters. The La Habra City Council meets the first and third Mondays of the month at 6:30 p.m. at the Civic Center. The La Habra Heights City Council meets on the second Thursday of the month at City Hall at 6 p.m. The La Habra Journal is a proud member of the California Newspaper Publishers Association.
Publisher/Editor: Jay Seidel Operations Manager: Jennifer Seidel Advertising Director: Sue Thompson Founding Partners: Jane Williams, Dotty Shively, Nancy Bishop
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Amazing things are happening inside your public schools
March 2017
Our mission in the La Habra City School District is to not only prepare our students to thrive in high school, but to have the critical thinking skills and capacity to innovate and collaborate as they pursue careers, college, and active citizenship in a global economy. We appreciate the support of our community in helping us achieve that vision for every child.
Reflections of a new Superintendent Getting inside our schools has been a great education for me over the past two months. I can say that there is a special brand of educational excellence here in La Habra. I have toured each site, visited every classroom and met with each school staff. I have also been introduced to our instructional aides, school psychologists, academic coaches, community liaisons, office staff, cafeteria workers, custodians, parent volunteers and most important…some of the most articulate, bright, and amazing students I have encountered as an educator. In each classroom I visited, I observed critical thinking, problem solving, innovation, engagement, reflection, enthusiasm, and a connection to learning. I observed effective teaching strategies, and I observed adults who truly put their heart and soul into providing each child opportunities to grow, learn, and reach their full potential.
Dr. Seuss Read Across America Ms. Naples – Kindergarten Class, Arbolita
As I continue to observe, visit classrooms, and mentor our leadership teams, the school community will see a focused direction, and we will set the stage for long-term growth. We will focus on a few goals and outcomes that align to critical supports for leadership, teaching and student learning. We will cultivate collaborative cultures and implement structures and processes that develop capacity of school leadership teams and implement an instructional coherence framework that uses evidence of learning to inform continuous improvement. We will also develop a common vision of accountability that engages district leaders, principals, and teachers. Here are a few examples of what I have seen at our school sites: Safe, clean, and orderly schools High expectations for all students Programs grounded in critical thinking Dual Immersion Arbolita School Rigorous instruction in both English and Spanish STEM labs K-5
LHCSD Bus Drivers Make a Difference Safety First
Partnerships with local Art Studios Partnerships with Segerstrom Center for the Arts K-5 Students engaged in Project Based Learning Career exploration with a focus on college and career readiness Specialized programs in visual and performing arts Project Lead the Way Lego Robotics Ozobots CODING Computer Aided Design (CAD) Programing Fit Kid Centers at K-5 Credentialed Physical Education Teachers K-8 1:1 iPads for grades 5-8
Ms. Warfield – Kindergarten Class Ladera Palma “The Day the Crayons Quit” and a free box of crayons!
Expanded Transitional Kindergarten iPad and Chromebook access K-8 Extensive Wi-Fi connection at all sites Media Centers to enhance 21st Century Learning with State-of-the-Art Technology
Let’s Talk is open 24/7 to take your comments, compliments, and feedback. By using the included QR code or accessing the Let’s Talk tab on our District’s website at: www.lahabraschools.org
Middle School Electives including: AVID, Spanish, Pal’s, ASB, Coding, Reverse Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Aeronautics and Flight, Design Modelling, Automation and Vex Robotics, Computer Science, Model United Nations, Band, Percussions, World Percussions, Theatre Arts, Piano, Choir, Ceramics, Drawing, Painting, Computer Graphics and Design, Beginning, Intermediate and Advanced Band, Visual Communication, Project Lead the Way, and Photography Every day, our teachers, administrators, and support staff work hard to ensure that the children of La Habra are receiving a rigorous educational experience that prepares them for college, career readiness, and beyond!.
Keeping you informed about your public schools Office of Superintendent 500 North Walnut Street La Habra, CA 90631 562) 690–2305 www.lahabraschools.org
LOCAL NEWS
Launer-Harris honored in life for her dedication to La Habra By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
A member of one of the founding families of La Habra passed away last week after turning 100 in January. Eunice Launer Harris was born on January 25, 1917 at home on her parents’ ranch at the northeast corner of Whittier Boulevard. and Cypress Street. Her parents, were Ruth Dallman and Nelson Milan Launer. Nelson Launer's father John was first mayor of La Habra. He and his wife Anna had a 20-acre ranch in what is now the center of La Habra. When John died, Anna, donated a portion of their land to the city of La Habra, where the former city hall stands, and the Orange County Library is now. It was where their the family's ranch home was built in 1898. Eunice had a wonderful childhood growing up on the citrus ranch in La Habra. She attended Washington School where her father had gone to school. She also went to Fullerton High School where she met her future husband Earl Harris. The two graduated high school in 1935. She initially went to UC Berkeley, but missed Earl so much that she transfered to USC, to attend college with him. There she majored in botany. She joined Alpha Gamma Delta sorority with her sister Ruthmarie and graduated with Earl in 1939. They were married on her family’s citrus ranch on August 17, 1940 with a full moon and the lovely scent of lemon blossoms. Her parents gave them a five-acre citrus ranch on what is now Whittier Boulevard and Cypress Street. Earl and Eunice had three children, Janet, Kathy and Stanley. Eunice became a busy volunteer with PTA, Scouts, Methodist Church Sunday School, Panhellenic and Alpha
Photo courtesy Janet Tonkovich
Eunice Launer-Harris, seen here on a vacation to Glacier Bay, passed away last week after reaching her 100th birthday in January.
Gamma Delta Alumnae in Orange County. She was a Girl Scout leader, supported La Habra High School, and The Boys and Girls Club of La Habra. She and Earl were actively involved in USC Alumni events and enjoyed attending USC football games with their friends. In 1959 they moved from their La Habra citrus ranch to Fullerton. Eunice became active with the Fullerton Assistance League and joined Trojan League of Orange County and Trojan Guild of Orange County. After Earl retired from LA City Schools as supervisor of youth services in 1977, the couple began traveling and developing their property in La Habra on Whittier Boulevard into a commercial retail area. She remained an active member of La Habra Old Settlers Historical Society and Trojan support groups, where she attended many USC football home games. . She was celebrated,along with the Launer family, at the Old Settlers' spring meeting at La Habra's Legion Hall, located on the land once owned by her parents, and she was surrounded by multiple generations of family and friends.
INSPIRATIONAL CORNER
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By Dennis Laherty, the Co-Pastor of Emanuel Lutheran Church, La Habra
A few weeks ago in the Inspirational Corner, seniors in the community were the subject of the day. The main point was how good communication is possible, as long as the person engaging the senior is a good listener. The implication of that article was that listening is only important for the more senior generation among us. Younger people weren’t even mentioned. Today I’d like to focus on junior high school students. These are people with the ages, for the most part, of 13 and 14. Another term to describe these people is “adolescent”. The first point to realize is that all in this age group have been born in the 21st century. For them, the 1900s are a distant history. I find that the most interesting point about this age group is that they have been bombarded all their lives with two major themes; equality and the understanding that change is good. In their lifetime these adolescents have only known that equal rights and pay for women and men is a given and that acceptance of other ethnic groups, religions and people with whom we may not agree is to be the standard of society. This message is conveyed in movies, on television, in social media, virtually everywhere a message is to be found. There is a barrage of messages of equality. These messages come to adolescents by means of devices and apps that were not even developed until the 21st century and change from once a year or once every two years. An adolescent doesn’t look to something new in order to stand out among their peers. They look for that which is new because that is what life in the 21st century has trained them to do. Something older than 2 years is ancient. For older people like myself I can appreciate the emphasis of equality taking over our society. When I’m hesitant to acknowledge change, I consider this generation of 13 and 14 year olds who know nothing else. As a group, adolescents are a valuable gift to our society. We can be thankful for who they are, their outlook and what they will offer as leaders in years to come.
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LOCAL NEWS
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La Habra community comes out to run the streets in annual races
By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
The streets of La Habra were once again filled with runners at the annual La Habra Races, held March 11 at the La Habra Marketplace on Imperial Highway. Races included a 50-yard diaper dash for toddlers, a 1K kids' race and the 5K race. The first to cross the line in the kid's 1K was El Cerrito second grader Jayden Contreras . The top runners for the 5K were, for the women; Jana McAdams with a time of 19:55, Susan Edwards and Mirna Underwood. . For the men it was Andres De La Cruz, Chris Reid and Christian Edwards who took the top three spots respectively. A group of officers from the La Habra Police Department ran the 5K in full uniform in honor of Whitier Officer Kenneth Boyer and other fallen officers. In addition to the races, there were exhibitors with an emphasis on community and health.
Runners worked hard running the 5K, including members of the LHPD who ran in full uniform.
El Cerrito second grader Jayden Contreras finshed first in the annual 1K kid's race. He is part of the school's running club.
Groups, like those from American First Credit Union took part in the city's annual races last week.
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Winners: Jana McAdams was the fastest female runner with a time of 19:55. Susan Edwards finished second with a time of 20:08 and Mirna Underwood took third with a time of 22:35.
Andres De La Cruz was the fastest overall with a time of 16:08. Chris Reid (Center) finished second with a time of 16:40. Christian Edwards was third over›all with a time of 18:07.
There are a lot of ways to cover your butt.
But a colonoscopy is by far the best. Colon cancer is the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths. In fact, one in 20 people will get colon cancer. And it often starts with zero symptoms. A colonoscopy is the only colon screening that can actually prevent it. All others can only detect it once it’s already present. So if you are 50 or over, do not leave yourself hanging out to dry. Prevent colon cancer and schedule a colonoscopy today.
Call the PIH Health Colon Cancer Prevention Program at 562.967.2656 or visit PIHHealth.org/Colonoscopy
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LOCAL NEWS
A new Miss LH is crowned By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
La Habra High School Senior Kellie Stein was crowned Miss La Habra 2017 at the 69th Annual pageant held at the Community Center last Saturday. Stein also was awarded Miss Congeniality, an award voted on by all of the contestants. Stein is involved with student government, varsity cheer, Theater Guild, and the German Club. She's part of the National Honor's Society and California Scholastic Federation. She's also part of the La Habra Youth Committee and is active in her church. Joining her on the 2017 court are La Habra High School seniors Kira Cauley, Mariana Estrada, Deanna Gonzales and Fullerton College freshman Kawkab Chigri.
The court will make its first apperance at the La Habra Host Lions' Pasta Fest Saturday.
The new Miss La Habra Kellie Stein, being crowned by Miss La Habra 2016 Kristen Sauceda.
Princess Kira Cauley crowned by last year's princess Samantha Da Broi.
Princess Kawkab Chigri crowned by 2016 princess Madelynn Sopp.
The newly crowned Miss La Habra court was named at the 69th annual pageant last Saturday.
Princess Deanna Gonzales being crowned by 2016 princess Alexyss Gomez.
Princess Mariana Estrada being crowned by last year's princess Norma Mendoza.
Move More, Eat Healthy | La Habra Collaborative
Saturday, March 25th, 2017 10 am to 1pm
at Southern California University of Health Sciences
16200 Amber Valley Drive, Whittier, CA 90604
• Fitness Classes • Health Management • Nutritional Education • Alternative Heath and Wellness • Health & Fitness Tests • Strength & Conditioning • Exercise FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK www.facebook.com/healthandfitnessexpo
RAFFLES GIVEAWAYS & PRIZES
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FEATURES
LHPD's unique narcotics K9 continues to be an asset By Greg Hardesty BehindTheBadgeOC
The bad guys took extra steps to make sure their ill-gotten gains would get transported with no hitches — that the faint scent of methamphetamine on the stacks of bills would remain undetected. They vacuum-sealed $500,000 in 12 bricks and surrounded them with coffee grounds in a mini-refrigerator that had been sprayed with insecticide. The mini-fridge had been placed inside a wooden container, which itself had been placed in a larger wooden crate stored in the shipping container. The bad guys, however, hadn’t counted on a formidable nemesis: Bobby, the La Habra’s PD’s 40-pound, floppy-eared and brown-and-white narcotics-sniffing K9, a 3½-yearold English springer spaniel born in Ireland. A federal drug task force had received a tip that dope money from the East Coast was being sent to Fontana in the shipping container. Bobby and his handler, La Habra PD Reserve Officer Rob Sims, were summoned to assist. Bobby quickly “alerted” while excitedly sniffing around outside the huge shipping container. After detecting the scent of narcotics, he stood still. A search warrant was issued, and the feds found the $500,000 and seized it. That bust, at the end of 2014, still remains the biggest of Bobby’s career after he joined the La Habra PD in May 2014.
Today, Bobby continues to be a huge asset for the LHPD, dramatically saving his human partners time on warrant and probation searches for cocaine, methamphetamine and other illegal common street drugs. He’s also a big celebrity in La Habra as a massively popular fixture at public events and PD demonstrations. In Orange County, Bobby’s role is unique among law enforcement agencies. He exclusively is assigned to the La Habra PD’s Investigations Unit, although as in the Fontana case, he frequently assists other local, state and federal agencies. Most police agencies’ “dope dogs” are assigned to patrol cars and also assist in running down bad guys. Bobby only is used to find dope. “I knew he was going to be good from the beginning,” said Sims, a 22year reserve officer for the LHPD who for the last decade has worked as an undercover narcotics specialist in the Investigations Unit. “If anything,” said Sims, “he’s gotten even better. He has all the skills, and in many ways he’s trained me.” To get some idea about a dog’s amazing olfactory capabilities compared to humans, considered seasoning —- you know, the stuff many people love to shake onto their steaks. To humans, the seasoning is one scent. “If Bobby could talk,” Sims said, “he could break down every single odor in the seasoning — paprika, salt, pepper, whatever — and tell us all the ingredients.” All dogs have this capability. But for working dogs like Bobby, the
Photo by Steven Georges/Behind the Badge OC
Bobby, a drug-sniffing dog with the La Habra PD, receives his chew toy as a reward after finding a small amount of hidden drugs.
quality of training directly translates to how well they do on the job. And Bobby, Sims said, is one of the best. Before Sims even met Bobby — the La Habra Police Canine Foundation raised $15,000 from private donors to pay for Bobby, since there was no money in the agency’s budget for a new K9 — Bobby had undergone six months of specialized training. Sims then spent an additional 80 hours in training with Bobby, rewarding him each time he alerted on a target with a chew toy. Only then, was it time for them to work. “To him, it isn’t work though, it’s a game,” Sims said. “You basically want a hyper dog you can reel in when you need to. All Bobby cares about is getting the toy.” Bobby has been on a few hundred searches in his two years and nine months on the job at the LHPD. “Where he’s really helped a lot
is speeding up the time it takes to do searches,” Sims said. “It can take four of us the better part of four to six hours to search an average home in La Habra. Bobby can do it in 30 minutes.” Sims, who is a business owner, averages about 60 hours a month as a reserve LHPD officer. Bobby gets recertified every year as a narcotics K9, but every day he gets some form of training, and Sims engages him in formal training sessions once a week and also monthly. When he’s not working, Bobby hangs out with Sims’ other two dogs, an English bulldog and a mutt. “This isn’t a job,” Sims said. “This is my getaway, my stress reliever, believe it or not. I have the best job here, hands down. I get to come and do police work with Bobby, do my paperwork, and go home, then come back and do it all over again.”
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BUSINESS DIRECTORY
NEIGHBORHOOD
The only directory exclusively listing La Habra area businesses
ACCOUNTING/BOOKKEEPING Tax Help Team - CPA, EAs 1201 S. Beach Blvd. Suite 106 La Habra, CA 90631 (x Imperial) (562) 943-1456 “For You & Your Small Business” Tax Debt Relief Expert
ATTORNEYS CRIMINAL LAW Brian McDonnell The McDonnell Law Firm 418 E. La Habra Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-3827 (562) 694-4280 Fax www.lahabracriminalattorneys.com AUTO ACCIDENT INJURY Law Offices Clinton W. Holland, Inc. Derek Holland 418 E. La Habra Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-3821 (562) 691-5569 Fax www.lawcwh.com BANKS Pacific Mercantile Bank 1530 W. Whittier Blvd. #B La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-7117 www.pmbank.com Dawn F. Stille COUNSELING Lifeline Counseling Services Abuse & Addiction Counseling Christian Counseling Available 1701 E. Lambert Rd. Unit C La Habra, CA 90638 (562) 706-4251 therecoveryexpert@gmail.com DENTISTS Ezaki Dentistry Ramsey Ezaki, DDS 16336 Whittier Blvd #101 Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 947-9958 www.ezakidentistry.com ESCROW COMPANIES v Mercury Escrow 410 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 265-3127 Debbie Dudley debbie@mercuryescrow.com FAMILY MEDICAL SERVICES Friends of Family Health Center Primary care services for all OB/ GYN Services, Family Planning & Pediatric Dentistry 501 S. Idaho Street La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 690-0400
FINANCE/INVESTMENTS Edward Jones Making Sense of Investing Anna Li Financial Advisor 15739 Imperial Hwy. La Mirada, CA 90638 (562) 943-5787
GERMAN DELICATESSEN v Continental Delicatessen 1510 W. Imperial Hwy. Ste. CD La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 697-0333 Party Platters, Sandwiches, Domestic and Imported Foods HAIR SALON v Primarily Hair 820 E. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-6581 www.primarilyhair.com Find us on Facebook MEDICARE HEALTH INSURANCE PLANS Perisho & Associates 7771 Bacon Road Whittier, CA 90602 (562) 547-6569 jerryperisho@gmail.com www.calljerry4info.com CA License #0I04403 MORTGAGE COMPANIES Finance of America 250 Commerce Suite 100 Irvine, CA 92602 (562) 572-4648 cell Fernando Hernandez FHernandez@financeofamerica.com Sr. Mortgage Advisor, MLO 258327 PEST CONTROL Lady Bugs Environmental 481 E. Whittier Blvd., Suite A La Habra, CA 90631 (855) 452-3928 Termites, Insects, Rodents, Bird Control & Bee Emergency The No-Nonsense Termite Co. 20+ years experience Lic. #PR3863 Termite/Cockroach/Ant Treatment Rat & Mouse Exclusion Wood repair/replacement Call today (800) 455-8283 PET BOARDING & GROOMING The Dog Lodge 1551 W. Lambert Road La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-1152
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SKIN AND NAILS Face It Skin & Nails Spa 1630 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 691-7888 faceitsv@yahoo.com
PHOTOGRAPHERS Miguel Pola Photographers Weddings, Family Photos, High School Senior Portraits, Photo Booth www.miguelpola.com (800) 497-1815
SENIOR CARE Senior Solutions Pauline Hampton, LVN (714) 318-0835 www.4seniorsolutions.com "We find senior living homes." TREE TRIMMING v Williams Tree Service PO Box 5557 Whittier, CA 90607-5557 (562) 692-8677 wtreedude@aol.com License#941245
PIANO TEACHER Degree piano teacher Adult & children lessons Beginner to advance In your home or mine 35 years experience (714) 853-3959 PRINTING Guardian Printing & Signs 1050 E. Whittier Blvd. Suite 100 La Habra, CA 90631 (888) 270-0984 Pam Chris (884)Terry 520-3648 Fax www.guardianprinting.com ordernow@guardianprinting.com REALTORS v Keller Williams Reality The Kennedys 16310 Whittier Blvd. Suite F Whittier, CA 90603 (562) 902-5100 ROOFING v Swanson Roofing 600 N. Warne Street La Habra, CA 90631 (714) 401-0963 Kevin Swanson Lic. #678228
URGENT CARE MedPost Urgent Care 1040 W. Imperial Hwy. Unparelleled Real Estate Services... from our Family to You La Habra, CA 90631 Pam Kennedy (562) 547-4489 (714) 255-1640 Terry Kennedy (562) 458-7948 medpost.com Chris Kennedy (562) 537-8701 Monday-Friday 8 AM - 8 PM Saturday & Sunday 9 AM 5 PM WINDOW TINTING v Window Tinting Associates 2253 W. Whittier Blvd. La Habra, CA 90631 (562) 694-0504 (800) 953-TINT Auto***Home***Office v Indicates display advertiser.
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SPORTS
10
Lady Raiders and Lady Heralds both score five to split Monday doubleheader By Jay Seidel La Habra Journal
It took both teams five runs to win and split a doubleheader at Whittier Christian Monday with the Lady Heralds winning 5-2 in the first game and the Lady Raiders picking up the 5-1 win in the second game. Sonora jumped out to a one-run lead in the first inning of the first game. But the Lady Heralds responded with three runs in the third and added another two in the fifth. Sophomore Hailey Gallegos lead the Whittier Christian offense hitting two doubles and picking up two RBI. Senior Ally Udell scored twice off of two hits and had an RBI for the Heralds. Udell (1-0) also lead from the circle giving up two runs on 10 hits
and four strikeouts. Sonora came back in the second game, scoring two runs in the first and adding another run in the third inning. Freshman Maddie McNally scored twice on two hits for the Lady Raiders Sophomore Macenzie Shaw and junior Alissa Gomez both added doubles for Sonora. Freshman right hander Alissa Alvarado gave up one run and struck out two batters for the Lady Raiders. Whittier Christian's lone run came off a single by Jaden Hernandez scoring fellow freshman Gabrielle Dauber. The Raiders (5-7) travel to Bishop Amat Friday at 3:15. Whittier Christian (6-7) travels to Pasadena to play Maranatha in the opener of Olympic League play.
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
Sonora pitcher Alissa Alvarado pitched seven innings, giving up one run and striking out two Monday.
Sonora's Ashley Diaz and Claudia Kim high-five after an out against Whittier Christian Monday.
Whittier Christian's Katie Verbeck throws the ball after tagging out Sonora's Clarissa Hernandez.
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Claudia Kim lays down a bunt for the Lady Raiders in the second game of a doubleheader.
Whittier Christian's Callista Rivera makes contact with a pitch against Sonora Monday afternoon.
SPORTS
11
Raiders edge Highlanders in rain-shortened game By Jason Burch La Habra Journal
The heart of the order struggled once again, but the Sonora Raiders were able to muster up enough offense to beat the rival Highlanders 3-2 in miserable conditions at La Habra High School Tuesday. Rain trickled down from the first pitch all the way through the sixth inning, when the game was finally called due to the increasingly heavy downpour. The game was scoreless until the fifth inning, when the rain caused both starters to struggle with control. La Habra starter Joshua Valencia allowed a leadoff walk in the top half of the inning. The Raiders got a double from Dylan Villalobos to bring in
La Habra's Rene Palacios connects with one early in the game against Sonora Tuesday
the first run of the game. The Raiders added one more on a bases-loaded walk to take a 2-0 lead. The Highlanders answered back in the bottom half though, with a leadoff triple from Jacob Baca that reached the fence in left-center. Baca was brought home on a fielder’s choice groundout a couple of batters later. The Raiders added one more unearned on a misplayed ball at third base that would’ve been the final out of the sixth. The Highlanders were able to cut the lead to one after Braxton Hutcherson leadoff the sixth with a double to right, followed by a Josh Ramirez single that found its way past third base. After the final out in the sixth was made, La Habra coach John Sothern met with the umpire crew and the game was officially called due to poor field conditions. “A win is nice, even though you hate to see it only go six innings,” said Sonora coach Patrick Tellers. “But you know the field started to become unplayable and then it becomes a safety issue.” Tellers said he was actually a bit surprised the umpires allowed the game go as long as they did given the conditions. “We each had opportunities in this [weather] and we failed early, but we’re just happy to be one and one now,” Tellers added. Josiah Austin picked up the win, going 5 innings with 4 strikeouts and one earned run. Sonora (5-4, 1-1) dropped its Freeway League opener to Buena Park on Friday. The Raiders will send Villalobos to the hill on Wednesday
City of La Habra Community Services Department 101 W. La Habra Blvd.
562-383-4200
Glow in the Dark Egg Hunt
For Kids Ages 7-13 years Thursday, April 6th 6:00-8:00 p.m. $20 per person at Westridge Golf Course YOU MUST PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT. For more information or to register, please visit the Community Center, or call 562-383-4200, Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m.
Photos by Jay Seidel/La Habra Journal
La Habra's Ricky Akles gets tagged out at third during the Highlanders' 3-2 loss to Sonora Tuesday. The game was called in the sixth inning due to heavy rains and unsafe playing conditions.
when the host Sunny Hills who started the season 8-1, but have dropped their first two league games. La Habra (3-7, 0-2) has dropped both league games so far, and will
have another tough matchup at Buena Park Wednesday afternoon.
Sonora's Josiah Austin picked up the win against La Habra in a shortened six-inning game.
Highlander Joshua Valencia started strong against Sonora, but struggled in the rain.
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