Category Archives: Chino

2 Die and 4 Injured in Church Parking Lot Accident

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino – A man driving a sports utility vehicle (SUV) struck six people in a church parking lot on Sunday, April 9, killing two and injuring four. Police say it was not terrorist-related.

The crash occurred at 7 p.m. in the parking lot of East Sarang Community Church, locate at 5540 Schaefer Avenue in Chino, CA. After an event held at the church, the senior male driver of the charcoal gray SUV reversed too forcibly when backing out, going over a curb and striking six pedestrians.

All six victims were women, and two were killed immediately upon impact. The other four were seriously injured, but with non-life threatening injuries. The driver and his passenger also sustained non-serious injuries, per the police, and were transported to the hospital as well.

“We do not believe that any alcohol or drugs played a part in this collision,” stated Lt. Kevin Mensen of Chino PD. The investigation is ongoing.

All six female victims were attending the event at the church, but were not members.

Police do not believe the crash to be intentional, but there is no immediate cause for the crash at this time.

Kevin Mensen stated of the driver, “We don’t know what his coherentness was. We don’t know what caused [his sudden acceleration], whether his age or anything else.”

The names of the person involved have yet to be released.

Eastvale Families Sue For Crash On Pine; City Allocates $250,000 For Defense

By Michael Armijo

Chino –The City of Chino has allocated $250,000 to defend itself from a lawsuit for a fiery crash on Pine Avenue that occurred in Oct. of 2014.

The accident, which took place on the 7600 block of Pine Avenue near the California Institute for Women near the Meadow Square Apartments, took the lives of three teenagers who lived in the neighboring city of Eastvale.

The families of the three people killed filed the suit in Dec. 2015 citing that the city allowed dangerous conditions on Pine Avenue that resulted in the crash. Of the many allegations, the families claimed the city failed to warn drivers of the dangerous conditions and failed to maintain a safe shoulder or clear zone near the curve.

The first $100,000 was authorized by in June last year. The additional $150,000 was approved last month. According to local reports the funds will be used to create a defense for the rest of the year.

The suit filed by the families did not ask for a specific amount for damages for the deaths of Andrew Deleon, Alex Horta, and Nathan Dominguez, all 19 years of age from Eastvale. The three were in a 2000 Chevy pickup traveling westbound on Pine when it crossed into oncoming traffic and collided with a 2013 Honda Accord traveling the opposite way.

Chino 99 Cent Store Applies For Alcohol License

99Store

By Michael Armijo

Chino – Those of you who have visited the “Smart and Final” shopping center on Central Avenue and Philadelphia may have noticed a new sign in the window of the “99 Cents Store”: “Application to Sell Alcoholic Beverages”.

It’s a growing trend around the state, and nearby states, as Tempe Arizona approved a liquor license. But not so fast here in southern California, as the Chula Vista 99 Cent store’s application was rejected. Two more licenses were sought after, one rejected and one granted. The Lake Forest 99 Cent store may sell beer and wine only, but not at the Foothill Ranch store on Towne Centre Drive, a city commission has decided.

Requests made by the stores in January for waivers that would allow them to sell alcoholic beverages to customers were denied in this month by Development Services Director Gayle Ackerman. Such waivers are an option for businesses in tracts deemed “saturated” by the ABC, which makes such determinations based on population.

99 Cent Only store in Chula Vista  was rejected by the community and subsequently the Chula Vista Police Department.

Applications to the Department of the Alcoholic Beverage Control for certain alcohol licenses in census tracts with an oversaturation of licenses or high crime rates (over 120 percent), require an investigation by law enforcement to determine if the business would be a necessity or convenience to the community.

Chula Vista police Det. Jesse Vicente, who oversees these types of licenses, said Friday his team rejected the request to sell alcohol at the Third Avenue and Moss Street location because it didn’t meet criteria to be deemed necessary or convenient to the public.

“We want to be a convenient store,” said Manuel Becerra, district manager for 99 Cents Only according to the San Diego Tribune. “You come to the store and you find everything you need.”

Wine is sold at a discount, but more than a dollar, at 99 Cents Only stores because they buy in bulk, a 99 Cent spokesperson said. The chain has been expanding beer and wine sales across the country.

The 99 Cents Only stores began selling beer and wine in 1983, shortly after the first store opened, spokeswoman Sarah Correa said. While one Mesa store obtained a liquor license in 2000 and another surrendered its license about a decade ago, the rest of the approximately 20 stores that applied for licenses did so this year, according to Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control data.

Dollar stores may have a challenge that other retailers that sell alcohol do not because they often are neighborhood stores, he said. Some communities have resisted the addition of alcohol to dollar-store shelves, according to news reports.

“The application to sell beer and wine is in progress, but not yet approved,” said Martha, a Chino 99 Cent Store employee. “But the one in Pomona currently sells alcohol, you can go there to purchase,” she added. For more information, or to provide input, contact the Riverside ABC District Office at 951.782.4400, or write to them at 3737 Main Street Suite 900, Riverside CA 92501.

99sign

Chino Teen Undergoes Heart Transplant

By Michael Armijo

Chino – A 16-year old sophomore cheerleader at Chino Hills High School underwent a heart transplant last Sunday after a month of hospitalization after her condition took a turn for the worse.

Lexi Anderson, who lives in Chino, has been waiting for her new heart, is at Loma Linda Medical Center recovering from surgery.

“The most important thing is our daughter’s alive,” Lexi’s father Todd Anderson told CBS2 Sunday night.

“We are feeling overjoyed, this is a day that’s been long coming,” he added.

Her health battle received a great deal of attention last month when her classmate, Lamello Ball, scored 92 points in a Chino Hills High School basketball game Feb. 7, and dedicated his performance to her.

The surgery, which lasted 12 hours, was considered a success after the family was informed Sunday afternoon that a heart donor match had been found. She went into surgery at 9 pm Sunday night and came out Monday morning at 11 am.

“March 6th will forever be an important date in the life of our family, and in the life of Alexis. It has been a good day, and for the first time in over a month we have more certainty of a future life with Alexis,” father Todd Anderson wrote on the GoFundMe online fundraising page, set up to help with medical costs. Agape Miracles Org posted Anderson’s comments on his behalf.

Todd Anderson’s posted that Lexi’s new heart began beating after the surgery, but there were some complications with bleeding. Surgeons kept her in the operating room for an additional six hours to manage the blood loss. For now, Lexi is being given her blood transfusions to deal with the loss.

The donor match came as she had a difficult Saturday and had to be shocked seven times over the course of the day, Todd Anderson wrote.

According to a Facebook post from her father, Todd Anderson first discovered his daughter not breathing Feb. 3. Her parents performed CPR until paramedics could take over. She was revived and rushed to the emergency room with a rare heart condition that put her on the transplant list.

An ECMO machine, which pumps and oxygenates a patient’s blood, kept Lexi alive while the family waited. She had emergency surgery Feb. 7, right before Chino Hills basketball player Ball scored 92 points in a game against Los Osos High, sparking lively debate online and sports talk shows about the all-offense showing. Afterward, the sophomore and UCLA commit said he dedicated the game to Lexi, according to local reports. “92 points #love4lexi,” Ball tweeted.

Doctors planned to lessen Lexi’s reliance on a breathing tube Tuesday, which will mark the beginning to a long recovery process, Todd Anderson wrote. He also noted that she’s been in ICU for over a month and will face physical therapy and rehabilitation.

As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe page has brought in more than $77,774 for the family to assist in their medical costs. According to the GoFundMe account, the family is trying to raise $500,000 to cover medical bills.

“Since the moment it first started beating at 3:50 am on Monday, March 6th, Lexi’s new heart has beat approximately 440,640 times.,” wrote Anderson on Lexi’s Facebook account. “We are thankful for each and every contraction.”

“Another momentous thing happened today. Lexi sat up! She had her first dose of physical therapy today, and the main objective for today was to sit Lexi upright. This was done with assistance from the physical therapist, and Lexi sat upright for about 10 minutes. This was a big accomplishment that left Lexi feeling exhausted. She has been lying in a hospital bed for over one month,” added Anderson.

The Andersons attribute their success to God and their faith in Jesus.

“In the book of James, James completes this thought, and describes life as a vapor. Life without God is a dangerous game…an endless ‘chasing after the wind.’ He concludes that we need to bring God into our planning, and let Him have ultimate control. ‘Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ (James 4:13-15)” Anderson wrote.

City of Chino Hills- Annual Tow Service Selection

By CHPD

The Chino Hills Police Department is beginning its annual selection process for the 2017-2018 rotation tow list. The station will be accepting applications during its open enrollment period of March 1 through March 31, 2017. No late applications will be accepted. If your application is accepted, a vehicle and facility inspection will be conducted during the month of May. If your company is selected as a rotation tow, the agreement will begin July 1, 2017.
Applications are available online at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s website under “General Info”. The application can be found towards the end of the Tow Service Agreement (TSA). Please refer to the TSA to answer any questions regarding the agreement.

For any additional questions, please contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

LA Gang Members arrested in Chino Hills

By SBSD 2la22la

 

Deputies were conducting extra patrol in the city of Chino Hills when they observed a vehicle driving slowly through a residential neighborhood. The vehicle was a close match to a vehicle that was captured by a burglary victim’s video surveillance system. Deputies attempted to conduct a traffic stop on the vehicle, but the driver fled. The vehicle lead deputies on a short pursuit before finally yielding on the off-ramp at the 71 and Pine Ave. The two occupants were later identified as Kristian Looney and Devon Jackson. During a search of the vehicle and the suspects, deputies located evidence consistently used for residential burglaries. Additionally, both suspects have membership or affiliation with a criminal street gang out of Los Angeles.
Looney and Jackson were subsequently arrested for burglary, and conspiracy to commit burglary and were booked at the West Valley Detention Center.
The suspects booking photos are being released as deputies believe they may have been involved in other burglaries. Anyone with additional information is urged to call Deputy Brenes at the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1 (800) 78-CRIME.

Murder Suspect in Custody

By City of Chino

Suspect in custody, after fatally shooting two victims following a dispute, late Saturday morning, January 28, 2017.

At approximately 11:38 a.m. officers responded to a report of a shooting that occurred at a mobile home community located at 5925 Riverside Drive. Upon arrival, two male adult victims were discovered with fatal gunshot wounds. The suspect, who was known to the victims, fled in a silver Toyota truck prior to officer’s arrival.

The suspect, identified as Jose Montgomery – age 53 of Chino, was located approximately 45 minutes later by Ontario PD at Jurupa Street and Toyota Way in the City of Ontario. He was taken into custody then transported to Chino PD before being booked at the West Valley Detention Center on 2 counts of murder.

Eastbound Riverside Drive between Oaks Avenue and Ross Avenue remains closed while investigators process the scene.

The victims’ names are being withheld pending identification and next of kin notifications by the San Bernardino County Sheriff Coroners.

The investigation is ongoing; anyone with information is asked to contact Chino PD at (909) 628-1234.

 

Rain Storm, Closed Roads, and School Canceled

Staff Reports 16195221_10210427059945178_4289949113097798031_n

Chino- This past weekend’s rain storm was something we haven’t seen in a long time! Hail came in covering the streets looking like snow. The amount of rain caused many streets to flood, school closed, as well as the City of Chino urging residents to shelter in place.

On January 22, the Cal Aero Preserve sent a message to the parents stating, “Out of an abundance of caution, Superintendent Wayne M. Joseph has determined, in conversation with the City of Chino and the Chino Police Department, to cancel classes at Cal Aero Preserve Academy on Monday, January 23, 2017. Classes will resume on Tuesday, January 24, 2017.”

The City of Chino Police Department posted a Community Emergency alert that stated, “Due to excessive flooding in the region, we are urging residents to shelter in place until further notice. The National Weather Service has forecasted continuous rainfall and flooding throughout the evening and into the morning in San Bernardino County. Specifically in Chino, there are limited routes through The Preserve area. Our neighboring communities are also experiencing flooding and have roads closed as well. Please be advised, it is best to remain in place and avoid all roads. City crews are monitoring 24/7 and will notify you when the roads are safe to travel. Emergency personnel are already staged inside The Preserve and are available to respond to any incidents in the area. Additionally, public safety personnel have emergency vehicles that allow them to access any closed roadways.”

It has been reported that the City Of Chino has plans to improve road conditions but they will not use tax payer’s money for future road improvements which has been made clear to developers.

The Community Emergency alert was lifted on January 23, Monday morning at 6 a.m. The City of Chino Police Department saying, “Thank you for your cooperation and patience during the latest storm series.”

The City of Eastvale also participated in helping with an updated list of road closures in the area, as well as the surrounding areas that citizens use to drive through the community. Refer to your cities website for updated road closures and detour map options for your daily commute.

 

Deputies Arrest Four Suspects for Multiple Residential Burglaries in Chino Hills

By Chino Hills Sheriff
On January 10, 2017, deputies from the Chino Hills Station responded to a residential burglary in progress located in the 2400 block of White Dove Lane in Chino Hills. Deputies observed three black males running from the scene. After a short foot pursuit, all three suspects were apprehended and identified as, Armani Young, Daquione Hardy and Max Macias. Deputies also observed the suspect vehicle, being driven by a black male, fleeing from the scene. Deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the same area and contacted the driver, later identified as Shawn Hernandez. During the investigation, evidence and stolen property, including a stolen firearm, were located in the vehicle connecting them to three separate residential burglaries in Chino Hills. All four suspects were arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for multiple felony charges.
Suspect(s): Shawn Hernandez, 24 Years old, Resident of Los Angeles
Armani Young, 18 Years old, Resident of Los Angeles
Daquione Hardy, 22 Years Old, Resident of Los Angeles
Max Macias, 21 Years Old, Resident of Fontana
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy J. Brenes, Deputy J. Vega, or Detective Q. Holiday at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station
14077 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, Ca. 91709

 

Next Steps: Measure G

By CVUSD

Now that the results of Chino Valley Unified School District’s Measure G have been certified, activity has begun to kick off the $750 million bond program. The most common question is when will the community see something built or go up or change as a result of Measure G’s passage.

“That should become clearer over the next few weeks as a series of meetings and Board of Education study sessions begin,” said Superintendent Wayne M. Joseph. “Make no mistake about it, we are excited to embark upon this process and as anxious as the rest of the community to see a Measure G project begin.”

The Board of Education will meet in special session on Thursday, January 12, 2017, to approve the formation of the Citizens Oversight Committee. The meeting will take place in the Board room and is open to the public.

Once the Board has established the formation of the Citizens Oversight Committee, the application process will begin. Beginning January 13, 2017, interested residents can complete an application for consideration of appointment to the Oversight Committee. The Oversight Committee is governed by state law and members are to be appointed within 60 days after the election results were adopted by the Board, or no later than the first Board meeting in February (February 2, 2017).

The purpose of the Oversight Committee is to review and report to the public on the bond expenditures, advise the public as to the District’s compliance with Prop. 39, and ensure that no bond funds are spent on teacher salaries or District operating expenses. Additionally, the Committee receives and reviews annual financial audits.

The Oversight Committee consists of a minimum of seven members including representatives from the following: business organization, taxpayer group, senior group, parent of a student in the District, and parent involved in parent-teacher organization.

Applications will be available from January 13 to January 25, 2017, on the District website: www.chino.k12.ca.us or in the Superintendent’s Office between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

On January 19, 2017, Robert Barna, Managing Director of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, will provide a presentation on the bond sale process at the Board of Education meeting. Stifel, investment advisors, also partnered with the District throughout Measure M, the previous bond program. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the District Board room and is open to the public.

One week later, the Board of Education will hold a budget study session to begin to plan and prioritize projects.

“The goal of the study session is to begin the prioritization process and build a timeline for projects,” said Greg Stachura, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, Planning and Operations.

The study session will begin at 5:30 p.m. on January 26, 2017, in the District Board room and is open to the public.

On February 2, 2017, at the Board of Education meeting, the Board is expected to appoint the members of the Citizens Oversight Committee. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the District Board Room and is open to the public.

In addition to Board action, the Facilities, Planning and Operations Division is preparing budgets and working with other state agencies to ensure the District can obtain matching funds for eligible projects.

In the first 180 days, the Facilities Division will also oversee the hiring of consultants such as architects, CEQA experts, bond program manager & construction manager. Additionally, it will review other professional services contracts and construction contracts for various delivery methods.

Opportunities for the community to be involved in the process are available through meeting attendance or watching replays of meetings and study sessions on You Tube and/or applying for a position on the Oversight Committee. There will be opportunities for continued community involvement once projects enter the planning stages. Students, parents, community members and school personnel will be invited to learn about those opportunities as school project planning begins.

“The District engaged the community for one and a half years to learn about their priorities and expectations for our schools,” Mr. Joseph said. “The valuable contributions from our meetings helped shape the project list that will be before the Board for prioritization later this month.”

Mr. Joseph added, “We hope that community members – students, parents, staff, neighbors, business and civic leaders who care about the future of the Chino Valley, its schools and the success of its students – will join us on this journey.”

KEY DATES

Board of Education Meetings:

January 12 at 5:00 p.m. – Special Meeting of the Board of Education
• Creation of Citizens Oversight Committee

January 19 at 7:00 p.m. – Meeting of the Board of Education
• Bond presentation by Robert Barna

January 26 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Education Study Session On Measure G
• Study session on bonds from election to sale

February 2 at 7:00 p.m. – Board of Education Meeting
• Appointment of Citizens Oversight Committee members

 

Chino Hills – Fatal Traffic Collision

By City of Chino Hills

On Saturday, January 7, 2017, at about 2:07, Contreras was driving west on Chino Hills Parkway with two passengers inside his 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. Once through the intersection of Ramona Avenue, the Tahoe crossed the double yellow line and continued west onto a raised concrete center median. The Tahoe continued west on the median for about 230 feet with no physical evidence of breaking. The front of the Tahoe collided into a traffic signal pole at the intersection of SR 71 northbound on-ramp. The impact resulted in the death of the front passenger, and non-life threatening injuries to the rear passenger and Contreras who were transported to local hospitals.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has additional information regarding this collision is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or the website at www.wetip.com

Chino Hills Man Attempted Murder of U.S. Diplomat in Mexico

BY USAO

Chino Hills – Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, California, made his initial appearance on January 10, after being charged with the attempted murder of a diplomat stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico.

According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, Zafar disguised himself and followed a Vice Consul of the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara through a parking garage to his vehicle. After the Vice Consul got into his car and drove towards the garage exit, Zafar allegedly shot him once in the chest and fled. The Vice Consul was taken to a local hospital, where he currently remains. Zafar was subsequently detained by Mexican authorities.

Zafar was deported from Mexico on January 9, arriving in the United States. He was immediately arrested and charged with attempted murder of an internationally protected person. Zafar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the government of Mexico, to include the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Procuraduria General de la Republica, Fiscalia del Estado de Jalisco and Instituto Nacional de Migracion for their extraordinary efforts, support and professionalism in responding to this incident.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Leslie R. Caldwell, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; and Bill A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), made the announcement after Zafar’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Sloan, and Trial Attorney Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.

The FBI and DSS are investigating the case in close cooperation with Mexican authorities and with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, DEA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

 

4 Arrested after DUI Checkpoint

By City of Chinodui-police-checkpoint-sign

Chino Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, December 16, 2016 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes.  Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 1,155 deaths and over 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Over the course of the past three years officers have investigated 60 DUI collisions which have claimed 0 lives, but resulted in 79 injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

  • 1,092 vehicles screened
  • 4 DUI suspects arrested
  • 14 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
  • 9 other citations issued
  • 7 vehicles impounded/stored

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Chino Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

Helping Out For The Holidays

cvusdBy CVUSD

Butterfield Ranch Elementary School in Chino Hills took to heart the motto that it is “better to give than receive” during its annual Night of Giving on Dec. 14.
Students, staff and parents collected new toys for distribution by the Chino Valley Fire Department, collected items for families in need that are served by Chino Valley Unified School District’s HOPE centers, collected blankets and pet toys for homeless animals in shelters, filled a firefighter’s boot with money to help burn victims, and collected change to “change someone’s holiday.”
The students also made cards for children who are in the hospital during the holidays. The evening event also included a visit from Santa Claus and Chino Valley firefighters.

City Facilities & Library Closed Christmas & New Years

By City of Chino Hillschino-pd-edited

Chino Hills– The City of Chino Hills City Hall and City Yard will be closed for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, from Friday, December 23rd through Monday, January 2nd. The Chino Hills Community Center and McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center will be closed December 23rd, 24th, 25th, 30th, 31st, January 1st and 2nd. From December 27th to the 29th, the Chino Hills Community Center will be open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and the McCoy Equestrian Center will be open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Trash pickup will be delayed one day during the week after December 26th and January 2nd. Customers who require a new water service account or wish to close a water service account between Friday, December 23rd and Monday, January 2nd when City Hall is closed, will need to call (909) 364- 2860 to make arrangements with “on-call” staff. During the closure, the City will not process delinquent utility bill notices, nor will they “lock-off” water service. Customers are encouraged to pay due utility bills during or before the closure to avoid a longer wait time at the counter or on the phone, and/or to avoid having their water service “locked-off” until after the holidays when normal business hours resume on January 3rd. Customers may make payments during the above closure dates by mail using the return envelope provided, by dropping it off at the payment box in the Government Center parking lot adjacent to the Library, by paying online via http://www.chinohills.org/BillPay, or by using their bank’s online payment system. Staff will be available “on-call” to respond to emergencies just as they are on other holidays and on weekends. Please call (909) 364-2860 to report after-hours emergencies.

Chino Hills Street Stop Sign Misspelled

By Michael Armijostpo

Chino hills- A street stop sign on Peyton Drive in Chino Hills was misspelled this week with the letters “STPO” instead of “STOP” CBS channel 2 reported.
Crystal Cruz, a CBS reporter, is seen showing the misspelling and the neighbors aren’t happy.
“They should’ve just looked up and saw the stop sign to spell check” one resident said sarcastically on social media. Others were also extremely critical.
“The city said they’d go out and fix the embarrassing misspelling today” a spokesperson said.

Boy dies 6 days after 5th Birthday

Staff Reports

CHINO- On December 11,  the Chino Police Department Officers responded to a report of a traffic collision between a vehicle and a child in the 12700 block of Oaks Avenue.  Once they arrived, officers and paramedics found a 5 year old boy suffering from severe trauma.  Paramedics transported the boy to a local hospital where he succumbed to his injuries.  The boy resided on Oaks Avenue, the street where the collision occurred.

The Chino PD stated, “The driver of the vehicle is an 18 year old male from Chino, California.  He remained at the scene and has cooperated with the investigation. It is not believed that alcohol or drugs played a part in the collision.”

fold-image-web The roadway remained closed while members of the Traffic Unit conducted their investigation.

The collision is still under investigation and anyone with information, especially anyone who witnessed the collision, is asked to call the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

A go fund me account has been set up and if you wish to donate to the family, you may visit https://www.gofundme.com/33mu1rs

The following is the message has been posted on go fund me account from the family: On December 5th we celebrated our son Stevens 5th birthday. It was a day filled with laughter, joy and love surrounded by family. Six short days later, tragedy has fallen upon our home, and in an unexpected lost we must say goodbye to our beautiful child.
This account is being set up to help ease the financial burden of this sudden unexpected loss. The date and time of the services will be posted as soon as they are finalized. Thank you in advance for your donations and outpouring of love and support. Your continuance prayers and support are much appreciated. God Bless.

New Ladder Truck Goes Into Service

dsc_4071BY CVFD

The Chino Valley Fire District recently placed into service a new ladder truck that will serve the Chino Valley for well over a decade.

The 2016 Rosenbauer aerial ladder truck is housed at Fire Station 61 on Schaefer Avenue in Chino. It has multiple built-in features that enhance the safety and effectiveness of our personnel responding to calls for help.

The new piece of apparatus also features Green Star Technology. A built-in generator will kick on when the apparatus’ parking brake is set and has been idling for three minutes. This feature will save fuel, lower emissions, reduce maintenance cost and extends the lifespan of the apparatus.

The new truck is equipped with vital rescue equipment that includes the Jaws of Life to extricate victims that become trapped after a traffic collision, advanced life support equipment for paramedic services, ventilation and forcible entry tools for structure fires, and many other firefighting tools.

The previous ladder truck that has served the Chino Valley for 12 years will now serve as the reserve truck, retiring the District’s current reserve truck that is 22 years old.

Chino residents arrested for Identity Theft

Staff Reports  suspect-1

Chino- On December 7, two City of Chino residents were arrested after the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department compiled a comprehensive investigation that which produced several search warrants, identified countless victims of identity theft, cleared several vehicle burglaries that occurred in Rancho Cucamonga.

 

The two suspects were identified as William Hernandez, 41-years-old, and Stephanie Romesuspect2ro, 33-years-old who were both residents of Chino.

 

Deputy Torres of the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department began her investigation after reports of several vehicle burglaries were happening in the parking lots of the Rancho Cucamonga 24 Hour Fitness.  The team of deputies and Deputy Torres were assigned to the Victoria Gardens Retail Theft Team where they found Hernandez and Romero as possible suspects.

 

Detective Bureau and Deputy Torres together coordinated a takedown operation that led to the arrest of both Chino residents. The arrest led to a continued investigation with the help of other detectives and deputes, additional warrants were placed in the City of Chino and Santa Fe Springs.

 

According to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, “The search warrants exposed a comprehensive identity theft operation that Hernandez and Romero spearheaded. Thousands of dollars of fraudulently purchased property was located, along with hundreds of stolen access cards, stolen identification cards, personal documents and mail containing the information of hundreds of victims.”

 

Deputy Torres is working on locating every identity theft victim so their personal property may be returned, so she may obtain interviews and file additional charges to solidify her case with the District Attorney’s Office.

 

Anyone with information regarding these incidents is urged to contact the Rancho Cucamonga Police Department at (909) 477-2800. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may also leave information on the We-Tip website at http://www.wetip.com

Annual Make A Child Smile shopping Wednesday

By CVUSD

A Chino Valley Unified School District student checks out his purchases at the 2015 Make A Child event at the Walmart Supercenter in Chino. Photo courtesy: CVUSD

A Chino Valley Unified School District student checks out his purchases at the 2015 Make A Child event at the Walmart Supercenter in Chino.
Photo courtesy: CVUSD

As early as 1937, local firefighters were collecting old toys, repairing and distributing them to make holidays brighter for Chino children in need.
By 1940, Chino firefighters were delivering toys throughout a 132-square-mile area, “sending trucks into every corner of the fire district on Christmas Eve,” according to an article in the Chino Champion newspaper.
That charitable idea continues with the 14th annual Make A Child Smile program, to be held Wednesday, Dec. 7 at the Walmart Supercenter in Chino.
It is a sponsor-funded program run by the Chino Valley Fire Foundation, a non-profit organization that has merged charitable activities with the Chino Valley Professional Firefighters in an effort to better serve the Chino Valley community.
Make A Child Smile began in 2002, when 34 students were each given $100 to shop for gifts. Since then, it has helped approximately 1,083 children shop for holiday treasures.
This year’s event will benefit 100 students with a $150 shopping spree each, a “Code Three” fire- and police-escorted bus ride to the store, photos with Santa, crafts, food, snow play, and commemorative t-shirts.
We cannot thank Chino Valley firefighters, Walmart, and other community partners enough for providing these children with a day they will never forget!