Category Archives: News By City

Diamond Bar Man Dies In Fatal Accident

Photo: insidesocal.com
A man died after his vehicle rolled down an emabankment about 700 on Angeles Crest Highway in the forest just north of La Canada Flintridge

By Anthony Saude

DIAMOND BAR —A Diamond Bar man was killed in tragic automobile accident authorities said. The Los Angeles County Coroner identified the victim as George McCreary Jr., age 64 of Diamond Bar. He had been driving late on Tuesday night near the Mt. Wilson area in the Altadena area when he lost control of his vehicle and went tumbling down a steep embankment.

According to the California Highway Patrol, “The crash was reported at 8:15 p.m. on Mt. Wilson Red Box Road.” According reports, Coroner’s spokesman Ed winter said that the paramedics pronounced McCreary dead at the scene.

McCreary was driving his Ford southbound on Mt. Wilson Red Box Road when, for unknown reasons, it veered to the right up onto a raised curb and smashed into a metal guardrail, traveled down a steep embankment, and slammed into several large trees on the way down, CHP reports said.

The Ford eventually stopped its descent laying on its right side against a large tree.

The vehicle eventually came to a rest on its right side against a large tree.

 

Magnolia Junior High Turns 50

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Magnolia Junior High of Chino celebrated its Golden Anniversary on April 13 with food, games, a presentation and special performances.

The school first opened in September of 1967 with more than 350 students enrolled. Walnut Avenue Elementary was also new and was bursting at the seams. It was decided that one of its fifth grade classes would transfer to Magnolia.

Nine years later construction was completed and in the same year, the school was rededicated.

Ramona Elementary vice Principal Victor Paulson, was named the school’s first principal and served loyally until he was promoted to Chino High principal. Then Dick Meyer who came from Arizona was named the new principal at Magnolia.

Klaas Weis, the wife of a dairy man and a mother, was the first ever parent-teacher organization president.

The celebration was rich with quality speakers which included current Magnolia principal Matt McCain and former principal John Miller, now the principal at Chino High.

Chino city councilman Gary George, retired physical education teacher Bob Dyer, and Bruce Warner, a teacher of Magnolia from the day the school opened until his retirement also spoke.

The school’s alumni band prepared a special musical performance just for the event.

Sean Jenkins, the school’s band instructor of 26 years, put together a community band comprised of former Magnolia students.

Most of the 40 band members were students of Chino High School, older alumni and a few advanced band students at the school also joined in.

Mr. Jenkins, is also an associate director of the USC school marching band, he said the band culture at Magnolia was set by, Perry Hal his predecessor as the school’s band director from 1992-2002. Mr. Hall’s position at Magnolia was filled by Mr. Jenkins when Hall left to teach at the high school. There are 113 students in the band and color guard program today  at Magnolia, this includes the advanced band members.

“Feedback from competition judges is that our students play better than many high schools,” Mr. Jenkins said.

Gaylen Roe, has spent all of her 28 years as a teacher at the school in the same classroom, said students there benefit from the collaborative teaching environment that has been created at the school.

Mrs. Roe will be retiring in June. She teaches an elective life skills class, that some of the older people used to know as home economics. Magnolia’s culinary arts program feeds into the culinary and hospitality academy offered at Chino High.

Magnolia currently has 659 students of which 73 percent are from low-income households.

Parent volunteer Elena Gomez-Lecaro said the school is connected by family generations and supportive community members.

The general feeling of the residents is that Magnolia is one of the best junior high schools in the community.

More Than 2,900 Marijuana Plants In Grow House

Staff Reports

Pomona – On Monday, April 23rd at approximately 5:30pm, Pomona Police Department dispatched Patrol Officers to a report of trespassers in the 1400 block of N. Garey Ave.

Upon entering the supposed vacant building, Officers located and arrested the 4 trespassers, Quan Zeng Xue 61, Zhang, Wu, 51, Zhang, Chen, 44, and Zhang, Chen Qiang , 41. They were all booked into the Pomona City jail for a 11358 H/S Cultivation of Marijuana. Also discovered was a 23 room fully functional Marijuana grow operation containing more than 2,900 Marijuana plants in various stages of maturity. The grow operation used top of the line systems for lighting, air conditioning, fans, exhaust blowers and air-filtering systems that control the climate inside the buildings and the odor of Marijuana outside the buildings.

the Marijuana plants were removed from the building and booked into evidence with the assistance of the Pomona Police Department’s Special Investigations Unit and Homeless Encampment Action Response Team (HEART),

 

 

Boy Hit By SUV in Diamond Bar

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar -A nine-year-old boy was riding his scooter was struck by a sport-utility vehicle in Diamond Bar on Wednesday night, April 25. He suffered a broken jaw and minor internal injuries after he hit Wednesday night, deputies said.

As a precaution, a helicopter flew the child to the hospital.

Los Angeles County sheriff’s Detective David Timberlake said the Diamond Bar boy was in stable condition at Children’s Hospital in Los Angeles. The crash occurred just before 6 p.m. in a gated community in the 21100 block of Willow Heights Drive.

Timberlake said a Diamond Bar man was driving along the street between 8 to 10 mph. The boy was riding his scooter in his drive way when he went down the driveway and into the street right into the path of the SUV, the detective said.

The injured boy was taken to Diamond Bar High School where he waited for the helicopter to arrive to take him to the hospital. The driver of the vehicle was not arrested but the investigation is ongoing.

 

Woman Crashes Into Corona Walmart Produce Section

Photo: courtesy of Corona Police Department
A vehicle crashed into the produce section of a Corona Walmart Sunday, April 15. The driver was cited for suspicion of driving under the influence. (Courtesy Corona Police Department)

By Anthony Saude

Corona– A Riverside woman crashed her sedan through the glass door and into the produce section of a Corona Neighborhood Walmart on an otherwise uneventful Sunday evening in April.

The woman who was later identified as Diane Mickens, 56, of Riverside, drove through the entrance of the store in the 1500 block of W. Sixth Street around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, April 15, Corona police officials said.

A Walmart employee called 911 after the vehicle came to a rest approximately 25 feet into the produce section. Witnesses say, Mickens got out of the sedan, walked away from the scene and left her two passengers engulfed bin debris and scattered fruits and vegetables.

Officers found Mickens a little later walking near Smith Street and Pleasant View Avenue, she was detained. When the Paramedics showed up at the scene they determined Mickens needed  medical attention. She was transported to a local hospital where she was issued a citation for suspicion of driving under the influence.

She was the only one hurt in the crash.

Many people enquired about the reason the woman wasn’t being held in jail.

“If a person in police custody is treated at a medical facility, the taxpayers end up paying for the cost of that treatment,” A Corona police representative explained on Facebook. Just issuing a citation has no impact on the charges the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office may file later date.

It’s standard operating procedure for the department to issue a citation when a suspect requires medical treatment.

 

Diamond Bar Invites You To Connectwithrec! Free Event

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – This year Diamond Bar is proud to introduce what’s new in the Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation by hosting the inaugural Connectwith Rec! event. This free event is designed for the residents to be able to experience what’s new in the department with hands on experience.

The New Recreation Event being held on May 2 will allow residents to get a preview into Free Classes that will be available for residents with the Parks and Recreation revamp.

The classes will include mommy and me classes for toddlers, organized sport programs for the youth as well as early morning workouts for adults. Diamond Bar’s year-round recreation opportunities will range from the fiercely fun to the cerebrally meditative.  Also on the Wednesday of May 2, residents are also invited to a sample the City’s recreation classes and programs during this inaugural Connect with Rec event!

This family-friendly event will be held at the Diamond Bar Center from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. There will be special performances and residents will be able to drop-in and for class demonstrations that include yoga, tai chi, summer day camp, and a docent-led hike.

Wait there is more fun on this day, there will be activities for the for the children, giveaways and of course information on all of the programs, classes, excursions and special events in the future sponsored by the city of Diamond Bar.

Diamond Bar Center is located at 1600 Grand Avenue. For more information, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/specialevents or call the Parks and Recreation Department at 909.839.7070

Planes of Fame Air Show

Photo Courtesy: PlanesofFame.org

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – Look to the skies on the weekend of May 5 and 6 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and watch all your favorite Planes of Fame as they soar through the skies at the Chino Airport. This year’s air show will be featuring over 40 historic aircraft, including P-47 Thunderbolts, P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs flying for your enjoyment. We invite you to join us in honoring the history, contributions, and sacrifices of our Veterans.
Performers include: A-10 Thunderbolt and Heritage Flight; Sean D. Tucker Team Oracle Aerobatics; World’s fastest piston engine aircraft P-51 Mustang Voodoo; N9MB Flying Wing Demo; Pacific, European, Korean & Vietnam Flight Displays, Sanders Sea Fury Aerobatics, Gregory ‘Wired’ Colyer T-33 Aerobatics and Rob Harrison the Tumbling Bear.

In addition to many other fantastic airplanes that will be performing and on static display, there will be a special panel discussion with some of our honored Veterans.

Follow our Planes of Fame Air show Facebook page to receive up to the minute news on Performers and attending Aircraft and Veterans!

This is an incredible event whether you are an aircraft enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy an amazing day.

The gates will open at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with the flying show running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Static displays and vendors will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special merchandise and delicious food and beverages available. See all your favorite airplanes fly!

There will be a Kids Zone, static displays, food & vendors, and more!
SAVE $5 ORDER TICKETS ONLINE! (Hurry! Limited Time Offer)

Free Admission Kids 11 Years & Under, General $25 FREE PARKING! (Preferred Parking $17.50) FOR INFO AND TICKETS GO TO http://www.planesoffame.org

The airport and museum are located at 7000 Merrill Avenue, in Chino.

 

The Uniqueness of Christianity

By Pastor Ed Moreno

Jesus said in John 14:6: “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” This claim rankles people like no other. Christians have been called arrogant, narrow-minded, and bigoted for saying Jesus is the only way to God. But the thing is, Jesus is the one who says that. Christians are just relating what Jesus said.

Part of the reason why this claim is so controversial is because it strikes at the core of three great myths about religion. I’ll briefly address the first one. The first myth says: “When you get down to it, all religions are basically the same.” The truth is that there are major differences between the religions of the world. And Christianity is like no other.  Christianity’s uniqueness is rooted in the uniqueness of Jesus himself.

Someone once noted that other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you how to find truth.”  But Jesus says, “I am the truth.”

Other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you the way to salvation.”  But Jesus says,  “I am the way to eternal life in heaven.”

Other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you how to become enlightened.”  But Jesus says, “I am the light.”

Other religious leaders say, “Follow me and I’ll show you the door that leads to God.”   But Jesus says, “I am the door.”

Then Jesus adds, “So follow Me.”

What the different religions of the world teach contradict each other, so let’s not pretend they are all true. That’s irrational. They can’t all be true. What one needs to look for is who authenticated their claims.  Jesus claimed to be divinity and the only way to God, so how does he back up his claims? Jesus backs up his claims with unique credentials that make him uniquely credible.

For example, Jesus fulfilled dozens of centuries-old prophecies against all mathematical odds of probability. And unlike other religious leaders, Jesus performed great miracles that further authenticated his claim of being God’s one and only Son. And in the most spectacular demonstration of his deity, Jesus fulfilled his own prediction by rising from the grave after three days exactly as he said he would. And this was witnessed by more than 500 people.  No other religious leader ever did the powerful things Jesus did.  So, it’s not narrow-minded to say Jesus is the only way to God if the overwhelming evidence supports that claim.

 

Homicide Detectives Are Investigating The Death Of An Elderly Man

Staff Reports

Pomona – On April 17 at approximately 6:58 PM, the Pomona Police Department received a CPR call in the 1100 Block of S. Hamilton in the City of Pomona.  Officers arrived on scene and found a male victim unconscious.  LA County Fire Department arrived on scene and transported the victim to a local hospital in extremely critical condition.  The hospital medical staff was unable to save the victim from his injury at which time he was pronounced deceased.  The early investigation reveals that there was some kind of altercation between family members where the victim fell and hit his head.  Pomona Police Department Homicide team was called in to investigate.  Homicide Detectives are actively following –up on all leads at this time.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085.
If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your Smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP on Google play or the Apple Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Street Light Inventory Underway

Staff Reports

Chino Hills–During the next few weeks, Chino Hills residents may see employees of Tanko Lighting walking their neighborhoods. The City of Chino Hills is in the process of purchasing approximately 4,500 street lights from Southern California Edison in order to save money. Tanko Lighting is conducting an inventory of the streetlights. Personnel will be wearing vests and have I.D. badges. Their vehicles will include the Tanko Lighting logo. They will be walking through neighborhoods gathering data on the streetlights and logging information on a mobile device. Residents may call the City Yard at (909) 364- 2800 if they have questions. According to City spokesperson Denise Cattern, the City currently pays a lease rate for maintenance and electricity. After an initial purchase price of approximately $2.7 million, the City will take advantage of Southern California Edison rebates to partially pay for a $1.1 million dollar retrofit of LED bulbs to reduce energy costs. The initial investment will be returned after approximately nine years of reduced energy and maintenance costs. After that, the savings are expected to approach $500,000 per year. The ownership transfer will occur in the coming months.

Lawsuit Over Air Show Settled

By Anthony Saude

Chino– Spectators will get an up-close look at aircraft at the 2018 Planes of Fame Air Show. A lawsuit filed last year by several Chino Airport tenants, who were hoping to shut down the annual event, was settled last month. Allowing the May 5 and 6 events to proceed. So it appears that the show will go on.

A civil lawsuit was filed last year by several Chino Airport tenants including Zangeneh Aeronautics, Socal MRO, Flying Tigers Aviation, Yanks Air Museum, and AFT Center to shut down the annual Planes of Fame Museum air show. The lawsuit that claimed their businesses were affected adversely by the air show by physically blocking and obstructing various airport businesses from operating by erecting fences and other barriers that kept customers from accessing their businesses.” All parties have agreed to a settlement on the lawsuit, allowing the Saturday, May 5 and Sunday, May 6 event to go on as scheduled.

“We are happy to have reached an agreement so Planes of Fame Air Museum can bring to the aviation community one of the premier aviation events in the United States and the world,” said Planes of Fame president Steve Hinton in a statement on Tuesday. “We are pleased that the tradition will continue as many in the aviation community from all over the world look forward to their annual trip to Chino for the air show.”

The lawsuit also stated that the plaintiffs were seeking compensation for lost business, dating back to the year 2013. Since the lawsuit was filed, parties on both sides have been working together feverishly to come up with a solution that everybody could agree on. According to San Bernardino County Court records the lawsuit was dismissed last month, so it appears that they were able to reach an agreeement.

“I’m glad we have settled the lawsuit and are looking forward to better serving the aviation community,” said Flying Tigers president Michael Thayer in a news article. “I know with the additional support of Flying Tigers FBO and Yanks Air Museum, it will be the best air show ever and create a win-win for us all.” Moving forward, it looks like the airport tenants have pledged to work together with Planes of Fame for the success of future air shows. Which is good news for fans of the Annual Air Show.

Proposed Mental Health Hospital Concerns

Photo : youtube.com
Residents have concerns over the 50 bed mental health hospital being added to the prison.

By Anthony Saude

Chino – The news that a 50-bed mental health hospital is being proposed for the California Institution for Men (CIM) got out it wasn’t welcomed with open arms by all residents. The residents from the College Park neighborhood in Chino have concerns and showed up to a scheduled meeting to voice them to the prison’s citizens advisory committee on Tuesday at 8:30 am. When they arrived they were told that prison officials had given some inaccurate information about the 8:30 start time and they had missed the opening by 30 minutes.

The residents, the neighbors north of CIM, ended up at the California Institution for Women’s citizens advisory committee that was being held at a conference room on the Chaffey College campus. The Women’s advisory committee and prison official allowed the residents to present their concerns to them even if they were addressing the wrong group.

Residents read about the mental health hospital being proposed and were shocked. It was said that they don’t want to increase the prison population; they would rather see a decrease. The possible increased safety issues that could arise by putting a mental hospital in a residential community were also an expressed concern. The residents were informed that the city plans to discuss the facility at length with Scott Kernan the secretary for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) at a date that has not yet been determined.

Courts are now requiring that all inmates that suffer from a mental illness must be treated so the prisons are essentially being forced to have the same complete care as mental health hospitals. The 50 beds in this facility will be used for inmates in crisis, after treatment they will either be sent back to the prison they were assigned or they will be transferred to a state mental health hospital if more extensive treatment has been prescribed.

It is obviously very important to have controls in place so that the inmates don’t become a danger to the community upon release, and that good security is in place to prevent escapes. It is policy that nobody from CIM is ever released into the community where the prison is located. The law actually requires the inmates to be returned to the county they came from and then released.

 

 

 

 

 

Wedding Season

By Mark Hopper

Spring has traditionally been the season for weddings. I often tell people that some of the happy parts about being a pastor are weddings and babies.  And, some of the sad parts about being a pastor are deaths and divorce.

I have two requirements for doing a wedding – come to church and come to counseling. I encourage each couple to come to church together regularly before their wedding. In many cases, these couples already attend our church.  Some actually met their fiancée at our church!

Sometimes I am asked to do a wedding for a couple in the community who do not attend our church. I actually enjoy this opportunity to get to know an engaged couples and I feel honored to lead their wedding ceremony.

When an engaged couple go to church together, they are developing and deepening their relationship with one another and with God. It is a healthy habit to develop early in their relationship and a habit that I hope they will maintain throughout their married life. I also encourage them to make time to pray together for one another and for their future.  When a couple prays together, they are revealing their inner thoughts, concerns and dreams.

I also require the engaged couple to commit to spend time with me in premarital counseling. I have used a number of different books and resources over the years to help these couples talk through various topics that will impact their marriage. Topics include communication, finances, expectations, money, intimate relations and more.

We usually meet together 4-5 times before the wedding. Each couple is expected to do a homework assignment on one of the topics listed above and then we discuss their thoughts and ideas together. I always remind them that the more time and effort they invest in this process the more they will benefit from it. Some couples work hard and “do their homework” while other couples only put in the minimum effort required. Some don’t realize the long term benefits that can come from premarital counseling.

We always spend a session planning and discussing the wedding ceremony. I enjoy hearing about what the bride and groom would like to include in their ceremony that makes it unique and special for them. Sometimes I am able to offer a suggestion, too.

I always use the Bible in premarital counseling and in the wedding ceremony itself. I believe that God created the institution of marriage and that the Bible has a lot to say about marriage.  In the very first book in the Bible, the author explains that God intended that “a man shall leave his father and mother and embrace his wife and the two will become one flesh” (Genesis 2:25). God’s plan is for the kids to grow up, get married and start a family of their own. It is both sacred and very special.

Weddings can be stressful for everyone involved. There are so many details to attend to and so many decisions that need to be made.  But, I always remind these hopeful couples that a wedding is a day of celebration for the lucky couple, their friends and their families. Don’t let the stress and pressure detract for the celebration. You will be glad you did and your family will be too!

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 Hills to change water rates, allocations for residents

Anthony Saude 

Photo Credit: Roto Rooter Plumbing.
Caption: Residents could see an 8 percent rate increase as early as July 1 if the proposal is approved

Chino Hills – City leaders in Chino Hills are going to propose a plan to allocate water to customers based on their needs. 

The proposal would allow all households a “water budget” – or allocation. Their budget would be based on the number of people living at the location, their daily household usage, the landscaped outdoor area and the weather. Customers would pay a lower rate for water if they stay within budget and they would pay a higher rate for water used if they go over budget. 

The recommendation of the City leaders would be to base the rates we charge our residents and customers on their personal water usage efficiency. The budget-based rates would encourage water usage efficiency while ensuring fiscal stability of the city’s water fund. 

On another note City officials propose an 8 percent rate increase effective July 1, with the option to raise rates up to 8 percent each year through 2022. 

The City Council is expected to consider the new proposal and the increases at a public hearing at 7 p.m. on May 8 at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive. 

The proposed rate structure would include three tiers. 

Five things to know: 

  • Tier 1 is the indoor allocation based on a household of four and usage of 55 gallons per capita per day. Tier 2 reflects outdoor usage and is based on the property’s landscaped area and weather. Water users who surpass their Tier 2 allocation would jump into Tier 3, which comes with a higher rate.
  • Outdoor allocation, which was determined using aerial photographs and GIS, is based on an irrigated area of about one-third total lot size. The landscaped area is capped at 3,100 square feet.This information will be recorded and analyzed to ensure that the larger landscaped area you might have the larger your outdoor water budget will be.
  • Outdoor water budgets will go up during hotter months and down in cooler months. There would be a rate reduction for residents who switch to drought-tolerant landscaping. That will give an incentive to residents to be intentional about their water usage.
  • If approved, water users would see an 8 percent rate increase July 1. The city would then have the ability to raise rates up to 8 percent on July 1 each year through 2022. The previous water rates covered 2011-16, however,sincecity staff determined the increases in 2015 and 2016 were not needed the proposal will call for a review every year by the council for an increase, a partial increase or no increase at all that year.  
  • The city mailed notices and protest ballots to water customers in March. Water customers opposed to the rate increases can fill out the attached ballot and return it by mail or in person to the Chino Hills City Clerk’s office, 14000 City Center Drive, by the end of the public hearing May 8. Replacement ballots can be picked up at the City Clerk’s office. Only one protest per property will count. The council can approve the increases if they are not protested by a majority of water customers.

For more information on the city’s proposal or to use the budget-based water rate estimator visit www.chinohills.org/waterbudget. 

City of Diamond Bar’s Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration

Staff Reports

 

It will be all things environmental at the City of Diamond Bar’s annual Earth Day and Arbor Day Celebration, which will be held Saturday, April 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the South Coast Air Quality Management District located at 21865 Copley Drive in Diamond Bar.

There will be plenty to see and do at this outdoor event, including:

Free Smart Gardening and Composting Workshop – 9:30 to 11 a.m. – Pre-registration is required

Learn how to spruce up your lawn or garden with plants and flowers that are water-thrifty but big on curb appeal and how to turn kitchen waste into nutrient-rich compost at this workshop.

Workshop attendees have a chance to purchase a compost bin at a reduced price of $40 (conventional bin) or $65 (worm bin with half-pound of worms). Only cash or check payment is accepted.

Paper Shredding – Bring up to five grocery bags or two banker boxes of household financial documents, personal medical records and other sensitive documents for on-site destruction and proper disposal. Make sure bags or boxes contain only documents and no batteries, binders, plastics or metals; folded, enveloped, stapled or paper-clipped papers are OK.

E-Waste and Textile Recycling – Have obsolete or broken electronics or clothing, shoes or linen that are too worn or damaged to donate? Bring them to the event to have them recycled.

Garden Mulch – Come ready with gloves, a shovel, and containers to collect and take home up to 80 gallons of mulch for your home garden.

Children’s Fun Area – Free earth-themed arts and crafts, and the chance to learn about, observe and touch more than 10 species of ocean animals inside the Long Beach Aquarium on Wheels that will be part of the kid-friendly offerings at this event.

Green Exhibits – Attendees will have the opportunity to check out displays of electric and plug-in hybrid-electronic vehicles, and visit various information booths to pick up giveaways and information about special programs to save money while conserving energy, water and preventing pollution.

For more information, call 909.839.7015 or visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/earthday

Rocky Bettar Named Adult Ed Administrator of the Year

Staff Reports 

ROWLAND HEIGHTS –– Rowland Unified Superintendent Dr. Julie Mitchell announced that Rocky Bettar, Director of Adult Education/Career Preparation, has been named as the statewide Adult Education Administrator of the Year by the Association of California School Administrators (ACSA). Bettar is considered an industry expert in the adult education field by his peers. He has been a leader in adult education since 1995 when he was named Director of Rowland Adult & Community Education. He is an advocate for Adult Education at the local and state level, serving in many roles in ACSA, such as Region XV Adult Ed Chair and as State ACSA Adult Ed Council President. Bettar will be honored at the 2018 ACSA Leadership Summit November 8-10 in San Diego. 

“To be recognized by State ACSA as Adult Ed administrator of the year is very humbling,” said Bettar. “This recognition does not occur without the support of our board and district administration as they see the value of Adult Education in RUSD. But most importantly, the teachers and staff at RACE are the ones that allows our school to be what it is in our district community and I am just the beneficiary of this award. This award is truly our schools and the district’s. Without them, it would not have happened.” 

Bettar is proud to have grown the Rowland Adult & Community Education (RACE) program, collaborating with the adult learners since many are parents of the TK-12 students in the district. “As we look to the future, the landscape for adult education has changed and now that we are part of a consortium and have dedicated funding, hence the flex years which damaged Adult Ed in the state is a thing of the past, we are ramping up program and services,” said Bettar. “We currently offer classes at 16 different locations in our district boundaries. We are expanding our Distance Learning opportunities for our ESL students, expanding this to five elementary sites during the morning, we have created what is essentially individual learning plans for our adult diploma and GED students, which we call ACES, Adult Compact for Educational Success and continue to explore and try different things that will resonate with the adult learner.” 

Under Bettar’s leadership, the school has been awarded the California Golden Bell for its’ Community Based English Tutoring program, and has attained a 6-year WASC Accreditation in every WASC that the school has done since 1995. Bettar has also been instrumental in Career Vocational Education in Rowland Unified, founding the unique Career Pathways Program where every high school student in Rowland Unified is exposed to two or more Career Technical Education (CTE) courses in a student’s area or career interest to graduate. Pathways are in 8 of 15 industry sector areas and students can also choose to earn a Certification of Completion in a career pathway that further develops professional and personal skills including participation in an internship. 

 

New Principals Appointed in Walnut Valley

By Kelli Gile 

Walnut— The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recently appointed two familiar faces as new school leaders.  

Whitney Prenger has been named principal at Vejar Elementary and Amy Smith is principal at Suzanne Middle School.  

Both longtime WVUSD administrators have served as interim principals for several months. 

Prenger brings 12 years of educational experience in her new role as principal.  

Prior to joining the staff at Vejar Elementary for the 2017-2018 school year, she served as instructional dean at Diamond Bar High School for two years.   

She was also lead teacher for the Pathways Communication Academy and pep advisor at Diamond Bar High. 

Prenger taught summer school at South Pointe Middle School for two years and began her career in education at the elementary level, teaching at Westhoff, C.J. Morris, and Castle Rock. 

She earned a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Long Beach and master’s degree from Whittier College. 

“Becoming a Vaquero this year has been such a joy!” Prenger said. 

“Vejar is a special school that values the spirit of students, staff, teachers, parents, and the community. I am excited to be a part of this school and look forward to many years together. Vejar values, every student, every day!” 

Prenger succeeds Jennifer De Anda who accepted a position as Coordinator of State and Federal Programs in Riverside Unified School District. 

Smith brings over 16 years of educational experience to her new role as principal at Suzanne Middle School. 

She served as the school’s assistant principal since August 2014 before being named interim principal in November. 

Before that, she was a teacher at Vejar Elementary and Quail Summit Elementary for eight years. 

She was also an elementary teacher at Vineyard STEM in the Ontario-Montclair Unified School District and Barfield Elementary and Simons Middle School in the Pomona Unified School District. 

Smith earned a bachelor’s degree from California Polytechnic University, Pomona, master’s degree from University of La Verne, and doctoral degree from University of La Verne. 

“I am so honored to be Principal at Suzanne Middle School!” said Smith. 

“I have loved my time as Assistant Principal and look forward to continuing to serve our students, staff, and parents. We have a wonderful school, rich in tradition and community. I am so proud to be a Challenger!” 

Smith succeeds Les Ojeda who accepted a position of Assistant Director of EL Services in San Bernardino Unified School District.

Riverside County Sheriff’s That Thwarted Norco College Attack Is Honored

By Anthony Saude

Norco – The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department team, who were responsible for thwarting an attack on Norco College, were honored by the Norco City Council. The forward thinking team used creative methods to stop the attack before the suspect could even start it.

All together there were about 20-30 people who worked for 18 hours straight on February 19 to identify and locate the suspect before his planned plot was able to be carried out. Deputies assigned to the Norco and Jurupa Valley stations, as well as Assistant Sheriff Joseph Cleary, Capt. Daniel Hedge, Norco station Lt. Eric Briddick and dispatcher Jennifer Hall along with other deputies assigned to the Norco and  Jurupa Valley stations were all part of the team.

The team was praised for some serious out-of-the-box thinking by members of the department that helped identify the people that were going to cause harm. The City Council members presented the sheriff’s employee’s with certificates of appreciation.

It was reported that Mayor Ted Hoffman said, “This is the least we do for the fine job you guys did on this matter. “We appreciate what you guys have done here.”

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department adamantly declined to describe the methods used by this team to thwart the attack. They also declined to allow Hall to be interviewed because the investigation is still ongoing.

On February 19, investigators tracked threats made on the Facebook page of Jacob Ryan McBain, 27, of Norco. He was arrested two days later at his Trail Street Home. Reports show that handguns and an assault rifle were seized from the residence.

McBain has been charged with conspiracy to commit murder, two counts of making criminal threats, possession of an assault weapon, two counts of being a felon in possession of a firearm and three counts of illegally possessing ammunition. McBain plead  not guilty to all charges and is due back in court this month.

McBain’s social media accounts were then used to identify an alleged co-conspirator, Tarence Michael Thomas, 25, of Milwaukie, Oregon. Thomas was arrested on February 28; he faces one count of conspiracy to commit murder. He is currently awaiting extradition from Oregon.

Investigators then used McBain’s social media accounts to identify who they said was a co-conspirator, Tarence Michael Thomas, 25, of  Milwaukie, Oregon. He was arrested on Feb. 28 and faces one count of conspiracy to commit murder. He is awaiting extradition from Oregon.

 

Planes of Fame Air Show

Photo Courtesy: PlanesofFame.org

STAFF REPORTS

Chino – Look to the skies on the weekend of May 5 and 6 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. and watch all your favorite Planes of Fame as they soar through the skies at the Chino Airport. This year’s air show will be featuring over 40 historic aircraft, including P-47 Thunderbolts, P-38 Lightnings and P-51 Mustangs flying for your enjoyment. We invite you to join us in honoring the history, contributions, and sacrifices of our Veterans.
Performers include: A-10 Thunderbolt and Heritage Flight; Sean D. Tucker Team Oracle Aerobatics; World’s fastest piston engine aircraft P-51 Mustang Voodoo; N9MB Flying Wing Demo; Pacific, European, Korean & Vietnam Flight Displays, Sanders Sea Fury Aerobatics, Gregory

Photo Courtesy: PlanesofFame.org

‘Wired’ Colyer T-33 Aerobatics and Rob Harrison the Tumbling Bear.

In addition to many other fantastic airplanes that will be performing and on static display, there will be a special panel discussion with some of our honored Veterans.

Follow our Planes of Fame Air show Facebook page to receive up to the minute news on Performers and attending Aircraft and Veterans!

This is an incredible event whether you are an aircraft enthusiast, or just looking to enjoy an amazing day.

The gates will open at 8 a.m. on both Saturday and Sunday, with the flying show running from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Static displays and vendors will be open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with special merchandise and delicious food and beverages available. See all your favorite airplanes fly!

There will be a Kids Zone, static displays, food & vendors, and more!
SAVE $5 ORDER TICKETS ONLINE! (Hurry! Limited Time Offer)

Free Admission Kids 11 Years & Under, General $25 FREE PARKING! (Preferred Parking $17.50) FOR INFO AND TICKETS GO TO http://www.planesoffame.org

The airport and museum are located at 7000 Merrill Avenue, in Chino.

 

Eastvale is the Most Diverse City in So Cal

Photo: Dynamic.podbean.com

By Anthony Saude

 

Eastvale – We Americans love to boast about our diversity and California can be heard above all other claiming the title of most diverse. It is a very prestigious title indeed when you really look into what diversity can mean to a community. Different cultures, languages, ideas and experiences naturally will produce more new innovative information than homogeneous.

The City of Eastvale, a young community nestled in the Inland Empire, looks like it is growing up in the right environment to be a successful community for decades to come. Eastvale is among one of the most diverse cities in America, according to an analysis by NerdWallet.com of the distribution of residents across ethnic groups.

Eastvale was ranked as the #1 most diverse city in all of Southern California and the 13th most diverse city in America. The diversity of the Eastvale community breaks down as follows: 38.6% Hispanic or Latino, 25.30% Asian or Pacific Islander, 24.20% are white (non-Hispanic) and 9.70% are Black (non-Hispanic).

This is great news for the Eastvale.  According to studies and research, diversity breeds a more robust and resilient economy. There’re a lot of different groups of people with vastly different experiences, talents and ideas available to contribute to the advancement of the community. Living in a multicultural society forces you to get out of your comfort zone and learn things about other people you would otherwise have to travel out of country to learn.

One thing Californian’s learned a long time ago is that there are many intellectual and personal benefits that come from learning another language. When you live in a multilingual society you will be encouraged to take on this challenge.

When you couple this information with the fact that Eastvale has the highest median household income in the Inland Empire and one of the highest in the state, you have a recipe for success. Eastvale was also just recently voted as one of the top 100 safest cities in America.

It seems like Eastvale is growing faster than ever but it looks like that growth has been well thought out and is progressing in the right direction. With everything going on  in our country, Eastvale just keeps hitting positives goals and making  positive lists. If you are looking for a place to live, work and raise a family, go ahead and put Eastvale on your short list and contact your real estate agent.