Category Archives: Eastvale

EASTVALE: Traffic Saturations Raise Questions from Residents

BY: JENNIFER MADRIGAL

(Image courtesy : City of Eastvale)

(Image courtesy : City of Eastvale)

EASTVALE – On March 25, residents contacted our Eastvale Community News Facebook about a large presence of police on Limonite. Authorities were contacted and we reported that the Riverside Sheriff’s Department was just conducting routine patrols and no major issues were reported. Later that day, the City of Eastvale released a press release explaining that the Eastvale Traffic Police Department’s Traffic Division conducted a Safety Enforcement Operation as part of its commitment to public safety. The operation was conducted at two different intersections. The first intersection was near Limonite Avenue and Sumner Avenue and the second intersection was Limonite Avenue and Hamner Avenue. This operation is one of many that will be conducted throughout the year and was done in response to ongoing citizen concerns of speeding, texting and using cellphones while driving. This operation resulted in 50 citations being issued of which 4 vehicles were towed for drivers operating without a valid drivers license. The traffic saturation, as these are commonly called, was conducted between the hours of 7am-8:30am and again from 12pm-2:20pm.

At the March 25 Safety Council Meeting, Eastvale resident, Don Pettinger,  questioned the necessity of this operation and was concerned that these types of “sweeps” give the city a bad reputation.  Pettinger addressed the commission and stated that, ”All that we (Eastvale Police Department) do is issue citations on Limonite, Hamner and Sumner and everyone kind of knows where those officers are hidden”. In response to Mr. Pettinger’s concerns, Lieutenant Yates, Eastvale’s Asst. Chief of Police, explained that the original purpose of todays traffic saturation was actually aimed towards the local schools, but when officers realized that the schools were on spring break, they made a last minute decision to instead focus on speeding, texting and drivers using cellphones. This in itself is a large issue and residents have complained about these issues frequently to The Riverside Sheriff’s Department.  Yates further explained that these types of sweeps are common and that citations are necessary because, “warnings don’t always work and so we have to issue citations because that’s how you bring traffic collisions down”.

According to Yates, the purpose of these sweeps is in direct response to community concerns. For example, Riverside Sheriff’s Department has done numerous sweeps on issues from bike safety and helmet usage, to truancy, to burglary and drug sweeps, etc. All of these sweeps have been done with the intent of improving public safety.  The issue of the City doing these sweeps in order for a revenue boost was also brought up, but City Manager Carol Jacobs, shook her head and asserted that that simply was not true. According to Jacobs, the city gets very little revenue from citations and that the amount of money from  fines and citations is merely “a drop in the bucket”.

While the need for these sweeps and saturations is definitely needed and valid, especially around our schools, many residents feel that other areas need more attention. Pettinger voiced this issue when he said, ” Eastvale’s two major problems are residential burglaries and burglaries from vehicles during the daytime hours, so  what do they do, they create saturations and shoot radar instead of giving neighborhoods saturated patrols for possible burglary activities”.  In response to this, Yates again explained how the saturations work and how revenue is generated with very little of the revenue going to the City.  Yates also explained how the Sheriff’s Department is committed to acting on the concerns of the citizens and actively trying to conduct various sweeps to increase overall public safety.

One way that the Riverside Sheriff’s Department plans on conducting strategic sweeps, is by issuing a calendar with a priority list of schools that would receive extra traffic enforcement. These saturations would be rotated by school, starting with those that have the highest need or priority. This calendar would obviously be shared only by law enforcement and city officials and not to the public. Yates hopes that continued saturations and sweeps will increase safety and cause citizens to be more aware .

The City of Eastvale and the Riverside Sheriff’s Department encourage citizens to always obey the posted speed limits, wear your seat belt(s), refrain from using a hand-held wireless telephone device while driving and follow the traffic signal movements.

Citizens may submit an anonymous crime tips using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

Eastvale: Situation Awareness

 By L.E.A.F.F. (Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters)

 

LEAFF Law Enforcement and Fire Protection

L.E.A.F.F. Eastvale

One of the most important factors of being safe is being aware of your situation. This can be applied to the home, workplace and outside, whether one is at work or play.  Be aware of what is going around you.

 

HOME:  With spring arriving and the time change, it is essential to remember to do things like renew the batteries in your smoke detectors, replenish the supplies in your first aid kit and review a safety plan with your family. Do your children know where to go in case of a major emergency? Make sure as a family you discuss a meeting place in the event of a disaster and have a plan in place.  It is also essential to make sure that your family is prepared and has enough food and water for three days to one week, at a minimum.

 

OUTSIDE:  Be aware of your surroundings when you are outside.  If you see drifters or people that look like they shouldn’t be there (such as a random person sitting in their car for a long period of time), call it in.  It is better to be safe than sorry.  Pay attention to your neighbors and your neighborhood by being vigilant and looking out for one another.  Joining a Neighborhood Watch is a great way to learn more about your surroundings as well as learn even more ways to keep you and your family safe.

 

Children need to remember to wear helmets when riding their bikes, but most importantly, they need to look around and make sure that vehicles see them.  Vehicles should be at a full stop before crossing in front of them.  Don’t assume that because you are in the crosswalk, you are safe. Distracted drivers and children not paying attention have resulted in many collisions that could have been avoided had both people been aware of their surroundings.

 

Overall, situation awareness leads to less crime and a higher level of personal safety. The first step in avoiding disaster and becoming a statistic is making sure that your situation is safe. Be vigilant, pay attention and have a plan.

Eastvale: Absolute Truth

BY PASTOR ROB JEWETT

Pastor Robert Jewett Word of Truth Community ChurchSince God is love (1 Jn. 4:8), his attributes are absolutely wonderful.  David described God this way, “The LORD is gracious and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love. The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Ps. 145:8-9).  One way God has demonstrated these amazing qualities is by giving us his word…the Bible.

God’s word is truth and endures forever:  “The sum of your word is truth, and every one of your righteous rules endures forever” (Ps. 119:160). Since God’s word is truth, all of his precepts are trustworthy (Ps. 111:7).  In a world dominated by relativism, it is absolutely critical to realize that absolute truth still exists.  God’s truth does not change based upon people’s opinions or emotions.  It remains firmly fixed forever (Ps. 119:89).

In response to God’s absolute truth, we should cherish his word…study his word…and abide in his word!  As a result, our lives will be lived out in faithfulness and uprightness and will be pleasing to the Lord.  Please consider joining us as we study God’s word verse by verse together.

For more information about Word of Truth Community Church, visit wordoftruthcc.com or call (909) 235-WORD.

EASTVALE: Every Fifteen Minutes Educates Teens on Drunk Driving

ERHS presents "Every 15 Minutes" to teach students the dangers of Drunk Driving. Photos by: Emily Aguilar

ERHS presents “Every 15 Minutes” to teach students the dangers of Drunk Driving. Photos by: Emily Aguilar

ERHS

BY: EMILY AGUILAR

EASTVALE –  Eleanor Roosevelt High School conducted the Every Fifteen Minute simulation on March 20 – 21 to educate students on the dangers of drunk driving. The program is conducted by selecting twenty-two students and their families to act out a simulation in which a few of them were killed in a car-related accident caused by someone being intoxicated. These students are then pulled out of their classrooms and homes for two days in order to make their “death” feel real to all involved.

On the first day, students were taken to Scholar Way to witness a “car crash”, equipped with law enforcement, actors, and a Grim Reaper who walked around the dead students to show the brutality of drunk driving. While watching the eerily real looking blood covering the bodies of their fellow classmates, some students were distraught by what they witnessed. “The events that are taking place today are fake, however, they happen so often, they feel real,” remarked Senior Alexis Castro.

The following day, students were taken to the gym where they attended the memorial service of their beloved classmates. A sense of vulnerability seemed to weigh upon the audience while they were subjected to a slideshow of the deceased students before their death as well as seeing their coffins surrounding a group of family members of the deceased. The mock-memorial service proved to soften the hearts of the audience when the ‘living dead’ students, their families, and a victim of drinking and driving tearfully read out their letters to the audience that described what they would tell the world if they had an opportunity to speak from the beyond.

Although emotional, the simulation made students take the challenge to not drink and drive and value their lives and the lives of others. When asked why he felt this simulation was necessary, the school’s principal, Mr. Goins stated that it “puts the thing we hear about into a form in which we can see and feel the tragedy.” The

Eastvale: Family Tradition Means Insurance Expertise

BY MIKE ARMIJO

Chino Hills –- Most little girls say they want to be a doctor, lawyer, school teacher or a princess while growing up, but Grace Buencamino wanted to be like her daddy, an insurance producer.

“It wasn’t that I was exposed to someone who just pushed paper or punched a clock, my father helped people with important needs and helped business owners stay protected during tough times,” said Grace, who watched her father do such things for over 30 years.

“Insurance runs in our family.  I grew up learning the industry and spent all of my high school summers working with him,” she said.  “It was a great time in my life.  As I grew, I learned to help others, to be knowledgeable in an effort to help those in need.”

She’s not just filled with summers of insurance experience; Grace has over ten years of Human Resources experience and ten years of Property Management experience. She’s also worked with employers on strategies to minimize on-the-job injuries. This has given her firsthand knowledge of the importance of proper workers compensation and harassment/wrongful termination (EPLI) coverage.

Knowledge in the property management field has helped her address the concerns of risks and exposures that business and property owners can have. Her California Department of Insurance Resident Insurance Producer License for Property and Casualty allows Grace to legally and thoroughly provide expertise and experience.

“Every business is unique and policies should not be “One Size Fits All”.  I believe a company needs to be evaluated and exposures assessed before presenting the best possible, most cost-effective solution for your business,” Grace said.  She prides herself on knowing which policy covers you for your specific needs, as some agents aren’t sure and you end up with coverage that’s costly and unnecessary.

But her main goal is to assist others in need. “I enjoy helping others. Insurance allows me to do this.  I work with business owners to manage their risks and exposures, giving them the peace of mind that their business is protected.”

Grace’s “off-field” activities prove her commitment to service above self.  “I am here to serve the community.  I am a member of Christian Business Partners, have volunteered at several schools in the Chino Valley Unified School District, volunteer with the Chino Hills Community Foundation, and a Woman’s Care Center in Chino.”

Besides helping those in need and continuing her father’s legacy in a “Service First” industry by offering affordable coverage, even free evaluations, Grace says, “Our agency offers complementary policy evaluations. We have established relationships with some of the nation’s largest and finest carriers as preferred agents.”  Preferred Agents have benefited their clients with specialized programs and competitive pricing.  “Please feel free to contact me directly at (909) 973-8233 if you would like an evaluation of your current coverage and premium,” she adds.

Although the company was established in 1941 and is now located in Orange County, Grace has worked in the Inland Empire and San Gabriel Valley for years.  “I am your local agent and I’ve lived in Chino Hills since 1997.  Clients can always expect personalized, professional service from me and everyone at our agency.”

Established in 1941, George L Brown Insurance Agency continues to work with small to medium sized businesses, and manage their risks by providing comprehensive business packages, general and professional liability, property coverage, workers compensation, bonds, E&O, D&O, EPLI and commercial auto coverage.

George L. Brown Insurance Agency is located at 1005 Calle Recodo, San Clemente, CA 92673.  Grace Buencamino can be reached at (909) 973-8233 (Direct); (949) 361-1400 (Office); or by email: gbuencamino@georgebrowninsurance.com;License #OH30972.

EASTVALE: 295 Marijuana Plants Seized in Illegal Marijuana Grow

eastvale police curfew

(Image courtesy : City of Eastvale)

INFORMATION FROM RIVERSIDE SHERIFF DEPARTMENT PRESS RELEASE:

During an ongoing investigation related to illegal residential marijuana grow operations in the city of Eastvale; officers assigned to the city of Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team obtained new information regarding a residence being used for an illegal marijuana grow operation. A follow-up investigation was initiated and a search warrant was obtained for the residence. Residence was located in the 6000 Block of Massey Way, Eastvale.

On Thursday, March 20, 2014, at 5:30 p.m., the search warrant was served by officers assigned to the city of Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team. During the service of this search warrant, no subjects were detained inside the residence. Officers discovered the residence had been modified for the sole purpose of cultivating, processing and packaging marijuana for sales.  Officers seized 295 marijuana plants.  Additionally, electricity was being bypassed around the meter, causing a serious fire hazard and resulting in approximately $5,000.00 a month in stolen electricity.

The Eastvale Police Department is committed to the safety of the citizens of Eastvale and will be vigilant in investigating all crimes of this nature. The investigation is ongoing and we are reaching out to the public and asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Officer Javier Morando at the Jurupa Valley Station at 951-955-2600.

Eastvale: Satisfied Customers At Mountain View Tires

BY GUS UGALDE

Eastvale -– For nearly 27 years, MountainView Tire has provided Southern California residents top quality tires and auto service by never forgetting to put the customer first.

With a store located in Eastvale, the family-owned, independent Goodyear dealer brings its considerable tire and auto service expertise to our city.

“We opened our first store in Duarte in 1987, and now have 30 locations in Southern California,” said Chris Mitsos, Vice President and part-owner of the company.

MountainView Tire and Service Inc., is more than just a tire store, according to Mitsos.

“We are not just a tire dealer, we are an auto repair facility as well,” said Mitsos in a previous interview.  “Half of our revenue is derived from tires, the other half from auto service.”

“Our customers are treated with respect and get an honest assessment of their automotive needs.  We try to demystify the auto service experience,” added Mitsos.

Mitsos wants his Eastvale shop to be a one-stop shop for his clients by providing complete auto service for just about anyone who owns a car.

MountainView Tire provides computerized engine analysis, cooling system maintenance, brakes, tires, heating and air conditioning service, along with battery, oil lube and filter services.

“About the only things we don’t do are body work and smog checks,” said Mitsos.

“This is a family-run business.  My brother and I work from 7 in the morning to 6 at night…and our focus has always been our customers,” said Mitsos.

“My brother and I handle all complaints personally,” said Mitsos.  “Fortunately, there aren’t many.”

Mitsos has a great passion for two things, servicing autos and keeping his customers happy and his business philosophy clearly points this out.

“We want to give our customers the ‘wow’ experience,” said Mitsos.  “We want our customers to say ‘wow’ when they drive away from our shop.”

For coupons and discounts, check out their ad on page 20. Clients can also check out their website at http://www.mountainviewtire.com for additional savings.

MountainView Tire and Service Inc., is located at 6080 Hamner Avenue, Suite 105, Eastvale, CA, 91752 just north of Limonite Avenue. They can be reached at (877) 872-1665 and are open Mon. – Fri, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m., Sat. 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sun. 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Eastvale: Family Shares Connection With Former President

BY EMILY AGUILAR

Eastvale — For most people, it is an honor to meet the man who keeps our country organized. But for two Eastvale residents, it is a privilege to be the closest to a presidential figure. Amelia Crawford and her brother W. Jackson are the great-grand children of the 39th president of the United States, Jimmy Carter.

Crawford and Jackson reveal they carry great pride that there is such an influential figure in their family tree. Former Pres. Carter has been awarded with a Nobel Peace Prize, is part of the Habitat for Humanity project, and aided America during trying times. The Crawford and Jackson families celebrated Black History Month knowing that their family members have helped this country prosper to its current might.

Wilbur Jones, a cousin of Crawford and Jackson, has researched their family’s history and has organized his findings into a book — “Cecelia and Nancy Carter, a Family History” — for others to read the story of this family’s relationship to Pres. Carter. Pick up your copy today to read more about this family.

ERHS to Host “EVERY 15 MINUTES” Program

Information Courtesy City of Eastvale

 Attention Residents:

Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) will be hosting the Every 15 Minutes Program on March 20th and 21st. This is a two day event that informs students of the dangers associated with drinking and driving. On March 20th, part of Scholar Way will be closed and a simulated drunk driving collision will be staged in front of our school between 9:00 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. All residents will still have access to their homes as well as our school. All emergency services from the area will be participating in this event including a helicopter from Mercy Air.

On March 21st, the second portion of this event will be hosted in the ERHS gymnasium. We are excited that we received a $10,000 grant from the California Highway Patrol in order to bring this program to our school. We are working closely with the city to communicate this event to local residents so that they can prepare for temporary road closure to Scholar Way.

There is always a balance of how you announce an event like this. You do not want to over communicate it early and you also want to make sure that local residents know what is happening. I appreciate your understanding with this.

This will be Eleanor Roosevelt’s second time hosting the Every 15 Minutes Program and we are looking forward to see what we can continue to do to make our end of year events as safe as possible for our students. We appreciate your support and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our office at 951-738-2100.

EVERY 15 MINUTES Program at Eleanor Roosevelt High School

Every 15 Minutes is a community-based program focusing on high school juniors and seniors challenging them to think about the dangers of drinking and driving, the importance of personal safety, the responsibility of making mature decisions, and the impact their decisions have on family, friends, and many others in the community.

Dates: March 20th and 21st from 11:10am-12:15pm both days.

Notice to the community: Road closure on Scholar Way on Thursday, March 20th, for a simulated collision. Blackboard Connect message will be sent home; Flyers will be posted.

This is a community-based program in which the community, as well as, the schools share the interest in educating high school students about the dangers of drinking and driving. As a result, the following local agencies are involved:

  • American      Medical Response 
  • California      Highway Patrol 
  • California      Office of Traffic Safety 
  • Cal      Fire, Riverside County 
  • City      of Eastvale 
  • Corona-Norco      Unified School District 
  • Eastvale      Police Department 
  • Mercy      Air 
  • Riverside      Sheriffs Department 
  • Riverside      Community Hospital 
  • Riverside      County Coroner’s Office

Participants: Twenty-one (21) students have been selected through an application process. These students will play the role of the living dead. They are representatives of the student body.

Funding: ERHS received a grant of $10,000 from the California Office of Traffic Safety and the California Highway Patrol.

EASTVALE: Eastvale Elite Cheer crowned Grand Champions!

EASTVALE – Eastvale Elite competed  on Sunday March 9 in the Sharps National Cheer competition in Las Vegas and won as grand champions  for the fourth year in a row. The girls worked extremely hard and practiced twice or more a week in the Auggie Ramirez middle school gym. In addition, the mascot team(ages 6-8) won the Sharp State Regional cheer competition at  Knotts Berry Farm 3 weeks ago.
The  Eastvale Elite Cheer is a competive cheer team established in 2010 under the direction of head coach Claudia Bustillo and director Tony Broughton. There are 3 squads (mascot, junior and senior squads).

Photos courtesy of: Eileen Pajo

Photos courtesy of: Eileen Pajo

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Eastvale: March 12 City Council Meeting Recap

BY: TIANA GOEGEBUER

EASTVALE – At the March 12, 2014 meeting, Council Members Ric Welch, Jeff DeGrandpre, and Bill Link were present.  Mayor Pro-Tem Adam Rush and Mayor Ike Bootsma were present as well.  The invocation was led by Pastor Sam Tanner with Life Church.

    There were no Presentations, Announcements, or Public Comments.

All Items on the Consent Calendar were approved, 5-0.

There were no Public Hearings or Old Business Items, so the meeting continued on to the New Business Items.  The New Business Items are as follows:

8.1: School Liaison to City Council was approved 5-0.

8.2: Selection Of Consultant for Engineering Design Services – Anderson Penna, was passed 5-0.

8.3: Goal Setting for Fiscal Year 2014-2015 Budget: a study session was requested and passed 5-0.

8.4: Review of Reimbursement of Expense Policy was approved 4-1, with DeGrandpre voting ‘no’.

8.5: Attendance At The International Conference Of Shopping Centers (ICSC) was approved in favor of staff members attending the meeting 4-0-1, with DeGrandpre abstaining.

In the City Managers Report, City Manager Jacobs reminded the Council that they need to select a Planning Commissioner for the Economic Development Committee, as well as formally re-appoint a Public Safety Committee member.

During the Council Communications, the Planning Commission and the Public Safety Commission’s attendance was requested at the next meeting, as well as an ‘after-action’ report on the robbery/dog shooting that recently occurred by the Animal Services.

The meeting adjourned at 7:45.

Eastvale: San Antonio Medical Plaza Making Big Progress

STAFF REPORTS

Eastvale Medical Plaza

Eastvale Medical Plaza: The medical office building begins to take shape as a heavy crane lifts the first walls into place. (Photo Courtesy: Barbara Isenhart )

Eastvale Medical Plaza

Eastvale Medical Plaza: L to R: Mark Bertone, Chairman of San Antonio Community Hospital’s Board of Trustees; Jason Cooke, Strategic Medical Properties; Pat Timmins, Project Superintendent, Lusardi Construction; Harris F. Koenig; and Bryce Stafford, Strategic Medical Properties. (Photo Courtesy: Barbara Isenhart )

Eastvale — San Antonio Community Hospital’s medical plaza project in Eastvale has been progressing nicely.  Several construction milestones have been reached, including the tilt-up of the walls that took place on Feb. 5.  With this type of construction, the walls are formed adjacent to the foundation and a large crane lifts them into place one at a time. Precision is required to ensure that the walls are erected in just the right order, much like a puzzle. Intensive planning was required before the first wall was lifted into place and secured.

Eastvale Mayor, Ike Bootsma, was on hand to witness this major milestone, as was Harris Koenig, President and Chief Executive Officer of SACH, and Mark Bertone, Chairman of the hospital’s Board of Trustees.

The Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza will be located in Lewis Retail Center’s Eastvale Gateway South Shopping Center, on Limonite Avenue, just west of Interstate 15.  The location allows the hospital to expand its healthcare services to meet the needs of residents in Eastvale, south Ontario, Norco, and surrounding communities.  The medical plaza is anticipated to open in late 2014.

This information is courtesy of Eastvale San Antonio Medical Plaza.

Eastvale: Happiness Is…

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

You fill in the blank. Happiness is what so many are trying to determine in life.  Some may ponder “what is happiness?”

Believe it or not, but my two boys love when I do yard work or clean out the garage.  Why? You say.  They love it because they have an opportunity to help me and it gives them a chance to hold a broom.  Yes, hold a broom.  I have a photo of my son Noah holding a push broom the day of his first birthday with such intrigue and joy.  It actually brought him joy and fulfillment to help his dad.  This was another glimpse of the Lord teaching me through my son.

In the Upper Room, Jesus took a towel and wrapped it around His waist.  He then took a basin and began to do the work of a servant as he washed the disciple’s feet (John 13).  Jesus then said “if you know these things, blessed are you if you do them” (John 13:17).  The word “blessed” here is translated “happy.”  Jesus shares with us the source of real happiness in this scene.  Jesus essentially shows us that happiness cannot be defined by prestige or power, only in terms of knowing and doing God’s will for our lives.  To my son, pushing a broom may not be the most exhilarating experience in itself, but when it’s connected to blessing his dad, it makes him happy.

Life without God is empty, shallow, and lacks purpose. When you allow Christ in your life, He makes it worth living.  Serving the Lord and others in His name adds a dimension of happiness.  “Blessed is the man who trusts in the LORD, and whose hope is the LORD” (Jer 17:7).

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 11:30 am at Clara Barton Elementary 7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale. www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Eastvale: Crime Recap

STAFF REPORTS

 Eastvale -– The following crime incidents have been reported by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, the City of Eastvale, and eyewitnesses throughout the community. Here is a recap of the local crime for last month.

Crime ImageOn Tuesday, Feb. 25, a search warrant was obtained at the 6400 block of Gold Dust St., Eastvale, where Eastvale Police seized 921 marijuana plants, one pound of processed marijuana and packaging material. Yongchao Huang, 32, of San Gabriel, was arrested for cultivation of marijuana and grand theft of utilities. He is accused of bypassing the home’s electricity meter, stealing about $7,600 worth of energy per month and causing a serious fire hazard.  Anyone with additional information is asked to contact Officer Javier Morando at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

On Feb. 19, at around 7:45 a.m., a 17-year-old female was struck by an oncoming vehicle while riding her bike eastbound on the north side of Citrus St.  Fortunately, the victim was able to walk away with only a scraped knee. The vehicle that struck the victim and fled the scene was reported to be a silver Volkswagen, according to eyewitnesses. When the suspect fled the scene, a witness followed the suspect’s vehicle and contacted the Eastvale Police Department. However, deputies were unable to identify the vehicle when they arrived. They are asking the community to contact the Eastvale Police at (951) 776-1099 if they see a silver Volkswagen with damage to the front or side.

On Tuesday, Feb. 13, Julie Kalberg, 34, of Eastvale, was convicted of involuntary manslaughter, felony abuse and child engagement in Riverside Superior Court. Kalberg was convicted after she babysat 1-year old, Caitlyn Jolley, in her Eastvale home on Elias Street back on April 30, 2010. She was reportedly a friend of the Jolley family and had previously babysat for them. The child was injured and taken to a Corona hospital where she was reportedly found to have major head trauma and signs of shaken-baby syndrome.  The results of the medical examination led to the arrest of Kalberg the following day.  Jolley was transferred to Loma Linda University Medical Center for more advanced care; however, she died four days later as a result of her injuries. On Feb. 13, after the jury deliberated for two days, Kalberg was found guilty of causing the fatal injuries.  Kalberg has been held at the Robert Presley Detention Center for the last four years.  At her hearing on Feb. 28, she was sentenced to time served and the court did not impose any additional jail time.

On Monday, Feb. 10, at 6:25 p.m., the Eastvale Fire Department responded to a home fire in the 12000 block of Craigburn Circle in Eastvale. The fire was extinguished and the Eastvale Fire Department discovered that the residence contained an indoor marijuana grow operation.  A search warrant was obtained and served by officers assigned to Eastvale’s Special Enforcement Team.  Officers were able to seize 1,103 marijuana plants and 35 lbs of processed marijuana. Electricity was also being bypassed around the meter, which may have been the cause of the fire.  Anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Officer Javier Morando at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

Over the last several months, there have been several incidents of graffiti at Orchard Park located at 5900 Festival Way in Eastvale, and the surrounding neighborhood near the park, according to the City of Eastvale.  Sheriff’s reports state that spray paint and markers were used to deface property at Orchard Park, including the toys at the playground.  Deputy Avila, who is assigned to patrol the parks in the City of Eastvale, began an investigation regarding the graffiti. On Feb. 6, at 4:55 p.m., after several leads, Deputy Avila received information that a juvenile was seen at the Eastvale Community Center with graffiti on his backpack. The juvenile, who is a 14-year old resident of Eastvale, was contacted while riding his bike. The graffiti on the juvenile’s backpack matched the graffiti at Orchard Park; therefore, the juvenile was detained.  Several pieces of evidence connecting him to the graffiti were located at his residence. A second juvenile was identified during the investigation, a 17-year old resident of Eastvale.  After searching the juvenile’s residence, additional evidence was located linking the juvenile to the graffiti at Orchard Park and surrounding areas. Both juveniles were arrested for felony vandalism and released into the custody of their parents. The total amount of damage caused by the suspects was $9,192.24. The Jurupa Community Services District will be seeking reimbursement to repair the damage from the juvenile’s parents.  This investigation is ongoing and anyone with information about this incident is requested to contact Deputy Avila at the Jurupa Valley Station at (951) 955-2600.

On Wednesday, Feb. 5, at 4:58 p.m., Eastvale officers responded to the 6000 block of Wells Springs Street, in Eastvale, where a burglary had occurred and numerous items were taken from inside.  Sheriff’s Deputies obtained information stating a gray Pontiac Grand-Am was used during the commission of the crime. Officers spotted the vehicle driving in the area and a traffic enforcement stop was conducted.  The driver of the vehicle was identified as Victor Saizholguin, a 19-year old Hispanic male from Eastvale. Property belonging to the residence on Wells Springs Street was located inside the Pontiac, as well as additional items of stolen property from at least one other residential burglary.  Saizholguin was arrested for residential burglary, possession of stolen property, and possession of burglary tools.  He was booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center and is being held on $35,000 bail.  Additional suspects are sought and anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Michelle Shamhart at the Eastvale Police Department at (951) 955-2600.

Between November 2013 and January 2014, there have been several incidents involving the theft of amplifiers from cable company boxes within Eastvale and the surrounding areas. These cable boxes are located in most neighborhoods, and the thefts are typically occurring between 2 a.m. and 5 a.m.  It is believed the suspects responsible for these thefts may have a professional appearance and may be driving utility trucks.  If you observe individuals working on, or removing parts from these cable boxes, or have information which may assist with the investigation, you are asked to contact your local Law Enforcement agency immediately.  Crime reporting tips should include a description or photo of the suspect vehicle and license plate, description or photo of the suspect(s), direction of travel of the suspect(s) after theft, and determining if the suspect(s) is known to the area.

Anyone with information is asked to contact one of the following numbers:  For an in-progress crime, call 911; for a crime in Eastvale, call (951) 955-9240; Jurupa Valley, call (951) 955-2661; and for a crime in Norco, call (951) 270-5673.

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.

Eastvale: Police Conduct Daytime Curfew Checks

BY STAFF REPORTS

eastvale police curfew

(Image courtesy : City of Eastvale)

In an effort to decrease juvenile truancy rates, the Eastvale Police Dept. in collaboration with the Corona Norco School District conducted a city wide daytime curfew enforcement operation. The “sweep” took place on Friday, March 07, 2014,between the hours of 8:00 A.M. and 2:00 P.M. According to a press release, the deputies patrolled the city of Eastvale in search of students who failed to report to school or left the campus without having permission to do so. While patrolling the city, deputies also checked several areas where juveniles are known for congregating, including parks, shopping centers, washes, and convenience stores. During the enforcement, several individuals were contacted, two of whom were found to be truant and were issued a citation for violating Riverside County Ordinance 9.12.030(a).

The few juveniles found to be in violation of the daytime curfew ordinance is a good indication of the positive effects the Corona-Norco Unified School District in Eastvale is having on their students by stressing the importance of regular school attendance.

The goal of this daytime curfew enforcement was to take a proactive approach to daytime curfew violators. Deputies also counseled juveniles and explained the importance of attending school on a regular basis and how failing to do so could significantly impact their future. This enforcement operation met expectations and future operations of this type are planned.

Eastvale: March Madness

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Easvale

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

For sports fans, March is a month known for madness. During the exciting final weeks of the college basketball season, teams across the country battle for the national championship. This rapid succession of single elimination games is commonly referred to as “March Madness.” However, anyone who has ever driven a Southern California freeway can tell you that madness is not exclusively reserved for the month of March.

According to the 2008 Mental Health Organization report entitled “Boiling Point,” 32 percent of people say they have a close friend of family member who has trouble controlling their anger. At the same time, more than one out of every four people admits to occasionally worrying about their own anger.

The unfortunate truth is that we live in the age of rage. This becomes exceedingly evident during a trip to any sporting event, shopping mall, or elementary school parking lot. People are angry. But, this doesn’t always have to be a bad thing. Anger, if channeled properly, can be a source of motivation.

Anger can encourage you to work harder, persevere longer, and move faster. It can also result in significant change. After all, it was anger that led to the American Revolution and the Civil Rights Movement. It is anger that drives us to find cures, enact social reform, and make a difference in the world.

Ephesians 4:26-27 says “In your anger, do not sin. Do not let the sun go down while you are still angry, and do not give the devil a foothold.” The Bible does not condemn anger. Instead, it advises us to control our behavior when we are angry. It is okay to get mad, but it is not okay to act bad.

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 8:30 a.m., 10 a.m., and 11:30 a.m.

Eastvale: Police Conduct Sex Offender Compliance Check

BY STAFF REPORTS

Image courtesy : City of Eastvale

Image courtesy : City of Eastvale

Press Release Courtesy of Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

On Thursday, March 06, 2014, from the hours of 5:00 pm – 10:00pm, investigators from the Eastvale Police Department conducted compliance checks of thirty-two registered sex offenders.

Section 290 of the California Penal Code requires persons convicted of specific sex related crimes, to register with local law enforcement in the city or unincorporated area of their specific residence. During today’s operation, the offenders were contacted and found to be in compliance with the terms of their registration.

The Investigators assigned to the Eastvale Police Department are responsible for conducting random visits of all registered sex offenders living within the city to ensure the safety of the community. The Eastvale Investigators will take all enforcement measures against any subject found to be willfully out of compliance with the terms of their mandatory registration.

Eastvale: Did You Know…

Neighborhood Watch

Neighborhood Watch (Photo Courtesy: Bing Images)

STAFF REPORTS

Eastvale – Did you know that the City of Eastvale’s web page hosts a Persons of Interest connection page to help residents stay informed about crime in the City? There are a number of information sources at a glance, including a Crime Tip Hotline; photos of individuals possibly involved in or having knowledge of criminal activity; photos of persons recently taken in custody; and photos of recovered stolen property that has not yet been claimed.

This information is another facet of Neighborhood Watch, whereby staying informed, you become additional eyes and ears to help the Eastvale Police Department in keeping our City safe. In addition, the Police Department page has links to brochures and videos that provide you with tips on Vehicle Burglary Prevention, Vehicle Safety, Personal Safety and Home Safety. The Eastvale Police Department, in contract with Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, is committed to providing the very best in public safety.

Visit http://www.eastvalecity.org and click on City Hall, Police Department, then the Persons of Interest link to see this page.

NORCO: Local War Hero’s Discuss Their Lives With JFK Students

BY TIANA GOEGEBUER

On Feb. 28, eleven veterans from World War II and the Korean War sat around tables with students from John F. Kennedy Middle College High School conversing about their lives and experiences. The veterans came from all walks of life and all lines of service. One of the veterans served as a medic, another as a pilot of a B-17 bomber, and yet another as a machine gun operator in the South Pacific.

WII Veterans speak with students.

WII Veterans speak with students. (Photo Courtesy: Corona Norco Unified School District)

John Busma, 96, was very popular with the students, as he had been stationed aboard the U.S.S. Medusa the day Pearl Harbor was attacked. He was 24 at the time, and had been assigned to the Medusa to work as a Machinist 1st Class. Busma had just finished eating breakfast of what had been christened as S.O.S.—also known by the crew as “$#*! On a Slate”—when the first bombs were dropped. “I heard the distinctive boom of the explosions from below deck, and hurried topside to see what was happening. I looked up at the sky, saw the rising suns painted on the planes, and shouted, ‘Close the ports! The Japanese are here!’” He went on to say that throughout that day, he served as a medic and tried to help the wounded. “I would sometimes look up at the sky and see the bullets flying through the air as we returned fire on the Japanese planes. I never saw air warfare like that again.”

The students were able to learn about more than just the war from the stories being told. After running away from an Indian reservation in Arizona in 1946, Alberto Calderon joined the Marines. While still in service, he visited a restaurant in Texas where he was denied service. “There was a sign that said that there would be no service to Indians or Mexicans. It didn’t matter that I was fighting for our country.” Calderon felt that it was important to share that story with the students so that they could see how far the nation had come in the short time since the 1950’s. He, and many of the other veterans, thought that it was more important to paint a picture in the minds of the younger generation of how much our nation has grown, instead of how it reacted in a time of war.

The veterans enjoyed telling students about their time in the service, but what they seemed to enjoy most of all was talking about their personal lives, both before and after the war. One even brought pictures of himself when he first enlisted, and of his wife when they were first married. Busma talked about his love of photography, how he had taken many photographs throughout the duration of his service, and how he was unable to take a picture of the most beautiful sunset he had ever seen because his camera was locked up below decks while out at sea. Warren Vanderlinden, 86, talked about how much he enjoyed going to medical school, how he lived in Washington State for most of his life, and how he had moved to California to be with his children and grandchildren as they grew up.

While each veteran had their own unique experience and background, the majority had very similar views about the past and what the current generations can learn from it. They encouraged the students to remember and learn from the past, to live in the present, and strive to make the world a better place in the future. Warren Vanderlinden left his group of students with an inspirational thought. “I loved—and still love—my life. I experienced as much as I could, took nothing for granted, and tried to make a difference. I hope that each one of you has the chance to do the same.”