Category Archives: Chino Hills

Lonzo Ball Named Mc Donald’s All American

Lonzo Ball receives his Mc Donald’s All American Jersey Photo credit: Mc Donald’s All American Game

Lonzo Ball receives his Mc Donald’s All American Jersey
Photo credit: Mc Donald’s All American Game

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– The McDonald’s All American Games unveiled the official rosters for the 39th annual boys game and 15th annual girls game during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on January 17.  The final rosters include the top talent from 14 states.  Chino Hills’ own Lonzo Ball made the cut, and will be representing the West team in the game.

Lonzo, a 6’6” senior from Chino Hills, has already committed to UCLA, as have his two younger brothers, junior LiAngelo and freshman LaMelo.

“I want to thank my family and teammates because through the journey we all travel together,” Ball said during the McDonald’s All American Game Hometown Heroes tour presented by American Family Insurance. “Hopefully it doesn’t stop here.”

Lonzo says that the pressure of being a good example doesn’t affect him too much, as he has been out front his whole life as the eldest of the trio.  “I just go out and lead by example, and hopefully they follow.”

The nation’s premier high school basketball All Star event will take place for the sixth consecutive year March 30 at Chicago’s United Center.  The boys’ game starts at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.

“The future of basketball will again be on full display in Chicago on March 30,” said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald’s All American Games. “The McDonald’s All American Game is the one game all high school age and younger, hoops players aspire to reach.”

Since 1978, more than 1,200 players have competed in the McDonald’s All American Games.

They form an elite group of some of the top names in basketball history, including Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Candace Parker, Maya Moore and Elena Delle Donne. Alumni include current college standouts Ben Simmons of LSU, Melo Trimble of Maryland, and UConn’s Breanna Stewart.

Net proceeds from the Games benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Since its inception, the McDonald’s All American Games have raised more than $11 million for the Charity.

How I Almost Became the Chino Hills Powerball Winner

Zeb Welborn

Zeb Welborn

By Zeb Welborn

Growing up in Chino Hills since 1981, I’ve seen the city grow from a cow pasture to a robust suburban town. I’ve personally witnessed a tremendous amount of growth in both Chino and Chino Hills in my lifetime. As the Chairman of the Board for the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce I can see that that success and prosperity will continue.

One of the coolest things that happened as a result of the Powerball win is how it showcased the way our city came together to support something that put our city in the spotlight for at least a few days.

As a child, I’d try to convince my parents to let me ride my bike to the 7-Eleven so I could get some snacks or a Slurpee. I grew up within a bike ride’s distance of the place that sold a winning ticket for the largest-ever lottery prize.  And that’s pretty cool.

The first time I played the lottery was last Saturday, where I bought one ticket for what was then the largest lottery purse in history at $900 million.  On Wednesday, I bought my second for the $1.5 billion jackpot.

In addition, the President of our Sunday Bowling League, Doug, organized a lottery pool and purchased tickets on behalf of our bowling league.

I didn’t watch the lottery live, but I got messages from family and friends not long after telling me to check my tickets. They had heard the news that a winner was sold in Chino Hills.

Instead of a 1 in 275,000,000 chance my odds improved drastically to 1 in Chino Hills.

I carefully checked my ticket.  I didn’t match a single number. Unfortunately, I bought it at the Circle K gas station across the street from that 7-Eleven.

Then I remembered I still had a chance with Doug.

My family (who also bought into the bowling pool) and I waited by the phone hoping Doug would call to tell us the good news, or the more likely scenario, the bad news.  But we didn’t hear from Doug, and so wild speculation began.

As time wore on, it became more and more likely in our minds that we would be declared the winners for various reasons:

  1. The winning 7-Eleven is on the way from the bowling alley to Doug’s house
  2. The winning 7-Eleven is the closest place to Doug’s home to buy lottery tickets
  3. We hadn’t heard from Doug
  4. If Doug did have the winning ticket, we’d assume he’d make sure to consult legal counsel on how to proceed with distributing the winnings to our bowling league
  5. Neither Doug nor any of his family had posted anything on social media.
  6. Everyone in Chino Hills got texts from family and relatives outside of Chino Hills asking if we’d won, so many of us took to social media to let people know we were losers.
  7. What would you do if you won the lottery?  Probably disappear from social media.
  8. As more and more of our Chino Hills family and friends went on to social media to let others know they were losers, the odds went from 1 in Chino Hills to what felt more like 1 in 10 that we were the $1.5 billion lottery winners.

On Sunday, we headed to bowling as we do every Sunday night, only this time we were on the lookout for big news vans and television crews, there to catch our excitement as Doug announced that we were indeed the Powerball winners.

As we entered the bowling alley, Doug, a plumber, was outside making a phone call where he was talking about water heaters and other things a plumber would discuss; clearly a ruse.

Finally, Doug ended his phone call and came inside just before bowling began. I asked him one simple question:

“So Doug, are we millionaires?”

He reached into his pocket and threw down lottery tickets paper-clipped together and said, “You have no idea how hard this week has been. We didn’t win.”

As it turns out, Doug did buy our tickets at the 7-Eleven in Chino Hills as we had suspected, but not the winning ticket. As of now, we didn’t win the Powerball . . . Honestly, we’re still hoping Doug is holding out on us waiting for a more opportune time to tell us that we’re all millionaires!

Chino Hills Man Arrested for Meth

Deputies locate several pounds of methamphetamine in Chino Hills

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS– On January 19, 2016, at about 6:00 p.m., Chino Hills deputies, with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Narcotics/Gang Division, executed a search warrant  in the 3300 block of Organdy Lane.  David Selle, 45, was suspected of being involved in the sales of methamphetamine. During the warrant service, deputies located several pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and evidence of possible credit card fraud. Selle was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any criminal activity is urged to call Chino Hills Police Department or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.

Tehachapi Project Construction Update

SCE Power Lines 1 by TRTP EDISON

Photo courtesy: Edison

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS– The Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project will deliver electricity from new wind farms in the Tehachapi area to SCE customers and the California transmission grid. Consisting of new and upgraded electric transmission lines and substations between eastern Kern County and San Bernardino County, it plays a vital role in meeting California’s renewable energy goal of 33 percent by the year 2020.

 

Construction Activities from January 25th – 31st
During the period January 25 to 31, 2016 construction activities as part of Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) will include the following:

  • Surveying, dust control, vegetation, net inspection, soil and material exportation throughout the project route
  • Tower construction east of the East Transition Station at Pipeline Avenue and SR71
  • Mainline trenching which includes trenching and increased truck traffic along adjacent streets at the following locations: west of Pipeline Avenue (south of Yellowstone Circle), and south of Garden Court (east of Lobelia Drive and west of Cork Drive)
  • Vault excavation/installation work south of Eucalyptus Avenue (east and west of Canon Lane, and east of Western Hills Country Club), and west of Pipeline Avenue (south of Yellowstone Circle)
  • Horizontal directional drilling south of Prairieview Circle (west of Lost Trail Drive) and south of Garden Court (west of Cork Drive).  Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a method of installing underground utilities when trenching work is impractical to perform.  The 500 kV underground project in Chino Hills will require two HDD sites along the route.
  • Grading work south of Eucalyptus Avenue (east and west of Canon Lane), and south of Eucalyptus Avenue and North of Turquoise Circle North (west of Coral Ridge Park)
  • Concrete restoration at Canon Lane
  • Transition station construction at the Eastern Transition Station (Pipeline Avenue north of Chino Hills Pkwy.) and Western Transition Station (southwest of the western end of Eucalyptus Avenue).
  • Wire stringing activities west of the Western Transition Station in Chino Hills to Tonner Canyon in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and east of Pipeline Avenue and continuing across SR71 in Chino to just west of Central Avenue. *A small helicopter will be used to position equipment and personnel.  There will be periods when the helicopter will hover in the project area to perform these activities.
  • Cable pulling activities west of Avenida Cabrillo and just east of Calle Madrid

 

Construction hours are: Chino Hills locations: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday; and 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday.  Chino locations: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday

Deputies Reassigned to Unincorporated Areas

Courtesy of the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department

The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors approved the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department’s request for one detective and six deputies to be reassigned to the Chino Hills Station to improve law enforcement services for the Mission Corridor. The area includes an estimated four square miles of unincorporated area adjacent to the cities of Montclair, Ontario, Chino, and Chino Hills. The reassignment began on Saturday, January 23, 2016.

This reorganization will give the community a higher law enforcement presence. “The deputies dedicated to the Mission Corridor will be able to respond to our citizens faster and will be able to increase pro-active patrol for our community,” Sheriff John McMahon said.

Prior to the shift in personnel, deputies from the Fontana Station were responsible for providing law enforcement services for the Mission Corridor. The once 40-minute drive from the Fontana Station will drop to a six-minute drive from the Chino Hills Station. The area will now have dedicated deputies who will be responsible for responding to calls for service and conducting investigations. Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman stated, “This change will allow the public to be served quicker and more efficiently. It is proof the County is putting public safety first.”

 

Life After Lugo

Photo courtesy: CVUSD Brianna Smith Gunn (right), a 2008 Don Lugo High graduate, talks to Don Lugo seniors about her experience in the Army.

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Brianna Smith Gunn (right), a 2008 Don Lugo High graduate, talks to Don Lugo seniors about her experience in the Army.

Courtesy of Chino Valley Unified

CHINO– Looking like she was addressing her police officers in a shift briefing, Chino Police Chief Karen Comstock told Don Lugo students that success is theirs if they just have the right mindset. Chief Comstock was among more than a dozen Don Lugo High graduates who spoke to seniors, juniors and sophomores on January 7 about going to college during the annual “Life After Lugo.”

Don Lugo counselors founded the event seven years ago “because they felt that giving students as much information about college as possible would ensure greater success,” said teacher Sophie Yu. She took over coordination of the event three years ago, when original coordinator Kathie Spaun transferred to Chino Hills High. This year, Ms. Yu increased the number of sessions a senior could take from two to three. “All presenters are Lugo grads and my goal is to have more career pathways,” Ms. Yu said.

“Commit yourself to a process of learning,” Chief Comstock said as she walked back and forth among students in the Don Lugo multipurpose room. “Even if you don’t want to go into college after high school, get into a learning environment…Success is all in your futures, if you want it,” she said “…You are from Chino; you’re from Don Lugo. We believe in you.”

Following introductions and the chief’s keynote speech, other Don Lugo High alumni spoke to small groups of students on a variety of college-related topics in different classrooms. Among the subjects discussed were campus life, military experience, engineering, networking, picking the right school, commuting versus dorms, studying abroad, personal finance, the AVID college preparation program, the Dream Act, and time management.

Brianna Smith Gunn, a 2008 Don Lugo graduate, said she managed a hotel for a while before going to college, and then joined the Army 4 ½ years ago. Although she is only 5-foot-3, she worked in corrections for the military at Guantanamo Bay Detention Camp in Cuba, where war criminals and other high profile prisoners are detained. She said at least three of the approximately 30 students in the class she was addressing would go into the military, based on statistics kept on military service. She told the students that many soldiers have lost their lives to ensure the freedoms of Americans.

Don Lugo graduate Albert Perez, who said he was the first in his family to attend college, talked about how three-dimensional printing is used in the bio-medical engineering field he is studying. He passed around two of the items he has made with a 3-D printer: a Batman symbol, and the words “#1 Mom” with a heart symbol behind it. He also talked about the fun he had exploring a new city while attending college.

Graduate Elizabeth Cho said her parents are immigrants who didn’t go to college, so they had a hard time helping her when issues came up about her college experience. She told the Don Lugo students there are resources and people on college campuses that can help new students adjust. She also talked about overcoming the “imposter syndrome” in which students don’t feel like they belong at their college or that they are not “good enough” to be at the school. She said it was a culture shock for her to be attending prestigious Wellesley College in Massachusetts because of the more affluent students who attend that school, the long distance from her home in California, and the colder weather there. “You grow a lot,” she said of attending a college away from home. She concluded her comments by showing a video of students who have experienced culture shock in college. Among those shown were students who were the first in their families to attend college.

Other Don Lugo graduates who spoke included Megan Johnston, Janette Armenta, Joseph Green, Nick Flores, Jacqueline Dana Valera, Samantha Ochoa, Kendell Langrell, Randall Brakob, and Frankie Torres. A luncheon was held following the event, with muffins, cookies, and water provided by Ms. Yu’s brother-in-law.

CVFD Hires Six Firefighter/Paramedics

Photo Courtesy of CVFD (L-R): Nathan Brooks, Conner Buck, Charles Addie, Miguel Lopez, Matt Robertson, Blake Lemke.

Photo Courtesy of CVFD
(L-R): Nathan Brooks, Conner Buck, Charles Addie, Miguel Lopez, Matt Robertson, Blake Lemke.

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

 

The Chino Valley Fire District welcomed six new firefighter/paramedics to the Fire District family on January 10th. The new hires will fill vacancies left by promotions and retirements.

After completing an intensive four-week academy put on by Fire District personnel, the firefighter/paramedics will be assigned to work at one of the seven fire stations in the District.

“We are excited to bring these new firefighter/paramedics onboard. They underwent an extensive testing process that ensures we are hiring the best firefighter/paramedics for the community” said Fire Chief Tim Shackelford.

The new hires include Charles Addie, Nathan Brooks, Conner Buck, Blake Lemke, Miguel Lopez and Matt Robertson. Firefighter/Paramedics Addie, Brooks and Buck were all former Chino Valley Fire District Fire Explorers.

The Fire Explorer program requires participants to pass an interview, physical agility test, and to complete 20 hours of volunteer work each year at various special functions and community events.

Hang Loose at Chino Hills’ Oke Poke

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.okepoke.com

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.okepoke.com

By Monique Valadez

CHINO HILLS – If you’re looking for a quick getaway to the Big Island, why not grab a taste of it at Chino Hills’ newest eatery Oke Poke.
What is Poke? Poke is a raw fish-based dish that originates from Hawaii. Oke Poke shares a similar Hawaiian-style poke cuisine – a rice bowl filled with a variety of fresh fish that have been marinated with special sauces.
“Oke Poke is different because it’s healthy eating, top-notch fish; we don’t charge extra for every topping, and there isn’t anything like it in the area,” Oke Poke Owner Minnie Baral said.
Located in the heart of Chino Hills at Payne Ranch Center, Oke Poke has a steady clientele from millennials and high school students to businessmen and construction crews. With a Subway-like format, you can build your own bowl with heaping spoonfuls of delectable fish including of salmon, ahi tuna, albacore, yellowtail, shrimp, spicy tuna or a combination of different meats. The poke bowl starts with a choice of a base – mixed greens, white or brown rice, or chips. You can choose from a slew of extra toppings, veggies and sides for free including wasabi, seaweed, ginger and masago.
Baral says that the quality of their fish is what brings back customers for more. “I only select wild-caught, top-grade fish.”
Baral, who is a regular fixture at the eatery found chatting with customers, giving taste samples and enjoying fresh Poke in her hometown, takes pride in selecting the freshest ingredients. “Other Poke restaurants select lower grade fish and just look to make just a profit. Not Oke Poke! We’re all about fresh and high-quality fish.”
At first glance you may feel a little overwhelmed with the variety of choices, but don’t let this dismay you. The folks at Oke Poke want you to “hang loose” and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal straight from the Islands. Oke Poke staff is very friendly and ready to help you make a selection that will get you hooked on Poke.
The restaurant also offers specialty bowls made with Oke Poke’s own unique blends of sauces and seasonings. There’s the Crunchy Garlic bowl with honey and garlic sauce, the Bailey bowl with “Oke” chili sauce, the Firecracker bowl featuring a spicy mayo and “Oke” garlic sauce, and the Wasabi Vinaigrette bowl.
For the full Hawaiian vibe, Oke Poke offers Hawaiian shaved ice. To give your sweet tooth some extra loving, ask for it with soft-served ice cream and drizzled sweetened condensed milk on top.
Customer favorites include the Crunchy Garlic bowl, which costs $9.95 for the regular or $11.95 for the large bowl. Regular-sized poke bowls with 3 hefty spoonfuls of fish are $8.95, or you can choose the large size (5 scoops of fish) for $11.95.  The Hawaiian shaved ice costs $3.50. Minnie invited us to taste a few menu items. I started with the popular Crunchy Garlic salmon poke bowl filled with brown rice, fresh cubed dressed salmon tossed with the sesame oil dressing, seaweed salad and some green onion. At first sight, the bowl was bursting with color. After my first mouthful, it was love at first bite – I was hooked! The flavorful bowl made me get up and do the Hokey Pokey Dance. And, the fish – one word: fantastic!

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills.  Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.okepoke.com

Driver Dies in 71 Freeway Accident

Photo Courtesy of Chino Valley Fire District

Photo Courtesy of Chino Valley Fire District

Staff Reports

 

CHINO HILLS-  A three-car accident tied up the Southbound 71 freeway on Friday, January 15, causing a two-hour long SigAlert and resulting in one death.

Brandon Joseph Tabita, 28, of Corona, was driving his white Ford Focus southbound on the 71 freeway around 7:20 a.m. when he was unable to slow for stopped traffic just past Pine Avenue.  He rear-ended a school bus driven by Riverside resident Irma Reyes, according to the CHP.  The bus was then pushed into a 2011 Hyundai Genesis driven by Joong Hwan Uhm of Los Angeles.

Tabita, who sustained major head injuries, was trapped in his vehicle, which ended up being wedged underneath the bus.  It took firefighters over an hour to extricate him from his vehicle, using the jaws of life.  Once free, he was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.  He was pronounced dead the next day.

There were no children on the school bus at the time of the crash.  Reyes and a school district employee were transported to Chino Medical Hospital for treatment of pain.  Uhm and the passengers in his vehicle declined medical treatment.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation

Coffee With A Cop in Chino Hills

City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills – Chino Hills residents are invited to have “Coffee With a Cop” from 11:00 a.m. to Noon, and from 2:00 – 3:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 28th at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive. Law enforcement representatives from the Chino Hills Police Department will be on hand to answer questions and share information with residents. Those residents who have a ticket to attend the sold out Active Adults 50+ Dance Showcase at noon are invited to come early to say hello to members of the City’s law enforcement team. “Coffee With a Cop” is part of the Chino Hills Police Department’s efforts to make connections between law enforcement and members of the community in a casual setting.

chARTS Hosts “Meet The Artist” Reception

Photo courtesy: Facebook

Photo courtesy: Facebook

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills– The Art Committee of the Chino Hills Community Foundation, known as chARTS, has partnered with the City of Chino Hills to showcase the work of local artists in the lobby of the Chino Hills Community Center, located at 14250 Peyton Drive. The artwork is now on display.

There will be a “Meet the Artist” reception on Thursday, January 14th from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. The featured artist this quarter is Chino Hills’ resident Marilee Poirier. She first discovered her passion and talent for drawing during her early childhood in the Philippines. She moved with her family to the United States in 1982, where she began sketching realistic portraits of her family and friends. Marilee is a self-taught artist who specializes in portraits, landscapes, and illustrations. She works with several traditional drawing mediums, such as charcoal, colored pencils, and watercolor, as well as digital technology to create digital paintings and illustrations. Marilee is a wife and mother who finds personal fulfillment in being an artist. Her greatest inspirations are her family and God.

New permanent artwork at the Community Center will also be featured at the January 14th reception. The artwork was purchased through a $10,000 donation from the County of San Bernardino during the tenure of former San Bernardino County Supervisor Gary Ovitt. The newly-installed pieces include three custom eight-foot murals painted by local artist Enrique Vidal; canvas prints of photos taken by professional photographer Council Member Peter Rogers; historical photos of the Chino Rancho Ride; and “before” and “after” aerial photographs of locations in the city. In addition, a beautiful Oak tree painting by Laguna Beach artist Carolyn Reynolds has been relocated to the Community Center lobby from the reading room in the Library.

ChARTS is led by local artists and art lovers who represent a wide range of expertise in fine arts, graphic design, music, creative writing, theater, and more. They encourage the creation, enjoyment, and enrichment of the arts in Chino Hills. The Chino Hills Community Center serves as a home base for chARTS. For more information about chARTS, please call (909) 364-2736.

Chino Hills: Sandbags Now Available

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills – In preparation for El Niño, the City of Chino Hills Public Works Department has been cleaning V-ditches along slopes and roadways, and has also been cleaning debris from storm drains, catch basins, and flood control channels. If you see any of these areas clogged with debris, report the location by calling Public Works at (909) 364-2800 or the after-hours on-call hotline at (909) 364-2860.

The City of Chino Hills and the Chino Valley Fire District encourage residents to take steps to protect their property before the rain begins. Homeowners should do their part by clearing debris from rain gutters, downspouts, and drains so water can flow and drain properly. Residents with yards that are prone to erosion during heavy rains should consider implementing erosion control mechanisms such as sandbags and the use of straw rolls or wattles. Residents should check roofs for leaks, damage, or displaced tiles, and pay close attention to areas where separation could occur, such as around the chimney.

The City of Chino Hills has delivered sand, and the Chino Valley Fire District has delivered sandbags to Fire Station No. 64, located at 16231 Canon Lane; and to Fire Station No. 62, located at 5551 Butterfield Ranch Road. Citizens with proof of residency will be issued 25 sandbags per household. Bring a shovel to fill the sandbags. For tips on filling and placing sandbags, visit http://www.chinovalleyfire.org/sandbags. For properties that require significant sandbagging, sandbags are available for purchase at local hardware stores.

For more information, please visit the City website at http://www.chinohills.org/ElNino to learn more about what you can do to prepare, how to stay safe during floods and heavy rains, and website links to other helpful resources.

Students Beat the Odds

Photo courtesy of Chino Valley USD

Photo courtesy of Chino Valley USD

Courtesy of Chino Valley Unified

Chino Valley – A foster youth who had to overcome much adversity is the first Buena Vista Continuation High student qualified to go straight to a four-year college from the high school, according to Principal Rigoberto Vasquez.

Steven Beadle, 17, of Chino, has been accepted at Cal State, Stanislaus, and has also applied to Cal Poly Pomona, Cal State Dominguez Hills, and Cal State Fullerton. Another Buena Vista student, Destiny Miguel,  also recently qualified to go to a four-year college. She and Steven were honored by the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education at its Jan. 7 meeting.

This month, Steven will take a Spanish class at Chaffey College’s Chino campus while still enrolled at Buena Vista. Steven plans to major in sociology or criminal justice at a four-year college and pursue a career as a police officer in Texas or Colorado. “I’m very passionate about public safety,” he said. “I’d like to help on the streets.”

He practices Krav Maga, a self-defense system developed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), that consists of a combination of techniques from aikido, judo, boxing, and wrestling, along with realistic fight training. He also recently took a ride-along with a Chino Police officer to get an idea what it would be like to work in law enforcement. Steven said he is driven to succeed because, as a foster child for the last three years, he has seen a lot of youth in that system fail. “I don’t want to be one of those,” he said. “They don’t take advantage of what they are given to help them.” He also said he’s learned to stay away from drugs, which he believes is often a downfall for youth in foster care.

Steven was behind on his coursework when he transferred to Buena Vista 18 months ago. He was a sophomore with only 158 credits towards the 225 needed to graduate. He is now at 206 credits. Although he is expected to soon have enough credits to graduate from high school, he plans to stay in school until June to make sure he has all the A-G credits required for the California State University system. Principal Vasquez said he believes Steven is the first BV student to qualify for a four-year college because courses taught at the school were not approved as college preparatory until a couple of years ago, when former counselor Anna Fierro-Purcell “took it upon herself to have all of our courses submitted and approved.” Fierro-Purcell is now an assistant principal at Chino Hills High. “As a result, Steven’s courses taken at Buena Vista are accepted now by Cal State and University of California universities,” Mr. Vasquez said. “Steven is the first, and we have an additional two students who may be accepted by late February or early March. Steven turned in his college application very early.”

Winning Ticket Sold in Chino Hills

Photo courtesy of Facebook 7-11 clerk celebrates winning ticket

Photo courtesy of Facebook
7-11 clerk celebrates winning ticket

By Carol Heyen

CHINO HILLS– Lady Luck struck Chino Hills on Wednesday night, after it was announced that a winning Powerball ticket had been bought at the 7-11 convenience store on Chino Hills Parkway and Pipeline Avenue.

Chino Hills’ residents eagerly checked their tickets after it was announced that the winning ticket was bought in the city.  Ashley Wagenhoffer, a Chino Hills resident, admitted to checking her tickets “more times than I’d like to admit.”

The winner has not come forward, but Chino Hillians were still cheering on their city.  The 7-11 was swarmed by residents eager to celebrate the win with shop owners.  The store will receive a $1 million bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The ticket, worth approximately $528 million, was one of three winning tickets sold for this week’s record $1.5 billion Powerball drawing.  The other winning tickets were sold in Tennessee and Florida.  This was the largest lottery prize ever offered in North America.

For every $1 in lottery sales, half goes to prize winnings, 40 percent goes to education and 10 percent goes to the retailers who sell the tickets and administrative costs.

Chino Valley Students March in 2016 Rose Parade

Photo courtesy: CVUSD

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Chino High students Topanga Betke (left), August Decker-Curry, and Kayla Arcoverde were among the five Chino Valley Unified School District students who participated in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1 as part of the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Parade Honor Band.

A Rosy Beginning for the New Year
Staff Reports
Chino Valley – Five high school students from Chino Valley Unified School District celebrated the New Year in style – marching down Colorado Boulevard in the 127th Tournament of Roses Parade.

Don Lugo High School students Anthony Erroa (alto saxophone) and Alana Pineda (color guard) and Chino High’s August Decker-Curry (trumpet), Topanga Betke (tall flag) and Kayla Arcoverde (banner) participated in Southern California’s New Year’s tradition as members of the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Parade Honor Band.
Over 600 high school students audition each year for the 200-plus spots in the band and pageantry, according to the pageant organizers.

After an intense audition and weeks of endurance training and practice, these students now have bragging rights as part of an elite group of performers that marched the famed six-mile route in Pasadena. The Pasadena City College Honor Band has participated in the Rose Parade since 1930.

“The students will have marched over 25 miles in rehearsal before they step on to the parade route on January 1,” the pageant website noted.  “This is one reason why the Tournament of Roses Honor Band looks and sounds as good at the end of the parade as they do at the beginning.”

Chino Hills First Dog Park Opens

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills Council Member Peter Rogers poses with his dog Chloe and Sparky, the fire dog, makes quick friends with Chloe.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills
Council Member Peter Rogers poses with his dog Chloe and Sparky, the fire dog, makes quick friends with Chloe.

By Monique Valadez

 

Chino Hills – The newest addition to Chino Hills’ is for the dogs. After more than a decade of discussion and planning, Vila Borba Park – the city’s first ever off-leash dog park – is now open to the public.

A fanfare of nearly 200 people and their furry four-legged friends gathered at the grand opening ceremony Dec. 18.

City officials and community members snipped the official red ribbon but it was Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime-Fighting Dog that made the “leash cutting” ceremonies complete for all dogs in attendance.

The 5.6-acre park is located south of Pine Avenue west of Butterfield Ranch Road at 17001 Amadora Drive. It offers a fenced in space for both big and little dogs to roam freely. The park comes equipped with convenient dog waste stations and dog-appropriate water fountains. There is also a Tot Lot play area for children, picnic areas, exercise stations, and walking paths. The park will be open from 7 a.m. until dusk each day.

City officials say it’s free and open to all dog owners, though there are a few rules. Dogs must be at least four months old and non-aggressive, and owners are asked to keep a leash with them at the park – though dogs can be unleashed within the fence.
City officials say the park has been more than a decade-long project. The concept of a dog park in this city was first addressed in March 2000 by the Parks and Recreation Commission, through a community engagement process, according to the city’s staff report.

Developer’s Standard Pacific presented plans for its new 200-home project to the city council and offered to incorporate a dog park. Standard Pacific built the dog park at no cost to the City as part of their requirement to provide park space.

Residents of the city also rallied behind the cause by starting the nonprofit Dog Park for Chino Hills. The group’s next fundraising efforts are to install commemorative bricks in a section of the park.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills City officials, local legislators and community members join in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Tot Lot children playground at Vila Borba Park.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills
City officials, local legislators and community members join in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Tot Lot children playground at Vila Borba Park.

Chino Valley Ready for El Niño

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As the first of many El Niño storms arrive in the southland, officials are helping residents to be aware of how to be prepared for the storms and their aftermath. Chino Valley residents have been hearing about the El Niño weather system since last year’s summer months, and now Chino Valley Fire District officials are saying that they have started a public awareness campaign to inform residents about El Niño. They have created an El Niño information page on their website and they have begun sending messages through social media.
“We want residents to take a proactive approach,” Chino Valley Fire District’s Public Information Officer Massiel Ladron De Guevara said.
El Niño storms in California caused economic losses of $2.04 billion in 1982-83 and $804 million in 1997-98, according to a recent report by the National University System Institute for Policy Research.
Chino Valley Fire, Police and Public Works are working together with county officials– along with local, regional and state partners – to make sure all safety issues throughout the county are being addressed, according to city officials.
Flash flooding and flows of mud and debris are a concern in the Chino Valley. Severe flooding on Euclid Avenue near Prado Regional Park; Pine Avenue by El Prado Golf Course; on Kimball at Rincon Meadows, and Schaefer Avenue between 4th Street and Central Avenue is expected.
Public safety officials are urging commuters to be cautious around potential flooding areas and to follow this simple advice by the National Weather Service: Turn Around, Don’t Drown.
Each year, more deaths occur due to flooding than from any other thunderstorm related hazard, according to the NWS. People underestimate the force and power of water. Many of the deaths occur in automobiles as they are swept downstream.
“A lot of people don’t know that an average car can float in as little as 12 inches of water and most cars can be swept away in 18-24 inches of moving water,” Ladron De Guevara said. “If you come across a water-covered road, do not attempt to cross it on foot or in a vehicle. Remember, ‘Turn Around Don’t Drown!”
Flood control channels and culvert crossings are being cleared in anticipation of heavy rains, and advance teams are advising homeless encampments to relocate, according to county officials.
Chino and Chino Hills residents can get up to 25 sandbags and sand at no cost.
Here is a listing of sandbag distribution locations:
Chino
Fire Station No. 67 (SANDBAGS & SAND AVAILABLE)
5980 Riverside Drive Chino, CA 91710; (909) 902-5267
For residential use only, not industrial. No limits on quantity. (Self-service: Residents must bring their own shovels).
Fire Station No. 63 (SANDBAGS & SAND AVAILABLE) 7550 Kimball Avenue Chino, CA (909) 606-2415
Chino Valley Independent Fire District Administration (SANDBAGS & SAND AVAILABLE) 14011 City Center Dr. Chino Hills, CA 91709; (909) 902-5260
Chino Hills
Fire Station No. 61 (SAND & SANDBAGS AVAILABLE) Residents only – Must have proof of residency. 5078 Schaefer Avenue Chino, CA 91710; (909) 902-5261
Fire Station No. 62 (SAND/SANDBAGS AVAILABLE – Bring own shovel) 5551 Butterfield Ranch Road Chino Hills, CA 91709; (909) 597-9062
Fire Station No. 64 (SAND/SANDBAGS AVAILABLE – Bring own shovel) 16231 Canon Lane Chino Hills, CA 91709; (909) 597-9064

Additional El Niño resources are available at http://www.chinovalleyfire.org and on the county website, http://www.sbcounty.gov/main/elnino.asp.

Chino Hills Boys’ Basketball Wins Major Tournament

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – Chino Hills High boys’ basketball team received an early Christmas gift last Wednesday when they won the City of Palms Classic Tournament in Florida.

The Chino Hills Huskies won the prominent tournament with a 66-60 overtime victory against Patrick School of Elizabeth, N.J.

“It’s the best tournament in the nation,” said Chino Hills coach Steve Baik. “I think we have a chance to be named No. 1 in the nation now, so to have this opportunity, for a little public school out in California, it’s like a dream come true. We want to keep it rolling.”

The Huskies knocked off some of the nation’s best boys basketball teams to reach the top including Thomas Jefferson High of New York, Monteverde Academy of Florida, and High Point Christian of North Carolina.

With the victory, Chino Hills became the fifth California school to win the tournament and the first since Santa Ana Mater Dei in 2008.

The UCLA-bound senior Lonzo Ball was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and scored 20 points in the final. His brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, Onyeka Oknongwu and Elizjah Scott also made impressive plays to take the All-Star Team to victory.

The Huskies are also seeking to be named the best boys’ basketball team in the country when ranking results are released this week by a USA Today High School Sports Poll.

The Huskies winning streak will continue at the MaxPreps Holiday Classic Tournament through Dec. 29 in Rancho Mirage.

Two Men Arrested for Vehicle Theft in Chino Hills

Photos by San Bernardino County Sheriff – Chino Hills Station Stolen vehicle and items recovered by Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies.

Photos by San Bernardino County Sheriff – Chino Hills Station
Stolen vehicle and items recovered by Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies.

By Sara Cipollone

Chino Hills – Two Riverside County men were arrested on Sunday, Dec. 20 by the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station in response to a service call regarding a vehicle burglary.
On Sunday morning, the Chino Hills deputies responded to a call reporting a vehicle burglary in progress. Adam Rudolph, 23, of Riverside and John Gillespie, 26, of Menifee were arrested in relation to the report.
The reporting party provided police with a description of the suspect vehicle and the last known direction of travel, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies set up a perimeter and conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle on Rock Springs Drive, just west of Oakland Way.
Police found several stolen items inside the suspects’ vehicle which link them to an ongoing investigation involving numerous victims throughout the city of Chino Hills.
Rudolph and Gillespie were identified during a lineup and booked at West Valley Detention Center for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and possession of stolen property.

Wild Winds Blast through IE

Photo courtesy of Facebook A driveway covered with tumbleweeds greeted this Chino Hills’ homeowner.

Photo courtesy of Facebook
A driveway covered with tumbleweeds greeted this Chino Hills’ homeowner.

By Carol Heyen

Inland Empire – A National Weather Service wind advisory came to fruition Saturday as strong winds pummeled the Inland Empire.
Winds gusting over 40 miles per hour sent dirt and tumbleweeds flying across the 71 freeway and into Chino Hills’ yards.  Drivers swerved to avoid the damaging weeds as they flew by.
Houses were shaking from the winds and hundreds of trees were blown over as residents hunkered down to escape the gusts.
Residents took to Facebook to complain about the wild winds.  Many people lost brand-new drone and helicopter Christmas gifts as they were caught up in the gusts.  Garbage cans and Christmas decorations were found blown down streets, and wooden fences were blown over.
In Eastvale, a backyard palapa was snapped off its pole and landed upside down in the family’s Jacuzzi, and a trampoline that had been staked down flew up and over a brick wall.
Cleaning up the mess was no easy task.  Chino Hills’ resident Steven A. Velasquez Sr. likened clean-up to “bailing water out of a sinking boat.”
City clean-up crews were seen in Chino Hills on Sunday, helping to dispose of the tumbleweeds from residents’ front yards and streets.
Some blame El Niño for the windy and freezing conditions that swept across the southland over the Christmas holiday.
NASA reports that the 2015 El Niño, currently unfolding in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is the strongest since 1997-98. According to officials, the worst is yet to come with weather events likely to peak in early 2016.
The strong winds serve as a reminder to be prepared. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) say that high winds can be just as dangerous as heavy rain or snow. They remind residents to remove or secure items that are typically outside.
Bring patio furniture, garden tools, garbage cans, and toys inside. Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building. Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks.