Local Community News and Public Relations established in 1997 and serving cities of Eastvale, Norco, Chino, Walnut, Corona, Riverside, and San Gabriel Valley.
Photo Courtesy: Mercedez Gaitan Anthony Gaitan, 15, was killed when he was struck by a hit and run driver. Authorities are seeking assistance from the public to identify the driver.
Staff Reports
Eastvale– On Thursday, May 30, a 15-year-old Eastvale resident was killed after a hit and run incident.
At around 2:40 a.m. on Thursday morning, the Eastvale Police Department arrived at 68th street near Tarah Street in Eastvale. Witnesses told Police Officers that they saw a dark colored 4-door sedan hit the 15-year-old male juvenile. Then, the driver of the vehicle fled eastbound on 68th Street without stopping and assisting the juvenile, according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
The juvenile had major injuries upon the Police Department’s
arrival. However, despite life-saving efforts by American Medical Response
personnel, the juvenile succumbed to his injuries.
The victim was later identified as Anthony Gaitan. Many
family members described Anthony as a happy kid with a gentle spirit. “He had the biggest heart ever and always
made others laugh; he always made people laugh with his funny faces,” said
Mercedez Gaitan. “He loved to skateboard
and was such a character,” she continued.
Anthony’s aunt, Marta Gaitan, also spoke about Anthony’s
passing. “Our family is in shock,
devastated and heartbroken. There are no words to describe what we are all
going through right now as a family, to lose our precious Anthony at such a
young age.”
However, upon their mourning, Marta states that their family seeks justice. “If anyone has any information, please call your local Police Department. If the person that committed and [is] responsible for this horrific act is reading this post, please come forward and do the right thing. Our family needs closure.”
Marta continues by thanking the community for their
support. “Thank you for your condolences
and respectful, kind words of support to our family. Our precious Anthony was
loved by so many,” she added.
The Jurupa Valley Station’s Traffic Reconstruction Team is
conducting a full investigation to determine the cause of the collision. Anyone
with additional information is encouraged to call Deputy Lonthair at the Jurupa
Valley Station, 951-955-2600.
Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can
call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463)
or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847).
You can also leave anonymous information at www.riversidesheriff.org/tipline or www.wetip.com.
Riverside County – Several crimes have occurred in Eastvale and
Norco, but our Riverside County Sheriff’s Department is committed to keeping
our community safe. Below is a recap of
crimes and suspects apprehended in the month of May.
INCIDENT: School
Threats Investigation
WHEN: May 30, 2019
WHERE: Norco High School, 2065
Temescal Avenue, Norco
On Thursday, May 30, at approximately 8:51 p.m., the Norco
Sheriff’s Office received a report of a school violence related threat towards
Norco High School via social media.
After an investigation took place, a suspect was identified
as a 15-year old ninth grade boy, who was “detained, arrested, and booked into
juvenile hall on terrorist threats charges. The investigation revealed the
threats were not credible,” according to the Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department. See page 1 for more
information.
INCIDENT: Fatal Hit
and Run Traffic Collision
WHEN: May 30, 2019
WHERE: 68th Street cross of Tarah
Street, Eastvale
On Thursday, May 30, a 15-year-old Eastvale resident,
Anthony Gaitan, was killed after a hit and run incident at around 2:40 a.m.
Witnesses told Police Officers that they saw a dark colored
4-door sedan hit the 15-year-old juvenile. Then, the driver of the vehicle fled
eastbound on 68th Street without stopping and assisting the juvenile, according
to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.
Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call
Deputy Lonthair at the Jurupa Valley Station, 951-955-2600.
See page 1 for more information.
INCIDENT: Felon in
Possession of a Firearm
WHEN: May 11, 2019
WHERE: 12600 block of Limonite Avenue, Eastvale
Martin Florez Jr., 25 of Eastvale
On May 11, Eastvale Police Officers arrested Martin Flores
Jr., 25 of Eastvale, for carrying a loaded firearm in a public place. At approximately 3:12 p.m., Eastvale PD responded
to a report of an armed suspect in a shopping center parking lot. The bystander who reported the incident said
he saw a pistol tucked in the suspect’s waistband. Flores then entered an SUV and headed toward
an exit in the shopping center. However,
Eastvale PD arrived on scene quickly and conducted a traffic stop for the
vehicle. “The suspect was taken into
custody without incident and officers recovered a loaded pistol from underneath
the seat of the SUV,” according to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner.
Flores was booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center for
Possession of a Firearm in a Public Place, Felon in Possession of a Firearm,
Felon in Possession of Ammunition and Altering a Firearm’s Serial Number. Anyone with information pertaining to this
investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy R. Roach at the Eastvale Police
Department (951) 955-2600 or at Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch (951) 776-1099.
INCIDENT:
Counterfeiting
WHEN: May 8, 2019
WHERE: 4100 Block Old Hamner Road, Norco
On May 8, deputies of the Norco Special Enforcement Team
(SET) arrested Kevin Anthony Galvan, of Norco.
Since Galvan was on Riverside County Probation for Burglary, Norco SET
conducted a probation compliance check at his residence. Upon the visit, Norco SET discovered Galvan
was in possession of counterfeiting equipment, including counterfeit bills.
“Galvan was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center
for the felony warrants with additional charges of counterfeiting,” according
to the Riverside County Sheriff-Coroner.
If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Deputy
Faucher with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Norco Station at (951)
270-5673.
INCIDENT: Indecent
Exposure Suspect Arrested
WHEN: May 2, 2019
WHERE: 14000 block of Schleisman Avenue, Eastvale
Ricardo Anthony Aguirre Vazquez, 29 of Eastvale
On May 2, Eastvale Police Officers arrested Ricardo Anthony
Aguirre Vazquez, 29 of Eastvale, for indecent exposure. At approximately 6:05 p.m., Eastvale Police
Department officers responded to a call at a coffee shop located off Schleisman
Avenue. A witness reported that Vazquez
was “sitting alone at one of the tables, fully exposed and fondling himself, as
several customers entered and exited the business,” according to the Riverside
County Sheriff-Coroner. When Eastvale
Police Officers arrived to the coffee shop, Vazquez was still engaged in the
activity so officers took him into custody without incident.
Vazquez was later booked at the Robert Presley Detention
Center for charges related to felony indecent exposure. Anyone with information pertaining to this
investigation is encouraged to contact Deputy R. Arredondo at the Eastvale
Police Department (951) 955-2600 or at Riverside Sheriff’s Dispatch (951)
776-1099.
The ERHS Class of 2019 graduates celebrated at their graduation ceremony which was held at the Citizens Bank Arena on Tuesday, June 4th.ERHS Principal, Dr. Jeremy Goins, gave a memorable speech at the graduation ceremony. Many students are now fondly referring to him as “DJ Goins” because of how entertaining his commencement speech was.
Eastvale – Did you know Eastvale has a variety of Facebook Groups
that you can be a part of? Check out the
list below to see if any groups interest you or your family. However, remember to read each group’s guidelines
before joining the group!
Eastvale Babysitters
Club: a closed group of 744 members who are offering babysitting services
in Eastvale.
Eastvale Book
Exchange: a closed group of 215 members that allows Eastvale residents to
buy, sell, bid, and trade off books with one another.
Eastvale Cares: a
public group of 368 members who post about families in the area that may need
help after a crisis or life situation.
Eastvale Classics:
a public group of 164 members who love classic cars (1980 or earlier).
Eastvale Crime Watch
& Report: a closed group of 8.6k Eastvale members looking to raise
crime awareness among the city. The
group members will post videos, pictures, or concerns about crime that is going
on in Eastvale. The group is identified
as a giant neighborhood watch group that comes alongside law enforcement to
help solve or prevent crimes quicker in Eastvale.
Eastvale Drivers:
a closed group of 773 members who share driving experiences they have
encountered around Eastvale.
Eastvale garage
sale/sale/buy/trade/giveaway: a closed group of 7.5k members who want to
sell items or post garage sales. This group
does not allow you to post about animals or business advertisements.
Eastvale Garden Group:
there are two garden groups. The first is
“Eastvale Garden Group”, a closed group of 1.8k members who support growing the
community, one garden at a time. The
second group is “Eastvale Community Gardens”, a closed group of 919 members who
share tips, participate in period plant/harvest exchanges, and share local
community events and workshops. Both
groups do not allow you to advertise businesses, sell items, or trade plants.
Eastvale Lost and
Found Pets: a community group that posts about lost and found animals in
Eastvale.
Eastvale Rocks: a
public group of 650 members that send you on a scavenger hunt for rocks. The Ronald Reagan’s Student Council are
painting rocks to “hide” around Eastvale and all of Riverside County to “spread
joy and brighten people’s day,” according to the group page. The group also encourages the community to
paint their own rocks and hide them around town.
Eastvale Small
Businesses: a closed group of 572 members supporting Eastvale small
businesses.
Eastvale Still Eats:
a group of 917 members that love food and want to know where to go to eat in
the surrounding areas.
Eastvale Talk:
there are four groups that allow the Eastvale community to speak their mind
about what’s happening in Eastvale. The
first is “Eastvale Talk” with 4.9k members, which is a secret group that you
must be invited to. The second is “Let’s
Talk Eastvale” with 6.9k members; the third is “What’s going on in Eastvale?”
with 1.8k members; and the fourth is “Eastvale Uncensored” with1.2k
members. The rest of the groups are
closed groups and you must live in Eastvale to be a part of them.
Eastvale Walking
Group: a private group of a 100+ community members who want to walk
together around Eastvale. The group uses
Whatsapp to get updates “for those serious about walking on a regular basis,”
according to the Facebook page. They
encourage members to join if they want to get in shape, meet new people, are
willing to encourage others, and are have workout clothes and shoes.
Eastvale X-Change:
a closed group of 49.4k members who buy and sell items to other members in
Eastvale. There are restrictions to what
you can buy and sell on this page, such as you cannot sell animals and baby
formula, among other items.
Eastvale Youth
Sports: a closed group of 1.3k members who share photos, news, events, and
express concerns for all youth sports leagues playing in Eastvale.
Everything but the
kitchen sink – Eastvale: A closed group with 12.5k members that allow you
to buy, sell, and promote products. You
will not be approved to be in this group if you are under 18-years-old or if
you live in Orange County, Los Angeles County, or areas of Riverside County
(for distance/miles).
The City of Eastvale is excited to announce the 8th Annual Eastvale State of the City Address hosted by the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce! Join them as they share the current state of Eastvale, celebrate accomplishments, and share their goals for the future.
They will be kicking off a two-day celebration, including a Business Luncheon, on Wednesday, July 17, 2019 at the Eastvale Community Center at 11:30 a.m., followed by the Community Event on Thursday, July 18, 2019 at Eleanor Roosevelt High School at 6 p.m. Following the State of the City Address on July 18, the community will be treated to the annual “Taste of Eastvale” that they look forward to each year.
The State of the City Business Luncheon is a paid, ticketed event however the Community Event is FREE to the community. To register for either or both events, visit the official Eastvale State of the City website at EastvaleSOTC.com. For information regarding sponsorship opportunities or general inquiries, please email the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce at info@EastvaleCOC.org.
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale officially announced that
Sprouts Farmers Market will be coming to Eastvale! The grocery store is expected to open in summer
2020, according to the City. The new Sprouts
will be located at the future Merge Retail Center on the northeast corner of
Archibald Avenue and Limonite Avenue. The
store will bring approximately 140 career opportunities to the Eastvale
community.
Many community members expressed their
excitement of being able to shop locally for healthy items. When the City of Eastvale announced the
opening on their Facebook page, thousands of community members liked the post
and hundreds commented on the page. The
post was also shared 253 times in an effort to spread the news to family and
friends.
Mayor Todd Rigby was also pleased to
announce the opening of Sprouts and discussed how the store will benefit the
Eastvale community. “With Sprouts coming to
the northwest portion of our city, this will help to provide a grocery store to
our residents in that area of town,” said Rigby. “We look forward to adding Sprouts to the
successful businesses we have here in Eastvale. This addition will give our
residents another healthy and economical shopping choice.”
Sprouts Farmers Market is a grocery
store with fresh, natural, and organic products at affordable prices. As one of the fastest growing retailers in
the country, Sprouts offers bulk foods, vitamins and supplements, bakery, and so
much more. Be sure to check out their
Butcher Shop, Fish Market, and Market Corner Deli for high-quality meat, seafood,
and freshly prepared entrees and sides.
The Eastvale Sprouts will not be the
only business in the Merge Retail Center.
Starbucks was recently announced to join Sprouts in the same
center. In addition, a Walmart
Superstore will be located across the street at the southeast corner of the
same intersection. The City announced
that Walmart is expected to open in 2022.
Also, Archibald Avenue plans to be widened as part of The Merge project.
The Merge is a 26-acre retail and light industrial center that
will include seven industrial business park buildings, a plaza with a stage,
and other unique features that are expected to benefit the Eastvale community
of 73,700 residents. The center is a 336,000
and a 70,000 sq. retail center, anchored by Sprouts Farmers Market.
“The Merge project is a
true collaboration between the City of Eastvale and Orbis to deliver the best
product possible,” said Managing Partner from Orbis Real Estate Partners,
Grant Ross. “This development will be where business and community come
together.”
Eastvale – On March 25, the Eastvale community came together to search for a missing boy. When 12-year-old Javier was reported missing by his family, the Eastvale Police Department and the City of Eastvale asked the community for help in locating Javier. The City of Eastvale posted the missing child’s picture on their Facebook page and indicated that the boy was last seen at 2:23 p.m. at Augustine Ramirez Intermediate School. Friends of the family said that Javier didn’t show up to his usual pick-up spot in front of the school. Comments on the Facebook post indicated that the boy had special needs as well.
Friends of the family were searching the area for the boy
and an Eastvale Police helicopter announced his description from above. However, several community members felt they
couldn’t sit back and wait; they wanted to join in on the search. Strangers from all over the city got in their
cars with their families and searched the neighborhoods for the boy. It was amazing to see how many community
members came together to look for a child they didn’t even know.
By 7:40 p.m., it was confirmed that the boy was found unharmed
in the city of Chino and was safely returned to his family. It was not reported how the boy ended up in
Chino or why he left the school. However,
the family and the community were just thankful he was home safe.
The City of Eastvale posted an update to their Facebook page
and thanked everyone who spread the word. “The Eastvale Police Department would
like to thank the community for their assistance in helping locate Javier,”
said the post.
Eastvale
– The City of Eastvale has been recently discussing the possibility of creating
Eastvale’s own Police Department, due to the rising expense of the Riverside
County Sheriff’s Department (RSO) contract.
The City stated that creating an Eastvale Police Department could save
millions per year, improve response times, and increase the number of officers
on patrol. In addition, the Council also
discussed the possibility of placing a 1% local sales tax on a future
ballot.
“With Budget Season upon us, the City Council is given the task of evaluating revenues and expenditures; making sure our residents are provided the services they desire, at a reasonable cost,” said Mayor Todd Rigby in a news release. “One of those services, which we hold in the highest priority in, is our law enforcement services. Our city staff shared with the Council what it could look like to establish our own police department, along with increasing patrol hours.”
Eastvale currently
budgets 100 patrol hours of service per day, but are only receiving 90 hours with
the RSO contract because the City doesn’t have control over how and when the
services are provided. Since the City is
only authorized to receive 90 hours per day, Eastvale is about 500 hours short
this year. However, if an Eastvale
Police Department was created and if the 1% sales tax measure was approved, the
City could experience approximately 210 hours of service per day. Without the
1% sales tax increase, the City would experience between 100 to 150 patrol
hours per day.
In addition, City staff
stated that creating a separate Police Department would increase response times
from 7-8 minutes to under 5 minutes.
This response time would apply to Priority 1 calls, such as an immediate
threat to life or property. Also, the
number of sworn officers are expected to increase with a new Police
Department. Eastvale currently budgets
for 32 sworn officers, but the RSO contract only ensures approximately 29
officers. However, this number will
increase to approximately 44 sworn officers in the first year of a new Police
Department, and it could grow to 56-60 officers over a four to five-year period
if Eastvale voters support a 1% sales tax measure.
“The preliminary results show that
creating our own Police Department can save us money, add patrol hours in our
city, improve response times, and retain immediate local control of our law
enforcement services. We would be foolish as a City Council, and it would be a
disservice to our residents, if we did not look further into this option,” said
Rigby.
In a Facebook video announcement on
March 25, Rigby discussed the rising expense of the RSO contract. “Over the last five years, our law enforcement
contract rate has increased by approximately 30%,” said Rigby. The City of Eastvale stated that this
increase is currently outpacing regional index cost of living. “This increase is not sustainable,” added
Rigby.
The current contract with RSO is
$11,825,572, with rising cost predictions, according to the City. The contract with RSO has increased by nearly
75% in the last five years, including patrol hours. In addition, the RSO’s five-year budget
projection is estimated at $74,860,000.
However, a Police Department 5-year projection is $68,310,000, which
would give the City an estimate of $6,550,000 in savings over five years.
Rigby said that the City looked into a feasibility study after they heard that the City of Menifee was experiencing similar issues. When the City of Menifee realized that their contract rate with their Law Enforcement services continued to increase, they decided to conduct a feasibility study then ultimately created their own Police Department. The City of Menifee’s decision prompted the City of Eastvale to do the same. The Eastvale feasibility study was completed for a cost of $10,000 and a peer review was completed for $2,000, which were both approved and authorized by the Eastvale City Manager. A copy of the preliminary draft feasibility study can be viewed at www.eastvaleca.gov under the “What’s New” tab.
The study was presented to the Eastvale
City Council on March 13 at the city’s second budget goal-setting workshop for
the 19/20 fiscal year. This meeting was
public and residents were invited to attend.
At this meeting, the council decided to further evaluate the potential
of an Eastvale Police Department. The
item was discussed again at the Public Safety Commission Meeting on March 26,
where residents were asked to give their input.
“This discussion does
not in any way reflect our satisfaction with the Riverside County Sheriff’s
Department, our RSO Lieutenant that serves as our Police Chief, or the
hard-working women and men who are keeping our city safe every day,” said City
Manager Bryan Jones. “They have helped Eastvale become the 12th Safest City in
California, along with our Neighborhood Watch Program and other strategic
public safety investments,” City Manager Bryan Jones continued. “This is a
matter of fiscal responsibility that our residents are counting on. With the
rising annual contract costs from RSO, it would be irresponsible of us not to
explore this opportunity. There are a lot of factors to consider and we look
forward to engaging the community in this process.”
Also discussed at the
Public Safety Commission Meeting and the City Council meeting was the
possibility of placing a 1% local sales tax on a future ballot. Rigby states that the Police Department and
the local sales tax are “two different items that are not dependent or
contingent on each other.” However, he
says the two items are related in the fact that if Eastvale stays with RSO, the
City’s “revenues will not be sufficient in approximately 2025, so we may need
additional revenue methods.”
If the City were to
consider a local sales tax measure, the generated revenue would stay in
Eastvale and serve the residents and businesses. A City news release stated
that this could generate an additional $9.5 – 10 million in revenue for the
City to enhance services and make strategic investments to grow the City’s revenues
with commercial retail and higher value generating land uses.
“We appreciate the
residents coming out and engaging in these two items,” said Rigby on April 1 regarding
the proposed Police Department and sales tax.
“At last week’s Council meeting, the Council directed staff to continue
to work closely with our residents and to provide workshops where residents can
share their questions, comments, and concerns,” added Rigby. The workshops will be announced via the
City’s website and social media pages.
The discussion will also
continue at the next City Council Meeting and 1st Hearing Budget Adoption,
which will be held on April 24, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Another City Council Meeting and the 2nd
Hearing Budget & Adoption will be held on May 22, 2019 at 6:30 p.m. Both meetings will be held in the Council
Chambers located at 12363 Limonite Avenue Suite 910 Eastvale, CA 91752. More information can be found at www.eastvaleca.gov. To access a PDF of the City’s Frequently
Asked Questions regarding the Police Department, visit https://www.eastvaleca.gov/home/showdocument?id=12529.
Eastvale– For the eleventh consecutive year, a popular springtime event will be returning to Eastvale.
On Saturday, April 13 2019, VantagePoint Church will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt at the Roosevelt High School Football Stadium. The celebration will take place between 9 a.m. and 12 Noon.
Easter egg hunts for children of all ages will be held throughout the day, including special sensory hunts for children with special needs. Children with special needs will also be given front-of-the-line wristbands and will have a special designated event entrance.
“This fun-filled event has always drawn a large crowd and
every year the attendance increases,” said Monique Whritenour, Director of Operations
for VantagePoint Church. “In an effort
to build upon our success and better serve our community, we added a few new
features that would enable children of all ages and backgrounds to have access
to the many fun activities.”
In addition to the Easter egg hunts, the event will also include games with prizes, giant inflatable obstacle courses, raffles, and pictures with the Easter Bunny, Belle, Princess Aurora, Spiderman, Kylo Ren, and other Star War Characters.
This year they’ll have a free raffle for a stay at the Great Wolf Lodge.
Admission to the event as well as all of its activities is free. Food will be available for purchase.
While the entire community is invited to attend,
Whritenour believes that families with children ages 12 and under will find it
especially enjoyable.
“The 11th Annual VantagePoint Church Easter Egg Hunt will
provide a wonderful opportunity for Eastvale families to get to know their
neighbors, while providing their children with a positive and fun experience,”
she said. “Of course, our goal is always
to show the community Christ’s love. We
ask for nothing in return.”
They will have Accommodations for Children with Special Needs like:
Short Lines for Event Entrance, Front of the Line Wristbands, and Sensory
Friendly Easter EGG Hunt! Look for the Sign at the Entrance that says, “Special
Needs.”
Roosevelt High School is located at 7447 Scholar Way in
Eastvale, Calif. For more information
regarding VantagePoint Church or the annual Easter Egg Hunt, call (909)
465-9700 x700 or visit www.vantagepointchurch.org.
Eastvale– Safety continues to be a top focus for the City of Eastvale and we are prioritizing community safety in an effort to maintain a safe environment for our community to live, work, play, and shop. We are working hard to enhance the safety in our community through collaborative endeavors that include advancements in public safety, investments in technology, and the active participation of residents in the Neighborhood Watch Program.
Additional Motorcycle Officer and Additional Patrol Hours
The Eastvale City Council heard the community’s desire for
increase public safety and in February 2018, they approved an additional
Motorcycle Officer position to enhance the safety of our roadways. Most recently,
we welcomed our second Eastvale Police Department Motorcycle Officer, Deputy
Lionel Murphy, who will be joining our current Motorcycle Officer, Deputy Paul
Lonthair in keeping our streets safe through enforcement. City Council also
approved 10 additional patrol hours, which equates to two additional deputies
and are anticipated to come in the next year.
“We would like to welcome our new Motorcycle Officer, Deputy
Lionel Murphy to the Eastvale Police Department family. I am confident that the
addition of Deputy Murphy will help reduce the number of traffic collisions and
increase the overall safety of the city.”
ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) Program
We believe advancements in technology is one of the most
crucial parts of public safety. The City of Eastvale is in the process of
implementing an ALPR (Automated License Plate Reader) Program. ALPR cameras
will be installed on patrol vehicles as well as various entry and exit points
to the city. This tool will help our Police Department combat and deter crime,
assist with investigations, and help identify wanted vehicles.
Streetlight Acquisition
We also believe that increased visibility through lighting
is another important part of safety and are pleased to announce that the City
of Eastvale purchased 4,078 streetlights located within city limits from
Southern California Edison (SCE). Previously, these streetlights were owned by
SCE and maintained by the Jurupa Community Services District. With the
partnership of the Western Riverside Council of Governments, the City of
Eastvale will acquire all eligible streetlights in Eastvale. As part of the
acquisition, the City looks forward to retrofitting each streetlight with Light
Emitting Diode (LED) fixtures; an environmentally friendly alternative to
traditional lighting. LED lights align with the City’s strategic goal to
enhance public safety by using less energy and producing a more natural light
on street surfaces. Acquisition of these street lights will also serve as a
revenue stream for the City of Eastvale while we bring better cell phone and
internet carrier service to the city.
Neighborhood Watch Program
We know that community safety cannot be fully achieved
without the help from our community and Eastvale is the only city in the nation
to have every residential neighborhood engaged in the Neighborhood Watch
Program. In 2017, Mayor Todd Rigby, Mayor Pro Tem Brandon Plott, and community
member, Don Pettinger began the implementation of the Neighborhood Watch
Program in an effort to bring residents together to help combat and deter crime
in their neighborhoods.
Today, all twenty-nine neighborhoods in Eastvale have
Neighborhood Watch Groups established, there is a total of 60 Block Captains
who meet quarterly, and every neighborhood entry and exit have Neighborhood
Watch signs installed. Social media has played a key piece to the Neighborhood
Watch Program and residents have shared valuable information through the
“Eastvale Crime Watch & Reporting” Facebook page. In addition to
communicating through social media, Neighborhood Watch Meetings take place
throughout the year and have approximately sixty-five residents in attendance
on average.
“On behalf of the Eastvale Police
Department, I would like to thank the community for their continued support and
for sharing valuable information with us, which has led to the immediate
apprehension of several suspects,” Chief Tim Martin said.
The significant decrease in mail thefts was the first of
many success stories that the Neighborhood Watch Program experienced. With the
increase of communication and residents implementing crime prevention measures
to their homes, the average mail thefts reported per month decreased from
twenty-six in 2017 to six in 2018.
Camera Database Program
One of the other successes the Neighborhood Watch Program
has had is their camera database program which allow residents to input their
surveillance system information in a database for law enforcement access.
Approximately ten different arrests have been made with the help of this
database in place. This program truly shows the amount of pride residents have
for the city they live in and that they are passionate about being a part of
enhancing safety in their community. Residents can share their surveillance
system information to be included in this database by visiting:
http://bit.ly/eastvalecameradatabase.
Proactive Enforcement
Lastly, the safety in our community would not be possible
without the continued proactive efforts made by the Eastvale Police Department.
We recently recognized our local Special Enforcement Team (SET) and the
Marijuana Eradication Team (MET) for an award recently received by the
California Narcotics Officers Association for outstanding Quality of Life
Investigations involving indoor marijuana grow houses. We are incredibly
grateful for the deputies who serve our city every day to keep us safe and
maintain the quality of life in Eastvale.
Aggressive Solicitation Ordinance
To address aggressive solicitation, City Council adopted an
“Aggressive Solicitation” ordinance on May 2018 and also installed “It’s Ok To
Say No To Panhandling” signs throughout the City. We want residents to feel
comfortable enjoying our community and the aggressive solicitation ordinance
seeks to enhance resident safety by prohibiting solicitation in an aggressive
manner. This ordinance allows deputies to respond to incidents of solicitation
that either put the person being asked for money in danger or are done in such
a manner to make an individual feel as if they have no choice but to donate
money.
“As a community, it is important for us to partner together
in achieving a safer city,” Mayor Todd Rigby said. “With the residents
embracing the Neighborhood Watch Program, the City installing new technology,
and the Police Department increasing patrol hours and adding an additional
Motorcycle Officer, we are seeing the results of a safer community. I look
forward to the continued involvement of our community in being committed to
keeping our residents, businesses, and visitors safe in our city.”
“Together, we can send a message that Eastvale has created a
multiprong approach of preventing and solving crime to enhance the quality of
life and safety,” City Manager Bryan Jones said. “I am confident that all of us
in Eastvale will continue to collaboratively invest our time and energy in
resources to elevate community safety. We all deserve the opportunity to thrive
in the place we call home!”
The City of Eastvale would like to remind its residents and
businesses to be vigilant by reporting suspicious and criminal activity as soon
as its seen to the Eastvale Police Department. If you see something, say
something. Maintaining a safe environment is a team effort and we are grateful
for our team that is made up of our Eastvale Police Department, residents,
businesses, and partnering agencies. Together, we are best.
Results will help City leaders determine future priorities and community engagement efforts
By Olivia Applegate, City of Eastvale
The City’s inaugural Community Satisfaction Study shows that residents are highly satisfied with the quality of life in Eastvale and say it is an excellent place to raise a family.
The overwhelmingly positive results of the survey were received by the City Council at a special meeting on Wednesday, February 27, 2019. The random sampling of 1,178 residents gathered opinions on issues such as transportation, development, public safety, and the effectiveness of City communications.
“Thank you to our residents for providing valuable input regarding our city in the Communication Satisfaction Study,” Mayor Todd Rigby said. “We are pleased with how satisfied our residents are with our City and the services we provide, but we are not complacent with the results. The positive feedback we received symbolizes how well we work together as a team with our City staff, City Council, Law Enforcement, Fire Department, developers, businesses, and most importantly, our residents; all taking an active part in this success. We will use this information to address future planning, funding opportunities, and outreach in Eastvale as we continue to improve our city. We know and understand that our residents desire a better dining experience and are actively working to bring this to our community. Your voice matters, and we welcome your continued feedback, always.”
Among the findings:
• 90% of residents give Eastvale high scores for quality of life and as a place to raise a family.
• 82% are satisfied with City services such as park maintenance, fire protection, emergency medical services, and community events.
• A majority say City staff are professional, accessible, and helpful.
• 71% say Eastvale’s top funding priority should be maintaining local streets, improving intersections, and synchronizing traffic signals.
• City-to-resident communication and engagement is strong; most residents would like to see a smartphone app that allows them to report issues, receive updates, etc.
• 35% of respondents say they long for more dining and shopping options.
The independent survey was conducted by True North Research Inc. of Encinitas, Calif., from January 19 through February 4. Participants were recruited via mail, email, and phone, and the data was collected online and by telephone, in English, Spanish, and Mandarin Chinese.
“The intention of this survey was to give residents a voice in City government and we would like to thank everyone who participated in the study,” City Manager Bryan Jones said. “Understanding residents’ interests, concerns, and needs will help us accomplish the priority goals identified in the City’s strategic plan and exceed Eastvale’s expectations every day.”
Eastvale– The City of Eastvale was proud to announce that they have been ranked on the Top 50 Safest Cities in California list for 2019, based on a study conducted by SafeWise. Eastvale was ranked 12th among the 482 cities in California.
To identify the fifty safest cities in California, SafeWise
reviews FBI crime report statistics and population data. Their evaluation is
based on the number of reported violent crimes (aggravated assault, murder,
rape, and robbery) in each city. If there was a tie between cities, they also
factored in the number of property crimes (burglary, arson, larceny-theft, and
motor vehicle theft). To be equitable, they also calculated the rate of crimes
per 1,000 people in each city. This made it easier to directly compare the
likelihood of these crimes occurring in cities with vastly different
populations. Learn more about how SafeWise ranks their Safest Cities reports by
visiting: http://www.safewise.com.
“We are proud to be recognized as the 12th safest city in
California! As the City Council and I met last year, we decided to continue
with having Public Safety as a top priority in our strategic plan,” Mayor Todd
Rigby said. “We have and continue to make significant investments in public
safety to include Automated License Plate Reader (ALPR) Cameras, the Street
Light Acquisition, our Neighborhood Watch Program, additional Motorcycle
Officer, and additional patrol hours to name a few. As these investments are
implemented, we hope to continue to rise on that list of safest cities in the
state. We are sending a loud message to criminals and our residents, that
Eastvale will continue to invest in our community to protect and keep our
residents safe.”
The City of Eastvale would like to remind its residents and
businesses to be vigilant by reporting suspicious and criminal activity as soon
as it is seen to the Eastvale Police Department. If you see something, say
something. Maintaining a safe environment is a team effort and city is grateful
for their team that is made up of our Eastvale Police Department, residents,
businesses, and partnering agencies. Together, they’re the
best.
Eastvale’s Michele Nissen Named Acting City Manager
By City of Corona
Corona– The Corona City Council agreed to accept the resignation of City Manager Darrell Talbert today. In closed session, the City Council unanimously approved a resignation and release agreement with Mr. Talbert, effective today.
Mr. Talbert is a lifelong Corona resident and has spent
nearly 25 years serving the City of Corona.
His career with Corona began in 1994 where he spent 12 years as a City
Council Member and served 3 times as the Mayor in 1997/98, 2001/02 and
2004/05. Since 2008, Mr. Talbert has
served the City in various capacities as the Deputy Director of Community
Development, Director of Redevelopment, Administrative Services Director,
Assistant City Manager and for the last 4 years as City Manager.
“Mr. Talbert has accomplished too many things during his
career in Corona to adequately summarize them and do him justice, but it goes
without saying that his love of this community will be felt here for decades to
come. He has served the City through
many tough times, and I speak for the entire City Council in stating that we
wish him well and thank him for his dedication and service to our community,
“said Mayor Jason Scott.
Assistant City Manager Michele Nissen will serve as the
Acting City Manager until the City Council has an opportunity to interview and
select an Interim City Manager who will serve the City during a nation-wide
search for a permanent City Manager. We
anticipate that the selection of an Interim City Manager will take several weeks
and the recruitment for a permanent City Manager may take several months.
Again, the City of Corona would like to thank Mr. Talbert
for his many years of service and dedication to Corona and we wish him all the
best.
Eastvale- The City of Eastvale is excited to announce the rebranding of Code Enforcement to the Community Enhancement and Safety Team, in an effort to reflect Eastvale’s commitment to safety and maintaining positive relationships within our community. The rebranding of Code Enforcement to the Community Enhancement and Safety Team was approved to align with the City’s strategic goal of enhancing the community’s quality of life. This change reflects the desire to effectively communicate our goal to serve and help our residents and businesses as best we can. This new team is here to help resolve and minimize issues through education first, while taking code enforcement action only when the need arises. “Our Eastvale Municipal Code is created and adopted to focus on the Community Enhancement and Safety of our residents and businesses in the City.” Bryan Jones City Manager said. “So we are rebranding our team with the goal of community enhancement and safety through compliance, awareness and education first; using code enforcement tools when necessary. We are excited to see our team grow and develop even stronger relationships in our community” As part of the rebranding, Eastvale residents can expect to see new vehicle decals and uniforms that represent the Community Enhancement and Safety Team. This team strives to enhance the quality of life within our city, and we are pleased with the hard work and dedication they have shown toward our community.
Eastvale – The City of Eastvale strives to be strategic in communication, community engagement, and community outreach efforts to help lead to a better understanding of the priorities and needs of the community. The City of Eastvale is partnering with True North Research Inc. in a Community Satisfaction Study to measure resident perspectives and preferences with City services, quality of life, and other relevant information. True North Research Inc. understands and appreciates the importance of gathering public input and providing a voice to residents as part of the City’s planning processes. They also recognize that a statistically reliable survey is a balanced, effective way for residents to assist the City in identifying priorities, making tough budgetary decisions, and identifying strategic goals. Eastvale’s Community Satisfaction Study will provide an unbiased assessment of resident perceptions that are statistically representative of Eastvale’s adult population. “As we continue to make Eastvale a great city, we strongly encourage the input and feedback from our residents,” Mayor Todd Rigby said. “We strive to provide multiple avenues for our residents to share their thoughts and desires for Eastvale, with one way being our Community Satisfaction Study. These results will be used to ensure the City’s goals, priorities, and budget is in line with what our residents desire.” A statistically representative random sample of 1,000 Eastvale residents over the age of 18 will be contacted for the study and will be recruited through direct mail, email invitations, and phone calls. Survey results will be presented to the City Council February 27, 2019. Eastvale City Manager Bryan Jones encourages residents to participate when contacted for the study. “We are excited about conducting this study. This is the first time we are scientifically measuring residents’ satisfaction and preferences about City services and their opinions about the quality of life in Eastvale. This feedback will allow us to know how we’re doing as we strive to exceed Eastvale’s expectations every day and it will provide valuable input for decisions that are made as we help shape Eastvale’s tomorrow, today.”
Eastvale– Paul Casteneda and Robin Leafblad manage Eastvale Athletics and CrossFit Eastvale located at the corner of Bellegrave Avenue and Hamner Avenue in Eastvale. Their mission for over thirteen years has been to spread health, fitness, and an active lifestyle to Eastvale residents.
This past summer, Paul and Robin traveled to Barcelona,
Spain to represent Eastvale Athletics and the United States at the Masters
World Weightlifting Championships. Robin
placed 1st by lifting 185kg (407lb) with a world record clean and jerk of 105kg
(231lb) in the Women’s 40-44 division.
Robin was also named the best lifter across all other weight
classes. Paul placed 4th in the world by
lifting 265kg (583lb) in the Men’s 35-39 division. Both Paul and Robin had the highest totals of
any other American in their divisions.
“We are proud to have community partners like Paul and Robin
who invest in the health of our residents,” said City Manager, Bryan
Jones. “The accomplishment that Robin
and Paul achieved in Barcelona this past summer takes grit and true
determination. They have certainly represented Eastvale extremely well and we
are very proud!”
Their fitness program was a tremendous success from the
start and quickly outgrew Paul’s garage.
From there, Paul and Robin brought the program to the Jurupa Community
Services District and trained at Harada Heritage Park and led specialized
aquatics workouts at Eleanor Roosevelt High School. Soon after, they moved into a commercial
property in Jurupa Valley, where they stayed for nearly eight years. Once the
Goodman Commerce Center was built, they were finally able to move back into the
city they loved, where they have continued the mission of training Eastvale
residents for anything and everything.
“When I left the military, I found safe homes and neighborhoods
in Eastvale and decided to make Eastvale home, where I am raising my daughter,
Jasmine,” said Paul Casteneda. “I also
saw potential in the area for young families to grow into a healthy active
community with proper guidance. I have
been able to use my knowledge and skills from my previous Naval Special Forces
training and apply the concept to residents in general physical preparedness
and fitness.”
Together, Paul and Robin oversee the training of over 350
athletes, some as young as 5 years old, and are heavily involved in the
Eastvale community and the Eastvale Chamber of Commerce. Some of the community efforts they are
involved in are the Eastvale 5K and Roadway Adoption Program.
“In 2016, Robin and I teamed up to combine goals and see our
dreams play out in Eastvale,” said Paul Casteneda. “With over 20 years of experience and
education training teams in various sports, Robin brought a much-needed missing
piece to the team. Together, we program workouts for both adults and kids
looking to physically prepare themselves for life, sport, or adventure.”
Eastvale Athletics is the driving force behind the
#EastvaleStrong campaign which promotes exercise and outdoor activity as well
as community unity. Paul and Robin proudly advocate activity outside the gyms
and have been taking their members white water rafting every summer for over
ten years. They have recently challenged
their members to create and execute their bucket list of goals and experiences
over the next year. Some members have
mentioned long hikes, skydiving, scuba diving, and even triathlons; all which
Paul and Robin have committed to joining them on each of their adventures.
“I’m very proud to say that Eastvale is a very special place
for not only training but belonging, personal growth, and community,” said Paul
Casteneda.
Eastvale/Norco– An Eastvale woman and a Norco man were among the victims of a Yorba Linda plane crash that occurred in the 19000 block of Crestknoll drive on Sunday, Feb. 3.
On Superbowl Sunday, Stacie Norene Leber, 48, an Eastvale
resident, and Donald Paul Elliot, 58, a Norco resident, were visiting relatives
Roy Lee Anderson, 85, and his wife, Dahlia Marlies Leber Anderson, 68, at their
Yorba Linda home. Reports state they
were at the home preparing for their annual Superbowl party. However, all four people were killed when a
local plane crashed into the Anderson’s home.
Two additional guests were also injured and taken to the hospital. The plane’s pilot, Antonio Pastini, 75, of
Nevada, was killed in the crash as well.
The incident occurred after a Cessna 414 plane took off from
the Fullerton Municipal Airport at around 1:35 p.m. and flew as high as 7,800
feet, according to a National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator. Witnesses reported seeing the plane flying in
one piece about 10 minutes from the airport, stating it emerged from a cloud. However, moments later, the plane started
falling apart in the sky as the tail of the plane came off, with the wings
following. The plane started burning in
mid-air before plunging into the Yorba Linda home at around 1:45 p.m., causing
the home to catch fire. NTSB reported debris
of the crash was scattered among 16 other homes in the neighborhood, where they
found the plane’s engine, exhaust pipe, and propeller. Investigators from the Federal Aviation
Administration and the NTSB helped collect debris from the crash and took all
the aircraft parts to a Phoenix facility for examination.
There were also reports stating that the pilot, Pastini, was
carrying credentials and retirement papers that identified him as a retired
Chicago Police Officer. However, the
Chicago Police Department confirmed Pastini was not an officer with their
department and that the badge found in the wreckage was reported lost in
1978. It is unclear as to why Pastini
was in possession of the badge and credentials.
In addition, local reports reveal that prior to the plane
crash, Pastini’s license was suspended twice by federal regulators for flying
in dangerous conditions and lying about his credentials. LA Times refers to the Library of Congress records
that indicate Pastini lost his license for 4 months after flying in cloudy, icy
conditions and then lying to an air traffic controller about having IFR clearance. Three years later, Pastini’s license was suspended
again due to his plane being behind on inspections, having a brake that was
leaking hydraulic fluid, and carrying expired temporary registration. A Federal Aviation Administration spokesman told
the LA Times that Pastini also reported two name changes with the agency after
the suspensions. He was first registered
as Jordan Albert Isaacson, then changed his name to Jordan Ike Aaron in 1991, and
again changed his name to Antonio Peter Pastini in 2008.
After the Yorba Linda crash, one of Pastini’s daughters,
Julia Ackley, told local reporters that her father was a retired Chicago Police
Officer, an experienced pilot, and a Nevada restaurant owner. She also confirmed that her father changed his
name years ago to Antonio Pastini but she didn’t state why. She told local news that her father was an
experienced pilot who flew to the Fullerton Airport at least twice a month to
visit her and her daughter. On Feb. 3,
he was leaving the Fullerton Airport to go to his Nevada home after visiting
Ackley in Torrance. She then expressed she
was grieving for and with the victims’ families.
The family of Leber, Elliot, and Anderson issued a joint statement
regarding their loved ones’ passing: “We are devastated by our loss of our
family members who will be greatly missed.
Our family bond is tight and each member lost in this tragedy represents
more than just one role within our family.
We lost parents, grandparents, great-parents, spouses, sisters,
brothers, aunts and uncles. The home
lost was a beacon for so many family and friends where many celebrations were
held. We want to thank our extended
family and friends who have provided amazing support, kindness and
compassion. It takes a village.”
The statement continued in thanking neighbors and
first-responders who put themselves in harm’s way after the crash. The family also thanked various city and
county agencies who provided assistance, local city fire departments, Orange
County Fire Authority, local law enforcement, Trauma Intervention Programs,
Inc., Orange County Sheriff’s Department Coroner Division, UCI Medical Center,
the National Transportation Safety Board, Yorba Linda personnel, and
surrounding communities.
City officials in Yorba Linda also planned a vigil at Glenn
Knoll School on Thursday, Feb. 7, where hundreds attended to mourn the lives
lost. A GoFundMe account was setup for
the victims’ families and can be accessed here: www.gofundme.com/f/2sswd-family-forever.
As of now, reports indicate that there is no evidence that
the crash was intentional. However, this
incident is still under investigation and could take as long as one year to
complete. Investigators are looking into
why the plane broke apart, any environmental impacts, and the pilot’s history
and flight experience.
Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale Starbucks employees were excited to serve their community on opening day.
Staff Reports
Eastvale– A new In-N-Out and Starbucks have officially opened in Eastvale! Community members have expressed their excitement for the new additions. Social media pages are filled with photos of Eastvale families and friends, as they raved about the two new businesses.
The Starbucks off Cantu Galleano and Hamner Ave.
officially opened their doors on Feb. 7.
Many talked about the quick service they received while getting their
morning coffee. Others loved the
convenience of the location. However,
the celebration will continue on their official Grand Opening and Ribbon
Cutting ceremony on Feb. 28 so don’t forget to mark your calendars.
Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale In-N-Out employees hustled while community members enjoyed their food at In-N-Out’s Grand Opening on February 8th.
Even though Starbucks was a hit, the real talk around
town was the new In-N-Out that opened the next day. The Eastvale In-N-Out is located at 4950
Hamner Ave., near Costco and Amazon.
They officially opened on Friday, Feb. 8, but are also expecting to have
a Grand Opening and Ribbon Cutting event as well. Eastvalians from all over town were thrilled
of how quick their drive was to the new In-N-Out and that they no longer have
to visit the Norco location. The new
Eastvale restaurant has 74 seats available in its dining room so stop by and
grab one today!
Eastvale– Eastvale resident, James Sinnema, started a petition on the website
Change.org to bring residents together who share the same concerns for a
proposed project in their neighborhood.
In November of last
year, the building of a self-storage facility was proposed to the City Council.
The property is located east of Hellman Avenue and north of Walters Street. The
family owned company proposed a zone change of the land to become commercial.
Many residents were
angered by this possible project because it would be located in a residential
area near a school.
“A commercial use will
not fit with the character of the surrounding uses,” said James Sinnema in
their Change.org statement.
The resident does not
believe that this two-story storage building would be visually compatible with
the surrounding area. Sinnema also expressed concerns with the storage facility
leaving land only big enough for a small business to be built.
“As I’ve shared with
Mr. Gossett, it seems if the Council were to grant approval for the storage
facility and it is constructed, then the remainder parcel would only work for a
convenience store such as 7-11,” said Sinnema.
Sinnema and other
residents believe that would increase the crime rate in the area.
“As an employee of a
local Police Department, I can’t begin to tell anyone the type of calls for
service we get from these types of locations. We are only setting up our
neighborhood up for failure. Crime rates will rise (thefts, graffiti,
break-ins) traffic will increase and our home values will go down,” commented Kristen
Kannard.
Over 600 residents
have signed the petition.
The public hearing for the possible development took place on Jan. 23 at 6:30 p.m. at City Hall.
City is forced to exercise their 5th Amendment right to Eminent Domain
By Izabella Salinas
Chino- The Pine Avenue Widening Project, Chino’s plan to expand Pine Avenue
into six lanes, has hit an obstacle due to the City being unable to reach an
agreement with the owners of the land needed for the expansion. A resolution between the parties has not been
easy, forcing the City to utilize “eminent domain.”
Eminent domain is the
right provided by the Fifth Amendment in the constitution. It refers to the
government’s ability to take private property for public use. However, they
must provide the property owner with “just compensation,” which is determined
by a property appraisal.
Lewis Operating
Corporation plans to build 600 residential units, but their plan requires the
dedication of certain land to the widening of Pine Avenue. This required land
is part of the H&R Barthelemy Dairy Farm and has been in the Barthelemy
family for over 70 years.
Lewis Operating
Corporation has been trying to obtain the land since last year but has been
unable to reach an agreement with the family. Because of this, the City has
voted to acquire the land by exercising their right of eminent domain.
“For the public
purposes set forth herein, the City of Chino is authorized to acquire property
through the exercise of eminent domain,” said the Chino City Hall Staff report.
The required easements
for the project include a permanent easement of 110,766 square ft., slope
easements, a drainage easement, a flooding easement, an access easement, and a
temporary construction easement. An easement is the right to use another
person’s land for a specified purpose.
“Pine Avenue needs to
be widened to accommodate existing and future traffic due to development in the
area,” said the Chino City Hall staff report.
The City of Chino
states that the land owned by H&R Barthelemy Farms is necessary in order
for their Pine Avenue Widening Project to move forward. The Project is deemed
to be for the greater good of the public.
“The acquisition of
the Easements is necessary for the Project because without them the Project
cannot be constructed,” according to the staff report.
The Barthelemy family
wishes to have their own appraisal of the property made and to be given a
reasonable amount of time to do so.
“In order to engage in
meaningful negotiation with the City, we wish to have the property
independently appraised,” wrote Dan Barthelemy in a letter to the City.
In
accordance to California eminent domain laws, the property owner does not have
to accept the City’s offer and they are able to make a counter-offer.
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