Category Archives: News By City

Diamond Bar Council Corner: Mid-Year Budget Report Approved

Diamond Bar City Hall

Diamond Bar City Hall
(Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

BY ARIEL CARMONA JR.

Diamond Bar – At this week’s Diamond Bar City Council meeting, as part of their periodic review of its annual city budget, the Diamond Bar City Council approved by unanimous vote a resolution which adjusts the city’s fiscal year 2013-14 general fund budget increasing its resource estimate by more than $950,000 to total $23,100,358 and makes other adjustments to general fund appropriations taking into account increases in economic development costs, lighting and landscape assessments, and the resurfacing of the parking lots of several city parks.

Finance Director Diana Honeywell gave a report at the council meeting, and said improvements in the economy, with unemployment rates beginning to come down, and consumer spending rising, as well as improvements in the housing market, were some of the factors staff examined in preparation for the mid-year budget review.

City officials said nearly all categories of revenues showed growth. Among some of the adjustments approved into the budget are:

  • Other taxes- This include sales tax, transient occupancy tax, property tax and franchise tax.
  • State Subventions- Property tax in lieu of vehicle license fee is being increased by $94,670 based on actual collections received in Jan. 2014.
  • Current service charges- planning, building and engineering fees, as well as recreation fees.
  • Investment income re-allocations based in cash balances to those funds.

Some of the highlights of the changes in the General Fund appropriations as made public by the city include engaging the services of a new city attorney late last fiscal year, the re-establishment of a Deputy City Manager position to fill one vacated last month, and an increase to the city’s information systems division’s budget due to “unanticipated increase in computer maintenance costs and professional services related to database work.”

In other matters, the council heard from City Manager James DeStefano, who provided a report on a project at two intersections on Grand Avenue.

The city received about $700,000 in federal funds for the project which has been augmented with about $300,000 of additional resources to improve the public right of way generally in the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Grand Avenue and Longview Drive at Grand Avenue, according to DeStefano.

“These two intersections were selected because they serve as primary gateways to the city and there is a design process that’s underway right now to set a tone that would result in new street furniture, new landscape in those intersections, a variety of street elements that would lighten, brighten and make those much more inviting landmarks within our community and gateways to other portions of our community,” said DeStefano in his report to the council.

“Part of the project is designed to create an overall palate for use with the rest of the community so when we do intersection improvements in the next few years at Golden Springs, Grand, and other areas, we will have a new palate to utilize to spread throughout our community.”

DeStefano added that even though approximately $1 million worth of resources has been allocated to the project, those resources can only be utilized on Grand Avenue in this general area; particularly the federal dollars are restricted and can’t be utilized in any other way.  Local businesses and residents are invited to come to city hall on Wednesday, March 19 at 6:30 p.m. for a public meeting inviting comments, looking at the design concepts, and to participate in the overall process of improving the project leading to design and construction sometime later this year into 2015.

During the public comment portion of the meeting, residents implored the council to help Bob’s Big Boy at Golden Springs Drive get historical landmark designation in order for the restaurant to stay in the area. The fast-food chain’s lease is set to expire in a few years and the landlord is looking to raise the rent. For more information about this, read the story on page 1.

In other city council actions, the council adopted Urgency Ordinance No. 2, 2014, suspending Chapter 8.26 of the city municipal code prohibiting the operation and establishment of medical marijuana dispensaries. The council also approved by a 5-0 vote the first reading of a permanent ordinance prohibiting these establishments, including mobile dispensaries.

The council also voted to appoint new members to its Parks and Recreation, planning, and Traffic and Transportation commissions.

The next regularly scheduled meeting of the City Council is set for March 4 at 6:30 p.m. at the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21685 Copley Drive.

EASTVALE: Protecting your Children From Cyber Predators

BY: JENNIFER MADRIGAL and LEAFF Member Det. Syvock

LEAFF Law Enforcement and Fire Protection

L.E.A.F.F. Eastvale

With the rise of internet and app use among a younger and younger generation, the cases of child molestation cases has also continued to rise. Sadly, the age of children being victimized continues to get younger and younger as pedophiles continue to get braver and bolder in their pursuits. Many parents think that they are monitoring their children well enough to avoid any of these incidences from happening to “their child”, but the sad reality is that even the most vigilant parents can miss the signs.

First and foremost, there are some key words that define the “lingo” of the child pornography world: Collectors– Collect images of child pornography.  Collectors can and will transition to chatters.  Chatters– Chatters will surf the social media and gaming sites (Xbox, Play station, etc…) known to be used by children.  These chatters are looking for children to communicate with and the topics will transition to discussions involving sexual contact.  Chatters can and will become Travelers. Travelers– Adults that will meet with children for the purpose of engaging in sexual activities.  Travelers could be from the town/city next door or may travel across country to meet children.  Travelers can and will become manufacturers of child pornography as they will document their meetings in videos and photographs. Manufacturers– Manufacturers will produce images and videos depicting children being exploited (Child Pornography) to share with other likeminded individuals via the internet or through mailings.

According to Detective David Sycock, who is part of the Orange County Child Exploitation Task Force, once contact between the predator and the child has been established, the grooming process begins. These predators are able to spend more time with our children daily, through the internet, than a predator who has face to face access. They will often shower the victim with attention. This gives the child a sense that the predator cares about them because they are so patient and they listen so intently. The relationship will then progress to a relationship with an “us/them” mentality as it relates to parents or authority, which helps establish the groundwork for abuse. The predator will encourage the child to share secrets and try and earn their trust. The predator needs to make sure that the child will feel “safe” with them to ensure that the relationship and the eventual face to face meeting will remain a secret. Unfortunately, this is where sexual topics are gradually introduced in an effort to gauge the child’s reaction and willingness to move forward towards the face to face meeting. The predator will at this point encourage the child to share images with them. Images will usually be innocuous at first, but will transition into more graphic images involving sexual images. Some predators will even send the victim a camera or other gifts to take pictures with. The ultimate goal of the predator is always a face to face encounter, “Meeting In Real Life” (MIRL), where the physical sexual abuse will begin.

Once the abuse occurs, how do we as parents discover our child has been victimized? Usually, parents stumble onto graphic text messages, pictures, videos, etc. between the child and the predator. The child will often be uncooperative as the predator has spent so much time grooming them to believe that the predator is the good person and the parents are the bad people. Again, the “Us vs. Them” mentality is continued and encouraged by the predator, as they often have already coached them on how to respond. The difficulties with parenting the child will continue to get worse as the child will withdrawal further as they are confronted by parents. Parents may notice the child becoming more of a “loner” by separating themselves from family and social events, and problems in school will often increase as grades and attendance decrease.

So what can we do to make sure our children don’t become victims? First, be involved and vigilant. Know your way around the computer, smart phones, video games, etc. Do not give your children devices that you yourself do not know how to operate. Second, set house rules and stay firm. Have times and perimeters for internet use. Monitor their time and what sites they are on, and set boundaries on where children are allowed to use their internet devices. As a parent, you own the device and thus should be actively monitoring and checking your children’s devices for inappropriate content.

If you have any questions or think your child may be a victim please call your local law enforcement agency.

Chino Hills: Stage II Water Alert

STAFF REPORTS

Water Conservation

Photo Courtesy: Google

Chino Hills – While the east coast is experiencing one of the coldest winters on record, Southern California is wishing it had a little weather; rain, to be precise.

With Governor Brown declaring a Drought State of Emergency on Jan. 17, the City of Chino Hills has confirmed a Stage II Moderate Water Conservation Alert in accordance with its Water Conservation Ordinance, effective immediately.

Nadeem Majaj, the City’s Director of Public Works, said, “Last year was the driest year on record in the State of California and Chino Hills is redoubling our efforts to use water carefully and to remind our residents that water conservation should be a way of life.”

According to the City, Stage II is declared when it is anticipated that the water supply may be reduced by up to 10%.  The California Department of Water Resources has indicated that the Metropolitan Water District (MWD), one of the providers of water imported to Chino Hills, will not receive any water from the State Water Project which originates from the Sacramento Delta.  However, because of improvements in water storage, water deliveries from MWD are not anticipated to be reduced.

“Chino Hills and our residents have been at the forefront of conservation,” Majaj continued.  “We are required as a community to reduce water use by 20 percent by the year 2020, and we are well on the way to achieving the state-mandated goal.”

Residents and readers in all cities can continue to conserve our precious resource by adhering to the following prohibitions and restrictions:

  • Do not hose-wash sidewalks, driveways, parking areas, etc.
  • Repair all residential and business water leaks.
  • Do not water any outdoor landscaping between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m.
  • Do not overwater landscaping, or allow water to run off into streets, sidewalks or other paved areas.  Keep sprinklers well maintained to prevent leaking.
  • Wash vehicles, trailers, boats (and livestock) from a bucket, and quickly rinse with a hose equipped with a shut-off nozzle.  Look for Car Wash businesses that use recycled water.

There are simple things you can do every day such as using a broom instead of a hose for outdoor cleanup, having fun contests to see who can take the shortest shower in the house, and not ordering water in restaurants unless you really plan on drinking it.  Did you know that you can save four gallons of water per minute just by turning the water off while brushing your teeth?  That is 200 gallons per week for a family of four!  You can also keep your eyes open and report concerns that you observe by calling the City’s Water Wise Hotline, at (909) 364-2850.

Water Conservation…every little drop helps.

Walnut/West Covina: Suspect Shot After Walnut Robbery

STAFF REPORTS

LA SheriffWalnut/West Covina – A suspect was fatally shot in West Covina after a car chase and a home invasion robbery occurred in Walnut.

On Friday, Feb. 13 at around 4:57 p.m., a male called the Walnut Sheriff’s Station and stated that a man was in his home with a gun demanding money from his mother, according to the LA County Sheriff’s Department. The caller also stated that a black car was parked in front of his residence, which was located near Lemon Avenue and Amar Road.

When Sheriff’s deputies arrived to the Walnut residence, a black vehicle was reported to be driving towards them at a high rate of speed. A pursuit was initiated and police followed the suspect to the parking lot off Nogales Street and La Puente Road in unincorporated West Covina.

The male suspect then ran from the vehicle and into a Bestway Market, where he ran through the back door and into the neighborhood behind the market. The suspect ran through several backyards in the neighborhood in an attempt to evade Sheriff’s deputies, according the Sheriff’s Department.

At around 5:20 p.m., the suspect was located in the 19100 block of Elberland Street, in unincorporated West Covina. A deputy-involved shooting occurred and the suspect was pronounced dead at the scene. However, no weapon has been found at or near the scene, according to sheriff officials.

The suspect was later identified as Javier Mendez, 35.

A female adult passenger of the suspect’s vehicle was taken into custody and a young child who was in the vehicle was taken into protective custody.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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: Details Released On Police Chase Through Eastvale Feb. 13

BY: JENNIFER MADRIGAL

eastvalePD-2inchEastvale – After a police chase involving 4 different law enforcement agencies that raced through the streets of Eastvale at 3 am on Feb 13, officials released information on the details of the early hour event.

A Seal Beach Police unit that was investigating the suspects, spotted a 2006 Black Range Rover suspected of being involved in the burglary at Tacos Del Rio on Feb. 6, entering Eastvale. The same vehicle was suspected of being a part of a burglary in Chino Hills around 2 am the morning of Feb. 13. The Riverside Sheriff’s Department was contacted and advised of the suspect vehicle whereabouts throughout the early morning, officials said.

According to a police report, when the suspect vehicle exited the 15 freeway south at Limonite in Eastvale, a “vehicle enforcement stop” was attempted by Riverside County Sheriffs, but the suspects vehicle failed to yield. A pursuit through the City of Eastvale then began at speeds of 60 mph with the suspects committing numerous vehicle code violations.

Near Cobble Creek and Gold Creek in Eastvale, the passenger jumped from the vehicle and ran west bound while the vehicle continued its path through residential streets. When the driver turned onto Morning Mist, he jumped from the vehicle and left it running. The Range Rover then continued moving forward and crashed into the parked car on Potter Creek, the report stated.

The driver of the Range Rover fled the scene on foot and a pursuit ensued. Riverside Sheriff Dept.K-9’s promptly responded to the scene and a search for the suspects began. Since, RSO’s helicopter was not available, an Orange County Sheriff’s helicopter responded to assist in the search.

According to the report, Officers continued to canvas the area attempting to locate the suspects, and many residents reported having their doors banged on and their backyards searched.  Eventually, Orange County Sheriff’s helicopter spotted the driver hiding in a construction site. Officers were able to identify and arrest the suspect. The driver suffered head trauma and was treated on scene and transported to a local hospital.

A large metal safe and other items suspected to have been used in burglaries as well as loose cash and change were located inside the Range Rover.

As of February 19, the other suspect, the passenger, had not been located. His description has not yet been released.

The investigation is on-going and we will keep the community updated as it is released.
(Photo courtesy of city of Eastvale)

Ontario: Elderly Scam

ONTARIO POLICE DEPARTMENT REPORT

Ontario Police Department

Ontario Police Department (Photo Courtesy: socalcops.org)

Ontario – The Ontario Police Department is warning its residents, in particular its elderly residents, about a scam that has surfaced recently.  A total of six arrests have been made during this investigation, along with the recovery of thousands of dollars provided by at least four elderly victims, who reside in two different states.

Detectives have investigated several cases in which elderly victims were contacted via telephone by a suspect pretending to be the victim’s grandson. The caller (suspect) has personal information about the victim to include the victim’s location of residence, birth date and full identifying information about the grandchild they are impersonating.

In an incident that occurred on Jan. 30, the suspect, claiming to be the victim’s grandchild, telephoned the victim to say he had been arrested and was being held in a California jail. The suspect franticly pleads with the victim to send a large amount of money (in cash) to a residence in Ontario, California.

The victim (a 92-year-old Amarillo, Texas resident) spoke with a second subject who claimed to be, but is actually impersonating, a law enforcement officer.  That suspect directs the victim to deliver a large amount of money to a specific location in the City of Ontario, California. The victim, sensing something was wrong with the request, alerted local law enforcement and sent an empty package to the requested drop point in Ontario.

Ontario Police Detectives were made aware of the pending money pick up and during their investigation contacted a male and female who were discovered waiting where the money was to be delivered. The suspects were arrested after being found in possession of the package sent from Amarillo, Texas.

During further investigation, Detectives discovered three other victims who were scammed in a similar manner. One elderly victim sent a number of packages totaling $210,000 in cash from her Nebraska home to several destinations in the Inland Empire area (California). Unfortunately, only a small portion of that money was intercepted, causing that victim to suffer a substantial loss.

Two other elderly victims (for a total of four victims), who also reside in Texas and Nebraska, were scammed in a similar manner as well. These victims sent nearly $15,000 in cash to various locations in the Inland Empire area (California). Luckily, this money was intercepted and returned to the victims.

The two subjects arrested in Ontario have been identified as Desiree Marie Delgado, 19, of Fontana, and James Michael Colangelo, 19, of Fontana.

During further investigation, searches were conducted in the cities of Bloomington, Fontana and Rialto. This follow-up resulted in four additional arrests, along with the recovery of further evidence linking all six arrestees to the scam.

The additional arrestees are identified as Jose Fernando Garcia, 45, of Bloomington, Juan Martinez Lopez, 41, of Rialto, Walter Alexander Ayala, 29, of Fontana, and Mikaela Marie Bosch, 19, of Fontana.

All arrestees were booked into the West Valley Detention Center (Rancho Cucamonga) for various charges to include grand theft, identity theft, theft from an elder, elder abuse and conspiracy. Colangelo and Bosch were additionally charged with possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

Ontario Police warn residents to be cautious of anyone who calls and asks for money in such an unusual manner. Regardless of who the caller claims to be, it is best to contact someone of authority to independently confirm the caller’s identity. Police also recommend contacting a family member of the alleged caller (grandchild) in an attempt to confirm the grandchild’s location.

Ontario Police Detectives are concerned there may be other victims of this scam. Anyone who has been contacted in a similar manner or feels they have been victimized by this scam is asked to c

Eastvale Police Department Conducts Safety Oriented Saturation Patrol

Courtesy City of Eastvale
CITY OF EASTVALE – On Wednesday, February 19th the Eastvale Police Department conducted yet another special saturation patrol in the City of Eastvale focused on driver safety.

The officers provided additional education, awareness and enforcement in the area of Limonite Avenue and Hamner Avenue. Visitors to the Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center may have seen four patrol units gathered together conducting a field briefing prior to this special operation.

The safety saturation patrol resulted in 17 citations issued for various moving violations including: driving without a seat belt, driving while using a hand-held wireless telephone devises (Vehicle Code Sections 23123 and 27315) or illegal turning movements.

The goal of the special enforcement measures is to provide an increased education, awareness and traffic enforcement which have proven to be very successful in the city.

For your safety, citizens are encouraged to always obey the posted speed limits, wear your seat belt(s), refrain from using a hand-held wireless telephone devise while driving and follow the traffic signal movements.

INLAND EMPIRE: Staring Into The Darkness…..

By Michael Armijo

  It was a strange day. I knew it when I woke at 3 a.m. I felt the pressure begin that early. And for the first time in my life the pressure was overwhelming. I stared into the mirror while the cold sweat dripped into the empty sink below. I gazed onward, veering at the tremendous bags under my eyes, and then I tried to rub the pain from my chest. The erratic beating of my heart confused and alarmed me, but I refused to let it be a warning.

As my day continued, the pressure seemed to build. The lectures, the threats, the bills, the worries, the irrational people with their idiotic responses. It just wouldn’t stop.

My emotions went from stress, to panic, to anger, to numbness.  Suddenly, everything that was important to me became irrelevant. All that I knew that was important was now a distant thought. A forgotten feeling. It was a weird sensation that made me fearless, something that showed me a path I had never seen. A road that was once fearful of travel was now a road that seemed appealing. This was now a time that I felt that nothing mattered. Nothing, no one, no thing. It was simply a time when I felt that there were no consequences. There was nothing to stop me from acting out any bizarre emotion, any outburst of feeling. I was at the end of my rope. It was as if I were gazing into a black hole. Although nothing was there, you couldn’t see a thing, something unforeseen was attracting my spirit. Something was pulling at my soul. I just couldn’t stop staring into the darkness.

It brought back the memory of my son’s friend who took his life one dark day years ago. After he pulled the trigger in front of his peers, and as he lay motionless on the campus pavement, the biggest question was unanswerable: “Why didn’t he say anything?” Others said, “Had I only known, I would’ve helped.”

Remembering that story was when I realized I knew what happens on a lonely and impassionate day.  It isn’t that when a person feels the bitter grueling emotion of desperation that no one is there to reach for them or that no one was listening. It’s at that point a distraught person will just never reach. It’s when a person gets to a point in their life that nothing matters. They just can’t reach out for anyone anymore. They’re done, and it’s just simply a time to move on.

The numbness the world has invoked on you makes you feel distant and hopeless. You can’t smile, you can’t cry. If you tried to scream, your mouth would open and nothing could come out. Your energy level is so low that the vocals from your throat just can’t conceive. You feel as though your entire life, as you know it, never mattered, never existed. You are now, subconsciously, preparing yourself for the next world.

It’s at that one instant when you feel that this life is no longer your own. You can only close your eyes and imagine how people feel when they decide to do something drastic, like pick up a heavy, handheld weapon, while feeling the cold circular steel press against their skull. They slowly close their tear-filled eyes while thinking of all those who loved them, and then they lightly squeeze.

Suddenly, all that you’ve accomplished within your life has been erased. The person you “are now” becomes the person “you were.” Everything that is “yours now” becomes everything you “left behind.” It goes from “he is” to “he was.” It’s at this time that you find out who really loved you, and you find out whose lives you’ve really impacted. People will cry uncontrollably, and others will be angry. Your loved ones will think about your actions, uncontrollably, for the rest of their own lives.

Unfortunately, you cannot erase what you’ve done. You can’t come back; you can’t erase the pain you’ve caused when you pulled that trigger. And the sad part is, for that one moment of desperation you experienced, so many lives were changed forever.

The next world? There are no guarantees that you won’t suffer for what you’ve done. So your passionate gamble could now be eternal. You could, quite possibly, pay eternally for what you did spontaneously and emotionally.

It’s at this time you realize that these consequences aren’t an option nor are they a question. They are simply a result of an emotion. These thoughts and these actions haunt those who can’t see the light. Those who can’t see the truth. They can’t see these things because their vision is clouded, their sight is constricted, because …. they’re constantly staring into the darkness…..

Premier Body Sculpt

Premier Body Sculpt can be reached at 1-(855) 8-SCULPT

Premier Body Sculpt can be reached at 1-(855) 8-SCULPT

Liposuction Without The Suction

By Michael Armijo

Claremon – Body Sculpting is best described as an alternate way to lose body fat in specific areas that are hard to reach, including under arms, love handles, inner thighs, or even the breast area on a man. The procedure seems to be relatively new, but it’s actually an old technique that is revised.

So upon visiting the Premier Body Sculpt Center in Upland, I was a bit skeptical about their “amazing new technology coming to work.” The combination of Ultrasonic Cavitation and Radio Frequency (RF) was said to show amazing results without the inconvenience, pain and down-time of surgery. But the skeptics are over.

This non-invasive liposuction technology works by using sonic energy and vibration to destroy and collapse fat cells, thereby facilitating the body’s natural process to metabolize and move fat out through the lymphatic system. Unlike liposuction, and for a fraction of the cost, results can be seen immediately with no bruising, swelling, or scars.

The best way to describe it would be: imagine getting a huge bag and placing small water balloons inside. Then imagine tapping the bag until the water balloons break. This same concept is applied to Body Sculpting. It liquefies the fat and then the body processes the fat through the urine. Sounds different, but the body processes the fat this way, and the results are immediate, with further results through the week.

When I experienced Body Sculpting myself, all I had to do was lie down and sit up while the three step process was administered. The ultrasound radio frequency was a bit different, as sound waves emit through your body. That’s what ultrasound is, an emission of sound waves. But this is at a higher rate, and this is how fat is broken down. And when it emits, I can actually hear sound coming out of my ears. It took a moment to get used to, but eventually it didn’t faze me a bit.

When it comes to my health, I am on it. I need to know all the facts, the downsides, and the repercussions. I am a diabetic, so I am always some type of risk. But what gave me confidence was the technician is an RN, BSN, and Aesthetic Specialist. Linell Wagers administers the sound wave procedure, but also works the emergency room at a local hospital (I called to check too).

I could not find anything negative about the procedure, just opinion. But I did see results right away and the before and after pictures were alarming. I did three sessions and I am pleased with the results so far. The procedure is a bit pricey, but we agreed if we were to educate the community, a special price has to be offered. So the $249 procedure is only $49 for our readers. Yes, $49.

I personally like the results and I am going back to do more. I do recommend Body Sculpting and I also recommend you check out their website, watch the video, and make the best decision for yourself. If you have any further questions or would like to know more about my experience, feel free to ask me at coronavalleymike@gmail.com.

Premier Body Sculpt is located at Premier Body Sculpt is located 250 W First #116 in Claremont. You can reach them at 1-(855) 8-SCULPT or visit their website at www.premierbodysculpt.com.

Walnut Valley: WVUSD To Host Parent And Community Meetings

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut – Walnut Valley Unified School District will host three parent meetings in late February to discuss the new Common Core State Standards and the Smarter Balanced Assessment.  Kindergarten through 12th Grade families and community members are invited to attend.

“We want to really get the word out to our parents and community about the shifts taking place and how we’re preparing our students, and answer any questions they may have,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

The District-wide meetings will be held at Walnut and Diamond Bar High Schools and the District Office. The same presentation will be offered at each meeting.

•       Tuesday, Feb. 25:  Walnut High School Performing Arts Center – Presentations in Mandarin, Korean, Spanish, and English.

•       Wednesday, Feb.  26:  Diamond Bar High School Theater – Presentation in English.

•       Thursday, Feb.  27:  WVUSD District Office Board Room – Presentation in English.

In addition, all WVUSD schools will continue to provide information on these new standards and assessments.  Schools across the nation have been transitioning to new standards in language arts and math.  The Common Core standards focus on teaching students not only foundational skills, but how to think critically to be better prepared to succeed in college and the workplace.

To better align with 21st Century skills, nearly all future state testing, beginning this spring, will be computer based.  These new tests are called the Smarter Balanced Assessments (SBAC).  The pilot SBACs will be administered this spring in Walnut Valley Schools.  All public schools in California will have the opportunity to pilot the computer-based assessments before the official SBAC assessments begin in 2014-2015.

For further information, please visit the website at http://www.wvusd.k12.ca.us.

Walnut/Diamond Bar: Patch.com Suffers Massive Layoffs

BY GLENN FREEMAN

(photo courtesy: Patch.com)

(photo courtesy: Patch.com)

Walnut/Diamond Bar – Just two weeks after an abrupt announcement in mid-January that AOL was partnering with Hale Global to run its troubled Patch.com network of hyper-local community news sites, the joint venture laid off hundreds of staff members.  With media reports saying upwards of 80 to 90 percent of the staff was let go, the move has severely impacted each of the 900 local sites.

According to news reports, staff members were notified of their termination via a conference call, wherein Patch’s Chief Operating Officer, Leigh Zarelli Lewis, relayed information on the restructuring.

“Patch is being restructured in connection with the creation of the joint venture with Hale Global,” Lewis said, according to an excerpt of the call printed on Jim Romenesko’s media blog. “Hale Global has decided which Patch employees will receive an offer of employment to move forward in accordance with their vision for Patch and which will not. Unfortunately, your role has been eliminated and you will no longer have a role at Patch and today will be your last day of employment with the company…Thank you, again, and best of luck.”

Locally, there are Patch sites for the communities of Diamond Bar-Walnut, Baldwin Park, Monrovia, Glendora, Claremont-La Verne, and Redlands-Loma Linda.  A Jan. 30 posting on the Diamond Bar-Walnut site by Editor, Melanie Johnson, says the local staff was among those let go.

“Hi, Diamond Bar-Walnut Patchers!  I am posting to let you know that Patch was recently purchased by a company who has decided to do some restructuring. As a result, the local editor positions have been eliminated, including mine,” Johnson posted.

The website is still being updated, but not as frequently and the content appears to be more broad and regional in nature. Former staffers say the sites are being updated from afar, with a small staff now covering all Patch sites within California (which had the most sites within the Patch network, by far).  What the future holds is still unclear, but more user-generated content has been mentioned by some.

In the Jan. 15 press release announcing the partnership, AOL and Hale Global said they are “Committed to re-launching Patch as an efficient platform that allows citizens and businesses to create and share locally-themed news and content – not just with those in their own communities, but to the wider world.”

Patch began in 2007 with the help of AOL CEO Tim Armstrong, who eventually encouraged AOL to buy the collection of hyper-local news sites in 2009.  Armstrong expressed confidence in Hale Global’s ability to turn the sites around, despite Patch’s financial problems.

“Hale Global has a strong track record of operational excellence and platform experience, and we are looking forward to working closely with them on Patch,” Armstrong said in the press release.  AOL plans to maintain a minority stake in Patch.

 

EASTVALE: Hit and Run (Vehicle vs. Student)

roosevelthighBY: JENNIFER MADRIGAL

Wednesday morning, Feb. 19, around 7:45am a 17 year old female Roosevelt student, was struck by an on coming vehicle while riding her bike. The vehicle that struck the victim did not stop and fled the scene, the suspect was driving a Silver Volkswagen, according to eyewitnesses at the scene.

“The victim was riding her bike eastbound on the north side of Citrus St. when she crossed against the red light across the rear access road to the high school,” said a witness, who will remain unidentified until the investigation is complete. “When she rode into the roadway and off the sidewalk, she was struck by the suspect’s vehicle.”

Another witness followed the suspects vehicle for around 20 minutes and contacted Eastvale Police Department. Eastvale PD Deputies promptly responded to the scene and attempted to locate both the victim and the suspect vehicle. According to students at Roosevelt, an announcement was made over the PA system asking for the unidentified student to please come to the office. Once she arrived, she was checked out and her parents were notified. Luckily, the victim was not majorly injured and walked away with only a scraped knee.

As of Wednesday morning, Police were still attempting to identify the suspect vehicle. If you see a silver Volkswagon with damage to the front or side, please contact the Eastvale PD at 951.776.1099.

Chino Hills: Dog Park Workshop Feb. 19

BY CITY OF CHINO HILLS

Chino Hills – The Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Commission will hold the second workshop in a series of meetings with the community as they review opportunities to potentially create a dog park in the City. The Dog Park Workshop will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 19 from 6 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Council Chambers at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive.

The start of the regular Parks and Recreation meeting will be delayed until 7:45 p.m. Staff will provide a recap of the January workshop and information gathered, and will review three park sites that have met the criteria identified as being important for a dog park. The three parks identified for further study include Alterra Park, Butterfield Park, and Vellano Park. Notices with details about the Feb. 19 meeting have been sent to neighbors of the three parks to include them in the discussion. In all, over 600 letters were mailed.

The second workshop will include smaller group discussions and review of each park site with the main points being presented to the entire group. Persons who are unable to attend are invited to submit their input by sending an email to cfructuoso@chinohills.org or by phone at (909) 364-2711.

The Parks and Recreation Commission has tentatively scheduled discussion of the dog park at their March 19 meeting after gathering information at the two workshops. For additional information, please call (909) 364-2711.

Diamond Bar: Library Volunteer Appreciation Dinner

BY DIAMOND BAR LIBRARY FRIENDS

Diamond Bar Library Volunteers

: (L to R) Council Members Jack Tanaka and Nancy Lyons; Volunteers of the Year Mary and Jim Hackett; Council Members Steve Tye and Carol Herrera; Basically BOOKS Volunteer of the Year, Peggy Murphy; Business of the Year Emma and George Yu; Councilmember Ling Ling Chang and Friends’ President, Ruth Low.

Diamond Bar – The 14th Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner was held at Diamond Palace Restaurant on Jan. 10.  This was an opportunity for the Friends of the Diamond Bar Library to thank all of the Basically BOOKS fifty-plus volunteers for their hard work and dedication to the Diamond Bar Library.

Basically BOOKS raised over $40,000 to support the local community library in 2013.  There are two locations, one inside the Diamond Bar Library at 21800 Copley Drive, and the other at 21447 Golden Springs Drive, both in Diamond Bar.  Please stop by and thank these dedicated volunteers in person and pick up some great values.

The dinner was also the perfect time for the Friends to thank outstanding people dedicated to the Diamond Bar Library.  President Ruth Low announced the Jack and Kathleen Newe Volunteer of the Year Award as Mary and Jim Hackett.  Mary and Jim have dedicated themselves over the past nine years to making Basically BOOKS such a successful non-profit bookstore.  Kathleen Newe presented them with the plaque and praised their outstanding dedication.  Peggy Murphy, who is taking over as the manager of Basically BOOKS as Mary retires, also received the Volunteer of the Year award.

Past President Rick Rogers announced the winner of the Jack and Eileen Tillery Business of the Year Award as George and Emma Yu, of Printing Dynamics in Walnut.  Printing Dynamics has been the printer for the Friends and the Wine Soirée for over 20 years, and has been invaluable in its success.  George has always been ready to advise and produce high-quality printing for the Friends.

Chino/Diamond Bar: Chino Resident Among Six Killed in Wrong Way Crash

Car Crash Diamond Bar

These are the remnants of vehicles in Sunday’s deadly crash. (Photo Courtesy: Google Images)

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – Kristin Melissa Young, 21, of Chino, lost her life in the unfortunate events that unraveled at approximately 4:40 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 9.  A heartbreaking collision left six people dead, including a family of four.  Young was a passenger in a 2013 Chevrolet Camaro being driven by her friend, who was allegedly drunk at the time, when they crashed head-on into a red 1998 Ford Explorer.  The crash also killed the driver’s sister.

According to authorities, Olivia Carolee Culbreath, 21, of Fontana, was driving the wrong way on the westbound 60 Freeway near Diamond Bar Boulevard, speeding at approximately 100 miles per hour, when her Camaro struck the Explorer, which in turn struck another vehicle (a passenger in this vehicle sustained minor injuries).

Culbreath suffered a ruptured bladder and broken femur in the crash.  A CHP news release states that she was arrested Sunday on suspicion of felony driving under the influence of alcohol causing bodily injury or death, and felony manslaughter.  Culbreath was hospitalized at USC Medical Center and could ultimately spend the rest of her life in jail.

The Los Angeles County Coroner’s office has identified the deceased as Maya Louise Culbreath, 24, a Rialto resident and also the driver’s sister; Kristin Melissa Young, 21, from Chino; and the family riding in the Ford Explorer, Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; his wife, Leticia Ibarra, 42; his daughter, Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Jessica’s grandmother, Ester Delgado, all from Huntington Park.

According to DMV records, Culbreath had just had restrictions lifted from her license last week from a DUI conviction in San Bernardino juvenile court back in 2010.  She is reportedly survived by her infant son, born in late January.

Walnut: Abductee Escapes Kidnapper

STAFF REPORTS

Walnut – The T.J. Maxx parking lot at Grand Avenue and Valley Boulevard beheld a frightening scene as a Walnut woman was kidnapped in a carjacking on Thursday afternoon, Feb. 6.

The Walnut resident in her late 30s was confronted by a strange man as she was getting into her car at around 2 p.m.  L.A. County Sheriff’s deputies report that the man prevented her from closing her door at gunpoint, and forced himself into her car.

The suspect made the woman drive around for over an hour, and headed into south Los Angeles.  At that point she noticed a police car, stopped her vehicle, and bravely ran toward safety.

The Los Angeles Police were able to confront the suspect without incident and seized the BB gun (which looked like a Beretta 9mm handgun) used in the kidnapping.  He was subsequently turned over to Sheriff’s deputies.

Witnesses in the T.J. Maxx parking lot reported the incident, and deputies first responded to that location.  They are still looking for additional witnesses and other possible crimes committed by the suspect, reported only as a parolee from San Gabriel Valley in his 30s.  The suspect has not given any indication to his motives for committing this crime.

Walnut: Council Corner-Conserve Water

Walnut City Council Feb12, 2014

The Walnut City Council discussed a variety of items at their recent meeting, including the possibility of adopting a program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests. (Photo Courtesy: Raymond Mendoza)

BY RAYMOND MENDOZA

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met for its regular meeting on Wednesday, Feb. 12, with major concerns from the Walnut Valley Water District for water conservation in the City.

Walnut Valley Water District Manager of Administration, Jose Martinez, gave a presentation urging residents to reduce water usage after a state of water emergency was declared this month.

“We encourage all citizens to reduce water use and to save every drop that they can,” Allen Wu, director of the Walnut Valley Water District director, said.

Martinez and Wu were also joined by Walnut Valley Water District Director of Administrative Services, Sandra Olson, and Director for the Board of Directors, Scarlett Kwong, who each took turns answering questions from City Council members.  Martinez mentioned that the Walnut Valley Water District offers rebates for water efficient toilets, washing machines, and rain barrels for collecting rain water. He asked interested residents to visit the water district’s website at wvwd.com for more information.

After the presentation, City Council members approved the minutes for the Jan. 22 City Council meeting and adopted Resolution No. 14-04 for amending the housing element of the City of Walnut General Plan.

City Council members then approved all items on the consent calendar, which included: resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $783,377.47; Resolution No. 14-06 for changes in position classifications; authorization for the City Manager to enter into contract with the Planning Center Consultants to prepare environmental and technical analyses for the She Homes Mixed-Use Project on Valley Boulevard; mid-year request for additional appropriation of funds; and plans and authorization to receive formal bids for the Amar Road Street Rehabilitation Project.

City Council members then discussed the possibility of adopting a crime tip reward program to reward citizens for providing information leading to arrests.  Council Member Nancy Tragarz argued that citizens should be willing to provide information to police without the possibility of money.  The Council then agreed to look into the program further at a later meeting and would not vote on approval of the item.

The City Council then approved both items on the successor agency consent calendar, for Resolution No.14-07 for approving the administration budget for July through December 2014, and Resolution No. 14-08 for approving ROPS for July through December 2014.

After council member announcements, the Walnut City Council returned to closed session and scheduled its next regular meeting for Wednesday, Feb. 26.

EASTVALE : Chino Desalter Expansion Project Set to Begin in March

Photo Courtesy of : Chino Basin Desalter Agency

Photo Courtesy of : Chino Basin Desalter Agency

BY: JENNIFER MADRIGAL

The Chino Basin Desalter Authority (CDA) will be constructing a 30 inch pipeline through Eastvale to deliver drinking water to the cites of Eastvale, Ontario and Norco, as well as the Western Municipal Water District and Jurupa Community Services District.

The Pipeline Project is part of an overall expansion of the CDA’s Water treatment and delivery system and once completed, the expansion will provide an additional 10 million gallons per day of drinking water to the local area.

Construction will start at Mississippi Drive and continue northbound along Hamner Avenue to Riverside Drive. Transitions and reductions in lanes with reduction of speed to 25-30 mph is expected. Although there will be some delays, Hamner will remain open. To prevent detours, the CDA plans to have some night construction, flag men, and will not be working through the holiday season (Thanksgiving 2014- Jan. 1, 2015). In addition, there will be water shut-downs as needed, but by using phasing limits in construction, inconveniences should be kept to a minimum.

Construction on this project is expected to begin March 2014 and conclude in February 2015. If you have any concerns or questions,  a construction hotline has been set up: 951-703-4472 or contact rcastaneda@eastvaleca.gov

Walnut Valley: WV Named to AP Honor Roll

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Caption: Walnut Valley Unified School District is an AP Honor Roll recipient.

AP Honor Roll

Walnut Valley Unified School District is an AP Honor Roll recipient. (Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile)

BY KELLI GILE

Walnut—Walnut Valley Unified School District has been named to College Board’s 2013 AP District Honor Roll.

The 4th annual list includes 477 districts across the U.S. and Canada being honored for increasing access to AP® course work while simultaneously maintaining or increasing the percentage of students earning scores of 3 or higher on AP Exams.
Walnut Valley has achieved the honor for multiple years.

“Congratulations to our outstanding students, teachers, staff members and administrators. This distinction confirms Walnut Valley’s ongoing commitment to preparing our students for college, careers and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

Reaching these goals indicates that these districts are successfully identifying motivated, academically prepared students who are likely to benefit from rigorous AP course work, according to College Board.

Data from 2013 show that among African American, Hispanic, and Native American students with a high degree of readiness for AP, only about half of students are participating because their schools do not always offer the AP course for which they have potential. These 477 districts are committed to expanding the availability of AP courses among prepared and motivated students of all backgrounds.

Helping more students learn at a higher level and earn higher AP scores is an objective of all members of the AP community, from AP teachers to district and school administrators, to college professors. Many districts are experimenting with a variety of initiatives and strategies to determine how to simultaneously expand access and improve student performance.

Inclusion on the 4th Annual AP District Honor Roll is based on the examination of three years of AP data, from 2011 to 2013, for the following criteria:

  • Increased participation/access to AP by at least four percent in large districts, at least six percent in medium districts, and at least 11 percent in small districts;
  •  Increased or maintained the percentage of exams taken by African American, Hispanic/Latino, and American Indian/Alaska Native students, and;
  • Improved performance levels when comparing the percentage of students in 2013 scoring a three or higher to those in 2011, unless the district has already attained a performance level at which more than 70 percent of its AP students are scoring a three or higher

Orange County: Young Girl Stabbed to Death in Yorba Linda

Aubreyanna Sade Parks

Aubreyanna Sade Parks, 17

Caption: Aubreyanna Sade Parks, 17
Photo Courtesy: Orange County Sheriffs Dept.

STAFF REPORTS

Yorba Linda – A young girl who was found stabbed to death in Yorba Linda has been identified as a 17-year-old runaway from Gardena. According to authorities, Aubreyanna Sade Parks had been reported as a runaway and was more than 30 miles away from home when she was assaulted. Parks received multiple stab wounds which were discovered when her body was found bleeding on a curb by bicyclists in the area.
Larry Soo Shin, 35, is being held in county jail on suspicion of murder, but officials with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department would not release details of what investigators believe may have led to Parks’ stabbing death in an upscale neighborhood. According to arrest records, he is being held in Theo Lacy Jail in lieu of $1 million bail. Shin had a scheduled court appearance on Thursday, Feb. 6.
Parks had previously been arrested on charges of prostitution and officials are trying to determine what the relationship between Parks and Shin was. Neither Parks nor Shin lived in the area, officials said.
According to public records, Shin is a resident of Yorba Linda but lives more than a mile away from the crime scene. Shin’s residence was searched by law enforcement officials on Tuesday evening, but nothing official has been released.