Category Archives: News By City

Upcoming Road Closures for “Every Fifteen Minutes” Program at Ayala HS

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills – Ruben S. Ayala High School students will safely experience the devastation caused by a drunk driving accident as part of the “Every 15 Minutes” program on Thursday, March 22nd. Peyton Drive will be closed for part of the morning. The simulated “accident scene” will be set up on Peyton Drive and will feature students portraying crash victims whose vehicle was hit by a drunk driver on Prom night. Emergency response will be conducted as if it were a real accident. From 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. two northbound lanes will be closed leaving just one northbound lane open in front of the school. From 9:30-10:30 a.m. Peyton Drive will be completely closed from Bulldog Way to Boys Republic Drive. At approximately 10:30 a.m. southbound lanes will open, and at 11:00 a.m. northbound lanes will open. Motorists may wish to avoid the area.

“Every 15 Minutes” is a two-day program focusing on high school juniors and seniors, which challenges them to think about drinking, driving, personal safety, the responsibility of making mature decisions and the impact their decisions have on family, friends, their community, and many others.

The two-day program is very dramatic and emotional and purposely so. Teenagers are constantly reminded about the choices they have in front of the involving alcohol and how others in their lives are affected.

Teens know the intellectual statistics they just share the belief it will never happen to them.

The program brings together a broad coalition of interested local agencies with the goal of reducing alcohol-related incidents among youth. The partnering of the California Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, local hospitals, emergency medical responders, schools, businesses, and service clubs validates the importance of working together to ensure a healthy community.

Best Seat in the Class

By Kelli Gile

Classrooms transform with flexible seating options

DIAMOND BAR—Several Walnut Valley educators are discovering that flexible seating classrooms are providing learning environments that kids need.

Flexible classrooms give students a choice in what kind of learning space works best for them, and helps them work collaboratively, communicate, and engage in critical thinking.

At Quail Summit Elementary, first grade teacher Jessica Cabral replaced rows and rows of traditional desks with a variety of innovative seating options this year.

Learning areas are now filled with stability disks, stadium chairs, yoga balls, camp chairs, hooki stools, stack stools, lap desks, standing tables, and even a few “old school” desks.

When her 26 students enter the classroom, they decide which type of chair or desk to occupy for the day.

“They enjoy having the ability to choose where they sit,” Cabral said.

The new education space was intentionally designed to foster the five C’s (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and citizenship), the educator said.

“They need to be given the opportunity to collaborate and solve problems with different students in the classroom. They couldn’t do that sitting in the same old spot every day,” Cabral said.

“I feel that flexible seating absolutely impacts student learning. Statistics have shown that movement increases memory,” she added.

Her goal is to provide students the opportunity to move while learning, in order to increase their attention, focus, engagement, and overall, their learning experience.

“The Hokki stools are an absolute hit. We can’t get enough of them!” she shared.

Logan Shih, age 7, didn’t hesitate when asked about choosing his favorite mobile seat in class.

“Oh, that’s simple,” he proudly announced.

“The yoga ball – because I like to bounce around!”

“All the kids like the yoga ball!”

A few feet away, classmate Clovis Hung was settled on a red stadium chair while writing at a low table.

“I like it because I can adjust it,” he said.

How did she do it?

Most recently, Cabral was able to purchase eight swivel Hokki stools, at $96 each, with funds raised through the online classroom project site, Donor’s Choose.

After experimenting with choice seating options for years, Kathy McLean “dove in all the way” three years ago.

The second-grade teacher began with Goodwill tables repurposed with a fresh coat of paint and whiteboard tops.

Next, McLean brought in few Wobble and Hokki stools, and two double standing tables.

McLean received a grant for the standing tables, that run about $200 each.

“Some of my students prefer to stretch out on the floor with lap desks,” she reported.

The savvy educator discovered that doing away with assigned seating has empowered her students to make positive decisions for their own learning.

“By being able to change seats each day, students also have the opportunity to collaborate with different classmates while working on self-discipline. After all, to sit by your best buddy, you have to abide by classroom expectations!” she said.

McLean said trusting her students to make the best choice for themselves has been an important factor in the success of innovative classroom.

“Flexible seating has been a game changer for me!”

Cabral advices teacgers contemplating the classroom seating switch to “start small.”
“Change a few chairs and tables. Expect chaos, it’s not as easy to manage at first, but you will see the benefits as the year progresses!”

 

Neighborhood Watch Program

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – In case you were unaware, the City of Walnut has an ongoing Neighborhood Watch Program that is always interested in recruiting volunteers. Over the years it has been proven over and over again, that Neighborhood Watch Programs lower crime rates within the neighborhoods they patrol. If there is one thing that criminals hate but the police love more than anything, it’s nosy neighbors. The purpose of the program is to have neighbors look out for one another and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. In the late 1960s, an increase in crime heightened the need for a crime prevention initiative focused on residential areas and involving local citizens. The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) responded, creating the National Neighborhood Watch Program in 1972 to assist citizens and law enforcement. If you live in the City of Walnut and are already a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, but you have not had a meeting in a couple of years call for the latest and greatest programs. If you are motivated and want to get involved in the program, please contact Deputy McDonald at (909) 595-2264 for information on how to start a group in your area.

Purse Snatch Suspect Arrested

Google Images

Courtesy of Pomona PD

Pomona – On March 6, 2018, Suspect Joseph approached the female adult victim on Holt Bl at Eleanor St. and forcefully took a bag filled with personal items from her. The victim was able to flag down a passing neighborhood. The suspect was able to hide in a nearby backyard officer.
While making contact with the suspect, he fled on foot into a nearby under trees and a patio cover. While air support was available, we could not see his exact location.
An extensive search with additional officers and a canine team was made throughout the neighborhood. The suspect ignored the officers and the audio announcements. The suspect was eventually taken into custody by the canine unit in the 400 Blk of Center St. The stolen property was eventually recovered.
Suspect Info:
Joseph, David Age- 51 Ontario resident

Contact Information:
Lt. Eddie Vazquez
eddie_vazquez@ci.pomona.ca.us

Evergreen Odyssey Of The Mind Team Qualifies For State Tourney

Courtesy: WVUSD

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR—Evergreen Elementary STEAM Odyssey of the Mind team won first place in the Los Angeles County regional competition held on February 24.

The champions will now go on to compete at the state level March 24 at University of California, Riverside.

The Odyssey of the Mind program promotes creativity and problem solving skills.

The two parts of competition are the long-term and spontaneous problems.

The spontaneous problem is private and cannot be spectated, however the long-term problem comes in the form of a skit that anyone can watch.

The plot, props, and actions in the 8-minute skit are all created from scratch by the students.

This year team’s long term problem is “Emoji, Speak for Yourself”.

Teams build several devices as the communication tools to perform a detective investigation story by operating different mechanic functions without any human verbal voice at all during the skit.

Evergreen team members are Evan Auyeung, Ianna Lin, Reese Chen, Sarah Teng, Andrew Tsai, Audrey Doraton, and Rohan Chakrabortyguf. They are coached by Sam Lin, Rajesh Gupta and Sean Lin.

 

Chino Man Gets Three Years For Embezzlement

By Anthony Saude

 

Chino – Robert Leland Johnson IV, a 39 year-old former securities broker and Chino resident, was sentenced to three years in state prison after he plead guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft. This was in connection with the embezzlement of nearly $1.1 million as reported by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office.

In addition, Johnson was also ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to the victims that were affected by the crime, said spokesman Christopher Lee.

The thefts went on for approximately 2 years from 2013 to 2015, according to Deputy District Attorney Rick Lal of the Specialized Prosecutions Division of the DA’s office.

In a statement to the press, Lal said “The fraud included falsely reflecting significant trading profits, concealing losses, and overstating account balances by millions of dollars,”. The district attorney’s office utilized a forensic account to follow the money trail. They were able to trace the stolen funds and demonstrate Mr. Johnson’s sophisticated scheme to misappropriate victims’ funds for his own personal gain.

The Chino Police Department began an investigation after the victims reported financial discrepancies in their accounts. Johnson would transfer money to his own accounts to pay for his extravagant lifestyle expenses, sometimes diverting a portion in the same manner you would when running a Ponzi scheme.

 

Eastvale Still One of Safest Cities

By Jaelyn Fudge

Eastvale – Eastvale is proud to announce that we’ve currently been ranked in the top 25th percentile as one of the safest cities in the U.S! This report was taken from a recent study conducted by the Safe Homes organization, entitled the 101 Safest Cities in America.

“We are proud that the City of Eastvale is ranked as one of the safest places to live, work, and play. Safety remains a top priority for the City Council. We will continue to prioritize public safety in order to maintain a high quality of life in our community,” Mayor Clint Lorimore comments. Local citizens have also commented, and are equally impressed with this news as well. “This is a real accolade for our city, and I’m happy to say that I’m not surprised Eastvale was awarded this ranking, as it’s an extremely safe community,” local resident Jessica Alvarez states.

Among Eastvale’s various milestones, this one is particularly significant as the Safe Homes organization considers multiple factors before assigning a safety score for a city. Safe Homes is an organization dedicated to making communities safer. Crime reports, population density, unemployment rate, income, and education levels, are only a few of the many factors Safe Homes takes into consideration before publishing their results. While this news is not only exciting for the community, it also reflects the values, merit, and caliber of our city within itself. Keep it up, Eastvale!

How Did I Get Here?

By Mark Hopper

I was sad when I heard the news that Billy Graham died.  He was 99 years old.  I never met the man, but he had a profound influence in my life and my family.

According to the news reports, Billy Graham spoke to over 200 million people who attended his crusades during his lifetime.  He preached in almost every country on our planet.  He preached to the Queen of England in her private Chapel and met many leaders around the world.

He personally met with every US President from Truman to Obama.  He advised and encouraged many of them during difficult times in our nation’s history.  Billy Graham spoke to the nation at the service in the National Cathedral in Washington, DC after the terrorist attacks on our nation in 2001.

When I was a young high school student, my parents and my brother and I attended a Billy Graham crusade at the Arizona State University football stadium in 1964.  I must admit that I didn’t pay attention to what he said that day, but I will always remember that at the end of the service, my mother got out of her seat and went down to the football field and put her faith in Jesus.

Don’t misunderstand; my parents were church going people.  They were good people.  But, the Bible teaches that each of us needs to personally decide for ourselves if we want to be a committed follower of Jesus.

In the Gospel of John chapter three, Jesus told a devout, religious scholar named Nicodemus that he needed to be “born again”.  Just like we all have a physical birthday, we also need to have a spiritual birthday – be “born again” (John 3:1-8). I believe that my mother’s spiritual birthday was the day she went down to the football field at Arizona State University in 1964.

My mother met a counselor on that football field that day.  The counselor encouraged my mom to start reading her Bible and to go back to church.  The counselor told my mother about a new church that had started in our town.  It was called Scottsdale Bible Church.  In 1964 the church met in a store front on Scottsdale Road.  A few years later they got a building of their own.

Through the influence of a wonderful pastor at Scottsdale Bible Church, Dr. James Borror and an energetic youth pastor named Sherrill Babb, my brother and I eventually came to faith in Christ, too.  It took our father a little longer to come to the conclusion that he needed to put his faith in Jesus but eventually he did, too.

When I heard about the death of this remarkable man, I was struck by the fact that I would probably not be where I am today if it wasn’t for Billy Graham.  My brother and I would probably not have become pastors.  Some of our children would probably not be serving on church staffs and as missionaries and Christian educators if it wasn’t for Billy Graham.   Through the words of one man who taught the Bible and preached the Gospel (Good News) our whole family was changed forever.

Most of us will probably never know how many people we influenced in our lifetime.  I doubt that Billy Graham could ever imagine how many people he influenced in his lifetime.  But, I do know his ministry and his words have impacted three generations of my family.  And, I’m thankful he did.

Let me encourage you to find the Billy Graham ministry website and learn more about this remarkable man.  I think you will be glad you did!

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

Passport Acceptance Fees Increase April 2

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– For the first time in a while the federal government is raising costs on passports. If you have been planning that trip, don’t wait. Make an appointment today to apply for a passport at Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive) on the second floor. Do it before the Passport Acceptance Fee increases on Monday, April 2, from $25 to $35.

“Spring is always a busy time at the City of Chino Hills Passport counter,” said Public Information Officer Denise Cattern. She added “So this year we enhanced our customer service efforts with an online appointment system”. Take advantage of the appointment system by calling the passport hotline at (909) 364-2607 to schedule your appointment. Appointments are available from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday; and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday. Walk-in customers may apply for a passport from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If walk-in traffic exceeds the capacity for service, signage will be posted to inform customers.

It will help the process immensely if all passport customers come ready with a completed application and the necessary documentation at their scheduled appointment time or they will be required to reschedule the appointment for another day. Passport photo services are also offered. Only checks or money orders are acceptable forms of payment for passport services. The office does not process passport renewals. For additional information, please visit http://www.chinohills.org/Passports.

Chaparral Middle School Wins Cal State LA Middle School Regional Science Bowl

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Chaparral Middle School, located in Diamond Bar, recently won first place in Cal State LA’s 11th Annual Middle School Regional Science Bowl.

The Chaparral team also earned a spot to compete in the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) National Science Bowl in Washington, D.C. in April.

The winning team includes students Daniel Chou, Ryan Chung, Akash George, Allen Wang, and Edmond You. They were coached by teacher David Chou.

Eighteen teams representing 12 schools from across the Los Angeles region participated in the competition hosted by Cal State LA’s College of Engineering, Computer Science, and Technology.

Walter Reed Middle School in North Hollywood earned second place and third place went to Harvard Westlake Middle School in Los Angeles.

Winning teams from the regional tournaments—69 high school teams and 50 middle school teams from throughout the nation—will travel to D.C. to compete for the national title.

 

The teams will face-off in a fast-paced question-and-answer format. Students will answer questions on a range of science disciplines including biology, chemistry, Earth science, physics, energy, and math.

The national competition is sponsored by the DOE’s Office of Science and Technology to inspire students to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.

Students will also attend presentations by scientists on current topics in math and the sciences.

 

 

 

Three Arrested For Attempted Murder In Chino

Kevin Devon
Thomas (18 yrs old)

Tariq Rayshawn Thompson (19 yrs old)

Deangelo Rabon (20 yrs old)

By Danny Nguyen

Chino – Chino police detectives alongside Special Enforcement Team and SWAT team members arrested, on Feb. 21, three young adult men for suspected armed robbery, attempted murder, and assault in their ongoing investigation involving calls made from multiple people about a disturbance in the neighborhood block of 3900 Yellowstone Circle from a house party.

18-year-old Kevin Devon Thomas from Azusa, 19-year-old Tariq Rayshawn Thompson from West Covina, and 20-year-old Deangelo Rabon from La Puente were arrested after detectives sent out 5 search warrants in the area. They started with Thomas and Thompson on the 21st, which they were booked for robbery and assault while Rabon was booked for attempted murder and robbery, according to a Chino press release.

In an article from the Chino Champion Newspapers about the incident, police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez, stated that “warrants were sent to homes at the 800 block of Vincent Avenue in Azusa, 3800 block of Muirfield Street in El Monte, the 15600 block of Amar Road, and the 900 block of Del Valle Avenue in La Puente as well as the 1700 block of E. Natalie Avenue in West Covina.”

All three are being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with Rabon’s bail set at $1 million, while the other two have bails set at $100,000 each.

The police investigation started on Saturday Feb. 17 when law enforcement responded to calls made about a fight that occurred at a house party. Officers intended to arrive at the crime scene, but received information from another caller, who reported witnessing an armed robbery occur at the same place where the fighting took place. It appeared that an unidentified black suspect prepared to steal the caller’s belongings and subsequently shot at the caller with a handgun. The caller could not be reached for further details.

Hours later, police answered another call from an 18-year-old guy that reported being robbed of his jewelry at gunpoint, except this time it was by two unknown black male suspects, at the same address.

It wasn’t until police responded to another call made by an injured male person the next morning on Feb. 18 roughly around 9:15am in the Chino Valley Medical Hospital Center. The police then, were able to connect the dots with the three men, even with being separate incidents. The injured victim in the hospital claimed that “he was beaten and attacked by someone with a pistol who had attempted to rob him and he was revealed to be present at the same party where the fight occurred.” Shots were fired, but fortunately the victim was not hit. The victim also claimed that another 15-year-old male was assaulted as he tried to help him.

Since the investigation is still ongoing, those with more information on the case should contact Detective Chinnis at (909) 334-3047 or at cchinnis@chinopd.org

 

Recognizing Excellence

Walnut Valley Trustees honor star students, partners in education

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—In keeping with tradition, the Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees honored outstanding students and partners in education during the February 21 meeting.

Castle Rock Elementary crossing guard Donna Aquila received the Partner in Education Award.

Donna, known as “Miss D” to students, has served the Diamond Bar campus for the past seven years.

“She has built relationships with students, teachers, and families,” said Principal Dr. Resma Byrne.

Donna has a special way of connecting with people whether it’s her joke of the day or sharing a personal story.

The caring crossing guard even brings a pocketful of quarters each Friday to help the children purchase popsicles.

“She loves our Castle Rock students,” Byrne said.

Donna is described as humble, takes her job seriously, and leads her life with integrity.

“She also brings staff the sweetest tangerines and homemade peanut brittle!” Byrne said.

The arrival and dismissal of students is often the most chaotic time of the day.

“But with Miss D, it’s actually fun. We’re so lucky to have her in our corner!”

Castle Rock Elementary 5th grader Austin Lee received the Super Star Student Award.

“Austin has taken great strides in learning how to take risks, make key friends, and persevere,” Dr. Byrne said.

He has also learned the art of taking a failure and turning it into an opportunity.

“We try to teach our students to work hard, analyze their mistakes, and learn from them,” the school leader said.

This is something that’s not easy for anyone, regardless of their age.

“When I look at my IB Learner Profile, I think about the traits we want our students to embody: to be caring, risk takers, thinkers, open minded, and reflective,” she described.

“I see Austin!”

“We want to recognize him tonight, not for academic success, but for his courageous attitude and ability to take risks, because that is what it’s all about.”

Quail Summit Elementary Community Club President Anna Amezcua received the Partner in Education Award.

“In my 32 years in education, I have never seen anyone as committed to every single student as Anna!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

“She is amazing!”

Anna stepped up to fill a vacancy as president about three years ago, and since then, has totally enriched the school’s relationship with the community at large.

Anna has established a welcoming environment that has set the tone for community and staff involvement.

The hard-working parent volunteer continually provides support for students and is a strong advocate for school programs.

She tirelessly handles her duties and has been called upon on “time and time again” to provide assistance with mother’s workshop, Santa’s Workshop, Friday Snacks, Room Parent Schedules, and more.

“Thank you for all you do, Anna. I wish we could give you a car with a red ribbon!” Weissenberger said.

Enthusiastic, optimistic and empathetic are three words that describe Quail Summit 5th graders Tristan Skipper and Brian Vu, who were honored with Super Star Student Awards.

The student leaders are rarely seen without each other and often work together to help a teacher or a fellow classmate.

Tristan and Brian both interviewed for the positions of Student Council President and Vice President.

“They were determined to make a difference and even told their teacher before the interviews that if they did not get a position, they would still want to be involved in some aspect,” Weissenberger said.

The boys were elected and now lead monthly Spirit Assemblies and daily morning flag salute.  They collect recycling every Thursday with a smile and monitor the student council fundraisers and bulletin board.

“They work with other members of student council and they contribute to any other project we challenge them with great leadership and poise,” she added.

Tristan and Brian also show leadership in the classroom, completing extra class jobs because they are reliable. They are always kind and including of other students.

“They have grown so much over the years and are models of what Quail Summit is all about… A school with a Heart,” Weissenberger said.

“Brian and Tristan are truly kind and spread their kindness to all they meet. They are role models for all our students!”

 

Jurupa Valley Sheriff Conducts Death Investigation

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On February 28, 2018 at approximately 11:54 am, Eastvale deputies responded to Harada Heritage Park, located at 13099 65th Street, for a medical aid call. The first responders, Cal-Fire personnel arrived on the scene and reported that they found a 74-year-old Eastvale resident deceased in his vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the parking lot when they arrived.

Eastvale detectives responded to the scene and based on their preliminary findings a death investigation was promptly initiated. The investigation is still on-going and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective Peters from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600. Reference File # EV180590042 when you call in.

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.

 

 

 

Chino Hills Investigators Recover Thousands Of Stolen Items

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Mark Williams Ellis, 36, of Chino was arrested on suspicion of grand theft after he was found with six storage units full of items stolen dating back to 2006. (Courtesy San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department)

A vehicle code violation stop in Chino earlier this month led investigators to more than $200,000 in stolen items dating back to thefts committed in 2006, San Bernardino County sheriff’s officials said Thursday at a news conference at the McCoy Equestrian & Recreation Center in Chino Hills.

Mark William Ellis, 36, of Chino was arrested on suspicion of grand theft and vehicle theft, according to booking logs. Ellis was on probation at the time of his arrest on Feb. 4 and is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, records indicate.

Ellis is believed to have stolen the property over the last 12 years at least, said Sgt. Randy Naquin during the conference from inside one of the department’s storage units at the center, which still contained hundreds of items that are awaiting to be returned to their rightful owners. Naquin, however, said he believes the thefts may have started earlier.

In those 12 years, it doesn’t appear Ellis ever sold much, if any, of the property instead hoarding it inside six different storage units in Montclair, according to authorities.

Detectives with the Chino Hills sheriff’s station determined Ellis had taken items from vehicles, home, businesses and schools in Chino Hills, Chino, Anaheim, Newport Beach, Tracy, Walnut, Los Angeles, Fontana, Ontario and Las Vegas, Nevada, officials said. Among the items taken were several firearms, electronics, cellphones, tools and gym equipment.

 

12 Year Old Arrested For Violent Video

By Ariana Scott

Chino Hills – On February 22, 2018, a threat to the school was made by a juvenile young male, whose actions at the school were very violent, which was enough cause for a concerned citizen to talk to Chino Hills Police. The citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, had discovered a video made by a juvenile that showed his delinquent acts at school. Deputies viewed the video in which the juvenile was reciting a rap song. The rap song had students on edge. It included lyrics speaking about fighting with other students, and concluded with lyrics about shooting a specific school staff member of the Chino Valley Unified School District. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation and identified the juvenile. School officials have been made aware of the video and the seriousness of it. Deputies contacted the juvenile and his family at their home. There was a locked safe containing firearms at the location and do not know if he could have possibly had access to that safe.
The boy was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall. At this time, the Chino Hills Police Department has determined there are no additional threats and as of right now, everyone is safe.
Contact: Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday
Case #: 221800652
Anyone with information regarding threats to our schools is urged to contact Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station at (909)364-2000. If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

For full details, https://local.nixle.com.

Wasted E-Waste? Don’t Hoard It

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar residents with unwanted electronics or hazardous waste are reminded that the Los Angeles County’s popular mobile Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Collection is coming to Diamond Bar on Saturday, March 10.

Starting at 9 a.m. and going on until 3p.m, residents are invited to drive to the 1300 block of Bridge Gate Drive in Diamond Bar and drop of any household items banned from disposal in the garbage. Bring all of your computers, television sets, microwave ovens, batteries, expired medicine and pesticides. Recycling these items are very beneficial for the environment. Responsible E-Waste Management is our responsibility even if it is “just an old device”. Any device you donate with private information will be scrubbed and will possibly be reused as is or refurbished.

If you have an old device taking up space that you keep telling yourself you fix it one day stop fooling yourself. Sometimes throwing it away feels as if you wasted your money. This gives you the opportunity to give others opportunities they might not otherwise have had.  You know what they say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

This is a drive-through event, which means that staff at the collection site will remove the items intended for disposal without the driver having to exit the vehicle.

For more information or a complete list of what you can and cannot bring, call 800.238.0173. For details about the even, contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909.839.7015. Or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Former Area Student Is Arrested; Said He Would Shoot Up the School

Date/Time Occurred: Monday, February 26, 2018 / 12:38 a.m. Crime or Incident: PC 422- Criminal Threats
Location: Ayala High School, City of Chino Hills
Suspect(s): Nicholas Ceballos, 19-year-old resident of Chino

Chino Hills – On Monday, February 26, 2018, at approximately 2:59 p.m., Chino Hills deputies were dispatched to Ruben S. Ayala High School regarding a former student who made threats to “shoot up the school.” Fortunately, Ayala High School was closed when authorities received notice of the alleged plot, affording investigators the opportunity to work swiftly to resolve the matter before it posed an active threat to students or staff. After further investigation, Nicholas Ceballos was identified as the former student who made the threats.
Chino Hills Detective Wendy Beaton and Deputy Eileen Smith, obtained a search and arrest warrant for the suspect and his residence. On Tuesday, February 27, 2018, at approximatel y 12:38 a.m., Ceballos was located, taken into custody, and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for PC 422-Criminal Threats. Investigators have concluded that there are no additional threats related to this investigation.
Any additional information references this incident, contact the Chino Hills Police Station’s Detective Bureau at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous may call We-Tip at 800 78-CRIME.

11 Cited for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors

By Anthony Saude

 

Pomona – The Minor Decoy/Shoulder Tap Operation is a method that has been known to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.

The Pomona Police Department is doing their part in making a concerted effort to reduce the amount of alcohol that is available to minors on the streets of Pomona. Officers participated in an operation on February 15 at various liquor/convenient store locations throughout the city of Pomona.

Here is how it works: Under the direct supervision of officers, one 19 year old minor and one 20 year old minor were sent to various liquor/convenient stores throughout the city of Pomona. They would wait outside the establishment for an adult patron to enter, inform them that they were less than 21 years of age, and then ask them if they would buy some alcohol for them.

Eleven adults were contacted and five of them offered to buy the alcohol for the minors working undercover. The adult suspects were immediately detained by the officers on the scene, after they supplied the minors with the alcohol. The officers then made sure that none of the suspects had any outstanding warrants. After it was determined that they didn’t have any warrants the officers issued each a citation to each suspect for penal code violation 25685(a)BP – Sell/furnish Alcohol to a Minor violation.

This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Minor Decoy/ Shoulder Tap Grant Project, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ■

 

Gung Hay Fat Choy!

Walnut Elementary DLI Students Ring in Lunar New Year

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Over 300 students performed skits, poems, and songs, entirely in Mandarin, during the 6th annual Lunar New Year celebration at Walnut Elementary.

Kindergartens through 5th grade children are part of the school’s Dual Language Immersion (DLI) program that offers unique and innovative instruction in both English and Mandarin.

Each grade level took a turn on stage during the energetic program presented for schoolmates on Thursday and for their families on Friday.

“The students put on a spectacular show!” shared teacher Krystin Wong.

Kinder girls sang and danced to “Jasmine Flowers” and boys performed the “Happy New Year” song.

First graders presented “New Year Cake” an interpretive dance to wish higher achievements to the audience.

In Mandarin, “cake” means promotion or achieving heights. As the first day of New Year is also the first day of spring, the song “Walking on Sunshine” was in order, Wong said.

Second graders said they would “have a great attitude” and “never give up” in the new year through the bilingual song “Try Everything.”

Third graders presented a 15-day New Year chant incorporating the importance of family reunion, couplets, and the Lantern Festival.

Fourth graders continued to communicate traditions by explaining the importance of the color red, the family feast, and the lion dance.  They also performed a rap song, “Report to the New Year!”

Last, but not least, fifth graders performed a skit to the legend of Chinese Valentine’s Day.  The story explained how Valentine’s Day was originated in China.

A finale lion dance was performed by three Walnut Elementary students along with volunteer members of San Gabriel Valley Chinese Cultural Association.

Beginning in Kindergarten, the DLI goal is to give students the opportunity to become bi-literate and bi-cultural.  The program is also available for sixth and seventh graders at South Pointe Middle School.

 

Attempted Robbery Thwarted By Employee

By Anthony Saude

Chino – A clerk at a Chino gas station escaped injury early Tuesday morning after being shot at during an attempted robbery and struggle with the armed man.

“Chino police officers responded to a call in reference to the Arco gas station at 12100 Ramona Ave. There was a report of “shots being fired,” said police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez.

Ms. Gutierrez said, “a man wearing dark clothing, a ski mask and armed with a handgun, approached the front doors to the store at approximately 1:29 a.m. it was there that he encountered a courageous male employee.

“A struggle ensued as the suspect tried to open the unlocked doors from the outside while the employee attempted to hold them shut,” Mrs. Gutierrez said. Although a brave thing to do probably not what the police would have recommended.

“The armed man fired multiple shots through the glass doors at the employee, causing the glass to shatter. The employee was not shot, but did suffered injuries from the shattered glass. He was treated at the scene by Chino Valley Fire District paramedics.

Mrs. Gutierrez said the suspect immediately fled the scene on foot and was nowhere to be found when the officers arrived.” Ms. Gutierrez stated, “The male employee did not get shot in the encounter but did suffer minor injuries from the shattered glass.” His wounds were treated and released at the scene by Chino Valley Fire District paramedics.

Ms. Gutierrez added, “The investigation is ongoing and the suspect is still at large at this time.”

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective Monroe at (909)334-3104 or send an email to:jmonroe@chinopd.org.