Category Archives: News By City

San Gabriel: Flash Flood Kills 1 In Mount Baldy

STAFF REPORTS

Mount Baldy – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station, has issued a statement that Joohwan Lee, 48, of El Segundo, was killed in a flash flood accident on Sun., Aug. 3, between 6:15 and 7:15 p.m.

The San Gabriel Mountains experienced heavy rainfall which created a flash flood condition that overflowed Bear Canyon Creek. Lee, who was driving northbound on Bear Canyon Road, was caught in the flash and the force of the mud and debris pushed his vehicle 200 feet south on the road where it came to rest against a tree.

San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department deputies patrolling nearby located Lee’s vehicle, and with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Fire Department, he was extricated. However, Lee succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Coroner has yet to determine the exact cause of death.

Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department San Dimas Sheriff’s Station responded and assumed control of the investigation.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, San Dimas Station, Sergeant Rodriquez, at (909) 450-2700. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Eastvale: Disability Placard / Plate Misuse Operation

City of Eastvale
handicap placard finalThe Eastvale Police Department, in its continued efforts in public safety awareness, conducted a Disability Placard/Misuse Prevention Program.

The purpose of the program was to educate the public regarding the misuse of handicap placards in the possession of those who have not been issued a handicap placard for their own personal use. This operation was conducted in conjunction with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Eastvale Traffic Team.

The program consisted of five sworn deputies and two Community Service Officers to better help educate the public in the surrounding Eastvale locations. The goal was to educate the public about illegally parking in designated handicap parking stalls and the misuse of the DMV-issued Disability Placards. There have been a growing number of complaints by the citizens of Eastvale, regarding multiple vehicles parking in handicap stalls which either are not displaying the appropriate DMV placard, or parking in a handicap parking stall and having never been issued a DMV Disability Placard. Through minimal enforcement of the handicap placards in the past, we have found many citizens misusing the placards and designated handicap parking stalls at various locations throughout the city of Eastvale.

After the completion of the operation, 23 handicap violations were found and cited, along with 19 other violations, such as expired registration and registration tabs. In addition, 3 vehicles were towed for registration expired over six months, per the vehicle code section 4000(a)(1) CVC.

This program was part of the ongoing public safety awareness effort being made by the city of Eastvale. The Eastvale Police Department takes a proactive approach in the education of our citizens and enforcement of the laws dealing with the illegal use of DMV Disability Placards and misuse of handicap parking stalls.

Diamond Bar: New Charges For DB Roof Cut Burglary Prisoners

STAFF REPORTS

roof-top-burlars-diamond-bar

(Photo Courtesy: LA County Sheriff’s Department)

Diamond Bar – Three Inland Empire men already incarcerated for stealing millions of dollars are now facing new federal charges based upon information recently derived regarding two more burglaries.

Laurentiu Penescu, 39, of Yucaipa; Lucian Gabriel Isaia, 33 of Beaumont; and Alceu Johnny Andreis, 46, of Banning, are currently serving various federal prison terms from three to four-plus years for cutting through building roofs with power tools to gain access inside cement bank vaults. A BBCN Bank in Diamond Bar was burglarized in 2012, and the group failed to break in to a Citibank branch, also in Diamond Bar, in 2013. They also hit an East West bank in Rowland Heights in 2011.

The trio pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit bank burglary and attempted bank burglary in January, although this is not the first time that they have served time for this type of crime. Prosecutors have stated that almost ten years ago they were convicted of a series of rooftop heists in Riverside County, stealing more than $3.5 million in cash and gems

If convicted of new charges, Penescu, Isaia and Andreis will spend decades in prison. Also convicted in this case are Dean Muniz, 47, of Fontana – who is serving ten years; and Daniel Soto, 38, of Riverside, who is awaiting sentence.

The Weekly News Complete Edition 08.09.14

The Weekly News covers community news for Diamond Bar, Walnut, Chino Hills and surrounding areas of San Gabriel Valley and the Inland Empire. Click this link Aug9WeeklyAll  to access the complete Aug 9-15 issue in pdf format.

Sheriff’s Department Uses Eleanor Roosevelt High School For Training

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

eleanor-roosevelt-high-school

Eleanor Roosevelt High School in Eastvale was the site of a recent “Active Shooter Training Scenario” conducted by Riverside County Sheriff’s Department and the Corona-Norco Unified School District. (Photo Courtesy: ERHS)

Eastvale – In partnership with the Corona-Norco Unified School District (CNUSD), the Riverside Sheriff’s Department, overseen by Captain Jason Horton, participated in an Active Shooter Training Scenario exercise.

This training exercise allowed deputies to respond to a mock incident that simulated a real-life crisis whereby someone attempted to create violence on a campus.

According to Horton, “This doesn’t necessarily mean a school shooting only; it can also be where someone is coming on campus with the intent to injure as many victims as they can. It can also be stabbings, etc.”

Every deputy assigned out of Eastvale’s Jurupa Valley station underwent this specialized training, which occurred over a week-long period at a variety of hours. In order to accommodate the shifts of all the deputies, some of the training was held at night.

Using Eleanor Roosevelt High School as a training facility gave the deputies a way to familiarize themselves with the layout of the school, as well as some of the faculty and administration that they would be working with. The Sheriff’s Department used trained “role-players” to make the situation as real as possible.

CNUSD administration was provided training and allowed to watch a demonstration. They will take this learning experience back to the schools and train their staff members.

“We feel that along with the training that the deputies already have, this exercise serves as a way to sharpen their skills even further,” said Horton about the training. This scenario-based instruction caused concern by residents who were alarmed that something awful had happened at the high school. However, the exercise was just a way for our local deputies to further improve their skills to keep our community safe.

 

The Summer Of Love

BY PASTOR MARK LEE

Pastor Mark Lee Vantage Point Church

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale

During the warm months of 1967, thousands of people from across the United States converged upon the Haight-Ashbury neighborhood of San Francisco as part of a hippie counterculture movement that became known as, “The Summer of Love.”

47 years later, VantagePoint Church created its own version of the Summer of Love. The goal of the campaign was simple: To be living proof of a loving God. From giving away water, coffee, and Redbox rentals to hosting a football and cheerleading camp, church members were committed to serving the residents of Eastvale.

One of the many benefits of this special campaign was that it helped promote the importance of community. Researchers have repeatedly found that people with strong social connections have happier lives, less stress-related health problems, lower risk of mental illness, and faster recovery from trauma or illness.

So, how do you foster a greater sense of connectedness? The answer is twofold. First, you need to be real. While we often feel the need to present a perfect image to the outside world, the truth is that you can only be loved to the extent you are known. In joining our lives with others, we also need to be accepting. Realness doesn’t happen without acceptance. After all, who wants to open themselves up if they know they will get hurt?

Psalms 133:1 says, “How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity.” There is power in community. Whether you get to know your neighbor, become involved in your city, or simply open your heart to another person, you will be blessed.

 

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

Straight Talk With Danice

BY DANICE AKIYOSHI, N.D.

 

Dear Dr. Akiyoshi:

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi, Naturopathic Doctor, Coaching, Counseling

Dr. Danice Akiyoshi

There is a guy I like at my neighborhood bar. I go there three times a week hoping I will run into him. He is always polite to me when I talk to him, so I thought I had a chance with him. He hasn’t been there for the past two weeks now, and some of the waitresses told me that it’s because he thinks I’m stalking him. I have heard this before a few times from other guys I like. I swear I am just being friendly. What is wrong with people? Why are they so mean? How should I show men I am interested in them?

Hannah

 

Dear Hannah:

If the word ‘stalker’ has been used to describe you a few times, then you have some social malfunctions going on. You are probably not able to read body language very well, and are coming on way too strong. If you are willing to really take a look at this, I have plenty to say on the subject, but this is not an adequate setting to have this sort of discussion. Call my office if you’d like to see me privately.

This is a very important issue, and I hope you will address it quickly. Be careful, until you get this sorted out.

Danice Akiyoshi, N.D.

 

Danice Akiyoshi is a Naturopathic Doctor and the head of Candid Coaching Service. She offers personal coaching services relating to all types of issues and concerns. This is a letter she received from an anonymous reader. To send a question to Danice, email her at straighttalk@candidcoachingservices.com. You can also visit her website at http://www.candidcoachingservices.com.

Depression

BY NANCY STOOPS

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

Do you seem to be always sleeping or not able to sleep at all? Are you eating everything in sight or suffer from no appetite at all. Have you lost pleasure in doing the things that once made you so happy? Are you unable to focus and concentrate? If you are able to answer yes to the questions above, you may be suffering from some type of depression.

Depression comes in many forms. Dysthymic Disorder is a very mild form of depression. People suffering from this are very functional but just don’t feel happy. People suffering from severe depression aren’t very functional and need to be treated. Severe depression can lead to suicide and must be taken seriously.

Bipolar Disorder involves a cycle of very manic moods and then a fall into a very severe depression. Many times the mania is accompanied by severe spending or some other risk taking behavior. People suffering from Bipolar Disorder need to be on medication. There are subtypes within these main categories that I won’t expand upon.

Depression comes from a lack of serotonins, a chemical produced in the brain. Many people choose to take a pill that will put the serotonins you are lacking back into your body. Exercise is also a great way to increase your body’s serotonins and to do it in a natural way. Many of my clients are asked to keep a daily feelings journal as a way to help combat their depression as well.

Don’t let your depression or the depression of a loved one become a way of life. Everybody should be able to feel joy, and depression stops us from doing that. Take the time to journal, exercise and possibly get some professional help so you can feel the joy in your life.

This article was written by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T. Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. She runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups for teens. For more information about any of these services feel free to page her at (626) 935-3818. You may also email her at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net. Nancy’s book, “Live, Heal and Grow” is available for purchase at http://www.RoseDogBookstore.com or Amazon.com

Eastvale: City Council July Recap

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL AND TIANA GOEGEBUER

Eastvale – The Eastvale Town Hall Meeting took place on Tues., July 29 at Rosa Parks Elementary. Various agencies within our community attended and gave updates concerning their respective departments.

The Meeting was emceed by Kathy Bogart of JCSD. After the Pledge of Allegiance, Mayor Ike Bootsma gave an update on the City. According to Bootsma, there will be a special session City Council meeting on Wed., Aug. 6, 6:30 p.m., at Rosa Parks Elementary. The meeting will be held to interview the 14 candidates for the vacant council position. A candidate will be chosen that same night.

Eastvale also launched the “E-Citizen” app, where residents can report graffiti and code enforcements issues, citing a specific geographical location.

The Mayor invited the City to attend the upcoming National Night Out on August 12. This is a collaboration between local law enforcement, fire fighters and other agencies, and will be held in the Eastvale Gateway shopping center parking lot by Target.

Eastvale now officially owns the land for the future Fire Station #2, as ownership was successfully transferred over from Riverside County. The Mayor also announced the realignment of Schleisman Avenue and a new traffic signal.

The Leal Property continues to move forward with an environmental report expected in late August. The Goodman-Bircher Project should be back on the council agenda in October.

San Antonio Hospital Medical Center is expected to open in late 2014, as well as few other local businesses.

Tyler Madary, a field rep from Senator Roth’s office, announced that his office has been eagerly working on SB 69 to restore funding to newly incorporated cities like Jurupa Valley, Eastvale, Wildomar, etc. Although the assembly is on summer break, he is hopeful that the bill be passed by the Assembly and then passed on concurrence from the Senate. The bill will go in front of the Governor on August 8 and the office remains “very optimistic that Governor Brown will sign it”.

The newest addition to Eastvale’s Police Department, Lt. Evan Petersen – who recently took over Lt. Michael Yates position – gave an update on crime and safety in Eastvale. Most of the crime statistics have stayed the same as last quarter, but there was a slight raise in robberies. Car burglaries continue to be mostly “crimes of opportunity” with people continuing to leave valuables in their vehicles out in the open. Most break-ins, in both homes and vehicles, continue to occur Tuesdays through Fridays, between the hours of 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Eastvale has had approximately 13,886 calls for service this year so far, as well as 4,121 traffic and parking violations, 24 DUI arrests, 30 injury accidents, 64 non-injury accidents and 2 fatal accidents (both fatalities were DUI related). Response times for the Riverside Sheriff’s Department continue to improve, ranging from 5.5 to 20 minutes depending on the priority of the call. At this time last year we had 31 indoor marijuana grow houses, whereas at this point we have had only ten. This does not mean we have got them all, it just means that all the work the residents, the City and the Sheriff’s Department are doing is having a positive effect on lowering the number.

Bill Newberry, from the CNUSD School Board, announced that the district has approved a separate Sheriff’s patrol officer for the Eastvale Middle and Elementary schools starting this school year. This will free up other officers from the Eastvale Police Department and alleviate some of the school related calls. The district continues to make progress on Yorba Elementary, which should be open by fall 2015, as well as the purchase of a site for elementary school number seven, which would realistically open in six to eight years. The district has also been working on the alleviation of school overcrowding by more careful planning for the future. At this time, all of the schools in Eastvale have room for students. With a few exceptions, the number of children being bused outside of their home school has greatly diminished. When Yorba opens it will relieve Barton and Rosa Parks elementary schools of about 700 students. Boundaries for the elementary schools will need to be redrawn and residents should expect to see this item discussed more clearly early next year. New Asst. Superintendent, Mike Cobarrubias, announced that CNUSD has been working on establishing an Emergency Operations Center to help keep the 54,000 students and 5,000 employees of the district safe.

Ric Welch, Parks Director at JCSD said they will continue to hold their very successful Concerts in the Park through August. They will also be releasing information about Movies in the Park soon. Visit http://www.parks.jcsd.us for more information about upcoming community events.

Jackie Williams, Battalion Chief from CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department’s Eastvale Station, announced that medical calls continue to be the station’s highest number of calls for service. She also reminded the community to be alert and watch children when they swim as drowning can occur very quickly. There is also an Arson Hotline that you can call to report arson anonymously, (800) 633-2836. Chief Williams hopes to see everyone at the National Night Out, and is excited for the community to see all the different fire trucks, Haz Mat, and all the equipment that they use.

The July 9 City Council meeting was attended by council members William Link and Ric Welch, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Adam Rush and Mayor Ike Bootsma. The invocation was led by Eastvale Police Captain Jason Horton, who also introduced new Lieutenant, Evan Peterson. Shirley Zink gave a presentation on Simple Acts of Kindness World Youth, who will be hosting an anti-bullying and depression event on July 17. Sharon Link then proceeded to give an update on the current projects and progress being made by the Eastvale Community Foundation.

During the Public Comment/Citizen Participation portion of the meeting, a citizen came forward to talk about a festival that their business will be putting on at the Mid-Hill Golf Center on Aug. 2. The festival will focus on showing appreciation for the people who keep the City of Eastvale safe, including but not limited to police officers, firemen, and members of the Public Safety Commission. The festival will be open to the public.

All items on the Consent Calendar were approved, 4-0.

There were no Public Hearings or Old Business Items, so the meeting progressed to the New Business portion. The New Business Items were as follows: 8.1 – Project Management Services approved 4-0 for the budget adjustment amount, and to appoint Bob Williamson to help manage the Fire Station No. 2 project; 8.2 – Options for Filling the Vacancy for the Unexpired Term of Former Councilmember DeGrandpre, voted 3-1 to appoint a new council member to fill the vacancy before the November elections; 8.3 – Approval of a Resolution Calling and Giving Notice of a General Municipal Election was removed from the Agenda based on the results of the previous item.

The City Manager did not give a report, and the meeting adjourned at 7:30 p.m. with closing statements from the Council.

The July 23 meeting was attended by council members William Link and Ric Welch, as well as Mayor Pro Tem Adam Rush and Mayor Ike Bootsma. The invocation was led by Pastor Dennis Morales from Calvary Chapel. Eastvale Police Captain Jason Horton presented Lt. Michael Yates with an award, and Melody Cruise updated the Council on the status of projects for the Public Safety Commission.

During the Public Comment/Citizen Participation portion of the meeting, Hari Dhiman gave an update on the upcoming safety expo that will take place on August 2, and Caesar Morales discussed some possibilities of beautifying the vacant lots around the City.

There were no Public Hearings or Old Business Items, so the meeting moved on to the New Business Items. The New Business Items were as follows: 8.1 – Resolution Authorizing Acceptance of Deeds or Grants of Interests or Easements in Real Property, passed 4-0; and 8.2 – Cash Account Application, Non-Corporate Resolution Form for Multi-Bank Securities, passed 4-0.

The City Manager did not give a report, and the meeting adjourned at 7 p.m. with closing statements from the Council.

 

 

It’s a Good Day

BY PASTOR DENNIS MORALES

“This is the day the LORD has made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” (Psalm 118:24)

Pastor Dennis Morales Calvary Chapel CrossBridge

Pastor Dennis Morales

How was your day today? For some, today was a good day. When I get to spend quality time with my wife and boys, I consider it a great day. Or, maybe a great day is the start of a vacation.

Some days are challenges. I don’t have to share that these are some challenging days we live in. There is drought, doubt, debt, division, and distress all around us. I can even have a tendency to bring stress on my own day. I can be standing in the line that says “15 items or less,” and there I’ll be, counting everyone’s items in front of me, and heaping stress upon my day.

Psalm 118 assures us that God is with us and He is for us despite what the day may hold. God made today for you to experience Him. This is a day to know that God is with you in the midst of challenge (118:5), that He is your strength (118:14); and most importantly, that God is your salvation (118:14).

The people sang and rejoiced as Jesus entered into Jerusalem. They were rejoicing because they thought Jesus would rule an earthly kingdom, which wasn’t the case. He would be crucified shortly thereafter. What Jesus desires is to reign in people’s hearts. If Jesus is in your heart today, whatever today would hold, you can rejoice.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays, 10:30 a.m., at Clara Barton Elementary (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.CalvaryEastvale.org.

Eastvale: Tessari Voted Into Eastvale Council

BY JENNIFER MADRIGAL

joe-tessari-sworn-in-eastvale-city-council

Joe Tessari being sworn in to Eastvale’s City Council on Aug. 6, 2014 (Photo Courtesy: Jennifer Madrigal)

 

Eastvale – After interviewing 14 well-qualified candidates at the special City Council meeting on Wed., Aug. 6, the decision was made to elect Joseph M. Tessari to fill the vacant seat recently left open by Jeff DeGrandpre.

Councilmember William Link felt that it was in the best interest of the City of Eastvale to select an individual that had an idea of how the council worked, and who needed less of a learning curve, especially with important council agenda items forthcoming.

Tessari, a Sheriff’s detective, who has long been involved with the community of Eastvale, fit the City’s criteria, and after the motion was made, council unanimously voted him in, with Mayor Pro Tem, Adam Rush, abstaining.

Eastvale Community News 08.2014 Complete Edition

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click this link  2014-08-EastvalePgAll  to access the complete August issue in pdf format.

Walnut: Mendoza Sworn In As Mt. SAC Student Trustee

BY MIKE TAYLOR
Walnut – Mt. San Antonio College student, Paola Mendoza, was sworn in as the new student trustee for the 2014-15 academic year during the Mt. SAC Board of Trustees’ July 23 meeting.

As student trustee, Mendoza, 19, will present the student perspective on policy issues before Mt. SAC’s governing board. She will have only an advisory vote, which does not count toward the passage or failure of a motion. The advisory vote helps the board know how the student trustee stands on issues and strengthens the student role in the college’s shared governance process.

Mendoza, a resident of Ontario, is a Psychology major and carries a 3.6 GPA. She has served as a senator with the Mt. SAC Associated Students (student government) and holds memberships in the campus Psychology Club and IDEAS Club, which serves as an advocate for undocumented students.

After she graduates from Mt. SAC, Mendoza plans to transfer to UCLA as a Psychology major.

 

Eastvale: Teens Influence Interest In Voting

BY EMILY AGUILAR

Eastvale – A surprising number of teenagers in the area have taken an interest in the political affiliations of their country, and are inspired to spread this passion with the adults in their communities. Students of Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s club, the Young Democrats of America, (which is affiliated with the Democrats of Norco and the California Young Democrats) have made it their duty to spend their summer doing just that.

The members of the Young Democrats of America (which also extends to other high schools in the region) have begun a small campaign to increase the amount of adults over the age of 18 who are registered to vote by handing out registration forms. Settling in at the local Von’s market in Eastvale recently, the members of the club didn’t necessarily persuade shoppers to become part of the Democratic Party. Rather, the teens tried to emphasize the importance of having a voice in any upcoming election.

Shukan “Shuky” Patel, who leads the club at ERHS, is especially eager to ensure that Americans will realize the importance of voting.

“Most adults feel that their vote has little or no impact on the overall political process. Therefore, it is my fundamental belief that if we can erase this ‘my vote doesn’t matter’ mentality from the adult population, then we can have a higher turnout rate,” he said.

Patel also emphasized that teenagers who are interested in their country’s politics will have more power to change the course of the activities in the region, so he was proud to see that his peers are taking up an effort to show how important voting is.

The teenagers had success in garnering a handful of people to register. They plan on spending more days throughout August registering more voters.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Community Events

STAFF REPORTS

 

UPCOMING EVENTS:

Free ESL and Citizenship Classes

When: Monday through Thursday, 9 to 11 a.m.; or Monday through Thursday, 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: 2100 Lerona Avenue, Rowland Heights

Details: Rowland Adult & Community Education is now offering free English as a Second Language and Citizenship courses to adult students this summer due to a grant received from the Majestic Reality Foundation in the City of Industry.

Contact: Call (626) 965-5975, or visit http://race.rowland.k12.ca.us.

 

Calvary Lutheran Summer Kids’ Day Camp

When: Monday, Now through Wednesday, August 20; 6:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Where: Mt. Calvary Lutheran Church & Schools, 23300 Golden Springs Dr., Diamond Bar 91765 Details: A fun, safe, Christian environment for your school age children. Kids’ camp is a summer day camp program based on fun, personal and spiritual growth, and the celebration of God’s Word through various activities, field trips, and daily devotions.  All children ages 5 – 12 are invited to attend.  Check out the Mt. Calvary Lutheran website for more information about daily activities, registration, and fees.

 

West Covina Summer Concert Series

When: Thursday evenings, now through August 7; 6 to 9 p.m.

Where: West Covina Civic Center, 1444 W. Garvey Avenue

Details: Bring your lawn chairs, blankets and dancing shoes and enjoy this summer entertainment:

  • Aug 7: Mariachi Divas
  • Aug 16: Food Truck Frenzy and Concert

Contact: Community Services Department, (626) 939-8489.

 

Diamond Bar Concert/Movie Series

When: Wednesday evenings through August 13; 6:30 p.m.

Where: Sycamore Canyon Park, 22930 Golden Springs Drive

Details: Free admission and free parking

  • Aug 06: Cold Ducks (70s Tribute); The Lego Movie.
  • Aug 13: Little Lies Band (Fleetwood Mac Tribute); Despicable Me 2

Contact: www.ci.diamond-bar.ca.us

 

Chino Youth Museum Family-Friendly Programs

When: Now through August 2014

Where: 13191 Sixth Street, Downtown Chino; Tuesday – Sunday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.; Nominal fees.

Details: There are some amazing events taking place this summer, from art projects and entertainment, to edible art creations and Kids Night Out. Enjoy special activities like You & Me Time, Beat the Heat cool activities, and special day Museum Birthday Parties.

Contact: (909) 334-3270 to find out more about the summer-fun schedule.

 

Wheel Food Fest

When: August 1, September 5, October 3 (1st Friday of the month); 5 to 8:30 p.m.

Where: Walnut Valley Unified School District, 880 S. Lemon Avenue, in Walnut.

Details: The Walnut Valley Educational Foundation is sponsoring a family fun night with a variety of gourmet food trucks. This is a delicious way to support your students, schools and community. There are no entry fees, and there is plenty of free parking. Bring a blanket or chair and enjoy! Food trucks may include: The Slummin’ Gourmet, Macho Nacho, Rolling Sushi, Cup Cakery, Crepes Bonaparte, White Rabbit, and Dos Chinos. Please leave your pets at home, and do not bring alcohol, outside food or drinks.

 

Chino Relay for Life

When: Sat., Aug. 2, 9 a.m. through Sunday, Aug. 3, 8 a.m.

Where: Ayala Park, 14201 Central Ave, Chino

Details: 24-hour event that helps to raise money for the American Cancer Society. Run, Walk, Sponsor!

Contact: Kristine Travis, at kritravi1978@yahoo.com

 

Youth Citizens Police Academy Class VIII

When: Monday – Thursday, Aug. 11-21; 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Where: Chino Police Department, 5450 Walnut Avenue

Details: High school teens, 14-18 years of age, who live or attend school in the City of Chino, can get an inside look at all the functions of their local law enforcement agency. Participants will get hands-on experience with SWAT, Patrol, Criminal Investigations, K-9, CSI, Narcotics, Traffic and much more!

Contact: Olivia Le Van, (909) 334-3087, or olevan@chinopd.org for applications.

 

Irwindale Poker Tournament

When: Aug. 22 through Oct. 3; Tournament on Oct. 3, 5:30 p.m.

Where: Participating restaurants and The Pub at Miller-Coors.

Details: 6th Annual World of Food Poker Tournament, an innovative program designed to provide a fun way for poker players to earn bonus chips while driving business to local participating restaurants Registered players are encouraged to visit participating restaurants from Aug. 22 through Oct. 3 collecting chips for purchases. A Texas Hold-Em’ elimination tournament will be held on Fri., Oct. 3.

Contact: Detailed information is available on the Irwindale Chamber of Commerce website at www.irwindalechamber.org. Register no later than Aug. 7 to ensure full access to all materials.

 

Hollywood Bowl Fireworks Finale featuring the Simpsons!

When: Saturday, Sept. 13

Where: Hollywood Bowl, Hollywood, CA (busses depart from Park-N-Ride, 20983 La Puente Road (at Gartel Drive).

Details: Journey from the animated Springfield Bowl to the Hollywood Bowl for this unprecedented event as the famous orchestra accompanies your favorite scenes from the Simpsons on the big screen. Seats are located in Section F2, Rows 5, 6, and 7. The fee is $55 per person, appropriate for all ages.

Contact: For registration and additional information, call Walnut Community Services Department, (909) 598-5605.

 

WEEKLY EVENTS:

Bookstore Blowout

Where: Twice Sold Tale Bookstore located at the Walnut Library, La Puente Road, Walnut CA 91789

When: Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m., Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturdays 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Details: All books and media: Any four items for $1 ($1 minimum purchase).

Contact: (909) 595-0757 or email the.walnut.library@mac.com.

 

Resources for the Classroom Days at Basically BOOKS

When: Second Tuesday of every month.

Where: Basically BOOKS locations: at 23447 Golden Springs Road, Diamond Bar and at the Diamond Bar Library: 21800 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar.

Details: Books and education videos will be offered at special discounts for teachers at all levels. Teachers can sign up at either Basically BOOKS locations or email BasicallyBOOKS@aol.com to join these special teacher appreciation afternoons.

 

Free Acupuncture for Veterans, Active Military, First Responders

When: Every Tuesday at 5 p.m.

Where: 12598 Central Avenue, Unit 113, Chino, CA 91710.

Cost: Free

Contact: (909) 590-4183 or http://www.healingcirclecommunityacupuncture.com

 

Jack Newe’s Farmers Market sponsored by SGV Regional Chamber of Commerce

When: Every Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Where: Mt. San Antonio College Campus, Parking Lot B, 1100 N. Grand Avenue, Walnut CA 91789

Cost: Free Admission/Parking

Features: Seasonal organic produce, breads and cakes, olive oils, cheese and spreads, a variety of nursery plants, hand-crafted items and jewelry, fresh-popped Kettle Corn and grilled food plates.

Contact: (909) 869-0701

 

Riverside: UPS Driver Accused of Stealing Guns

STAFF REPORTS

 

Riverside – A United Parcel Service driver was arrested on Fri., July 25, on federal gun trafficking charges for allegedly stealing dozens of guns going through the shipping company’s Ontario hub, and providing them to an associate who sold the weapons in underground transactions.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, Curtis Hays, 36, of Rancho Cucamonga, was arrested without incident by special agents with the ATF (Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms). Hays was expected to be arraigned that same day in United States District Court.

The associate who allegedly sold some of the firearms – Dennis Dell White, Jr., 35, of Moreno Valley – will be summoned to appear in federal court for an arraignment in the coming weeks.

The 16-count indictment, which was filed on July 23, alleges that Hays stole a series of packages containing guns that were supposed to be delivered to the Turner’s Outdoorsman retailer in Rancho Cucamonga. The indictment also accused Hays of stealing jewelry and mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to other retailers. This merchandise was also allegedly given to White.

Hays purportedly provided the firearms to White, who illegally sold the weapons to other individuals, and some of the guns were then sold to others. The firearms included 12-gauge shotguns and .45-caliber handguns.

Hays and White are charged with conspiracy; six counts of theft of firearms; six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms; and two counts of theft, receipt, and possession of goods in interstate commerce.

White is additionally charged with being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition.

The conspiracy count carries a statutory maximum penalty of five years in federal prison. The weapons charges each carry a potential penalty of 10 years in prison. The stolen goods charges each carry a maximum possible penalty of five years in prison. And, if convicted of being a felon in possession of firearms and ammunition, White could face up to an additional 10 years in prison.

The investigation into the stolen firearms was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Ontario Police Department.

Chino: Police Arrest Robbery Suspect

STAFF REPORTS

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Rafaella Benoit (Photo courtesy: City of Chino)

Chino – Officers of the Chino Police Department arrested a subject believed to be the suspect of the Bank of the West robbery, which took place in Chino on Mon., July 14.

Rafaella Benoit, 18, of Moreno Valley, allegedly entered the Bank of the West and passed a note to the teller demanding cash. The suspect – described as a black female in her 20s, wearing light colored hospital scrubs, a tan knit cap, and sunglasses – fled on foot with an undisclosed amount of money.

Through the investigative process, Detectives identified Benoit as a potential suspect. Benoit was out on bail for a previous bank robbery she allegedly committed on Fri., May 9, at the BBVA Compass Bank, located in Moreno Valley.

At approximately 8:30 a.m. on Fri., July 25, Officers arrested Benoit in the 1200 block of Autumnwood Lane as she was leaving her residence in Moreno Valley. A search of the property was conducted and evidence was found linking Benoit to the crime. She was booked at the West Valley Detention Center on robbery and committing a felony while out on bail.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

Diamond Bar: Burglary Suspects Caught, Reward Paid

THE CITY OF DIAMOND BAR

Diamond Bar – Two more criminals have learned the hard way that it does not pay to attempt a home burglary in Diamond Bar, and the resident who helped identify the suspects is now $500 richer.

The attempted burglary occurred last May on the 300 block of San Leandro Drive. A resident was working from home on a Wednesday morning when he noticed an unfamiliar vehicle pulling up in front of a neighbor’s home. Moments earlier he had seen his neighbor drive off, so he knew the home was empty.

He watched as the driver exited the vehicle and casually walked up to the front door. As he continued to watch, the suspect appeared to knock and ring the doorbell. After getting no response, the suspect made his way to the side yard of the home where the neighbor saw him peer through the windows and eventually move to the back of the house and out of view.

The resident immediately called the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station with a description of the suspect and vehicle. He was still providing an account of events to the station dispatcher when he heard a Sheriff’s helicopter circling overhead. Through his office window he saw the suspect run from behind the house and get into a car. He then saw him drive toward Golden Springs Drive.

A team of Sheriff’s personnel pursued the vehicle and stopped it in the City of Pomona, at which time they found a second suspect seated in the front passenger seat. They also found a worn tire iron and a black fleece glove; the matching glove fell from the suspect’s clothing during the pat down search.

Based on the initial statements and positive identification by the witness resident, Sheriff’s deputies arrested the suspects for attempted burglary and possession of burglary tools, and transported them to the Diamond Bar-Walnut Sheriff’s Station for booking.

Under the City’s newly implemented Report for Reward program, the witness resident was nominated, and presented with a $500 reward last month.

Report for Reward aims to help combat residential and vehicular crimes within city limits by providing members of the public with a monetary incentive of up to $500 for information leading to the arrest of individuals who damage or destroy property while attempting or executing a residential or vehicular burglary. The program is open to everyone; however, City and Sheriff’s employees are not eligible for a reward.

A phone call to the Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595.2264 (call 911 if the burglary incident is in progress) is currently the only way to report suspicious activity as part of the Report for Reward program.

For more information about the program, visit diamondbarca.gov/RFR.

Walnut: Suzanne Students Join Global Math Olympiad

BY KELLI GILE

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Suzanne 7th Grade Math Olympian winners show their awards, showing with teacher Amy Erickson. (Photo Courtesy: Kelli Gile)

Walnut – Suzanne Middle School students were among the 110,000 students worldwide to participate in the 2013-2014 Math Olympiad program. The team participated in a series of five monthly contests, with five problems each, from November to March, and weekly practice sessions with Suzanne math teachers and coaches, Amy Erickson and Victor Lu.

The Math Olympiad contests challenged students to solve unusual and difficult problems and to think creatively. Students were awarded trophies for top scores in each grade level as well as pins and patches of recognition.

“The students responded well to the challenge and were recognized for their achievements during an end of the year awards celebration,” Erickson said.

For the 6th Grade, William Lin came in first with a total of 21 correct out of 25. Lin, Darren Chen, Derek Wang, John Chou, Amber Tsao, Jennifer Zhang, Tyler Xu, and Melony Yu all received silver pins to signify a top 10% score. An embroidered patch was also awarded to Liwen Xia, Nicole Chiang, Katherine Lee, Catherine Wang, Curtis Lin, Daniel Ahu, Marco Chan, Jeremy Hsiao, Louis Wong and Kevin Chen for placing in the top 50%.

For the 7th Grade, Aaron Chang was awarded the 1st Place trophy, along with a patch signifying a top 50% score. Alice Zhang, Ethan Lin, Oscar Chou, Sylvester Yue, Angela Zhu, Jordin Wang, Felianne Teng, Yi Chen, Jerry Guo, Sheldon Zhu, Derick Tseng, Phillip Leung and Jing Wong also received patches for their 50% scores.

For the 8th Grade, Eugene Lo was awarded the 1st Place trophy along with a silver pin recognizing his top 10% score. Christopher Wang was also awarded a silver pin. Kevin Jensen, Lydia Chan, Fabiola Delvillar, Charles Gu, Matthew Nguyen and Irene Zhou received patches for their 50% scores.

 

Chino: Illegal Sterilization At Chino Prison

STAFF REPORTS

chino-womens-prison

(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

Chino – In a review concerning female inmate sterilizations occurring between fiscal years 2005-06 and 2012-13, state auditor, Elaine M. Howle, reported on some disturbing facts discovered in some California prisons.

The June 19 audit revealed that during the aforementioned period, 144 female inmates were sterilized by bilateral tubal ligation, and the Receiver’s Office of the California Correctional Health Care Services at times failed to ensure that the inmates’ consent was lawfully obtained. 39 inmates received the procedure – 11 of those women incarcerated at Chino – with deficiencies in the process.

In 27 of those cases, there was no evidence that a physician signed the required consent forms asserting that the patient was mentally competent and therefore understood the lasting effects of the procedure; in 18 cases there was a violation of the required waiting period between consent and procedure. In some cases, the physicians falsified the consent forms, indicating that the proper waiting period had passed when it clearly had not. In all there were numerous illegal surgeries and other violations of the state’s informed consent law.

For one case in particular for a pregnant inmate at the Chino prison, a physician filed a form requesting approval for a pregnancy evaluation and treatment. Nothing on the form indicated a request for sterilization; the woman was sterilized, regardless, during a cesarean section delivery which was performed 17 days before the woman’s expected delivery date. A review of her medical records did not indicate any emergency conditions requiring an expedited delivery or sterilization.

Auditors have begun to urge federal officials to give the names of the physicians involved in the illegal surgeries to the Medical Board and the California Department of Public Health for further investigation and possible disciplinary action.

Prison advocates and former inmates say that prison medical staff targeted those who were deemed likely to return to prison in the future. The audit states that all the women who received tubal ligations had been in prison at least once before, and were repeat offenders. The prison medical officials have denied any ill intent; however, the integrity of all these incidents is in question.

This integrity, or lack thereof, leads one to remember California’s dreadful history regarding such things, labeled Eugenics. Wikipedia states that as an early leading force in the field of Eugenics, California became the third state in the United States to enact a sterilization law, forcing 20,000 sterilizations between 1909 and 1963. By 1921, California had accounted for 80% of the sterilizations nationwide. This continued until World War 2, after which the number of sterilizations began to decrease, largely due to the fallout of Hitler’s eugenics movement. It is reported that Nazi Germany sought the advice of the California’s eugenics leaders in the 1930s. More current reports tout the sterilization as a way to avoid welfare benefits for unwanted children.

In response to the audit, the state prison health department generally agrees with the findings, and noted that steps have since been taken to improve the situation. A bill has now been introduced that would ban all inmate sterilizations for birth control purposes. In May, the Senate unanimously approved SB 1135, and the measures are now being taken up by the Assembly.

Tiana Goegebuer contributed to this article.