Category Archives: News By City

Here We Grow Again

By Anthony Saude

Eastvale – Since it first became a city in October of 2010, Eastvale has grown immensely. An area that was once mainly known for dairy farms is now buzzing with shopping centers, beautiful parks, and great schools. The growth our city has experienced is not letting up any time soon either! Here are some of the new businesses, developments, and projects that are taking place or coming to Eastvale soon.

Burgerim one of the fastest growing franchises in the country is now open. Caremore Pharmacy, Poke Delight, LED One Distribution Inc, The Pizza Press and Ten Ren’s Tea Time are now open as well. The big win for Eastvale was getting the Costco open for business.

We have a lot of new businesses are coming very soon as well. Some of those are Creamistry, Davita Medical, El Pollo Loco, Fatburger, In-N-Out Burger, Les Schwab Tire Center, Mes Amies Spa, Miguel’s Jr., Pieology, Pita Street and W. Café. With this kind of growth come multiple employment opportunities.

Companies that are hiring right now are Smithfiled Foods, to apply visit their website at:smithfieldfoods.com/careers. Burgerim has employment opportunities available to apply visit their website at: burgerim.com/careers or if burgers are your thing Farburger is also hiring you can apply at fatburger.com/joinourteam.

Platimum Collision Center is also looking to hire quality employees for more information send an email to ralina@platimumccs.com

The Pizza Press is another establishment that is hiring right now, to apply visit:thepizzapress.com/franchise-careers

Each new business and development adds to our city’s community in a big way and we are not going to stop growing any time soon!

 

Walnut Man Faces Federal Conspiracy Charges

Photo Courtesy: uomustansiriyah.edu.iq
A Walnut man pleaded guilty to providing tactical gear to Syrian rebels, including night vision scopes, boresighters & bulletproof vests.

Staff Reports

WALNUT — A Walnut man plead guilty Tuesday to conspiring to export U.S.-origin tactical gear to Syria. Rasheed Al Jijakli, 57, a Syrian-born naturalized U.S. citizen of Walnut, plead guilty Monday before United States District Judge James V. Selna, a Department of Justice spokesperson said. According to the Justice Department that is in direct violation of U.S. sanctions against Syria,.

“In a plea agreement filed in this case, Jijakli admitted that, from April 2012 through March 2013, he conspired with other individuals to export tactical gear, including U.S.-origin laser boresighters, day- and night-vision rifle scopes, and other items from the United States to Syria,” they said.

In July of 2012, Jijakli and another co-conspirator purchased and traveled with the tactical gear from Los Angeles to Istanbul, Turkey with the intent that it would be provided to Syrian rebels training in Turkey and fighting in Syria, the DOJ reported.

Jijakli provided some of the equipment, specifically the laser boresighters, to a second co-conspirator, a member of Ahrar Al-Sham. Jijakli also provided the goods to other armed Syrian insurgent groups in Syria and Turkey, they said.

Jijakli and his co-conspirators provided at least 43 laser boresighters, 85 day rifle scopes, 30 night-vision rifle scopes, tactical flashlights, a digital monocular, five radios, and a bulletproof vest to Ahrar Al-Sham and other Syrian rebels in Syria, with the knowledge that the tactical gear was earmarked for shipment to Syria.

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Thousands of dollars were withdrawn from Palmyra Corporation, a check-cashing services company where Jijakli was the chief executive officer. He used to pay for the tactical gear that got sent to Syrian rebels.

Judge Selna is scheduled to sentence Jijakli on December 4, he faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in a federal prison.

 

Eastvale Partners In “Go Human” Campaign

Staff Reports

EASTVALE – The City of Eastvale continues to put the improvement of the community and it’s residents at the top of the priority list. Eastvale is proud announce that they will be a part of the Go Human campaign with The Southern California Association of Government (SCAG). Go Human is a community outreach and advertising program with goals of reducing traffic collisions in Southern California. One of the solutions is encouraging people to walk and bicycle more in their daily lives. The hope is to create a safer and healthier city; always striving to enhance the quality of life in our neighborhoods. “The safety of people who walk and bicycle is a priority to the City of Eastvale, Mayor Clint Lorimore said. “We are always looking for ways to engage the community on this important issue and are proud to partner with SCAG in this campaign.”

The Go Human advertising campaign is collaboration between the Southern California Association of Governments and the health departments and transportation commissions from the counties of Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and Ventura. Go Human is funded by a $2.3 million grant from the 2014 California Active Transportation Program. The Go Human campaign consists of an advertising campaign to promote transportation safety, the development of resources and toolkits for cities and organizations and the support of events across the region that encourage and enhance walking and biking. About the Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) is the nation’s largest metropolitan planning organization, representing six counties, 191 cities and more than 18 million residents. SCAG undertakes a variety of planning and policy initiatives to plan for a livable and sustainable Southern California now and in the future. For more information about SCAG’s regional efforts, please visit http://www.scag.ca.gov.

 

Corona Balances Budget With Transparency

Staff Reports

Corona – The City of Corona was happy to announce a balanced budget while utilizing the Balancing Act and the Tax Payer Receipt that Corona employs in a citywide coordinated effort to provide a greater transparency and to foster an environment of openness regarding the innerworkings of local government.

“The basic gist is that Corona is trying to move towards data-driven metrics to help make more informed decisions about day to day city operations and how resources should best be allocated,” said Assist City Manager Michele Nissen. “In the private sector businesses do this all the time. Businesses analyze performance metrics to determine how/where/when they need to tweak your business model to yield the maximum return.”

The Balancing Act shows detailed information on where the city budget money comes from and where it’s allocated to. The Tax Payer Receipt will calculate your annual taxes so you can prepare financially. Both, in complete detail, can be found on the city’s website BALANCING ACT: http://coronaca.abalancingact.com/adopted-budget-fiscal-year-2018-19-general-fund. The TAX PAYER RECEIPT:  http://coronaca.abalancingact.com/taxreceipt

The City of Corona’s fiscal year begins July 1 and ends June 30 of the next year.  The annual process to develop the budget for the coming fiscal year typically begins in January and starts with a series of public workshops and meetings culminating with adoption in late June.  Through a public process, the adopted budget commits financial resources to a multitude of services and programs that the City provides. In other words, the adopted budget commits funding to what we do, and it works to legally limit funding as well.

All City services and the cost of providing services can be organized and tied back to one of 6 key service areas which together, influence the quality of life in Corona.  The 6 key service areas are: Citywide Internal Support; Community and Economic Development; Infrastructure, Maintenance and Open Space; Leisure and Culture; Public Safety and Emergency Response; and Utilities and Transportation.

The Fiscal Year 2018-19 Adopted Budget and Capital Improvement Plan establishes the City’s authorized spending limits for a variety of City services and programs, funded by multiple revenue sources, as well as for a host of capital improvement and/or multi-year projects.  Multi-year projects are budgeted separately from the operating budget because these projects do not occur every year.

The city encourages the citizens of Corona to utilize the tools that Corona has pioneered to engage the community in the budget process and provide a deeper understanding of how our resources are allocated and planned.  These tools were specifically designed with public engagement, education and transparency at heart.

“We are taking the best practices of the private sector and utilizing them in a local government application,” added Nissen. “This is a really new concept in local government operations.  People tend to think funding is available because we get sales tax and property tax dollars, but with the state shifting more and more responsibility down to the local level, taking away funding, and CalPERS pension obligations increasing, all local governments are looking for innovative ways to stretch $1 and get more out of less.  The data allows us to identify operational efficiencies and change our processes to maximize the return and increase efficiency.”

For questions about the budget documents, please contact Kerry Eden at 951-736-2315 or email Kerry.Eden@CoronaCA.gov.
About the City of Corona: Corona is located adjacent to Orange County California at the junction of the 91 and 15 freeways with a population of more than 160,000 residents. For more information regarding the City of Corona visit www.CoronaCA.gov.

2 Chino Women Arrested for Kidnapping, Attempted Murder

Staff Reports

Chino – Two women were arrested, following a vehicle pursuit in Chino. Police discovered an unconscious woman in the passenger seat of their vehicle with a cord wrapped around her neck, said officials on Wednesday, August 22.

Authorities indicated the suspects and the victim may be acquainted. It seems they had been involved in a disagreement while they were traveling together from Los Angeles to Indio.

The victim fell asleep during the first half of the trip Tuesday morning. The suspects, Kyanna 23, and Brittney Patterson, 21, allegedly began suffocating and strangling the victim until she lost consciousness, the Chino Police Department said in a news release.

Authorities have not disclosed whether the women, both Monrovia residents, are related.

Officers responded to a call made by a witness who reportedly saw a distressed passenger screaming for help from a silver sedan near the Circle K gas station at 12895 Mountain Ave. at around 7:20 a.m.

Responding officers were able to locate the four-door sedan on Benson Avenue. The officers tried to pull the vehicle over, but the driver failed to stop, police said.

The woman behind the wheel was speeding and driving recklessly before she eventually collided with two other vehicles at the intersection of Riverside Drive and 10th Street.

The suspects were seen running from the car on foot, and officers pursued on foot and shortly caught up the suspects. Both women were arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and attempted murder, according to police reports.

When officers approached the vehicle, they discovered the victim unconscious in the passenger seat of the vehicle. The victim was transported to a nearby hospital via ambulance, where she was listed in stable condition, authorities said.

Officials have not released the victim’s name only that she is 28 years old.

Inmate records show both suspects were being held on $1 million bail at the West Valley Detention Center and were scheduled to appear in court Thursday, August 23.

 

1 Dead in Auto Accident in Norco

Staff Reports

Norco – There was a fatal accident in Norco on Sunday morning, one person died in the single-pickup truck crash that occurred on the southbound side of the 15 Freeway in Norco, authorities reported.

According to CHP logs and Cal Fire/Riverside County reports the accident took place at approximately 7:09 a.m. on an otherwise quiet morning.

The victim who at the time of the report who was still unidentified at the time this was released, was ejected from a white Toyota pickup truck. The pickup truck landed on its side in the area of the Second Street off ramp of the freeway,

The person was pronounced deceased at the scene. The witness who reported the incident said the pickup truck nearly hit their vehicle before the accident occurred, according to CHP logs.

There was no indication that there was a passenger with the driver in the pickup when the accident took place. If anybody else was a witness to the accident it is encouraged you contact the CHP and give them a statement.

 

Sobriety Checkpoint In Diamond Bar Nets Two Arrests

Photo Courtesy: Shutterstock
Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers.

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR – During this past weekend the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department conducted an overnight driver’s license/sobriety checkpoint in the city of Diamond Bar. The 32 hour checkpoint produced two arrests, the Sheriff’s department reported on Saturday. One of the people that were arrested was booked on suspicion of drunk driving. The 2nd motorist was arrested on suspicion of operating a vehicle with a suspended or revoked license, the Sheriff’s Information Bureau reported. Deputies also issued one citation.

The checkpoint at Diamond Bar Boulevard and Highland Valley Road began at 6 p.m. Friday and ended at 2 a.m. Saturday.

The Sheriff’s Department reported that 838 vehicles were stopped and diligently screened at the checkpoint.

Sobriety checkpoints are police stops, or checkpoints, where officers are set up on a roadway to randomly stop vehicles to check for impaired drivers. These are usually set up during times when impaired driving is known to happen, such as holiday weekends.

Due to legal issues surrounding their use, not all states conduct sobriety checkpoints. Some states have laws authorizing their use. Although the U.S. Supreme Court has found sobriety checkpoints to be constitutionally permissible, ten states, Idaho, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Oregon, Rhode Island, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin, and Wyoming have found that sobriety roadblocks violate their own state constitutions or have outlawed them.

Eastvale Budget Adopted, 6.5 Million In Reserves

Courtesy: Google Images

Staff Reports

EASTVALE – The Eastvale City Council approved to adopt the City’s budget for Fiscal Year of 2018-2019.  The budget is completely balanced. Eastvale will continue with intentionality to invest in the community’s top priorities, while delivering the best quality services to their residents. Understanding the priorities of the community is crucial when developing a budget. Three different workshops were held as part of the budget preparation process.

These budget workshops were held on April 11, April 25, and May 23.  At the April 11 budget workshop, staff presented projections for the current 2017-2018 fiscal year, as well as estimates for the upcoming 2018-2019 budget year.  Also highlighted at the workshop were the Strategic Plan accomplishments to date, the City’s current fiscal reserves, and the financial forecast for the coming year as well as major long-term initiatives for the coming years.

During the April 25 Council Meeting, Staff presented information on the City’s methodology and composition of the Police and Fire contract rates with the County of Riverside. The workshop included information on public safety staffing levels, response times, and other related service statistics as well as what resources can be appropriately allocated to accomplish additional public safety initiatives.

The May 23 budget workshop provided in depth discussion on Council goals and priorities; the proposed operational and capital expenditures; and what resources can be appropriately allocated to accomplish these major initiatives.

Since the City of Eastvale’s incorporation in 2010, the City has delivered a balanced budget year after year while building healthy reserves. The City of Eastvale is proud to deliver a balanced budget again, with an estimated surplus of $6.5 million-dollars for FY 2017-2018. This surplus comes from $4.3 million in Vehicle License Free Adjustment Amount (VLFAA) and $1.5 million in Sales Tax.  Eastvale will also have approximately $35 million in reserves as part of this adopted budget. That kind of reserve is almost unprecedented for an infant City especially with challenges like the end of the “great recession” and losing approximately $19.3M in Vehicle License Fee (VLF) revenue from FY 2011-2017.

The City of Eastvale will continue to strive for excellence in a conservative yet innovative approach to their budget.  The City is also very excited to share that they received a Certificate of Achievement for the FY 16/17 Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) from the Government Finance Officers Association. This is the sixth straight year Eastvale has achieved this accomplishment.  Eastvale is now beginning our interim audit for FY 17/18, and the City fully intends to make it seven years in a row.

About the City of Eastvale

The City of Eastvale was founded on October 1, 2010 as an independent local government agency, governed by a five-member, elected City Council.  The City of Eastvale serves over 64,855 residents and encompasses 13.1 square-miles in western Riverside County.  The City is strategically poised between Interstate 15 and California State Routes 91, 60, and 71, making access easy for residents, visitors and businesses alike.  Eastvale is a young and dynamic community filled with economic opportunity, tremendous growth, and strong values.  For more information on the City of Eastvale, please visit: www.EastvaleCA.gov

 

Fun With a Grandson

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

 

My brother and I grew up in Arizona. We didn’t have major league sports in the Phoenix area when we were young but there were several Major League Baseball teams that did their Spring Training in Arizona.

 

One of my memories as a little kid was going to a Major League Baseball game with my brother and our grandfather.  The stadiums were much smaller and we got to see some well known players in the late 1950’s and early 1960’s.

 

Now, sixty years later it was my turn to take one of my grandsons to a Major League Baseball game at Angel stadium.  We have gone to several games with our whole family but this was the first time it was just grandpa and grandson. I wondered how the two of us would do on our baseball adventure.

 

We stopped at In N Out Burger for a quick dinner. We both enjoyed burgers and fries and shared a Milk Shake for dessert. We saw other Angel fans who were going to the game. We arrived at the stadium in time for the National Anthem.  As we entered the stadium we each received a free T-shirt marking all star player Mike Trout’s 27th birthday!  My grandson was impressed!

 

A friend had given us two tickets to the game. We didn’t realize they were near the Angel’s dugout less than 15 rows from the field.  My grandson and I were very excited to be sitting so close with a great view of home plate.

 

It was a great game to watch.  The visiting team got off to a quick start getting two runs in the first inning.  But, the Angels came back in the bottom of the inning scoring five runs. They would score six more runs during the rest of the game and win 11-5!

 

We brought some snacks with us to enjoy during the game and my grandson also brought his own baseball glove and hoping to catch a foul ball. A couple came in our direction but none were close enough for us to catch. We also did some shopping in the Angel’s team store. He selected a souvenir so he could remember this special time with Pop Pop.

 

I wondered how long my grandson would want to stay. I asked him a couple of times if he was getting tired and was ready to go home. To my surprise he said that he didn’t want to leave early but wanted to stay until the end of the game. So we stayed until the last out and cheered the Angel’s victory.

 

I took a lot of pictures with my cell phone and sent them to my wife and his mom and dad. In addition, we were on the Jumbotron during the game as a cameraman captured us and other enthusiastic fans in our section. My grandson was also excited to be part of the “Wave” where fans stand and cheer as the “Wave” sweeps around the stadium. And, we sang “Take me out to the ball game” in the 7th inning.

 

It was an eventful night at the ballgame.  I’m sure it is an adventure that we will remember for a long time.  I held his hand as we walked across the parking lot and I couldn’t help but smile – Grandpa and his grandson at a baseball game.  As we drove home, I asked my little buddy if he enjoyed the game.  He said “Yes”.  Then he asked, “Can I close my eyes now?”

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

909-594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Efreedb.org

 

Chino Loses $1.5 Million Dollar Lawsuit

Staff Reports

Chino – The City of Chino reached a $1.5 million settlement with a mobile home park owner who brought a lawsuit against the city, alleging the council’s actions caused a loss of income by delaying and interfering with plans to convert the park to resident ownership.

The lawsuit originally asked for $34 million when it was filed in 2010 by Chino MHC the owner of Lamplighter Chino Mobile Home Park located on the northwest corner of Philadelphia Street and Ramona Avenue.

The debate that has been going on for years between the city and Chino MHC began in the spring 2010. The planning commission approved a tentative tract map to the mobile home park owners who wanted to require residents living there to purchase the individual spaces their homes sat on, along with shares in common facilities such as the clubhouse.

In April 2010, the city council overturned the planning commission’s decision based on a plea for help from the residents.

The council’s decision prompted Chino MHC to file two lawsuits, one alleging the loss of income, and a second, asking the court to approve the mobile home park owners’ conversion plan.

In early 2011, Superior Court Judge Joseph Brisco ruled that the city could not prohibit the conversion of the park, regardless if most of the residents were against the plan.

The city appealed and lost in October 2012, when it was ruled the city council doesn’t have the power to stop the conversion of the mobile home park to tenant ownership.  Unless the city could prove the owner was taking the step to avoid the city’s rent control policy unless mobile home parks they just don’t have a case.

In October 2013, after a three-hour public hearing, the council voted 3-0 to allow Chino MHC to sell the lots in the park thus ending the legal battle that the city estimates had already cost the taxpayers half a million dollars. The only comfort the residents who opposed the plan got was a written guarantee by Chino MHC that no one would be evicted.

One of the documents filed by the park owner during its lengthy confrontation with the city was a “tenant impact report” that waives the owner’s right to evict any tenant.

About 80 percent of the residents qualified as low-income tenants 2013 according to court documents. The park owner will be allowed to increase those rents at the same rate the cost of living index allows each year after the park is converted and the city’s rent-control ordinance was no longer in effect.

Fred Galante, the City’s Attorney, said, “The Settlement Agreement resolves long-standing disputes and litigation between the parties.  The settlement makes clear that it is not an admission of any wrongdoing whatsoever on the part of the City. The City believes it had good defenses, the settlement resolves long-standing litigation and saves further expenditure of legal fees and eliminates any risk of potential liability.”

 

As part of the settlement approved by the council on July 17, the city must approve, permit, and allow the recording of the final tract map for the mobile home park conversion by the end July.

The settlement gave the City until the middle of this month to pay the 1.5 million dollars awarded to Chino MHC.

 

Deputy for a Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Five year old David Corrales was honored to be “Deputy for a Day” at the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station. “It was sort of an impromptu situation, I got a call from a friend of mine who was a former commander on the force that a teachers grandson wants to be a police officer,” said Captain Reyes. David showed up dressed in his own law enforcement uniform so Captain Reyes pulled out the red Carpet for the young man. Captain Reyes with the help of a couple of deputies gave David a tour of the station, let him visit dispatch and he was given a ride in a radio car. Captain Reyes said he had an experience when he was in the 6th grade that cemented he desire to go into law enforcement. The school had a safety assembly about looking both ways before crossing the street, a highway patrol officer gave a riveting presentation. “The officer picked me out to take a ride in the patrol car to show us that a car isn’t able to stop on a dime. We got in the car, sped down the street, slammed on the brakes and came to a skidding stop about 50 feet later.  “That childhood memory has stuck with me all these years, so I took the opportunity to give another young man a childhood memory of his own in hopes that it may make an impression enough for him to take the same path,” said Reyes. David was sworn in by Capt. Reyes as an honorary deputy for a day while he was at the station. Everybody at the station would like to extend our gratitude to David Corrales for visiting our station and wanting to follow in the footsteps of our deputies.

Special Day For Special Needs By Scout Pack 2017

Melody Kraemer – Autisim Mom

Eastvale – The 2nd annual Special Needs Game Day event in Eastvale was held on Saturday, August 4th at Harada Park. I was so excited for this day since both my boys are autistic. It was very special day that was made possible by Tom Donatoni and Scout Pack 2017.

It was a special gesture to have a free event that was designed just for them, the little heroes in our lives. The event ran from 4 pm to 8 pm and had over 1000 participants, approximately 3 times as many as the first year.

 

I had been excited for weeks waiting for this day, both my boys are autistic and participants in the games.

We all were given a wristband upon check-in, and the kids were given numbers on their wristband.  The numbers were for the groups they would be in for the games.

 

There was opening ceremony, it consisted of the pledge of alliance and a prayer from Mark Lee, the pastor of Vantage Point Church in Eastvale.

 

After the opening ceremony, an announcement was made about where to line up for the games according to the number that each child had on their wristband.

 

The games that were in the middle of the event consisted of Tug a war, an obstacle course, bean bag toss, foot races, water balloon toss and many more.

 

There were some very helpful vendors in attendance that had program and services information for the parents of special little heroes. They also had special activities for them to participate in. Pack 2017 thought of everything on this day, having three jumpers and a slide set up for the kids. (I think this was my youngest son’s favorite. He loves to bounce and bounce).

 

There were also many characters in cosplay costumes walking around interacting with the kids and posing for pictures.  My boys loved the Power Rangers, and the characters from the Star Wars universe and many others.

 

Water stations were set up, and free water bottles were given out to all that needed cold water. It was a very hot day, and that water was much needed and appreciated.

 

A BBQ Dinner was served to everybody in attendance and there was plenty of food to go around and was enjoyed by all.

 

The organization of this event was very well orchestrated and made possible by many wonderful volunteers who were in attendance.  I am so happy that we attended this event.  It was a great day, and my little heroes sure enjoyed themselves.

 

A huge thank you to Tom Donatoni and Eastvale Scout pack 2017 for bringing this unforgettable selfless event to our little heroes. It indeed was a fantastic day!

Back To School – Drive Safely

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Most students in the Chino Valley Unified School District started back to school on Monday, August 13. That means more drivers on the roads and more kids walking to school. “Some back-to-school advice for parents and students is to try and get to school 15 to 30 minutes before school starts,” said Denise Cattern, spokesperson for the City. Parents are encouraged to check their school’s website for information on drop-off patterns. Motorists need to be aware of crosswalks and pay attention to signage that may prohibit left or right turns, U-turns, parking, or stopping. Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department will be conducting extra enforcement around schools.

“No speeding, no texting, no cell phones, and no U-turns where signs are posted,” said Ms. Cattern. A “no stopping” sign means that motorists MAY NOT EVEN STOP to drop off students. High school students need to obey the “walk” and “do not walk” signs that coincide with green and red traffic signals. If motorists give themselves enough time to get to school, and are courteous to other drivers, the streets and school zones will be a lot safer.”

“The City of Chino Hills and the School District often work together to address safety concerns related to school traffic,” said Captain Walker. “When student drop offs are prohibited or “no left turn” signs are posted, they were placed to address safety concerns caused by those actions.”

A permit is required to park in neighborhoods near Litel Elementary School and Chino Hills High School between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Residents may obtain a free permit at City Hall for vehicles registered to their address. On-street parking on Eucalyptus Avenue is limited to two hours except for vehicles that display a permit. Parents of Ayala students can take advantage of a student drop-off area at the Chino Hills Community Center. Staff will provide direction to motorists during the first few weeks of school. Student drop off is not allowed anywhere on Peyton Drive. The north side of Boys Republic Drive from City Center Drive to Peyton Drive may also be used to drop off Ayala High School students. A wider lane allows drivers travelling on Boys Republic Drive from Grand Avenue to Peyton Drive to pull over on the north (right) side, between City Center Drive and Peyton Drive, to drop off students.

“Ayala parents have the option to travel from Grand Avenue to southbound Boys Republic Drive to access the drop-off area,” said Ms. Cattern. Parking in the City’s parking structure is limited to two hours between 6:00 a.m. and noon unless the vehicle has a parking permit issued to employees of The Shoppes at Chino Hills or the Government Center. Parents picking up students in the parking lot must wait in a parking space. Stopping is not allowed at all in the circular area of City Center Drive near the Library. Many businesses along Peyton Drive, including the Post Office and several churches, prohibit student parking and drop offs because their parking lots were built to accommodate their customers, not students.

Mt. SAC Sporting Complex

Photo: Mt.SAC Athlectics
The opportunity to build a sporting complex nestled amongst mountains and valley’s in such a natural setting is a unique opportunity in California.

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – Mt Sac may have lost the Olympic Trials but that will not deter them from moving forward with the planned upgrades they had in place when the trials were coming to town. The athletic tradition runs deep at Mt. Sac and the new upgrades will carry that tradition well into the future.

“All the construction on the major buildings has begun, the finish work is pending, the project is about 25-30% completed,” said Gary Gidcumb, the manager of the design and construction of the project. ““We have the opportunity to build a sporting complex nestled amongst mountains and valley’s in such a natural setting is a unique opportunity in California. The complex is in the city but the location makes one feel that they have escaped to an urban setting if even for an hour or two,” said Gidcumb. Nobody knows what the future brings and if it brings the Trials back someday, they will be ready.

Mt. SAC has always prided itself on providing service to the sport by hosting world-class events. Like the Mt. SAC Relays and Cross Country Invitational that they have hosted for more than 60 years. Gidcumb said that the motivation for the design is to preserve the integrity and history of the past but overlaid with new, said Gidcumb. We wanted to preserve the most loved traditions of the program without remaining stagnant.” We are proud and passionate about the role this new complex will play in the future histy here at Mt. SAC,” concluded Gidcum.

The college’s plans to build a stadium for their students and community and to keep hosting top notch sporting events remain remains unchanged. Mt. SAC officials are confident that they can continue to be the place where the world’s best athletes compete.

 

One of Nine SpaceX Astronauts Hails from Pomona

Pomona — NASA on Friday assigned the astronauts who will ride the first commercial capsules into orbit next year and bring crew launches back to the U.S.

SpaceX and Boeing are shooting for a test flight of their capsules by the end of this year or early next, with the first crews flying from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by next spring or summer.

Nine astronauts were named to ride the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner capsules — five on the first crew flights and four on the second round of missions to the International Space Station.

One of those announced by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine is someone from right here in Southern California. Victor Glover is from Pomona, California

I am overwhelmed and humbled to be a part of the @SpaceX team for my first flight! Feeling extremely grateful that the agency and our leadership have confidence in these crews to be part of such a critical mission. This is a big step for @NASA and for our Nation! #LaunchAmerica

NASA has been paying billions of dollars to SpaceX and Boeing to develop the crew capsules to pick up where the shuttles left off, while also paying billions for cargo deliveries to the space station by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The cargo missions started in 2012. The crew missions have been delayed repeatedly because of the technical challenges and difficulties of making spacecraft safe for humans.

Boeing’s Starliners will soar on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rockets. Dragons, meanwhile, will fly on SpaceX’s own Falcon 9 rockets. The race to get astronauts to the space station first is real; a U.S. flag that flew on the first space shuttle flight in 1981 and the last shuttle flight in 2011, awaits the winner.

Chino Hills Woman Faces 12 Years For Sex Trafficking

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – A chino Hills woman pled guilty to racketeering and aiding and abetting four other suspects for sex trafficking. The charges could result in up to 12 years in federal prison. Although the trafficking was out of state, Ms. Nava ran the business from her Chino Hills home in the 15500 block of Rhyolite Court in Chino Hills, prosecutors said.

Sophia Wang Navas, 50, pled guilty at a Washington County District courtroom in the state of Minnesota. The guilty plea gives up her right to trial and she will be sentenced in October of this year.

Navas was the last of four suspects charged by federal prosecutors after investigators surveilled and arrested the sex-trafficking ring that took place for over two years. They were arrested in 2017 at a Minnesota massage parlor, several private homes, and hotels.

The defendants posted over 20,000 ads fir sexual services on the now federally shut down backpage.com website. The site was shut down last year by the FBI for sex trafficking and for child exploitation, court documents disclosed.

For this particular case women from 32 years old to 45 years old reported to investigators that they were required to earn a minimum of $800 per day, which went towards their housing and food, or they faced being fired and evicted, court documents stated.

The majority of the women were Korean and Chinese nationals working in St. Paul, Blaine, Maplewood, St. Louis Park, Oakdale, College Grove, and Minneapolis in Minnesota.

Other defendants were sentenced earlier this year. Hong Jing, of Irvine, has been sentenced to 8½ years in prison and Fangyao Wu, also of Irvine, was given 20 years’ probation for their roles in the operation. A third person, Dongzhu Jiang, of Minnesota, will be sentenced later this month.

Ms. Navas was allegedly considered the ring leader who was responsible for recruiting and sending women to Minnesota for the prostitution, court records show.

62 Year Old Killed in Traffic Collision

DATE/TIME: Monday, July 30, 2018, at about 12:24 a.m.

INCIDENT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Windmill Creek Rd. and Rancho Hills Dr., City of Chino Hills

SUSPECT(S): None

VICTIM(S): Livier Ruvalcaba, 62-year-old, resident of Westminster

SUMMARY: On Monday, July 30, 2018, at about 12:24 a.m. , deputies from the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Windmill Creek Rd. and Rancho Hills Dr. in the city of Chino Hills regarding a single vehicle collision. Deputies learned the Toyota Tundra traveling east on Rancho Hills Dr. failed to stop at the intersection and collided with a tree. The front passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and rear passenger were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

Deputies from the Region I Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) were called to the scene. The cause of the collision is und er investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Deputy Anthony Ortega at the Chino Hills Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or may leave information at http://www.wetip.com.

Refer: Deputy Anthony Ortega of the Region I Major Accident Investigation Team

Station: Chino Hills

Phone No. (909) 364-2000

Case No. 221802431

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department

Help Needed to Identify Hit and Run Suspect

Staff Reports

WALNUT –Authorities are requesting help from the public in identifying and locating a hit-and-run suspect that was involved in a collision that killed a motorcyclist last month in the Walnut area.

The incident took place at about 8 p.m. on July 10 on the eastbound side of the Pomona (60) Freeway near Grand Avenue according to reports from the California Highway Patrol.
Daniel Gutierrez, 39, of Riverside was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later according to CHP reports.

The vehicle hit-and-run suspect was driving was described only as an older-model red Freightliner semi truck that was pulling a red trailer.

Gutierrez was riding a 2016 Harley-Davidson when was struck by a car that was spinning out of control after it had collided with two big rigs, the red freightliner continued driving as if nothing had happened, the CHP reported.

A news conference was planned by CHP officers later to appeal to the public for their help in finding the driver of the red freightliner.
Anyone with any information about the accident is urged to call the CHP’s Baldwin Park Area office at (626) 338-1164

 

Eastvale Band Wins Battle Of The Bands

By Anthony Saude

Eastvale – Some may say that Rock and Roll is dead and hasn’t been mainstream for quite some time and is just for old people. Well I say that is because you haven’t heard the Thursdays in Suburbia perform on stage or in the studio for that matter. The members of this band are still enrolled in high school in the City of Eastvale.

The band members met at Rock Stars of Tomorrow Musicians Academy in Chino Hills and formed a band just one year ago. What they have accomplished in their short time is together and at their age is nothing short of astounding. Their most recent accomplishment is taking home the gold in their first competition as a group at the Battle of the Bands Vans Warped tour.

These talented musicians have been honing their ever evolving skills at Rock Stars of Tomorrow for most of their young lives. Liam Eastwood, 15, guitarist and Aiden Kunhardt, 14, drummer have been taking lessons there since they were 6 and 7 years old. The hard work and dedication has been on display at places like The Whiskey in Hollywood, House of Blues, Chain Reaction and several festivals all over the area including a memorable performance at a Picnic In the Park Concert in front of their hometown crowd in Eastvale.

“Our future plans are to finish our original music and get our EP out to the public as soon as possible just two more songs to finish that project. We’ll see where that will take us. Hopefully opening for someone big like Red Hot Chili Peppers or Foo Fighters.” said Margie Eastwood, the bands manager.

“The band just played what could be their last concert for a while on August 2nd in Rancho Cucamonga. The band will be spending a lot of time in the studio right now so they could finish their EP project as soon as possible. All the members of the band are very gracious and appreciative of all the support their loyal fans have shown up to this point.

Although the band thoroughly enjoyed the Vans Tour competition and wouldn’t trade the experience for the world, they aren’t planning on any competitions in the near future. The band just wants to play anywhere and everywhere and share their music with as many music lovers out there as possible.

When CityofEastvalenews.com asked the band members who they would like to play with either living or dead they said;

Serena Tario Singer 15

I would play at the Rose Bowl in front of Jim Morrison

 

Aiden Kunhardt drummer 14 playing drums since he was six

I dream of playing at the Forum in front of thousands of people.

 

Reece Borski bassist 16

I just want to play anywhere and everywhere

 

Liam Eastwood guitarist 15 Playing guitar since he was 7 years old

I would play in front of Red Hot Chilli Peppers with John Frusciante at the old House of Blues in LA so I could ask for criticism on both my technique and songwriting.

 

Rock and Roll is alive and well in the Inland Empire and it seems, soon, in many other parts of the country and who knows, maybe the world.

 

CHPD Investigate Homicide In Butterfield Ranch

Staff Reports

Chino Hills, CA –Chino Hills Police Department is investigating a homicide at an apartment complex which is now described as a possible home invasion robbery. The incident took place at 1 am Saturday.

Deputies were called to the apartment complex regarding a possible home invasion robbery Saturday July 28, 2018, at 12:58 am. When deputies arrived, they contacted the victims outside the apartment and both were suffering apparent knife wounds. The suspect was inside the apartment and was not responding to deputies orders to exit. Deputies requested a SWAT response, as the suspect appeared to be barricaded inside. Several hours later, SWAT officers entered the apartment and found the suspect deceased. Homicide Investigators were requested to conduct the investigation.

Homicide Investigators contacted the victims at the hospital and have determined the victims were in their apartment when a friend arrived at the door. Moments after arriving, the friend (suspect) produced a handgun and demanded a large amount of cash from the victims, turning the visit into a home invasion robbery. The female victim armed herself with a knife, while the male victim fought with the suspect to disarm him. A struggle ensued inside the apartment until the victims were able to escape and call police.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the suspects cause of death. The suspects name will be withheld until family notification can be made.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Jerry Moreno at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at (800)78-CRIME or http://www.wetip.com. When calling refer to case No. DR#221802420 H#2018-066.