Category Archives: Chino

Rise of SUV Third Row Seat Thefts

Photo courtesy: Google

By Michael Armijo

Chino Valley – Local police departments have issued warnings of the rise in SUV third seat thefts and encourage residents to secure their property.

“You can use a cable and lock the seat up to the inside of the vehicle, never leave your vehicle unlocked, park your SUV inside the garage or backed up against the wall so the tailgate doesn’t open, or just remove the seat from the vehicle and store it in your garage or storage facility,” a press release urged residents to do to avoid being a victim.

Popular models that have quick release rear seats have been GM model SUV’s, including the Suburban, Tahoe, Yukon and Cadillac Escalades are primarily being targeted because of their price. The thefts are most commonly occurring in residential areas during the night.

“You can get anywhere from $300-$1200 per seat,” said John Ramos, an auto recycling specialist. “Most people buy them online no questions asked,” he said.

“Please safeguard your vehicle by using the prevention tips provided and report any suspicious activity to Chino PD at (909) 628-1234,” said the Chino Police Department. For Chino Hills you can call (909) 364-2000.

Police Department Issues New Address

Staff Reports

Chino –Effective immediately, the Chino Police Department’s official street address has changed from 5450 Walnut Avenue to 5450 Guardian Way, although they never physically moved.

Since 2012, the area surrounding the Chino Police Department facility has experienced several new developments, which includes, the naming of the road directly in front of the police station, as a new street: Guardian Way. So the building faces Walnut Avenue but is inset, with a small street in front. This small street in front, parallel to Walnut Avenue, is now Guardian Way.

Additionally, the Police Department is no longer visible from the adjacent main streets nor physically located on Walnut Avenue. Therefore, the change is necessary.

“We are excited about our new Guardian Way address,” states Chief Karen Comstock. “Not only will the change more accurately reflect our geographic location, but it is also symbolic of our mission to be ‘Guardians’ of the city we proudly serve.”

The address change will be reflected on all police correspondence, traditional and electronic mail, forms and website. As the police department transitions, over the next several months, it is imperative that the community is informed of the change.

Please be aware that the new address may not be immediately reflected on online maps and app.

Looks Like It’s NO On Measure H

By Michael Armijo

 

Chino – Chino has spoken and their voice was heard. NO on H won, so this means there will be no zone changes for the proposed property and general plan.
Yesterday, Tuesday, July 11, a special election was held for the city of Chino registered voters to vote on Measure H, which would have amended the general plan the Chino Municipal Code. But it did not pass so no amendment will happen.
The Special Election was held to submit Measure H to voters within the City of Chino. Voters decided whether to amend the Chino General Plan and the Chino Municipal Code. The Registrar of Voters of the County of San Bernardino conducted the special election and canvassed the returns for Measure H.
“It has been defeated,”  Cyn Geithman Sielen, a volunteer on the No On H Committee, Protect Chino. “It was a team effort and we all worked hard to preserve our community.”
The Ballot Question was: 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 would’ve been built if passed July 11. Developer D.R. Horton planned to build 180 homes in north Chino if the special election ballot had passed.
There was both an opposition and a proposition to this ballot in and around the surrounding neighborhoods. If approved, the measure stipulated that 20 acres of rural land south of Francis Avenue would’ve been rezoned. In place of rural space would’ve been 12 single-family homes, 87 detached single-family homes, and 73 condos.
The two groups, those opposing Measure H which had organized a committee “PROTECT CHINO” and the supporting Measure H called “Support Chino Jobs and Schools, Yes, on Measure H,” had 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.
“Thank you for all your hard work!!” said Kristi Schwartz, an avid supporter of the NO movement said on social media this morning.
“Thank you, Laura, for being involved in this amazing effort,” said Chino Mayor Eunice Ulla in the same thread.
The property owners of the rural land are long-time Chino residents, and state that this development would’ve been 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. Unfortunately, it was only 25% of the vote and just wasn’t enough.
“This just goes to show your vote DOES count,” added Daniel and Brenda Strong.

#measureh #chino #noonh #noonmeasureh #chinodevelopmen

 

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.

Two Men Injured in Gun Accident at Prado Olympic Shooting Park in Chino

Staff Reports

 

Chino – After a gun was accidentally discharged, a man in his 30s was shot in the hip at Prado Olympic Shooting Range Park, according to a Chino Valley Fire District news release.

Firefighters responded at 1:13 p.m. to a report of an accidental discharge at the range, the release stated. One man in his 30s had been shot in the hip and a second man, also in his 30s, had suffered an ankle injury. The first patient was airlifted to Loma Linda University Medical Center in stable condition while the second patient declined further medical treatment, according to the release.

There were no immediate details released on the shooting, such as accidental, intentional, or if anyone was cited or arrested. A call to the Chino Police Department was not returned before press time.

Prado Olympic Shooting Park was the former site in the 1984 Olympic Games and is considered a premier facility.

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)

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

Memorializing A Veteran Of The Vietnam War

Photo courtesy: R. Andrade
Robert Andrade upon entry into Hospital Corps School at Balboa Naval Hospita, San Diego.

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino, CA – Memorial Day was on May 29, and there is none better than Robert Andrade of Ontario, California to remind us of just how significant our veterans are.

Memorial Day honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, particularly those who gave their lives.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

As a hospital corpsman, Robert Andrade served actively in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967, saving countless lives, and also bearing witness to many deaths. The widely unpopular Vietnam War was a long conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies (Viet Cong), against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States against the backdrop of the Cold War.

Born April 19, 1947 in East Los Angeles, Robert was 17 years old when he entered the military, and had just turned 18 when he entered Vietnam. There were many 18-20 year old boys who served alongside him. As a camp officer at the Balboa Naval School, Robert learned he was “one of many.” He was assigned to the Marines and trained as a medic.

Robert entered Vietnam in 1966 in his battalion knowing he would go directly into the line of fire in his duty to save lives. He was first sent up to the DMZ – the “demilitarized zone” of the border of South and North Vietnam.

“We were in the jungles. We were in monsoon season. We saw tiger tracks….so not only were we fighting the North Vietnamese Army, but we were being tracked by tigers,” Robert recalled. There were many casualties.

As a Hospital Corpsman, Robert stated, everyone on his team was interdependent on one another: “We had a true band of brothers,” he noted, “and many of the guys didn’t make it back.”

Photo courtesy: R. Andrade
Robert Andrade at Camp Carroll, Highway 1 DMZ, Vietnam.

In one case, Robert remembers a good friend of his – just 4 days from being flown home – being sent out on a two week operation. This young African American soldier named Nelson Queen, who Robert called, “one the gentlest spirits I have ever known” died in a firefight that week.

Robert remembers those soldiers who had wives and children they had never even held dying in combat. Two men who had been born in the same small town in Texas were close to their returning date and had plans to reunite at a local cantina back in the States; both were killed by the same mortar.

Memories from war are scarring and graphic. Robert stated, “When someone is shot, they don’t fall over like in the movies. They just drop like a marionette when the strings are cut.” It is brutal.

As a medic, Robert would go up to the injured and discover where they were hit. “One thing I’m most proud of, if anything,” Robert declared,” was my contribution as a medical professional, that I was able to keep them alive until the Med Evacuation arrived by helicopter.” He then recounted how they as medics were often forced to push and even throw the injured soldiers into the helicopter with their wounds.

“The helicopter pilots were never given enough recognition for their bravery,” he stated. They went straight into the line of fire. “I never got to say thank you to those pilots,” he continued.

Every person “in country” (in Vietnam) possessed a responsibility to protect one another, to help one another. The helicopters would land and Robert and his group of hospital corpsmen would jump out; the helicopters would return during and after the firefights.

“The experience in Vietnam was true democracy – nobody was better than anyone else. We were all a living organism that supported each others’ various parts.”

According to Robert, there is no truer saying than that depicted at the Veteran’s Hospital: “All gave some, and some gave all.”

Upon returning to the United States, Robert and all who served in the war were treated with a great deal of anger and contempt from American society at large. Vietnam was not a popular war. They suffered from PTSD and were helped by the Veteran’s Association, but images and experiences had burned scars into their memories. Later on at UCLA, Robert would join the protests against the war, knowing just what occurred there.

“No one should ever have to experience war,” he stated. “I see Afghanistan and Syria at war, and it hurts so much to see the children of war who have done nothing to deserve what’s happening to them in their lives. The politicians have never put the welfare of the children in front their goals.”

Robert agrees with the saying that old men send young men to fight wars. He concluded his interview with the following statement:

“This Memorial Day, I go quietly through the day. Not that I am ashamed…It is only that I feel the pain of those family members who lost loved ones. I am reminded that death is about the living. I have visited Washington D.C. and stood before the Vietnam wall and openly cried. I have seen the traveling wall in La Habra, where my grandson held me as a cried. I pray he never has to go through anything I’ve gone through”

“War is unforgiving. And war is unnecessary.”

***More than 3 million people (including 58,000 Americans) were killed in the Vietnam War; more than half were Vietnamese civilians. By 1969, at the peak of U.S. involvement in the war, more than 500,000 U.S. military personnel were involved in the Vietnam conflict.***

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.”

 

 

“Protect Chino” Launches Prop H Campaign

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino, CA – There is a grass-roots group – “Protect Chino No on H” – campaigning against 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 vehement opposition 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.

May 20 there will be a community meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. at Wolfinbarger landscape store, 5675 Francis Avenue, in Chino, for those opposing Measure H.

In response to this group, property owners of the rural land have organized a committee called “Support Chino Jobs and Schools, Yes, on Measure H.”

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.

Special ballot is to occur on July 11 of this year.

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.

 

Historic Planes of Fame Airshow Being Sued for “Obstruction” of Businesses

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino – A lawsuit recently filed is seeking to stop the historic airshow held annually at the Planes of Fame Air Museum. The air show is scheduled to take place on May 6 and 7 at Chino Airport.

The suit alleges that the event “obstructs and impedes” other tenants’ business operations, thus violating the licensing conditions of the event itself. The lawsuit is seeking unspecified damages and the hearing is scheduled April 20 in San Bernardino County Superior Court.

Harry T. Geier, director of marketing and development at Planes of Fame, remarked, “As we await the judge’s decision on April 20th, we are going forward with preparations and looking forward to the show.”

Planes of Fame is a nonprofit organization led by Steve Hinton, a warbird devotee and former champion air-racer. The organization has submitted an online appeal for supporters to help save the 25th annual air show of this historic landmark.

The online petition had gathered 14,670 voters by April 12 out of a desired 15,000, exhibiting a strong desire for the continuation of the show. On the petition website, the organization stated that the air show, “serves as the primary fundraising effort for the Planes of Fame Air Museum…[It] helps us to carry on our mission to preserve aviation history, inspire an interest in aviation, education of the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans.”

On April 2, the law firm Borchard & Callahan announced the lawsuit on behalf of several airport tenants, including Zangeneh Aeronautics, Socal MRO, Flying Tigers Aviation, Yanks Air Museum, and AFT Center. All businesses allege that the losses over the 9-day period of set-up, event, and take down for the airshow are significant.

Nonetheless, Geier noted, the museum is still selling tickets online, but, he stated, “if the airshow is cancelled due to decision, we will refund all of the tickets bought in advance on our website.”

Up to this point, all of the acts for the historic airshow have already been scheduled.

“The volunteers and workers are committed and the airshow performers are looking forward to participating and supporting the air show on May 6 and 7,” declared director Geier optimistically. With much public support rallying behind them, Planes of Fame staff and community family hope to celebrate the sixtieth anniversary of the museum with another successful airshow.

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.