Category Archives: News By City

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – The City Council started its June 24 meeting by honoring Mt. SAC softball player of the year, Celina Felix, who plays catcher for the local community college.  Mayor Nancy Tragarz said she and the other council members were proud to have Felix play for Mt. SAC and represent the City of Walnut. Tragarz congratulated her on her accomplishments and also encouraged other young adults in the City to remain active in sports.

The Council then approved the minutes for the May 12 Budget Workshop, and the May 27 and June 10 City Council meetings, before moving onto the Public Hearing section.

Both Public Hearing items were approved by the Council, the first being an ordinance for small residential rooftop solar energy systems and inspections, while the second was for an adoption of the 2015 Congestion Management Program local development report.

The Council approved several of the items on its Consent Calendar, including Resolution No. 15-34 for claims and demands in the amount of $644,478.84; the California Public Employees Retirement System (CalPERS) unfunded pension liability lump sum repayment; the appropriation for post-employment benefits (OPEB) fund; the approval of agreement between the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority and the City of Walnut for cost sharing for the NPDES permit requiring monitoring of harbor toxic pollutants; and the approval of a one-year contract with Continental Building Maintenance, Inc. for City-wide janitorial services with no rate increases.

The Council also spoke about a license agreement between the City of Walnut and Verizon Wireless, over the establishment of a new telecommunications facility. The topic had been brought to the attention of the Council before, and was met with extreme opposition from Walnut residents.

Many residents attended the City Council meeting just to speak out against the placement of the  telecommunications facility, which was planned at Snow Creek Drive (in Snow Creek Park), with concerns about health, safety and lack of need for the facility. After much discussion, the Council decided to continue its discussion on the item, with the possibility of a different location. The Council approved to discuss the item during its July 22 meeting.

The Council also denied the Great Enlightenment Lotus Society use of the Walnut Senior Center, which was its final Consent Calendar item.

Next, the Council approved the 2015-16 Walnut Successor Agency Budget totaling $3,969,290, before hearing from the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force. Community Development Director, Tom Weiner, outlined the proceedings of the task force, which has 15 Walnut residents meeting two times each month to speak about issues concerning Mt. SAC. The task force asked for $6,000 from the City’s general fund reserves for a City-wide mail notification about the college’s proposed parking structure, and for the Council to continue to fight Mt. SAC from taking legislative steps in Sacramento allowing the College to make construction efforts a reality with less residential involvement. However, the Council baulked at the $6,000 price tag and instead agreed to have the City’s staff look into alternate cost saving measures that would inform the public about Mt. SAC and its construction plans.

The Council then adjourned with plans to meet on July 8, at 7 p.m., in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

Inland Empire: Sheriff’s HOPE Helps Homeless Mother And Children

Staff Reports

Victorville – On Thurs., June 25, HOPE Team Deputies were contacted by Jeremy George from the Victor Valley Rescue Mission in reference to a woman, Tijuana Franklin, who came to their shower program at the Victorville Fairgrounds. Franklin informed George of her current situation – living in her car with her 11-year old son and 9-month old daughter.  Franklin is a single mother who simply cannot stretch her income over the course of a whole month. She was staying in a hotel up until recently, when her money ran out.
Franklin had been pursuing assistance on her own for several weeks, working with the homeless housing navigator at the Transitional Assistance Department. She was told, however, that this program will not have funding until after July 1. The HOPE team immediately began contacting area service providers, as they could not allow Franklin and her children to live in their car any longer.
HOPE Deputies contacted several organizations that did not have room, but were lucky when Catholic Charities in Apple Valley stepped up and were willing to help. Franklin was extremely appreciative of the help and was guided to their office, where she completed the necessary paperwork to be assisted. Deputies made sure that she had plenty of diapers and formula and was directed to seek help from the Rescue Mission when critical items become needed again. Franklin was reluctant to ask for help and was very thankful for this opportunity she was given.
The HOPE Team is thankful for people like George, who refers the needy to the HOPE Team and truly has the heart for the less fortunate population. A big thank you also goes to Alejandra Diaz at High Desert Catholic Charities, who really came through when nobody else could. Diaz called Deputies to confirm that Franklin will be housed and to thank the Sheriff’s Department for bringing them together.

Pomona: PUSD To Expand Language Programs

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Pomona Unified School District plans to expand dual-language immersion programs and full-day kindergarten programs, and boost spending for secondary athletics, online Advanced Placement courses and technology support as part of its 2015-18 Local Control and Accountability Plan (LCAP).

The plan – a requirement of the state’s school funding system – guides District efforts in improving student learning, with particular emphasis on foster youth, English learners and students who are socio-economically disadvantaged. It identifies goals for each year, strategies to achieve those goals and funding sources.

“During the course of our outreach efforts, we have found that the priorities of our parents, community members and stakeholders include rigorous academics and programs to ensure all students – including our foster youth, English learners and socio-economically disadvantaged – are college- and career-ready by the time they graduate high school,” said Board President Andrew Wong. “This plan builds on our District’s successful programs and creates new avenues for student support.”

The 2015-18 plan pledges to continue programs that have shown success in improving graduation rates and reducing absenteeism, dropout and expulsion rates, including professional development, the Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) college preparation program, reducing student-teacher ratios in elementary and middle school math and English Language Development sections, improving access to technology and broadening the course of study.

The District will expand its dual-language immersion offerings to include an English-Spanish program at Montvue Elementary School and an English-Mandarin program at Pantera Elementary School. Full-day kindergarten will be added at 11 additional schools. All elementary schools will now have the program.

The District will also bring new programs forward, including a literacy focus program and extra support for arts and music programs. Schools will add learning support by way of more nurses, counselors, school site specialists and math coaches for elementary and high schools. Funding for technology devices and additional computer technicians will also be increased to boost student and adult learning.

Pomona Unified developed the LCAP after analyzing a District survey that drew more than 3,000 stakeholder comments, reviewing data on student performance and consulting parent, faculty, staff and student groups, including the Associated Pomona Teachers Union and California School Employees Association during more than 20 meetings between January and June.

Stakeholders asked for continued safe and clean schools, increased staff and a broader range of coursework, technology and health services. Top bright spots included PUSD staff; the rigorous academic courses offered; the academic and social/emotional support provided to students; parent involvement; and Adult/Career Education.

Other avenues the District expects to explore in the future include more science labs, school modernization projects and disaster preparedness.

“This year, the District has had a number of amazing successes, and we believe that with these expanded programs and new actions, our students will continue to excel in reaching their college and career goals,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “I want to thank our students and families, our teachers and staff and our community partners for generously contributing their thoughts and time to help us create a plan that truly reflects local control and accountability in education.”

OnStar Helps To Stop Carjacking

Image Courtesy: WikipediaStaff Reports

San Dimas – On Sun., June 28, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 500 block of W. Arrow Highway regarding a carjacking call.

The victim, a 74-year old man, told Deputies that he was yanked out of his 2015 Chevy Silverado by a white male in his 20s, who struck him, knocked him to the ground, and stomped on his head.  The victim fought back, but the suspect was able to overcome him and drove off in his vehicle.

The vehicle had OnStar auto security and safety service, which was activated.  Walnut Station Sheriff’s Deputies were able to locate the vehicle in Diamond Bar, and followed it onto the southbound 57 Freeway where a brief pursuit ensued.

OnStar then remotely disabled the vehicle, causing it to slow down to 5 miles per hour.  The suspect – Joshua Frontino-Deaton – exited the vehicle on his own, complied with Deputy orders, and was taken into custody.  The pursuit did not result in any collisions or injuries.

The victim was treated at a local hospital for his injuries.

Frontino-Deaton was arrested for carjacking, and is currently being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Chino Hills: PD Arrest Two In Carjacking

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., June 25, Chino Hills Deputies arrested a carjacking couple and were able to recover the victims’ vehicle, money, stolen electronics and cell phone, as well as the firearm used in the crime.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Esteban Silva Carrillo, 42, of Pomona, and Genesis Soto, 24, of Pomona were arrested after an elaborate crime spree that spanned from Pomona to Chino and Chino Hills. Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the case, as Deputies were the first to find the suspects and take them into custody.
Carrillo and Soto met the victims at a store in Pomona to buy electronics the victims had loaded into their car. Carrillo and Soto told the victims they wanted to purchase the electronics and made their way from Pomona to the area of Pine Avenue and the 71 Freeway. One of the two victims got into Carrillo’s grey Mercedes with both suspects, while the other victim waited in his car near the 71 Freeway.
Carrillo and Soto robbed the victim who was in the car with them and left him in a rural area near Euclid and Pine avenues in Chino. A person who witnessed this called police and Chino Police responded to the robbery. Chino Police immediately released a broadcast to surrounding law enforcement to be on the lookout for the suspects’ gray Mercedes.
Minutes later, Chino Hills Deputies received a report of a carjacking. Carrillo and Soto returned to the other victim, who had been waiting in his car, pointed what was later to be determined to be an air-soft pistol at the victim and stole his car. Silva left driving the victim’s stolen vehicle as Soto followed him in the gray Mercedes. The victim was able to get the license plate of the gray Mercedes and report it to Deputies. The victim also gave a very detailed description of both suspects.
Deputies immediately responded to an address in a mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Montclair where the Mercedes was registered. The Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division assisted in the area check. Carrillo and Soto were found walking in the mobile home park, in the direct vicinity of the gray Mercedes, and taken into custody without incident.
Electronics and one of the victim’s cell phones were recovered from the suspects’ gray Mercedes. The victim’s vehicle was found at a park in Ontario near the corner of Riverside Drive and Campus. The air-soft firearm was recovered, as well as additional evidence linking the suspect’s to the various crimes.

The Chino Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation regarding the robbery of the other victim that occurred in the city of Chino.
Carrillo and Soto – who is on parole for home invasion robbery – were booked at the West Valley Detention Center for carjacking. Investigators will also seek charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and carjacking.

Walnut Valley #1 in So Cal!

Best schools for your buck

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
Walnut Valley’s high performing schools have been named #1 in the Best School Districts for Your Buck in Southern California report. Shown: Walnut High School Class of 2015 super star seniors, Jefferey Huang, Louisa Lee, Samantha Wu, and Ted Zhu.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Walnut Valley schools are the most impressive in Southern California according to the Best School Districts for Your Buck report issued on June 29.

Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) is ranked #1 by the financial advisory organization, NerdWallet.  The report studied 153 unified and secondary school districts by affordability to live there, standardized test scores, college readiness, and student-to-teacher ratio. All information was provided by the California Department of Education.

WVUSD tops the list with one of Southern California’s strongest graduation rates – 98.30% – as well as a high SAT average of 1722. The 2013 median home value in WVUSD is $597,800.

“I am so proud of our students, teachers, staff, parents, and community. It takes a lot of commitment to get to this level. It’s truly a team effort!” said Board Member Cindy Ruiz.

Some of the best school districts in the nation are found in sunny Southern California. But it is one of the priciest places to live. For example, in Orange County, the median housing price is upward of $700,000, according to the California Association of Realtors.

NerdWallet researched So Cal schools to find great facilities for families and affordable homes. A total of ten counties in the region were compared from San Luis Obispo, Kern, and San Bernardino counties to San Diego and Imperial counties.

Nearly 14,600 students attend 15 WVUSD schools, where there is a student-to-teacher ratio of about 24:1. Diamond Bar and Walnut high schools offer International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs.  Castle Rock and Cyrus J. Morris elementary schools offer International Baccalaureate Primary Years Programme.

Many schools have been honored as California Distinguished Schools and National Blue Ribbon Schools, and this year, Walnut Valley’s three middle schools – Chaparral, South Pointe, and Suzanne – were designated California Gold Ribbon Schools, the award given during the hiatus of the distinguished schools program. In addition to general academics, the District also features targeted learning in areas such as Chinese languages, STEM, health, design, performing arts, college prep and advanced placement.

In addition, WVUSD was ranked 6th in the entire state, out of over 1,000 school districts, in the 2015 Best Schools for Your Buck in California report in March.

See the full report at https://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/cities/best-school-districts-southern-california-2015/

Chino Hills Construction Project

Major paving work on Butterfield Ranch Road now in effect

 

City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills – The second phase of major road improvements on Butterfield Ranch Road began on Mon., June 29, when Hardy and Harper, the City’s contractor, started the process of rehabilitating and paving the roadway between Shady View Drive and the Vila Borba residential project, as part of a $950,000 project.

During the week of July 6 to 10, the contractor will repave the roadway with asphalt overlay. One lane of travel will be maintained in each direction at all times. Once the paving is completed, traffic signal loops will be reinstalled, striping will be added, and a buffer bike lane will be striped to provide a three-foot buffer between cyclists and traffic.

The project started in April with the installation of accessible sidewalk ramps in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

The first phase of the project repaved Butterfield Ranch Road from Pine Avenue north to Soquel Canyon Parkway last summer. The final phase will rehabilitate and repave the section in front of the Vila Borba project once the developer completes work in the roadway.

The overall project will construct over $1.8 million in street improvements and is funded by the Gas Tax.

Orange County: Nation’s Birthday Celebrated With A Bang

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – Join the Mayor and City Council for family style fun and a spectacular fireworks show at the City of Santa Ana’s 2015 Independence Day Celebration.  The event will be held at Centennial Park on Sat., July 4, from 4 to 9:30 p.m.

“Santa Ana’s annual tradition on the 4th of July is to have fun, show your patriotism, picnic at the park, enjoy great music, learn about history, and watch a spectacular fireworks show over the Centennial Park lakes,” said Santa Ana Council Member, David Benavides.
The Independence Day celebration will feature live performances by the Full Spectrum Band and Santa Ana High School. The celebration will also feature a History Walk with costumed characters from our nation’s history educating children, a kid’s zone play area with three bounce houses and games, Civil War cannons, and recognition of our Armed Forces. The fireworks show will begin at 9 p.m.  Bring a picnic basket or enjoy the various food vendors throughout the park. Admission is free and guests are encouraged to arrive early to find a spot in the park.
Council member, Roman Reyna, who leads a group of youth to volunteer in helping produce the event, said, “I am particularly thrilled that every year we get Santa Ana Youth more and more involved in these types of events. This is the best way to engage and motivate our youth to become leaders.”
Centennial Park is located at 3000 W Edinger Ave, in Santa Ana.  For more information, contact Enrique Marban at Emarban@santa-ana.org, or call (714) 571-4254.

Chino Valley: Stay Safe This Fourth Of July Holiday

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to remind residents that fireworks of any kind are prohibited in the city of Chino Hills, and that only State Fire Marshal approved “Safe and Sane” fireworks can be used in the city of Chino.

“Safe and Sane” fireworks do not fly or blow up and are registered with the California State Fire Marshal as a “Safe and Sane” firework.  In the city of Chino, these fireworks can only be used or possessed in residential areas from noon on July 1 through midnight July 4, and not on school grounds, parking lots, commercial areas or parks.  No fireworks of any kind are permitted in Chino Hills and in the unincorporated County areas.  Also, fireworks are not permitted in the city of Chino in the area south of Pine Avenue and in the area east of Euclid Avenue between Merrill and Kimball avenues.

The Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department/Chino Hills Police Department will be enforcing zero tolerance for illegal fireworks.  The penalty for using illegal fireworks is up to a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.  Parents/guardians will be held liable for any fire suppression costs, damages or injuries caused by their children’s use of fireworks.

The Chino Valley Fire District encourages residents to enjoy the various professional fireworks shows scheduled throughout the county.  Below are some helpful tips for the use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks.

  • Always read and follow the directions
  • Have an adult supervise all fireworks activities
  • Buy from a reliable fireworks vendor
  • Ignite fireworks outside and have a water source available
  • Never experiment with fireworks, modify fireworks or try to make fireworks of your own
  • Ignite fireworks one at a time
  • Never reignite malfunctioning fireworks
  • Store unused fireworks in a cool, dry place
  • Never throw fireworks or carry them in your pocket

For additional information regarding fireworks, visit www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Orange County: Citizen Helps To Arrest Robbery Suspect

Anonymous caller sees suspect vehicle shown in TV news story

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Heriberto Escalera Contreras

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Heriberto Escalera Contreras

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Mon., June 15, at approximately 7:30 a.m., a woman entered a 7-Eleven convenience store located at 2242 S. Grand Ave.; her 10-year old daughter waited in the car.

A man parked his van next to the woman’s vehicle and was able to look down into her car and see a wallet in the center console.  The man exited his van, opened the woman’s car door, grabbed the wallet and got back into his van.

The 10-year old got out of her car and opened the man’s van door in an attempt to retrieve the stolen wallet.  The man attempted to close the door, and a struggle between the two ensued with the door opening and closing for about a minute’s time.  Eventually, the man handed the girl the wallet.

As the man was about to leave, the mother exited the store.  When the girl told her mother what had happened, the mother ran up to the suspect and told him she was calling the police.  The girl used her cell phone to photograph the van’s rear license plate as the suspect drove from the parking lot.

The child was not injured, and the wallet – containing cash – was retained by the victim.

On Thurs., June 18, at approximately 4:50 p.m., Officers responded to the Mobile Gas Station at Edinger and Main streets after an anonymous citizen called to report that the suspect vehicle that was shown on TV news of the robbery that occurred at the 7-Eleven on June 15 was currently parked in the gas station lot.  Officers located the subject in question – Heriberto Escalera Contreras, 36, of Santa Ana – in the vicinity and detained him without incident.

Contreras had the keys to the vehicle in his pocket and acknowledged that the van was his.  Officers arrested the subject on an unrelated warrant for Burglary and possession of Methamphetamine. The suspect was also found to have concealed narcotics on his person while being booked into the Santa Ana Jail Facility. Contreras was interviewed by Santa Ana Police Department Robbery Detectives, where he made statements placing him at the robbery scene. Contreras was positively identified by the victim as the suspect in the June 15 robbery.

Pomona: PUSD Awarded $75,000 State Grant

Expansion of After-School Learning Program

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Three Pomona Unified School District schools are among 67 schools in the state selected to share $4.6 million in state grants aimed at expanding before- and after-school programs to give students safe places to go outside of school hours, while also providing them opportunities to participate in enrichment activities.

The State Department of Education selected Barfield Elementary, Harrison Elementary and Lexington Elementary to receive $7,310, $37,060 and $31,277, respectively, to expand The Learning Connection (TLC), Pomona Unified’s after-school tutoring and homework assistance program.

“We are thankful that three of our schools will be able to use these grants to not only continue strengthening the valuable TLC program, but also provide our working parents and students, many of whom are low-income, academic assistance in a safe environment,” PUSD Board President Andrew Wong said. “I also want to thank our TLC instructors for serving as role models and inspiring students to achieve their maximum potential.”

The grants are part of the state’s After School Education and Safety (ASES) Program, which is known as The Learning Connection at PUSD. There, students can receive homework support, academic enrichment in the core subjects of literacy, math and science and additional enrichment that includes healthy living activities, exploration of the visual and performing arts, technology, engineering, service learning and leadership development.

TLC, offered at several school sites throughout the District, is staffed by credentialed intervention teachers who supervise enrichment activities that reinforce skills learned during the regular school day and act to build self-esteem and social skills.

“This is a true community effort, allowing our children access to a secure learning environment where they can both thrive academically and enjoy time with their friends after school,” said Superintendent Richard Martinez. “We are extremely grateful to our Learning Connection staff and to the California Department of Education for their generous funding to support student achievement.”

The program runs from the end of the school day until 6 p.m.

For more information about the program, visit www.pusd.org/TLC.

Walnut: 4th Of July Celebration

Staff Reports

Walnut – Come and join the City of Walnut’s Fourth of July celebration at Suzanne Park on Sat., July 4, from 5:30 pm to approximately 9:30 pm.

This free event will be kicked off with a Patriotic Pooch Parade scheduled for 5:30 pm. There will also be live music from Young Guns, playing the best of the 80s; face painting; Food Trucks; and our famous Pie-Eating Contest.  The Fireworks Show will begin at approximately at 9:00 pm.

Bring your whole family and your lawn chairs/blankets and celebrate America with us!

Suzanne Park is located at 325 Suzanne Road. Parking is limited, so attendees are encouraged to carpool and arrive early. For more information, please call (909) 598-5605.

Sorry, no alcohol, smoking, BBQs, grills or other cooking appliances allowed in the Park.  Due to the loud and crowded nature of the event, people are discouraged from brining their pets (assistance dogs are an exception).

June 2015 SGV News

2015-06-SGVNews-COVERSGV News covers Diamond Bar, Walnut, La Puente, Rowland Heights and surrounding areas of the San Gabriel Valley; portions of the western Inland Empire; and northern Orange County. Click this link to access the complete issue in PDF format: 2015-06-SGVNews-WEB

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met once again last week for its remaining June meeting, which included naming a new Business of the Month, extending the City’s landscaping services, and denying a hotly debated conditional use permit allowing T-Mobile to build a new wireless telecommunications facility at 1355 Maple Hill Road.

To begin, Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Haggen, located at 240 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., as the new business of the month. Tye and the City Council members were joined on stage with the new supermarket’s manager, thanking him and the organization for bringing its business to Diamond Bar.

A presentation was given about Haggen, outlining the corporation – which is from the northwest, and expanding into the west.  In the last six months, the company has purchased 146 storefronts to bring specialty items, including organic and gluten-free products, into new areas.

After the Business of the Month award, the Council was given an update by Los Angeles County Fire Department Assistant Chief, Troy Flath, regarding the recent Tonner Canyon fire exercise, and an overview of the Department’s involvement in the Napal earthquake recovery.

The schedule of future events was then read to include the Planning Commission meeting on June 23; the next Concert/Movie in the Park on June 24, 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., featuring Southland Band/“Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” both at Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive; the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on June 25; Independence Day City offices holiday closures from July 3 through July 6; 4th of July Blast, 5 to 9 p.m., at Diamond Bar High School; cancellation of the next City Council meeting on July 7; the July 8 Concerts/Movie in the Park featuring The Kings 88/”Maleficent” at Sycamore Canyon Park; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on July 9; the Planning Commission meeting on July 14; , the July 14 Concerts/Movie in the Park featuring Stone Soul/”The Box Trolls” at Sycamore Canyon Park; and finally, the City Council meeting on July 21.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes for the June 2 City Council and May 12 Planning Commission meetings; ratification of check register dated May 28 through June 10, totaling $299,901.49; contract extensions for the Community Services Department; award of contract to AmeriComp Group Imaging, LLC, for printer service and toner in an amount not-to-exceed $90,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2018; award of contract to Ameritech Business Systems, Inc., for copier service in an amount not-to-exceed $50,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 20, 2018; award of consulting services agreement to Comdyn Group, Inc., for as-needed information technology services in an amount not-to-exceed $250,000 for the period of July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2020; the approval of maintenance services agreement with Woods Maintenance Systems, Inc., DBA Graffiti Control System, to provide graffiti removal services for the fiscal year 2015/2016 with an option for four one-year extensions; approval of the execution of the first amendment to the Memorandum of Understanding with Los Angeles Gateway Water Management Authority for the implementation of the watershed management program and coordinated integrated monitoring program for the lower San Gabriel River watershed group; approval to deny the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a conditional use permit to T-Mobile to install a new wireless telecommunications facility; and the adoption of a resolution approving a five year enterprise agreement with Microsoft Corporation through Compucom, for software licenses in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.

And finally, the Council adopted a resolution approving a tentative tract to subdivide air space for a 10-unit warehouse condominium located at 614-646 Brea Canyon Road.

After the Council member’s reports and comments, the meeting adjourned with plans to meet on July 21, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

Baldwin Park Playful City USA

City’s Playability Recognized

Photo Courtesy: City of Baldwin Park

Photo Courtesy: City of Baldwin Park

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Baldwin Park is being honored with a 2015 Playful City USA designation for the seventh time.  The national recognition program honors cities and towns across the country for making their cities more playable. Baldwin Park is proud to be selected once again as a leader in creating more opportunities for play.

This year, the City will be developing new play opportunities at four summer lunch school sites. The school sites are located in neighborhoods that are park poor and where access to play space is limited. Children will be allowed to access the playground area for 60 minutes after enjoying their lunch through the City’s summer lunch program.

Teens will also have an opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors by participating in a new program at the Baldwin Park Teen Center where at-risk adolescents participate in various outdoor activities such as hiking in the San Gabriel Mountains.

By integrating these components into play initiatives, local Baldwin Park youth will have the opportunity to use all their senses to learn, explore, and imagine through play.

Hopscotch sidewalks, structured recess programs, mandated neighborhood play spaces, city-wide play days and mobile recreation vehicles are all ways in which these communities are appealing to residents, and attracting and retaining residents.

“Playability is crucial to the success of our future communities, and we are proud of the work these cities and leaders are doing to provide a better quality of life for all residents, and especially families,” says KaBOOM! President, James Siegal. “Play provides a competitive advantage for cities looking to attract and retain residents. With these esteemed leaders, and our friends and partners across the country, we continue to prioritize play for all kids.”

To learn more about these cities, see the full list of the 241 communities named 2015 Playful City USA honorees, or to gather more information on the Playful City USA program, visit www.playfulcityusa.org.

Pomona: Heat Related Toddler Death

3-year old left in hot car by accident

Image Courtesy: Google

Image Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Sun., June 21, at approximately 4:55 p.m., the Pomona Police Department received a 911 call regarding a heat-related injury on Rancho Jurupa Place.

Upon arrival, a female child was found unconscious in a vehicle after a family outing. The victim was transported to Pomona Valley Hospital in grave condition, but never regained consciousness and died as a result of the incident.

According to the Pomona Police Department, investigators do not suspect foul play at this time.  Initial findings are consistent with this incident being a tragic accident.  The parents and other siblings all believed that the victim – Kiara Li, 3, of Pomona, exited the vehicle at the same time as everyone else.

An autopsy and additional information related to his accident are still pending.

According to the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration), a car’s windows act like a greenhouse, trapping sunlight and heat.  On a summer day – when temperatures outside range from 80 to 100 degrees, cars parked in direct sunlight can reach internal temperatures of up to 131 to 172 degrees – and dangerous, life-threatening temperatures can escalate within ten minutes of closing up the car – even with the windows rolled down slightly. Unfortunately, 25 children die each year from being trapped unattended in a hot vehicle.

The Pomona Police Department would like to remind citizens that this is a tragedy that can be prevented.  Be sure to check vehicles completely before exiting, and never leave children or pets in a vehicle unattended – even for a moment!

Summer Details At Alamo Car Wash

If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut. For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.

If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut. For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.

Staff Reports

Walnut – You’re a busy person with a lot to do.  You need a car wash, an oil change, a haircut, and you haven’t even had lunch yet.  You could run all over town trying to get all of this done, or you could get it all done at one stop: Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center.

Dan Gerstner and his wife, Sylvia, opened Alamo more than 18 years ago, and they have run the business with a simple philosophy ever since.

“Our philosophy is to always have satisfied customers. We want them to be satisfied with what we do here, and 99.9 percent of the time, they are,” Gerstner said.

Situated in a four-acre complex at the corner of Nogales and Francesca Drive in Walnut, Alamo features a hand car wash, a Mobil gas station and an Xpress Lube oil change center, as well as restaurants, a beauty salon, dentist’s office, locksmith and a bookkeeping service.

“We even have a shoeshine guy.  It’s really a one-stop shop,” Gerstner said.

Alamo offers full-service hand car washes and detailing, which includes waxing, buffing and interior cleaning; as well as an express wash – just $6.95 – for people on the go.  And now is the perfect time to get your vehicle vacation-ready for summer with an oil change and detailing to help protect against the high temperatures.

Asked why people should visit Alamo instead of other area car washes, Gerstner said, “I don’t know what other car washes do, but I know what we do. We’re very picky about service and the little details. And usually, when the car comes out, it’s cleaner than it’s ever been.”

Package washes are popular, Gerstner said, especially the Silver Package Wash.  It includes an air freshener, sealer wax, polish wax, rainbow wax, clear coat sealant and Armor-All on the tires.

“If people need something at the last minute, like greeting cards, we have a wide selection they can choose from while they’re waiting for their car.  We also carry just about any kind of auto accessory you might need,” Gerstner said.  And, a multi-wash book is a great gift for anyone with a car.

Alamo’s oil change service is also extremely popular, and runs just $30.99.

“Our quick lube service is very complete and includes transmission, power steering, brake fluid, cooling system and fuel emissions services.  Plus, oil change customers receive a free car wash.

Gerstner admits that Alamo is not the cheapest place to have your car washed or serviced, but maintains that the services they offer make them competitive with just about anybody else.

“We offer a higher level of service than many other places, and that’s why we’ve been so successful.  People love their cars – their car is like their baby. We see customers who come in twice a week, and their cars look clean, but they still want them washed here,” Gerstner explained.

If you want to see the difference in the way Alamo Car Wash and Detail Center can make your car look and run, visit them at 784 N. Nogales Street in Walnut.  For more information, including business hours, call them at (626) 965-7922.

Baldwin Park Unified Runs E-Textbook And Chromebook Pilot

Just four U.S. school districts chosen to try out system

Image Courtesy: Google

Image Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – The first of two electronic textbook pilot efforts at Baldwin Park Unified has returned overwhelming praise for Houghton Mifflin Harcourt materials used on Google Chromebooks, according to District leaders.

Some 36 8th Graders at Sierra Vista Middle School, and 30 10th Graders at Sierra Vista High School, conducted a semester-long trial of electronic curriculum on the Chromebooks this past spring as part of an effort to determine engagement levels.

“This was a rare and valuable opportunity to see how our students responded to new technology interfaces with the latest electronic texts,” Baldwin Park Unified Superintendent, Dr. Paul Sevillano, said. “As expected, we received valuable insights that will help us sculpt our approach to technology even as we prepare for a second round of pilot testing.”

The first pilot was originally scheduled to run nine weeks, but middle school teacher, Gabriela Lopez, and high school teacher, Rafael Marquez, received an extension allowing them to continue the program through spring.

A second Baldwin Park Unified pilot effort will be conducted at four middle schools and two high schools during spring 2016. In the meantime, the District is launching an effort to expand wireless capacity to support use of additional computer devices by students.

Baldwin Park Unified is one of just two districts in California, and four across the U.S., authorized for the pilot by Google and Houghton Mifflin Harcourt.

CHPD Seeking Public Assistance

Suspect Jonathon Heinz wanted for Burglary

 

Photo Courtesy: CHPD Jonathon Heinz

Photo Courtesy: CHPD
Jonathon Heinz

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Chino Hills Detectives are asking for the public’s help in locating a man wanted for stealing three custom road bicycles – valued at more than $5,000 – from a victim’s garage in the middle of the night.
Jonathon Heinz, 29, of Chino Hills, is wanted for burglary and a $125,000 warrant has been issued for his arrest.

A 17-year old female was arrested in the case, but has not been cooperative in helping authorities locate Heinz. Detectives and Deputies have made contact with his family and friends in an attempt to convince Heinz to turn himself in, but he remains outstanding.
On June 22, at around 3 a.m., Heinz entered the victim’s garage located in the 5800 block of Brushwood Court in Chino Hills, and stole the three bicycles while the female stood watch in the car. When the victim woke up in the morning, he noticed his garage door was open and his bicycles were missing.
Later that day, Deputies contacted the female juvenile who had one of the stolen bikes in a nearby park. The investigation led them to Heinz’s home in the 17400 block of Kelsey Way, where the other bicycles were eventually recovered. The juvenile, who had been reported as a runaway a week prior, was arrested for Burglary and Possession of Stolen Property.
Heinz is known to drive a small, light blue Honda, or is known to be on foot in the area of Butterfield and Hunters Hill parks. The photo of Heinz is from his California Driver’s License and is outdated.  The suspect may have changed his hair style or facial hair.

Anyone with information is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Those who want to report information anonymously can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Chino Police Department Launches Social Media

Staff Reports

Chino – In keeping with Chief Karen Comstock’s strong community ties, the Chino Police Department has launched its social media pages. Chief Comstock’s goal is to enhance communication with the community and maintain an open dialogue with residents, businesses and partners in safety.

Social media has proven to be a valuable tool for Law Enforcement agencies to use as a means to communicate timely and effectively with topics such as crime prevention, community programs, incidents and investigations.

“The Chino Police Department values the positive relationships and interactions it has with the community,” states Comstock. “Having social media as another tool to communicate and engage with residents will only enhance our relationships.”

The City of Chino has been successful in increasing community engagement through their use of Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. As government social media continues to grow, the Chino Police Department sees an opportunity to expand its efforts by creating additional accounts specifically for the Department and the Chief of Police.

For more information, connect with the Chino Police Department on the following sites:

facebook.com/chinopolicedept; facebook.com/ChiefComstock; twitter.com/chinopolicedept