Category Archives: News By City

$1 Million Marijuana Grow Op Arrest

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD) Elaborate marijuana grow operation in Pomona

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD) Elaborate marijuana grow operation in Pomona

Staff Reports

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD) Phillip Startsman, marijuana grow mastermind

(Photo Courtesy: Pomona PD)
Phillip Startsman, marijuana grow mastermind

Pomona – Officers from the Major Crimes Task Force followed up on a tip of a “marijuana grow” operation located at 2713 N. Towne Ave., an industrial area in the City of Pomona.

According to the Pomona Police Department, when Officers arrived, they smelled a strong odor of marijuana emitting from the business. Officers subsequently wrote a search warrant for the location.

On Fri., Mar. 6, at approximately 1 p.m., Officers served the search warrant and located a sophisticated marijuana grow operation.

Suspect Phillip Startsman, 35, was found to be the mastermind behind the elaborate operation.

Officers recovered approximately 630 mature marijuana plants with a weight of over 300 pounds. The marijuana had an estimated street value of over $1,000,000.

The illegal operation was found to be a hub for the distribution of marijuana to local dispensaries. Suspect Startsman was arrested and charged with Health and Safety Code violations, including Cultivation of Marijuana, and Possession of Prescription Drugs for Sale.

 

Two Guilty In Nip And Tuck Bust

Staff Reports

Orange – A federal jury has convicted two local women in connection with a scheme to defraud union and private health insurance programs by submitting bills for more than $71 million – and receiving over $50 million in payments – for medically unnecessary procedures on patients who received free or discounted cosmetic surgeries.

According to the Assistant United States Attorney’s Office, on Thurs., Mar. 5, Theresa Fisher, 45, of Tustin, was found guilty on five counts of mail fraud; and Lindsay Hardgraves, 30, of San Pedro, was found guilty on two counts of mail fraud.

The evidence presented during a six-day trial showed that members of the scheme lured insured “patients” to a surgery center in Orange, with promises that they could use their union or PPO health insurance plans to pay for cosmetic surgeries, which are generally not covered by insurance. The surgery center was known at various times as Princess Cosmetic Surgery, Vista Surgical Center, and Empire Surgical Center.

Marketers such as Hardgraves referred “patients” to the surgery center, where they were told they could receive free or discounted cosmetic surgeries if they underwent multiple, medically unnecessary procedures that would be billed to their union or PPO health care benefit program. Fisher was a consultant at the surgery center who scheduled procedures after telling the “patients” about the free cosmetic procedures they could receive, and coaching them to fabricate or exaggerate symptoms so that their medical procedures would be covered by their insurance.

The unnecessary procedures typically performed on the “patients” were endoscopies, colonoscopies and cystoscopies. Once the health care benefit program paid the claims, the patients were given free or discounted cosmetic surgeries, including “tummy tucks,” breast augmentations and liposuction. In some cases, the surgery center simply billed cosmetic procedures (such as tummy tucks) as if they were medically necessary procedures (such as hernia surgeries).

A large number of the fraudulent claims were submitted to the International Longshore and Warehouse Union and Operating Engineers Union health insurance plans. Other victim insurers included Aetna and Anthem.

Fisher and Hardgraves are scheduled to be sentenced by United States District Judge, Josephine L. Staton, on May 29. At sentencing, each defendant faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison for each count of mail fraud.

 

Maternity Motels: Birth Tourism In Eastvale?

By K.P. Sander and Jennifer Jester-Madrigal

Photo Courtesy: NationalVisas.com

Photo Courtesy: NationalVisas.com

Eastvale– You may have heard about Birth Tourism, and the so-called Maternity Motels that help to propagate it.  This is a nationwide issue that has been amidst a lot of controversy in the City of Chino Hills, and now it seems the City of Eastvale may have a thing or two to say about the matter.

Wikipedia describes Birth Tourism as travel to another country for the purpose of giving birth in that country.  One of the main reasons for taking such measures is for the newborn to gain citizenship of that country, as well as take advantage of the destination’s healthcare system.

In the United States, our 14th Amendment to the Constitution guarantees U.S. citizenship to those born on its territory, provided the individual is subject to the jurisdiction thereof.  To stop Birth Tourism, some other countries, such as France, Australia, and the United Kingdom, have made the proviso that at least one parent must be a citizen of the country, or a legal, permanent resident.  The U.S. is unconditional.

The practice of Birth Tourism is popular among women in South Korea, Taiwan and Hong Kong, usually in elite or wealthy circles.  For a fee of around $15,000, women can come to the U.S., take a holiday with sightseeing and shopping excursions, and give birth to an American citizen.  But is this “playing the system” lawful?  Most aspects of it are not.

The organization, Not in Chino Hills, says women are coming to the United States under false pretenses.  They are learning about Birth Tourism through websites instructing them how to come here legally, but that is not necessarily the case.  Some of their guidelines are downright deceitful.

The Chinese website, starbabycare.com – and many others like it – actually provides specific guidelines for giving birth in the United States.  Their hyperbole suggests entering the U.S. two to three months prior to delivery and wearing relaxed and comfortable costumes in order to help “facilitate” the U.S. Immigration process at the airport.  They regale about the benefits of American citizenship, including education, political asylum, and how the baby can help others immigrate on their ticket.

The website offers special “Star Packages,” featuring luxurious accommodations (that look nothing like a hospital, but more like an upscale hotel), promising everything from the ultimate in mother/baby care with full-time nurses and exclusive chefs “preparing meals according to your tastes.”  There’s even a thrice weekly shuttle for shopping trips and site-seeing, as well as “major cleaning,” or maid services.  They entice it to sound as if you are booking the vacation of a lifetime abroad.  But who is in charge of the prenatal and neonatal care?

Local attorney, Rossanna Mitchell, who has lived in Chino Hills for 26 years – and is a spokesperson for Not in Chino Hills – says the whole system is misleading.

“Foreign women are being misled by these business operators.  They are flying over here on a tourist visa – ‘to visit Disneyland’ – and told to wear baggy clothes and not let anyone know they are pregnant,” says Mitchell.

The women are seeking the beautiful hospital accommodations shown on the websites, but are arriving in “residential areas where the accommodations are very substandard, with no amenities, and home improvements that are not permitted,” Mitchell adds.

Inspections of such homes have reportedly revealed exposed wires, unsafe water heaters, rooms with illegal distances from combustible appliances, improper ventilation, and a lack of emergency exits.  Generally, there are unsafe accommodations, not to mention the sewage (spillage) and sanitation issues, and excess trash that accompany the retrofitting for excessive occupants.

Mitchell continues, “You can’t turn your residence into a motel.  There are legalities involved.  Plus, a lot of these places are turning cash transactions to evade income taxes.”

This issue has caught the eye of Eastvale City Councilman, William Link, who has received many inquiries from the Eastvale community. Link decided to investigate the topic and got in contact with Assemblyman Ken Calvert.

According to Link, “There is nothing we as a city or a council can really do about it. It’s a federal issue and only if laws are changed, can we do anything.”

As it stands now, the only way to shut these homes down is if they make structural changes or violate housing codes. Link has received reports that there may be Maternity “Motels” in the Enclave and Serafina communities, as well as in other parts of Eastvale.

In Chino Hills, there has been action to help write the wrongs.  State Assemblyman, Curt Hagman (R-Chino Hills), previously introduced a bill that would criminalize the operation of a hotel in a residential zone. Link is hoping that Calvert will also look into similar ways of helping Eastvale with this issue.

In January 2013, L.A. County Supervisor, Don Knabe, called on the Board of Supervisors to crack down on these maternity motels, which were becoming increasingly ubiquitous in the San Gabriel Valley.

“Across the United States, the recent trend in ‘birthing tourism’ has led to money-making schemes that put the health and safety of mothers and babies in jeopardy.  We have had an increase in complaints from neighboring residents, concerned about the well-being of those in these homes, as well as the concern about the quality of life in residential neighborhoods when these facilities are allowed to operate,” said Knabe.

This isn’t about denying anyone the American Dream, but is American citizenship really for sale?  As one Chino Hills resident put it, “This is a perversion of our legal system.”

To find out more, visit http://notinchinohills.org.

The Ford Customer’s Best Friend

By Lisa Browning

(Photo Courtesy: Hemborg Ford) Hemborg Ford is located at 1900 Hamner Avenue in Norco. Visit them at Hemborgford.com.

(Photo Courtesy: Hemborg Ford)
Hemborg Ford is located at 1900 Hamner Avenue in Norco. Visit them at Hemborgford.com.

It’s been 112 years since Henry Ford first incorporated and the Ford Motor Company was born. Today, it’s one of the most popular vehicle brands in the country, and there are an estimated 3,800 Ford dealerships across the nation. Hemborg Ford, nestled in Norco, was opened by Bob Hemborg in March of 1983. They’ve been serving up a special brand of service for 32 years.

The dealership is the very definition of a family-owned and operated business; the Hemborg family started it, and they still own and run it today. Their commitment to customers and the surrounding communities is how they separate themselves from other dealerships in the region.

“It starts with a great product,” says General Sales Manager, Daryle Uhrich. “We certainly have that with the Ford line-up. But, you have to go beyond that. There’s no lack of Ford dealers in the region. The Hemborg family insists that the experience a customer receives here is friendly, and helpful. We’re old school in that sense; we don’t hassle, we handshake.”

Uhrich pulls up an online comment from a customer and reads it out loud. “Best car buying experience we have ever had. Can’t say enough about the sales person; honest, funny, fair, patient. Will be coming back.”  Ulrich smiles, adding with emphasis, “That is exactly what we want to hear!”

An experienced, knowledgeable staff pays close attention to the enormous inventory of F-Series trucks that are a staple. The Ford F-Series has been the best-selling vehicle in the U.S. for nearly 40 years. More than 2,000 are sold in the U.S. every day, and a great deal of truck business comes Hemborg’s way. The Truck Center is a huge section of the dealership, with row after row of gleaming workhorses.

“Norco is known as ‘Horse Town USA,’ and trucks are part of the lifestyle here,” Uhrich says.

Ford’s tagline is “Go Further,” while Hemborg’s tagline is a tongue-in-cheek nod to its surroundings, “Saddle Up!”

Not everything at Hemborg is old school. When the dealership first opened, there wasn’t a freeway within sight, and many current neighborhoods didn’t exist. The dealership has expanded to meet the growing needs of Norco, Corona, Chino and now Eastvale. Today, Hemborg’s service department maintains state-of-the-art diagnostics and highly skilled technicians. To accommodate the growing number of shoppers who turn to the Internet to browse and buy, Hemborg has invested in a comprehensive, user-friendly site.

Hemborg Ford supports a variety of local events, area schools and charitable organizations.

“You can treat your business address as just your location. The Hemborg way is to treat it like your home,” Uhrich says.

Asked what Hemborg’s goal is for 2015, Uhrich replies, “The same as it was last year. To be the Ford customer’s best friend.”

Hemborg Ford is located at 1900 Hamner Avenue. They are north of the 91/15 freeway interchange, at the Second Street exit in Norco. You can visit them online at Hemborgford.com.

Fix-A-Leak Week

Receive a Free Kit March 16 through 22

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – More than 1,000,000,000,000 (one trillion!) gallons of water are lost in the United States each year due to plumbing leaks within the home.

The City of Chino Hills has proclaimed March 16 through 22 as “Fix-a-Leak” week, and urges residents to make a commitment to check plumbing fixtures and irrigation systems for leaks – and make the necessary repairs.

Free Home Leak Detection Kits will be available for the first 1,500 Chino Hills households beginning on March 16.  The Home Leak Detection Kits include a guide to home water conservation, dye tablets to detect toilet tank leaks, and a tool to measure flow rates for your showerheads and faucets to compare with flow rates of water-saving fixtures.

Residents should bring a water bill or utility account number to receive the free kit while supplies last. Visit the water counter on the second floor at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.

Visit http://www.chinohills/FixALeak for tips on saving water and detecting leaks. For additional information, please call the Utility Conservation Coordinator at (909) 364-2804.

Social Media Lure And Kidnap

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: SBSD Aaron Misael Viteri Vera, arrested for kidnapping.

Photo Courtesy: SBSD
Aaron Misael Viteri Vera, arrested for kidnapping.

Chino Hills – On Wed., Mar. 4, Chino Hills Detectives arrested a Riverside man for kidnapping after he used social media to lure a victim to Chino Hills by falsely representing himself as an employer for Amazon, and then held the victim against her will.

Aaron Misael Viteri Vera met the 19-year old victim on a phone application designed to connect people for social, personal or professional relationships. The victim had posted her profile as “Seeking Employment.”  Viteri Vera – who used the screen name, “Jay Delgado” – communicated with the victim for weeks via social media and text messages regarding employment at the Amazon warehouse. In the texts, he told the victim his name was “Jay” or “James.” The communications were professional and revolved around possible employment.

On Feb. 26, Viteri Vera and the victim met at a Subway to eat lunch and discuss her possible employment with Amazon. Viteri Vera waited for the victim in his car and told her he did not want Subway. He offered to drive the victim to Wendy’s instead. The victim got in the car and Viteri Vera got on the freeway. He took the victim’s phone and refused to return it to her.

The victim realized they were not traveling toward Wendy’s and became alarmed. There was a brief struggle inside the car and the suspect started to slow down. The victim, fearing for her life, opened the door to jump out of the car. The suspect grabbed her by the waist of her pants and tried to keep her in the car. Viteri Vera slowed the car and tried to keep her inside. As he continued to slow down, the victim jumped from the car and ran. The victim reported the incident to law enforcement and Deputies began the investigation.

Detectives and deputies from the Multiple Enforcement Team at the Chino Hills station served a search warrant at Viteri Vera’s house in Riverside on the morning of Mar. 4.  Viteri Vera was contacted and taken into custody without further incident. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center for the above charges.

Viteri Vera had documents with the names of other women and had several profiles on various social media sites. Detectives fear there may be other victims of Viteri Vera’s scheme and urge anyone with information to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Walnut-Diamond Bar Annual Golf Classic

Photo Courtesy: Western Hills Country Club

Photo Courtesy: Western Hills Country Club

Staff Reports

Walnut – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club cordially invites you to participate in the Annual Golf Classic, to be held on Mon., Apr. 6.

Proceeds from the Golf Classic will benefit the Explorer, Reserve Deputy and Citizen Volunteer programs at the Sheriff’s Station.  These volunteers give thousands of hours of work by doing extra patrols, staffing community events, and providing additional clerical and support work inside and out of the station.

The non-profit Booster Club’s sole purpose is to provide much needed equipment and logistical support to the Volunteers, Explorers, Reserve Deputy Sheriffs and Disaster Communication Specialists.  A tax deductible donation will help purchase equipment and supplies for all of the volunteer programs to be vibrant and successful.

The Annual Golf Classic will be held at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Road, in Chino Hills (91709).  Registration will be held on game day between 9:30 and 11:15 a.m., with a Shotgun Start beginning at 11:30 a.m.

Sponsorships are available in Platinum, Gold, and Silver, as well as Beverage Carts, Hole in One, Goodie Bags, Closest to Pin and Tee Signs – with donations ranging from $100 to $3,000.  The cost for a Single Player to golf is $100.

For additional information, contact Sergeant Mark Saldecke at (909) 595-2264; or Booster Club Member, Gil Rivera at (909) 967-4525.

 

Chino Home Fire Causes Injury

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District) Traumatized, but okay, two pups are rescued from a house fire by CVFD Fire Inspector/Community Liaison Officer, Lena Lin; and Firefighter/Paramedic, Brett Underwood.

(Photo Courtesy: Chino Valley Fire District)
Traumatized, but okay, two pups are rescued from a house fire by CVFD Fire Inspector/Community Liaison Officer, Lena Lin; and Firefighter/Paramedic, Brett Underwood.

Staff Reports

Chino – On Wed., Mar. 4, Chino Valley Fire District (CVFD) firefighters responded to an outdoor fire on the 12000 block of Falcon Place in the City of Chino.

According to CVFD, the fire originated in the back patio/deck area of the single-family structure and extended into the attic. Firefighters started with an exterior attack and switched to interior once the fire spread into the attic.

One female patient in her 20s sustained burn injuries to five percent of her body. She was transported in stable condition to an area hospital.

Firefighters rescued two dogs from the structure.  The dogs were removed from the home and given oxygen.

The cause of the fire is under investigation.

WV Parents Get Close-Up Look At Common Core

By Kelli Gile

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile) Vejar Elementary parent, Christina Kondo, chats with kindergarteners ready to create a design with triangles.

(Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)
Vejar Elementary parent, Christina Kondo, chats with kindergarteners ready to create a design with triangles.

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District parents recently stepped into classrooms to see the new Common Core State Standards in action.

Vejar Elementary opened its doors to a delegation of 35 parent leaders and administrators on Feb. 26.

“We want to provide parents with an opportunity to see firsthand what Common Core looks like in practice and what the instructional methodology looks like and sounds like,” explained Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

Members of the Coordinating Council parent leadership group represented all fourteen schools during the tour.

“We’re excited for this opportunity to show what’s happening in classrooms with the transition into Common Core,” said Assistant Superintendent, Dr. Matthew Witmer.

Teaching and learning looks different in classrooms with the implementation of Common Core.  Along with implementing the new standards, there is a shift in the way instruction is taught in classrooms, embedding 21st Century skills of collaboration, communication, critical thinking, creativity and citizenship into the curriculum.

Students have become involved with projects and collaboration, along with expressing and writing about their thinking processes in all subject areas, including mathematics.

The tour offered a snapshot into this transition.  Parents split into small groups with WVUSD principals and administrators to tour all grade levels – transitional kindergarten through 5th Grade.

“I’m very interested in seeing what Common Core looks like,” said Collegewood and Walnut Elementary parent, Lily Eibert.  “And I want to share with other parents.”

“The more we get to understand it and see the impact on students, I think the more comfortable we all are as we make this transition,” Witmer added.

During the tour, parents immediately saw visible student engagement, interactive instruction, and increased use of technology.

Groups visited each class for 15 minutes, and then debriefed outside.

“We saw kids collaborating and working in groups. It just seemed like they’re learning more and doing a lot more thinking – which is good!” said Sam Castorena from Castle Rock.

Castorena shared that he had a certain perception about the new standards when he went into the experience at Chaparral.

“And by the time we were done it had changed. I think Common Core is probably one of the biggest benefits that we’re going to see in our country for a really long time.”

Diamond Bar parent, Yara Sands, was very impressed during the visit to an 8th Grade Language arts class.

“In the past, students read a book and took a 10-question quiz – and that was it,” she noted.

During a multi-layered assignment, a class studied about the author Edgar Allan Poe, and discovered that his wife and several family members died of tuberculosis. To integrate science into the lesson, students also read an article by the American Lung Association about the disease. And finally, they wrote a letter to the famed author to describe how the women in his life could have been saved, citing evidence from the article.

“They’re digging in deeper and deeper. It was a great experience and made me even prouder to be a Chaparral Cougar!” exclaimed Sands, the school’s Community Club President.

“The conversations after the tour were amazing.  Parents gained an awareness of how literacy is incorporated across all subject areas and observed some of the real world examples and applications,” Taylor added. “I think this separates us from other districts around the country. We’re doing something that is really unique.”

 

Diamond Bar Council Recap

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – On Tues., Mar. 3, the hot topic of the night at the Diamond Bar City Council meeting was trees.  Diamond Bar residents came out in droves to fight for the preservation of several trees that they argued represented the beauty of the City.

The evening’s public comment section was filled with residents asking for City officials to consider different plans concerning several trees on streets between Diamond Bar Blvd. and Stonepine Drive for the Morning Canyon Rehabilitation Project.

The City, with the help of an arborist, noted that the large pine trees had grown out of control and have caused damage to the street’s asphalt and the sidewalk area. Pictures shown at the meeting illustrated that even with ongoing trimming and cutting of roots, the trees in the area were causing immense damage that could lead unsafe roadways and walking areas.

Attending residents did not give up their cause, stating that routine tree maintenance could make the streets safe again. Council member Nancy Herrera disagreed with some of the residents, citing past litigations that had been brought against the City for damages caused by unsafe roads as a result of tree root growth. She also mentioned the possibility of the tree roots damaging the streets enough to cause sinkholes. Herrera said the possibility of these safety hazards were a most compelling argument since personal safety is more important than trees.

“Lives and safety are paramount over trees,” Herrera said to the meeting attendees.

Mayor Steve Tye and the other members of the Council instead fell back to compromising on the plans. Tye made an analogy that removing the trees would be akin to cutting off a portion of one’s leg after finding a minor infection localized on a toe.

Tye’s mode of thinking was to instead reject all current bids for the rehabilitation project and bring the plans back to City officials for re-evaluation before a final approval could be given. His motion was approved 4-1 (with Herrera dissenting) and residents cheered at the possibility of keeping some of their neighborhood’s trees intact.

During the meeting, the City’s schedule of future events were announced for the Mar.10 Planning Commission meeting, the March 12 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting, and the March 17 City Council meeting.

The Council also approved all items on the Consent Calendar concerning the minutes for the Feb. 17 Council and Dec.9 Planning Commission meetings, as well as ratification of a check dated Feb. 12 through Feb. 25 totaling $716,891.89, and the Treasurer’s statement for January 2015.

The Council then approved the only item on its consideration calendar, which was for the re-appointment all of its commissioners.

Following the final item’s approval, the Council adjourned with plans to meet on Mar. 17 at 7 p.m., in the Windmill Community Room, at 21810 Copley Drive.

22nd Annual Wine Soiree

Viva Italia!

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Chairs Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announce that the annual Friends of the Diamond Bar Library Wine Soirée will be held on Sun., Apr. 26, at the Diamond Bar Center.

In 2012, with the support of the community through the Wine Soirée, the Friends donated $80,000 to partner with the County of Los Angeles and the City of Diamond Bar to make the new library a wonderful addition to Diamond Bar.  They could not do this without the help of the community.  By participating in the 22nd Annual Wine Soirée, you will have a great afternoon with old and new friends and know that all of the proceeds go directly to your local library and literacy in the community.

Come, bring your friends and neighbors, and join this festive and exciting afternoon with delicious food from local restaurants, great wine, music, raffles and exciting silent and live auctions.  Some of the great restaurant food hosts include Aljibani Halal Market, Buca di Beppo, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Coco’s Bakery, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Diamond Palace, Got Taco Party?, Graber Olive House, House of Bread, It’s A Grind, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mother’s Market & Kitchen, NiNi Bakery, Round Table Pizza, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them in person and thank them for their support of literacy in the community.

With your help, the Friends gave over $30,000 in 2014 for much needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc., that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and the non-profit bookstore, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also sponsored “Read Together Diamond Bar 2014,” that brought Librarian of Congress, David S. Mao, to Diamond Bar last October.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all proceeds from the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, and the music they enjoy – will go to improving the quality of life and learning.

The Annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar, and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors. Tickets are $60 per person.  Advertising is also available in the beautiful annual program.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.

For tickets and program information, call (909) 861-2002, or visit www.dblibraryfriends.org.

Meet Lt. Scott Forbes

(Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale) Eastvale’s newest addition, Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Scott Forbes

(Photo Courtesy: City of Eastvale)
Eastvale’s newest addition, Assistant Chief of Police, Lt. Scott Forbes

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Lt. Scott Forbes has been selected to serve as the new Police Lieutenant and Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Eastvale.

Lt. Forbes earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology from San Diego State University before starting his law enforcement career at the Banning Police Department in 1995. He worked assignments in patrol, schools, and investigations, and promoted to the rank of Sergeant before coming to the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 2002.

Within the Sheriff’s Department, Forbes has worked assignments in patrol, traffic, contracts, and investigations at the Southwest Station, Perris Station, and Sheriff’s Administration.

In 2014, Forbes promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and transferred to the Jurupa Valley Station where he oversaw the school resource officer and traffic divisions before taking on his current assignment as the Assistant Chief of Police for the City of Eastvale.

Please join us in welcoming Lt. Forbes to the City of Eastvale. He may be reached at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600, or via email at SForbes@riversidesheriff.org.

 

Westmont Students In National Reading Celebration

By Juliette Funes

Pomona – Students at Pomona Unified’s Westmont Elementary School participated in a nationwide effort to “Read the Most Coast to Coast,” on Fri., Feb. 27. They were among hundreds of thousands of students across the nation who joined in this fourth annual reading celebration.

The event took place from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., and launched Read Across America, a week-long celebration of literacy in honor of Dr. Seuss.

“Read the Most Coast to Coast” is a fun-filled event that enables students at multiple grade levels to join in a shared reading challenge,” Principal Cynthia Badillo said. “Students are engaging in valuable reading practice, all while taking part in an event that joins students across the country in a collaborative effort focused on reading. We’re so proud of our students.”

“Read the Most Coast to Coast” celebrated reading with a one-day event that encouraged students to read as much as possible. In 2013-14, students set a new one-day record of 4,987,949 books read. Students also completed Accelerated Reader quizzes on the books they read.

At Westmont, as many as 380 students joined in this shared effort. They wore pajamas for the day to maximize comfort during their read-a-thon. Big buddies paired with younger students, and all students who participated received a Certificate of National Participation.

“Our students, all of whom participate in Accelerated Reader, have strengthened their reading and literacy skills, and this celebration is a great opportunity to showcase to the nation how well-read PUSD students are,” Superintendent Richard Martinez said.

The Accelerated Reader program enables teachers to manage independent reading practice. Students read books at the appropriate level and then take a quiz to show they understood what they’ve read.

Shooting at Willie White Park

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: City of Pomona

Photo Courtesy: City of Pomona

Pomona – On Sun., Mar. 1 at approximately 3:20 p.m., the Pomona Police Department received a “Victim of a Shooting” call at Willie White Park, located at 3065 Battram Street.  Upon arrival, Officers observed a male African-American victim near the playground area suffering from a gunshot wound.  Additional information from witnesses indicated that there was a possible second victim; however Officers were unable to locate him.

The victims, Jonathan Watts, 42, of Pomona; and a juvenile, 16, of Las Vegas, were in the park barbequing prior to the shooting, when suspects stopped their vehicle and proceeded to fire at the crowd indiscriminately.  The motive for this shooting may be gang related; however, this has not been confirmed.
Preliminary information received indicated that four male African-American suspects fled northbound in a gray or silver 4-door sedan. The victim, Watts, was transported by ambulance to a local hospital in critical condition, where he succumbed to his wounds and was pronounced deceased. While at the hospital, officers contacted the second victim who walked into the emergency room suffering from non life-threatening gunshot wound(s).
Anyone with information regarding this incident should call the Pomona Police Department at (909) 620-2085. For anyone willing to provide information that wishes to remain anonymous, contact “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-8477.

Eastvale Chamber’s Official Newsletter

2015-03-ChamberNewsletter-WEB

 

Click on the image above to read the Eastvale Chamber’s Official Newsletter. This month’s letter features a note from the Chamber President covering topics of Revision of Bylaws and Operating Standards,  Financial Reports and Dues, and Chamber Values. The Chamber would like to celebrate their Ambassador Team who helps local businesses grow! A few upcoming events for March and April are also listed above. Follow the Chamber on Facebook at facebook.com/EastvaleChamberofCommerce to stay connected.

Black Student Union Showcase

By Emily Aguilar

(Photo Courtesy: Victoria Robles) Asari Aibangbee at the BSU Showcase

(Photo Courtesy: Victoria Robles)
Asari Aibangbee at the BSU Showcase

Although the trending topic, #BlackLivesMatter, has been seen worldwide, many have failed to comprehend its significance.

For many, the term is a response to the persistent prejudice that African-Americans have experienced as a culture; while to others, it’s a mere trend.

In order to properly define a term misunderstood by the public, Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s Black Student Union (BSU) took the initiative to educate the public by celebrating black culture in their first annual showcase entitled, “Black Lives Matter.”

The event was held on Fri., Feb. 27.  The evening was a mixture of dance, song, poems, and speeches. Although there were jokes in between performances, the event released an agonizing burden within the performers.

“Our ancestors paved the way, but the struggle never stopped, because we went from slavery to segregation, and today, at least 20 of us are getting shot,” explained poet, “Original Jamie” Braswell.

As the audience of family and friends cried, applauded, and signed in agreement, one felt as if the evening had grasped everyone and presented a topic often too sensitive to approach: Tolerance.

“Being African-American means coming from a group who has suffered and triumphed; who has been beaten down and risen. That is why I feel a connection with other people.  We have all understood these struggles at one point, so no matter who we are, we, as humans, always make a connection,” explained BSU President, Sam Sanchez.

Although the term is, “BlackLivesMatter,” the underlying theme is that an individual who has been overshadowed by the towering force of prejudice can overcome that nuisance of a barrier again and again.

When the performers and BSU members came together to sing and rap their final song, many applauded in support of their children or friends, but the audience – composed of Whites, Blacks, Hispanics, and Asians – was unified by the notion of acceptance and understanding: racial struggle is often overlooked, but it is the hope of triumph that brings us together.

Lake Norconian Club Foundation Sues To Stop Demo

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia) View of the Lake Norconian Resort, Dec. 2007

(Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia)
View of the Lake Norconian Resort, Dec. 2007

By K.P. Sander and Randi Hauser

Norco – Once Upon a Time, there was a beautiful resort.  The year was 1929.  The setting was an exquisite property located in the countryside north of Corona, California.

A handsome prince named Rex Clark built the resort, and on the property there was a statuesque hotel, a pavilion and beautiful manmade lake, a clubhouse with pools, an airstrip and a golf course.  No expense was spared in the grandeur of the facilities, with the finest of tapestries, stone, marble, paintings and ornate fixtures adorning at every opportunity.  The ballroom, dining room, guest rooms and swimming pools were all enticing, and designed with art deco and Mediterranean style architectures.

(Photo Courtesy: Lake Norconian Club Foundation) Caption: On May 20, 1928, the American Olympic Diving and Swimming Team participated in the grand opening of the Club’s outdoor pools. Cecily Cuhna set the world record for the 400 meter swim on that day.

(Photo Courtesy: Lake Norconian Club Foundation)
On May 20, 1928, the American Olympic Diving and Swimming Team participated in the grand opening of the Club’s outdoor pools. Cecily Cuhna set the world record for the 400 meter swim on that day.

Christened the Lake Norconian Club Resort, the property attracted the elite:  Hollywood stars, notable sports figures, a vast array of dignitaries, and world-class athletes all enjoyed its charms. Even Amelia Earhart used the resort’s airstrip to practice her piloting skills.  It was one of the darlings of its era.

The Lake Norconian Club enjoyed success until the Great Depression, and by 1933, the beautiful property was all but closed down.  Clark was struggling financially, but the resort was able to make somewhat of a comeback in 1935.  Despite some spectacular moments – like the legendary Walt Disney Studios bash to celebrate the success of the 1938 release of “Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs,” the Club closed permanently in 1940.

Just like its compatriot, the Queen Mary, the Lake Norconian Club left behind its glamorous past at the onset of World War II and joined the military.  The Club became a 5,000-patient naval hospital, after being purchased by the U.S. Navy in 1941.  Rather than entertaining its guests, it cared for them, at times in pioneering ways with the first uses of penicillin, as well as the polio vaccine.  Many of the stars who frequented the resort came back to boost patient morale through entertainment at the hospital.

In 1957, the hospital closed its doors, but a Naval Assessment Center remained on the property.  94 of the resort’s acres were given to the State of California.  A state-funded addiction treatment rehabilitation center was initially opened in the old clubhouse, but it morphed into a high security prison containing 5,000 “worst of the worst” inmates.

Fast forward to the present, and you will find the Lake Norconian Club Foundation working diligently to save the magnificent hotel building, and the national treasures that relic still tries to protect.  In 2000, 19 structures were deemed worthy of Historic District/National Landmark status.  By 2004, the main hotel was considered seismically unfit and abandoned.  Priceless chandeliers now phantomly light the way for wild animals; exquisitely painted ceilings and tiled floors lie water-damaged and rotting.

In 2013, the Navy – in consultation with the California State Historic Preservation Office – stated that no additional structures were eligible for salvage, despite efforts by the City of Norco and others toward the contrary.  The Navy now maintains one portion of the property, and the Department of Corrections the remainder.

On the Naval side, the buildings that did make the cut for the National Register – the pavilion, chauffeur’s quarters and garage, as well as the lake itself – have been cared for by countless Naval and civilian officials, but due to budget cuts their fate hangs in the balance.  The other side of the property is currently a medium security prison, with as many as 5,000 inmates at any given time.

The Lake Norconian Club Foundation, for one, is not going to stand by and watch the willful demolition of this exquisite property by way of neglect.  The Foundation filed suit on Mon., Nov. 17 in an effort to protect the precious historic resources that have been “mismanaged by the Department of Corrections.”

According to the Lake Norconian Club Foundation’s website, the lawsuit was filed in Alameda County, where the Attorney General maintains an office.  They are seeking compliance with CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) and other historic preservation laws to avoid additional deterioration of the resort.

Furthermore, the suit seeks an injunction for the removal and safekeeping of the hotel building’s stunning historic fixtures, tapestries and artifacts currently at risk. The Foundation alludes to a very slow and painful death for the building, from the inside out; deserted behind 20-foot tall fences and locked gates, but still looming proudly with hope.

“In the dark, rainwater seeps over breathtaking paintings, chandeliers, and stunning tiles.  Raccoons and feral cats roam the empty hallways and defecate on the marble floors.”

Foundation President, Linda Dixon, states on their website, “We have tried for so many years to work cooperatively with the Department of Corrections to achieve protection of the magnificent Lake Norconian Club…It’s as if Hearst Castle were being allowed to decompose.  This must stop now.”

Lawsuits come at a price, and to help raise funding in all of its continuing efforts toward the preservation of the Lake Norconian hotel, the Foundation hosted a great fundraising event on Sat., Feb. 14 at Nellie Weaver Hall in Norco.

(Photo Courtesy: Randi Hauser) Rosa Zuniga-Green and Historic Preservation Commissioner, Denise Lynn Sutherland dressing the part at the "Moonshine & Valentines" event.

(Photo Courtesy: Randi Hauser) Rosa Zuniga-Green (Left) and Historic Preservation Commissioner, Denise Lynn Sutherland (Right) dressing the part at the “Moonshine & Valentines” event.

Taking us back to the time when the Lake Norconian Club resort opened, the “Moonshine & Valentines” 1920s Speakeasy occasion was the bee’s knees.  The atmospheric details – as organized by Diane Markham (Community Outreach and Events Coordinator for the Foundation) – were unlike any other.  From guests in full 1920s costumes to a swing band that played all night, the event made guests feel like they were back in the Roarin’ 20s.  The night concluded with stories of the Norconian Resort during the Prohibition Era from local historian, Kevin Bash.

Dixon, in an interview at the Moonshine & Valentines event, said the most important goal of the foundation is to preserve and protect the Lake Norconian hotel.

“Since 2002, we have been trying to get the roof repaired and the building mothballed until such a time there is a determination if and when the prison ever closes,” said Dixon.  “The hotel is on the national registry, and because it is on state property, they are mandated by law to mothball the building, take care of it, and preserve it.  All through these years they have allowed it to become demolished through their neglect.”

Dixon says the lawsuit is in the mediation phase night now, and it is coming along “beautifully.”

“They [Department of Corrections] know the value of the building and the historic property, so that’s where we are right now,” she continues.

When asked about the future of the hotel, Dixon waxes enthusiastically, “The goal is that the hotel will never go away.  It is part of our history; and it’s just a phenomenal history and we can’t ever, ever let that go!”

For more information, visit http://www.lakenorconianclub.org/.

CH Traffic Fatality in Carbon Canyon

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., Feb. 26, at approximately 6:49 p.m., a red Saturn Ion driven by James Coffin was traveling southbound on Carbon Canyon Road approaching Canyon Hills Road. At the same time, a grey Honda Civic was being driven northbound on Carbon Canyon Road by the victim, Tammy Seagraves.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, as the vehicles approached each other, Coffin crossed over the center double yellow line and struck Seagraves head on. Seagraves was transported from the scene and succumbed to her injuries after arrival at Chino Hills Medical Center.

Coffin was ejected from his vehicle and was transported to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center with non-life threatening injuries.

Alcohol is believed to be a factor in this collision and any witnesses are urged to contact Deputy P. Ortiz or Deputy N. Clark with the SBSD’s Region I MAIT team at (909) 387-3545

Walnut HS Alum Is “Idol” Top 16

By Kelli Gile

(Photo Courtesy: Fox Broadcasting Company) Diamond Bar resident and “American Idol” finalist, Adanna Duru.

(Photo Courtesy: Fox Broadcasting Company) Diamond Bar resident and “American Idol” finalist, Adanna Duru.

Walnut – Diamond Bar resident, Adanna Duru, has been named a finalist on the current season of “American Idol.”  The show revealed its Top 24 contestants last week and the roster included the talented Walnut High 2014 alumna. On Thursday’s episode, she was announced as Top 16!

Duru wowed “Idol” judges with her performance of Lady Gaga’s, “You and I” during her San Francisco audition. Duru even received a Tweet from pop star, Jennifer Lopez, saying, “Congratulations, you killed it!”

The 18-year old teen kept her momentum during Hollywood Week and the House of Blues performances.

Duru began singing at age 4, and decided at age 9 that she would be on “Idol” one day. She plays guitar and piano, and wrote her first song when she was 10.

Duru performed in musicals at Suzanne Middle School, starring as the Duchess in Alice in Wonderland, and an Oompa Loompa in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. For three years, she was a member of the Walnut High School Choir. During her sophomore year, Duru also competed on Season Three of “The Voice.”

On the second night of Top 24 Week, Feb. 26, Duru sang, “Rather Be,” and Hollywood.com said her performance was “pretty amazing, actually.”

On Thursday night’s episode, Mar. 5, Harry Connick, Jr. raved about Duru’s rendition of Lionel Richie’s, “Hello” saying, “I give you an A+ for singing those lyrics like you did.”

At press time, four of the gentlemen and four of the women in the Top 24 had been voted off, leaving Duru in the Top 16! Keep voting to help keep this hometown girl on the show!

There are five ways to vote and you can vote up to 100 times!

Online voting ends at 9 a.m. PST the day after performances. Phone lines are open for calls and texts up to 2 hours after the show.

“American Idol” Season 14 airs Wednesdays and Thursdays at 8 p.m. on FOX.

Good luck, Adanna!

(This article has been modified to reflect the most recent results of the show upon going to press.)

Schleisman Road Realignment and Street Name Changes

Schleisman-Detour-PlanStaff Reports

Eastvale – On Nov. 13, 2013 the Eastvale City Council adopted Resolution No. 13-38 to vacate a portion of Schleisman Road east of Scholar Way as a public street. This vacation is a result of the realignment of Schleisman Road between Scholar Way and Hamner Avenue through a new roadway constructed by the D. R. Horton development, also known as “A” Street. The resolution was recorded on Feb. 24, 2014.

According to the City of Eastvale, as the new roadway is nearing completion, you are being advised that the intersection of Schleisman and Scholar will be closed to all traffic beginning on Fri., Mar. 27, at 6 p.m. This will allow for the permanent closure of Schleisman Road east of Scholar Way to vehicular traffic, and for the preparation of a major transfer of the east-west traffic on to the new Schleisman Road upon opening of the intersection at 6 pm on Sun., Mar. 29.

Major construction will continue through the following week, which is a spring break week for River Heights Intermediate School and Eleanor Roosevelt High School, followed by a few weeks of paving, striping, and signage installation. During this time, an interim detour and traffic control plan will be implemented to direct vehicular as well as pedestrian traffic.

  1. R. Horton subdivision map, Tract No. 34014 includes the renaming of “old/existing” Schleisman Road as Riverboat Drive to match the current street name east of Wells Spring Street. Consequently, the new roadway referred to as “A” Street that terminates at Hamner Avenue will be renamed Schleisman Road. All these changes will take place within the next few weeks in coordination with the transfer of traffic during the weekend of Mar. 27 to 29.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your cooperation during the transition.

If there are any questions, please call Ruben Castaneda, City of Eastvale Public Works Department, at (951) 703.4472.