Category Archives: Corona

Eastvale: Corona Norco School District Requests New Bond

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

 

Eastvale – On August 5, the Corona-Norco School Board voted to place a $396 million bond measure on the November ballot. This bond comes just eight years after Measure U, a 30-year, $250 million bond, for which less than 17 percent of the money went directly to Eastvale. Most of the funds were used to rehab schools in Corona and Norco.

This new bond, referred to as the Corona-Norco Bond, would be used to upgrade classrooms, science labs and technology systems for career and technical education classes, including infrastructure for wireless Internet access for almost every school in the district. In addition, the bond would be used to replace or repair old roofs, plumbing, electrical, etc. Portable classrooms and security systems may also be replaced, as well as upgrades to fences, gates, classroom locks and outdoor lights.

But what does this mean for Eastvale? How do we ensure that our schools get their fair share of the bond money as opposed to the mere 17 percent Eastvale schools received in 2006? At a school bond discussion meeting a few months back with various members of the community and CNUSD Superintendent, Michael Lin, councilmember William Link expressed this very concern.

“As a councilmember representing this City, I expressed my concern that any money paid by Eastvale residents toward the bond needs to be kept in Eastvale Schools. Once I received a copy of the bond I forwarded it on to our City Attorney, John Cavanaugh, to review and really make sure that the verbiage is clear and accurate.”

Many in Eastvale feel that our schools did not get their fair share of the last bond, especially when Eastvale residents pay such high taxes. On a recent Facebook group discussion, Eastvale Resident Lisett Beytia said, “I will be voting NO. I don’t think the school district has really shown how my bond money has benefited the Eastvale schools. I know it’s selfish, but if I’m paying extra taxes for schools I want the money to stay in Eastvale.
”

CNUSD board member, Bill Newberry, who was not on the board during the 2006 Measure U Bond vote, would also like to ensure that bond money paid by Eastvale residents stays in Eastvale.

“I have been in meetings with bond attorneys, tax attorneys, bonding companies, our District’s legal staff, and I have ensured, as Bill Link said, that in the legal Bond Resolution it will stipulate that the money raised in each community of our district will be spent in that community of our district. I will make certain that a legal document is made available to anyone. This bond will ask for $24 per $100,000 of Assessed Value, so in Eastvale approximately $96 per year.”

One of the biggest items that the new bond could affect is the overcrowding of Eleanor Roosevelt High School. According to Newberry, ERHS will reach capacity by the 2015-2016 school year. If the bond passes, one of the biggest items and most expensive projects would be the proposed Academy/Magnet High School to be located in the back of the High School parking lot. The new school would be geared toward high end Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine academics and house approximately 800 students.

As more information comes out about the bond, one thing is certain, do your homework. Stay informed, ask questions and really read what you are voting for. For more information about school bonds check out CNUSD’s website at thttp://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us.

 

Corona Norco School District Requests New Bond

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Eastvale – On August 5, the Corona-Norco School Board voted to place a $396 million bond measure on the November ballot. This bond comes just eight years after Measure U, a 30-year, $250 million bond, for which less than 17 percent of the money went directly to Eastvale. Most of the funds were used to rehab schools in Corona and Norco.

This new bond, referred to as the Corona-Norco Bond, would be used to upgrade classrooms, science labs and technology systems for career and technical education classes, including infrastructure for wireless Internet access for almost every school in the district. In addition, the bond would be used to replace or repair old roofs, plumbing, electrical, etc. Portable classrooms and security systems may also be replaced, as well as upgrades to fences, gates, classroom locks and outdoor lights.

But what does this mean for Eastvale? How do we ensure that our schools get their fair share of the bond money as opposed to the mere 17 percent Eastvale schools received in 2006? At a school bond discussion meeting a few months back with various members of the community and CNUSD Superintendent, Michael Lin, councilmember William Link expressed this very concern.

“As a councilmember representing this City, I expressed my concern that any money paid by Eastvale residents toward the bond needs to be kept in Eastvale Schools. Once I received a copy of the bond I forwarded it on to our City Attorney, John Cavanaugh, to review and really make sure that the verbiage is clear and accurate.”

Many in Eastvale feel that our schools did not get their fair share of the last bond, especially when Eastvale residents pay such high taxes. On a recent Facebook group discussion, Eastvale Resident Lisett Beytia said, “I will be voting NO. I don’t think the school district has really shown how my bond money has benefited the Eastvale schools. I know it’s selfish, but if I’m paying extra taxes for schools I want the money to stay in Eastvale.
”

CNUSD board member, Bill Newberry, who was not on the board during the 2006 Measure U Bond vote, would also like to ensure that bond money paid by Eastvale residents stays in Eastvale.

“I have been in meetings with bond attorneys, tax attorneys, bonding companies, our District’s legal staff, and I have ensured, as Bill Link said, that in the legal Bond Resolution it will stipulate that the money raised in each community of our district will be spent in that community of our district. I will make certain that a legal document is made available to anyone. This bond will ask for $24 per $100,000 of Assessed Value, so in Eastvale approximately $96 per year.”

One of the biggest items that the new bond could affect is the overcrowding of Eleanor Roosevelt High School. According to Newberry, ERHS will reach capacity by the 2015-2016 school year. If the bond passes, one of the biggest items and most expensive projects would be the proposed Academy/Magnet High School to be located in the back of the High School parking lot. The new school would be geared toward high end Science, Technology, Engineering, and Medicine academics and house approximately 800 students.

As more information comes out about the bond, one thing is certain, do your homework. Stay informed, ask questions and really read what you are voting for. For more information about school bonds check out CNUSD’s website at thttp://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us.

 

Corona: Local Children’s Theatre Group Finds New Home

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

Corona – On Wed., July 16, one of the items on the City of Corona’s City Council agenda involved deciding the future of the old Council office building. This entailed voting on whether or not to allow Christian Arts and Theatre of Corona, a local children’s theatre program, to become the building’s new tenants.

According to their website, “Christian Arts & Theatre of Corona (CAT) is an after-school theater and visual arts educational program for students ages 6 to 18. CAT is committed to building up kids through excellence in the arts as well as modeling for them the highest morals through traditional Biblical values.” CAT has been a big part of Corona for 15 years. They offer after-school classes in singing, dancing, acting, choreography, theatrical make-up, and much more. Students at CAT also have the opportunity to audition for a musical production.

The group has moved seven times to different locations throughout Corona since its beginning, and has spent the past two and a half years offering classes in the former school of Crossroads Christian Church. While the location of the classes and rehearsals has repeatedly changed, one thing has remained constant for a very long time: the Corona Civic Center Theater has continued to house their musical performances.

CAT’s artistic director, Cindy Monroe, was informed of the possibility of a new home for the theater group.   This “home” was located only a few steps from the Civic Center Theater that the CAT families know and love. “It’s such a beautiful place! Our kids and families will love this new home,” said Monroe.

On July 16, the council chambers were filled with many of the CAT families who had come to show their support for the organization. On the Consent Calendar, the 9th item stated: “City Council directs the City Attorney to prepare a lease agreement between the City and Christian Arts Theater, using the City’s standard Historic Civic Center Lease Agreement…” The agreement would be for a five year lease, plus a five year extension.

The council members then took the time to share a few words about CAT with those present and talked about the positive impact the organization’s relocation would have on the community, specifically in downtown Corona. Council Member Stan Skipworth enthusiastically stated, “This is an opportunity to keep our community alive.”

Finally, it came time for the Council to vote. The item was passed 5-0 in favor of allowing CAT to begin leasing the building. The news brought enthusiastic cheers and applause from the CAT families in the audience, and Mayor Karen Spiegel remarked good-naturedly, “You guys can stay the entire meeting, and during everything we do now. Make sure that the applause is that good; we don’t get that very often.”

 

Corona Woman Arrested Again For Fraud

Staff Reports

Corona – A Corona woman, who is already charged with a $15 million bank and bankruptcy fraud, was arrested on Tues., July 1, on a new charge.

According to a news release from the United States Attorney’s Office, Carolyn Marie Jones, 51, of Corona, Chief Executive Officer of a high-end denim jean company, was arrested by Special Agents with the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service pursuant to a criminal complaint issued on June 30 by a federal judge.

According to the criminal complaint, which includes wire fraud, Jones scammed two Georgia men in an investment scheme.  The complaint states that Jones convinced the men to invest with her, but spent the money on her own personal expenses. Jones, who was out on bond pending a September 23 trial in the bank and bankruptcy fraud case, was prohibited from soliciting money from investors while awaiting the trial.

According to the 19-count indictment returned by a grand jury in September 2013, Jones was the Chief Executive Officer of Diamond Decisions, Inc., which sold denim jeans marketed under the labels of Privacywear and PRVCY Premium.  According to the indictment, Jones obtained a $15 million business line of credit from Union Bank, using fake financial statements and fake tax returns, as well as providing the bank with a Social Security number that belonged to someone else.  Jones also hid a previous bankruptcy and felony record from the bank.  The indictment further states that Jones defaulted on the $15 million loan after a year, causing Union Bank to file a lawsuit in state court.  When Union Bank tried to seize the contents of the Diamond Decisions warehouse, Jones caused the company to file for bankruptcy and hid assets from the bankruptcy trustee.

Jones faces a maximum statutory sentence of 489 years in federal prison on the bank and bankruptcy fraud indictment.  Jones also faces a maximum statutory sentence of 20 years on the wire fraud complaint.

The charges in the complaint and indictment are the results of an investigation conducted by the United States Secret Service and the Internal Revenue Service. The U.S. Attorney’s Office states that a complaint and an indictment contain allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed innocent until and unless proven guilty.

 

 

 

 

Eastvale: What’s Next For The “Desi House”

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

 

Desi Arnaz Ranch

The Desi ‘Arnaz Ranch’ located behind the Desi Collection Models at Estancia East and West

The “Desi House” has become a symbol of great pride in the City of Eastvale, with its nostalgic history and beautiful design (the former Corona home of beloved actor, musician and race horse breeder, Desi Arnaz – see Eastvale News, October 2013). The immense 365-acre property that it inhabits once belonged to Bert Altfillisch, a construction company owner and breeder and trainer of thoroughbred horses, who passed away in 2006. Altfillisch’s son, Steve, who inherited the home, wanted the Desi Arnaz house to remain a part of Eastvale, Corona, and his father’s history. Much of the surrounding property has already been sold off for development – as is apparent by the beautiful Estancia homes nearing completion at Citrus Street and Granje Vista del Rio – but the Desi House still stands strong right in the heart of it.This year, as part of a $2.2 million purchase, Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD) purchased both the home and the land surrounding it to complete the section of the Santa Ana River Trail that will connect Riverwalk Park to Eastvale Community Park. While the primary interest of the area is the need to continue the Eastvale Trail to the eastern city limits, JCSD is interested in exploring the possibility of the Desi House being utilized as a wedding destination/meeting venue, public meeting place, trailhead or concession area.

The acreage around the house is quickly developing as Lennar Homes has transformed the once verdant pasture land into a collection of exclusive homes, including the “Desi Collection” in tribute to Mr. Arnaz. With that project in full swing, the house and the land surrounding the iconic house need to be taken care of. The JCSD Parks Committee is now being asked to authorize the spending of over $1,000,000 to develop the land immediately surrounding the Desi House. The landscape plan was put together by Architerra Design Group, with the best ideas for any future use of the property in mind.

Some of the key points of the design plan include a gazebo positioned as a trailhead – along with three smaller turf sections moving south toward the river trail – which would serve as a perfect south view picture location. The turf sections, according to JCSD, were designed in alignment with the steep slope behind the home, but they also provide an aesthetically pleasing environment. The plans also show a patio and fountain reminiscent of the original style of the home, with an outdoor kitchen area and conservation friendly irrigation design.

At the JCSD Special Parks and Landscaping Committee Meeting held on May 7, JCSD presented Architerra with plans, explained the landscape design, and tried to answer as many questions as possible. JCSD General Manager, Todd Corbin, expressed the need for the staff to move quickly on the landscaping, “as the land surrounding the property is developing fast and site has easier access now.”

However, not everyone is in as much of a hurry. Some members of the community feel that JSCD paid too much for the house and that it simply was not needed to complete the trail project. Chad Blais, JCSD Board Director, wants to make sure that any financial decisions that are made concerning the project are clearly thought about and planned out. “JCSD collects millions of dollars each year from CFD (Community Facilities District) taxes we all pay as homeowners that is used to pay off the $300 million in bonds previously spent to build our water, sewer and parks infrastructure, and to pay for the annual O&M (Operations and Management) to operate the parks system.” Blais is concerned that JCSD wants to spend $1,000,000 to develop the property surrounding the Desi House even though no architectural or financial plans have been developed for the house itself. He simply wants the landscaping plans to be put on hold until a clear decision for the house is made to avoid wasting money should anything need to redesigned. He also would like to see the new residents who are going to move into the homes immediately surrounding the Desi House have some say in what goes on there.

 

During the meeting, Blais questioned many aspects of the plan, including the structural integrity of the house and how much repair it might possibly need. JCSD member, Jane Anderson, and Director of Parks and Community Affairs, Ric Welch, shared various “wish list” ideas for the property and explained some of the policies that the City already has in place regarding facility rentals and noise issues for the surrounding homes. Anderson also questioned some of the landscape design choices as well as other various design aspects. A representative from Architerra was unable to attend, so some of these questions were tabled until the next meeting. After much discussion, the committee agreed to place the project on hold until an overall plan and concept for the house is finalized. Staff was asked to propose a budget for the investigation and hiring of the necessary architectural consultants to develop an overall plan including what improvements might be needed to create the desired look, feel and use of the building.

While there are still many questions to be answered, the Desi House is part of Eastvale and is loved by many residents – much as Desi Arnaz was – and it will remain a part of our history for years to come. The exact future, however, is still uncertain. While both sides may differ on their desires for the property, everyone will agree that it needs to be done with both the integrity of the property, and the financial health of the City and JCSD in mind.

K.P. Sander contributed to this story.

Corona: South Coast Patio Has You Covered

 

South Coast Patio Corona

Call South Coast Patio at (951) 277-0956 for your Free Patio Design & Estimate. Photo Courtesy: South Coast Patio

STAFF REPORTS

Corona – If you are in the market for a new patio, there is no better way to get the quality you are searching for than by contacting a company with a Triple-A rating and absolutely no issues. South Coast Patio, Inc. is your answer.

Owner, Jim McGeough, started working as a kid in a neighborhood business and started his own business in 1972; he has been working as a general contractor for 35 years, and has 40 years of experience in his field. South Coast Patio has been working in the area for the past 20 years, and McGeough’s philosophy is “to have satisfied customers so that we can have continued relationships with them.” They have made an excellent reputation in building quality custom patio products.

South Coast Patio is licensed and bonded (General Contractor Lic. B-280672), and has an excellent rating with the Contractors Board, BBB, and the Golden State Builders Exchange, Inc. They employ only factory trained personnel and do not use subcontractors. Their products are manufactured locally of the highest quality and have a limited lifetime warranty.

South Coast Patio is not your ordinary patio company. They guarantee the lowest overall prices for the best quality materials available. South Coast Patio is a well-established company, offering long-term service and warranties. McGeough says that his company will match any competitor’s price.

You can reach South Coast Patio at (951) 277-0956.

SGV-IE: Costco Secrets To Shopping

According to “Epic Dash”, Costco has a secret to their pricing. Apparently some things are full price, some are sales, some are clearance, and some are Managers Specials. Read more:
Avoid products with prices ending in .99 – these are full price.1-costco

Items with prices ending in .97 are deals decided by the store manager. These won’t be around for long and can offer amazing discounts.2-costco

Prices ending in .49 or .79 are a manufacturers special offer. These prices usually apply to products which are heaving a trial run and are usually priced cheaper than their retail price.3-costco

Watch out for products that end in .00, the manager wants these items off the shelf for good. That means that they’re priced down and nearly out of stock.4-costco

Labels with an asterisk are reserved for items that are discontinued. Usually, these are priced cheaply to get them off shelves.5-costco

Is it weird I feel like I’m part of a secret club or something?

Corona: A Trio of Troubles for Corona

New-Web-Banner-12-2013_edited-1

Staff Reports

Corona – A sad trio of events has taken place in the City of Corona recently.

A woman was sexually assaulted after being kidnapped from the Corona Wal-Mart (479 N. McKinley Avenue) at knifepoint at about 9pm on Thurs., April 3. The man was reportedly asking for change when he entered her vehicle, threatened her with a knife and made her drive to a secluded area. After the assault, he then allegedly made her drive to an intersection in proximity to La Sierra and Indiana Avenues, where he fled on foot about 4 a.m.

The victim did not report the crime until Sunday evening, police Sgt. Kim Velasquez said via written statement. The suspect is described as a Caucasian male, about 5’ 7”, slender build. He was wearing jeans, a grey sweatshirt, and black ball cap. Anyone with information regarding this incident should contact Detective Mario Hernandez at (951) 279-3659.

On Friday, April 4, a live bomb was discovered at Jameson Park (located at 1155 Valencia Road). According to Corona Police official, Sgt. Kim Velasco, a bomb squad was able to completely disarm and destroy the device without incident by use of a blast squad and robot.

An individual reportedly contacted police after discovering a suspicious device inside an irrigation control box around 10 a.m. No arrests have been made. This investigation is ongoing, and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Corona Police Department at 951-736-2334

 

Corona police had a grim find in an apartment complex dumpster in the 2200 block of Treemont Place when a newborn baby girl was discovered. They were led to this realization by a 24-year old woman, who was admitted to Kaiser Hospital in Riverside on Tues., April 8, a little after 5 p.m.

 

The woman allegedly denied giving birth after her examination, but eventually confessed to delivering a stillborn infant at home. Police officials reportedly found the infant around midnight. Autopsy results are pending.

Corona: Corona PD Targets Adults Buying Alcohol for Minors

By Tiana Goegebuer

Corona – The City of Corona is making use of the state funding it receives from the California Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control, as well as other sources, in order to conduct Decoy Shoulder Tap Operations locally. “Shoulder Tap” is the term used by law enforcement to describe a situation in which a minor waits by a store that sells alcohol and asks a passing adult to do them a “favor”. The favor usually involves the adult purchasing a six-pack of beer, a bottle of wine (or something even stronger), who is then paid by the waiting minor.

Last month on a Saturday evening, teens were placed at eight locations in Corona for the operation. The Decoy Shoulder Tap Operation was carried out much like that of a scripted play on the part of law enforcement. The location choices are influenced by previous customer complaints or infractions involving alcohol. A minor – who is either a local teen or police cadet – stands by the front door of the store and waits for a customer to walk by. The teen’s job is to make it clear to the customer that he or she is underage but would like to purchase some alcohol from them. If the customer takes the minor’s money and buys the liquor, an undercover officer is waiting to issue a citation.

Of the 56 customers contacted by the minors, four adults agreed to purchase the alcohol. The minimum penalty for each of the cited adults is a $1,000 fine, 24 hours of community service work, and an appearance in court to answer for the charges.  

Job job job: Executive Assistant

Executive Assistant – Eastvale Chamber of Commerce (Eastvale)
compensation: $16-$18/ Hour DOE
contract job part-time
non-profit organization app deadline 4/7

Executive Assistant to the Board
Job Summary:
Assist the Board of Directors with the overall running of the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce.
Oversee the planning, marketing and execution of all Chamber events. Act as the liaison between
all Chamber members and the BOD to communicate member wants and needs as well as member
feedback.

Essential Functions:
1. Responsible for accounting functions including billing and membership accounting, preparing deposits, accounts payable and receivable, payroll, generating financial reports, completing tax forms and other financial record keeping. QuickBooks is utilized for accounting functions.
2. Oversee the planning, marketing and execution of all Chamber events (i.e. Morning and Evening Mixers, Quarterly events, Ribbon Cuttings, Grand Openings, etc.)
3. Coordinate and facilitate bi-weekly Board Meetings by creating the meeting agenda and recording minutes that are to be distributed no later than the Tuesday after each Board meeting.
4. Must attend and emcee ALL Chamber hosted events listed above.
5. Must work in conjunction with the Ambassador Co-Chairs in order to coordinate Ambassador volunteer help at Chamber events.
6. Must work in conjunction with the Marketing Assistant/Recruiter to recruit and retain new and existing members and volunteers.
7. Work in conjunction with the Marketing Assistant/ Recruiter to manage the Chamber Website and online media presence.
8. Maintain Chamber brand image by presenting oneself as well as the organization in a professional and distinguished manner.
9. Maintain exceptional customer service for all current and potential members by acting as the point person for all Chamber inquiries as well as assisting members with questions and concerns.
10. Operate and maintain the Chamber business phone during normal business operating hours.
11. Properly relay information to the correct Board Member for expedited responses to ensure that all Chamber matters are being handled effectively and in a time-bound manner.

*May be required to perform other duties as assigned by the Board of Directors or Chamber Support Staff

Requirements:
• Must be able to dedicate a minimum of 25-28 hours per week to Chamber focused initiatives
• Must submit invoices in an accurate and timely manger (Bi-Monthly — 1st & 15th )
• Must attend 85% of Chamber functions throughout the year
• Must have proficiency in QuickBooks and Microsoft Office Suite
• Must have a background in one of the following:
o Marketing
o Public Relations
o Management
o Communications
o Human Resources
o Customer Service

Purpose:
The purpose of the Executive Assistant to the Board is to bridge the gap between the members of the Chamber and the Board of Directors. This position is to act as the point person for all questions, comments and concerns while redirecting members and potential members to the right resources for their needs. The Executive Assistant to the Board is to be seen as the face to the Chamber and should spearhead all current Chamber events as well as provide new and innovative events that build membership value and Chamber membership base.
Respond to this link:
http://inlandempire.craigslist.org/ofc/4398146558.html

Corona: Highway Expansion May Cause Local Museum to Relocate

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

(Google Images)

(Google Images)

Corona — The Quality West Wing is a museum that was designed to be a “living history lesson.”  It is devoted to educating young people about some of our nation’s former presidents.

Boasting a scale replica of the Oval Office created by a Hollywood set designer, a hallway filled with pictures of some of our presidents, and a classroom that houses computers, this is a unique, interactive museum.  In the classroom, students can experience what is like to be President by taking the Oath of Office, nominating a Supreme Court Justice, signing or vetoing a bill, balancing the national budget, holding a press conference, and running a re-election campaign.

The inspiration for the Quality West Wing and the neighboring Uncle Bud’s Automotive Museum came from the owner, Bud Gordon, to help his daughter feel more of a connection to her nation’s past and future.  Both museums are a part of the Quality West Wing Foundation, which is a nonprofit organization that is supported by the Gordon family as well as private donations, and have had an estimated 200,000 visitors over time.

Now, 13 years after they were built, both museums may need to be relocated due to the expansion of the 91 Freeway.  The Riverside County Transportation Commission says that the auto museum property is needed for the expansion, but not the Quality West Wing.  However, the Foundation believes that both attractions supplement one another and should not be separated.  So, if one needs to be relocated, the other is said to be as well.  They are currently trying to find a new site somewhere else in the Corona area, but have yet to succeed.

No matter where the building ends up being situated, it is sure to continue being a great place for students and adults alike to go to see history come to life.

Business Feature – Corona Regional Medical Center

2014-02-corona-regional-800The Corona Regional Medical Center is set apart from other hospitals. Committed to quality and the community, this hospital is comprised of a 160-bed acute care hospital and a 78-bed rehabilitation campus. Not only does this facility have more than 1,000 trained healthcare workers at hand but also approximately 300 physicians representing over 40 specialties. The Corona Regional Medical Center is also one of only 37 hospitals in the nation to receive both the HealthGrades Maternity Care Excellence Award and the Health Grades Gynecologic Surgery Excellence Award two years in a row. With costumer service being a top priority, Corona Regional makes sure that while seeking to be the leading community healthcare provider available customers are treated with the utmost courtesy, recognition and respect they need and deserve while visiting. Located at 800 S. Main St. Corona, CA 92882, Corona Regional Medical Center is open 24/7 and can be reached at (951)737-4343. Additional information can be found at http://www.coronaregional.com.