Category Archives: Chino Hills

Chino Valley: CVFD Board of Director Election

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – As part of the Nov. 3, 2015 Consolidated General Election, a general district election will be held for the Chino Valley Fire District to fill three seats on the Board of Directors. Each seat is designated for a four-year term, beginning December 2015 through December 2019.

Candidates must legally reside within the District boundaries and must be registered voters at the time nomination forms are issued to qualify as a candidate.

Official filing forms may be obtained from either the Chino Valley Fire District’s Fire Administration, located at 14011 City Center Drive in Chino Hills, or from the San Bernardino County Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters located at 777 E. Rialto Avenue in San Bernardino. All completed forms must be filed no later than 5 p.m. on Aug. 7, 2015, at the Elections Office of the Registrar of Voters.

The Fire District is governed by a five-member Board of Directors that serve four-year staggered terms. Directors are responsible for overseeing the formulation and evaluation of policies.

Board Meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month, commencing at 6:00 p.m.

Chino Hills: PD Arrest Two In Carjacking

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., June 25, Chino Hills Deputies arrested a carjacking couple and were able to recover the victims’ vehicle, money, stolen electronics and cell phone, as well as the firearm used in the crime.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Esteban Silva Carrillo, 42, of Pomona, and Genesis Soto, 24, of Pomona were arrested after an elaborate crime spree that spanned from Pomona to Chino and Chino Hills. Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the case, as Deputies were the first to find the suspects and take them into custody.
Carrillo and Soto met the victims at a store in Pomona to buy electronics the victims had loaded into their car. Carrillo and Soto told the victims they wanted to purchase the electronics and made their way from Pomona to the area of Pine Avenue and the 71 Freeway. One of the two victims got into Carrillo’s grey Mercedes with both suspects, while the other victim waited in his car near the 71 Freeway.
Carrillo and Soto robbed the victim who was in the car with them and left him in a rural area near Euclid and Pine avenues in Chino. A person who witnessed this called police and Chino Police responded to the robbery. Chino Police immediately released a broadcast to surrounding law enforcement to be on the lookout for the suspects’ gray Mercedes.
Minutes later, Chino Hills Deputies received a report of a carjacking. Carrillo and Soto returned to the other victim, who had been waiting in his car, pointed what was later to be determined to be an air-soft pistol at the victim and stole his car. Silva left driving the victim’s stolen vehicle as Soto followed him in the gray Mercedes. The victim was able to get the license plate of the gray Mercedes and report it to Deputies. The victim also gave a very detailed description of both suspects.
Deputies immediately responded to an address in a mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Montclair where the Mercedes was registered. The Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division assisted in the area check. Carrillo and Soto were found walking in the mobile home park, in the direct vicinity of the gray Mercedes, and taken into custody without incident.
Electronics and one of the victim’s cell phones were recovered from the suspects’ gray Mercedes. The victim’s vehicle was found at a park in Ontario near the corner of Riverside Drive and Campus. The air-soft firearm was recovered, as well as additional evidence linking the suspect’s to the various crimes.

The Chino Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation regarding the robbery of the other victim that occurred in the city of Chino.
Carrillo and Soto – who is on parole for home invasion robbery – were booked at the West Valley Detention Center for carjacking. Investigators will also seek charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and carjacking.

Chino Hills Construction Project

Major paving work on Butterfield Ranch Road now in effect

 

City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills – The second phase of major road improvements on Butterfield Ranch Road began on Mon., June 29, when Hardy and Harper, the City’s contractor, started the process of rehabilitating and paving the roadway between Shady View Drive and the Vila Borba residential project, as part of a $950,000 project.

During the week of July 6 to 10, the contractor will repave the roadway with asphalt overlay. One lane of travel will be maintained in each direction at all times. Once the paving is completed, traffic signal loops will be reinstalled, striping will be added, and a buffer bike lane will be striped to provide a three-foot buffer between cyclists and traffic.

The project started in April with the installation of accessible sidewalk ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first phase of the project repaved Butterfield Ranch Road from Pine Avenue north to Soquel Canyon Parkway last summer. The final phase will rehabilitate and repave the section in front of the Vila Borba project once the developer completes work in the roadway.

The overall project will construct over $1.8 million in street improvements and is funded by the Gas Tax.

Chino Valley: Stay Safe This Fourth Of July Holiday

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to remind residents that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the city of Chino Hills, and that only State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be used in the city of Chino.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks do not fly or blow up and are registered with the California State Fire Marshal as a “Safe and Sane” firework.  In the city of Chino, these fireworks can only be used or possessed in residential areas from noon on July 1 through midnight July 4, and not on school grounds, parking lots, commercial areas or parks.  No fireworks of any kind are permitted in Chino Hills and in the unincorporated County areas.  Also, fireworks are not permitted in the city of Chino in the area south of Pine Avenue and in the area east of Euclid Avenue between Merrill and Kimball avenues.

The Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Chino Hills Police Department will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks.  The penalty for using illegal fireworks is up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.  Parents/guardians will be held liable for any fire suppression costs, damages or injuries caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

The Chino Valley Fire District encourages residents to enjoy the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county.  Below are some helpful tips for the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

  • Always read and follow the directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Buy from a reliable fireworks vendor
  • Ignite fireworks outside and have a water source available
  • Never experiment with fireworks, modify fireworks or try to make fireworks of your own
  • Ignite fireworks one at a time
  • Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Never throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket

For additional information regarding fireworks, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

CHPD Seeking Public Assistance

Suspect Jonathon Heinz wanted for Burglary

 

Photo Courtesy: CHPD Jonathon Heinz

Photo Courtesy: CHPD
Jonathon Heinz

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Chino Hills Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for stealing three custom road bicycles – valued at more than $5,000 – from a victim’s garage in the middle of the night.
Jonathon Heinz, 29, of Chino Hills, is wanted for burglary and a $125,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest.

A 17-year old female was arrested in the case, but has not been cooperative in helping authorities locate Heinz. Detectives and Deputies have made contact with his family and friends in an attempt to convince Heinz to turn himself in, but he remains outstanding.
On June 22, at around 3 a.m., Heinz entered the victim’s garage located in the 5800 block of Brushwood Court in Chino Hills, and stole the three bicycles while the female stood watch in the car. When the victim woke up in the morning, he noticed his garage door was open and his bicycles were missing.
Later that day, Deputies contacted the female juvenile who had one of the stolen bikes in a nearby park. The investigation led them to Heinz’s home in the 17400 block of Kelsey Way, where the other bicycles were eventually recovered. The juvenile, who had been reported as a runaway a week prior, was arrested for Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property.
Heinz is known to drive a small, light blue Honda, or is known to be on foot in the area of Butterfield and Hunters Hill parks. The photo of Heinz is from his California Driver’s License and is outdated.  The suspect may have changed his hair style or facial hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Those who want to report information anonymously can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

CVFD Seeks Nominations For Prestigious Award

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District is seeking nominations for the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award.  Nominations will be accepted until midnight of December 31.  Award recipients will be announced in January 2016.

The Fred L. Burns Award was established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Fire District in the area of furthering the District’s Mission Statement and/or who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Community in the area of community service in support of Public Safety.

The Fire District’s Mission is to protect the lives and property of the community from the detrimental effects of fires, medical emergencies and other hazardous conditions.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.chinovalleyfire.org by accessing the Community Relations tab, News Flash section, or by clicking on the Fred L. Burns Award page on the hot links section of the Fire District website’s homepage.

Chino Valley Makes MLB Draft

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com
Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

By Claire Lewis

Chino Valley – If you keep up with Major League Baseball, you probably know that the 2015 Draft took place recently – June 8 through 10.  A total of 1,215 individuals were selected in the 40-round draft, and three Major League Teams selected young men from the Chino Valley.

Bailey Falter, the 6-foot 4-inch, left-handed pitcher from Chino Hills High was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 5th Round, 144th overall.  With exemplary high school statistics behind him, he was the first pitcher selected by the Phillies.  Falter is signed to play for the University of California Santa Barbara come fall.  He has a tough decision to make about his career.

Christian Kelley – a graduate of Don Lugo High who has played for Cal Poly Pomona for the last two years – was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th Round, 337th overall.  Reportedly the lead-off hitter for Cal Poly this past season, Kelley’s most recent stats read .341 in 72 hits with one home run, 28 RBIs and 43 runs scored.

And finally, outfielder Kyle Garlick – who also played for Cal Poly Pomona after three seasons with the University of Oregon – was drafted in the 28th Round, 852nd overall, by the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Garlick, who is a graduate of Chino Hills High, was a member of the All-West Region First Team, as well as the All-CCAA First Team.

Congratulations to these Chino Valley men, who obviously have great careers ahead of them.

CVFD Places In Paramedic Competition

Photo Courtesy: CVFD Bronze medalists, Andrew Simpson and Justin Number

Photo Courtesy: CVFD
Bronze medalists, Andrew Simpson and Justin Nuber

By Massiel Ladrón De Guevara           

Chino– Chino Valley Fire District Firefighter/Paramedics, Andrew Simpson and Justin Nuber, earned

Bronze medals during the annual CFED Paramedic Competition, held May 18 through 21.

The annual event brings together EMS professionals from the Inland Empire to test their knowledge and skills under strenuous circumstances.

As part of the competition, Simpson and Nuber treated an actor posing as a snake bite victim with altered levels of consciousness. They also treated an actress posing as a woman delivering a baby with complications. Their skills were judged by peers, medical professionals and educators.

Simpson and Nuber earned first place medals in 2014 during the same competition.

“For our firefighter/paramedics to consistently place in this prestigious competition is a testament to the caliber of service we provide to the Chino Valley on daily basis,” said Fire Chief, Tim Shackelford.

Citizen Helps Deputies With Arrest

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Fri., May 22, Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department responded to the 5600 block of Pine Avenue in the city of Chino Hills when a resident called police regarding a possible residential burglary in progress. The resident saw two black male subjects enter the backyard of a residence, and then enter the home through the side garage door. They did not recognize the individuals who entered the home and alerted authorities.
According to the Chino Hills Police Department, Deputies arrived at the residence and heard movement inside the home. Shortly thereafter, residents noticed the subjects flee the location on foot. San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Aviation Unit assisted deputies with an area check and located the subjects in close proximity of the residence.

The subjects were identified as Aubrey Caldwell, 23, and Messiah Muhammad, 20, both of Rialto. An infield line-up was conducted and both subjects were positively identified as the same subjects who entered the home.

A short time later, Michael Crowley, 23, of Rialto, was located in a vehicle parked in a shopping center east of the home. A detailed investigation was conducted and deputies were able to link all three suspects to the crime. It was later determined that Caldwell was a parolee at large, and Muhammad was on active probation.

All three subjects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

Chino Hills Blood Drive

By Denise Cattern

Chino Hills – The City of Chino Hills has scheduled a Blood Drive on Thurs., June 4, from 2 to 7 p.m. at the Government Center parking lot located at 14000 City Center Drive.

Donors must be at least 17 years of age, in good health, and weigh at least 110 pounds. Blood donors should drink plenty of decaffeinated liquids prior to donating blood and must present valid photo identification.

Medical personnel will check your temperature, blood pressure, pulse, and iron level. If you meet eligibility requirements, about one pint of blood will be collected.

Please consider donating blood! Call (800) 879-4484 to reserve a time. Walk-ins are welcome. The next Blood Drive will be held on Aug. 6.

CH KinderCare Burglar Arrested

Photo Courtesy: KinderCare.com Scene of the crime, the Higgins Ranch KinderCare located at 15928 Los Serranos Country Club Drive in Chino Hills.

Photo Courtesy: KinderCare.com
Scene of the crime, the Higgins Ranch KinderCare located at 15928 Los Serranos Country Club Drive in Chino Hills.

By Claire Lewis

Chino Hills – On Wed., May 13, someone thought to rob and vandalize local daycare facility, KinderCare. Management from the KinderCare facility notified authorities, reportedly stating that a suspect not only stole electronics and keys valued at more than $1,000, but offices had been ransacked, as well as three buses belonging to the Center.

According to the Chino Hills Police Department, the property manager was able to provide Deputies with surveillance footage.  After reviewing the video, Deputies immediately recognized suspect Reynaldo Sabedra, 45, of Chino Hills.

Sabedra, who is already on probation for burglary, was taking into custody for questioning in the KinderCare incident.  As a result of the investigation, Sabedra was booked into the West Valley Detention Center and charged with Burglary and Parole Violation.

CH National Night Out

Chino Hills hosts “National Night Out” Kick-Off Meeting

 

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – This year marks the 10th anniversary of the City of Chino Hills’ participation in the National Night Out (NNO) crime and drug prevention event. Residents can learn more about how to participate at the National Night Out kick-off meeting, held on Thurs., June 4, 7 p.m., in the Community Room at Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive).

The meeting will provide information on how to organize your event.  You can also get ideas for activities, and listen as other organizers share what has made their neighborhood events a big success.

This year, the National Night Out event will be held on Tues., Aug. 4.  Last year, 27 neighborhoods and more than 1,400 residents participated at local gatherings to enjoy barbecues, potlucks, or dessert socials.

Those who register their events online at http://www.chinohills.org/nationalnightout by July 16 will receive a neighborhood organizing kit (while supplies last). City Council members, Deputies, the Chino Valley Fire District, Citizens on Patrol – and even McGruff, the Crime Fighting Dog – will visit as many registered events as possible.

National Night Out is an event held in local neighborhoods throughout the nation to heighten crime and drug prevention awareness, to strengthen neighborhood spirit, and Police-Community partnerships – and send criminals a message letting them know neighborhoods are organized. It is a time for neighbors to unite for safer neighborhoods and communities.

This partnership benefits our community by helping to keep our City safe and crime statistics low. For more information, please call (909) 364-2713.

Neighborhood Watch Works

Alert citizen notifies Chino Hills Police of suspicious activity resulting in arrests

 

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., May 7, an alert Chino Hills resident noticed the three suspects in an older model, black Nissan Maxima. The suspects were seen parked in the area of Avenida Hacienda and Windmill Creek Road, possibly casing homes. The concerned citizen called Sheriff’s Dispatch Center to report the suspicious activity. Deputies quickly responded to the call for service.
According to the Chino Hills Police Department, Atraiu Odell, 26; Jabrii Belgrove, 20; and Theron Childs, 18 – all Riverside County residents – were contacted at the scene.

A subsequent search by Deputies led to the discovery of a radio scanner programmed to the Chino Hills Police radio frequency, a spring loaded center punch (commonly used for breaking windows) and rubber gloves. The three suspects were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for being in possession of burglary tools and conspiracy to commit burglary.

After the arrest, Odell was determined to be on probation for Possession for Sales and was recently released from State Prison under the Assembly Bill 109 Prisoner Realignment Program; he is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.  Belgrove is on active parole for burglary and is being held on a no-bail parole hold.  Childs was out on bail for a previous arrest in another county, and is being held in lieu of $30,000 bail.

CH Deputies Thank Students

Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD

Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – A box full of heartfelt thank you letters was recently left in the lobby of the Chino Hills Station, evoking emotions in the deputies at the Station that are often not shared by members of the law enforcement community.
“When I read the letters written by these junior high students I was overwhelmed with emotions,” said Chino Hills Lt. Dave Phelps. “I am honored to be in the law enforcement profession and these students summed up the reason why: It is about service and protection of others.”
The letters were delivered anonymously, but because the personnel at the Chino Hills Station are trained investigators, it was quickly learned the letters were written by children from a class at Canyon Hills Junior High in Chino Hills.
“Dear Sheriff, Thank you,” one letter read. “You risk your lives for ordinary citizens. You try your best every day. You aren’t afraid of doing what’s right. You are my inspiration and my hero.”
And other letters encouraged deputies to know people value the job they do:
“I hope you know people appreciate the things you do,” read the letter. “…Even though I don’t know you personally, I know you are great and amazing [people].”
“So if you ever think the world doesn’t need you anymore just know we do need you!” a letter from a 7th Grader read. “At the end of every day just know you are very much respected.”
Capt. Robert Guillen, who serves as Chief of Police for the Chino Hills contract station, shared the letters with the men and women at the Station. The unexpected gift provided encouragement that deputies do not often get. Guillen and his crew are grateful to serve a city with future leaders such as these students.
“Together we felt honored to share this community with those students and felt an even stronger obligation to serve,” Guillen said.
According to Guillen, he wanted to personally thank the students and organized a visit from Sheriff John McMahon and the members of the Chino Hills Station to do just that. On the morning of Mon., May 11, Sheriff McMahon, Capt. Guillen, and about a dozen members representing all ranks from the Chino Hills Station visited the classroom of Mrs. Rosen, the teacher who prompted her students to write the letters.
The students asked some very insightful questions about law enforcement, such as the role of psychology in the profession and the requirements to become a deputy. They also asked informal questions about hairstyles and why police drive Ford vehicles. The most poignant question was, why do law enforcement professionals do what they do. The answers varied from person to person.
Guillen spoke about the calling to be in law enforcement and the responsibility deputies face in their day to day jobs. Lt. Phelps talked about the freedom of not being stuck behind a desk, getting out into the community and having fun.
When asked what they would be if they were not in law enforcement, Sheriff McMahon and Capt. Guillen both answered the same: there is nothing else they would rather do. Law enforcement is the profession they have the greatest passion for and have always wanted to pursue.
Monday’s event was a great way to connect the “anonymous” students with the nameless and faceless deputies they were writing to. And it was a way for the deputies to say thank you for such a simple gesture that had such a great impact.
The letters touched members across all ranks of the Chino Hills Station giving a much-needed sense of optimism to members of a profession that has been under such intense scrutiny. Despite the fact more than 99% of all public interaction with law enforcement ends peacefully and with no conflict, stories of alleged misconduct seem to permeate public dialogue.

CH Detectives Arrest Two

Detectives arrest two suspects in 16 robberies than span over four SoCal counties.

Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD

Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Chino Hills Detectives arrested two men in the late hours of Fri., May 1, and early morning hours of Sat., May 2, in connection with more than 16 robberies throughout four Southern California counties, in which the suspect wielded a firearm and a machete.

Anthony Edward Oddie, 20, of Chino Hills, and Richard Gomez-Quiroz, 20, of Riverside, were each taken into custody on a $1 million arrest warrant after an extensive investigation spanning nearly two months.

The series of robberies began in Chino Hills, and spanned throughout neighboring cities and counties.  Oddie and Gomez-Quiroz robbed more than 16 convenience stores throughout the cities of Chino Hills, Artesia, Fountain Valley, Diamond Bar, Riverside, Santa Ana, Orange and Newport Beach, often returning to a store more than once during the series.  Chino Hills stores were victimized a total of six times, with a Circle K and Pizza Hut each getting hit twice.

Oddie routinely entered the store wearing a hooded sweatshirt, bandana, surgical mask, gloves and a hat while wielding a handgun, later determined to be an airsoft gun, and a machete. He would demand money from the cash register and threaten the clerks to not call the police.

Gomez-Quiroz drove Oddie to the string of robberies and parked in obscure locations in order to not be detected by surveillance cameras at the target stores. The suspects would often rob up to four locations in one night in various cities.

Chino Hills Detectives collaborated with Investigators from Los Angeles and Riverside County Sheriff’s Departments, as well as Investigators from Fountain Valley, Santa Ana, Orange, Newport Beach and Artesia Police Departments. Investigators shared information and intelligence surrounding their respective cases in an effort to apprehend the suspects.

Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the investigation since the majority of the robberies were committed in their city. Detectives conducted a very thorough investigation and were able to obtain $1 million arrest warrants for each suspect.
With the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division, Oddie and Gomez-Quiroz were taken into custody without incident. Oddie was located and arrested late Friday evening at his place of work in the 1500 block of E. 2nd Street in Beaumont, and Gomez was arrested in a parking lot at the corner of Chino Hills Parkway and Pipeline Avenue around 0100 hours Saturday morning.
Search warrants were executed on Oddie’s house, and Gomez-Quiroz’s house and car. Detectives recovered the simulated handgun, gloves, distinct clothing, hat, bag and bandanas used during the robberies. U.S. currency consistent with the amounts taken in the most recent robbery in Orange was also located and recovered, as well as other evidence linking the suspects to the string of robberies.
Oddie and Gomez-Quiroz were booked into the West Valley Detention Center in lieu of $1 million bail each.

Investigators throughout the respective agencies affected by the robbery spree will continue to collaborate in an effort to pursue criminal action in the various jurisdictions. Throughout the course of the investigation, Chino Hills Detectives learned there may be other robberies in other cities not listed above. Investigators are seeking information from other law enforcement agencies, or the public, on other similar cases. Anyone with information is asked to call (909) 364-2000, or utilize the anonymous forum of We-Tip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Large Scale Fraud Arrests In Chino Hills

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD) ID Theft paraphernalia found with suspects

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Hills PD)
ID Theft paraphernalia found with suspects

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Tues., Apr. 28, the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team (MET) Deputies arrested two Chino women on a slew of charges, including possession of a controlled substance for sale, the theft of identities of dozens of Southern California victims and manufacturing a firearm using a 3D printer.
The extensive investigation started with the simple report of a credit card being stolen off the front porch of a Chino Hills resident. Further investigation discovered the card was used at local retail establishments and the San Manuel Casino.

Patrol and MET Deputies discovered a group of associates who were connected to a larger identity theft ring led by Josephine Chai, 30, of Chino; Jessica Duong, 25, of Chino; and Steven Phong, 32.  Phong was arrested last month for identity theft, along with his associate, Wesley Isaacs, 50.
On the morning of Apr. 25, a search warrant was served at Chai’s Chino residence in the 14000 block of Ironbark Ave.  Upon service of the warrant, Deputies recovered dozens of forged or altered credit cards issued in the suspect’s name, as well as other names; several computers; an embossing machine; a credit card manufacturing machine; several card encoders; foil used to emboss fraudulent credit cards; a card encoder; several white, stock credit cards; a money counter; and hundreds of documents containing the personal information of other probable victims, including bank statements, bills and other mail.
During service of the search warrant, Deputies also discovered a 3D printer that was in the process of creating a lower receiver for an AR-15, which is an integral part of the assault rifle. Deputies also recovered a manufactured lower receiver that was loaded with live ammunition, as well as a manufactured gun loaded with airsoft ammunition.
The suspects had very elaborate computer systems and machinery, with some credit card manufacturing machines that were professional grade, costing thousands of dollars. The suspects were also in possession of mailbox keys throughout various cities. Detectives at the Chino Hills station will be researching the vast information in an effort to identify as many victims as possible.
Chai and Duong were booked at the West Valley Detention Center. This investigation is ongoing.

Prado Fire Extinguished

Photo By: Felicia Oblea

Photo By: Felicia Oblea

By Randi Hauser

At 6:12 p.m. on Sat., Apr. 18, Riverside County firefighters responded to reports of a cooking fire that began at the Prado Dam Flood Control Basin near the 91 and 71 freeway interchange in Chino Hills. The fire quickly spread southeast along the Santa Ana River as the thick vegetation had not burned in decades.

12 fire crews and two water-drop helicopters fought the flames through the night as the fire continued. Rough terrain and thick brush made the battle difficult for crews on the ground.

Mandatory evacuations were ordered for Bluff, Homestead and Stagecoach roads in Norco. Evacuation centers were set up at Riley Gym for residents and Ingalls Park for animals, including horses.

Local businesses stepped into action to support their community in distress. It is reported that McDonald’s in Norco provided hundreds of hamburgers and apple slices to evacuees and firefighters battling the flames.  EZ-Ups provided shade to residents who were temporarily without a home.  Tractor Supply in Norco provided materials needed for the horse evacuation area set up at Ingalls Park.

According to Cal Fire, evacuations were lifted on the morning of Mon., Apr. 20 as the blaze was contained to 35%.

A smoke sensitivity warning remained in order for a few days more as smoke lingered over Norco and Corona and ash continued to fall. The total, approximately 1,050 acres were burned, but no structural damage was reported.

Peyton Construction Update

Waterline relocation results in use of bypass road at Peyton Drive and Eucalyptus Avenue

By Denise Cattern

Chino Hills – The relocation of a 16” waterline along the northbound lanes of Peyton Drive will result in the first use of the bypass road that was built specifically for when construction crews must sporadically work within the street during the Peyton Widening and Improvement project construction.

Construction crews will close the work zone south of the intersection of Peyton Drive and Eucalyptus Avenue at 8:30 a.m. on Mon., May 4, after the morning school traffic; and again on Tues., May 5, at 7:30 a.m.

While the bypass road is in use, northbound traffic on Peyton Drive will stop, turn left onto the bypass road, stop at Eucalyptus Avenue (across from Chino Hills Community Park entrance), turn right, then approach the intersection at Peyton Drive and Eucalyptus Avenue. Southbound Peyton Drive traffic will turn right on Eucalyptus Avenue, stop, turn left onto the bypass road, stop, and then turn right on Peyton Drive. Delays are expected when the bypass road is in use because each turning movement will be controlled by a stop sign.

The relocation of the waterline is expected to take two full days. The work will be completed between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. on Mon., May 4; and 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. – or until the work is completed – on Tues., May 5.

The four residents facing Peyton Drive, south of Eucalyptus Avenue, and the Chino Valley Community Church will be without water for the duration of the waterline work on Tuesday only.

Another route is a better route! Residents and commuters are being asked to avoid the intersection of Peyton Drive and Eucalyptus Avenue if they can do so.  Less traffic means more tolerable conditions for others who must conduct business along Peyton Drive. Please plan ahead for the traffic delays and allow extra time for your travels.

Motorists with Smartphones are encouraged to take advantage of the OxBlue app to check real time road conditions on the two webcams that are operational 24/7. For those with access to computers, visit http://www.chinohills.org/PeytonConstruction, and click on the webcam photo to view conditions. Motorists are also advised to slow down in the construction area for the safety of the workers.

For questions on this project, please call (909) 364-2775.

Grand Avenue Street Project Underway

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Grand Avenue will get a fresh coat of pavement from Chino Hills Parkway to Peyton Drive as part of the rehabilitation project now underway. All American Asphalt was awarded an $875,000 contract funded by the Gas Tax.

As part of the project, the traffic signals at the intersections of Village Center Drive, Madrugada Drive, and Calle San Marcos have been modified to incorporate video detection of traffic conditions. This will minimize traffic disruptions that normally occur during paving projects due to the traffic signal loops being damaged.

Beginning Mar. 26, wheelchair ramps at the intersections will be reconstructed in compliance with ADA (American’s with Disabilities Act) regulations.

The project schedule calls for the major work and lane closures on Grand Avenue to be underway during Spring Break. Starting on Mon., Apr. 6, crews will begin grinding the existing roadway, followed by paving through Apr. 10.  One lane of traffic in each direction will be maintained at all times. Striping, signage, and cleanup work are expected to be completed in the first few weeks of May.

For additional information, please call (909) 364-2775.

CH Deputies Arrest 2 For Identity Theft

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Police Department has been investigating a series of crimes associated with credit card and identity thefts.  One of these cases led members of the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team to the city of Upland to locate and interview a person of interest.

On Tues., Apr. 14, at approximately 5:24 p.m., the Team contacted the residents of an apartment located on the 170 block of Armstrong Way.  During the course of the investigation, Deputies determined that residents Lan Le, 31, of Rowland Heights, and Adam Le, 32, of Upland, were in possession of stolen credit cards, stolen personal information used to obtain fraudulent credit, and equipment used for counterfeiting credit cards.

Deputies arrested both men for investigation of conspiracy to commit a crime, identity theft, and credit card fraud.  The suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center, and held in lieu of $50,000 bail.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputies from the Chino Hills Multiple Enforcement Team at (909) 364-2000.