Category Archives: Chino Hills

Fireworks Branded Violations

Photo by Michael Armijo

Staff Reports

Inland Empire – Fireworks in Chino Hills, which are all illegal, resulted in on citations being issued, according to the Sheriff’s Department. Diamond Bar had nothing to report as of press time. But between 6 p.m. and 12 a.m., the Chino Police Department in collaboration with the Chino Valley Fire District issued 64 fireworks citations on Tuesday, July 4th. Assigned personnel strictly enforced Chino Municipal Code 08.12.170 relating to fireworks possession and discharge.

The joint enforcement was geared specifically to look for offenders who inappropriately used “safe and sane” fireworks and/or were in possession of illegal fireworks. The 14 assigned teams confiscated 289 pounds of illegal fireworks. In addition, before the 4th of July, enforcement personnel confiscated 1,075 pounds of illegal fireworks during proactive operations, according to a press release by the city. The grand total weight of confiscated illegal fireworks related to the Independence Day celebration is 1,364 pounds. The police department also received 220 fireworks calls for service during the six hour period. This is a minor decline compared to last year’s calls for service which totaled 290 calls.

“While it is unfortunate that people continue to violate the law by using illegal fireworks, I am pleased to report we did not have any significant fireworks related incidents during this year’s 4th of July celebration,” Chief Karen Comstock stated in a press release. It is important to note; in order to issue a citation, officers must witness an offender in possession of/or using the illegal fireworks. Each of the 64 citations issued were for possession of illegal fireworks, which carries a $1,000 fine.

The crackdown should result in $64,000 in fine money, which the city hadn’t specified where the money goes to as of press time.

Measure H On July 11 Ballot

Photo courtesy: City of Chino
The map above shows the area that will be rezoned if Measure H is approved
by voters on July 11th.

By Marissa Mitchell and Michael Armijo

Chino – This coming Tuesday, July 11, a special election will be held for the city of Chino registered voters to vote on Measure H, which will amend the general plan the Chino Municipal Code.

The Special Election will be held to submit Measure H to voters within the City of Chino. Voters will decide whether to amend the Chino General Plan and the Chino Municipal Code. The Registrar of Voters of the County of San Bernardino will conduct the special election and canvass the returns for Measure H. Below is the ballot question; key dates and deadlines; documents and general information.

The Ballot Question: Shall Ordinance No. 2017-004, entitled “Shall Ordinance No. 2017-004, entitled “An Ordinance of the People of the City of Chino, California, to Enact Section No. 20.15.160 of the Chino Municipal Code Converting 29.7 Acres From the General Plan Designation of RD 1 to RD 4.5, RD 8, and RD 12 Generally Located Between Vernon Avenue and Benson Avenue, South of Adams Street, and North of the Chino Promenade Shopping Center and rezoning the same from an RD 1 designation to RD 4.5, RD 8, RD 12 designations” be adopted?

So what does that mean in layman’s terms? A large housing development that will be built if passed on special ballot July 11. Developer D.R. Horton plans to build 180 homes in north Chino if the special election ballot passes.

There is both an opposition and a proposition to this ballot in and around the surrounding neighborhoods. If approved, the measure stipulates that 20 acres of rural land south of Francis Avenue would be rezoned. In place of rural space will be 12 single-family homes, 87 detached single-family homes, and 73 condos.

The two groups, those opposing Measure H and an organized a committee called “Support Chino Jobs and Schools, Yes, on Measure H,” have been dueling for the ballot measure.

Currently, 30 acres of parceled land north of Cinemark Movies in Chino is zoned for one house per acre, possessing the grazing land and 8 single-family houses. In a Chino City Council meeting in April, the council voted 4-1 to place Measure H on the ballot for citywide election.

Chairman of “No on H” Ed Layaye stated, “The neighborhood is very concerned about this project, “We’re meeting weekly and figuring out how to compete with a multi-billion dollar corporation like D.R. Horton.”

Former mayor Larry Walker is the group treasurer and wrote the argument opposing Measure H, stating, “I’ve become aware of a dramatic number of developments cooking in Chino and it seems like every one is a violation of the general plan,” he said. “I told the people 40 years ago the general plan should be the guide for the development of Chino.”

The property owners of the rural land are long-time Chino residents, and state that this development is a benefit for the city. Matt Evans and father-in-law Ron Brewer, stated that more than 600 Chino residents have expressed support for the project.

Evans declared, “Ron Brewer and I believe that Measure H will be a positive step forward for our entire community. It will enable young Chino residents the opportunity to raise their families here and offers new home ownership in an affordable part of the city.”

Other owners echo this sentiment, saying that this development will lure more potential residents to Chino, thus bringing in more economical revenue to be used municipally.

For or against, this Tuesday July 11, cast your vote for your voice to be heard.

Local Bank Robbery Suspect Caught

IMG_4584

Staff Reports

Chino – The “AK-47” bank robber who shot and wounded a local police officer back in 2012 was caught this week in another state. He is also accused of a string of bank robberies throughout the country. He was dubbed the “AK-47 Bandit” by FBI agents because in each robbery, the suspect brandishes an AK-47 –style assault rifle with a drum magazine. 

Richrd Gathercole, 39, was arrested in Helena, Montana for shooting at a Kansas State Trooper. While in jail, Gathercole himself tipped police off during a recorded phone conversation. According to a transcript, he apparently called his mother, whom he lived with, and instructed her to “get all the guns out of the house”. His mother, who was unnamed, agreed and then said “um, this is recorded. You know that.” Apparently he did not.

On Wednesday, Feb. 29, 2012, the California Bank & Trust on 5455 Riverside Drive in Chino, California, was robbed by a white male, described as 25-40 years old, with a stocky build.  The suspect was armed with an assault rifle, similar to an AK-47, with a sling and drum magazine.  Following the robbery, a police officer patrolling the area came upon the bank robbery suspect who was fleeing the bank.  The suspect fired upon the officer and seriously wounded him.  During and following the robbery, the suspect wore body armor over a dark-colored collared short-sleeved shirt and blue pants, as well as a ski mask covering his face. 

The suspect was seen leaving the scene in a vehicle described as a dark gray Nissan Maxima with four doors and tinted windows.  A witness described seeing Arizona license plates on the vehicle. The suspect was seen in bank surveillance video and photographs dressed in tactical gear over a dark-colored, short-sleeve collared shirt and blue pants. He also wore a black full-face ski mask, a blue ballistic vest and/or a green mesh vest marked “Sheriff.”  

“I was on my way to the post office and parked across from the Chino Valley Medical Center Emergency entrance as I usually do,” said Michael Armijo, a passerby. “Then comes a police car screeching down the street as though he didn’t have control of the vehicle.” He drove erratically because the officer had a bullet in his leg, the police department confirmed.

“The officer flipped the door open and yelled ‘I’ve been shot’ and I ran up to the car with another passerby. I instructed him to get help at the ER and I tried to help him get out of the car,” Armijo said. “He then proceeded to give me details about the incident and the suspect to tell the detectives when they got there, so I did.” Armijo also said the officer told him he just happened to pull up when the robber was walking out. It was just timing, the officer had no warning there was a robbery going on. The robber saw the policeman and just began to open fire on the police car, striking the car in the fender, the door and the rear panel. The officer was hit through the door and the bullet entered and exited his leg, while the gas tank was punctured but did not ignite, Armijo said.

FBI officials have been looking for years for the suspect in Vacaville, Rexburg and others in California, Washington state and Nebraska dating back to 2012.

FBI agents, along with officers from Chino; Rexburg, Idaho; and Montana’s Musselshell County searched Gathercole’s home in the town of Roundup, about 50 miles north of Billings, on Saturday, according to officials with the Musselshell County Sheriff’s Office. Inside, they found “numerous” improvised explosive devices that were removed by a bomb squad, the officials said in a statement. His arrest was for the attempted shooting of the trooper who was trying to pull him over on interstate 70, and the trooper wasn’t injured.

Anyone with information about this incident is urged to contact the Chino Police Department at 909 628-1234, their nearest FBI office or dial 911. For more information you can sign onto http://www.chinopd.org/.  The FBI’s wanted flyer announcing the reward can be found at http://www.fbi.gov/wanted/unknown/unknown-suspect-17/view.  Information can be provided confidentially.

Lakers Meet With Local Basketball Star

Photo by: Marissa Mitchell

By Michael Armijo
Chino Hills – Chino Hills resident, former Chino Hills High standout, and former UCLA star Lonzo Ball was interviewed and worked out with the professional NBA team Los Anglees Lakers last week, the team he had said he would prefer to play with.
The Lakers have the number two pick in next week’s NBA draft and Ball has been on their radar. Team executives spend the morning last week for a second workout with Ball.
The Ball family has been in the spotlight quite a few times this year, not just for on the field play but a whole new era of sports media and paraphernalia is emerging in the form of “Big Baller Brand” clothing and apparel line.
LaVar Ball, father of basketball prodigies Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball (both at Chino Hills High), has turned the sports branding world upside down through the creation of this “triple-B” brand. LaVar currently runs the business as a “family business”…but it won’t stay that way for long.
Most known for his bold statements in the media (such as his statement that his son could outplay Steph Curry, or that he himself could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one), LaVar is more “infamous” than famous at this point in time. Nonetheless, the superb athleticism of his sons is undisputed, especially with his son Lonzo leading the UCLA team, so far victoriously, through the NCAA championship.
Unlike LeBron James, who signed a $90 million dollar deal before the 2003 NBA draft, Lonzo Ball will own a portion of his own brand. “[James doesn’t] have a brand—that’s a brand that Nike created,” LaVar stated. “Try to go somewhere with that King sign and take it from Nike. You can’t do that. These triple B’s? They’re mine.”
Other news the Ball family has created was when Chino Hills High student Lexi Anderson underwent a heart transplant in March this year and her fellow classmate dedicated his stellar performace in her honor. Her struggle received a good deal of media attention when her classmate LaMelo Ball scored an impressive 92 points in a Chino Hills High basketball game, and he subsequently dedicated the outcome of the game entirely to her.
The surgery performed on March 6th lasted 12 hours. According to her father, Todd Anderson, “Alexis has been recovering very well since her transplant.” Her body has not rejected the new heart in any way, and her vitals are stable. He said, “In my opinion she has been improving at a faster rate than expected.”
And in another incident after all the media attention, the Ball family home was burglarized while they were away at a televised high school playoff game.
Chino Hills Sheriffs Department are still looking for two males “wearing dark clothes” after a possible burglary was reported at the home of three basketball standouts while they played in a nationally televised game.
The Sheriff’s Department received a “possible burglary” call and were called out to the 16000 block of Aquamarine Court after a neighbor reportedly heard glass breaking next door.
A search of the area on foot and via helicopter was inconclusive as the two suspects were not found.
Since no suspects were caught, it’s not known whether the burglars knew the family would be in Lawndale for the game.
Police found a pile of the homeowners possessions stacked up in the home, indicating a burglary was most likely interrupted.
LiAngelo Ball was quoted as saying the door was messed up and things were outside the closet, local reports said.
Anyone with information about this burglary can contact the Chino Hills Police Station’s detective bureau at (909) 364-2000.
Wish the family luck as they encounter their dreams via college, pro, and merchandising for the basketball family. (Marissa Mitchell contributed to this story)

Lakers Meet With Local Basketball Star

By Michael Armijo
Chino Hills – Chino Hills resident, former Chino Hills High standout, and former UCLA star Lonzo Ball was interviewed and worked out with the professional NBA team Los Anglees Lakers last week, the team he had said he would prefer to play with.
The Lakers have the number two pick in next week’s NBA draft and Ball has been on their radar. Team executives spend the morning last week for a second workout with Ball.
The Ball family has been in the spotlight quite a few times this year, not just for on the field play but a whole new era of sports media and paraphernalia is emerging in the form of “Big Baller Brand” clothing and apparel line.
LaVar Ball, father of basketball prodigies Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball (both at Chino Hills High), has turned the sports branding world upside down through the creation of this “triple-B” brand. LaVar currently runs the business as a “family business”…but it won’t stay that way for long.
Most known for his bold statements in the media (such as his statement that his son could outplay Steph Curry, or that he himself could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one), LaVar is more “infamous” than famous at this point in time. Nonetheless, the superb athleticism of his sons is undisputed, especially with his son Lonzo leading the UCLA team, so far victoriously, through the NCAA championship.
Unlike LeBron James, who signed a $90 million dollar deal before the 2003 NBA draft, Lonzo Ball will own a portion of his own brand. “[James doesn’t] have a brand—that’s a brand that Nike created,” LaVar stated. “Try to go somewhere with that King sign and take it from Nike. You can’t do that. These triple B’s? They’re mine.”
Other news the Ball family has created was when Chino Hills High student Lexi Anderson underwent a heart transplant in March this year and her fellow classmate dedicated his stellar performace in her honor. Her struggle received a good deal of media attention when her classmate LaMelo Ball scored an impressive 92 points in a Chino Hills High basketball game, and he subsequently dedicated the outcome of the game entirely to her.
The surgery performed on March 6th lasted 12 hours. According to her father, Todd Anderson, “Alexis has been recovering very well since her transplant.” Her body has not rejected the new heart in any way, and her vitals are stable. He said, “In my opinion she has been improving at a faster rate than expected.”
And in another incident after all the media attention, the Ball family home was burglarized while they were away at a televised high school playoff game.
Chino Hills Sheriffs Department are still looking for two males “wearing dark clothes” after a possible burglary was reported at the home of three basketball standouts while they played in a nationally televised game.
The Sheriff’s Department received a “possible burglary” call and were called out to the 16000 block of Aquamarine Court after a neighbor reportedly heard glass breaking next door.
A search of the area on foot and via helicopter was inconclusive as the two suspects were not found.
Since no suspects were caught, it’s not known whether the burglars knew the family would be in Lawndale for the game.
Police found a pile of the homeowners possessions stacked up in the home, indicating a burglary was most likely interrupted.
LiAngelo Ball was quoted as saying the door was messed up and things were outside the closet, local reports said.
Anyone with information about this burglary can contact the Chino Hills Police Station’s detective bureau at (909) 364-2000.
Wish the family luck as they encounter their dreams via college, pro, and merchandising for the basketball family. (Marissa Mitchell contributed to this story) Continue reading →

Clark’s Nutrition

By Staff Reports

Chino- When my daughter was little, we would take her to Chuck E. Cheese every year for her birthday. Then one year I announced that rather than going to Chuck E. Cheese, we would take her to Disneyland for her very first time. She was upset and disappointed. All she had ever known was this small local pizza place ran by Chuck E., so she had no idea what was waiting for her at the “happiest place on earth.” Needless to say when she walked through the front gate at Disneyland, she “got it.” Disneyland was bigger, better, and more amazing.
I recently visited Clark’s Nutrition in Chino for the first time. It is the Disneyland of natural foods stores! For years I settled with what I knew from other stores, but after walking through the front door of Clark’s, I “got it!” Clark’s is not just bigger and better, but its one of the most amazing natural foods store I’ve ever been in.
What’s a Clarks store like? Imagine if you morphed Sprouts, Whole Foods, GNC, and Trader Joes into one store. It would be called Clarks! Clark’s has the largest selection of organic produce, supplements, and natural foods in the Inland Empire. They also have a great bulk foods section, they have grass-fed meats, a full dairy section, and the Chino location even has a juice bar! Clark’s was recently featured on a bus tour that brought other natural foods grocers from all over the world to visit Clarks in Chino. Clark’s has been told they have the largest supplement section in the United States in their Chino location. Basically, if you are looking for it, they’ve got it! I’ve also noticed that Clark’s prices are reasonable on most everything. I was surprised at the pricing since they had so much selection, I thought I would be paying for it; yet another pleasant surprise.
If that isn’t enough to get you into Clarks, they have Nutritional Consultants to help you. These Nutritional Consultants really know a lot about nutrition. Just look for the employees in the maroon shirts. They’re the Nutritional Consultants. Kyle and Joe are a couple of my favorites, but they’re all great. Clark’s has a 5-level training program that takes these Nutritional Consultants about 3 ½ years to complete. This sets them apart from everyone. Starkie Sowers, Clark’s Director of Education writes and teaches these in-house classes. Starkie says, “From the beginning, we knew we wanted to really help people educate themselves about their own health.” No one at Clarks is on commission. Starkie adds, “I’ve been with Clarks for 36 years and although the natural foods industry has grown and changed a great deal, the Clark family have always been committed to providing solid answers for customers trying to navigate their unique heath goals.” Clark’s attracts a wide variety of customers; people with food allergens, those wanting to get/remain fit, moms trying to help their family eat healthier, customers seeking holistic approaches to health and wellness, Vegans, Vegetarians…and the list goes on. Marketing Director, Mike Barnett says, “People are looking for a trusted source for their nutrition questions and Clark’s knowledgeable Nutritional Consultants are the final stop for people looking for real help.”
As a lifelong resident in the Inland Empire, I had heard of Clarks, but didn’t know where their locations are and that they’ve been around since 1972. Clarks’ is family owned and operated. It makes me feel good knowing that I am supporting a small local business rather helping shareholders make more money. All four of Clark’s locations are local: Chino, Riverside, Loma Linda, and Rancho Mirage. I am glad to finally count myself among those that “get it!” My family and I can be found at Clarks in Chino. Discover Clark’s Nutrition and stop settling for less. ■

Fireworks Illegal in Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, but Legal in Chino

By Michael Armijo
Chino, Chino Hills – There’s a lot of misunderstandings in the Chino and Chino Hills areas for fireworks, so let’s try to get this straight:
CHINO: LEGAL FIREWORKS ALLOWED. There is a bit of confusion as Chino continues to post a sign: “ILLEGAL FIREWORKS A THOUSAND TIMES NO! $1,000 FINE FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS.” This sign means ILLEGAL fireworks, not legal ones. City Ordinance for fireworks in Chino: Per section 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code, the sale and discharge of “Safe and Sane” fireworks shall only be permitted within the City beginning at noon on July 1 through 9:00 p.m. on the 4th of July of each calendar year. The City of Chino will strictly enforce fireworks laws and fines: Possession or use of illegal fireworks: $1,000 fine. Inappropriate use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks: $500 fine. No fireworks allowed anywhere outside a residential zone, in any public park, and outside the city limits.
CHINO HILLS: NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. You cannot ignite any legal or illegal fireworks and you cannot possess any illegal fireworks within the city limits. There will be alternative ways to enjoy fireworks listed on their website at http://www.chinohillls.org.
DIAMOND BAR: NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. You cannot ignite any legal or illegal fireworks and you cannot possess any illegal fireworks within the city limits. There will be alternative ways to enjoy fireworks listed below. Alternatives are listed on their website at http://www.cityofdiamondbar.com.
All fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California. “Safe and Sane” fireworks bear the State Fire Marshal seal on the packaging and are allowed only in the following cities in the county: Adelanto, Barstow, Chino, Colton and Rialto, as well as specific locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace and San Bernardino.
The illegal activity has already begun as a San Bernardino County multi-agency task force seized 7,500 pounds of illegal fireworks during operations on June 3-4, writing 40 citations totaling $50,000 in fines, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said.
“Fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use, possession or storage of fireworks with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense and the possibility of arrest. Property owners may be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored or used on their property,” a press release stated.
Fire officials also urge residents to report illegal fireworks to local authorities or to We-Tip at 800-472-7766 or WeTip.com.

Summer Concert Series Begins June 14th

City Release

Chino Hills, CA – Chino Hills residents may have been worried that the City of Chino Hills Summer Concerts in the Park series had been reduced to four concerts this summer due to a mistake on a “What’s Going on this Summer” wrap-up page in the City’s Summer Recreation Guide and City News. No worries! The concert series continues to have eight nights scheduled including the Independence Celebration that will be held on the June 28th concert night. Activities at the Independence Celebration get an early start at 5:00 p.m. and continue till 9:00 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m.

The first concert will be Wednesday, June 14th when “Wanted” a Bon Jovi tribute band will kick-off the season. The concert series will go dark on July 5th after the Fourth of July holiday. Something new for 2017… a later start time – 7:00 p.m. After conducting a survey regarding the concert series, the start time was moved from 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For a schedule, please visit http://www.chinohills.org/Concerts.

Chino Hills Recreation Is On The Move, Literally

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino Hills, CA – Recreation in Chino Hills is now mobile. With its new “rec” van equipped to the tee with fun activities, Chino Hills Mobile Recreation is coming into local neighborhoods.

This year, the mobile recreation for the city has a new summer schedule, beginning June 12th through August 11th (closed on major holidays). The self-contained recreation vehicle will visit various neighborhoods to provide fun activities in a safe environment for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, sporting activities, outdoor games, board games, team building activities, and healthy snacks, all provided with materials from the van. Mobile Recreation is a free program that the city of Chino Hills provides that allows children to come and go as they please. However, participants are required to sign in and out, and each child must have a signed emergency card on file.

The schedule is subject to change due to other events and/or weather conditions. Call the Chino Hills Field Conditions Hotline at (909) 364-2738 to determine if Mobile Recreation is cancelled for the day.

 

The following is the schedule for the mobile recreation van for the city of Chino Hills:

Mondays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Danbury Park 15701 Fairfield Ranch Road

Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Butterfield Park 17671 Mystic Canyon Drive

Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chino Hills Community Park 3280 Eucalyptus Drive

Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chaparral Elementary School 4849 Bird Farm Road

Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Alterra Park 4921 Soquel Canyon Parkway

Chino Valley Officials’ Texts and Emails Must Be Disclosed On All Public Matters

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Valley, CA – In early March, the California Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision to disclose all public-related information regardless of source, a cause supported by open-government advocates.  Cities in and around Chino Valley are looking to comply with said ruling, which generally forces public employees, including politicians, to share texts and emails to public record, even when they come from personal devices.

This ruling came from a long-standing 8-year battle after the city of San Jose refused to release “private” texts and emails to a public records request. These texts and emails, sent by officials, discussed a downtown development project. According to the new ruling, the court stated that communication sent on personal cell phones and computers must be disclosed to the public if they “relate in some substantive way to the conduct of the public’s business.”

In response, the city of Chino Hills has set up email accounts for all public commissions, and is provided a training workshop on Monday May 22 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Calciano will commence with the training that day.

Now, public officials will be subject to scrutiny on multiple levels. The thought is that they will be disinclined to conduct public business on personal devices or avoid scrutiny.

California Supreme Court Judge Carol A. Corrigan wrote of this recent ruling, “A city employee’s communications related to the conduct of public business do not cease to be public records just because they were sent or received using a personal account.

In the city of Chino, email accounts will be issued to the planning commission, but not to the community services commission because it is not a “decision-making authority,” according to spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez. Even prior to the San Jose court ruling, the city of Chino established a policy encouraging the use of city-issued cell phones and other such devices.

The Chino policy stipulates that all communication on city-issued equipment is subject to perusal at any time, and open to monitoring and public record requests.

The Chino Valley Unified School District spokeswoman Brenda Dunkle stated the district is awaiting recommendations in the middle of May from the CSBA (California School Boards Association) regarding this ruling.  She also stated that the district’s current technology use policy declares that any device accessing the district’s network is not private, whether used on site or off.

Fire Chief Time Shackelford stated he has iterated to his personnel only to use fire district servers and accounts to correspond, create, or store documents and communications related to district business. Training will also be provided for fire station employees.

Various news media representatives have called the decision “a resounding victory for the public.” This new ruling sends a strong message that public officials and employees cannot evade public scrutiny by using personal accounts.

Local governments have expressed concerns about invasion of privacy for its workers, so further concrete details are to come from the California Supreme Court on just how to go about this monitoring. Executive director of the First Amendment Coalition David Synder stated, “If employees are conducting written business about the people’s business on email, that ought to be available to the public. It shouldn’t matter if the email is privately owned or owned by the government.”

 

 

City of Chino Hills Launches Mobile App

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills, CA – The City of Chino Hills is proud to announce the launch of a customized App for Chino Hills residents and visitors. The official City of Chino Hills App is now available for free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Marketplace for Android. Residents and visitors can stay connected with the community through their smart phone with just a few taps of the screen.

App users have access to incredible information about the City’s trails and parks with a simple touch of the smartphone screen. City staff completed a major project to compile useful information for trail and park users in the City as part of the Healthy Hills Program which promotes healthy lifestyles for residents. Click on any trail and check difficulty, time estimates for beginning hikers, distance, and even elevation gain. A chart shows the elevation of the entire trail so hikers can decide if they are ready to tackle a hike with multiple climbs in elevation. Trail photos, trailhead locations, access points, parking availability, and connections to other trails are noted and shown on a map. With GIS enabled on the smartphone, users can track their progress on the trail. For people without a smartphone, trails information is also available on the City website at http://www.chinohills.org/Trails.

Take a tour around the App for access to much more information. Looking to adopt a pet? Click on “Adopt-A-Pet” and be linked to photos of pets that are available at the Inland Valley Humane Society. Click on “News” for current events or items of interest. Click on “Recreation” for quick links to information on parks, facilities, and local attractions. Select any park or facility to view photos, special amenities and features, and get directions to the park. Some locations feature 360 degree video tours. Users may also easily report items of concern to the City from their smartphone. Select “Report an Issue” and report graffiti, a streetlight outage, code enforcement issues, and water waste or submit a service request. Residents taking those amazing pictures of Chino Hills from their smart phones can now share beauty shots of through a picture share feature on the app.

4 Chino Residents, 1 CH Resident Arrested For Attempted Burglary

By Michael Armijo

Chino Hills – Five area residents were arrested this week by Chino Hills Police when they were caught attempting to burglarize a home and apprehended at gunpoint.

Garret Rogers, 19, Ruben Medivil, 19, and Roberto Alonso Salmon, 18, all of Chino, Joaquin Leonardo Salmon Garcia, 20 from Chino Hills, and a 17 year-old male juvenile from Chino were arrested Monday May 1st, around 1 pm in the afternoon, after a homeowner caught them inside his residence. Three suspects were apprehended at the scene while two others ran away but were subsequently caught a short distance away by Chino Hills PD.

On Monday, May 1, 2017 at 1:05 p.m. the Zhang family was inside their home on the 13000 block of Gemstone Court when they heard noises on the upstairs balcony of their home. The suspects then attempted to enter the home through an upstairs door. Home owner Yan Zhang retrieved a handgun and confronted the suspects. Zhang held the suspects at gunpoint while a neighbor called 911, and his wife kept the children safe.
Two of the suspects fled, but were captured nearby when Deputy Eileen Smith arrived on scene. Many of the surrounding neighbors assisted by providing information to the responding deputies. All five suspects were taken into custody. Four of the suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center, and the juvenile suspect was cited and released to his parents.
 The family spoke little English. Their neighbor told CBS2’s Crystal Cruz what happened Monday afternoon when the family heard unwanted guests in their back yard.

“They came home from supermarket, and they noticed somebody jump the fence and try to pry in. And he panicked. He had a gun. So he pulled out and do a warning shot,” neighbor Tony Tran said to CBS2 reporter Crystal Cruz.

Neighbors wondered why the burglars picked a home with bars on the windows and described as Fort Knox of the cul-de-sac.

“If that’s what he felt he needed to do, that’s what he needed to do. Because you don’t know. You walk in and someone’s in your house. You don’t know if they’re going to kill you.” neighbor Lapedtra Singleton said to the CBS2 reporter Crystal Cruz.

Last month, at another house nearby, the homeowner was sleeping when he said two people with their faces covered tried unsuccessfully to break into his place through the window and left in a white car, CBS2 Cruz reported.

Anyone with additional information reference this incident is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME. And refer to case #221701495 

Cyclist Found Dead In Chino Hills State Park

Photo by Michael Armijo

By Michael Armijo

Chino Hills – A 42-year old Downey resident was found dead in the Chino Hills State Park last Monday around 2 pm after he was reported missing the night before.

Sokha Pho, 42, of Downey, was reported missing by his family after he failed to return home from his bike ride on Sunday. The initial missing person report was investigated by park rangers, who located Pho’s vehicle parked near the Chino Hills State Park Discovery Center in Brea, 4500 Carbon Canyon Road, but found no sign of Pho, said Lt. Steve Gil of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department, which was assisting in the search.

Investigators from the Orange County Sheriff’s Department contacted the Chino Hills Police Station and requested mutual aid in locating a missing mountain biker in the Chino Hills State Park, local reports said.

A San Bernardino County sheriff’s helicopter ultimately found the body in the park, which straddles both counties; the body appeared to have suffered trauma injuries, which may indicate he fell or was ejected from his mountain bike. It was unclear if that agency has initiated a criminal investigation.

Members of the Orange County Sheriff’s Department searched the west portion of the park, while the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – West Valley Search and Rescue, along with the Department’s air ship (40 King), searched the east portion of the park. At approximately 2:05 p.m, 40 King crew members located Pho’s body near Raptor Ridge on the Telegraph Canyon trail. Pho was pronounced deceased. The San Bernardino County Coroner’s Division responded to the location. The cause of death is currently unknown and will be determined after an autopsy is completed, a press release said.
Anyone with additional information reference this incident is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call WeTip at
(800) 78-CRIME (27463)., referring to case #031701165.

Accident Sends Two to Hospital

Photo by Michael Armijo

By Michael Armijo

Chino – An accident on Pipeline and Schafer Wednesday morning sent two people to the hospital when a car hit a box truck pushing it on its side and into a light pole.

At about 6:05 am Wednesday morning Maria Hernandez, 30, of Ontario was traveling west bound on Shafer Avenue in her 2012 grey Honda Civic when she collided with a 2004 box truck driven by Francisco Sodo-Mejia, 27, also of Ontario, according to Tamrin Olden, Crime Prevention Officer for Chino PD.

“The intersection was closed to oncoming traffic in each way for several hours during the investigation,” said Officer Olden, “the investigation is ongoing so no other details are available.”

Mejia, the driver of the box truck which was struck by the Honda, was apparently ejected. It was not yet determined if he was wearing a seatbelt or not. Hernandez struck the truck and then collided with the tree, Olden confirmed.

“They were both taken to local hospitals via ground ambulance without life threatening injuries,” she added. Mejia remains in the hospital as of Friday April 21, with extensive injuries and was downgraded to having no life threatening.  Hernandez was released the same day. No updates were available except there were no life threatening injuries.

If anyone has any information or witnessed the accident Officer Olden encourages them to call the Chino Police Department at 909.628.1234.

Photo by Michael Armijo

Heart 2 Serve: Offering Hope to the Hopeless

Combining Community Outreach with Business Services

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – For four years now, an organization has existed somewhat under the radar providing services to both individuals and the community at large.

Heart 2 Serve, a privately owned and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, currently assists adult individuals in substance abuse recovery and reintegration as productive members of society through community service and construction businesses offered to the San Bernardino and Los Angeles County areas.

This faith-based (Christian) organization was founded by Brian and Cindy Baughman, with the help of fellow faith members, in 2013. It initially began as a construction company, followed by what was termed an “RV ministry” for transitional living. In 2015, Heart 2 Serve, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) entity, focused entirely on individuals who truly wanted help.

Heart 2 Serve provides all that is necessary to rebuild individual lives that have fallen into hopelessness due to substance addiction through the business built from these humble beginnings. Currently, the organization assists often-stigmatized individuals, including parolees and homeless persons, in their recovery through provision of work, shelter, food, and clothing, so as to reintegrate them as productive members of society.

Heart 2 serve offers a 2-year program that begins with establishing a life-plan of achievable goals designed to measure a client’s progress, rebuild his confidence, and discover newfound hope.

According to its mission statement, Heart 2 Serve Inc. is “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.” From the ashes of all the ruins of lives destroyed by addiction, there is birthed a new life amidst despair in the act of serving others. Thus, the name was chosen: Heart 2 Serve.

Among the services required and/or available for a client of the transitional living and reintegration program is participation in the following: substance abuse recovery programs (12 Step meetings), spiritual counseling, safe shelter, employment and skill training (through the construction and moving services training), health and care, food and clothing, legal assistance, education and transportation, and, finally, gainful employment.

The professional contracting and moving services that Heart 2 Serve provides through its nonprofit not only helps fun their ministry, but it also offers an opportunity for individuals in the program to learn new skills and earn an income.

To that end, Heart 2 Serve is a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, able to meet every commercial and residential construction and moving needs.

What attracts individuals and businesses to hire Heart 2 Serve over other companies is not just the low pricing, but, as a non-profit, there is also a substantial tax savings provided in using the service, as it is considered a “charitable contribution” on tax forms.
Good cause. Good savings. Rebuilding society from the ground up – literally. Not much else one could desire from a nonprofit, really.
For more information, visit www.h2si.org.

 

Divorce? Don’t Self-Destruct. Get A Good Attorney

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Going through a difficult time with family affairs? Sometimes, altering one’s circumstances in life requires legal help. At the Law Offices of Rossana Mitchell, Esquire Mitchell provides legal services in the areas of family law, divorce, paternity, conservatorships, guardianships, and living trusts.

At the Law Offices of Rossana Mitchell, the philosophy focuses on client support and structure during all stages. It is vital that clients become familiar with and aware of the court process, and, most especially, the particulars of any and all court processes regarding their case, during their time seeking legal action.

Customers continue to seek out services with Attorney Mitchell precisely because of her known reputation to fight for her clients. She always provides aggressive representation in protection of clients’ rights, no matter how daunting the odds may seem. “I enjoy using my skills and knowledge to protect the rights of all persons,” declared Ms. Mitchell. She does so both in and out of the courtroom.

Ms. Mitchell provides novel ways of integrating technology and communication in her firm so that no client slips through the cracks. To this end, she has stated, “I want there always to be an open line of communication between myself and my clients. I have a cell phone specifically for my clients to reach me via text at any time.” This allows constant attorney-client access for emergency-type situations, just alleviating the client of panic in any period of panic.

Family law is rarely pleasant, but it is very doable. With Attorney Rossana Mitchell’s guidance, your family law or legal trust need not be what can feel like an unbearable burden. Let someone else help you along the way, and you will have the assurance of both guidance and legal protection.

Law Offices of Rossana Mitchell is located in The Courts of Chino Hills next to Citi Bank: 14780 Pipeline Ave., Suite A, Chino Hills, CA 91709. Ms. Mitchell has had over 20 years of experience. She received her Bachelor’s in Social Ecology from U.C. Irvine, and her Juris Doctorate from Western State College Law.

 

Prior Chino Hills City Hall Being Bought Out By Private Owner

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino Hills – On April 4, the Chino Hills Planning Commission met to discuss the plan that private owner Trumark Homes is requesting approval of for the area over which previously stood Chino Hills City Hall.

Due to various issues with municipal code and site plan reviews, the hearing was continued to April 18, and the report from that review meeting is still being drafted.

What is termed as the “Founders Village Project” because it is located on Founders Drive has been beset with various issues. Previously the location of Chino Hills Civic Center, with the new purchase, the sloped areas of the property would be designated as “private open space” and the flat area of the property would be classified as “medium density residential.”

Discussed at this planning meeting was the adoption a Municipal Code Amendment, which would exempt developments consisting only of duplex housing units from the obligatory building separation standards for multi-family developments in Chino Hills Municipal Code (CHMC).

There would be 38 duplexes consisting of 76 dwelling units in this former municipally-owned area. These proposed 76 units would range from 2,442 sq. ft. to 2,569 sq. ft, each unit possessing five (5) bedrooms, a two-car garage, and a minimum of 525 square feet of private open space (such as backyard space).

Senior Planner Ryan Gackstetter presented the information on this project to the Planning Commission on April 4. The project applications include a General Plan Amendment, Zone Change, Municipal Code Amendment, Site Plan Review, and Vesting Tentative Tract Map. Overall, it would help the city reach housing and population goals.

One public speaker and resident of the adjacent neighborhood on Deer Haven Drive, Antonio Tau, voiced concerns about parking. He stated that the on-street parking within the project may be insufficient, and so residents and guests would park on surrounding streets, such as his own. He suggested prohibitions to overnight parking or required permits as a solution to this potential problem. This concern played a part in the continuation of the hearing until April 18.

The senior planner Gackstetter stated of the proposed alterations and concerns, and the private application overall, “The applicant is making concerted efforts and strides toward adaptation to code and paying heed to surrounding citizens’ concerns.”

A few of the issues the Commission discussed with both staff and applicant included the following: street improvements and project requirements to ensure driver visibility entering and exiting Founders Drive; guest parking on the driveways of the duplex units with fewer on-street parking; landscaping, irrigation, and maintenance of project perimeter slopes; project design, the connection of the duplex units, and the quality of the architecture, among others.

After the application is brought to the commission, it will be brought before the City Council Citizens of Chino Hills will soon see just what their “old” city hall becomes, and who that land houses.

Man Arrested For 8 Year Old’s Murder

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – This past Sunday a man was arrested on the charge of murder by drive-by shooting of an 8-year-old boy in Pomona, CA.

On March 26, Sengchan Houl, aged 35 of Pomona, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder for the demise of Jonah Hwang, a young boy shot to death on February 20th of this year. The shooting occurred on 1100 block of West 11th Street in Pomona.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office will decide later whether or not to seek the death penalty against Houl, who is currently being held without bail while waiting arraignment on April 26 of this year. The murder charge includes the allegation of murder committed while firing from a motor vehicle.

At the time of the shooting, the boy was in the home with his family while visiting friends for dinner. He was struck by the bullet and killed upon impact. Police have stated that the family formerly residing at the house of the aforementioned crime had no gang affiliations.

Pomona police Chief Paul Capraro, during news conference that ensued the Monday following the shooting, declared there have been four shootings in total since January of this year aimed directly at this house, but for unknown reasons.

“On three of the shootings, the house was unoccupied,” stated Capraro. “Evidence suggests that all four of these shootings are related.”

Investigators were able to identify the vehicle used in all four shootings, and thereafter arrested Houl this past Sunday.

Regarding the arrest, Capraro attested, “Mr. Houl was stopped (while) driving the suspect vehicle…In his possession at the time of his arrest was a firearm that we believe was used in the shootings.”

The motive for these shootings remains unclear, and the investigation continues. Capraro stated police are trying to discover any other accomplices.

The suspect does not have an extensive criminal record, and it is unknown if he is or was involved in criminal organizations.

Chino Hills Resident Charged In Bribery Scheme To “Fix” Cases

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Chino Hills citizen Juan C. Rosas Santillana, age 33, is scheduled to plead guilty on April 21 for participating in a racketeering scheme by acting as a recruiter in a large-scale bribery operation.

On Wednesday, March 29, a former clerk of the Orange County Superior Court pled guilty to federal racketeering charges. With the aid of above Chino Hills resident Juan Rosas and other recruiters, the clerk collected more than a $250,000 in bribes to illegally resolve both criminal cases and traffic offenses.

The clerk, Jose Lopez Jr., age 36 of Anaheim, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Lopez admitted that he was at the center of a scheme in which co-conspirators (including Chino Hills resident Santillana) paid him as much as $8,000 in bribes to “fix” cases.

Chino Hills resident Juan Rosas Santillana and others were middlemen who “recruited” individuals with pending cases to pay money to resolve their cases without authorization of the court.

With the help of aforementioned middlemen, or recruiters, “defendant [Lopez] improperly resolved approximately 1,034 cases, including 69 misdemeanor driving under the influence cases, 160 other misdemeanor cases and 805 traffic-related infraction cases.” Lopez admitted to these charges on the plea agreement.

Over the course of 5 years, recruiters sent to Lopez and Lopez subsequently “resolved” cases by entering information in court computers to do any or multiple of the following: making it appear that a defendant had pled guilty, making it appear that required fees had been paid and/or community service time served, and even that drunk driving charges had been dismissed or defendants had already served required jail time.

Moreover, Lopez was also found to have forged the signature of a prosecutor within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

The conspiracy finally ended in the spring of 2015 when the court discovered the misconduct and took steps to reopen cases that Lopez and his affiliates had interfered with.

“This defendant compromised the justice system in Orange County to line his pocket with money he used to travel abroad, take trips to Las Vegas and open a Mexican restaurant,” stated United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown. “This scheme affected hundreds of cases and caused havoc in the Orange County Superior Court – problems that were further complicated when the former clerk encouraged others to lie about the scheme.”

Lopez pled guilty before United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who is scheduled to sentence the defendant on September 22. Consequently, Lopez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

“The defendant ignored the rule of law and potentially undermined public safety by essentially serving as judge and jury in scores of cases to enrich himself,” declared Deirdre Fike, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate complaints of corruption by public officials and those with access to sensitive information.”

With Lopez’s guilty plea, there remain 10 people charged last fall with participating in the racketeering scheme by acting as recruiters.

The other 10 defendants who have pleaded guilty or have agreed to plead guilty are the following:

  • Juan C. Rosas Santillana, 33, of Chino Hills, who is scheduled to plead guilty on April 21;
  • Ricardo Quinones, 33, of Santa Ana;
  • Ramon Salvador Vasquez, 28, of Santa Ana;
  • Manuel Galindo Jr., 27, of Santa Ana;
  • Gibram Rene Lopez, also known as “Ivan,” 27, of Anaheim;
  • Agustin Sanchez Jr., 32, of Santa Ana;
  • Luis Alberto Flores Guillen, also known as “Bills,” 26, of Santa Ana, who pleaded guilty earlier today;
  • Oscar Centeno, also known as “Mosquito,” 27, of Santa Ana;
  • Jeff Reynes Fernandez, also known as “Lean,” 25, of Fullerton; and
  • Jesus Saldana, 28, of Garden Grove.

Special agents within the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation continue to investigate this case.

Bomb Threat at Chino Hills High Locks Down School

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Tuesday, April 4, Chino Hills High received a telephonic bomb threat to the school. The phone call occurred at approximately 1 o’clock p.m. that day.

A male individual called on April 4 and threatened to “blow up” the school. The principal immediately ordered a lockdown of the entire school.

Thereafter, the Sheriff’s department received a call informing them that a possible bomb threat had been issued at CHHS. The entire school was immediately put on lockdown as the police arrived and proceeded with a thorough investigation.

The police conducted searches of every building on campus while students were waiting for them to check and clear the space. Deputies searched and swept the school room by room. Students were moved to a safe area as the searches were conducted.

Roads were closed at that time. Surrounding streets were closed and have since reopened.

Many parents flooded social media during this frightening time, asking online for prayer. At the end of the school day, students were given the “all clear” and were allowed to go home.

No motive was clear and no one has been apprehended so far.