Author Archives: ABC Public Relations

Chino Man Fires at Officers, Sets Home on Fire

Courtesy of the Chino Police Department

Courtesy of the Chino Police Department

Staff Reports

 

CHINO– A man who was about to be evicted from a rental property in Chino barricaded himself in his home after shooting at police officers and was later found dead.

Around 8:20 a.m. March 9, Chino Police officers approached the home in the 11400 block of Santa Anita with the landlord in order to serve an eviction notice, when the man inside the home began shooting at the officers.

“Upon our officers arrival … an unknown subject came to the front of the location and fired upon the officers,” Police Captain Wes Simmons said. “The officers did return fire, and they did deploy chemical agents on the house.”

Neighborhood residents were evacuated for several hours.  The house became fully engulfed in flames after officers deployed non-incendiary chemical agents into the home.  Officers do not believe that the chemicals started the fire.

Monica Gutierrez, spokeswoman for the city of Chino, said that police learned later that the man had planned to set the house on fire and commit suicide. His remains were retrieved from the home on Thursday.

The owner of the home had been trying to evict the man for several months.

Chino Valley Fire was able to knock down the flames, but the house is a complete loss.  The suspect remains unidentified.

No officers, fire personnel or citizens were injured during the incident.

 

CarMax Crash Fugitive Sought

Photo courtesy: San Bernardino County Sheriff Fugitive Alex Demetro sought

Photo courtesy: San Bernardino County Sheriff
Fugitive Alex Demetro sought

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO-  A Union City, CA  man charged with killing a CarMax salesman has been declared a fugitive.

Alex Demetro, 28, allegedly crashed a Corvette into a tree during a test drive around 12:45 p.m., February 23, on Mercedes Lane in Ontario.  Witnesses told police that the driver was traveling at a high rate of speed, possibly as high as 70 mph, when he lost control of the car and crashed.

After the collision, 43-year-old Warren Smale of Montclair, a CarMax employee, was taken to a hospital in critical condition.  He was later pronounced dead as a result of his injuries. Smale had worked at the CarMax dealership since October 2013, and was the first CarMax employee to die during a test drive, according to the company.   He grew up in Pennsylvania and moved to California to find a good job.

Demetro was released from jail February 24 after posting $100,000 bail.

On March 7, the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office charged Demetro with one count of gross vehicular manslaughter while intoxicated, one count of driving while under the influence of a drug causing injury, and one count of driving when privilege suspended or revoked with priors.  When Demetro did not show up for his court hearing, a warrant for his arrest was issued.

The case is currently under investigation by the Ontario Police Department.  If you have any information regarding the whereabouts of Alex Demetro, please contact Ontario Police Officer Brian Olivo at (909) 395-4646 or callers wishing to remain anonymous can dial WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Sex Offender Compliance Check

Courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department

SAN BERNARDINO– For the past 45 days, detectives from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Crimes Against Children detail have continued to verify the residency status of sex offenders within the county of San Bernardino. San Bernardino County currently has over 5,000 registered sex offenders residing throughout the various cities in San Bernardino County. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has a 98 % compliance rate of all sex offenders registered with the Sheriff’s Department.
As of February 2016, there are 192 active Failure to Register warrants for subjects who have not registered, and are out of compliance with their Sex Offender registration requirements. 133 of these warrants are Felony warrants; 59 of these are misdemeanor warrants. Detectives are currently working with the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office to ensure that all of the felony warrants in the system are approved for nationwide extradition. At this time, over 40 warrants have been approved for nationwide extradition, and additional approvals are pending.
Through investigation, detectives learned that 7 of those wanted subjects were deceased. An additional 9 were found to be living in other States.
In the past 45 days, Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Detail also conducted over 30 investigations into the compliance status of various sex offenders within the Inland Empire. As a result of those investigations, 13 sex offenders were arrested for various charges to include; possession of drugs, forgery, failing to register as a sex offender, and for violating the terms of their parole & probation.
Charlie Sanders (44) and John Mason (42) both of San Bernardino, were arrested for possession of a controlled substance and parole violation.
Anthony Jefferson (30) of San Bernardino, was arrested for Forgery, Possession of a fake CA driver’s license, and parole violation.
With the assistance of Deputies from the Sheriff’s Central Station, Travis Wright (64) of Devore, was arrested for a Felony Indecent Exposure Warrant; stemming from a case that occurred in Orange County.
John Arrey (59) of Yucaipa, Benny Goodman (46) and Robert White (53), both of Highland, Michael Murillo (27) and Ronnie Fernandez (42), both of Redlands, Edward Brodie (58) of Rialto, William Hoover (51) of Rancho Cucamonga, and Antonio Higareda (20) and Justin Lutton (28), both of San Bernardino, were all arrested for failing to register as sex offenders.
Additional investigations are in the process and more arrests are imminent. Detectives are also collaborating with officers from the San Bernardino County Probation Department and agents from the California Department of Corrections to ensure the subjects on parole & probation are following their sex offender registration requirements. Detectives will continue to monitor the registered sex offenders within the County of San Bernardino to ensure their compliance.
Anyone with information about sex offenders who may be out of compliance is urged to contact the Specialized Investigations – Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615. If you choose to remain anonymous, call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Who Wants Bundt Cake?

By Gel Delos Santos, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce

 

CHINO HILLS-Esther and Charles Cuellar are the new owners of a franchise called Nothing Bundt Cakes. They currently have one location in West Covina, and they will be opening a second location, in Chino Hills, on April 8, 2016.  Esther is an experienced franchiser who has worked in restaurants for 25 years, and she has always been passionate about having a business that has to do with food.  She currently owns two other franchises: Yogurtland and Jersey Mike’s.  There is something about the culture behind the franchise business that she really likes and enjoys.

She is very excited about her new franchise.  When asked why she chose cakes, she said

“Cakes are so easy for people to get hooked on!”  She chose to open a Chino Hills location so that she can be rooted in the Chino Valley, creating relationships that will keep her business open and help her be part of the community for a long time.  Furthermore, giving back to the community is very important to her, so she is partnering with the Let It Be Foundation, which helps families care for their sick children.  When the restaurant opens on April 8, it will be a Benefit Day, which means that 20% of all sales that day will be donated to the Let It Be Foundation.

Come and join the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce for Nothing Bundt Cakes’ ribbon cutting on Friday, April 8, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This will be followed by a Grand Opening the next day, Saturday, April 9, when the first 50 customers purchasing a Bundt cake will receive a card for a free Bundtlet every month for a whole year.  Nothing Bundt Cakes will be open every day:  Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes Nothing Bundt Cakes to the Chino Valley community.

High School Hockey Team Makes Playoffs

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Flames Chino Valley Flames Hockey Team

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Flames
Chino Valley Flames Hockey Team

Staff Reports

CHINO VALLEY– The Chino Valley Flames Hockey Team, part of the Anaheim Ducks High School Hockey League, made it to the 2nd round of playoffs in their first year as a high school hockey team.

The Flames are made up of 18 high-school aged boys (and one girl) from several Chino Valley high schools: nine players from Chino Hills High School, five from Ayala, one from Don Lugo, one from Chino and three from outside of the CVUSD district.

Several well-known schools have teams that are part of the Ducks high school league, including Servite, Orange Lutheran, St John Bosco, Mater Dei and Santa Margarita.

The underdog Flames were in 11th place going into the playoffs, but won their first game with a major upset against Bishop Amat.  They lost their 2nd round game in overtime against the #3 seeded Edison Chargers.

This young team had an outstanding first season playing bigger and older kids as well as teams that have been established for years.

If you are a hockey fan, know a hockey fan or support young adults becoming actively involved with a sport, you can follow the team on Twitter and Instagram (@ChinoValleyHockey) to see what awesome things are yet to come!

Santiago Student Perfect in Art

Courtesy of CVUSD

CORONA– Sarah Ki, a junior at Santiago High School, earned perfect scores and every point possible on her AP Studio Art Drawing Exam taken last year. Sarah was one of 16 students among 4.5 million high students in the world who earned every point possible.

The AP Exams are scored on a scale of 1 to 5, where a 5 is equivalent to a grade of A in the corresponding college course. On top of her score of 5, Sarah was one of 16 students in the world to earn every point possible on the AP Studio Art Drawing Portfolio Exam, receiving the maximum score on each portion of the exam.

“I was simply exalted!” said AP visual art teacher Carlotta Maggi. “AP Studio Art readers actually judge up to a 6 for excellence and high quality and original artwork. So Sarah earned straight 6’s and could be eligible to represent the College Board on the website. Sarah was also competing as a sophomore when she submitted her work, probably being the first student in our school district ever to have earned this well deserved honor for fine art! I am so proud of all her hard work, dedication and original talent!”

“This outstanding accomplishment is a direct reflection of the top quality education being offered at Santiago High School.” wrote Trevor Packer, senior vice president of AP and Instruction at the College Board. “We applaud Sarah’s hard work and the AP teacher responsible for engaging students and enabling them to excel in a college-level course.”

Sarah Ki is also a 4.87 GPA Scholar Athlete at Santiago High.  She was the Big VIII League golf champion her freshman year.

 

Straight Talk With Danice

Danice Akiyoshi

Danice Akiyoshi

My husband keeps volunteering me!

By Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

I am a helpful, nice person, but I’m tired of my husband volunteering my time for everything.  If our neighbor throws her back out, he volunteers me to make dinner for them for three days.  If someone in the carpool can’t make it, he volunteers me to take their place.  If someone is having a refrigerator delivered, he says I would be more than happy to wait at their home for the delivery man. If his family needs anything, he volunteers me.  He feels free to do this because I have my own little business. I do medical billing and I work from my computer at home.  He thinks I can just pack up my work and cart it around anywhere.  Because of these constant interruptions, I am often up until midnight trying to finish my work.  He doesn’t know this because he’s in bed at 9:30.  I don’t mind helping people, but I’d like to do it on my own schedule, not his.  How should I approach this?

-Pamela F.

 

Dear Pamela:

It sounds to me like your husband doesn’t take your work very seriously.  I don’t know enough of the story, but I wonder if he under values the financial contribution you bring to the household.  Or perhaps he struggles with his own self esteem and wants to be a people pleaser.  Unfortunately, this is at your expense, not his.  To get to the bottom of it, why don’t you ask him if he’s fine with you putting your business on hold, as well as the money it brings into the household (slight sarcasm)? Explain that then you will be free to do all of these errands he keeps setting up for you.  If he says the family needs the money, this gives you an opening to ask him to respect your business as if it were actually important to the family.  If you’d like a more direct approach – which I always like best – advise him that he is no longer free to offer your time or services without your permission.  It really is just a matter of respect.  Let me know if you need additional assistance with boosting up your personal power.

-Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Join Us For Our March Mixer!

ABCPR-March-2016-Mixer-WEBStaff Reports

 

CHINO– Join us for the Chino Valley Chamber March Mixer hosted by ABC Public Relations and Armijo Newspapers. Don’t miss out on this fun business mixer on March 24.

We will have FREE food, drinks, and giveaways. One of the prizes that will be raffled off will be a tablet, in addition to other prizes donated by located businesses. The mixer will also be a great opportunity to market your business with other Chino Valley Chamber Members and community members.

If you would like to sponsor one of our raffle prizes, your business will be featured in our newspaper, along with a picture of you and the winner. Please contact us at (909) 464-1200 if you are interested in being a sponsor.

The Business Mixer will be held from 5 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at ABC Public Relation’s office, located at 14144 Central Ave. Ste. H, Chino CA 91710. The office is right across the street from Ayala Park and our building is behind the 14122 Central Avenue building.

Please RSVP by calling (909) 464-1200 or emailing RSVP@anapr.com. We hope to see you there!

 

Celebrate The Lunar New Year At Mandarin Taste

See their ad in this issue of the Weekly News for coupons and specials. For more information, call (909) 861-1819 or just stop by their location at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar.

Mandarin Taste is located at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, in Diamond Bar. For reservations, call (909) 861-1819. Open daily from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.

Staff Reports

 

Diamond Bar – Kick off the Year of the Monkey at Diamond Bar’s most authentic Chinese restaurant, Mandarin Taste. For over 32 years, Mandarin Taste has brought quality service and traditional Chinese cuisine to the Diamond Bar community.

The restaurant has thrived because of the many mouth-watering dishes it serves and the family-friendly atmosphere that keeps people coming back for more. Skip slaving over the stove all day, or cooking after a long day at the office. Mandarin Taste hopes to make every day less stressful and more enjoyable for you while you feast and share memories with your loved ones.

From Peking duck and Hunan lamb to customer-favorites pork fried rice, wonton soup and orange-flavored chicken, guests will definitely feel lucky getting their grub on at Mandarin Taste. There’s an abundance of tasty food options to satisfy every palate.

The restaurant’s owners and staff want everyone who comes to their establishment to relax and enjoy themselves over the delectable food.

“We’re like a family restaurant,” said restaurant manager Chi Young, when describing the feeling that customers get when visiting the long-lasting eatery.

“People are always smiling [here],” said Young.

The restaurant holds a very popular champagne brunch on Sundays.  The champagne is all-you-can-drink and freshly made California rolls, made by a Japanese master chef, have been added to the menu.  All-you-can-eat buffets are available as well.

Mandarin Taste also serves traditional and specialty cocktails. Join them during Happy Hour, held Monday through Friday, 3 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. If customers can’t come in to enjoy the pleasant ambience, they have the option to order food for carryout. Share the love and give your family and friends Mandarin Taste gift certificates, available year round!

For more information, please call (909) 861-1819, or just stop by their location at 23391 E. Golden Springs Drive, Diamond Bar.

Did You Know?

Abandoned/Inoperable Vehicles

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

The City of Eastvale provides a Did you know? Tip to assist residents in getting acquainted with the City’s Municipal Code.  The city’s Municipal Code is available on the city’s website. According to Municipal Code section 10.04.140 It is unlawful for any person to abandon, park, store, or leave or permit the abandonment, parking, storing or leaving of any licensed or unlicensed vehicle or part thereof which is in an abandoned, wrecked, dismantled or inoperative condition upon any private or public property within the city for a period in excess of ten days unless such vehicle is stored or parked in a lawful manner on private property in connection with the business of a licensed dismantler, licensed vehicle dealer or city-approved junkyard.

Any individual violating any provision of this chapter shall be deemed guilty of an infraction or misdemeanor as hereinafter specified. Such individual shall be deemed guilty of a separate offense for each and every day or portion thereof during which any violation of any of the provisions of this chapter is committed, continued, or permitted. Any individual convicted of a violation of this chapter:

(1) Shall be guilty of an infraction offense and punished by a fine not exceeding:

  1. $100.00 for a first violation;
  2. $200.00 for a second violation on the same site perpetrated by the same individual.

Code violations can be reported via our E-Citizen app: http://bit.ly/ECitizen

If you have additional Code Enforcement questions, please feel free to call Eastvale City Hall at (951) 361-0900 or email Code_Complaint@eastvaleca.gov.

Facilities Master Plan Meetings Scheduled

Courtesy of CVUSD

 

CHINO VALLEY- The third round of CVUSD’s Facilities Master Plan meetings is underway.  Improving schools in the Chino Valley is a long-term investment for our community. Equipping our schools with the latest technology, heightening awareness of school facility safety and incorporating interactive learning environments into existing schools to maintain academic excellence were themes that resounded in group meetings hosted by Superintendent Wayne Joseph at all 35 schools during the fall months. The meetings are part of the Facilities Master Plan (FMP) update process that has been underway since early 2015.

Most of our schools were built decades ago, with some built in the 1950’s, and they need basic health and safety improvements. The Facilities Master Plan will allow the district to identify long-term facility needs based on demographics, facility assessment, and the district’s educational goals and then develop strategies to address these needs in a comprehensive manner. The FMP process will conclude with the production of a document that will outline facility needs into the foreseeable future for all of the district’s existing schools and district support sites. The last FMP was completed in 2009.

Per current state guidelines, a school is eligible for a complete modernization when it reaches 25-years-old. The state traditionally provides a portion of the funds for the modernization, however there are two requirements that school districts must meet to obtain those funds. The district must provide their own matching funds and they must have the Division of the State Architect (DSA) approved final plans to qualify for the state funds. The process to obtain the funds is very competitive, as districts throughout the state are all hoping to tap into the funds. In fact, those funds have been totally expended over the past six years, due to the state’s economic downturn, which makes competition fiercer than in previous years.

While we have been able to make repairs and upgrades to some of our schools, additional health and safety and other facility improvements are still needed.  The four tenets of the Master Plan are:

  • To build something that does not currently exist to address education needs;
  • Renovate/Repair existing facilities;
  • Complete improvements to the grounds such as play fields, black top surfaces or drop off and pick up routes;
  • Improve technology and update furniture.

Plan to join the conversation and provide important input on the priorities for our schools!

Meetings have already been conducted with school principals, and then again with the school’s instructional/support staff, and now it is the community’s turn.

Find your school and the meeting date and time on the list below.

Upcoming meetings in March:
• March 2 – Canyon Hills Jr. High at 9:30 a.m.
• March 3 – Walnut Elementaryat 8:30 a.m.
• March 9 – Eagle Canyon Elementaryat 8:30 a.m.
• March 9 – Adult School at 10:30 a.m.
• March 10 – Butterfield Ranch Elementaryat 9:00 a.m.
• March 14 – Anna Borba Elementaryat 8:30 a.m.
• March 14 – Don Lugo High Schoolat 3:00 p.m.
• March 16 – Rolling Ridge Elementaryat 10:30 a.m.
• March 16 – Rhodes Elementary at 6:30 p.m.
• March 17 – Dickey Elementaryat 8:15 a.m.
• March 17 – Briggs Fundamentalat noon

Meetings will also be taking place in April and May:

  • April 4 – Chino High School Library at 6:00 p.m.
    • April 5 – Hidden Trials Elementaryat 9:00 a.m.
    • April 6 – Cortez Elementaryat 6:00 p.m.
    • April 7 – Ramona Junior High  at 9:00 a.m.
    • April 8 – Townsend Junior High at 2:30 p.m.
    • April 12 – Country Springs Elementaryat 8:30 a.m.
    • April 12 – Chino Hills High School at 5:00 p.m.
    • April 13 – Litel Elementary at 9:00 a.m.
    • April 14 – Wickman Elementaryat 12:30 p.m.
    • April 14 – Dickson Elementaryat 3:30 p.m.
    • April 15 – Marshall at 8:50 a.m.
    • April 18 – Glenmeade Elementary at 8:30 a.m.
    • April 20 – Magnolia Jr. Highat 10:00 a.m.
    • April 21 – Liberty Elementaryat 9:00 a.m.
    • April 25 – Cattle Elementary at 2:30 p.m.
    • April 26 – Ayala High School MPR at 2:30 p.m.
    • April 28 – Woodcrest Jr. Highat 9:00 a.m.
    • April 28 – Cal Aero Academy at 12:30 p.m.
    • April 29 – Oak Ridge Elementaryat 9:00 a.m.
    • May 9 – Chaparral Elementaryat 8:30 a.m.
    • May 11 – Newman Elementaryat 8:45 a.m.
    • May 17 – Buena Vista High School at 9:00 a.m.

Keep Going

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

Whoever does not carry his own cross and come after Me cannot be My disciple.
Luke 14:27

We don’t talk a lot about cross carrying. That’s more the fine print of being a follower of Christ–the part we don’t generally go around advertising to those we’re hoping to draw into Christian faith. But as I understand Jesus’ words in Luke 14:27, you and I cannot truly follow Him unless we are carrying a cross.

The cross is not just a popular piece of jewelry but also a unique Christian symbol that represents suffering and sacrifice. So it is with the cross He has asked you to carry. Your cross will undoubtedly extract pain and a price.

Cross carrying is not a one-time decision. No, we must choose daily to pick up our cross, again, and follow Him. We are to continue carrying it over the long haul.

Do you know what your cross is? Think with me for a moment. When the Savior asks you, “Pick up your cross and follow Me,” what exactly is it that He is asking you to carry?

Is your cross:

  • A chronic health issue–physical or emotional?
  • Giving up fame, prestige and popularity?
  • Giving up material wealth, financial security and living a lifestyle that you’ve become accustomed to?
  • The loss of a dream–infertility, a past divorce, infidelity or the betrayal of a friend?

The bottom line? Cross carrying represents death. Death of the easy way–the world’s way. Death to desires. Death to self.

Cross carrying demands focus on Christ (see Hebrews 12:1-3), coming after Christ with faith (see Hebrews 11:6), and perseverance.

Keep carrying your cross–through the balance of the work week, through the long months of a family crisis, through the hard-fought seasons of moral struggle.

Keep carrying your cross.

What does carrying your cross mean to you right now? What cross has God called you to carry right now as you follow Him?

Pray that you won’t rebel against what God is asking of you but that you’ll submit willingly to His claim on your life and pick up your cross and follow Christ.

Join us Easter Sunday for a Celebration Service and a Easter egg hunt for the kids and the adults.

The Crossings meets Sundays at 10 a.m. at River Heights Intermediate School, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale.    For more information, visithttp://www.atthecrossings.com

Becoming Who We’re Intended To Be

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops, M.A.M.F.T.

 

I believe we are all born with incredible potential to be our best.  I think that there is a plan for us and our lives when we are born.  Within that plan for us is an interpretation of how we will be at our absolute personal best.  My goal for myself has always been to keep growing and functioning at my optimum level every day.  I believe that if I do this, I will grow into the person I’m intended to be.  This is my way of honoring my life and my Creator.

Life isn’t always an easy thing and will throw many curve balls our way.  Having lost one brother to suicide, another to murder and a father to pancreatic cancer has taught me how vulnerable we all are.  It has also made me feel so very blessed to still be alive and well.  I don’t just want to go through my life living to die; instead I have always died to live.  I want to be my best so that I can experience my life fully.  I live my life very passionately and want to feel all of it.

Examining the pieces of yourself that get in the way of being who you are intended to be is very hard work.   It’s even harder work to have the courage to let go of these dysfunctional parts of ourselves.  Most of these dysfunctional pieces have been part of us for years and serve some dysfunctional purpose that we have grown to rely on.  It’s learning to let go of these dysfunctional pieces that will allow us to become who we are intended to be.  This gut-wrenching but very worthwhile personal work can lead us into total inner peace and contentment!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at nancyjstoops@verizon.net. Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog are for sale at Amazon.com.

 

Diamond Bar: Easter Egg Hunt

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

 

DIAMOND BAR – The City of Diamond Bar and the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club are again teaming up to host their popular annual Easter Egg Hunt on Saturday, March 26.

The fun begins at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast organized by the Fire Explorers Post 19 (nominal fee applies), followed by the free egg hunt at 10:00 a.m., featuring thousands of treat-filled plastic eggs.

Hunting areas will be divided into six areas based on age groups, with parental assistance allowed for the youngest attendees.  Photo packages with the Easter Bunny will be available for purchase, starting at $10.  Please be advised that only cash will be accepted as a form of payment for the pancake breakfast and photo packages.

Children need to bring their own baskets for the egg collection. Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive in Diamond Bar.

For more information, call the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070 or visit www.diamondbarca.gov/EEH.

History 101

History 101- 1953 OscarsFirst Academy Awards Telecast

Courtesy of History.com

Thursday, March 19, 1953, proved to be a historic date, because for the first time, audiences were able to sit in their living rooms and watch as the movie world’s most prestigious honors, the Academy Awards, are given out at the RKO Pantages Theatre in Hollywood, California.

Organized in May 1927, the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences was envisioned as a non-profit organization dedicated to the advancement of the film industry. The first Academy Awards were handed out in May 1929, in a ceremony and banquet held in the Blossom Room of the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel. The level of suspense was nonexistent, however, as the winners had already been announced several months earlier. For the next 10 years, the Academy gave the names of the winners to the newspapers for publication at 11 p.m. on the night of the awards ceremony; this changed after one paper broke the tacit agreement and published the results in the evening edition, available before the ceremony began. A sealed envelope system began the next year, and endures to this day, making Oscar night Hollywood’s most anticipated event of the year.

Public interest in the Oscars was high from the beginning, and from the second year on the ceremony was covered in a live radio broadcast. The year 1953 marked the first time that the Academy Awards were broadcast on the fledgling medium of television. The National Broadcasting Company (NBC) TV network carried the 25th annual awards ceremony live from Hollywood’s RKO Pantages Theatre. Bob Hope was the master of ceremonies, while Fredric March, a two-time Academy Award winner for Best Actor (for 1932’s Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde and 1946’s The Best Years of Our Lives), presented the awards. The statuette for Best Picture went to Cecil B. DeMille’s The Greatest Show on Earth, while John Ford won Best Director for The Quiet Man. Winners in the top two acting categories were Gary Cooper (High Noon) and Shirley Booth (Come Back, Little Sheba).

Hope, a star of stage and screen who tirelessly performed in United Service Organization (USO) shows for American troops during World War II, would become a mainstay of the new TV medium. He was also the most venerated Academy Awards host, playing MC no fewer than 18 times between 1939 and 1977. NBC broadcast the Oscars until 1961, when the American Broadcasting Company (ABC) took over for the next decade, including the first awards broadcast in color in 1966. Although NBC briefly regained the show in the early 1970s, ABC came out on top again in 1976 and has broadcast every Academy Awards show since. The network is under contract to continue showing the Oscars until 2014.

 

Code Enforcement Dept Helps Improve Quality Of Life

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

By Michele Nissen, City Manager

 

Code Enforcement is a critical and valuable service offered by the City of Eastvale.  The City recognizes the vital importance of preserving a high quality of life throughout the community and has adopted local codes and ordinances that govern the proper use and maintenance of private properties.

The Code Enforcement Department is responsible for performing field inspections of properties to ensure compliance with applicable zoning, safety, fire and nuisance codes, ordinances and abatement regulations.  Code Enforcement also serves as a resource to other departments, divisions, and agencies and resolves complaints while providing public education.

The Eastvale Code Enforcement team consists of two seasoned, full-time Code Enforcement Officers and one Code Enforcement Volunteer.  This small, yet highly effective team engaged in 867 code actions since January 1, 2016, ranging from administrative citations, inspections, illegal signs, discarded shopping carts, parking citations, to scavenging enforcement and more.

The top five complaints that the Eastvale Code Enforcement Department responds to are (in order of call frequency):

  1. Trash Bins in public view
  2. Outdoor Storage
  3. Property Maintenance
  4. Boat and R.V. parking
  5. Inoperable Vehicles

As a proactive approach to potential code violations, we recommend familiarizing yourself with the Eastvale Neighbor Preservation Overlay (ENPO) which may be found on the City’s website www.EastvaleCA.gov under the City Hall tab and select Code Enforcement.   The provisions of the ENPO zone apply to all currently approved and future residential developments. The Neighborhood Preservation Standards are meant to maintain a safe, orderly, sanitary and aesthetically pleasing environment on public and private properties.  The overlay covers topics such as landscaping, trash receptacles, parking, yard maintenance, façade treatment, outdoor lighting and temporary exterior holiday displays, to name a few.

Here are a few simple suggestions to help homeowners be consistent with the overlay and avoid code enforcement violations.  Ask yourself: Is my yard maintained like the rest of the neighborhood? Are my Holiday lights still up in March?  Are my trash bins BEHIND the gate?

One of the goals of Code Enforcement is to promote a positive image of the department and the services we provide to our community by promoting a culture that is helpful, customer service oriented, approachable, knowledgeable and of the highest integrity. We are dedicated to preserving and improving the high quality of life and standards here in Eastvale!

Should you have any questions or comments, City Hall may be reached at (951) 361-0900. City Hall office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm, closed every Friday. Residents can also report code violations via the E-Citizens app. For additional information please visit http://www.bit.ly.com/ECitizen.   City Hall encourages all residents and visitors to register for e-notification on the City’s website: www.EastvaleCA.gov.

Two Tea Cups

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

 

Having a cup of tea is one of my wife’s favorite things. She enjoys a warm cup of tea on a cold winter’s night at home. She enjoys going out with friends to a local tea shop.  She also enjoys taking our daughters and our grandchildren out to a special Tea Party.  The grandkids get special sandwiches and desserts along with a variety of flavored tea, and they love having Tea Parties with Grammy at our house, too.

Enjoying a cup of tea and collecting tea cups are a big deal in our family.

Recently, one of our daughters, who lives out of the area, sent my wife a package.  In the box was a beautiful tea cup and a note.

Her note explained that while she was out shopping, she saw this tea cup and thought of her mother. Our daughter knew that my wife already had plenty of tea cups, but she bought this one to let her mother know she was thinking of her.

Our daughter went on to explain that she had actually purchased two tea cups.  One was for herself and one was for her mother.   Even though they don’t live nearby, my wife and our daughter would have matching tea cups to share.

In her note she wrote, “I got a matching tea cup for me – just like yours, so when I drink out of it, I will be praying for you and you can be praying for me.”

These matching tea cups are a tangible reminder of the bond that is shared by a mother and her daughter.

You may share something similar with a friend or loved one.  Some people have matching bracelets.  Others have one-half of a charm or necklace, with their friend or loved one having the other half.

In the Bible, there are many examples of visual, tangible reminders that God provided to remind his people of his love.  In the Christian Faith, we share a piece of bread and a small cup of juice to remind us of the Last Supper that Jesus shared with His disciples.  The bread is a reminder of His body that was nailed to the Cross and the cup is a reminder of His blood that was shed at His crucifixion.

In the Jewish faith, they share several items of food including unleavened bread and cups of wine as they remember the Passover recorded in Exodus.  These are tangible and visible reminders of God’s love and care.

I wonder if you have something on your shelf or in your cupboard that is a helpful reminder of someone’s love or concern for you?  Is there someone in your family or at your place of work that would be encouraged by a thoughtful gift from you?

Two tea cups can be a timely reminder that you are thinking of others and they are thinking of you!

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd. Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m. For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Eastvale: Car Crashes Into Home

Photo credit: by Valerie Hire A car crashed through the backyard and into a home in Eastvale on Feb. 23.

Photo credit: by Valerie Hire
A car crashed through the backyard and into a home in Eastvale on Feb. 23.

By Carol Heyen

EASTVALE– The Espinoza family of Eastvale has been forced out of their home after a car crashed through a cement wall, into the back yard of their house and into their living room.
Just after 2 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 23, the fire department was advised of a car that had crashed into the first floor of a home in the 13800 block of Dellbrook Street, in the Brookdale Terrace housing development. A fire official at the scene said that the crash caused the car to burst into flames, which set the house on fire.  Firefighters were able to put the fire out within 20 minutes.
A resident of the home, Hunter Espinoza, said it sounded “like a bomb.”
“I was in shock for a little bit,” said Freddy Espinoza, Hunter’s father, who alerted the rest of his family members. “I went ‘there’s a car here and I think it’s going to catch fire.’ I told the people ‘get up, get out of the house.’ ”
One occupant of the home had minor injuries, and all five residents have been displaced so that repairs can be done. The American Red Cross was called to help the family find shelter.
The two occupants of the Saturn sedan fled the scene, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.
Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to call the Eastvale Police Department, which is serviced by the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station, at 951-955-2600.
Hearing about the incident, VantagePoint Church in Eastvale decided to come together to help the Espinoza family. On Feb. 28, the church formed a “Cash Mob” at the Eastvale Gateway Center. The Espinoza’s was told they would be having lunch with VantagePoint Outreach Director Adam De Corte, but they didn’t know that a crowd of church members were roaming around the center waiting for “the signal,” according to church members. A silver bucket was placed in front of the Espinoza family, hundreds of church members and community members filled the bucket with money.
“When VantagePoint Church heard about this, we knew that we had to act,” Pastor Mark Lee said. “We have always aimed to live up to our mission statement, “Helping People to Become Living Proof of a Loving God. Today, we were able to live out our mission statement for the Espinoza family.”

DUI Checkpoint Nets Two Arrests

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

EASTVALE, CA – The Eastvale Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint Friday, February 19, 2016 on Hamner, north of Limonite. The checkpoint was held between 7 p.m. and 2 a.m.

672 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint.  One arrest was made for DUI.  One suspect was arrested for having a misdemeanor warrant.  Sixteen drivers were cited for driving while unlicensed or with suspended licenses.

The deterrent effect of DUI checkpoints is a proven resource in reducing the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug involved crashes. Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized DUI checkpoints and proactive DUI patrols are conducted routinely. DUI Checkpoints are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 867 deaths and over 23,000 serious injuries in 2013 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Nationally, the latest data shows over 10,000 were killed by an impaired driver.  Over the course of the past three years officers have investigated 223 DUI collisions which have claimed 14 lives and resulted in another 252 injuries.
The Eastvale Police Department encourages people to call 9-1-1 to report suspected drunk drivers.

Mail Theft Suspect Arrested

Photo courtesy of Eastvale P.D.

Photo courtesy of Eastvale P.D.
Eastvale mail theft suspect Paul Wagner

Courtesy Eastvale P.D.

 

EASTVALE-On March 1, 2016, members of the Eastvale Police Department’s Special Enforcement Team (SET) responded to the 700 Block of Villa De Luna, in the city of Corona, to conduct a follow up investigation related to ongoing mail theft in the Eastvale area.  Once there, SET located Paul Wagner, who had a felony warrant for his arrest for Possession of a Controlled Substance for Sale.

During the investigation, members of the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team arrested Mr. Wagner.  A search warrant was obtained and during a search of Mr. Wagner’s residence, officers located over 100 stolen checks, 30 stolen credit cards, several washed checks, computer scanners, assorted tools used to break into mail boxes, and a U.S. Postal Service mailbox.  The mail and property recovered belonged to over 150 potential victims of theft and/or identity theft.  Victims were identified from Jurupa Valley, Eastvale, Corona, Norco, Fontana and several other cities. Deputies will follow-up with potential victims to ensure all victims are notified and any criminal acts are documented and properly submitted to the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.  Information on crimes committed in other jurisdictions will be forwarded to the appropriate police agency.

Based on the evidence collected, members of the Special Enforcement Team gained a better understanding about how mail theft occurs and the techniques mail thieves are using to gain access to mailboxes.  The United States Postal Inspector’s office recommends the following actions to protect your mail:

  • Use the letter slots inside your Post Office for your mail, or hand it to a letter carrier.
  • Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight. If you’re expecting checks, credit cards, or other negotiable items, ask a trusted friend or neighbor to pick up your mail.
  • If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately.
  • If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business via the mail.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
  • Report all suspected mail theft to a Postal Inspector.
  • Consider starting a neighborhood watch program. By exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted friends and neighbors, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (as well as homes).
  • Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.
  • If you see a mail thief at work, or if you believe your mail was stolen, call police immediately, then call Postal Inspectors at 877-876-2455 (press 3).

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is committed to the safety of the citizens of Eastvale and will be vigilant in investigating all crimes of this nature. This investigation is ongoing and we are asking anyone with additional information to contact Deputy Ramirez at the Jurupa Valley Station at 951-955-2600.