Category Archives: News By City

Police Explorer Post Shines In Competition

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Photo Courtesy: PPD

Staff Reports

Pomona – Pomona Police Explorer POST 160 participated in the 2015 Ex-Con Games in Las Vegas, the weekend of June 13-14.  This is a highly competitive Explorer Competition with approximately 34 teams from California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah in attendance.

The Explorers, ages 15-19, performed well individually and as cohesive teams in various law enforcement related categories. This was the first competition for the majority of this new group of Explorers and they exceeded expectations.
With the support of each other and their dedicated Police Officer Advisors, the Explorers were able to achieve the following awards in several scenarios:

  • 1st Place – Female Obstacle Course: Sabrina Valle
  • 3rd Place – Team Vehicle Stop
  • 5th Place – Team Active Shooter
  • 1st Place – Male Advisor/ Obstacle Course: Police Officer Mike Lee

Police Chief Paul Capraro expressed his pride and appreciation for these dedicated Pomona teens and Advisors that volunteer thousands of hours a year to make Pomona a safer community.
“It is our hope that these outstanding young adults pursue their careers in law enforcement in the community where they have already given so much,” said Capraro.

Pomona Police Explorers have a long and successful history of becoming Pomona Police Officers and members of other law enforcement agencies, as well as serving in the military.

4th Of July In West Covina

Ready, Set, Fireworks!

 

Staff Reports

West Covina – Looking for some family fun this 4th of July?  The City of West Covina and the West Covina Muscular Dystrophy Association (MDA) invite you to join them for a day filled with festivities!

Bring your whole family and friends out on Sat., July 4, for a fun-filled day beginning with a pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m., at Hurst Ranch, for only $5.00 per person (includes pancakes, sausage, juice, milk, and coffee).

Then from 3 to 11 p.m., head on over to Edgewood Middle/High School for carnival rides, entertainment, food, and games. The band, Cold Duck, will have the crowd dancing to classic rock favorites from 6 to 9 p.m.

Finally, end your night with a firework spectacular that is sure to cap off your whole day.  The fireworks show is sponsored by the City of West Covina and Athens Services, and will begin at 9 p.m.

The entrance fee for the carnival and fireworks show is $1.00 per person, beginning at 3 p.m. Please note that a hand stamp will be given this year in lieu of wrist bands, so plan accordingly.

As a friendly reminder, no alcohol is allowed and bags are subject to search.  The school grounds will be secured prior to 3 p.m., so any personal belongings placed on the event grounds beforehand will be removed by the Police Department.

“City staff has planned a great day for the whole family and I hope everyone is able to come and celebrate our country’s Independence Day at Edgewood School,” said Mayor Fredrick Sykes.

For any additional information please contact the Community Services Department at (626) 939-8489.

Hurst Ranch is located at 1227 S. Orange Avenue, West Covina.

Edgewood Middle/High School is located at 1625 W. Durness Street, West Covina.

CVFD Seeks Nominations For Prestigious Award

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District is seeking nominations for the Fred L. Burns Community Service Award.  Nominations will be accepted until midnight of December 31.  Award recipients will be announced in January 2016.

The Fred L. Burns Award was established to recognize an individual who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Fire District in the area of furthering the District’s Mission Statement and/or who has made a significant contribution to the Chino Valley Community in the area of community service in support of Public Safety.

The Fire District’s Mission is to protect the lives and property of the community from the detrimental effects of fires, medical emergencies and other hazardous conditions.

Nominations can be submitted online at www.chinovalleyfire.org by accessing the Community Relations tab, News Flash section, or by clicking on the Fred L. Burns Award page on the hot links section of the Fire District website’s homepage.

Help This US Army Ring Find Home

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook
Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

By Claire Lewis

Chino – Chino local, Laurie Utter, has a heart of gold for our Veterans.  While perusing Facebook, she came across a post from the other side of the country, and she reached out to the Weekly News for help.

Rachel Farris, who lives in Saucier, Mississippi, posted the following information on her Facebook page:

“Ok Facebook world, I need some help. My grandpa found a United States Army service ring buried in the dirt at his farm in South Dakota. The name on the ring is Patrick J. Dierick. It’s a very old ring and he would like to find the owner – or at least the family to return it to. Please share this post so we can try to find the rightful owner or family member.”

Utter thought she might be able to help the ring find its way home

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook
Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

because somebody knows somebody who knows the owner.

“I just have a big place in my heart for our Vets and military men and women; they do so much for us and don’t seem to get much back,” says Utter.

There is a story on how the ring belonging to Patrick J. Dierick found its way to a farm in South Dakota, and both Utter and Farris are looking for answers.

“I just thought what a nice thing to do by finding him, or even a family member,” Utter continues.

The U.S. Army takes care of its own, and hopefully – as a collective effort – we will be able to return this U.S. Army ring to its home.  If you have any information about Patrick Dierick, or anyone who may know him, please contact the Weekly News via email at editor@anapr.com.

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

Photo Courtesy: Rachel Farris Facebook
Photos of the U.S. Army ring found in South Dakota

OC Man Arraigned For Hit And Run Deaths

Crash killed woman and her 2-year old granddaughter

Photo Courtesy: Irvine PD Alec Scott Abraham, 20, charged with hit-and-run deaths

Photo Courtesy: Irvine PD
Alec Scott Abraham, 20, charged with hit-and-run deaths

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Mon., June 15, Alec Scott Abraham, 20, of Costa Mesa, was arraigned for causing a hit-and-run crash that killed a woman and her granddaughter in Irvine. Abraham is charged with two felony counts of gross vehicular manslaughter with gross negligence, one felony count of hit-and-run with permanent injury or death, one felony count of reckless driving with bodily injury, and one misdemeanor count of petty theft by taking and carrying away, and sentencing enhancements for fleeing the scene of a vehicular manslaughter and inflicting great bodily injury.

At approximately 8:50 p.m. on June 10, Abraham was driving a Ford Mustang and traveling westbound on Alton Parkway in Irvine. He is accused of speeding and failing to stop for a red light at the intersection of Alton and Barranca parkways. Abraham reportedly slammed into the driver’s side of a Chevy Cruze being driven by Katherine Hampton, 54, who was traveling southbound on Barranca Parkway through a green light – with her daughter and two grandchildren also in the car. The crash forced the vehicles into a Honda Civic that was stopped at the red light going eastbound on Alton Parkway. The solo driver in the Honda Civic was treated for minor injuries at a local hospital and released.

Shortly after the crash, Abraham allegedly approached a bystander and requested to use their cell phone.  He took the bystander’s phone, fleeing from the scene of the crash on foot.

The Orange County Fire Authority arrived on scene and transported the victims to local hospitals. Hampton died at the scene as a result of her injuries sustained in the crash.

Hampton’s daughter, 28-year-old Jane Doe, was seated in the passenger seat of the Chevy Cruze and was treated for a broken jaw. Jane Doe’s son, 7-year old John Doe, who was seated in the rear passenger seat, was treated for a broken collarbone. Jane Doe’s daughter, 2-year old Kaydence Hampton, who was seated behind the driver’s seat, was in cardiac arrest following the crash. She was revived at the hospital, but had significant brain swelling, and was pronounced dead on June 14.

Abraham was arrested at a Costa Mesa park on June 11 by the Irvine Police Department.  If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 14 years in state prison. He is being held on $1 million bail.

The One That Got Away

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Anyone who loves cars has a story about the one that got away.  I’m not sure if women feel this way, but most men can tell you a story about a car that they wish they still owned.

My first car was a ’57 Chevy.  I was in high school when some friends of my parents asked if I would like to buy their son’s car.  Their son was graduating from college and the parents were buying him a new car. They were selling the ’57 Chevy.

I had delivered newspapers during my high school years and had saved enough money to buy my first car.  The two-door, ’57 Chevy with a small V-8 engine and chrome wheels was a nice car!  I’m sure I did not realize how special it was or how valuable it would become.

A few years later, as I prepared to enter college at Arizona State, I decided to sell my ’57 Chevy and get a car with better gas mileage.  I would be commuting to college and the V-8 engine with a four barrel carburetor got terrible gas mileage.  So I sold my Chevy and bought a used Volkswagen!

It seemed practical at the time, but pretty dumb today.  Many times I wished I had kept the ’57 Chevy.  I can’t begin to imagine what that car would be worth today.  I always regret letting that one get away.

You may have a similar story.  I have heard many over the years.  But, there are a number of people who have kept those old cars and didn’t let them get away.

They love to show their cars and share their stories with others.  You can come and see a variety of cars and motorcycles at our church on Sat., June 27, from 9 a.m. to noon.

This is our second Car and Cycle Meet.  We will have some older vintage cars and motorcycles and some new ones, too.

If you would be willing to bring your car or motorcycle to this event, please contact our church office – or just show up at 9:00 a.m.  There are no entrance fees.

If you would like to see some nice cars and motorcycles, we look forward to seeing you on Saturday. Admission is free and lunch will be provided.

Our church is located at 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd, across from the new Willow Heights home site near Brea Canyon Road.

I hope you will come and see these cars and motorcycles.  And, I hope you will be ready to share your story about one of your cars that got away!

Corona Bank Robber Gets Prison

Driver and accomplice gets State Prison sentence

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD Patricia Cheree Smith, 26

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD
Patricia Cheree Smith, 26

By Claire Lewis

Riverside  – On Feb. 4, Paul Alfred Eugene Johnson, 59, and Patricia Cheree Smith, 26, both of Hemet, robbed the Pacific Premier Bank located at 102 E. Sixth Street in Corona.  Johnson threatened bank employees at gunpoint, and fled the scene with a large sum of money in a vehicle driven by Smith.

According to the Corona Police Department, Officers quickly intervened and located the vehicle, and a chase ensued into the city of Chino.  As Officers attempted a high risk enforcement stop, the vehicle stopped briefly nearly San Antonio and Bickmore avenues and the driver emerged.  That’s when things went from bad to worse.

The pursuit then continued with Johnson at the wheel.  He led Police to the 71 Freeway where he crashed off the side of the expressway.  As he exited the vehicle, he was struck multiple times by Police gunfire.  Johnson was pronounced dead at the scene.

As Smith exited the vehicle in Chino, she was immediately contacted by Police where she declared she was the victim of a hijacking at the scene of the robbery by a man with a gun.  Further investigation by Corona Police Detectives revealed that Smith was an accomplice in the bank robbery.

On May 18, Smith appeared in Riverside Superior Court.  She pleaded guilty on three counts of armed robbery.  With three strikes, Smith was sentenced to State Prison.

Chino Valley Makes MLB Draft

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

Photo Courtesy: Studentsports.com
Southpaw, Bailey Falter, from Chino Hills High

By Claire Lewis

Chino Valley – If you keep up with Major League Baseball, you probably know that the 2015 Draft took place recently – June 8 through 10.  A total of 1,215 individuals were selected in the 40-round draft, and three Major League Teams selected young men from the Chino Valley.

Bailey Falter, the 6-foot 4-inch, left-handed pitcher from Chino Hills High was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 5th Round, 144th overall.  With exemplary high school statistics behind him, he was the first pitcher selected by the Phillies.  Falter is signed to play for the University of California Santa Barbara come fall.  He has a tough decision to make about his career.

Christian Kelley – a graduate of Don Lugo High who has played for Cal Poly Pomona for the last two years – was drafted by the Pittsburgh Pirates in the 11th Round, 337th overall.  Reportedly the lead-off hitter for Cal Poly this past season, Kelley’s most recent stats read .341 in 72 hits with one home run, 28 RBIs and 43 runs scored.

And finally, outfielder Kyle Garlick – who also played for Cal Poly Pomona after three seasons with the University of Oregon – was drafted in the 28th Round, 852nd overall, by the Los Angeles Dodgers.  Garlick, who is a graduate of Chino Hills High, was a member of the All-West Region First Team, as well as the All-CCAA First Team.

Congratulations to these Chino Valley men, who obviously have great careers ahead of them.

PUSD Celebrates Distinguished Class of 2015

More than 1,500 seniors commemorate rite of passage

Photo Courtesy: PUSD On May 29, 270 Pomona High School graduates turned their tassels to cap their high school careers.

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
On May 29, 270 Pomona High School graduates turned their tassels to cap their high school careers.

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Academic achievement was the prevailing theme as 1,500 Pomona Unified School District graduates participated in commencement exercises during the first week of June. Students in the Class of 2015 received diplomas and turned their tassels from right to left, many of them looking forward to the next step of their educational careers.

The PUSD graduates will be headed to an impressive number of leading universities, among them UCLA, USC, UC Davis, UC Irvine UC Santa Barbara, UC San Diego, Cal Poly Pomona, Pitzer College and Vassar College. Jeremy Tran, the Valedictorian for Diamond Ranch High School, earned the District’s top grade point average, at 4.944. Tran will attend UC Berkeley.

“The rewards of a rich and diverse education will resonate emphatically throughout a graduate’s life,” said Board of Education President Andrew Wong. “Our mission is to provide for our students the foundations of accomplishment and to develop the skill sets necessary to meet the challenges in the 21st century. We applaud the Class of 2015 and wish them the best of luck.”

Diamond Ranch led the way with 450 graduates; Garey High with 313 grads; Pomona High with 270

Photo Courtesy: PUSD Diamond Ranch High School celebrated 450 graduates during its commencement ceremony June 3;

Photo Courtesy: PUSD
Diamond Ranch High School celebrated 450 graduates during its commencement ceremony June 3;

grads; Ganesha High with 250 grads; Village Academy with 95 grads; Fremont Academy with 68 grads and Palomares Academy with 28 grads. Among PUSD’s alternative education campuses, Park West High graduated 43 students and the School of Extended Education Options and the Pomona Alternative School combined to graduate 39.

The District has also seen a steady rise in graduation rates since 2010, the year that the California Department of Education adjusted its reporting to track students over all four years. In 2010, the grad rate was 71.8 percent; today it is well over 83 percent, topping the state average of 80.8 percent and the Los Angeles County average of 78 percent.

“These tremendous results demonstrate that we are succeeding in our mission to see our students earn their high school diplomas and leave our schools with the tools and skills they need to excel in the next steps of their lives,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said. “Helping our students reach their goals takes the dedication of our entire Pomona Unified family, including our staff, our parents and our community. I wish our Class of 2015 graduates continued success and we cannot wait to see all they achieve in the future.”

 

NOTICE OF INTENT TO ADOPT A MITIGATED NEGATIVE DECLARATION FOR EASTVALE MARKETPLACE DEVELOPMENT – PROJECT No. 15-0958

Information courtesy of the City of Eastvale

An Initial Study has been prepared by the City of Eastvale for the Eastvale Marketplace retail development – Project No. 15-0958. The Initial Study is available for public review and can be downloaded from the City of Eastvale website at www.eastvaleca.gov. A printed copy of the Eastvale Marketplace IS/MND will also be available for review at the City of Eastvale Planning Department, 12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91725 (8am-5pm, Monday-Thursday) beginning on Monday, June 22, 2015.

The proposed project is located on the northeast corner of the intersection of Limonite Avenue and Sumner Avenue (APN 164-030-019).

The proposed project consists of an approximately 71,472 square foot neighborhood retail center with multi-tenant and single-tenant buildings and associated parking facilities. The retail center would be anchored by an approximately 30,896-square foot grocery store on the northeast corner of the site. The retail center would also feature an approximately 10,140-square foot, 10-bay tire store at the site’s northern end, an approximately 3,000-square foot bank with drive up access at the site’s southeastern corner, two 3,500-square foot fast food restaurants with drive-through windows, and two additional retail buildings totaling approximately 20,436 square feet. The proposed development would include approximately 393 parking stalls. The site would be accessed via two driveways, one located on Limonite Avenue and one on Sumner Avenue as well as by two pedestrian connections located on Valencia Street.

The Initial Study identifies impacts in Biological Resources, Cultural Resources, Geology and Soils, Hazards and Hazardous Materials, Noise, and Utilities and Service Systems that require mitigation. No significant and unavoidable impacts have been identified. The proposed project site is not on any of the sites enumerated under Government Code Section 65962.5 and is not a hazardous waste facility, land designated as hazardous waste property, or a designated hazardous waste disposal site as reported on the California Department of Toxic Substances Control EnviroStor website (http://www.envirostor.dtsc.ca.gov/public/).

In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15072(a) and (b), this public notice is posted to officially notify the public, public agencies, and responsible and trustee agencies that the required 21-day public review period will commence on Monday June 22, 2015, and conclude on Monday, July 13, 2015. Any written comments (via e-mail or letter) on the Initial Study/MND must be submitted to Kanika Kith, Senior Planner, Eastvale Planning Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on the closing day of the comment period. Written comments may be mailed to City of Eastvale Planning Department, Attn: Kanika Kith, 12363 Limonite Ave, Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91752, or can be emailed to kkith@eastvaleca.gov.

A copy of the Initial Study/Mitigated Negative Declaration is available for public review at the following three (3) locations:

  • Eastvale City Hall, 12363 Limonite Ave. Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91752 (Mon–Thurs 8am-5pm).

 

  • Eastvale Library, 7447 Cleveland Avenue, Eastvale, CA 92880 (Mon–Thurs 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Fri 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Sat 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sun – Closed).

 

  • Riverside County Clerk-Recorder, 2720 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507 (Mon-Thu 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

BP Free Pet Clinic

Residents urged to tap into free clinic before funds are depleted

Image Courtesy: mspca

Image Courtesy: mspca

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – Commuters and passersby may have recognized a pattern of puppies, kittens, dogs and cats pouncing on the perimeter of Morgan Park in recent weeks. That’s because local residents are taking advantage of an opportunity to care for their pet’s needs through a mobile clinic frequenting the City.

The clinic, housed within a large blue bus emblazoned with pet images, is the Lucy Pet Foundation’s traveling service venue. Organization officials are providing as many as 300 spay/neuter operations, as well as additional vaccines, to some of Baldwin Park’s resident pets throughout this month. And all major services are free of charge.

But grant money for the services runs out next week, so residents are urged to book an appointment for Fluffy or Fido as soon as possible.

“We’re starting the process to adopt the dog and get some things for him taken care of, so this came at a perfect time,” said Raymond Guzman of Baldwin Park. The 17-year old stood in line at Morgan Park on an early Monday morning to get his dog, Astro, neutered.

Guzman said he had recently investigated some regional programs to get his Maltese/Terrier puppy fixed at a reduced rate. Tapping in to the free neutering services now was going to save him as much as $300, he said. The aspiring veterinarian plans to follow up with the necessary vaccinations before getting Astro officially licensed soon.

Lucy Pet Foundation’s mobile clinics are still available June 22 and 23, strictly for Baldwin Park residents.  Veterinarian Karen Halligan said her group can still accommodate more than 100 surgeries for local canines and felines before grant money – given by the Coalition for Pets and ASPCA – expires this month and the mobile unit leaves town.

Manny Carrillo, Director of Recreation and Community Services, said the Lucy Pet Foundation has frequented Baldwin Park in the past. This year’s clinics featured more availability dates and a higher turnout than before.

“This is a win-win situation because it helps residents during this economic downturn,” said Carrillo. “Most people love their pets and they want to take care of them. This is a great opportunity for them to do that, not just for a quick fix, but for the rest of their lives.”

While the reasons behind getting pets spayed or neutered are often argued, Halligan added that the Lucy Pet Foundation, based out of Thousand Oaks, works to reduce the pet population via mobile clinics and supports causes that benefit animal welfare. She said pets may live 30 to 40 percent longer if they have undergone the spay/neuter procedure.

“This is what you do to help take care of your pet,” the veterinarian added. “You’re taking care of their health and adding more years to their life. Pregnancies can be expensive, and every year, about 80,000 pets are getting euthanized.”

Lucy Pet Foundation’s free spay and neutering services include the operation, a physical exam, a rabies shot, and follow-up medical supplies for dogs and cats. Additional services such as microchip implanting and supplemental vaccinations are also available for about $15 to $30, depending on the request.

To take advantage of the mobile pet clinic, residents must call (855) 499-5829 or e-mail booking@fixnow.org to schedule an appointment. Proof of Baldwin Park residency is required.

New Services At DB Medical Offices

Kaiser Permanente expands with green features to help reduce environmental impacts

Photo Courtesy: Maria Lengerke Herrington Mayor Steve Tye and Council members Jack Tanaka and Carol Herrera from the City of Diamond Bar, present a proclamation to Maggie Pierce, Executive Director; John Bigley, MD, Area Medical Director; and Rick Rosoff, Chief Administrative Officer, all from Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, in honor of opening a new building and services at Kaiser Permanente’s Diamond Bar Medical Offices.

Photo Courtesy: Maria Lengerke Herrington
Mayor Steve Tye and Council members Jack Tanaka and Carol Herrera from the City of Diamond Bar, present a proclamation to Maggie Pierce, Executive Director; John Bigley, MD, Area Medical Director; and Rick Rosoff, Chief Administrative Officer, all from Kaiser Permanente Baldwin Park Medical Center, in honor of opening a new building and services at Kaiser Permanente’s Diamond Bar Medical Offices.

By Maria Lengerke Herrington

Diamond Bar – Kaiser Permanente hosted a reception on June 4 to celebrate the expansion and new services offered at its Diamond Bar Medical Offices, located at 1336 Bridge Gate Drive.  More than 120 representatives from local businesses, including city officials from Diamond Bar, attended the event that also featured tours of the facility.

Conveniently located in the Gateway Center at the 57 and 60 freeways, the two-story, 34,000 square-foot expansion houses physicians and ancillary staff that speak a variety of different languages including English, Spanish, Mandarin, Cantonese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese. Services include Pediatrics, OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, Optometry/Optical Dispensing, and Vision Essentials. The building is attached to the existing medical offices that offer Family Medicine, Laboratory, Radiology, and Pharmacy.

“We’re delighted to be able to expand existing services and offer new services in the Diamond Bar community,” says John Bigley, MD, Area Medical Director, Kaiser Permanente, Baldwin Park Medical Center.  “We serve approximately 20,000 members and average 26,000 visits per year. Members come to us from not only Diamond Bar, but also the surrounding communities of Rowland Heights, Hacienda Heights, and Walnut. Our new facility enables us to meet the needs of our growing membership while also providing convenience.”

The eco-friendly design and construction of the expansion demonstrates Kaiser Permanente’s commitment to the environment and to the community.

The “green” roof on the second floor provides additional thermal insulation that helps to reduce energy use and cooling costs. Natural light is included throughout the building to reduce the need for artificial light. Recycled wood accents the center core of both the first and second floors. The irrigation system is designed to use 35 percent less water with the capability to tie in to future city potable reclaimed water systems.

“These new features help to preserve energy and other natural resources, and reduce our environmental impact,” adds Bigley.

Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. They are recognized as one of America’s leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, their mission is to provide high-quality, affordable health care services to improve the health of members and the communities they serve. They currently serve 3.9 million members in Southern California. Facilities are located in Baldwin Park, Diamond Bar, Montebello, San Dimas, and West Covina. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal physicians, specialists, and a team of caregivers. Expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technological advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, please visit kp.org/baldwinpark.

 

Walnut Council Recap

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza The Walnut City Council stands with members of Filipino American Cultural and Educational Affairs as they proclaim this week to be Filipino American Heritage Week.

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
The Walnut City Council stands with members of Filipino American Cultural and Educational Affairs as they proclaim this week to be Filipino American Heritage Week.

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – The Walnut City Council chambers was packed on Wednesday for its June 6 meeting, notably with a large Filipino crowd due to the City proclamation of Filipino American Heritage Week.

The Council thanked members of Filipino American Cultural and Educational Affairs, drawing on the unique history of Filipino Americans starting in WWII and ending with their influence on the City of Walnut – which has a large Filipino community.

The Council also recognized the winners of the Walnut PONY League (7 and under) all-star championship team; and Panera Bread as the Spring 2015 Business of the Quarter.

After the recognitions, there was a presentation by independent auditors from Lance, Soll and Lunghard, reviewing the 2014 financial audit for the benefit of the residents in concern to infrastructure.

Rich Kikuchi, partner for Lance, Soll and Lunghard, stated that Walnut’s audit took several hundred hours, coming to the conclusion that the City’s finances were correct, had no financial weaknesses and were deemed “materially correct.” Kikuchi said they are currently in preparation for their next audit of the City in August. He also mentioned that the 2015 audit will be ready sometime in November.

Mayor Nancy Tragarz then launched into several questions, bringing up her long standing questions regarding suspicious expenses and a lack of malpractice insurance for City Attorney, Michael Montgomery.  Tragarz stated that she was questioning certain contracts under the need for transparency, while City Manager, Robert Wishner, stated that Walnut has always managed its finances correctly and that Lance, Soll and Lunghard have done an exemplary job auditing the City for years.

After the presentation was over, Tragarz was still blocked from setting a meeting with Kikuchi and his firm, but planned on creating a future meeting to look deeper into the policies and finances that she believes are worth taking a second look at.

The Council then moved on to its public hearing items, starting with an ordinance to modify the definition for boardinghouses or rooming houses, which are currently illegal in the City. The Council approved the ordinance after no one stepped forward to speak during public comment.

The Council also read an ordinance prohibiting parking on various City streets in the vicinity of Mount San Antonio College. Traffic Engineer, Tom Gilberton, said the new ordinance would affect Varsity Drive near Mt. SAC. He mentioned that the ordinance had been brought to the Council since residents have claimed that Mt. SAC students constantly litter in the area.

The Council approved the ordinance, banning parking on Varsity Drive.

The Council also approved an ordinance regarding permit processes for small residential rooftop solar energy systems and inspections, as well as setting a public hearing for the matter on June 24.

The Council then approved all items on its Consent Calendar, including a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $454,469.11; a resolution to establish the 2015-16 appropriation limit; a resolution for management, general, and part-time salary schedule changes; a resolution for sewer system management plan recertification; the approval of a two-year contract with Nieves Landscape, Inc., as the City contractor for landscape maintenance in lighting and open space maintenance Zone 9 with no increase; an award of bid to Triton Communications Inc., for City-wide telephone systems; sports group requests for biannual field use for fall 2015; a bingo permit application submitted by the Walnut Senior Club and request for waiver; a request to proceed with formal bids for school crossing guard services; an approval of a one-year contract with Athletic Field Specialists for sports field maintenance at Creekside, Snow Creek and Suanne Parks; the final acceptance of the Valley Crest Landscape Maintenance, Inc. notice of completion for the CalSense Irrigation Controller Installation Project; and an award of bid to Sports Field Services for trail improvements.

The final item of the night was a Council discussion item concerning the continuance of a nuisance abatement hearing, appealing the City Manager regarding the abatement and removal of a wall located at 20638 Loyalton Drive. However, the Council moved to bring the item back at a later time to discuss the item in detail.

After announcements, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on June 24 at 7 p.m. in chambers located at 21201 La Puente Road.

WV’s McIntire Named School Nurse Of The Year

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD WVUSD School Nurse, Lisa McIntire, has been awarded the California Southern Section School Nurse Administrator of the Year award.

Photo Courtesy: WVUSD
WVUSD School Nurse, Lisa McIntire, has been awarded the California Southern Section School Nurse Administrator of the Year award.

By Kelli Gile

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District School Nurse, Lisa McIntire, has been chosen as California’s Southern Section School Nurse Administrator of the Year for 2014-2015.

McIntire garnered attention for the impressive California School Nurses Organization (CSNO) award through accomplishments, commitment to the children, and impressive school nursing skills.  She shows dedication to her profession by chairing the state wide Government Relations Committee, which follows legislation affecting children’s heath, participating on the CSNO board, and serving as a mentor for other school nurses.

McIntire is also president-elect of the southern section for the 2016 school year, and has been the president for the L.A. County School Nurse Association.  She represents the best of the best and has been a valued member of the school district for the past 21 years.

“I enjoy the school community in Walnut Valley USD.” McIntire said.  “The students are wonderful; the parents supportive, the teachers and staff are experienced and knowledgeable.   I am part of a team of six school nurses who work collegially to support student learning and academic success.  Walnut Valley USD is a great district to be a part of!”

Pomona Attempted Murder Arrest

Domestic Violence incident goes from bad to worse

Photo Courtesy: PPD Pomona Police Department

Photo Courtesy: PPD
Pomona Police Department

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Sat., June 6, at approximately 6:50 a.m., Pomona Police Officers to responded to a domestic violence incident at an apartment in the 1100 block of E. Mission Blvd.

Upon arrival, Officers found a female victim, 27, inside the residence with her 8-year old son.  The victim had allegedly been choked unconscious with an electrical power cord by her boyfriend, Francisco Javier Munoz, 26, of Ontario.  The suspect fled the scene prior to the Officers’ arrival.

The victim reportedly woke to her boyfriend striking her and trying to strangle her.  She was transported to a local hospital where she was subsequently released following treatment for her injuries.

The Pomona Police Department reported that at approximately 7 p.m. that same day, the suspect was apprehended at a park near his residence in the 1200 block of 4th St. in the city of Ontario.  Members of the Major Crimes Task Force initiated a surveillance of the suspect’s residents and observed him in the park a short time later.

Munoz was taken into custody without incident. He was booked into the Pomona Jail and is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, Munoz was charged with three felony counts including attempted murder, injury, and assault by means likely to produce great bodily injury – and requested that bail be raised to $1.03 million.  If convicted as charged, Munoz faces a possible maximum sentence of life plus five years in state prison.

Due to the nature of the domestic violence crime, the victim’s name has not been released.

 

The L.A. County District Attorney’s Office lists the suspect’s name as Francisco Javier Munozcapetillo; the Pomona Police Department lists Francisco Javier Munoz.  Both are in reference to the same individual. 

Food Drive Benefits Riverside & San Bernardino Counties

Local Efforts in Inland Empire Part of Nationwide Goal to Provide 2 Million Meals To Feed Children Over Summer Month

Information courtesy of Kim Kimbriel 

Riverside– Knowing that kids can’t have summer fun on an empty stomach, Caliber Collision is launching its 4th annual Rhythm Restoration Food Drive from June 8th through June 26th to benefit the Second Harvest Food Bank of Riverside & San Bernardino.

Caliber Collision has set up food collection bins at each of its 17 centers in the Inland Empire and urges customers and the public to drop off food items or cash donations at local centers.

The local Caliber locations are part of a company-wide national food drive that last year provided more than one million meals for children in need of food.  The annual food drive is a grassroots, volunteer effort by Caliber teammates who have challenged each other to break 2014’s record and have set a nationwide goal of 2 million meals this year for at-risk children and families.

According to a recent report by Feeding America, despite the economic recovery, 1 in 5 children in the U.S. continue to struggle with hunger.  Chronic illness is reported to be higher among children living in food-insecure households and the lack of adequate nutrition can literally change the structure of a child’s brain and affect learning.

“For too many children, no school means no lunch,” said Steve Grimshaw, Caliber Collision’s Chief Executive Officer.  “Local food banks need extra help during the summer to ensure that those in need don’t go hungry. We are committed to doubling our efforts this year to restore the rhythm of regular meals to children in each of the communities that Caliber serves.”

In addition to the food items, Caliber Collision has also committed to a corporate matching contribution for local food banks based on the amount collected by Caliber teammates locally.

Non-perishable food items or cash donations can be dropped off at any of the Caliber Collision locations listed below. The food bank cannot accept glass or open containers, perishable or homemade items.

CATHEDRAL CITY

68-945 Perez Rd., No. 7

Cathedral City, CA 92234

760.328.5334

CHINO VALLEY

14622 Ramona Ave.

Chino, CA 91710

909.597.2203

CITY OF INDUSTRY

15120 E. Valley Blvd.

City of Industry, CA 91746

626.968.6430

CLAREMONT

2542 N. Towne Ave.

Pomona, CA 91767

909.482.4343

COVINA

433 E. San Bernardino Rd.

Covina, CA 91723

626.915.4953

HESPERIA

11182 “I” Ave.

Hesperia, CA 92345

760.949.6269

INDIO

82-279 Ave. 44

Indio, CA 92201

760.347.5866

NORCO

2000 S. Four Wheel Dr.

Norco, CA 92860

951.736.1398

ONTARIO

200 S. Wineville Ave.

Ontario, CA 91761

909.937.0132

 

RANCHO CUCAMONGA

9490 9th St.

Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91730

909.941.3466

REDLANDS

450 Nevada St.

Redlands, CA 92373

909.793.3442

RIALTO

421 W. Rialto Ave.

Rialto, CA 92376

909.874.4470

RIVERSIDE

6634 Indiana Ave.

Riverside, CA 92506

951.683.6734

SAN BERNARDINO

1197 E. 3rd St.

San Bernardino, CA 92410

909.889.2121

SOUTH EL MONTE

1841 Tyler Ave.

South El Monte, CA 91733

626.442.8776

UPLAND

2110 Aviation Dr.

Upland, CA 91786

909.243.7470

WALNUT

20601 E. Valley Blvd.

Walnut, CA 91789

909.598.1113

 

About Caliber Collision Centers

Caliber Collision Centers is one of the largest collision repair companies in America with 297 I-CAR Gold Class Professional certified collision repair centers across 13 states. Caliber is consistently ranked among the highest customer satisfaction scores in the industry and backs all repair work with a written, lifetime warranty available at any of its 297 repair centers.  For more information about Caliber Collision, please visit our website at www.calibercollision.com and follow us on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.

Chino Man Missing

Homicide Detectives seek public’s help in locating Raymond Collins; reward offered

Photo Courtesy: LASD

Photo Courtesy: LASD

Staff Reports

Chino/Compton – On Sun., Feb. 15, at approximately 4 p.m., Raymond Tremaine Collins was last seen by his family leaving his residence in the city of Chino.  Collins, a music video producer, was on his way to the Compton area to meet a friend to discuss filming a music video the following day.

On Mon., Feb. 16, at approximately 2 a.m., Collins was seen leaving the area of Alondra Blvd. and Dwight Avenue in his dark grey Toyota Camry.  One hour later, at approximately 3 a.m., witnesses observed a black male exit Collins’ vehicle and walk east on Raymond St. and out of view.

Neither family nor friends have seen or heard from Collins since that time, and there has been no activity on his social media accounts.

Collins is a 29-year old African American male, who also goes by the name of “Ray Rich.”  He is 5 feet, 11 inches tall, weighs 160 pounds, and has brown eyes, and brown hair with a mustache and goatee.  He has a “Blessed” tattoo on the left side of his neck; “Ray” tattooed on his right knuckles and “Rich on his left knuckles.  He also has “Annie” tattooed on his left forearm.

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact the Sheriff’s Information Bureau at (323) 267-4800. If you wish to remain Anonymous, call “LA Crime Stoppers” by dialing 800-222-TIPS (8477), texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Diamond Bar Council Recap

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza The Diamond Bar City Council congratulates members of the Diamond Bar High School Badminton Team for winning its fourth consecutive championship.

Photo By: Raymond Mendoza
The Diamond Bar City Council congratulates members of the Diamond Bar High School Badminton Team for winning its fourth consecutive championship.

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar City Council met on Tues., June 2, with a regular agenda of presentations, a reading of future events, numerous action items and a public hearing concerning a new wireless telecommunications facility.

The meeting was started off with a presentation to the members of the Diamond Bar High School badminton team for winning their fourth consecutive championship.  Mayor Steve Tye congratulated the 14 team members in attendance for their hard work and continuing the proud lineage of the school’s team.  Tye offered his congratulations to not only the members but also Head Coach Kemp Wells, who promised to bring a fifth championship next year.

“What could be harder than winning once?” asked Tye. “Winning twice. What could be harder than winning twice? Winning four times. You have a winning program, congratulations.”

The second presentation was to David Matsukiyo and Matthew Chen for being “Report for Reward” recipients, meaning that their information led to making Diamond Bar safer from crime.

Tye and the Council then presented a City tile to Kaiser Permanente’s Diamond Bar offices and proclaimed the hospital as “Business of the Month” for June 2015. Tye thanked them for their years of service to the City and wished them well in their continued business.

“We are grateful that Kaiser Permanente has chosen Diamond Bar and we look forward to your future expansions,” Tye said.

The schedule of future events was then read off to include a pop-up City Hall on June 4 at the Diamond Hills Plaza, at 2825 S. Diamond Bar Boulevard, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.; the Planning Commission meeting on June 9; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on June 11; and the next City Council meeting on June 16.

The Council then approved all items on its Consent Calendar, including the minutes for the study session and regular meeting of the May 19 City Council meetings; the April 9 Traffic and Transportation Commission; the April 14 Planning Commission; the ratification of check register dated May 14 through May 27 totaling $1,494,739.50; the Treasurer’ April statement; the approval of the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with ECS Imaging, Inc., extending the contract term through June 20, 2016 in the approved not-to-exceed amount of $87,000; the approval of the first amendment to the consultant services agreement with Sytech Solutions, Inc., extending the contract term through June 30, 2016 at a cost of $40,000 for a total not-to-exceed amount of $140,000; the approval of Amendment No. 4 to the contract with Valleycrest Landscape Maintenance to extend the term of the contract from July 1, 2015 through June 30, 2016 to provide landscape maintenance services at nine city parks, the grounds of the Diamond Bar Center, the football field and slope at Lorbeer Middle School and the Mesa Trail/Trailhead at Sycamore Canyon Park in the amount of $368,995 each fiscal year and as-needed work in the amount of $25,000; an approval of adjourning the June 16 City Council meeting to July 21; a resolution calling for the holding of a general municipal election to be held on Tues., Nov. 3, for the election of certain officers as required by the provisions of the laws of the State of California relating to general law cities; a resolution requesting the Board of Supervisors of the county of Los Angeles to consolidate a general municipal election to be held on Nov. 2, with the school elections to be held on the date pursuant to Section 10403 of the Elections Code; a resolution adopting regulation for candidates for elective office pertaining to candidates statements submitted to the voters at an election to be held on Nov. 2; the approval of supplemental appropriations of $559,591 into the fiscal year 2014-15 building fees revenue accounts, and $233,547 into the fiscal year 2014-15 building and safety contract services expenditure account to fund the payment of RKA Consulting Services invoices; approval of professional services agreement with David Evans and Associates, Inc., to provide landscape plan checking services for three fiscal years (2015-16 through 2017-18) with an option for two one-year extensions; authorization for the City Manager to enter into a three-year agreement with the Los Angeles Gateway Region Integrated Regional Water Management Joint Powers Authority to share the costs for installation of monitoring equipment and monitoring pursuant to the Harbor Toxic Pollutants total maximum daily loads for a total amount not to exceed $30,000 for the term of agreement; and a resolution adopting the statement of investment requested by the finance department.

After the Consent Calendar, the Council approved two consideration items, including an appointment to the Wildlife Corridor Conservation Authority Advisory Committee, and the approval and adjustment of City Council appointments.

The Council then moved onto its only public hearing item, denying the appeal and affirming the Planning Commission’s decision to deny a conditional use permit for a request to allow the installation of a new wireless telecommunications facility consisting of 12 panel antennas, three remote radio units and a 24-inch diameter microwave dish antenna on the 65-foot high artificial tree and associated above-ground equipment cabinets (from T-Mobile) within a 220 square foot enclosure at Maple Hill Park.

The reason for the denial, as stated by the Planning Commission, was that the antenna would obstruct the park’s views and take up too much space – and that a large number of residents agree with the decision.

Several representatives from T-Mobile spoke during the meeting, asking the Council to appeal the Planning Commission’s decision and allow the construction of the structure and antenna. The representatives claimed that without the new antenna, the City’s T-Mobile customers would have a significant lack of coverage. Furthermore, the representatives stated that the structure and antenna would not have any adverse effect on Maple Hill Park or the City’s residents.

Throughout the speeches, the council members disagreed with the T-Mobile representatives, stating that the addition of this extra antenna and structure should not be considered a “necessity” to the City and that mobile phone users are not facing coverage burdens as of yet.

Some 20 residents also spoke during the public hearing, listing dozens of reasons why the antenna and structure should be denied.

After the speeches were over, the City Council members voted to deny the conditional use permit, blocking the construction of the new structure and antenna.

Following the public hearing item, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on June 16, at 6:30 p.m., at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Drive.

SAPD Arrests Suspect In Bank Robbery

Photo Courtesy: SAPD Suspect Justin Thomas Yrrarazaval

Photo Courtesy: SAPD
Suspect Justin Thomas Yrrarazaval

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Thurs., May 28, at 4:41 p.m., Officers were dispatched to a bank robbery that had just occurred.  The investigation revealed that a Hispanic male suspect – armed with a black handgun – entered the Schools First Bank located at 2115 N. Broadway, demanding money and stating that he had a bomb.  The bank teller complied with the suspect’s demands and an undisclosed amount of U.S. Currency was taken.

The suspect – who was described as a male adult in his 20s, with a dark complexion, brown eyes, scar on his left cheek, wearing a trucker hat, plaid shirt and carrying a backpack – was last seen walking eastbound toward Main Street.

On Fri., May 29, at approximately 9 a.m., a Santa Ana Police Department Officer observed suspect, Justin Thomas Yrrarazaval, 20, of Santa Ana, walking in the 1300 block of North Spurgeon Street. The Officer believed Yrrarazaval was the same suspect he observed on surveillance video during the bank robbery the previous day.

Robbery Detectives responded to the Officer’s location and transported the suspect to the Police Department where he was questioned about his involvement in the Bank Robbery.  Yrrarazaval was then booked into the Santa Ana Police Jail on the charge of Bank Robbery.

Norco Astronomy Night 2015

Staff Reports

Norco – Come join the City of Norco Department of Parks, Recreation and Community Services and the Riverside Astronomical Society for a fun night of star gazing, and learn about the wonders of the night sky.

Astronomy Night 2015 will be held on Tues., June 23, at the Corydon Staging Area – directly across from Fire Station # 57 – on Corydon Avenue in Norco. The event will be from 8:30 to 10 p.m., and is free to the community.

Please note that the event may be subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

For more information regarding this event, please call (951) 270-5632, or visit www.norco.ca.us.