The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
Staff Reports
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale finally announced the date and time that Chick-fil-A will be opening its doors. Chick-fil-A’s official opening will take place on Thursday, January 21 at 6:30 a.m.
Chick-fil-A will not continue their “First 100” tradition at the Eastvale location due to COVID-19. Normally when a new location of Chick-fil-A opens, the franchise will give the first 100 customers free Chick-fil-A for a year. But since they are not allowing customers to camp out this year, they are providing free Chick-fil-A for a year to 100 people that are making an impact in their local communities. The “Community Hero” recipient will be announced on the Eastvale Chick-fil-A’s Facebook page, according to a news release.
The Eastvale Chick-fil-A will have a multi-lane drive-thru and be open Monday through Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. The new restaurant is located at 5080 Hamner Ave., at The Station in the Goodman Commerce Center. The Station is a 650,000 square-foot retail center located adjacent to the I-15 Freeway between Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road and Bellegrave Avenue in Eastvale’s most northeast corner of the City. Chick-fil-A will be joining other retail and dining options at The Station, including In-N-Out Burger, Costco, Yoshiharu Ramen, and the recently announced 99 Ranch Market with Cravings Food Hall.
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
Staff Reports
Chino – Metz Air Control has been in business since 1977 and is located in Chino. The family owned, once small company, has expanded to 16 employees. Jon and Bryan Metz are brothers who own the business together. They are dedicated and determined to uphold the values their father taught them about business and life. They pride themselves on offering honest and dependable service at a competitive price.
Metz Air Control is well known in the community and they believe their positive ratings are attributed to the relationships they build with their customers. They are a member of the Chino and Eastvale Chamber of Commerce and support local charities and sports teams. Metz Air Control is currently expanding their services as the surrounding communities continue to grow in housing and development. They currently serve San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles counties.
Metz Air Control has been a Trane Comfort Specialist since 1999; not every dealer qualifies as a Trane Comfort Specialist. Dealers need to meet Trane’s stringent standards and demonstrate a commitment to customer satisfaction and continuing education. Homeowners can trust a TCS dealer will deliver a quality installation and superior customer experience.
Every year, Metz Air Control has been recognized by Trane for outstanding customer service based on customer reviews. The communities of Chino & Chino Hills have voted Metz Air Control the People’s Choice Award for the “Best Heating and Air Conditioning Company” for the past 4 consecutive years. Metz Air Control is an A+ rated member of the Better Business Bureau, 5-star YELP Company, has a 5-star Facebook rating and 5-star Google rating.
The office staff has been well trained to provide personal and professional services. Whether you are calling to set up a service call, need maintenance or just need information, they will make sure you are pleased with your overall experience.
When it comes to installation, every technician is background checked and trained to provide an exceptional experience for their customers. From a simple condenser change to a custom home with several systems, zoning and custom grills, Metz Air Control will provide you with a top-quality experience. They also do package units, duct changes, zoning, duct cleaning and much more.
Metz Air Control provides Maintenance Protection Plans to their customers for increased value and service. Customers participating in these plans receive a 24-hour turn-around service as well as discounts for parts and service. Please call the office @ 909-628-9525 for more information about this program.
Seasonal specials include maintenance discounts, manufacturer rebates, and promotional offers that can always be found on their website @ http://www.metzaircontrol.com. Metz Air Control offers many financing options to fit your individual needs. They are also a participating contractor for the HERO and Benji Financing programs offered through Renovate America.
Metz Air Control is licensed, bonded, and insured. It is important for homeowners research any contractor you bring into your home to make sure they meet these same standards.
Metz Air Control is proud to say that over 70% of their business comes from referrals. They believe a referral is the best compliment a customer can give them.
By Pastor Dennis Morales
“Let nothing you dismay, Remember Christ our Savior Was born on Christmas Day, To save us all from Satan’s power, When we were gone astray, Oh tidings of comfort and joy, Comfort and joy…”
These are the amazing words from the Christmas Carol “God Rest Ye Merry Gentlemen.” I love these words. Such a reminder of the Heart of Christmas. During this Covid-19 Climate, people have unwittingly said “we have to cancel Christmas.” I understand the reason for the phrase, I understand the fear and the hurt that this year has brought. I also understand not meeting with family because of uncertainty. But the message of Christmas is so much more than a gathering or gifts.
I pray that this Christmas, we don’t miss the heart of the celebration of Christmas. We see some in the Gospels who missed the heart of Christmas. We see the innkeeper who missed out on Jesus because he was too busy (Luke 2). We need to make time for the Lord. We see that King Herod was too fearful to let Christ rule his life (Mat 2). Turn to Christ today. Don’t let the pandemic replace Christmas in your heart. May we not allow anything take the place of worshipping Jesus Christ, who is the true meaning. Christmas is the ushering in of hope to this world. The hope of eternal life. This hope was wrapped and placed in the manger.
We remember Jesus wrapped in swaddling cloths, lying in a manger (Luke 2:12). In time, your Christmas gifts will mostly be forgotten. But God has given us the ultimate gift—the gift of His Son Jesus Christ. This year lets mindfully peel back the exterior and look at the Heart. Jesus is our gift. May we remember it’s God’s eternal Gift that cancels out the power of sin and death over us who trust in Him (John 3:16).
Due to school closures, Calvary Chapel Eastvale is temporarily meeting in a “Drive In format” at American Heroes Park at 8:30am and 10:30am. All midweek services can be viewed on Facebook Live at 7pm. All of our services can be viewed on our Facebook Channel (Calvary Eastvale). Download our online bulletin to stay current at calvaryeastvale.org.
By Mark Hopper
One of my favorite Christmas toys was my train. I received a Lionel Train set for Christmas when I was a young boy. We have a photo of me and my father and my grandfather playing with my new train on Christmas morning in the early 1960’s. We still have the brochure that came with the train. The date on the brochure says 1962.
The train set was lost for many years in a closet in my parent’s home. I thought they had given it away after I got married. When we helped my parents move out of their house, my brother discovered the train set. But he didn’t tell anyone. He surprised me on Christmas Day with this mystery box.
Now we have a photo of me, and my children and my father playing with that old train at Christmas in the 1980’s. After we moved to Diamond Bar, the Christmas train ended up on a shelf in our garage for many years. Finally, some of our adult children asked me to get the train down and set it up for their children to see.
I was reluctant to do it. I didn’t know if the train even worked anymore. But, children and grandchildren can be pretty persuasive. I finally got the box down and set up the train around the Christmas tree. To my surprise it worked! However, the wires that powered the transformer were brittle and the train engine was sluggish. I took the engine and transformer to a model train store in Costa Mesa. The owner was able to clean it up and lubricate the engine and put a new cord in the transformer. My childhood train was running again.
Every Christmas season we set up the train Lionel Train again. When the grandchildren come to our house, I let them help me set up the train around the Christmas tree. I let them help me operate it too. They enjoy it and I do too. Even the youngest ones have become confident in driving the train. It is fun watching them start and stop the train. They like to load things on the different train cars and deliver their freight to different destinations. There are some train wrecks from time to time but they make the necessary repairs and get the train running again. My wife took a video a few years ago to capture the memory of another generation playing with the train.
I hope that my children and grandchildren will continue the tradition of playing with the Lionel Train with their own families for many years to come. It is one of my most memorable Christmas gifts.
You can find more stories and articles by Mark Hopper at his web site – letmarkencourageyou.com. His book with 365 stories and articles (one for each day of the year) is available for $25 which includes postage – contact him at markh@efreedb.org.
By: Melody Kraemer – Mother of two autistic boys
Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
everyone was awake and wouldn’t settle down.
With the chaos and madness that was looming in the air
nothing was being done with care
due to the excitement for Santa Claus soon to be there.
Mama was going crazy and growing tired of it all.
Her patience was running thin
she was about to reach out to Santa with a call.
The kids were running amuck and wouldn’t go to bed,
while mama took Tylenol for her aching head.
Mamma and daddy decided on a nightcap
and regretting the afternoon when the kids took a short nap.
When all of a sudden the house quieted down.
Mama got worried and started looking around.
The kids were playing on their Ipad and not making a sound.
Until one child saw mama and started following her around
to download an app that he just found.
The tiredness and the exhaustion from the holiday bliss,
mama finally reached her limit and yelled, if you don’t go to bed now
Christmas you will surely miss.
So with a twinkle in their eyes and smile on their face
the kids never settled down, and momma asked God for grace!
“Merry Christmas to all and to all a peaceful night.
2 Corinthians 12:9, NIV: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email her at: autismmomofboys@gmail.com.
Staff Reports
Eastvale – As we look back on the year 2020, despite the pandemic and all that has happened in the world, Eastvale still managed to thrive throughout the year. New businesses were still scheduled to open, construction continued, and the City obtained various awards over the year. In addition, Christmas was not cancelled in Eastvale, as there were virtual and socially distanced events that took place this holiday season. There were also some really great decorated houses for community members to view. In addition, the community came together to donate masks and essential items, to find lost pets, and to display various acts of kindness throughout the city.
Bryan Jones, Eastvale City Manager, recently issued a news release highlighting all the wonderful things that happened in Eastvale.
“City staff really showcased their grit and solutions driven approach with their adaptability to better serve the communities in new ways with all the new technologies that were implemented through this pandemic. We now have an electronic check-in system at our front counter along with many other services that can now be provided virtually, and we are now live-streaming our City Council and Commission meetings.
However the real MVPs this year were you, the Eastvale community! You made Eastvale the priority by shopping and dining local and taking care of your neighbors. This helped keep us in a strong financial and connected position for the coming year, and for that, we and our local businesses thank you! Love Eastvale! Shop Eastvale!
During these challenging times, we saw true leaders display acts of kindness and lend a helping hand to those in need. We saw the Eastvale Crime Watch page get repurposed into a generosity page for donating essential household items. We saw the Just Move Campaign with Move Through Motivation bring people together to move and create a healthier more connected community. We partnered with the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce on the COVID-19 Restaurant Relief Fund and 2020 High School Graduate gift cards to local restaurants, which injected tens of thousands of dollars into our local economy, along with the Veterans Day Yard Sign Campaign to recognize our hometown heroes.
We also saw civil unrest in the country back in June, yet in Eastvale we had peaceful protests that we turned into conversations within the community resulting in a community leader driven Inclusionary Task Force with individuals representing our diverse community, including City Hall, Schools, Churches, and Law Enforcement. It’s critically important that we have the necessary conversations and take the appropriate actions to allow everyone’s voice to be heard, everyone’s face to be seen, and everyone to feel welcome and safe in our commUNITY.”
Jones also discussed the accomplishments and awards the City were given. “It was great to see Eastvale add to our award-winning organization this past year. Among these recognitions were:
– The Arts Innovation Award, from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership, for our City mural, “Eastvale: We Built this City”, created by Rosemary Vasquez-Tuthill and on display at City Hall.
– Three different Polaris communications/community engagement awards from the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA) for our “Did You Know Video Series”, “We are the City of Eastvale Video” and the “Elysia Matthews & Deputy Myers Story”.
– The Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the Government Finance Officers Association for the 2nd year in a row.
– The Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial reporting from GFOA for the 9th year in a row.
– Recognized as the 2nd least financially at-risk City in the State by the independent California State Auditor.”
Jones congratulated the new City Councilmembers and he discussed the many things to come in 2021. “We have many things to look forward to in 2021. We are about to launch our 2nd Community Satisfaction Survey in conjunction with our updated Strategic Plan. This helps us ensure that our priorities for the future, match the priorities of the community. Please keep a look out for the survey launch in early January and share your voice!
In addition, if you haven’t signed-up for Engage Eastvale yet, now would be a great time to do so and engage in the Eastvale 2040 community engagement and planning process.
We also celebrated several economic development wins this past year with multiple signed leases from new businesses and groundbreakings. There are several exciting new dining options opening in the coming months with JINYA Ramen Bar coming to the Cloverdale Market Place, Chick-fil-A coming to The Station, and Fire Wings coming to the Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center. This doesn’t include the many other shopping and dining options that are coming to Hamner Place and The Merge! We are excited to see our first hotel, Staybridge Suites, start to go vertical in 2021. It will be a 4.5 star hotel with a rooftop bar/restaurant, conference/event center and pool cabanas. Don’t forget to connect with us on social media to hear about other new and exciting businesses that are coming to Eastvale.
We are also hoping that the Leal Ranch will close with a master developer so that we can begin creating our Destination Downtown, the heartbeat of the community along with a Public Library, City Hall, 3rd Fire Station and Police Sub-Station.
We also have some key infrastructure wins we are excited to work with the community to design and implement, including an $8 million grant for trails along both Scholar Way and Harrison Way to enhance walkability, and nearly $9.5 million in state funding for the Limonite Extension across the Cucamonga Creek West of Archibald Avenue, better connecting us to the City of Chino. Speaking of connecting and expanding, the Hamner Bridge across the Santa Ana River will begin the widening construction process to 6 lanes in early 2021 to better connect us to the City of Norco!”
By Nancy Stoops
As 2020 comes to an end I think we should all be very proud of how we survived. The pandemic changed things this year for everybody. Now the holidays are upon us and we are trying to figure out different and safe ways to celebrate. Many of us will have virtual celebrations but make sure you celebrate. Take sometime to reflect the changes in you and the new found coping skills and courage that seemed to appear in you this year. Be proud that you are still standing.
Make sure that you get out however you can this year and celebrate. Take sometime to drive in a neighborhood with lovely holiday decorations. Go ahead and make those marvelous holiday cookies and plan a drive by cookie and gift exchange. Remember just because we have to celebrate differently doesn’t make our celebration a bad thing. Be creative this year and start some new holiday traditions this year.
Be kind to yourself and make the holidays as easy as they can be. Take sometime for yourself to rest and relax and recover from this very difficult year. Think about how adaptable you had to be this year and feel some pride. Just take sometime to enjoy the season however you choose to celebrate. Remember to be grateful that you are still here and just enjoy being here. Look at the holiday lights, smell those wonderful cookies in the oven, decorate your home to make you smile and do an act of kindness for others this magical season. I wish you all and joyful and very peaceful holiday. I hope you all find amazing ways to celebrate the holidays and to bring in the New Year. May all of you be showered with an abundance of magical holiday blessings!!!!!!
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 nancystoops@verizon.net. You may purchase Nancy’s books Live Heal and Grow and Midnight the Therapy Dog at Amazon.com.
Riverside Sheriff’s Department Coroner
Eastvale, Norco, Jurupa Valley – This holiday season, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department wants to remind the public about the importance of being safe and sober when you are driving.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is dedicated to keeping the public safe and urges people to stay at home or use a designated sober driver if you plan to drink.
Starting Dec. 14 and through New Year’s Day, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will have deputies on patrol looking for drivers suspected of being under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The enforcement effort is part of a national campaign, Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over, intended to show zero tolerance for drunk driving and keep roads safe.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department reminds the public that impaired driving is not just from alcohol. Prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs and marijuana can also impair, especially in combination with alcohol and other drugs. Do your research and understand how certain drugs you are taking may affect your driving ability.
Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.
The City of Eastvale News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, Jurupa Valley, Mira Loma, Chino, Chino Hills and more. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format:
Staff Reports
Eastvale – Eastvale continues to grow as construction continues, new dining is expected, and military banners are being added. Check out a recap of what’s happening in Eastvale below.
On Dec. 14, environmental mitigation work began under the Hamner Avenue bridge, in the Santa Ana River bed and along Hamner Avenue in the project area. During construction, two lanes are expected to remain open with possible traffic control and flagging if necessary, according to the City.
“Traffic lanes are subject to close intermittently due to unforeseen construction circumstances or an emergency situation,” stated a news release. Construction will take place from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, nighttime work may occur as necessary from 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. For more information on the Hamner Avenue Bridge & Widening Project, visit www.HamnerAveProject.com.
On Dec. 9, it was announced that all JCSD Park Playgrounds and exercise equipment are now open. JCSD reminded the community to follow the simple steps below to help keep our outdoor playgrounds safe, open and FUN!
WEAR A MASK – Everyone 2 years and older should wear a mask covering their face.
MAINTAIN DISTANCE – Maintain physical distance of 6 feet between individuals from different house-holds and prevent crowding of children.
NO FOOD OR DRINK – Do not eat or drink in playground to ensure face masks are worn at all times.
WASH HANDS – Wash or sanitize your hands before and after you visit.
PLAN AHEAD- Visit the park at different times or days to avoid crowds and waits.
KNOW WHEN TO STAY HOME- Elderly individuals and people with under-lying medical conditions should avoid playgrounds when others are present.
SHARE OUR SPACE – To avoid crowding and allow everyone to use this space, please limit your visit to 30 minutes when others are waiting.
On Dec. 8, the City announced that the Limonite Gap Closure Project received $9.4 million in State Funding from the California Transportation Commission. “Funding was provided through gas tax revenue authorized by Senate Bill 1,” stated the City.
The Limonite Gap Closure Project involves the construction of a “new urban arterial segment of the Limonite Avenue corridor.” This segment will connect Kimball Avenue west of the Hellman Ave intersection to the existing portion of Limonite Ave, east of Archibald Avenue.
The City also stated that the project includes the construction of a four-lane roadway along the corridor, multi-use trails/bike lanes along the north and south side of the corridor, a vehicular bridge and pedestrian structures crossing the Cucamonga Creek Channel.
“Special shoutout to Western Riverside Council of Governments and RCTC for their regional support on this important project in our City!”
In addition, new dining options are almost ready to open their doors in early 2021. The City of Eastvale is excited that new signage has been installed for the dining options below.
Fire Wings is coming to the Eastvale Gateway Food Court on the corner of Limonite Avenue and Hamner Avenue. They will offer guests over 20 wing flavors, beer on tap, a Pepsi Spire machine and unbelievable sides to pair with your meal.
JINYA Ramen Bar is coming to the Cloverdale Marketplace located at Hamner Avenue and Limonite Avenue. They will offer a delicious assortment of in-house broth for ramen, and a range of different food options that everyone can enjoy. They will have vegan and vegetarian options, and plan to have a full premium bar with an outdoor seating area.
Chick-fil-A is coming to the Station at the Goodman Commerce Center. They will join an already exciting lineup of restaurants and retail options with In-N-Out, Costco, and the soon to come 99 Ranch Market.
Lastly, on Nov. 22, the City raised seven new military banners along Archibald Avenue. The new banners were raised to honor the following military personnel:
Albert A. Camacho, U.S. Marines
Brandon J. Nikodym, U.S. Marines
EJ Rhod Villanueva, U.S. Navy
Elochukwu J. Ude, U.S. Navy
Haley Pyne, U.S. Marines
Joseph Zapata-Clark, U.S. Coast Guard
Nolan H. Jorgenson, U.S. Navy
“The Eastvale Military Banner Program was implemented in 2014 to recognize and celebrate Eastvale residents and immediate family members who are currently serving on active duty in the United States Armed Forces, which include the following branches: Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Coast Guard, and National Guard,” according to the City. “The City is proud to showcase these brave men and women along Archibald Avenue. Installations happen twice a year in the Spring and Fall.”
Staff Reports
Eastvale – At the Dec. 9 Special City Council meeting, a new Eastvale Mayor was selected and made history in California. A new Mayor Pro Tem was also selected and the two new Eastvale Councilmembers were sworn in.
Jocelyn Yow was selected by the City Council as the new Mayor of Eastvale and Councilman Clint Lorimore was selected as the new Mayor Pro Tem. Both will serve a one-year term in their positions. In addition, Christian Dinco (District 2) and Ike Bootsma (District 5) were sworn into office as Eastvale City Council Members. Also at the Special Meeting, outgoing Mayor and Councilmember Brandon Plott was recognized for his dedication and service to the City of Eastvale for the last four years.
Yow made California history as she is now the youngest minority woman to be selected as Mayor in California. Yow is 25-years-old and was elected to the City Council in 2018 then she served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2020. The City of Eastvale also provided the following information about Yow:
“From an early age, public service has been part of Jocelyn Yow’s life and a source of growth and inspiration. Growing up in a working-class immigrant family, her family has always emphasized the importance of giving back and community service. She serves as a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain and is a member of the Lions Club. In 2011, Mayor Yow’s family moved to the Inland Empire and settled in Eastvale.
She became involved in advocacy while attending her alma mater Norco College and transferred to the University of California, Berkeley, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree. Yow served as a district representative for the California State Senate and an aide for the United States House of Representatives, where she worked to help seniors, families, small businesses, nonprofit organizations, and children to access valuable government services. She is currently the policy manager for IGNITE, a national nonprofit to elect more women to positions of power.”
Lorimore, serving as the new Mayor Pro Tem, was first elected on the City Council in 2014. He was re-elected in 2018 and served as Mayor Pro Tem in 2017. He also served as Mayor in 2018. The City of Eastvale provided the following information about Lorimore:
“Clint Lorimore has a strong track record of public service and a dedication to the region in which we live. Having dedicated himself to actively engaging with the community, He volunteers his time with various local organizations, including Eastvale Rotary. He is a successful small business owner, who has previously worked for the State Legislature, served as a regional appointee of the Governor and has also worked as an analyst on issues relating to national security. He currently serves as 1st Vice-President of Southern California Association of Governments.
Mayor Pro Tem Lorimore graduated from Cal Poly Pomona with a degree in Political Science with an emphasis on Public Policy in 2004. He then went on to obtain a Masters of Arts from Claremont Graduate University in 2007. As a recipient of Rotary International’s Ambassadorial Scholarship, Clint also studied at Nanyang Technological University in Singapore in 2008 where he graduated with a Masters of Science.”
Bootsma is a newly elected councilmember but he previously served on the City Council from 2010 to 2016. In addition, he served as Eastvale’s Mayor from 2013-2016. Now he is back on the council ready to serve after receiving the most votes for District 5. The City of Eastvale provided the following information about Bootsma:
“Ike Bootsma was born third from the youngest of nine children to immigrant parents, Trynje and Jim Bootsma. Ike’s family was one of the first to settle in the Chino Valley in 1938 when the dairy’s began their exodus from Artesia.
In 1975, Ike started a Calf Ranch in Eastvale. It was a very successful operation until its closing in May of 2007. The Calf Ranch was an important component of the dairy industry, where they raised calves for Dairy replacement. Ike started what became known as “contract” raising. It was a very good enterprise and worked well for the Dairy industry and for his family.
…He is an active member of the Eastvale Kiwanis Club; raising money each year to provide Eleanor Roosevelt High School students with college scholarships and participating in monthly street clean-up events as part of the Eastvale Roadway Adoption Program.”
Dinco is also a newly elected councilmember, serving for the first time on the Eastvale City Council. However, Dinco is not new to the city. “Dinco and his wife Judith have been residents of Eastvale for ten years,” according to the City. “They have four children, Savannah, Delaney, Connor, and Brady. He holds a Bachelor’s degree from California Baptist University in Leadership and Public Administration and has been in law enforcement for over 25 years.
He is currently a Lieutenant with Riverside Police Department, supervising Aviation, SWAT, a Parole and Corrections Team, Hostage Negotiations Team, and a newly formed UAV program. He has previously worked as a detective in investigations, narcotics, auto theft, property crimes, SWAT, major investigations, community services bureau, and press information officer.
Councilmember Dinco has been the President of Eastvale Little League for the last five years and is an active coach in the league as well. He is also a youth soccer coach with Empire Soccer, and Friday Night Lights youth flag football and has also previously coached with Eastvale’s Pop Warner football program. Christian is dedicated to community service and is looking forward to contributing to our great City of Eastvale.”
Lastly, Brandon Plott is leaving the City Council and his position as Mayor due to personal reasons. He announced his departure earlier this year via Facebook. Mayor and Councilmember Plott served on the City Council these last four years.
“Brandon’s sacrifice, dedication, and commitment to the City of Eastvale was evident throughout his time on the City Council and we’ll miss seeing him up on the dias!,” stated a news release.
Staff Reports
Ontario- Inland Christian Home, was founded by a number of local churches and began providing services in 1978. The primary mission of the community is a reflection of the heritage of its founders: to provide quality affordable individualized care to seniors in a Christian environment, it’s a place you can feel right at home. The community’s non-profit status promotes this mission as there are no owners who profit from its operation and all the revenues received are reinvested into the operations of the facility.
As the baby boomer generation continues to age, it is important to know they have options. The aging process is not always an easy one and, at times requires the assistance of others. Inland Christian Home offers a community that assists in many ways. Its primary mission is to provide quality, affordable, individualized care to seniors in a Christian environment, making it a place you can feel right at home.
Inland Christian Home, being licensed as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) through the Department of Social Services, provides many different levels of care which include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult day care, Skilled Nursing and Rehab and Custodial Home care Services. The availability of different levels of care and service arrangements on the same grounds, offers seniors very unique advantages. Our philosophy is to encourage our residents to live as independently as possible at the lowest level of care. Our residents’ individual needs and desires are always considered in the arrangement of these services. We want Inland to be their home, not the facility in which they live, where all are treated as individuals and they participate and are given choices in how they live.
The availability of different levels of care and service arrangements on the same grounds offers residents some very unique advantages. Residents can continue to reside at the community even though their abilities may change. Resident and their families have the comfort in knowing that their needs will be met. Inland Christian Home is a close-knit community that promotes the maintaining of social relationship residents have with other residents, friends, and family.
Inland Christian Home also provides services to those who prefer to stay in their own homes. Custodial Home Care services make it possible by providing assistance with housekeeping, cooking, shopping, meal preparation, bathing, and dressing through educated caregivers.
Inland Christian Home is here to promote aging in place, and gives seniors the ability to live at the lowest level of care even though their abilities change and their families have the comfort in knowing their needs will be met; making it a place you can feel right at home.
Inland Christian Home is located at 1950 S. Mountain Ave. in Ontario. To learn more about their facility or to schedule a tour, call (909) 467-6153 or (909) 983-0084 visit http://www.ichome.org.
By Michael Armijo
I’ve looked at society and the everyday human being and I’ve come to the conclusion that; “I just don’t understand.” I don’t understand why people react the way they do, they play little games with others and sometimes, so adamantly, they convince themselves that life really is the misery that they proclaim. They realize that they have power and they pick and choose whom they’re going to benefit. Some people just feel they have the experience and the knowledge to choose who will gain from their power and their position in life; it’s up to them and no one else.
After getting off the phone with someone who had somewhat authority to make life easier for everyone, this person decided that today wasn’t a day to help anyone. At some point in our conversation, she realized that she isn’t going to help, and wouldn’t. Her logic was, “too bad,” and without regard, she decided she was not going to grant me any wishes. She decided that, based on my history, I didn’t deserve anything and I had no choice but to suffer the consequences of the misunderstandings that were evident.
I understand that a structured life has somewhat of a protocol, and procedures were made to reduce error and to be productive. But I also understand that there is an immeasurable element that structure, protocol, and procedure will have to take a back seat to, a measure I call “human compassion.” Not always will there be an answer we’ll always want to hear, and “too bad” ranks up there with the bad words, right next to “can’t” and “impossible.” I believe it’s not what you say in life, it’s how you say it.
When we speak to other individuals, we need to understand the importance of getting our point across. We need to understand the importance of communicating and educating others in order for them to see the entire picture. And when we run into those individuals who prefer not to educate others but instead choose who their power will benefit, we sometimes lose that wonderful vision of life that keeps our heart beating and allows our spirit to replenish.
Although we can sometimes feel that we are in a minority of society, we being the positive and outreaching, and regardless of these misunderstandings in life, regardless of the good intentions that we try to convey as true while others disregard, I still believe in many fantastic things. I still believe in the deep colorful shades that secrete in beautiful rainbows. I still believe the visual childhood implemented premise of the handsome prince charming coming for his beautiful princess, and that a gentle loving kiss can awaken her from her deep and lonely sleep. I still believe in the premise that wonderful people receive wonderful things at Christmas time. I still believe in the treasured happiness that our teachers and our parents implemented into our hearts; those unbelievable bedtime stories of happy scenarios with wish-like endings. And more importantly, I believe in the persistent philosophy in the certainty of the impossible in an age-old phrase that we’ve come to question; that there is a delicious taste embedded somewhere in “Green Eggs and Ham.” And regardless of all those who are out there, this belief helps me keep my faith in the goodness of the human spirit.
Staff Reports
Eastvale – Eastvale continues to grow and come together despite all that is happening. Below is an update on what’s going on in the community, information courtesy of the City of Eastvale.
The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has kept our community safe and are going the extra mile to keep safety as priority through the holiday season. The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting increased patrols at the Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center starting on Black Friday through Christmas. In addition, RSO will also be providing traffic control at the Amazon Distribution center at no additional cost to the City.
The Eastvale City Hall has grown and you may see these new faces: Senior Community & Building Safety Specialist Tamara Marquez and our Community & Building Safety Specialist Sonia Sanchez. These two positions were recently transitioned from contract services to in-house City staff positions, which combined with the other positions brought in-house, saves the City over $600K annually.
The Building and Safety Front Counter is available to process your water, solar, pool, and patio cover permits. They are open Monday through Thursday from 8:00 a.m. through 12:00 p.m. and by appointment in the afternoon. You can check-in to the front counter through the City website.
In early November, the City of Eastvale was honored to be recognized with multiple awards from the Public Relations Society of America PRSA Inland Empire Chapter
One of the awards was in the ‘writing’ category reflecting on an embrace with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Deputy Deanna Myers and a Eleanor Roosevelt High School student, Elysia Matthews, during the Black Lives Matter protests in June 2020.
The City also received an award for their “Did you Know” video series featuring our Communications Department, where we share information with our community so they can be informed champions.
Along with the “We are the City of Eastvale” video, which humanized the City Hall staff and why they choose to serve our community to form connections with the people we serve.
Thank you again to PRSA for the recognition of these important projects and initiatives that align with our core values of Kindness, Grit, and Solutions-Driven with courageous, creative and collaborative results where we champion experiences that engage, excite, and elevate our commUNITY!
On Nov. 9, Norco College announced that they have broken ground on the new Veterans Resource Center. This new Center will expand and enhance programs and services to veteran students by offering college credit for previous military service, counseling, mental health services, and access to community and veterans resources. For more information about the Veterans Resource Center, visit norcocollege.edu/veterans
On Nov. 5, the City of Eastvale also received the Arts Innovation Award from the Inland Empire Economic Partnership – IEEP during their 8th Annual Turning Red Tape to Red Carpet Virtual Awards Ceremony for our now award winning mural themed, Past, Present, and Future, entitled Eastvale: We Built this City, painted by local resident artist/muralist Rosemary Vasquez-Tuthill!
This mural was created with the Incredible vision by our community and City Council to celebrate and document our 10th Anniversary of Incorporation as the State’s 2nd youngest City.
Staff Reports
Ontario – Voortman’s Egg Ranch has been in the business of providing farm fresh eggs to friends and visitors to the local area for over 60 years. Originally from Bellflower, the Voortman family – who has always been in the egg ranching business – moved their operation to Ontario in 1951.
Voortman’s has a small-town farm ambiance, with the latest in technology. Their happy chickens are enjoying their newly remodeled home; and their egg-processing machine can handle about 36,000 eggs per hour at its peak. If the average bird lays one egg about every 26 hours, that equals a lot of chickens at the Voortman ranch!
Did you know that you can tell how fresh an egg is by how high the yolk stands up in the frying pan after you crack it? Voortman’s will have your over-easies standing tall. Their fresh eggs are the highest in quality, with dark, nutrient-dense yolks. You will immediately notice a difference in your cooking and baking.
Have you ever wondered how long the eggs in the grocery stores have actually been sitting around? Despite the use-by date, there is really no way to know how long ago they were produced. With Voortman’s, the eggs are selected daily, on site, and readied for you in their store.
Third-generation egg rancher, Eddie Voortman, says, “We are a local, family-owned business that provides fresh, quality products to the public.”
Customers of Voortman’s rave about their all natural, cage free eggs, touting the freshness, and great pricing. One customer said, “They make the fluffiest scrambled eggs!”
The eggs come in all sizes and colors, depending on your needs. Whatever you choose, you will not be disappointed.
Voortman’s is centrally located just minutes from Chino at 13960 Grove Avenue in Ontario (just north of Edison). You can reach Voortman’s at (909) 465-1319; and Like them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Voortmans-Egg-Ranch.
Stop by any time Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Joe and Charlotte began to attend our church when I was the new pastor at Chapel in the Hills in Tucson many years ago. Although I had served on the staff of larger churches, this was the first time I was on my own after graduating from seminary.
I was pretty young to be leading a church. The church was small. A secretary came in one morning a week to print the Sunday bulletin. The church treasurer was a volunteer. Our attendance was small and our resources were limited.
Joe and Charlotte lived in the neighborhood and they actually attended a larger church across town. But they started coming to our Sunday evening services and to our mid-week Bible study. They were school teachers and loved kids. They had served with a ministry providing children’s Bible programs in rural areas of Arizona. And they rode a tandem-bike along the Mississippi River from Minnesota to New Orleans during two summers.
They offered to lead our first summer Vacation Bible School to reach children in the community. I was so thankful to have the help of this remarkable couple. They came with ideas and experience that were invaluable. VBS was a success and we met a number of new families in our area.
There is a similar couple in the Bible. Their names were Priscilla and Aquila and they worked with the Apostle Paul on a number of occasions. Paul said that they had actually risked their lives to help him. Later they started a church in their own home (Romans 16:3-5) and they provided solid Bible teaching to a budding evangelist named Apollos (Acts 18:26).
I believe God loves to bring older, seasoned people into our lives to help us in our career or ministry. Let me encourage you to watch for an Aquila or Priscilla who is willing to help you grow and learn. And be willing to use your knowledge and experience to be an Aquila or Pricilla to help others. You will be glad you did and they will too.
You can find more stories and articles by Mark Hopper at his web site – letmarkencourageyou.com. His book with 365 stories and articles (one for each day of the year) is available for $25 which includes postage – contact him at markh@efreedb.org.
Staff Reports
Inland Empire – In the last month, a few incidents took place in the City of Eastvale and the City of Norco. The incidents are listed below, courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery, Attempt Car Jacking Arrest
INCIDENT DATE: November 16, 2020
WHERE: 400 block Hidden Valley Parkway, Norco
On Monday, November 16, 2020 at 8:33 AM, Norco Deputies responded to the 100 block of Hidden Valley Parkway in reference to a reported petty theft from the convenience store. As deputies searched the area for the suspect, another call for service was dispatched in the 400 block of Hidden Valley Parkway with the same suspect description given. The reporting party stated the suspect had just robbed the convenience store and the two female employees of their belongings. The suspect had taken car keys from one of the female victims by force and was actively trying to steal her vehicle. The suspect inadvertently was trying to steal the wrong vehicle with the keys he had taken from her.
A Norco Deputy arrived on scene and the suspect; later identified as Paul Martinez, 48 years old, of Los Angeles, made eye contact with the deputy and fled on foot from the vehicle. After a foot pursuit of the suspect he was detained without incident. Martinez was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for two counts of Robbery and Attempted Car Jacking.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Saif Alobaidi at the Norco Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 270-5673.
INCIDENT: Deputy Involved Shooting
INCIDENT DATE: November 14, 2020
WHERE: 14000 Block of Alpaca Court, City of Eastvale
On Saturday, November 14th, 2020, approximately 2:58 AM, Jurupa Valley Station Deputies were dispatched to the 14000 Block of Alpaca Court, in the City of Eastvale, reference an unknown trouble. Shortly after deputies arrived on scene, they contacted an adult male who was armed with a weapon and threatening the deputies. While waiting for additional units to arrive on scene, the suspect shot multiple rounds at the deputies from the interior of a home. The deputies took cover behind their vehicles, and the suspect continued to shoot at the deputies. At this time, a deputy involved shooting occurred. An officer help call was broadcasted to multiple law enforcement agencies and Chino Police Department, Ontario Police Department, Corona Police Department and Riverside Police Department all responded. Corona Police Department and Ontario Police Department both arrived on scene with armored rescue vehicles and assisted in safely removing our deputies away from the suspects line of fire. Information was received that juveniles were in the home where the suspect was firing from. As an armored rescue vehicle was approaching the residence to safely remove the juveniles, the suspect appeared in the doorway and a second deputy involved shooting occurred.
The suspect, later identified as 43 year old Jose Alfredo Gonzalez, was taken into custody and transported to a local hospital for medical treatment of a non-life threatening injury. Three juveniles were removed from the home unharmed. Multiple weapons were located at the scene.
Suspect Gonzalez will be booked into jail for multiple counts of attempted murder on a Peace Officer, three counts of child endangerment, domestic violence and false imprisonment. (Booking photo is unavailable at this time)
The deputies involved will be placed on administrative leave per Department policy. The involved deputies’ names will not be released at this time.
An Investigator from the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office will lead this investigation, aided by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Force Investigations Detail and Central Homicide Unit. This is an active and on-going investigation. Anyone with information regarding this incident are encouraged to contact Investigator Dickey at (951) 955-2777 or Investigator Del Haro at (951) 955-5400.
INCIDENT: Vehicle Pursuit / Stolen Vehicle Arrest
INCIDENT DATE: November 10, 2020
WHERE: Hamner Ave. and 6th Street, Norco
On November 10, 2020 about 3:36 PM, a Deputy assigned to the Norco Station observed a reported stolen vehicle in the area of Hamner and 6th Street, Norco. An enforcement stop was attempted and the occupant of the vehicle failed to stop and attempted to evade. A pursuit was initiated and continued on 6th Street in which the suspect exited the stolen vehicle at the dead end near Pikes Peak and attempted to flee on foot. The suspect who was later identified as George Michael Mendoza, was detained without incident.
George Michael Mendoza a 29 year old, resident of the city of Jurupa Valley, was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for Possession of Stolen Vehicle, Vehicle Theft, Felony Evading, Violation of Probation, Violation of Parole, and and an outstanding Felony Warrant.
Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy A. Lucifora at the Norco Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 270-5673.
Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18
It seems like this year keeps getting longer and longer, though just right around the corner is Christmas. Is this a year to remember or forget in your books? I want to forget it with every ounce of being I have, but I want to remember it all too. It hasn’t been easy. What was supposed be a month shutdown now has turned into eight months and going. Schools never reopened, and everything has been online. Life as we once knew it came to a stop and adjusted its sails. It didn’t tell us to put our anchor down and sit. It meant to go a different direction, which we did.
Social distancing and wearing a mask has become a way of life at the moment. Also, gatherings, dining out, and going places are things of the past, for now.
Yet 2020 brought more family time, getting to know one another, life slowed down, and puppies were brought into the homes to love. People were making their home a staycation or doing all those projects they said they would do if time only allowed it. Swimming pool businesses boomed. People were doing their backyards and getting swimming pools.
Life may have slowed down enough so we could get back on track. It hasn’t been easy being home every day with my kids, autistic kids. But I am thankful I get to spend all this time with them. It’s true what they say. It’s all how you look at things. Is the glass 1/2 empty, or is it 1/2 full?
I will not say something and sugar coat it and say life has been great. Many days I spend stressed as most mamas out there are, and I shed many tears. But I still wake up every day thankful for my family and all that I have around me. 2020 will pass, and life will be back in the fast lane, though I hope not as fast as it was going.
Be safe, be healthy, stay calm, and most importantly, be thankful.
Melody Kraemer is the Editor and Publisher of Macaroni Kid Jurupa Valley-Eastvale and Autism Mom Adventures. For more information or general encouragement, feel free to email
her at autismmomofboys@gmail.com.
