Category Archives: Chino

Free Chino Workshop Offers Helpful Tax Tips

Staff Reports
CHINO– Advice on year-end tax tips and good tax resources for business owners will be the focus at the Inland Empire Small Business Development Center’s Nov. 3 workshop in Chino.

The three-hour instructor-led workshop walks business owners through the tax basics of owning and operating a business and provides instruction on how to complete a sales- and use-tax return. Topics discussed are preparing and filing a sales and use tax return, how to support and report exempt sales, what is involved with using a resale certificate, determining what is taxable and nontaxable labor, and how to maintain adequate records. This workshop is presented by the State of California Board of Equalization, District 2. The workshop will be from 9 a.m. to noon at the Carolyn Owens Community Center located at 13201 Central Ave., 2nd Floor. To register, contact Deirdre Marsac at 909-983-5005. The workshop is free and open to the public.

Chino Valley Mail Ballot Drop-Off Locations

Staff Reports

Chino Valley– San Bernardino County’s Registrar of Voters has set up several mail ballot drop-off locations throughout the county including the Chino Valley Fire District, city halls, and libraries. The consolidated general election is Nov. 3.
Some of the Chino Valley drop-off boxes are located at the following locations:
Chino City Hall, 13220 Central Ave., Chino
Chino Hill City Hall, 14000 City Center Dr.
Chino Branch Library, 13180 Central Ave., Chino
Chino Hills Branch Library, 14020 City Center Ave., Chino Hills
Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch Library, 15850 Main St., Chino
Chino Valley Independent Fire Department, 14011 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
For a complete list of countywide locations, visit http://www.sbcountyelections.com/Voting/MailBallotDropOff/2015/1103.aspx
The public can drop off mail ballots during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The ROV will pick up mail ballots every Tuesday until the election. The last pick-up will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Voters can still sign up to receive a mail ballot by filling out the Mail Ballot Application found on the back cover of their Voter Information Guide, by downloading an application from the Elections Office website, or by calling the Elections Office. Voted mail ballots may be returned via the U.S. Postal Service, in person to any polling place on Election Day, or to one of the 30 mail ballot drop-off locations prior to Election Day. The deadline to apply for a Mail Ballot is seven days prior to Election Day.
Voters can find their polling place assignments at http://www.sbcountyelections.com or by calling (909) 387-8300.

Chino: Elected Officials, Aides Take Flight

Photo credit: Andie Castañeda/Supervisor Curt Hagman’s Office – Fourth District

Photo credit: Andie Castañeda/Supervisor Curt Hagman’s Office – Fourth District

By Monique Valadez
CHINO – San Bernardino County Fourth District Supervisor Curt Hagman joined dozens of state and local district representatives at Chino Airport on Wednesday, Oct. 21 for the newly-formed Inland Empire Field Representative group.

Initiated by Senator Connie Leyva’s (D-Chino) San Bernardino District Representative Henry Castillo earlier this year, the Inland Empire group is comprised of district aides, elected official’s field representatives and staff throughout the Inland Empire. The group meets quarterly at various locations hosted by a representative’s department.

“Fostering partnerships was the goal when we first started these meetings with Inland Empire representatives,” Castillo, a seasoned district aide said. “Growing up in Pomona, I knew the political climate here is really splintered. When I ran it by Senator Leyva and staff, they thought it was a great way to foster partnerships with all the other levels of government in our area.”

Castillo also highlights that the Inland Empire group was developed to discuss hot issues, learn about the Inland Empire’s points of interest and improve their relationships with constituents.

“Most of the time a constituent will call a state representative office with a federal issue or a county issue and instead of just giving them a number for them to call we can actually refer them to a specific person and follow up with that representative personally,” he said.

Hosted by Hagman’s office this month, the group gathered at The Planes of Fame Air Museum at Chino Airport for a docent-led tour, a lunch discussion on airport’s economic development plans and an airplane restoration demonstration by Aerotrader.

“Given the recent success of the county on developing Chino and control of Ontario airports, it’s only fitting that this group meet at Chino Airport,” Hagman said. “It’s the perfect setting to build working relationships, improve our leadership and explore the county’s gems.”

The group was guided through the museum’s hangars filled with historical aircrafts including the museum’s rare P-38 Lightning exhibit featuring WWII 475th Fighter Group artifacts.
Matt Smith, a museum guide for over two years, corralled the pack along the well-manicured hangars of the museum while some of the patrons lost themselves in the exhibits snapping photos of a bygone era.

“The museum’s history is mind boggling,” Smith, a retired employee from Northrup Grumman said. “As a docent, every tour is a learning experience for me. I’m always learning from the guests.”

Following the guided tour, guests were treated to pizza and a quick recap of the district’s upcoming development goals.

According to Hagman, the county is currently assembling money and muscle for future development of Chino Airport, one of the busiest county airports.

“We’re aiming for big results this year,” the supervisor said. “Chino Airport is underutilized and we hope to bring FedEx very soon as an anchor tenant bringing more jobs and revenue to the area.”

Hagan also mentioned his efforts to expand the underutilized Prado Regional Park in Chino and the county’s recent regain of control of Ontario International Airport.

Castillo admits that since starting this group, participants have been astonished with what they have learned from the group’s quarterly gatherings.

“It’s surprising how many parts of the Inland Empire we are unfamiliar with or resources we are not aware of,” Castillo expressed. “By having these quarterly meetings in different locations it’s a great way to highlight and learn about the different resources available in our areas.”

About 15 people attended the meeting at Chino Airport, and while the group will continue to grow and learn, Castillo hopes to accomplish strong working relationships to solve constituent issues.

“A couple of months ago, I called both the county and the city to resolve a new rehabilitation center licensing question from a resident,” Castillo said. “I was able to depend on the relationships built through our I.E. Representatives meeting to not only educate myself on the issue but also the concerned constituents.”

Mission accomplished.

Photo by Monique Valadez Inland Empire Field Representatives gather at Chino’s Planes of Fame Air Museum to form an alliance to build stronger bonds and effective leadership.

Photo by Monique Valadez
Inland Empire Field Representatives gather at Chino’s Planes of Fame Air Museum to form an alliance to build stronger bonds and effective leadership.

Clark’s Helps You Live Better!

Staff Reports

Chino– When it comes to health and nutrition, one size does not fit all. Just ask your neighborhood’s health and nutrition market, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market who strive to make lives better one customer at a time.
Clark’s equates success not with size but with integrity, responsibility and service.

“The cornerstone of Clark’s market position is to provide reliable scientific information for the consumer’s benefit in making educated and informed decisions resulting in vibrant health,” Clark’s website states.

Spanning three generations, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets was founded in 1972 in Riverside by the Clark family patriarch, Jim Clark, whose vision of healthy living grew into what is today a 60 billion-dollar industry.

Today’s, Jim’s grandchildren have taken over the reins of Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets. Grandson Jeff Clark is president, his brother Bruce Clark is vice president of retail development, and their sister Tracy Clark is the director of finance.
Their newest location in Chino, 12835 Mountain Avenue (at corner of Mountain Avenue and Riverside Drive), boasts a large selection of organic, gluten free, grass-fed beef, vitamins and raw foods. They also carry an extensive collection of health and beauty production including, celebrity Suzanne Somers’ skin care and cosmetic line, “SUZANNE Organics.”

Clark’s puts an emphasis on connecting with the community through various in-store and local events.

With locations in Loma Linda, Riverside, Rancho Mirage, and now Chino, Clark’s Nutrition lives up to their motto, “Live Better …We Can Help!”They provide regular free lectures on various health related topics and make-up tutorials with professional make-up artists.

Customers will appreciate their knowledgeable and helpful staff. Clark’s employees undergo a comprehensive in-house training curriculum, and continuing their education “which is now accredited”.
So, for all your health and nutritional needs, look no further than Clark’s in Chino or any of their other I.E. locals. Clark’s is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Stop by for yourselves and experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Whatever your health goals, Clark’s can help! Visit www.clarksnutrition.com.

Wahfles, Desserts and Coffee Anyone?

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce welcomes a new member

 

By Gel Delos Santos

Chino Hills – On Aug. 16, Anthony, Lorraine and Jacob Abel took ownership of Wahfles Desserts & Coffee.  The restaurant has been open for two years located at 5751 Pine Ave. in Chino Hills.

Jacob Abel, son of Anthony and Lorraine has worked for the restaurant for almost two years before the previous owner sold it to his parents.  They decided to keep the name and the entire menu of specialty waffle and classic waffle desserts, sandwiches and a full espresso bar, shaken teas, special drinks, ice-blended drinks and affogatos.

So whether you are catching up with friends, grabbing a quick bite for lunch or taking the family  out for a Sunday morning breakfast, this place is a cozy family-friendly spot ready to serve up some savory goodness any time of day.  While you wait for your order, the family may play a game of cards or a board game, or if you simply want to read a book, they have a book shelf full of novels just for you.  Wahfles Desserts & Coffee is quite unique.  This is why Anthony and Lorraine jumped on the opportunity when the previous owner offered it to them.  Their one and only son Jacob, 18, put in his own life savings into the business making him a co-owner with his parents.  The Abel family is no stranger to Chino Valley area.  They have called Chino Hills their home for 18 years.  Lorraine teaches at the Alternative Education Center in the Chino Unified School District for independent study for high school students since 2011, and in the elementary division since 2003.  Anthony runs the restaurant full time alongside their son Jacob when he is not at school.  Jacob currently attends Cal State University majoring in Economics.  His ambition is to purchase many more businesses!

As a new Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce member, one of the things the Chamber does is hold a ribbon cutting ceremony to commemorate its grand opening and let the community know about your place of business. The mayor, city council or representatives from their office, and representatives from the district and assembly offices also come out to award the new business owner with certificates and welcome them to the community.

The ribbon cutting ceremony and grand opening for Wahfles Desserts & Coffee was held on Oct. 7, 2015.  Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Wahfles, Desserts, & Coffee to the Chino valley business community.

Chino Valley Medical Center’s Wins Pink Glove Dance Competition

Photo courtesy: Massiel Ladron De Guevara

Photo courtesy: Massiel Ladron De Guevara
Just Bust a Move, Chino! Chino Valley Firefighters from Fire Station 65 and Chino Police Officers helped Chino Valley Medical Center shimmy their way to the top in the annual Pink Glove Dance video competition raising awareness for breast cancer.

By Monique Valadez

Chino – Chino Valley Medical Center danced its way into the nation’s No. 1 spot in the annual Pink Glove Dance video contest for breast cancer awareness.

“We joined the Pink Glove Dance contest to show everyone it is possible to overcome cancer through awareness, collaboration and commitment to finding a cure,” Chino Valley Medical Center officials expressed. “CVMC wants to light a fire in the community that together our mission, if we choose to accept it, is to beat cancer.”

Medline Industries Inc. presented the $10,000 first-place prize winnings at a special community announcement event at the Chino Police Department’s community room on Oct. 1.

“This win means we’ve succeeded in heightening awareness for breast cancer,” said Dr. James M. Lally, Chief Medical Officer at CVMC. “The community really pulled together and showed that you can overcome cancer through creating awareness.  Thank you to the community and the CVMC staff for your support during our journey.”
The $10,000 prize was donated to the hospital’s breast cancer charity of choice, the American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life of Chino.
Sue MacInnes, chief market solutions officer for Medline, offered congratulations to Chino Valley Medical Center for its video that grabbed the attention of thousands.

“Some walk for breast cancer awareness. Others run. We dance wearing pink gloves for breast cancer awareness and prevention,” she said. “It is Medline’s unified mission to eradicate breast cancer. The Pink Glove Dance competition provides communities with an organized event that supports everyone who’s been touched by breast cancer.”

The winners were determined by public online voting over a two-week period. Chino Valley Medical Center received 18,836 online votes for its video. Chino Valley Medical Center won first place in the small-bed category.
In the video, more than 200 Chino Valley Medical Center doctors, nurses, hospital staff, Chino police officers, firefighters, Walnut Avenue Elementary and Don Lugo High School students donning pink gloves shimmied and shook to Bruno Mars’ song, “Uptown Funk”.

“Our video represents everyone in the community teaming up together to fight cancer,” hospital officials said. “We find hope in our community that everything is possible, which led us to our title, ‘Mission Possible: Chino.”
To view the video, visit http://www.pinkglovedance.com/…/chino-valley-medical-center/.

Two Arrested After Stabbings in Chino

Staff Reports

Chino– On Friday, Oct. 2, two suspects were in custody after an altercation that resulted in three victims suffering non-life threatening stab wounds.

Chino Police Officers responded to the 12200 block of Arlington Avenue before midnight regarding individuals fighting in the street.

Shortly thereafter, officers attempted to stop a white Dodge Charger seen leaving the area. The vehicle failed to yield and after a short pursuit, collided into the public right of way in the 12600 block of San Antonio Avenue

The driver, Brandon Coats, 19, of Chino, was immediately taken into custody. A second suspect, a 15-year-old male who had fled on foot from the scene, was later located in the area and was taken into custody without incident.

Coats was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for driving under the influence and evading police. The teen was booked at the San Bernardino Juvenile Detention Center for assault with a deadly weapon.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909-628-1234.

Chino Valley Chamber Expo Makes Connections

IMG_1422Staff Reports

Chino– On Saturday, Oct. 3, the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Chino Valley Medical Center, hosted its annual Business Expo featuring more than 100 vendor booths and drawing more than 500 attendees to the at the Shoppes at Chino Hills.
The crowd mingled among booths while learning about local companies, including Delicate Smiles, Cruise Planners, Pampered Chef, Welborn Media, ABC Public Relations/Armijo News, Nutrishop Chino Hills, and Smileland Orthodontics.
In addition, a variety of local agencies were represented, including The Chino Valley Police Department’s, Supervisor Curt Hagman, City of Chino, City of Chino Hills and Chino Valley Fire District. Kids also enjoyed a variety of fun activities including pony rides, petting zoo and a children’s corner.
The Chamber was delighted to see such a great turnout from vendors and visitors, the visitors and vendors themselves all seemed pleased to have taken the time to be a part of the expo.

IMG_1475 IMG_1479

Bark for Life, Chino Valley!

Bark-CMYKFeaturing K9 Demonstrations, the Batmobile, Sheep Herding and Fly Frisbee

Staff Reports
Chino– Loyal and loving canines bring comfort to a sick person, and man’s best friend will be the honored guest Saturday, Oct. 17, during the American Cancer Society’s Bark for Life of Chino Valley.

“The fifth annual Bark for Life of Chino Valley is a family-friendly, noncompetitive walk honoring our furry friends as caregivers and comforting pets for loved ones who are fighting cancer,” Bark for Life Chino Valley Event Coordinator Jennifer Rudin said.

The Chino Valley Bark for Life will include demonstrations by the Chino Police Department’s K9 Unit and San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department Bloodhound K9 Unit, entertainment, food, dog games and dog contests. Sheep herding, fly frisbee, barn hunting, and animal adoptions will all be featured, Rudin said. In addition, participants can take their photograph with a replica 1966 Batmobile (www.charitybatmobile.com), owned by Chino resident Leonora Foddrill who brings out the celebrity ride to various charity functions across the Inland Empire in memory of her late husband Jimmy Foddrill.

More than 100 booths will offer products and services.  “We have a great mix of vendors and informational booths including onsite microchip services and grooming for pets,” she said.

“One of the highlights this year is our ‘Ask the Doctor’ booth featuring the event’s Grand Marshal Dr. Greg Ogilvie and Dr. Darlene Sanchez, founder of Loving Hands Animal Hospital, Inc. in Chino, where the public will have the opportunity to ask leading veterinary doctors questions about their pets,” Rudin said.

“This year, our fundraising goal is $15,000 and we hope the entire community will join us in this great cause, all while having fun with their pets,” Rudin said.

Pets will also be available for adoption from Priceless Pets Rescue, a Chino Hills based no-kill, volunteer animal shelter serving the Inland Empire.

A registration fee is required for all pets. Rudin encourages pet owners to registration their dogs early to receive a discount. To register, visit http://www.relayforlife.org/barkchinoca. Admission is free and open to the public.

Proceeds will be used by the American Cancer Society to assist local cancer patients, for community education.

“The first 200 dogs will receive a commemorative bandana. We also have goodies for the humans,” she said.

The event will be held at Boys Republic High School, 1907 Boys Republic Drive in Chino Hills, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. For more information, contact Rudin at 909-529-0505 or email, JenRudn@msn.com.

Chino Valley Chamber Welcomes 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness

9Round-BWBy Gel Delos Santos

Chino– Say goodbye to the boring, big box gyms because a new fitness circuit is in town!  Chino Hills residents John and Selina Licea opened 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness franchise club on July 30, 2015 in Chino Hills, located at 14230 Chino Hills Parkway, Suite E.  John and Selina are true fitness gurus who fell in love with the concept of a 30-minute full body circuit training routine. It is a high energy fitness program for every body type. Designed for both young and old, from age 10 and up, there is no limit. Full customizable family plans are available for the entire family.  Reasonably priced, 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness is a more affordable option than those large gyms.  With the price that a member pays, membership includes a personal trainer who will guide and coach them through the 9 different stations, or better known as 9 Rounds. Members also have access to an online nutrition program.  John and Selina encourage everyone to stay fit.  Selina says, “Don’t be afraid because at 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness you get fit, never hit!”

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome its newest member, 9 Round 30 Minute Kickbox Fitness with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 15 at 1:30 p.m.  The ceremony will be followed by a grand opening raffle where all proceeds will be donated to Gifts 2 Help, a non-profit organization that benefits local families in need during the holiday season.

Come join the Chamber, city officials, local elected officials and other community members in welcoming John and Selina Licea to the Chino Valley business community.

Chino Valley Fire Launches Red Flag Community Alert Program

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

Chino – The Chino Valley Fire District is launching a Red Flag Community Alert Program. The Red Flag Program is designed to promote awareness of critical wildfire weather conditions and community preparedness. During red flag warning conditions, all Fire District facilities will fly a red flag until the warning has expired. Information on red flag warnings will be disseminated via Public Service Announcements and through all Fire District social media platforms.

Critical weather conditions that would trigger a red flag warning include severe heat, low relative humidity, high winds, and low fuel moistures (dry vegetation).

During a red flag warning, residents are urged to use extreme caution when operating spark or flame producing equipment in grass or brush areas. Residents of the Sleepy Hollow community in Carbon Canyon will be asked to restrict street parking to provide necessary clearance for firefighting vehicles.

The Fire District encourages the community to be prepared by knowing about the wildfire action plan, Ready! Set! Go! The plan offers tips to residents on creating defensible space around their homes, making their homes fire safe, and having a good evacuation plan.

For more information on the Ready! Set! Go wildfire action plan, visit http://www.chinovalleyfire.org and click on Emergency Preparedness under the Community Relations tab.

Declining Enrollment at Chino Valley Public Schools

Budget issues loom as district closes books on 2014/2015 school year

 

Courtesy of Chino Valley School District

Chino – Declining enrollment, the possibility of charter schools moving into the area, increased contributions to employee benefits and pensions, and the probability that special taxes will expire within three years could adversely affect Chino Valley Unified School District’s long range budget, Assistant Superintendent of Business Services Sandra Chen told the Board of Education at its Sept. 17 meeting.

Chen made her comments during a presentation on closing the financial books for the 2014/2015 school year, prior to an annual audit.

The loss of more students than expected is particularly troublesome, Chen said. The district has experienced a steady decrease in student enrollment by about 500 students annually for several years. The district is down 745 students from the same time last year, Chen reported at the Sept. 17 board meeting. Current enrollment is coming in at approximately 100 students lower than what was projected at budget development, Chen said. “We will have to make adjustments to revenue at the First Interim Report (in December),” she said.

The district receives money from the state, based on student enrollment.

Declining enrollment can also be an open invitation to charter schools, Chen said. The district’s enrollment decreased from about 32,000 in 2009 to below 31,000 in 2010 when Oxford Preparatory Academy public charter school opened its doors that fall.

The district, along with others in the state, is responsible for contributing more money to employee pension programs. “We will need to continue to address that in our multi-year budgets,” Chen said.

Proposition 30, which provided additional funding to education beginning in 2012, is set to end in the next three years. The 0.25% sales tax portion of the proposition ends in 2016, and the personal income tax in 2018. An initiative, backed by the California Teachers Association, is underway to extend the proposition to 2030, Chen said.

The district is also watching other developments that could affect its finances, including AB 1522 which provides up to three days paid sick leave a year to employees, including those that are temporary and part-time; compliance penalties regarding the Affordable Health Care Act; and a cap on how much districts can keep as reserve for emergencies.

The district’s 2014/2015 expenses increased $14.3 million when compared to the 2007/2008 school year, but revenue has only increased by $2.1 million, or 1% when compared to the same period, Chen said. The District’s expenditures are outpacing the incoming revenues. Chen expects the district will continue its deficit spending trend if no action is taken to adjust its expenditures.

Chen said it is very costly to run a district as large as Chino Valley Unified because employee costs account for $9 out of every $10 in unrestricted dollars that the district spends. Costs for employee salaries and benefits average about $900,000 a day, and about $19 million a month.

The district does expect to get some one-time funding from Governor Jerry Brown this school year, amounting to about $600 per student based on 2014/2015 attendance. The funding is part of the Governor’s plan to pay back school districts what they were owed by the state for previous mandate

claims. The district has budgeted this funding for use in its continuous effort to implement Common Core state standards.

The district began the 2014/2015 school year with a $50.7 million balance. It had $209.8 million in revenue, but nearly $217.9 million in expenditures, an $8 million deficit. It ended the year with a $42.7 million balance. Of that, approximately $23.1 million is reserved for revolving cash, equity distribution to employees, economic uncertainties, and other costs, leaving an unappropriated amount of $19,560,793.

The district began the 2015/2016 fiscal year on July 1 with $42.7 million. Chen expects the district to take in $249.2 million in revenues, and spend $241.2 million. Included in the $249 million revenue is the one-time funds provided by the Governor for mandate claims settlements and implementation of Common Core state standards.

Following an independent audit this fall, the district will file its First Interim financial report with San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools in December.

Chino Valley School District Considers Bond

Investing in Our Schools and Community

 

Staff Reports

Chino– Chino Valley School District is seeking the public’s support and feedback to weigh in on a possible bond measure to fund capital improvement projects in 2016.

What is a school bond? What does this mean for you?

School bonds are a way for school districts to borrow money. Bonds are the only means through which districts can build schools. The bond, once approved by voters, may be supplemented by state matching dollars to help the district fund facilities needed. Bonds are paid off through property taxes, so when I vote for a bond, I’m voting for higher taxes on my property.

According to the Chino Valley district website, most of Chino’s local schools were built decades ago – with some built in the 1950s – and need basic health and safety improvements.

“As the District plans for the future, the participation of our school communities couldn’t be more important,” Superintendent Wayne M. Joseph said. “Understanding the priorities of each school community is essential in developing a shared vision for the future.”

The Chino Valley school district has already completed two rounds of public discussions.

The first round of Facilities Master Plan update meetings took place at 35 school sites over the summer and ushers in the community engagement and information gathering process to better understand local school needs and the community’s priorities for them.

The discussion centered on the following four categories:  Renovating existing buildings; completing work at schools to enhance or improve existing conditions; building something new at a school that currently does not exist; and incorporating new technology into classrooms and schools.

Some of the topics that participants raised were repairing schools that were 25-years-old or more under the state’s school modernization program, upgrading classrooms and equipment for career education programs, upgrading technology, adding security features to keep students and staff safe on our campuses, replacing portable buildings with permanent classrooms, and adding equipment that best suits the needs of 21st century classrooms.

“Whether it is investing in new technology, upgrading school-career education programs, improving classrooms, or making basic health and safety improvements at our schools, I would like to hear from our families and community members to help shape the future of our schools,” Joseph said.

An independent community survey of 400 voters in February shows residents feel Chino Valley schools provide a quality education but perceive schools to have a significant need for additional funding. The survey provides insight into community opinions and educational priorities for our schools.

More than two-thirds of respondents believe Chino Valley schools provide high-quality education to local students.

The second round of Facilities Master Plan update meetings with school staff and parents concluded in September. According to district officials, the survey was posted on the district website and handed out at back-to-school nights in September.

Further outreach will continue throughout the school year. During the summer, Superintendent Joseph met with business organizations, service clubs, senior citizen organizations, and a wide range of other community groups to exchange ideas.

“The community conversations will continue over the course of the year and will help to inform the Board of Education’s decision regarding a potential educational bond measure in November 2016,” Superintendent Joseph said. “We are focused on listening and gathering information before considering next steps.”

If a bond measure is place on the November 2016 ballot, the school board will need to make a decision by August 2016.

Chino Valley Fire Department Awarded Transparency Certificate of Excellence

Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

 

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District was awarded the District Transparency Certificate of Excellence by the Special District Leadership Foundation in recognition of good governance practices during its annual California Special Districts Association Conference. It is the second time the Fire District received this award.

The Fire District demonstrated compliance in eight essential governance transparency requirements, including conducting ethics training for all board members, properly conducting open and public meetings, and filing financial transactions and compensation reports to the State Controller in a timely manner.

“The Fire Board and District staff is to be commended for their commitment to being fully transparent, open and accessible to the public and all our stakeholders,” said Chino Valley Fire Chief Tim Shackelford.

The Fire District also fulfilled 15 website requirements, including providing readily available information to the public, such as board agendas, past minutes, current district budget, and the most recent financial audit.

Finally, the Fire District demonstrated outreach efforts to constituents that engage them in our governance through newsletters and other materials.

The Special District Leadership Foundation is a non-profit organization that was formed to promote good governance and best practices among California’s special districts through certification, accreditation and other recognition programs.

Chino Hills: Wahfles Gourmet Desserts, Sandwiches, and Coffee

Chino Valley Chamber Welcomes Newest Member

 

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Did someone say, “Waffles and coffee?” Yes, please! Chino Hills has been a little spoiled lately with the enticing Wahfles Gourmet Desserts, Sandwiches, and Coffee eatery, located at 5751 Pine Ave.
Wahfles Chino Hills has been serving up gourmet waffle sandwiches and specialty coffees for two years now but recently came under new ownership by Chino Hills residents, Anthony, Lorraine and son Jacob Abel. Wahfles Chino Hills serves a unique array of specialty and classic waffle desserts and sandwiches, a full espresso bar, shaken teas, special drinks, ice blended drinks and affogatos. Patrons can also create their own waffles and coffee drinks with very willing and able Wahfle Creators and experienced baristas.
So, whether you are catching up with friends, grabbing a quick bite for lunch or taking the family out for Sunday morning breakfast, Wahfles Chino Hills is a cozy, family-friendly spot ready to serve up some savory goodness any time of day.
Wahfles Chino Hills is open Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Fridays, 7 a.m. to 11 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
The Abel family is no stranger to the Chino Valley area. They have called Chino Hills their home for 18 years.  Lorraine currently teaches at the Alternative Education Center in the Chino Unified School District for independent study for high school students since 2011, though she has taught in the elementary division since 2003.  Anthony runs the restaurant full time alongside his son Jacob, 18, when he is not busy with college life.
The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce will officially welcome their newest members, Wahfles Gourmet Desserts, Sandwiches, and Coffee with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday, Oct. 7 at 3 p.m. Leave the toaster at home and join Chamber members, city officials, local elected officials and community members in welcoming the Abel family to the Chino Valley business community.

Chino Farmer’s Market At The Preserve

Image Courtesy: HealthyChino.com

Image Courtesy: HealthyChino.com

Staff Reports

Chino – The City of Chino and the Southland Farmer’s Market Association recently launched the Chino Farmers’ Market at the Preserve Community Center.  The Market features a variety of fruits and vegetables, hummus, breads, spices, freshly squeezed lemonade, and much more.

Approximately 400 to 500 visitors attended the Market on opening day, Aug. 8.

Interested patrons can visit this year-round Farmers’ Market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Preserve Community Center, located at 15800 Main Street in Chino.  Cash, credit cards, EBT, and WIC are accepted.  Visitors are encouraged to think green and bring reusable bags.

The Chino Farmers’ Market not only offer an opportunity for residents to eat healthy, but locals can get in a little exercise by walking or biking over to do their shopping.

For more information about the Chino Farmers’ Market at the Preserve, please contact (909) 334-3478, or visit www.healthychino.com.

Chino Armed Forces Banner Program

Order a banner for yourself or a loved one!

 

Courtesy of the City of Chino

Chino – The Armed Forces Banner Program was initiated by the City of Chino to honor and recognize Chino’s military personnel.

To quality, honorees must meet the following requirements:

  • Active duty military personnel of the United States Armed Forces; or
  • Inactive, but served in the United States Armed Forces from Oct. 7, 2001 to deactivation; and
  • Current Chino resident; or
  • Past resident with immediate family currently residing in Chino (immediate family includes wife/husband, son/daughter, grandson/granddaughter, son-in-law/daughter-in-law, aunt/uncle, or niece/nephew only).

As an ongoing program, applications are accepted year found.  Banners will be installed quarterly in January, May, September and November.  The timing of the banner installation and removal will be at the City’s discretion.  Banners may be displayed for a minimum of one year before retired and given to the honoree or the honoree’s family.

Please visit http://www.cityofchino.org/home/showdocument?id=10206 to access the application form, and submit it along with all necessary documentation via mail to:

 

City of Chino

Community Services Department

Armed Services Banner Program

P.O. Box 667

Chino, CA 91708-0667

 

For more information, please contact the Carolyn Owens Community Center at (909) 334-3256 or email communityservices@cityofchino.org.

Chino Valley Unified Students Become Fair Heroes

Courtesy of CVUSD

Chino Valley – Two Chino Valley Unified School District students have been named Young Adult Community Heroes for the Los Angeles County Fair, currently underway through Sept. 27, in Pomona.

Kayla Jones of Chino Hills High is the Chino Hills Young Adult Hero.  She was honored with Adult Community Hero, Laura Montegue, on Chino Hills Day at the Fair, Fri., Sept. 18.  Montegue is known for reuniting lost pets with their owners and finds homes for stray dogs.

Brianna Cabrera of Don Lugo High is the Chino Young Adult Hero.  She will be recognized with Adult Community Hero, Augustine Tapia, on Chino Day at the Fair on Wed., Sept. 23. Tapia served on the Chino Valley Unified School District Board of Education in from the mid-1970s through the early 1980s. He is currently president of the Chino Valley Historical Society.

Jones is a junior at Chino Hills High School, an honors student, and a participant in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) college preparation program. She is active in the Black Student Union, and competes in track and field at Chino Hills High. She is a member of the high school ministry at Inland Hills Church in Chino, and works with preschoolers as a children’s church volunteer leader. Jones also assists in the weekly bingo games at Chino American Legion Post 299, and has worked on fundraisers for the Chino Hills Dog Park Committee. She has adopted a trail for litter removal at Soquel Canyon Parkway and Pipeline Avenue, and participates in the Walk Against Human Trafficking and Relay for Life fundraising efforts for the American Cancer Society.   Jones plans to earn a master’s degree in gerontology and pursue a degree in law.

Cabrera attends Don Lugo High in Chino. She started a Best Buddies program chapter for Don Lugo during the 2014-15 school year. Best Buddies was founded in 1989 to help create friendships for students with intellectual disabilities. Cabrera is also a member of Don Lugo’s Associated Student Body leadership, and on the school’s varsity track team. She is raising a black Labrador Retriever puppy for Guide Dogs for the Blind. The dog, Quinn, is a regular at Don Lugo, where he is learning socialization skills. For the last ten years, Cabrera has been involved in gymnastics. She is in her third year as a cheerleader with CheerForce Orange County, where she is a member of the Level 4 team, Kryptonite, which won USA Nationals in March.

Photo Courtesy: CVUSD

Photo Courtesy: CVUSD
Kayla Jones and Brianna Cabrera

Photo Courtesy: CVUSD

Photo Courtesy: CVUSD

Chino Valley: Remax Top Producers

CV Chamber welcomes a new member

 

By Gel Delos Santos

Chino Valley – When you’re opening a new business in Chino or Chino Hills, one of the things that the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce does for you as a member is hold a ribbon cutting ceremony – with either the City Mayor or representatives from their office, as well as representatives from the District and Assembly offices – to wish you well and award you with a certificate of membership.  What an excellent way to let the community know about your company.

On Thurs., Aug. 27, the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce did the very same for Remax Top Producers, located at 13788 Roswell Ave., #167, in Chino.  It was a very well attended and well planned event, with a grand opening celebration held immediately after the ribbon cutting.

Christian and Jeanette Fuentes – a husband and wife owner/broker team – are quickly becoming quite an icon in the real estate industry.  The company started four years ago in Diamond Bar, with eight agents in a 2,000 square foot office building.  In just a short time, they grew to 72 agents in 9,000 square feet of space.  Two months ago they opened a second location in Chino with another 18 agents.  Their goal is to have a combined total of 120 agents this year.

Christian believes in sharing his 19 years of experience, knowledge and success with anyone he brings in

to his company.  He encourages all his agents to share with each other what works for them, no secrets.  If one is successful, the others should be too.  “Success is contagious” is Christian’s motto.

Christian and Jeanette have been blessed with two beautiful children, Alexandria, 5, and their son Liam, 2.  Christian believes in spending good quality time with family.  He tells his agents that they don’t have to be slaves to their business, but to have a good balance between family and work.

Furthermore, the Fuentes’ firmly believe in charity giving, and on Nov. 13, Remax Top Producers will hold a Charity Poker Tournament to benefit Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.  This is the company’s third year holding this event, successfully raising $18,000 in the first year, and $21,000 last year.  This year’s goal is to raise $25,000.

If you would like to know more about the Charity Poker Tournament, visit www.remaxTPcharityevent.com or contact Nayelli Soto at (909) 590-8853 or Christian Fuentes at (626) 625-9037.

The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce is proud to welcome Remax Top Producers to the Chino Valley community.

 

Chino Valley: Smooth Start To New School Year

Courtesy CVUSD

Chino Valley – Chino Valley Unified School District had one of its smoothest openings to the new school year, according to several people attending the Sept. 3 Board of Education meeting.

“He wanted to thank everyone for what he felt is the best start of the school year in a long time,” said Mary Hancock, speaking for her husband, Todd Hancock, president of the Associated Chino Teachers (ACT) union. “He also wanted to thank the director of special education for one of the best years for special education students.”

Hancock said her husband wanted to thank Superintendent Wayne M. Joseph for giving teachers additional preparation time for classes. Superintendent Joseph concurred with the ACT president’s assessment, saying the first week of school was smooth everywhere he went that week.

Denise Arroyo, president of the Classified School Employees Association, which represents bus drivers, secretaries and other school support staff, also said the school year opening “went quite smoothly.”

“There were some hiccups, phones and Internet not working on the first day,” she said, but overall praising staff for an easy beginning to the new school year.

Hidden Trails Elementary School Principal, Yvette Farley, president of CHAMP, the group that represents management employees in the District, said the start of school was very smooth. The principal said she was “pleasantly surprised to have an intervention counselor show up on the first day of school to see how students were doing.”

Identifying student behavior issues early is important, Farley said, so principals and teachers have time to discuss how they will deal with any problems.

“It has been a great start of school,” board trustee Sylvia Orozco told members of the school board audience. “I’m so happy to hear great things. As always, there were some bumps in the road, but have patience, they will be worked out.”

Board President Irene Hernandez-Blair said she did receive some emails about traffic problems and student dress code issues, but she said parents need to take responsibility for driving carefully and politely in school zones and making sure their children dress appropriately for school.

“The board revised the dress code and principals are doing all that they can,” she said.

Board of Education member Pamela Feix complimented all school district staff members for the smooth school opening. Just after the Aug. 24 opening of the school year, local educators and staff members reported a very quiet beginning. During that first day, students and parents were introduced to several new administrators and approximately 100 additional teachers.

Canyon Hills Junior High offered its new breakfast program, making it the latest of 24 schools in the Chino Valley Unified School District offering before-school nutrition. Kindergarten through 3rd Grade students returned to smaller class sizes as the District reduced its student to teacher ratio to 26 to 1. Several school facilities underwent construction improvements this summer, including roofing, exterior paint, energy-saving LED lighting, asphalt, and installation of drought-resistant landscaping.

Link Crews, composed of junior and senior high students, welcomed freshmen and pledged to be their buddies throughout the new school year. Chino High’s cheerleaders, waving pompoms and cheering, formed a welcome path for students as they entered the campus. The school’s student leaders held up welcome signs along the street as students arrived.

Ayala High senior, Shweta Shah, student representative to the school board, said a team of students at her school made “everyone feel welcome on campus.”

“Wow, what a positive beginning of the school year,” Chino Hills City Councilman Art Bennett exclaimed as he began his City report for the school board audience.