Category Archives: News By City

Terrorist Threats Investigation and Arrest

Staff Reports

Inland Empire – On Monday, February 19, about 9:39 a.m., the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Norco Office, received information about a series of threats made on social media. An investigation was immediately initiated regarding a suspect posting comments on his Facebook page he intended on shooting people at a local college campus. The threats were deemed credible and the Norco Special Enforcement Team deputies along with detectives assigned to the Jurupa Valley Station Investigations Bureau initiated a detailed and expansive investigation.

The investigation revealed the suspect was making the threats from a residence located in the City of Norco. Deputies continued with their investigation and solicited the assistance of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department’s Special Investigation Bureau, the Joint Terrorism Task Force, which consist of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), San Bernardino Police Department, Naval Criminal Investigative Services (NCIS), and Riverside College District Police.

Based on information collected during the investigation, a search warrant was served at a residence located in the 5000 block of Trail Street in the City of Norco. During the service of the search warrant, the suspect, identified as Jacob Ryan McBain, age 27, a Norco resident, was taken into custody without incident. Deputies recovered a loaded AR-15, two loaded handguns, and a large amount of ammunition from McBain’s bedroom.

McBain was arrested for the charges of making terrorist threats and a felon in possession of a firearm. He was transported to the Robert Presley Detention Center in the City of Riverside where he was booked on the listed charges.

Local school district and college officials were notified of the investigation, even though there was no school in session during the national holiday.

Anyone with any information pertaining to this investigation is encouraged to call Deputy Robertson of the Norco Sheriff’s Office at (951) 270-5673.

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

Government Takeover

Staff Reports

Chino Valley – Stepping into the shoes of adults on Thursday gave some high school seniors a new perspective on their communities.

The 38th Annual Student Government Day included participation of Chino Valley fire and police, city governments of Chino and Chino Hills, and the Chino Valley school district.

High school seniors from all four regular district high schools plus Buena Vista Continuation High and Boys Republic were given a chance to shadow principals, police and fire personnel, tour government facilities and participate in mock school board and city council meetings.

Ayala student Deven Reyes, as a school board member, took the pro-position in a discussion about allowing unlimited cell phone use by students.

Despite a strongly crafted opposition argument by Anthony Duarte of Chino High, also a board member, the “board” voted 4 to 1 for cell phones.

Deven, who is involved in student government at his school, said after the meeting that he was surprised to learn how much public dialog is involved in school board decisions.

“I didn’t think they had this much discussion,” he said. “I thought they made decisions in some small room back here, not out in front of the public like this.”

His positive reaction was not one sided.

Superintendent Wayne Joseph said this mock school board was the most impressive group that he had seen in his nine years as superintendent.

“You were so articulate, so elegant with your back and forth repartee,” he said.

Board member Pam Feix told students she was impressed by their confidence.

“Your willingness to step out and speak out will take you far,” she said.

 

Chino Hills Crime Meeting

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – New California state legislature has changed and now crimes such as first degree burglary and battery with serious bodily injury will no longer be prosecuted as violent felonies. Police officials are saying that crime is exploding all over the state because criminals now know that they won’t be put in jail for those types of crimes. How does a criminal respond to these kinds of changes, they commit more violent crimes of course.

There will be a town hall type meeting held in the Chino Hills Community Center located at 14250 Peyton Drive on March 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is encouraged for all citizens to come out to discuss how we can take back the community from the criminals. The new legislature tells you what the law can’t do but the Chino Hills Police Department will be in giving advice on what we can do with some crime prevention techniques and education. They will be talking about burglaries and package theft in Chino Hills and some preventative measures home owners can take to prepare themselves in a responsible manner. They will also discuss how to go about reporting a crime with WeTip.

Another topic of Conversation that the police will discuss at the meeting is the cannabis industry and the new laws. Specifically they will be talking about the cultivation of Marijuana as it relates to the legalization of it recreationally.

 

 

 

Planning Ahead

By Mark Hopper

My wife and I will be celebrating our 47th anniversary soon.  That is a lot of anniversaries to celebrate and it is a lot of Valentine’s Days to remember, too.

You would think that we would have learned to plan ahead by now.  But that is not the case.  Sometimes things just come together at the last minute.  Valentine’s Day was a good example.

My wife and a girl friend began to make a plan for Valentine’s several weeks ahead.  But, as our wives looked on line at various restaurant possibilities they were surprised that most were already booked and did not have any openings available for Valentine’s Day dinner.  Bummer.

What should we do?  Where could we go to celebrate Valentine’s with our wives?  Finally, our wives found a nice restaurant with dinning available on Friday, two days after Valentine’s Day.  The husbands were willing to be flexible so we set our sights on February 16th for a late Valentine’s dinner.

However, I realized that my wife and I still needed something to do and some place to go on Valentine’s Day.  We talked about just grilling some steaks at home, but the weather was questionable.  Then I got the idea that maybe we should find a nice place for a late lunch and stay home for the evening.

When I called one of our favorite fancy restaurants to see if they had any openings for lunch on Valentine’s Day, the hostess said that she had just received a cancelation for a party of two for that night!  Would we be interested in that?  “Sure – that would be great!”  Suddenly we had a reservation for a very nice restaurant for Valentine’s Day!  How did that happen?

My wife was pleasantly surprised that we were not staying home or simply going out to lunch, but we were actually going to one of our favorite restaurants on Valentine’s Day!  Suddenly I looked like a genius instead of a goat!  The evening turned out great and we had a special Valentine’s dinner with a few dozen other lucky couples!

While we were at the restaurant, we saw some friends from our church.  We spoke to them briefly and asked them how long ago they had made their reservations for Valentine’s dinner.  Their answer was January 2nd!  Now that is good planning!  When they asked when we made our reservations, I reluctantly told them it was about eight hours ago.

There must be a lesson here.  Planning ahead isn’t always what it is cracked up to be.  Sometimes it just takes one more phone call to find the open door to a very nice restaurant on Valentine’s Day.  Hope your Valentine’s dinner was as nice as the one we enjoyed!

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

 

WVUSD Welcomes New Faces

By Kelli Gile

Board approves Emmalyn Coles as director of nutrition services and Ryan Gaviola as director of technology

Walnut—The Walnut Valley Unified School District is proud to announce two new members to the administrative team.

The Board of Trustees approved Emmalyn Coles as the new director of nutrition services.

Coles brings over a decade of experience in the food industry, human resources management, staff development, training, and team building.

“Coming to Walnut Valley has been a game changer,” she said.

“It’s improved my quality of life being closer to my children and participating in their activities. The challenges of coming to a new organization have provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. The support from colleagues, staff, and administration has been astounding. I’m honored and humbled to be part of the Walnut Valley family.”

Most recently, Coles served as director of food services in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District for the past six years.

Prior to that, she was food services assistant director of food services and operations supervisor in HLPUSD.

Additionally, she was a general manager for Eurest Dining Services, food services director at Huntington Culinary, area supervisor for David & Margaret Home, McKinley Children’s Center, and Leroy Haynes’ Center.

Coles holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles and master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix. She graduated with honors from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.

Her family resides in Walnut and children, Aya and Isa Al-Juraishi, attend Walnut High School.

Ryan Gaviola was appointed as director of technology during the January 17 Board Meeting.

Gaviola brings 18 years of IT experience to his new post, 13 of those years in a K-12 environment.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve this community and feel blessed as a member of the Walnut Valley team,” he said.

Gaviola was director of technology at San Gabriel Unified School District and Lowell Joint School District for the past decade where he was instrumental in the development of new technological initiatives.

Prior to that, he served in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems from DeVry University.

Gaviola resides in Walnut with his wife Chelo, a WVUSD graduate, and daughter Camille, who attends Vejar Elementary.

 

Box Truck Hydrogen Tank Fire

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – It was Sunday afternoon on February 11 at about 1:23 pm when San Dimas Sheriff’s Station received a report that a vehicle was on fire at a gas station near the intersection at Golden Springs Drive and Brea Canyon Road.

Upon their arrival at the scene, the responding deputies immediately noticed the hazardous material placard on the burning Box Truck however they could not locate the driver. The deputies eventually located the driver of the engulfed truck, who told them that he had gotten scared and ran from the burning truck because he was aware that the material he was transporting was highly flammable. Once the Deputies confirmed that the driver was not at fault for the fire and that no crime had been committed, the investigation was handed over to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The truck was transporting tanks filled with hydrogen gas when it caught fire. The remaining tanks that had not been affected by the fire, had to be manually released by Air Products (Proprietor) with the Los Angeles County Fire Department standing by for safety purposes. Although the process took quite some time to complete, it was the safest, non-toxic way to handle the situation.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department assisted Los Angeles County Fire Department with evacuations of the nearby businesses and residences. LASD enlisted the help of a total of nine other LA County Fire Stations (Altadena, Crescenta Valley, Diamond Bar, San Dimas, East Los Angeles, Norwalk, Temple, Pico Rivera and Walnut). The Emergency Operations Bureau were also brought out to help with road closures and some precautionary evacuations. The “Precautionary Evacuations” had NOT been lifted as of 8:45 PM on Sunday.

Evacuation Areas:
-Area West of Valley Vista Drive/East of Lemon Avenue
-Areas South of the 60 Freeway/North of the 57 Freeway
When evacuations become necessary there are some items residents can get ready.

Prepare yourself with a “go bag” that contains:

Your identification

Your Medications

Any important documents you might have or need (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)

Any emergency supplies you need

a change of clothes and toiletries

You never know how long you will be away from home if evacuated.
Check with you local Sherriff or Fire Department for evacuation shelters in your area. This evacuation event had the following shelters available for use.
Emergency Shelter:
*Diamond Bar High school (Overnight Accommodations)
21400 Pathfinder Road Diamond Bar CA 91765
*Calvary Chapel Golden Springs Church
22324 Golden Springs Drive Diamond Bar CA 91765
Deputies will remained in the area to provide security and escorts if necessary.
– Assist with notifications and evacuations if they become necessary;
– Protect residences, businesses and property;
– Provide posts at road closures;
– And assist the community as needed.

All the residents that were affected by the Box Truck Hydrogen Tank Fin in Diamond Bar were able to return to their homes by 3:45 a.m. by 3:30 am on Monday, February 12.

In order to provide for the safety of homeowners and first responders, residents are always encouraged to comply with the evacuation orders.

The LASD wants all the residents and business partners that were affected by the evacuations for their patience. The cooperation enabled the LASD to work efficiently with partnering agencies to provide the community with a safe environment throughout the event. They also thanked all the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel for assisting with the evacuations and road closures.

26-Year-Old Man’s Body Identified

By Anthony Saude

Corona – The young man’s body that was unceremoniously discarded in the middle of a Corona street last week has been identified by family members. Michael Williams, who had recently turned 26, was an aspiring chef according to his grief-stricken relatives.

The family gathered for a vigil at the scene to mourn and remember their slain precious Michael. A little later on that Monday the Corona police confirmed that Williams was the person they had found.

Five days earlier the Corona Police Department responded to a report that there was a pedestrian lying in the middle of the street. When they arrived at the 1300 block of Old Temescal Road shortly before 2 a.m. they discovered Williams’s lifeless body. A homicide investigation into the crime was opened immediately.

His mother Elyse Vaughn told reporters, “it’s a call that you never want to get.” She told them that she wished it was like a bad dream that she could wake up from but it’s not.

Family members told reporters that they believe he may have been dumped in the remote industrial area where he was found. They had no idea why he would be in the area.

“Michael was fun-loving, he was a very sweet young man,” Vaughn told reporters. “There’s so much to say about him. It’s hard to put it in words. He was the light of our lives … he was the energy that walked into every room.”

The family is very confused about who would want to hurt their sweet Michael. They can’t think of anbody that would want to hurt him. The family says he was a very kind, gentle fun loving person that had a lot of friends.

There is a Gofundme page set up to help the family pay for funeral costs that describes Williams as “a kind, funny, gentle and truly compassionate soul,” who “loved basketball, music, fashion and food.”

It is always a tragedy when people are struck down senselessly at such a young age. They will never get to watch their child get married or see their grandchildren be born or grow up. This type of crime robs so many people of so much happiness that should have been part of their lives in the future.

Corona Police Department said that the investigation is still ongoing. They are searching for surveillance video from nearby businesses that could help solve the crime.

A cause of death has not been released at this time but it is being investigated as a homicide according to the police. If anyone has any information in relative to the crime they are encouraged to call the Corona police at 951-279-3628

 

A New Legacy

By Rob Norris

This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.
Joshua 1:8

As a people, we are healthier but not happier. We are drenched in knowledge but parched for wisdom. Materially we are wealthy, but we suffer a profound poverty of the soul. The longer I live, the more I see that our nation needs a spiritual reformation in its inner spirit.

Nowhere is this more apparent than in the state of the family. The biblical values that built our great nation–once passed on from each generation to the next as a national treasure–are being questioned and dismissed. As a result, never before have we seen such deterioration in our homes:

Never before have so many children grown up in broken homes.

Never before has the definition of marriage been altered to allow for two people of the same sex.

Never before has the marriage covenant been viewed with such contempt by a generation of young people.

Never before have parents been ridiculed for seeking to raise children with biblical values.

Never before have so many Christians laughed, shrugged their shoulders or did nothing about adultery, divorce and sin.

Never before has materialism been so flagrantly embraced over relationships.

Never before has the family been in such need of a new legacy.

The pivotal national issue today is not crime; neither is it welfare, health care, education, politics, the economy, the media or the environment. The pivotal issue today is the spiritual and moral condition of individual men and women, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and families.

Live It:
Nations are never changed until people are changed. The true hope for genuine change in the heart lies only in the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Through Him, lives can be rebuilt. Through Him, families can be reformed.

Pray: That change in our country will begin with change in our lives and homes.

Meeting @ 10:00 at River Heights Intermediate School 7227 Scholar Way, Eastvale CA.

Trusting and believing with you,

Pastor Rob

 

Lemon Ave Onramp Finally Comes To Fruition

Photo Credit: Mike Armijo

By Michael Armijo

Diamond Bar, CA – The long awaited Lemon Avenue onramps and off ramps are finally being constructed, with most of the foundation and grading done.

The cities of Diamond Bar and Industry, in cooperation with the Alameda Corridor East (ACE) Construction Authority and the California Department of Transportation District 7 (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), started constructing the new interchange on State Route 60 (SR-60) at Lemon Avenue. The project will improve traffic operations by providing direct access to SR-60 from the surrounding areas.

The project will construct a partial (three-legged) interchange, a WB on-ramp, and EB on-and off-ramps from Lemon Avenue. It will also permanently remove the existing EB off – and on-ramps at Brea Canyon Road. An auxiliary lane from the proposed EB on-ramp to the connector to SB SR-57 will also be constructed.

The ramps will help congestion on the local level that has been plaguing Walnut, Diamond Bar, and surrounding cities. There are many industrial sites that have lots of employees who use the existing ramps on Fairway, Golden Springs and Grand Avenue. These new ramps should help those congested areas significantly as follows:

The construction will cause some delays, as Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. – Monday, February 26, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. 2 lanes of eastbound SR-60 will CLOSED between Fairway Drive and Brea Canyon Road Eastbound on-ramp from northbound Fairway Drive CLOSED.
Friday, March 2, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. – Monday, March 5, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. 2 lanes of eastbound SR-60 will be CLOSED between Fairway Drive and Brea Canyon Road Eastbound Brea Canyon Road will also be CLOSED.
Friday, March 9, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. – Monday, March 12, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. (tentative)
2 lanes of eastbound SR-60 will be CLOSED between Fairway Drive and Brea Canyon Road Eastbound Brea Canyon Road off-ramp will be CLOSED.

Consturction began last January 23, 2017 when the street was closed for street widening and center median removal. A few months earlier crews began brush clearance in preparation of the freeway ramps. Portions of the freeway sound wall within the work area was temporarily removed during construction. Access to local businesses and residences were maintained.

The existing sound wall along EB SR-60 west of Lemon Avenue will be removed and a new sound wall will be installed along the edge of pavement of the EB off – and on-ramps.

A new traffic signal will be constructed along Lemon Avenue at the new EB ramps. Traffic signal modifications will also be made at the Golden Springs Drive/Lemon Avenue intersection and at the Golden Springs Drive/Existing EB ramp intersection near the Market World shopping center.

The construction of the new ramps at Lemon Avenue will also eliminate the Truck Route designation along Golden Springs Drive between Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue. (Anthony Saude helped with story)

District Dedicates More Tech to Teaching

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills-Technology in the classroom may be teach, inspire, and engage students, but it can’t possibly replace teachers.

That was the point made at the Chino Valley school district’s second annual ChET Day (Chino Education Technology) seminar held on January 27 sponsored for and by district teachers.

Keynote speaker Mary Jo Madda spoke about how education can support the job skills needed for a successful future.

Ms. Madda works for Google in the same education department that provides free computer science education programs for Black, Hispanic and Latino students. Most jobs still require at least an understanding of the hard skills, like math for coding, accounting, finance and of course writing.

It is just as important for career growth that the soft skills are also nurtured, skills like problem solving, communication, collaboration, negotiation, persistence, organization and initiative. Ms. Madda also touched on a new concept in education, developing social capital like social relationships that have economic benefits is also important. Social capital for students could include their teachers, mentors and coaches. The one thing that artificial intelligence can’t do well is connect with the students on a human level.

All three of these skill areas will become increasingly important as robotics replaces old jobs and new jobs emerge that haven’t even been created yet.  STEM is great but we must keep English, music art and foreign language as part of our curriculum.

About 192 teachers and administrators attended the 4 hour CHet Day without pay. Technology trainer in the district, Kim James, says that most teachers want or need technology training but they just don’t have the time to get it. Three breakout sessions for about 60 teachers on computer basics and Excel101 were led by Amanda Arrey, a first grade teacher at Howard Cattle Elementary during the seminar.

With standards to Common Core always changing we have a lot of standards that we have to keep track of with our kids.

During the sessions the teachers were shown how to create folders, how to search and how to feel comfortable finding their way around a computer and excel spreadsheets.

Ms. James at 32 years old regularly trains teachers at her school on technology. She serves on the district’s Techsploration Committee with approximately 30 other administrators and teachers. The group attends conferences and meets monthly to discuss ways to incorporate technology into the classroom. The district employs four technology training specialists full time for the sole purpose of training teachers and to be available to answer any questions that may come up. Another responsibility they have is to hold teaching assemblies for students about internet safety and digital citizenship.

There was several vendors present introducing new technology, most impressive was ViewSonic who had a view board on display that will be placed in two classrooms as part of a pilot program this year. It has a 75 inch mobile screen with an interactive design that is activated by touch like an iPad. It is also equipped with Google voice command recognition as well. Just like its predecessor the “white board”, it can be written on and erased digitally. Bugs, trees, oceans and cells in are in 3D and seem to be alive.  Some of the major sponsors of the seminar like Microsoft donated raffle prizes and Schools Firs Credit Union made sure everybody had breakfast and snacks.

 

 

 

Spreading Kindness and Joy

By Kelli Gile

Quail Summit students deliver valentines to Diamond Bar seniors

DIAMOND BAR —Quail Summit Elementary leadership students made a special delivery to the Diamond Bar Senior Citizens Club on Monday.

The 25 Character Crew members arrived by school bus carrying envelopes packed with hundreds of handwritten valentines.

“Every student at our school made these cards of kindness,” shared 3rd grader Evelyn Wu.

‘We just want to make them happy!”

“I hope these Valentine’s Day cards make them smile,” commented 5th grader Joseph Hills moments before students began passing out their love letters.

“This has become a tradition, we’ve been waiting for you!” said volunteer Laura Estrada welcoming the children to the meeting held at the Diamond Bar Center.

The handmade cards featured messages like “We Love You” and “You Are Special,” and “You Are So Important to Us”

The seniors were thrilled to receive the bounty of Valentine’s Day gifts.

“They make me feel loved!” beamed Laura O’Neil who had several glittered and 3-D cards displayed at her table.

The students took turns at the microphone sharing Character Crew activities geared to make a positive difference each day in the school and community.

During the holidays, the students hosted a canned food and sock drive for area needy.

Members are currently collecting cardboard boxes and paper towel rolls for monkeys at the Santa Ana Zoo.

“It will keep their brains active,” reported Giulia Ladwig.

Next month, students will paint messages of hope on 600 rocks and leave them around the Diamond Bar community to inspire others.

“The kids are adorable!” one senior commented while admiring the work of the young service-minded group.

“We hope these valentines bring joy and let you know how very special you are to us,” said 4th grader Aiden Sou.

“We love you!” smiled first grader Elisabeth Ng as the audience broke out in applause.

“We don’t often take the time to put words down on paper,” said teacher Kathy McLean.

“This opportunity gives our students a chance see how much impact their kind words have.”

The seniors club provides generous support to the school each year, funding several special activities including an upcoming author visit.

“We appreciate you more than words can say!” said elementary learning specialist Leann Legind.

 

Chino City Manager’s Contract Extended

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Matt Ballantyne is so well thought of by Chino mayor Eunice Ulloa and the rest of the city council that they unanimously voted to extend his contract four more years until 2023. The decision was voted on during the city council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, February 6. The feeling of the mayor and the council is they would rather be safe than sorry.

Ballantyne has done such an excellent job since he beat out 72 applicants in 1972 to replace the retired Pat Glover, the former city manager. Mr. Ballantyne was previously the city manager for San Marino, a community in the San Gabriel Valley. He has two master’s degrees, in public administration and urban and regional planning, along with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in geography and environmental studies.

The City of Chino has rewarded him with 4 contract extensions over the years each one well before the expiration of his current contract. It has been widely reported that the mayor is so enamored with his performance she said that “he is just to doggone good to lose” and “he is such an excellent city manager we don’t want to give any of the surrounding cities a chance to snatch him up.“  His original contract was extended two years in 2014 to the end of 2017. On October 4 2017, it was extended an additional year until July 31, 2018. The city then extended that contract on October 4 2016, until the end of July 2019.

There were some additional changes made to his contract at that time that included increasing the severance agreement to 12 months or the unexpired term of the contract, which ever was less if Mr. Ballantyne was terminated without cause. Tuesday night’s extension has guaranteed his services in Chino until July 31, 2023. The city manager’s salary was set at $21,653 monthly as of the end of 2016, with a total annual compensation package, that includes benefits is $391,491.

 

 

 

City of Diamond Bar Bridal Show

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Are you planning on getting married someday or again? This event can help you with ideas and planning even if your plans aren’t in the near future. Everybody thinks and dreams about their dream wedding their whole lives. The City of Diamond Bar Bridal show is the place to bring those dreams to life you will be able to see the beauty and substance to those dreams right before you very eyes. Don’t worry ladies you are invited too.

The City of Diamond Bar wants to help make your wedding experience as stress free and happy as is humanly possible. The city will sponsor a bridal show event where you can spend an entire day planning your dream wedding in an intimate and casual atmosphere with top notch event professionals.

All brides at the boutique-style event will receive a reusable tote to collect samples, information, prizes and more. In addition door prizes will be given away all day long. You will be inspired by the vendors who will be there offering all your latest event planning desires. In attendance will be event designers, photographers, floral designers, event lighting, invitation designers, photo booths, bridal attire and music and entertainment specialists all to make your event experience as special as your wedding day itself.

The event will be held on Sunday February 25th from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the extraordinary Diamond Bar Center in picturesque Summitridge Park, which is owned and operated by the City of Diamond Bar.

The center is a huge 22,500 square foot facility with breathtaking views of the San Gabriel Valley. Bring your camera, get all dressed up get some pictures of you and your sweetheart and make a day of it. Admission for the bride and groom is free guests will be charged a $10 admission at the door.

For more information about the show you can visit the City of Diamond Bar website at https://www.diamondbarca.gov/719/Bridal-Show-Information. For information and pictures about the venue you can visit https://www.diamondbarca.gov/331/About-the-Facility.

 

 

 

 

Impossible

By Mark Hopper

In C.S. Lewis’s famous book, “The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe”, there is a remarkable scene where the evil White Witch killed the powerful Lion named Aslan.  Aslan had willingly surrendered himself to the Witch.  She and her minions had bound, ridiculed and humiliated the Lion and she had personally killed him by plunging a dagger into his heart.

The wicked Witch had killed the mighty Aslan.  She had won, he had lost – or so it seemed.  Aslan’s friends had witnessed his execution from afar.  They had embraced his cold, dead body.  They wept as they walked away knowing their friend and leader was dead.

However, moments later the stone table where Aslan had been killed was shattered and Aslan’s body vanishes.  Those who witnessed his death are confused.  What happened?  What does this mean?  Where did Aslan go?

To their amazement, Aslan reappears alive.  He is no longer dead – he is alive again.  His followers are stunned.  But, there he is alive again.  They not only saw him with their eyes, but they could also touch him with their hands and talk with him and hear him speak.  He was really was alive again!

As C. S. Lewis continues his story, the forces of good and evil find themselves in a fierce battle.  The White Witch leads her army in battle against the followers of Aslan.  The Witch’s forces are winning and things look bleak for Aslan’s army.  But, suddenly Aslan arrives at the scene of the battle bringing reinforcements.

When the White Witch sees the powerful Lion, Aslan, she says in disbelief – “Impossible”! This can’t be the great Lion Aslan.  She had personally thrust the dagger into his heart.  She saw him die.  She knew he was dead.  How can he be alive again?  It is “Impossible”!

Many people may not realize that the reason Christians celebrate Easter is to celebrate the resurrection of Jesus.  All of the biblical writers provide detailed accounts of the crucifixion and resurrection of Jesus.   These events are the foundation of the Christian faith.  You can read them for yourself in New Testmanet books like Matthew 28, Mark 16, Luke 24, and John 20-21.

For some people, the idea that a dead man could come back to life seems unlikely if not impossible.  Why would intelligent, educated people believe a story like that?  How can someone believe in something that seems impossible?  There are no photographs.  There is no DNA evidence to examine.  Why do millions of Christians around the world believe in the literal, physical resurrection of Jesus Christ?

I would like to share with you in my next article why I believe that Jesus really did rise from the dead.  There are a number of reasons that His resurrection is not only possible but probable.  I hope you will dust off your Bible and take time to read one or more of the chapters listed above.  Examine the details carefully.

I look forward to sharing more of my thoughts with you in my next article.  Easter is coming in only a few weeks.  I hope you will make plans now to attend a church near you on Easter Sunday.

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

 

The Faith of the Philadelphia Eagles

By Jeremy Mercer

Super Bowl LII was won in dramatic fashion by the underdog Philadelphia Eagles, 41-33, over the defending Super Bowl Champion, New England Patriots. What you may not know is how central faith in Jesus Christ is to the heart of the Eagles. Carson Wentz the starting QB, is a strong follower of Christ. Nick Foles, who had to take the place of the injured Wentz, is also a Christian. The faith of the Philadelphia Eagles is now going viral.

Head Coach, Doug Pederson, Zack Ertz (TE), Torrey Smith (WR), Stefen Wisniewski (OG), Jordan Hicks (LB), and several other players were seen in videos giving their testimonies, being baptized in the team’s rehabilitation pool and holding weekly team Bible studies. Their faith is central in their lives and has bonded this team together in a unique and powerful way.

On my weekly internet radio show, “God, I Love Sports” on Hope Radio 24/7, I made myself clear on how following Christ shaped this year’s Super Bowl Champs. NO, I’m not saying that Jesus wanted the Eagles to win or that God hates the Patriots like everybody not from New England. God doesn’t control our every step, every word and every thought. As Joshua 24:15 says, “Choose today whom you will serve.” When someone chooses to serve Jesus and follow Him, then God can come alongside them, guide, strengthen, help, and bless them as they follow the instructions in God’s Word.

What the Eagle’s discovered goes beyond the “X’s & O’s” of the game. They have found a relationship with a real God and know as do I, how much difference God can make in our lives. If you will give your life to Christ, allow His Holy Spirit to help you understand the scriptures and begin to build your life around His Word and follow its teachings, you too, will discover the power of God in your life. You may not end up in a Super Bowl, but God loves you and is for you. He desires to bless you! Trust in Him, follow His Word, and you’ll become a champion in your own life.

Lead Pastor

Connection Church

Corona CA

State Approves Norconian Property For National Register

Staff Reports

Norco – The California State Historical Resources Commission unanimously voted to expand the current Lake Norconian Club Historic District to encompass the property’s World War II Naval hospital and Cold War guided missile laboratory-related buildings and grounds. Many Norco residents have supported Norco’s David and Goliath efforts and praised the Commission’s decision – a decision that completely reversed a previous denial by the State Office of Historic Preservation. The nomination cited four areas of historic significance: health/medicine, military history, social history, and architecture.

Norco’s nomination was produced by Norco’s Cultural Resources Consultant Bill Wilkman, who was hired by the City Council more than three years ago to prepare the documents to support the City’s nomination efforts. The nomination took three years to compile and was based on 10 years of comprehensive and painstaking research.  Nearly 20 letters were sent from leading local and national historians and historical organizations supporting the City of Norco’s nomination. Significantly, these included letters from the California Preservation Foundation, the Society for the History of Naval Medicine, and former California State Historic Preservation Officers Wayne Donaldson and Dr. Knox Mellon.

The State Commission praised the nomination and strongly declared the historic site was important to both local and national history and needed to be preserved. Council Member Kevin Bash stated, “It was very gratifying to hear the Commissioners give proper due and respect to the Navy physicians, nurses, Corpsmen and other medical staff who pioneered so many medical advances and saved lives.”

Chair of the City’s Historic Preservation Commission Matt Potter noted, “Some Norconians may not realize how significant it is to have the State Historic Preservation Commission approve our nomination to the National Register with a unanimous vote despite objecting statements and testimony from two large influential entities. The Herculean efforts made by Bill Wilkman and Council Member Kevin Bash to document and preserve the Lake Norconian property should be commended.”

This nomination places Norco in a similar situation to 1996 when Navy historians found the Norconian Resort did not qualify for National Register listing. Disagreeing with this finding, the City of Norco hired respected historian Dr. Knox Mellon, who supplied substantial documentation to support the historical significance of the resort-related buildings and grounds. The result was the listing of the Lake Norconian Club Historic District on the National Register of Historic Places in 2000. Because of this listing, the Navy subsequently received a sizable grant to repair the beautiful lakeside pavilion.

As in the year 2000, the Navy’s Federal Historic Preservation Officer must endorse the expanded historic district before it can be sent to the Keeper of the Register for final approval to be listed in the National Register of Historic Places. The Keeper of the Register is the final arbiter of nominations to the National Register. Continued public support will be needed to assure the nomination successfully negotiates these final steps. Individuals interested in voicing support of the nomination are encouraged to visit the City’s website and social media accounts where news regarding the nomination’s status will be posted.

FOR INFORMATION:

Andy Okoro, City Manager

(951) 270-5617

 

Eastvale Area Crime Recap: January 2018

 

INCIDENT: TORTURE/ CHILD ENDANGERMENT

WHEN: 1/14/2018

WHERE: 100 Block of Muir Woods Road, Perris, CA

 

Early Sunday morning on January 14, 2018, a 17-year old juvenile escaped from her residence situated in the 100 Block of Muir Woods Road, Perris and managed to call 911 from a cellular device she found inside the house.  The teenager claimed her 12 brothers and sisters were being held captive inside the residence by her parents and further claimed some of her siblings were bound with chains and padlocks.

When Police Officers from the Perris Police Department and Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department met with the juvenile, she appeared to be only 10 years old and slightly emaciated.  After a brief interview with the female, they contacted 57-year old David Allen Turpin and 49-year old Louise Anna Turpin at the residence where the teenager escaped.

Further investigation revealed several children shackled to their beds with chains and padlocks in dark and foul-smelling surroundings, but the parents were unable to immediately provide a logical reason why their children were restrained in that manner.  Deputies located what they believed to be 12 children inside the house, but were shocked to discover that 7 of them were actually adults, ranging in age from 18 to 29.  The victims appeared to be malnourished and very dirty.  Perris Station Detectives were dispatched to the residence for further investigation.

All 13 victims, ranging from the age of 2 to 29, were transported to the Perris Station and interviewed.  Both parents were detained and transported to the station for further investigation.  Child Protective Services (CPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS) arrived to assist in the investigation.  The victims were provided with food and beverages after they claimed to be starving.

The six children were eventually transported to the Riverside University Hospital System (RUHS) for medical examinations and admitted for treatment.  The seven adult children were transported to Corona Regional Medical Center for an examination and admitted for medical treatment.

Both parents were interviewed in this matter and subsequently transported to the Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC).  They were booked for violations of California Penal Code Section 206–Tortureand Section 273a(A)–Child Endangerment.  Bail was set at $9,000,000.00 each.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to contact Master Investigator Tom Salisbury at the Perris Station by calling (951) 210-1000, or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org

 

INCIDENT: DEPUTY INVOLVED SHOOTING

WHEN: 1/14/18

WHERE: 3900 block of Brotherton Street, Unincorporated Community of Home Gardens

 

At approximately 1:09 AM, deputies from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station responded to a report of a stabbing within the 3900 block of Brotherton Street.

After their arrival, the deputies eventually contacted two Hispanic male adults, both of whom suffered from stab wounds.  As the investigation unfolded, there was a deputy involved shooting with one of the two Hispanic male adults.  A handgun was located at the scene of the shooting.

The Deputies and emergency medical personnel rendered medical aid to both men at the scene, and both men were transported to an area hospital for additional treatment. The circumstances surrounding the stabbing, as well as the subsequent deputy involved shooting remain under investigation.  The names of the involved subjects will not be released at this time. The deputy involved has been placed on administrative leave per department policy. The involved deputy’s name will not be released at this time. No deputies or other citizens were injured during the incident.

Investigators from the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Central Homicide Unit and Jurupa Valley Station responded and assumed the investigation. Anyone with information regarding the incident is encouraged to contact Central Homicide Unit Investigator Dickey at (951) 955-2777.

 

INCIDENT: COMMERCIAL ROBBERY- ARREST

WHEN: 1/12/18

WHERE: 8000 block of Limonite Avenue, Jurupa Valley

DETAILS: On January 12, 2018, Jurupa Valley deputies responded to a robbery in progress call at a drugstore located at  the 8000 block of Limonite Avenue, Jurupa Valley.  Employees said the suspect stole cash and was armed with a crowbar.

Deputies saw a male matching the description of the suspect exiting the store. They pursued the suspect on foot to a nearby neighborhood, where he was apprehended with help from the Jurupa Valley K-9.

21-year-old Jurupa Valle resident, Jose Romero, was arrested and booked at Robert Presley Detention Center for robbery.

The investigation is on-going. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective Martinez from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600.

 

INCIDENT: ROBBERY

WHEN: 1/10/18

WHERE: 6200 Block of Arcadia Street, Eastvale, CA

DETAILS: An 81-year-old female victim was robbed of her purse containing a large sum of money.  The incident occurred in her garage after the victim exited her car to walk inside the house.  As a result of the robbery, the victim received a non-life-threatening injury in which she was treated at a local area hospital.

We’re asking anyone with information about this incident to contact Deputy Johnson at (951) 955-2600.

INCIDENT: GRAND THEFT

WHEN: 1/9/18

WHERE: Eastvale

DETAILS: On January 9, 2018, at 1:04 p.m., a grand theft occurred at a business in the 12000 block of Limonite Avenue in the City of Eastvale. The suspect, who was identified as a 16-year old juvenile from the city of Rowland Heights, entered the business and stole a cellular phone valued at one thousand dollars. The juvenile fled the location in a white van south on the I15 freeway. A Deputy from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department located the van traveling southbound on the I15 freeway and initiated a vehicle stop. The front passenger was identified as the juvenile that stole the cellular phone and was arrested. The stolen cellular phone was recovered and returned to the business. The juvenile was charged with grand theft and released to his parents.

INCIDENT: ATTEMPTED MURDER & ARSON

WHEN: 1/3/18

WHERE: 28000 block of Yosemite Place, Canyon Lake, CA

DETAILS: On January 3, 2018, a female resident of Canyon Lake was inside her house when she was startled by a loud thud, similar to an earthquake.  Seconds later, a wooden stake crashed through her living room window, followed by a burning road flare.  The flare ignited the interior of her house, burning the window blinds and carpet.  However, she quickly retrieved the device and threw it onto her driveway before any further damage occurred.

As the victim exited her house, she was confronted by her next-door neighbor; 45-year old David Brian Harry.  When the victim screamed at Harry to stop, he yelled several expletives and made vulgar comments about her.  At the same time, he ignited another road flare and set the victim’s wooden fence ablaze.  The victim was able to douse the flames with her garden hose before the house caught fire, but not before a portion of the fence was permanently damaged.

The victim called 911, so Harry fled in his pick-up truck, which appeared to have been lodged against the victim’s house.  Within minutes of the emergency call, police officers from the Canyon Lake Police Department engaged Harry, but he fled in his truck.  Officers and Riverside County Sheriff’s Deputies pursued Harry from Canyon Lake to Lake Elsinore, and then into the city of Corona, but he refused to yield to the emergency vehicles.

California Highway Patrol Officers assumed control of the pursuit and successfully disabled Harry’s truck tires on the 15-Freeway.  However, Harry continued to evade officers and led them on a slow speed pursuit on the 91-Freeway towards Orange County.

Harry’s vehicle eventually left the freeway near Featherly Park in Yorba Linda and came to rest near the intercounty bike trail.  Harry refused officers commands to surrender, but he was eventually placed under arrest after a brief struggle from resisting their attempts to detain him.

Canyon Lake PD Officers took custody of Harry and transported him to the Sheriff Department’s Perris Station for further investigation while CHP impounded his vehicle.  After Harry was interviewed, he was booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for Attempted Murder, Arson and Committing a Felony while out on Bail.  Bail for Harry was denied since he had committed virtually the same criminal act in April 2017, and had attempted to burn down the same residence at that time.

Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation or information about similar incidents involving Harry is encouraged to contact Investigator Flores at the Perris Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 210-1000, or by email at PerrisStation@RiversideSheriff.org

Here We Grow Again

Information provided by City of Eastvale

 

Notice of Intent To Adopt A Mitigated Negative Declaration For South Milliken Distribution Center Project

The City of Eastvale intends to adopt a Mitigated Negative Declaration (MND) for the “South Milliken Distribution Center” project (Planning Project No. PLN17-20013).  The proposed project site involves two parcels located on the northeast corner of South Milliken and State Route 60 off-ramp, in Eastvale, Riverside County, California (Assessor’s Parcel Numbers 156-030-001 and -002). Total area of the project site is approximately 15.8 acres.

The proposed project includes the following:

A General Plan Amendment from General Commercial Retail (CR) to Light Industrial (LI) for the entire project site consisting of two parcels totaling 15.8 acres; and

A Change of Zone from Scenic Highway Commercial (C-P-S) to Manufacturing Medium (M-M) for the northern parcel of approximately 12.5 acres; and

A Major Development Review for the development of an approximately 273,636-square foot warehouse building and associated site improvements.

An Initial Study (IS) was completed in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Based upon the information contained in the IS and pursuant to the requirements of CEQA, it has been determined that this project as proposed, revised, or mitigated will not have a significant impact on the environment. The approval of the project would incorporate a combination of project design features, standard conditions and requirements, and specific mitigation measures that will reduce any potential impacts to the environment to a less than significant level.

The project site is not on a list compiled pursuant to Government Code section 65962.5.

In accordance with CEQA Guidelines Sections 15702 and 15073, this public notice is posted to officially notify the public, public agencies, and responsible and trustee agencies that the required 30-day public review period is from Friday, January 19, 2018 to Tuesday, February 20, 2018.  Any written comments (via e‑mail or letter) on the IS/MND must be submitted to Kanika Kith, Project Planner, Eastvale Planning Department no later than 5:00 p.m. on February 20, 2018. Written comments may be mailed City of Eastvale Planning Department, 12363 Limonite Ave, Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91752, or can be emailed to kkith@eastvaleca.gov. Those who need additional information or have any questions concerning this project, please contact Kanika Kith at (951) 258-8300 or via email.

The IS/MND is available for public review and can be downloaded from the City of Eastvale webpage at http://www.eastvaleca.gov.  A copy of the IS/MND is also available for public review at the following three (3) locations:

Eastvale City Hall, 12363 Limonite Ave. Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91752 (Mon–Thurs 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.).

Eastvale Library, 7447 Cleveland Avenue, Eastvale, CA 92880 (Mon–Thurs 3:00 to 8:00 p.m.; Fri 3:00 to 6:00 p.m.; Sat 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sun – Closed).

Riverside County Clerk-Recorder, 2720 Gateway Drive, Riverside, CA 92507 (Mon-Thu 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.).

City Council and Planning Commission meetings and agendas are available on the City of Eastvale webpage at http://www.cityofeasvaleca.gov.

 

 

Black History Month

By Gisselle Guerrero

Black History Month is celebrated every year in February to recognize the central role of distinguished African Americans in US history. Ever since 1976, every US President has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.

The celebration began five years after the 13th amendment abolished slavery in 1915. That year, in the month of September, historian Carter G. Woodson and the prominent minister Jesse E. Moorland founded the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). ASNLH is an organization that was formed to focus on researching and promoting the achievements by black Americans and other people of African descent. Today we know that ASNLH sponsored a “National Negro History Week,” in 1926, the second week of February was chosen to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. This event was the inspiration for schools and communities nationwide to organize local celebrations as well as to establish history clubs and host performances and lectures.

Camryn Johnson, a senior at Eleanor Roosevelt mentioned, “Every month we celebrate something new we’ve accomplished and how far we have come and that is what makes Black History Month important to the growth of America.”

Black History Month was officially recognized in 1976 by President Gerald Ford. He announced to the public, “Seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history.”

Ms. Johnson even said, “Black people have been a part of America in many ways.”

Since President Ford made it official, there has been a specific theme advocated to Black History by the American President in office at the time. This year’s theme is, “African Americans in Times of War.” 2018 is the year that marks the 100th anniversary of the end of World War I. The theme honors the endless roles that black Americans have played in combat, dating back all the way from the American Revolution to their present day military involvement.

Listen to the Future!

Diamond Bar Musician To Perform On National Broadcast

by Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR — Diamond Bar High School percussionist Jeremy Davis is the recipient of the prestigious Jack Kent Cooke Young Artist Award.

The $10,000 scholarship recipient will perform on the NPR “From the Top” live radio broadcast on Sunday, February 11 at 2 p.m.

Five featured young musicians will perform and share their stories during the 90-minute concert recorded in Boston, Massachusetts.

Jeremy, age 17, will be performing “Land” by Takatsugu Muramatsu on the marimba.

“This experience is pretty amazing!” the talented junior shared in the school’s practice room on Tuesday.

Jeremy first began playing percussion in sixth grade at South Pointe Middle School.

“It was hard, but I stuck with it!” he said.

The teen now performs in both band and orchestra in Diamond Bar High’s award-winning program.

His favorite musical experience has been participating in Carnegie Hall’s National Youth Orchestra of the United States in 2017.

With some of the scholarship funds, Jeremy plans to purchase the huge instrument, which can cost thousands of dollars.

The marimba is too large to tote back and forth like a violin, he explained.

“With percussion, we have to practice at school. Now, I can get one for home!”

The “From the Top” broadcast is a fun and easy way for families to experience classical music and get to know some inspiring people.

The special performance will also be available on a future NPR podcast.

Jeremy, who studies percussion with Kenneth McGrath, says his proudest musical accomplishment has been being selected to appear on From the Top.

Outside of music, he enjoys playing basketball and tennis.