Category Archives: Chino

Oxford Prep Charter Denied

Photo courtesy of Oxford Preparatory Academy OPA supporters

Photo courtesy of Oxford Preparatory Academy
OPA supporters

By Carol Heyen

The Chino Valley Unified School District school board voted March 17 to deny Oxford Preparatory Academy’s 5-year charter renewal, much to the dismay of over 1,500 school staff and supporters who attended the district meeting held at Don Lugo High.

Oxford Prep, or OPA, a charter school located in Chino, presently has a charter that runs through June 30, 2017.  OPA submitted a renewal charter school petition to the CVUSD on January 25, 2016, which would be for a 5-year term running from July 1, 2017-June 30, 2022.

The renewal charter, according to the school district, was denied because it has several flaws.  In a 77-page report, CVUSD stated that OPA is “demonstrably unlikely to successfully implement the program set forth in the OPA-Chino charter renewal petition.” The district also said that the petition failed to address eight of the 15 elements required by state law governing charter schools.

Superintendent Wayne Joseph, who was one of the original supporters of OPA’s charter in 2010, spoke at the meeting.  Superintendent Joseph said, “… it is really with a heavy heart that I come to you tonight, board members, and ask you to approve my recommendation to deny OPA’s current charter petition. Simply put, the petition OPA submitted on Jan. 25 of this year, unlike the other two petitions that were approved, is seriously flawed.”

CVUSD states that the charter petition is “not consistent with sound educational practice.”

One of the failures of the petition, according to the district, is that the OPA budget presents an unrealistic financial and operational plan for the proposed OPA charter school.  The school board said that they “cannot carry out its statutory fiscal oversight responsibility without the ability to review and audit all of OPA’s finances” the way the charter is now written.

The district’s concerns include OPA’s lack of sufficiently projecting enrollment or estimating Independent Study students, cash flow and reserve discrepancies, and timing of revenue. It also notes that OPA has not satisfied the California law that all students be admitted who wish to attend the school.  OPA’s enrollment runs in a lottery system, but children with siblings already attending the school, or parents who are OPA staff or founding members are exempt from the lottery and get first priority.

OPA is very popular with students and parents in the Chino Valley.  Test scores at the school have consistently been in the high 900s, and it has been named a California Distinguished School.

OPA’s supporters are vowing to keep fighting.  OPA Principal Sue Roche’s husband Terry told the crowd, “For eight years, I’ve heard from Mr. Joseph, from Mr. Na how great OPA is,” referring to Superintendent Joseph and board member James Na. “For eight years, every evaluation they gave us — every evaluation they gave us — financially, academically, was the best in California!”

Oxford Prep administrator Jared McLeod said that OPA will “…move on with our legal rights to prove this district wrong and prove what is legally right, which is that this is our school, for five more years!”

 

Bounce, Jump, Run, and Pedal at Healthy Family Day in Chino

Courtesy of the City of Chino

 

CHINO, CA – The City of Chino and the Chino Valley YMCA invite the public to bounce, run, jump, and pedal their way to better health at the Annual Healthy Family Day on Saturday, April 2, 2016.  The event is held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon at Ruben S. Ayala Park, 5665 Edison Avenue, near the YMCA.

This free, community event is packed with activities and information to motivate and teach families how to live a healthy life.  New this year is a 7-mile bike ride at 9:30 a.m.  For those who want more of a challenge, there is also a 15-mile bike ride, departing at 7:30 a.m.  The rides are hosted by the Chino Police Department and BOBIE’S Cycling Group.  All participants must wear a helmet and can sign-up at healthychino.eventbrite.com.

The event also features:

  • Kids’ activity stations
  • Fitness demonstrations
  • Health, fitness, and nutrition information
  • Healthy Chino’s Rock-the-Bike interactive exhibit
  • Obstacle course
  • Bicycle safety tips
  • Entertainment
  • Water and environmental information
  • Food, contests, and more

For more information, contact the City of Chino at 909.334.3258; Chino Valley YMCA at 909.597.7445; or visit healthychino.com and weymca.org.

 

19th Annual Taste of the Chino Valley

Enjoy the Chino Valley’s finest cuisine, wine, and spirits as local establishments dish up their very best at the impressive Chaffey College Chino Community Center.

Enjoy the Chino Valley’s finest cuisine, wine, and spirits as local establishments dish up their very best at the impressive Chaffey College Chino Community Center.

By Zeb Welborn

CHINO– It’s a food lover’s dream!  Enjoy great food from some of the area’s new restaurants as well as some long-standing favorites at the 19th Annual Taste of the Chino Valley.  We’ve put together a great team who is working hard to bring local restaurants together to give our community a taste of what Chino Valley restaurants have to offer.

The Taste of the Chino Valley will be from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Monday, April 4, at the Chaffey College Community Center, located at 5890 College Park Ave.

Spots for the Taste of the Chino Valley are filling up fast.  We’ve already signed up Cannataro’s, The Pub, Oke Poke, Wara Bistro, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Pacifica Senior Living, Los Portales, Riverside Grill and Award Winning Wines by Fairplex.  We have verbal commitments from numerous others, and we’ll be sharing those through our website and Facebook page as they come in.

We’ve also secured sponsorships from Waste Management, the City of Chino, the City of Chino Hills, Champion Newspapers, Chaffey College, Insurance & Surety Services, Oke Poke, and Welborn Media.

Thank you to everyone who has worked so hard to put this together, we have a great team of people securing restaurants, sponsors and donations for the event.

You can sign up online at www.eventbrite.com/e/taste-of-chino-valley-tickets-22749102177.  Hope to see you there.  Tell your friends!

Ramona Students Going To Race Track To Learn STEM

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Ramona Junior High students will be among 500 eighth graders from 17 middle schools in San Bernardino and Riverside counties to attend the seventh annual Auto Club Speedway STEM Day on March 18 as part of the Auto Club 400 Weekend in Fontana.
Science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are foundations of the motorsports industry.
The students will have an opportunity to do hands-on math and engineering exercises with student volunteers from local colleges and universities, as well as interact with exhibitors.
Students will be introduced to several speakers, including Sprint Cup driver Aric Almirola of Richard Petty Motorsports.
The students will also receive a pair of reserved grandstand tickets to the Auto Club 400 race that will take place March 20 at the Auto Club Speedway in Fontana.

Murder Suspect Found Guilty in 2013 Case

 

Photo courtesy: Chino Police Department

Photo courtesy: Chino Police Department

Courtesy of the City of Chino

CHINO– Nearly two and a-half years after the cold-blooded murder of a Check ‘n Go employee, the shooter, Jorge Cisneros, was found guilty of first-degree murder and second-degree robbery.

On November 15, 2013 at approximately 1:24 p.m., two suspects entered the Check ‘n Go located at 12083 Central Avenue and shot and killed 24-year-old Vanessa Martinez of Riverside. Within 24 hours, Chino Police Investigators and SWAT team members located and arrested two suspects in the cities of Ontario and Pomona.

Jorge Esteban Cisneros, a 43 year-old resident of Ontario, was identified as the shooter during the commission of the crime. He was found guilty Thursday, March 17, 2016 in a San Bernardino Court.

David Mendez, a 29-year-old Pomona resident was convicted in 2015 of first-degree murder and second-degree robbery. He was sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.

Cisneros’ sentencing hearing is pending.

If you have information regarding this case please contact Detective Acuna at 909-334-3016 or facuna@chinopd.org.

 

Chino Man Fires at Officers, Sets Home on Fire

Courtesy of the Chino Police Department

Courtesy of the Chino Police Department

Staff Reports

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

 

High School Hockey Team Makes Playoffs

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Flames Chino Valley Flames Hockey Team

Photo courtesy: Chino Valley Flames
Chino Valley Flames Hockey Team

Staff Reports

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

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

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

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

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

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

Join Us For Our March Mixer!

ABCPR-March-2016-Mixer-WEBStaff Reports

 

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

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

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

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

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

 

Facilities Master Plan Meetings Scheduled

Courtesy of CVUSD

 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Meetings will also be taking place in April and May:

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

CVUSD District Science Fair Winners Named

Courtesy of CVUSD

Courtesy of CVUSD

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Thirty Chino Valley Unified School District students will advance to the RIMS Science and Engineering Fair in early April, after receiving trophies at the District’s Science Fair on Feb. 24.
More than 170 projects were submitted by almost 200 students for the opportunity to represent CVUSD at the regional science fair in April, which includes students from Riverside, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino counties.
All of the students who made it to the District-level competition received some level of recognition: White Ribbon Medals, Red Ribbon Medals, Blue Ribbon Medals, and trophies.  Teachers and community members served as judges.
The RIMS Science and Engineering Fair will be held April 5 to 7 at the Bourns Technology Center in Riverside.

Three Area Teams Make CIF Finals

By Lyn Taylor

 

It’s a great year for basketball in the Inland Empire.  Chino Hills High School, Ayala High School and Diamond Ranch High School’s boys’ basketball teams have all made it into the CIF Southern Section Finals to be played this weekend, March 4-5.

Diamond Ranch High School (23-8) will play Chaminade, Friday night March 4, at Azusa Pacific University for the Division 3A Championship.    Diamond Ranch is led by former professional basketball player and multiple award-winning coach Eric Cooper.

The #1 team in the nation, Steve Baik’s Chino Hills Huskies (30-0),  have dominated this season in the Open Division, and will take on Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon (26-3) at 6:30 p.m. for the prestigious Open Division Championship.   Chino Hills’ Ball brothers, Lonzo, Liangelo and Lamelo Ball lead the team, with Elizjah Scott and Onyeka Okongwu creating a starting five who are fun to watch and difficult to defeat.

Ayala’s Bulldogs (29-3) led by Coach John Mounce, will compete against Edison (24-7) at 8:30 p.m. the same night, also at the Honda Center, for the 2AA Championship.  The Bulldogs will have 6’5” senior star John Edgar to help them in their first championship quest.

Good luck to all of the boys!

Planes of Fame Living History Days

Staff Reports

CHINO-The Planes of Fame Air Museum, which is open to the public, will present its monthly Living History Flying Day on March 5, 2016, and will be featuring the Republic P-47G Thunderbolt. A speaker panel of distinguished aviation experts, historians and veterans will be featured, followed by a question & answer period and flight demonstration if possible.

It is the mission of Planes of Fame Air Museum to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans. The Museum sponsors regular events in the form of inspirational experiences, educational presentations, flight demonstrations, and air shows in fulfillment of this mission.

The Living History Flying Days are held on the first Saturday of each month, and are great for families to attend. Price is $11 for adults, $4 for children 5-11years, and 4 years and under are free.

A different featured airplane will fly for each event. Upcoming Living History Days will feature the North American B-25 Mitchell on April 2 and the Douglas SBD Dauntless on June 4.

The Planes of Fame Air Show will be held April 29-May1 this year, and will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  There will be over 40 vintage aircraft on display, and many of these, along with newer aircraft, will be performing for your enjoyment.

 

Firework Stand Application Period Open

Staff Reports

The City of Chino is accepting firework stand applications through March 15 for the 2016 sales season. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.

Priority sale permits will go to permitted organizations from the previous year. Additional permits that become available will be granted through a lottery process. Funds from the sales of fireworks sold must be used to benefit the Chino community.

Interested organizations may obtain an application at the City of Chino Finance Department counter, located on the first floor of Chino City Hall. The application deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15. Please note that organization and designated representative information submitted to the City on the application and permit process become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as such.

Organizations interested in the application process and additional information may visit City Hall or call (909) 334-3263. Interested organizations may also request paperwork be mailed to a designated representative.

Chino High Wrestler CIF Champion

Photo courtesy: CVUSD Chino High Wrestler Erika Aguila

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Chino High Wrestler Erika Aguila

Courtesy of CVUSD

Congratulations to Chino High School wrestler Erika Aguila, the 2016 CIF Central Division 150lb Wrestling Champion!

Chino High School wrestler Erika Aguila, is advancing to the CIF State Championship on February 26 and 27. She is the first Chino wrestler to qualify for State since 1998.

DUI Checkpoint Nets Four Arrests

Photo courtesy of Google

Photo courtesy of Google

Courtesy of Chino Police Department

CHINO – The Chino Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint Friday, February 12, 2016 at the 8400 block of Pine Avenue, near the Chino Preserve.  The checkpoint was held between 8 p.m. and 3 a.m.

Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.  In addition to the deterrent effect of DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints, the purpose of this type of checkpoint is to educate the public, arrest impaired drivers who are operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, cite unlicensed drivers and to reduce the number of victims killed or injured in alcohol-related collisions.
1754 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint.  Four arrests were made, three were DUI and one was drug-related.  Twelve drivers were cited for driving while unlicensed or with suspended licenses.  Twelve other citations were given for various transgressions.  Nine vehicles were towed.

The Chino Police Department encourages people to call 9-1-1 to report suspected drunk drivers.  For additional information regarding traffic enforcement and education programs contact the Traffic Services Unit at 909.334.3073. 

$50K in Scholarships Available for Class of 2016

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Tim Adams, of School Portraits by Adams Photography, provided the Board of Education with the largest check to date of proceeds from the “Hit the Greens for Scholarships” Golf Tournament held every November. Adams has been hosting the tournament for the district for six years. This year’s check in the amount of $31,329.29, added to funds available from previous years, enables the district to distribute $50,000 to students, the largest amount since the tournament began. To date, more than $145,000 has been given to 116 seniors.

“The opportunity to assist students as they choose to continue their education is something that we consider a privilege,” said Tim Adams of School Portraits.

The scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors at each of the following schools: Ayala, Buena Vista, Chino, Chino Hills, and Don Lugo. The application period has begun and will continue through Feb. 29.
Seniors at each of those schools may apply for one of the following:
• Spirit of Chino Valley Unified
Awarded to a student who has volunteered at school or in the community, has embodied school spirit by serving in a student leadership role, has participated in school activities that promote good citizenship, and has an outstanding attendance record.

• President’s Award
Awarded to a student in need of financial assistance to continue their education.

• Superintendent’s Award
Awarded to a student who has embraced academic rigor and excelled by earning an overall grade point average of 3.8 or higher.
The application is available on the District website (www.chino.k12.ca.us) with a cover letter and checklist for submission.

New Teen Volunteer Program

Courtesy of the City of Chino

CHINO– The City of Chino is seeking teens interested in volunteer service.  The Teen Opportunity Program (TOP) is a new volunteer program geared toward teens in the 7th-12th grades.

The TOP program requires teens to attend monthly meetings where they are trained in customer service, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, teamwork and leadership.  Through the training, the youth are equipped with life skills that help them succeed with volunteer assignments in city programs or special events.

“The Teen Opportunity Program is a great way for teens to earn volunteer hours required for graduation,” says Noemi Luna, Community Services Coordinator in charge of the program.  “They also gain valuable leadership skills and experience for future employment opportunities,” she added.

The first two meetings were well attended.  Youth learned about the enrollment process and the requirements of volunteering through TOP.  They were also introduced to the types of assignments available and upcoming events.

To get more information or to enroll in the program, youth can call the Neighborhood Activity Center at 909-334-3260.  The upcoming meeting dates are March 17, April 14, May 12 and June 9, 2016.

Chino Resident Arrested for Car Burglaries

Courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept.
Chino– On Monday, February 8, 2016, deputies from the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station arrested Richard Steven Silva, 22, of Chino, after being called to investigate vehicle break-ins in the 15000 block of Hanover Way in Chino Hills.

After an investigation, Silva was found to be in possession of approximately $1,023 dollars worth of stolen property.

Detectives later learned of a second subject, a 17 year old male juvenile from Chino.  Silva and the juvenile walked around the neighborhood, pulled on vehicle door handles, and stole miscellaneous items from three different vehicles.
The juvenile was cited and released to his guardian at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this incident (DR#221600464) is urged to contact Deputy Timothy Quick at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

National Signing Day in the Chino Valley

Courtesy of Facebook Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

Courtesy of Facebook
Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Valley – Chino Valley Unified had more than two dozen seniors sign with universities on February 3 and 4, as part of National Signing Week.

The annual event allows America’s most talented high school senior student-athletes their first opportunity to sign a binding letter of intent to a NCAA school.  The event has become well-known as major colleges such as USC, Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss and others sign their football recruits during this time.   The letter of intent restricts a recruit to signing with only one school in the NCAA.   National Signing Day is typically on the first Wednesday in February, according to Sports Illustrated.

Football is the big topic when talking about National Signing Week, but other sports are included as well.  Chino Valley Unified had several recruits sign this year in different sports such as softball, water polo, baseball, gymnastics and soccer.

Chino Hills High School’s Emily Nguyen, who will be majoring in Criminal Justice at Finlandia University in Michigan, said this week that while she will miss her family and friends in Chino Hills, she is excited for the change of scenery and the adventure that college holds.   “Signing day was one of the biggest days of my life; it meant that I knew I was going to do what I love while learning at the same time.”  She also said that Signing Day was especially sentimental because she got to sign with her best friend, Emily Luna, who will be attending Wilmington University in the fall.  The duo started playing together on a 8U Chino Hills Girls Softball team, and have been friends since.

Congratulations to all CVUSD student-athletes!

Chino: Prado Lake Maintenance

 

 

Courtesy of Facebook After drainage, Prado Lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day.

Courtesy of Facebook
After drainage, Prado Lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day.

By Carol Heyen

CHINO– The lake at Prado Regional Park has been looking a little different these days.  The San Bernardino County Regional Park Department began a maintenance and enhancement project around the lake on January 31, and the lake was drained.

According to a park employee, one of the lake drains was severely damaged, and the lake needed to be emptied to investigate the problem.  Workers were able to clean out three drainage basins in the process, which will help prevent mosquito breeding in the summer.  Workers also removed hundreds of pounds of trash from the lake and, interestingly, a green mid-1990s Chevy truck, which was sitting about 40 feet from the nearest shoreline. The truck had been reported stolen at the beginning of 2009.  When park rangers went to get the VIN number for the truck to identify it, there was water in the cab and trout swimming in the truck.

The lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day, and fishing will resume on February 13.  There are still many fish in the lake, because there was a pond left in the center to keep them alive until the refill began.  The lake will be double-stocked with trout before re-opening, and there may be a possible one-time stocking of bass in the coming month.

Prado Regional Park is located in the Chino Valley basin where San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles Counties connect.  The name Prado is derived from California’s early Spanish days when the countryside was known as a “prado” or meadow.

Park entrance fees are: $8 per car Monday – Fridays (excluding holidays and special events) and $10 per car on weekends and holidays (excluding special events.)  Daily Fishing Permits are $8.00/person, all ages. For more information call (909) 387-2757.