By Michael Armijo
Chino Hills – Chino Hills resident, former Chino Hills High standout, and former UCLA star Lonzo Ball was interviewed and worked out with the professional NBA team Los Anglees Lakers last week, the team he had said he would prefer to play with.
The Lakers have the number two pick in next week’s NBA draft and Ball has been on their radar. Team executives spend the morning last week for a second workout with Ball.
The Ball family has been in the spotlight quite a few times this year, not just for on the field play but a whole new era of sports media and paraphernalia is emerging in the form of “Big Baller Brand” clothing and apparel line.
LaVar Ball, father of basketball prodigies Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball (both at Chino Hills High), has turned the sports branding world upside down through the creation of this “triple-B” brand. LaVar currently runs the business as a “family business”…but it won’t stay that way for long.
Most known for his bold statements in the media (such as his statement that his son could outplay Steph Curry, or that he himself could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one), LaVar is more “infamous” than famous at this point in time. Nonetheless, the superb athleticism of his sons is undisputed, especially with his son Lonzo leading the UCLA team, so far victoriously, through the NCAA championship.
Unlike LeBron James, who signed a $90 million dollar deal before the 2003 NBA draft, Lonzo Ball will own a portion of his own brand. “[James doesn’t] have a brand—that’s a brand that Nike created,” LaVar stated. “Try to go somewhere with that King sign and take it from Nike. You can’t do that. These triple B’s? They’re mine.”
Other news the Ball family has created was when Chino Hills High student Lexi Anderson underwent a heart transplant in March this year and her fellow classmate dedicated his stellar performace in her honor. Her struggle received a good deal of media attention when her classmate LaMelo Ball scored an impressive 92 points in a Chino Hills High basketball game, and he subsequently dedicated the outcome of the game entirely to her.
The surgery performed on March 6th lasted 12 hours. According to her father, Todd Anderson, “Alexis has been recovering very well since her transplant.” Her body has not rejected the new heart in any way, and her vitals are stable. He said, “In my opinion she has been improving at a faster rate than expected.”
And in another incident after all the media attention, the Ball family home was burglarized while they were away at a televised high school playoff game.
Chino Hills Sheriffs Department are still looking for two males “wearing dark clothes” after a possible burglary was reported at the home of three basketball standouts while they played in a nationally televised game.
The Sheriff’s Department received a “possible burglary” call and were called out to the 16000 block of Aquamarine Court after a neighbor reportedly heard glass breaking next door.
A search of the area on foot and via helicopter was inconclusive as the two suspects were not found.
Since no suspects were caught, it’s not known whether the burglars knew the family would be in Lawndale for the game.
Police found a pile of the homeowners possessions stacked up in the home, indicating a burglary was most likely interrupted.
LiAngelo Ball was quoted as saying the door was messed up and things were outside the closet, local reports said.
Anyone with information about this burglary can contact the Chino Hills Police Station’s detective bureau at (909) 364-2000.
Wish the family luck as they encounter their dreams via college, pro, and merchandising for the basketball family. (Marissa Mitchell contributed to this story) Continue reading
Category Archives: News By City
Crime Recap
Courtesy of the SBCSD and RCSD
Iowa Fugitive, Frank French, Arrested in Fontana
DATE/Time: Friday May 19, 2017 / 2:00 PM
LOCATION: Sierra Way/Baseline Road, Fontana
SUSPECT: Frank French, Caucasian male, 72 years old, of Council Bluffs Iowa
VICTIM: Confidential
SUMMARY:
On May 19, 2017, Specialized Enforcement Division personnel assigned to the United States Marshals Pacific Southwest Regional Fugitive Task Force, located and arrested Frank French near Sierra Way and Baseline Road in Fontana. French is a fugitive wanted out of Council Bluffs, Iowa for false imprisonment, four counts of child endangerment with bodily injury, and two counts of child endangerment.
The preliminary information released regarding the victim’s duration of false imprisonment was factually inaccurate. While French is facing several charges related to child abuse, the victim was locked in her room for a period of four days, not several years. The warrant for French’s arrest was issued in late January.
Upon learning o f the warrants for his arrest, French fled the Council Bluffs area and evaded authorities for several months. After an extensive investigation by the US Marshal’s Southern District of Iowa Office and the Fugitive Task Force, French was located and arrested without incident.
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Public Affairs Division at (909) 387-3700. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Lewd Acts w/Minor Under 10, Production of Child Pornography
DATE/TIME: May 23, 2017
LOCATION: Residence in Adelanto
SUSPECT: Jonathan Robert Jones, 30 years old, resident of Adelanto
VICTIM: Confidential – 5 year old male
SUMMARY:
On April 28, 2017, Deputy Wendy Perea from the Victor Valley Sheriff’s station was assigned to investigate a Cybertip that was sent to the National Center for Missing and Exploided Children (NCMEC) by an online digital file storage company. The Cybertip contained images and videos of confirmed child pornography. Perea authored a search warrant to obtain the subscriber information for the Internet Service Provider (ISP.)
On May 18, 2017, Deputy Perea received the results from the ISP and identified the account holder. She used various law enforcement databases and search techniques to positively identify the suspect, whose image was captured in the vide os. Through the investigation, Deputy Perea identified the suspect as Jonathan Robert Jones, and determined the 5 year old victim was related to the suspect.
Detectives from Specialized Investigations Divisiton – Crimes Against Children Detail responded to the Victor Valley station to assist. Perea authored a search warrant for the suspect’s residence and seized evidence to help corroborate the various crimes Jones committed.
Jonathan Jones was arrested on May 18, 2017 and is being held at High Desert Detention Center with bail set at $300,000.
Through this investigation, Perea learned that Jones used to live with his family in the Colton area. There is evidence that indicates there may be additional victims in the Colton and/or Victor Valley area. Anyone with information is asked to contact either the Victor Valley Station at (760)552-6800 or the Crimes Against Children Detail at (909)387-3615.
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Residential Burglary Arrest
Incident Date: May 19, 2017 Time: 2 p.m.
Incident Location: 14000 block of Saline Drive, Eastvale
SUMMARY:
On My 19, 2017, Officers from the Eastvale Police Department responded to the 14000 block of Saline Drive, Eastvale, reference a residential burglary that just occurred. Officers arrived within minutes and obtained information that a Hispanic male adult had just broken into the residence and stole several items including a firearm. The suspect fled the area in a dark colored BMW. Investigators with the Jurupa Valley Station assumed the investigation.
After a extensive investigation, the suspect was identified as Richard Quilliam a 33 year-old resident of the city of Fontana. On May 21, 2017, Quilliam was arrested by the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department for unrelated charges. On May 22, 2017, Jurupa Valley Investigators took custody of Mr. Quilliam upon his release from the West Valley Detention Center, in Rancho Cucamonga. Mr. Quilliam was subsequently arrested for the burglary and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center, in Riverside.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact Investigator Barros of the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600.
Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.
Missing 16 Year Old Female Located
– UPDATE –
Missing 16 year old female has been located and subsequently released to the custody of LA County Social Workers.
– ORIGINAL MESSAGE –
Missing Person: Kimberly Molina (16)
Description: Female, Hispanic, 5’01”, 110 lbs., blonde hair, brown eyes, last seen wearing brown sweater, unknown color leggings and blue hospital socks.
Tattoos: Star on each shoulder and “KIKO” on left chest.
(Photo taken about one year ago)
Location last seen: 500 N. Main Street, Santa Ana
Synopsis:
On 5/23/17, a social worker was transporting Molina to LA County. Molina jumped out of the car at 500 N. Main Street in Santa Ana and fled northbound.
Molina has priors for prostitution and has been a victim of human trafficking. She may be in the company of her pimp known only as “FEDERICO.”
If located contact LA Co. Social Worker Mayra Gallo assigned to Commercially Sexually Exploited Children at cell (626) 460-9620 or Santa Ana Police Department Detective Gus Moroyoqui at desk (714) 245-8731.
Homicide Investigation
DATE/TIME: Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at 7:45 a.m.
LOCATION: 10600 block of Dumond Avenue in Bloomington
VICTIM: Michael Garcia, age 37 of Riverside
SUSPECT(s): Unknown
SUMMARY:
On Tuesday, May 23, 2017, at approximately 7:45 a.m., deputies from the Fontana Sheriff’s Station responded to the 10600 block of Dumond Avenue following the report of shots heard. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male outside of the residence suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. Emergency fire personnel responded and the victim, later identified as Michael Garcia, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators from the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded to the location and are currently conducting the investigation.
Updates will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information re garding this incident is urged to contact Detective Walt Peraza or Sergeant Robert Warrick at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
Homicide Investigation
DATE/TIME: Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at 6:05 a.m.
LOCATION: Homeless encampment behind 14950 Bear Valley Road, Victorville
VICTIM:Prentice Dean, age 24 transient of Victorville
SUSPECT(s):Unknown
SUMMARY:
On Wednesday, May 24, 2017, at approximately 6:05 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Police Department responded to a homeless encampment behind the El Super Market following the report of a man down. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male unresponsive behind the business. Emergency fire personnel responded and the victim, later identified as Prentice Dean, was pronounced deceased at the scene.
Investigators from the Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded to the location and are currently conducting the investigation.
Updates will be released as they become available.
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Walt Peraza or Sergeant Robert Warrick at (909)387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department
You Can Get A Ticket For Walking In The Street
By Chandler Holloway and Michael Armijo
California – As kids, our parents warned us heavily to never ever walk in the middle of the street. It was viewed as a spot where no one could go. However, looking around today, it is clear to see that the sidewalk has become more of a suggestion than a requirement. More and more people every day are walking just by the curb or close to in the middle of the street. Even though it seems that this is simply just accepted by the law, it is very much illegal and you can get cited.
California Vehicle Code 21956 states, “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”
“Walking in the street is a very citable offense,” said LA County Sheriff Captain Alfred Reyes, “it’s about safety more than anything else.”
The Captain explained that cross walks are in place for a reason, and so are sidewalks.
“It’s definitely not wise for anyone to walk in the street,” Reyes added, “the best practice are utilizing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, sidewalks are safest, do not place yourself in harms way.”
Runners and walkers can sometimes use bike lanes, and bike lanes may not be always safe for runners or pedestrians, but no lane is definitely not safe. Safest utilize the sidewalk.
At night always wear reflective clothing, joggers and bikers, Captain Reyes recommends. “If you choose to jog in a bike lane there is always the distracted drivers element. It’s amazing how we see sooo many people look at phones, even on the freeway,” he said.
Just a few months ago, Pastor Mark Lee from Vantage Point Church in Eastvale, sister church from Diamond Bar’s E-Free Church, was running in the bike lane at 9 am when he was struck by a passing truck’s right side view mirror. He spend weeks in rehabilitation and is still reluctant to do certain activities. The driver was cited as being at fault. Fortunately he delivered an inspiring sermon on the importance of cherishing your life.
The Sheriff’s Department will cite runners and bikers in the bike lake who do not wear reflective clothing and bikers who do not have reflectors and a headlight. You are required to have lights on yur bike at night.
Many people do not get ticketed for walking in the street and it appears because of priority. In fact, if you are getting stopped, odds are the officer is concerned about your safety. Sure, walking on a roadway might not get you a serious ticket, but it might get you a serious injury, even death.
In Eastvale, California (bordering Chino), a 28 year old woman was killed last month when she was struck by a vehicle. 28 year old Janine Chavez of Eastvale was walking in the roadway, not inside a crosswalk, Eastvale Sheriff’s officials said. The Eastvale death happened about 7:45 p.m., Chavez was hit by a southbound a Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old Ontario man, sheriff’s officials said in a press release.
Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.
Sheriff’s officials are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Jurupa Valley Station’s Eastvale Traffic Division 951-955-2600. She was walking on Hamner Avenue south of Amberhill Ave, according to the Riverside County sheriff’s department and coroner’s office. It has not yet been determined who’s at fault but the report stated she was not in a sidewalk and appeared to be walking in the road. But details are being gathered.
According to everybodywalk.org, over 4,500 people in America are killed just crossing the street. The website also claims that over 68,000 people are injured every year from crossing the street. This is even worse in crowded cities like New York, where it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed or injured by a vehicle every two hours.
The only one who can prevent such actions taking place is the pedestrian. Using sidewalks and obeying traffic signs will keep you safe and lawful. If you want to know more about other laws in the California Vehicle Code, dmv.ca.gov has the complete Vehicle Code on their website.
Eastvale Holds 13th Annual Picnic In The Park
Photo courtesy: JCSD
Picnic in the Park begins Friday, June 23rd and ends Sunday, June 25th.
Staff Reports
Eastvale – It’s that time of year again when Eastvale and surrounding cities get ready for the 13th annual picnic in the park sponsored by Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD).
“You can expect picnicking, carnival rides, a beer garden, food and retail vendors, a watermelon eating contest, and even a salsa making contest, among other things” said Madison Crask, JCSD Senior Recreational Leader. “We are happy to announce that we’ve expanded the carnival rides area, making it larger than in the past.”
Picnic in the park is a three day event celebrating the Fourth of July, complete with an extravagant firework show. JCSD Parks and Recreation Department has received many awards for various events and activities like this because they know how to a throw party. This pre-Fourth of July celebration will be held at Eastvale Community Park, located at 12750 Citrus St. in Eastvale, near Hamner Ave.
The FREE event opens on Friday, June 23 at 5 pm and closes at 11 pm. Saturday hours are from 2-11 pm, Sunday 3 to 10 pm. There will be many things to do like picnic games, carnival rides, waterslides, bounce houses, and contest with prizes to win. The carnival attractions will be located on the West End of the event and will open at 5 pm. Entertainment on opening night, Friday, will be “Queen Nation,” a “Queen” cover band that will perform at 7 pm.
Parking will be available at the following locations- Eastvale Community Park (FREE UNTIL FILLED), Eleanor Roosevelt High (SMALL FEE TO BENEFIT SCHOOL), and Riverheights Intermediate School (SMALL FEE TO BENEFIT SCHOOL). Both schools are located on Scholar Way.
· Eleanor Roosevelt High School (7447 Scholar Way) – west parking lot and parking lot in front of the performing arts building.
· River Heights Intermediate School (7227 Scholar Way) – Outdoor basketball courts on the west end of campus.
They will be many vendors there selling goodies like kettle corn, Italian ice and much more. On Saturday various performances by Rockstars Of Tomorrow will take place throughout the day followed by the 9 pm firework show. Sunday the park will open at 3 to 10 pm. There will be activities like a salsa making competition from 3 to 6 pm, and in the main courtyard a giant waterslide, mega slip n slide, and mini waterslides for the younger children, so bring your bathing suits. The firework show will begin at 9 pm, but it’s recommended that you come early to reserve your viewing location.
Picnic in the park has become a tradition in many families so feel free to come out and celebrate your Fourth of July and neighborhood pride.
As a reminder, loud noises and flashes of lights from firework displays may be stressful for pets, especially cats and dogs. Please take extra precaution to safeguard your pets during the Picnic in the Park fireworks show on Saturday, June 24th from approximately 9 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fourth of July and the days leading up to the holiday are the busiest times of the year for animal control. Pets may flee from their home as a result of fear from fireworks. Keep your pets safe and in a stress-free environment during large fireworks displays.
Connect with us on Social Media @JCSDParks. Share your memories this summer using #PIP2017 or #JCSD2017. If you have any questions, please call the JCSD Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 727-3524 or visit our website.
Eastvale Community News Complete Edition June 2017
The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco, Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2017-06EastvaleNews
Clark’s Nutrition
By Staff Reports
Chino- When my daughter was little, we would take her to Chuck E. Cheese every year for her birthday. Then one year I announced that rather than going to Chuck E. Cheese, we would take her to Disneyland for her very first time. She was upset and disappointed. All she had ever known was this small local pizza place ran by Chuck E., so she had no idea what was waiting for her at the “happiest place on earth.” Needless to say when she walked through the front gate at Disneyland, she “got it.” Disneyland was bigger, better, and more amazing.
I recently visited Clark’s Nutrition in Chino for the first time. It is the Disneyland of natural foods stores! For years I settled with what I knew from other stores, but after walking through the front door of Clark’s, I “got it!” Clark’s is not just bigger and better, but its one of the most amazing natural foods store I’ve ever been in.
What’s a Clarks store like? Imagine if you morphed Sprouts, Whole Foods, GNC, and Trader Joes into one store. It would be called Clarks! Clark’s has the largest selection of organic produce, supplements, and natural foods in the Inland Empire. They also have a great bulk foods section, they have grass-fed meats, a full dairy section, and the Chino location even has a juice bar! Clark’s was recently featured on a bus tour that brought other natural foods grocers from all over the world to visit Clarks in Chino. Clark’s has been told they have the largest supplement section in the United States in their Chino location. Basically, if you are looking for it, they’ve got it! I’ve also noticed that Clark’s prices are reasonable on most everything. I was surprised at the pricing since they had so much selection, I thought I would be paying for it; yet another pleasant surprise.
If that isn’t enough to get you into Clarks, they have Nutritional Consultants to help you. These Nutritional Consultants really know a lot about nutrition. Just look for the employees in the maroon shirts. They’re the Nutritional Consultants. Kyle and Joe are a couple of my favorites, but they’re all great. Clark’s has a 5-level training program that takes these Nutritional Consultants about 3 ½ years to complete. This sets them apart from everyone. Starkie Sowers, Clark’s Director of Education writes and teaches these in-house classes. Starkie says, “From the beginning, we knew we wanted to really help people educate themselves about their own health.” No one at Clarks is on commission. Starkie adds, “I’ve been with Clarks for 36 years and although the natural foods industry has grown and changed a great deal, the Clark family have always been committed to providing solid answers for customers trying to navigate their unique heath goals.” Clark’s attracts a wide variety of customers; people with food allergens, those wanting to get/remain fit, moms trying to help their family eat healthier, customers seeking holistic approaches to health and wellness, Vegans, Vegetarians…and the list goes on. Marketing Director, Mike Barnett says, “People are looking for a trusted source for their nutrition questions and Clark’s knowledgeable Nutritional Consultants are the final stop for people looking for real help.”
As a lifelong resident in the Inland Empire, I had heard of Clarks, but didn’t know where their locations are and that they’ve been around since 1972. Clarks’ is family owned and operated. It makes me feel good knowing that I am supporting a small local business rather helping shareholders make more money. All four of Clark’s locations are local: Chino, Riverside, Loma Linda, and Rancho Mirage. I am glad to finally count myself among those that “get it!” My family and I can be found at Clarks in Chino. Discover Clark’s Nutrition and stop settling for less. ■
DB Adopts Budget
Staff Reports
Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar City Council last month adopted a $26 million balanced general fund budget for the coming fiscal year. Considered one of largest budgets in the City’s 26-year history, the budget provides for ongoing operations with no cuts in service levels and an anticipated year-end $1 million surplus.
City Council also approved nearly $20 million for capital improvement expenditures that include $5.7 million to cover projects carried over from the current fiscal year and $4.1 million of City of Industry funds for the Lemon Avenue Interchange Project. The remaining capital improvements outlined in the new budget include three street improvement projects, six traffic management projects, several groundwater drainage improvements, several park and trail enhancements, and the creation of a the City’s first comprehensive sewer master plan.
Also planned for this coming fiscal year is the use of one-time monies acquired from building fees related to the construction of the masterplanned, gated residential community of Willow Heights to replenish reserves in six specific City funds. These monies, which add up to more than $3 million, will help establish new balances or restore funds that have been drawn from over the years in the areas of traffic mitigation, park development, City fleet vehicle maintenance and replacement, equipment replacement, City building maintenance, and the City’s General Plan Update.
In keeping with the City Council’s tradition of managing finances in a prudent manner, the anticipated $1 million fiscal year-end surplus will be deposited into the General Fund reserve, bringing the total to $15 million which translates to 60 percent or six months of the City’s annual operating expenses. The City’s new fiscal year runs July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. A copy of the complete budget document is available for viewing at City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, and on the City website at http://www.diamondbarca.gov/budget.
Mustang Evan Sentoso Named CIF Scholar Athlete
By Kelli GIle
WALNUT, CA–Walnut High senior Evan Sentoso has been selected as a 2017 CIF Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
The scholarship award identifies student-athletes who excel in the classroom, athletics, and are strong contributors to their schools and communities.
Sentoso is a two-sport athlete participating in cross country and track and field. His commitment to his studies earned him class valedictorian status, AP Scholar with honors as well as Junior Honor Guard accolades.
The teen is also involved at Walnut High as a member of the Class of 2017 Cabinet, Future Business Leaders of America, and Hip Hop Club. He will be attending UCLA next year.
“Evan is invested in making his high school and community a better place for those who are less fortunate,” said GLC Sonia Nunez.
Athletic Director Jerry Person adds, “Evan is the true definition of scholar-athlete. He could not have raised himself to this level without strong character, hard work, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, fun and persistence.”
This year’s two winners, Sentoso – Southern Section and Erica Barrett – San Diego Section, were selected from a pool of 263 candidates representing 1,582 CIF member schools statewide.
The State Capitol and Senate and Assembly Floors will honor the CIF Scholar Athletes on Thursday, May 25 in Sacramento.
In addition, they will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.
Adversities in and out of school have continually tested the depth of my character,” states Sentoso.
“However, by developing a resilient mindset to bounce back from these hardships, I have accomplished more than I could ever imagine.”
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award.”
Senate Approves Measure to Restore Funding to Eastvale and 3 other Riverside County Cities
By Marissa Mitchell
(SACRAMENTO) – Early this month, Senate Bill 130 was approved by the California State Senate (34-0), thus restoring vital funding to for the newly incorporated cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Menifee, and Wildomar. The bill was later approved by the California State Assembly on a bipartisan vote of 72-1.
Senator Richard Roth of Riverside declared regarding the passage, “For too long, Sacramento has failed to provide our region with its fair share. There is no reason why these particular cities should be excluded from receiving an equitable share of state revenue which every other California city receives. SB 130 is a critical measure of fairness and equity, and I thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for their support and for recognizing how important this funding is for our cities’ residents.”
The City of Eastvale will receive funds that they were not privy to prior to passage of Bill 130. Instead, because each of the four cities were incorporated before the passage of Senate Bill 89 (2011), they suffered great financial difficulties. Senate Bill 89 was one of the steps that the legislature took to close the state budget gap, and resulted in cities which had incorporated after 2004 losing critical public safety and municipal services funding previously given to all newly incorporated cities.
Senator Roth would continue, “Riverside County’s four newest cities are one step closer to receiving the funding they deserve and, in the case of Jurupa Valley, desperately need. This is an issue I have fought for since before I was even elected, and I am proud to have a strong partner in Assembly member Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) in ensuring our cities and region receive their fair share from Sacramento.”
Assembly member Sabrina Cervantes (D-Corona) and Senator Richard D. Roth (D-Riverside) issued the following joint statement on their support for SB 130: “We thank our colleagues on both sides of the aisle for supporting SB 130 and recognizing how important this funding is for our cities’ residents. For too long, Sacramento has failed to provide our region with its fair share. SB 130 is a critical measure of fairness and equity which ensures Riverside County’s four newest cities will once again have the resources they need to keep our neighborhoods and families safe.
“This is a major victory that will provide these four cities with the funding they deserve and, in the case of Jurupa Valley, desperately need. There is no reason why these particular cities should be excluded from receiving an equitable share of state revenue which every other California city receives. We look forward to receiving the Governor’s signature on this measure and finally delivering a fair share of resources to our cities.”
SB 130 will now go on to Governor Jerry Brown for his approval or veto.
# # #
Sabrina Cervantes represents the 60th District of the California State Assembly, which encompasses the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, Norco, and a portion of the City of Riverside.
Senator Richard D. Roth represents the 31st State Senate District, which includes the communities of Corona, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, March Air Reserve Base, Moreno Valley, Norco, and Perris. Prior to his election, he served for 32 years in the United States Air Force, retiring in 2007 in the grade of Major General.
DB Smoke Shop Burglarized
Staff reports
Diamond Bar – Wednesday May 24, 2017 at 6:41 a.m. Walnut/Diamond Bar deputies responded to a burglary in progress at “Diamond Bar Smoke Shop”. The suspects had fled prior to the deputies arriving, but had received, from a citizen, a description of the vehicle and suspects. The deputies spotted the suspect vehicle entering the Eastbound 60 freeway and initiated a traffic stop on the 71 freeway/Chino Av. exit. The deputies searched the vehicle and found 2 trash bags filled with tobacco products that had been stolen from “Diamond Bar Smoke Shop. All 3 suspects were arrested. Station detectives followed up on the case and served a search warrant at a residence in Riverside where more stolen property was recovered. Thousands of dollars of items stolen from “Home Depot” were recovered.
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 6:41 a.m.
Incident: Commercial Burglary, 459 PC
Location: 1127 Grand Av. Diamond Bar “Diamond Bar Smoke Shop”
Suspect(s):
Eugene Little MW/A of Riverside
Louie Gutierrez MH/A of Riverside
Jon Gallarde MH/A of Riverside
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Fireworks Illegal in Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, but Legal in Chino
By Michael Armijo
Chino, Chino Hills – There’s a lot of misunderstandings in the Chino and Chino Hills areas for fireworks, so let’s try to get this straight:
CHINO: LEGAL FIREWORKS ALLOWED. There is a bit of confusion as Chino continues to post a sign: “ILLEGAL FIREWORKS A THOUSAND TIMES NO! $1,000 FINE FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS.” This sign means ILLEGAL fireworks, not legal ones. City Ordinance for fireworks in Chino: Per section 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code, the sale and discharge of “Safe and Sane” fireworks shall only be permitted within the City beginning at noon on July 1 through 9:00 p.m. on the 4th of July of each calendar year. The City of Chino will strictly enforce fireworks laws and fines: Possession or use of illegal fireworks: $1,000 fine. Inappropriate use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks: $500 fine. No fireworks allowed anywhere outside a residential zone, in any public park, and outside the city limits.
CHINO HILLS: NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. You cannot ignite any legal or illegal fireworks and you cannot possess any illegal fireworks within the city limits. There will be alternative ways to enjoy fireworks listed on their website at http://www.chinohillls.org.
DIAMOND BAR: NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. You cannot ignite any legal or illegal fireworks and you cannot possess any illegal fireworks within the city limits. There will be alternative ways to enjoy fireworks listed below. Alternatives are listed on their website at http://www.cityofdiamondbar.com.
All fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California. “Safe and Sane” fireworks bear the State Fire Marshal seal on the packaging and are allowed only in the following cities in the county: Adelanto, Barstow, Chino, Colton and Rialto, as well as specific locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace and San Bernardino.
The illegal activity has already begun as a San Bernardino County multi-agency task force seized 7,500 pounds of illegal fireworks during operations on June 3-4, writing 40 citations totaling $50,000 in fines, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said.
“Fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use, possession or storage of fireworks with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense and the possibility of arrest. Property owners may be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored or used on their property,” a press release stated.
Fire officials also urge residents to report illegal fireworks to local authorities or to We-Tip at 800-472-7766 or WeTip.com.
Run, Teach, Eat, Sleep, Repeat
Walnut High educator Jerry Knox breaks 3 world records in 2017
By WVUSD
WALNUT, CA—To say that Walnut High teacher and alumnus Jerry Knox is passionate about running might be an understatement.
He laces up his running shoes five days a week, clocking five-to-eight miles a day, and 15 miles every Saturday.
Knox usually runs a marathon each month, and in the past 11 years has crossed the finish line over 80 times.
Every medal is displayed in his classroom and the AP geography and cross country coach has been known to wear the event t-shirt to school on Mondays following a race.
In 2009, the 22-year veteran educator decided to up the ante and go for a world record “just to make it interesting.”
Knox said he had always liked the Guinness Book of World Records as a kid.
When his son Alex was 8, he announced “Dad, you can beat that” after reading that someone held the world record for dribbling a basketball during a marathon.
And he did. Knox won his first world record in 3 hours, 42 minutes, 20 seconds. That record was beat in 2011.
Before going for another world record, Knox decided to focus on running a marathon in under three hours.
He accomplished that goal in 2015 at the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach with a time of 2:59:20.
That same year, he won back the basketball marathon title with a time of 3:11:16, which was bested in 2016 by a runner from Estonia.
“It’s about the running, the basketballs are just a gimmick,” Knox said.
He also learned in order to be included in the actual Guinness Book, not just the website, he had to participate in the London marathon with official representatives.
In April 2015, he crossed the Atlantic and became the fastest man to dribble not one, but TWO basketballs while running the 26.2-mile course.
He captured that title in 4 hours, 10 minutes, 44 seconds.
“It was hard keeping the concentration, especially at the end of the race,” he said.
Cobblestone roads, 38,000 racers, drums, disc jockeys, a dark tunnel, coupled with fatigue quelled the distance runner during the last miles.
“I thought, is this thing going to end?” Knox commented.
“It was like an obstacle course!”
Some of the London racers cheered as he attempted the challenging world record, while others were irritated with the noisy bouncing basketballs.
“They’d trained hard and you’ve got this guy next to them passing them with a clank-clank!”
Knox has broken three additional world records in 2017: running the fastest marathon while jumping rope with a time of 4:20:31 on February 19 and the fastest marathon wearing German lederhosen at the Los Angeles Marathon on March 19.
“I thought it would be funny and an excuse to buy some!” he said about going for the quirky record.
Most recently, he crossed the finish line wearing a graduation cap and gown during the OC Marathon on May 8.
For the first time in history, Guinness sent a team to Los Angeles to verify world records.
No need for witnesses, photos, videos, or coordinating with the race director, Knox said.
“It’s so much easier. You say you’re going to do it, they watch you, and you’re done.”
The athlete is currently prepping for his sixth 100-mile race which will take about 22 hours to complete.
Next fall he’d like to break the record for skipping during a marathon.
“I think it would be a hard one to beat, you use different muscles.”
Knox doesn’t actively recruit students to join his healthy lifestyle, he prefers to quietly lead by example.
Snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables and a “Want to get fit? Join cross country – no experience necessary” recruiting flyer can be seen near his desk.
“Sometimes it’s best not to be a nag and I know it’s expensive to run marathons,” he said.
The coach also joins the cross-country team for their daily training runs.
“It’s better when he’s out on the course with us,” said sophomore Jason Yen.
“And he understands our pain.”
Knox didn’t begin running marathons until he was 36 years old, thinking distance running was only for “Olympians.”
It all began when fellow teacher So Hee Tan mentioned that she had just completed one.
“If she can do it, so can I,” he said.
The first step was joining a running club and beginning training, but the first marathons didn’t go as he had hoped.
Knox walked the final four miles during his first two attempts.
On his third try, he was able to jog the entire way and was “hooked.”
Last year, his wife Carolyn Campbell, a Vejar Elementary transitional kindergarten teacher, joined him on the course, completing her first marathon in November.
In recent years, he has also transitioned to eating more organic food.
“Every year I seemed to click off something different,” he said about first giving up ground beef, then fast food, fried food, and soda. He recently went vegan.
“So, I’ll comment to my students on that and some of my failures. I still really miss pizza!”
Yen says his marathon-running teacher is a setting a good example for fellow students.
“He has a goal and achieves it by practicing and not giving up.”
Summer Concert Series Begins June 14th
City Release
Chino Hills, CA – Chino Hills residents may have been worried that the City of Chino Hills Summer Concerts in the Park series had been reduced to four concerts this summer due to a mistake on a “What’s Going on this Summer” wrap-up page in the City’s Summer Recreation Guide and City News. No worries! The concert series continues to have eight nights scheduled including the Independence Celebration that will be held on the June 28th concert night. Activities at the Independence Celebration get an early start at 5:00 p.m. and continue till 9:00 p.m. The ceremony will begin at 6:45 p.m.
The first concert will be Wednesday, June 14th when “Wanted” a Bon Jovi tribute band will kick-off the season. The concert series will go dark on July 5th after the Fourth of July holiday. Something new for 2017… a later start time – 7:00 p.m. After conducting a survey regarding the concert series, the start time was moved from 6:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. For a schedule, please visit http://www.chinohills.org/Concerts.
Chino Hills Recreation Is On The Move, Literally
By Marissa Mitchell
Chino Hills, CA – Recreation in Chino Hills is now mobile. With its new “rec” van equipped to the tee with fun activities, Chino Hills Mobile Recreation is coming into local neighborhoods.
This year, the mobile recreation for the city has a new summer schedule, beginning June 12th through August 11th (closed on major holidays). The self-contained recreation vehicle will visit various neighborhoods to provide fun activities in a safe environment for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade.
Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, sporting activities, outdoor games, board games, team building activities, and healthy snacks, all provided with materials from the van. Mobile Recreation is a free program that the city of Chino Hills provides that allows children to come and go as they please. However, participants are required to sign in and out, and each child must have a signed emergency card on file.
The schedule is subject to change due to other events and/or weather conditions. Call the Chino Hills Field Conditions Hotline at (909) 364-2738 to determine if Mobile Recreation is cancelled for the day.
The following is the schedule for the mobile recreation van for the city of Chino Hills:
Mondays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Danbury Park 15701 Fairfield Ranch Road
Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Butterfield Park 17671 Mystic Canyon Drive
Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chino Hills Community Park 3280 Eucalyptus Drive
Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chaparral Elementary School 4849 Bird Farm Road
Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Alterra Park 4921 Soquel Canyon Parkway
Wal-Mart Supercenter Being Built In Eastvale
Eastvale municipality leaders have approved the development of a Walmart supercenter.
By Marissa Mitchell
Eastvale – A new Wal-Mart Supercenter will be built in the city of Eastvale, as ratified by city council members. The Supercenter at large will feature Walmart and other stores, bearing the name “Eastvale Crossings”
On April 26, the project was unanimously approved for building. It will be built on the southeast corner of Limonite and Archibald. In the center covering over 25 acres, the Walmart itself will be approximately 192,000 square feet and include a gas station. Subsequent developments on other parcels of land will be subject to city and Planning Commission review, according to City Manager Michele Nissen.
Per city planning documents, the project will also feature a drive-through pharmacy for Eastvale residents. Time frame for construction, however, has yet to be determined.
Walmart spokeswoman Delia Garcia stated by phone, “The approval is the first step. We’re very early in the process here.”
The planning project is projected to serve not just Eastvale but also the surrounding communities, including Ontario, Chino, Norco, and Jurupa Valley, said officials.
Garcia added, “We know that many of our customers are already shopping at other Wal-Marts in Chino and Corona, and this will be a convenience to our Eastvale customers, but we’ll also serve a broader area.”
This novel Wal-Mart supercenter is expected to garner around $375,000 a year in sales tax revenue for the city, Nissen stated, which will help the city overall in many ways. In general, average sales tax revenue for any Wal-Mart supercenter can range from $250,000 to $900,000 per year, so the estimate is conservative.
“Those dollars go straight into the city’s general fund,” Nissen declared. “Ultimately, it’s up to the City Council and myself to decide how those dollars are spent, but it’s based on the needs of the community.” And, as a rapidly growing community, the needs are many.
Moreover, the new center is anticipated to help ease a challenge for the city, said Brandon Plott: “For the last six years, we’ve been able to maintain a solvent budget, but it’s been very challenging. The topic of gaining more sales tax revenue comes up and Wal-Mart brings that to the city.”
More revenue generated leads in turn to greater benefits of the community at large. Simply the project in and of itself is expected to create approximately 100 construction jobs and around 300 retail jobs for the city.
The Wal-Mart will include a full grocery department, giving citizens choices and flexibility in food shopping in and around the marketplace of Eastvale.
Plott stated, “It does bring a level of service to the city that the residents want. People can shop for something at a lower price and it brings a level of competition to the city, which is good for our local economy. I think people want to pay lower prices for products.”
New Tower Successful At San Antonio Regional Hospital
By SARH
Upland–San Antonio Regional Hospital is raving about with the opening of its new 52-bed Emergency Department and 92-bed patient tower earlier this year. The hospital’s new Vineyard Tower not only provides the latest medical technology and advanced care delivery systems; it offers patients and their families the comfort and convenience of private accommodations. Each patient room has been specifically designed to create a calm and healing environment for patients and their loved ones, while also providing the healthcare team with immediate access to the essential medical equipment and supplies needed to provide exceptional care.
The completion of the hospital’s $160 million expansion project could not have come at a better time. Emergency rooms throughout the Inland Empire have faced challenges in recent years as the demand for medical services continues to grow. Over the last decade, the population in San Bernardino and Riverside Counties has grown rapidly, outpacing state averages and increasing the need for a number of healthcare services, including emergency and hospital care. More recently, the demand has been fueled by the Affordable Care Act, which expanded coverage for previously uninsured residents, placing additional pressure on the already stretched emergency medical system serving the Inland Empire. “San Antonio Regional Hospital’s” Emergency Department, which has nearly tripled in size, has helped to ease this burden by adding additional capacity at the height of the flu season,” stated Kevin Parkes, M.D., President of Mountain View Emergency Physicians Medical Group, Inc. “The Vineyard Tower’s additional beds with heart monitoring capabilities, along with the third critical care unit, has also helped free up emergency treatment rooms by allowing patients who require admission to the hospital to be moved into their private room as quickly as possible.” Combined with the rooms in the hospital’s existing Citrus Tower, San Antonio Regional Hospital’s total bed capacity has grown from 271 to 363.
The first floor of the new tower includes the hospital’s main lobby, reception, gift shop, coffee bistro, and art gallery. The second floor is dedicated to the Emergency Department, which houses 52 private treatment rooms, including three rooms that are equipped for major procedures. Imaging equipment is now located in the Emergency Department, eliminating the need to transport patients to other areas of the hospital for X-rays, ultrasounds, or CT scans. The third floor houses a 12-bed intensive care unit and 32 telemetry beds for patients in critical condition needing constant monitoring and care. The fourth floor has 48 medical/surgical beds, including an orthopedic unit with a rehabilitative gym.
The expansion was the largest in the hospital’s 109 year history and was carefully designed and constructed to bring residents the very best hospital experience, with modern amenities, state-of-the-art equipment, and streamlined processes for managing patient care.
“While extraordinary attention to detail was employed throughout the planning and execution of our new Vineyard Tower, the hospital’s legacy is not defined solely by providing state-of-the-art facilities and the latest in medical technology; it also encompasses the caring team of professionals who have devoted their lives to providing excellence with compassion for the people we serve,” stated Harris F. Koenig, President and CEO of San Antonio Regional Hospital.
For more than 100 years, San Antonio Regional Hospital has offered advanced medical care for residents throughout the Inland Empire region. The hospital offers a full range of medical, obstetrical, and surgical services, including open heart, vascular, neurosurgery and urgent care. The hospital treats more than 200,000 patients each year, and is one of the busiest paramedic receiving centers in San Bernardino County. San Antonio has a strong history and reputation for quality care with a personal touch.
The hospital is located at 999 San Bernardino Road, Upland.
Memorial Day
By Pastor Mark Hopper
My wife and I visited Arlington Cemetery with our children many years ago. It is a vast area outside of Washington, D.C., where thousands of military veterans are buried. It is one of the best known cemeteries in our country. Both Privates and Presidents are buried there.
Our family has also visited the military cemetery in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. A bloody military battle was fought at Gettysburg during our nation’s Civil War in 1863. The headstones list the names of each soldier and the states where these fallen veterans were from.
About ten years ago, my son and I had the opportunity to visit the beaches of Normandy, France. This was the location of the largest amphibious invasion in history. Troops from Canada, England, America, Australia, New Zealand and other allied nations came ashore to begin the liberation of occupied Western Europe.
Above the wide sandy beach is the American military cemetery. My son and I walked through the endless rows of Crosses and Stars of David that mark each burial plot. It is a stark reminder of the high price that was paid by American soldiers and sailors to secure a beachhead in France in 1944. The war in Europe ended a year later.
Did you know that there are also military veteran cemeteries here in Southern California? There is a National Cemetery in West Los Angeles and another in Riverside. There are also military cemeteries in San Diego.
All of these cemeteries are dedicated to honoring the men and women who have served in our nation’s military. Some of these people died in battle. Many more survived their military service and have been buried in a veteran’s cemetery at the end of their lives.
On the last Monday in May, our nation celebrates Memorial Day to honor and remember the men and women who lost their lives serving in our nation’s military. It is a day to reflect on the lives that have been lost and the price that has been paid to defend our nation’s freedom.
Someone said that “freedom is not free.” The freedoms that we enjoy everyday are a result of the sacrifice of men and women who have served in our nation’s military.
During the last few days in May, you will see American flags in many local cemeteries. Thousands of volunteers from various service organizations give their time to place American flags on the graves of military veterans.
I hope that you will pause and reflect on what these flags represent. Take a moment to remember those who have served in our nation’s military. Take a moment to appreciate the sacrifice of those who died in military service.
Pastor Mark Hopper
Efree Church of Diamond Bar
3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd
Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM
Efreedb.org
Memorializing A Veteran Of The Vietnam War
Photo courtesy: R. Andrade
Robert Andrade upon entry into Hospital Corps School at Balboa Naval Hospita, San Diego.
By Marissa Mitchell
Chino, CA – Memorial Day was on May 29, and there is none better than Robert Andrade of Ontario, California to remind us of just how significant our veterans are.
Memorial Day honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, particularly those who gave their lives. Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.
As a hospital corpsman, Robert Andrade served actively in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967, saving countless lives, and also bearing witness to many deaths. The widely unpopular Vietnam War was a long conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies (Viet Cong), against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States against the backdrop of the Cold War.
Born April 19, 1947 in East Los Angeles, Robert was 17 years old when he entered the military, and had just turned 18 when he entered Vietnam. There were many 18-20 year old boys who served alongside him. As a camp officer at the Balboa Naval School, Robert learned he was “one of many.” He was assigned to the Marines and trained as a medic.
Robert entered Vietnam in 1966 in his battalion knowing he would go directly into the line of fire in his duty to save lives. He was first sent up to the DMZ – the “demilitarized zone” of the border of South and North Vietnam.
“We were in the jungles. We were in monsoon season. We saw tiger tracks….so not only were we fighting the North Vietnamese Army, but we were being tracked by tigers,” Robert recalled. There were many casualties.
As a Hospital Corpsman, Robert stated, everyone on his team was interdependent on one another: “We had a true band of brothers,” he noted, “and many of the guys didn’t make it back.”
Photo courtesy: R. Andrade
Robert Andrade at Camp Carroll, Highway 1 DMZ, Vietnam.
In one case, Robert remembers a good friend of his – just 4 days from being flown home – being sent out on a two week operation. This young African American soldier named Nelson Queen, who Robert called, “one the gentlest spirits I have ever known” died in a firefight that week.
Robert remembers those soldiers who had wives and children they had never even held dying in combat. Two men who had been born in the same small town in Texas were close to their returning date and had plans to reunite at a local cantina back in the States; both were killed by the same mortar.
Memories from war are scarring and graphic. Robert stated, “When someone is shot, they don’t fall over like in the movies. They just drop like a marionette when the strings are cut.” It is brutal.
As a medic, Robert would go up to the injured and discover where they were hit. “One thing I’m most proud of, if anything,” Robert declared,” was my contribution as a medical professional, that I was able to keep them alive until the Med Evacuation arrived by helicopter.” He then recounted how they as medics were often forced to push and even throw the injured soldiers into the helicopter with their wounds.
“The helicopter pilots were never given enough recognition for their bravery,” he stated. They went straight into the line of fire. “I never got to say thank you to those pilots,” he continued.
Every person “in country” (in Vietnam) possessed a responsibility to protect one another, to help one another. The helicopters would land and Robert and his group of hospital corpsmen would jump out; the helicopters would return during and after the firefights.
“The experience in Vietnam was true democracy – nobody was better than anyone else. We were all a living organism that supported each others’ various parts.”
According to Robert, there is no truer saying than that depicted at the Veteran’s Hospital: “All gave some, and some gave all.”
Upon returning to the United States, Robert and all who served in the war were treated with a great deal of anger and contempt from American society at large. Vietnam was not a popular war. They suffered from PTSD and were helped by the Veteran’s Association, but images and experiences had burned scars into their memories. Later on at UCLA, Robert would join the protests against the war, knowing just what occurred there.
“No one should ever have to experience war,” he stated. “I see Afghanistan and Syria at war, and it hurts so much to see the children of war who have done nothing to deserve what’s happening to them in their lives. The politicians have never put the welfare of the children in front their goals.”
Robert agrees with the saying that old men send young men to fight wars. He concluded his interview with the following statement:
“This Memorial Day, I go quietly through the day. Not that I am ashamed…It is only that I feel the pain of those family members who lost loved ones. I am reminded that death is about the living. I have visited Washington D.C. and stood before the Vietnam wall and openly cried. I have seen the traveling wall in La Habra, where my grandson held me as a cried. I pray he never has to go through anything I’ve gone through”
“War is unforgiving. And war is unnecessary.”
***More than 3 million people (including 58,000 Americans) were killed in the Vietnam War; more than half were Vietnamese civilians. By 1969, at the peak of U.S. involvement in the war, more than 500,000 U.S. military personnel were involved in the Vietnam conflict.***
Chino Valley Officials’ Texts and Emails Must Be Disclosed On All Public Matters
By Marissa Mitchell
Chino Valley, CA – In early March, the California Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision to disclose all public-related information regardless of source, a cause supported by open-government advocates. Cities in and around Chino Valley are looking to comply with said ruling, which generally forces public employees, including politicians, to share texts and emails to public record, even when they come from personal devices.
This ruling came from a long-standing 8-year battle after the city of San Jose refused to release “private” texts and emails to a public records request. These texts and emails, sent by officials, discussed a downtown development project. According to the new ruling, the court stated that communication sent on personal cell phones and computers must be disclosed to the public if they “relate in some substantive way to the conduct of the public’s business.”
In response, the city of Chino Hills has set up email accounts for all public commissions, and is provided a training workshop on Monday May 22 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Calciano will commence with the training that day.
Now, public officials will be subject to scrutiny on multiple levels. The thought is that they will be disinclined to conduct public business on personal devices or avoid scrutiny.
California Supreme Court Judge Carol A. Corrigan wrote of this recent ruling, “A city employee’s communications related to the conduct of public business do not cease to be public records just because they were sent or received using a personal account.
In the city of Chino, email accounts will be issued to the planning commission, but not to the community services commission because it is not a “decision-making authority,” according to spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez. Even prior to the San Jose court ruling, the city of Chino established a policy encouraging the use of city-issued cell phones and other such devices.
The Chino policy stipulates that all communication on city-issued equipment is subject to perusal at any time, and open to monitoring and public record requests.
The Chino Valley Unified School District spokeswoman Brenda Dunkle stated the district is awaiting recommendations in the middle of May from the CSBA (California School Boards Association) regarding this ruling. She also stated that the district’s current technology use policy declares that any device accessing the district’s network is not private, whether used on site or off.
Fire Chief Time Shackelford stated he has iterated to his personnel only to use fire district servers and accounts to correspond, create, or store documents and communications related to district business. Training will also be provided for fire station employees.
Various news media representatives have called the decision “a resounding victory for the public.” This new ruling sends a strong message that public officials and employees cannot evade public scrutiny by using personal accounts.
Local governments have expressed concerns about invasion of privacy for its workers, so further concrete details are to come from the California Supreme Court on just how to go about this monitoring. Executive director of the First Amendment Coalition David Synder stated, “If employees are conducting written business about the people’s business on email, that ought to be available to the public. It shouldn’t matter if the email is privately owned or owned by the government.”
Chaparral Students Make Global Connections
Photo courtesy: WVUSD
By WVUSD
DIAMOND BAR, CA—Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Izzy Reedy and a dozen classmates learned about culture, education, weather, and even sports in Tanzania this year.
But, it wasn’t by opening a textbook or conducting research on a computer.
The Diamond Bar students gained knowledge through a global connection with the Gyekrum Arusha Secondary School, located over 8,500 miles away in East Africa.
Education specialist Kimberly Ramos formed the partnership with teacher Zaituni Njovu and her students through the World Education Connection program.
The students and teachers got to know each other by communicating back and forth using email and Google Hangout.
“They would ask lots of questions and post photos,” Ramos said about the 21st century-learning technology.
“Anything I received from the teacher, I would post on Google Classroom to share with my kids.”
Ramos said her students embraced the program and were amazed with how many similarities they had with their new friends.
“The kids loved seeing each other. And the things we learned this year have had more meaning because we were able to connect with the other half of the ‘Kilimanjaro Squad’ on a personal level.”
The relationship deepened when students recently held a campus clean-up project to provide supplies to the school in Karatu Urusha.
On May 10, global teams shared their thoughts of the power of connection during an inaugural World Education Day event.
Classmates Julia Brandt, Alex Ginez, and Reedy arrived before the 7:45 a.m. opening bell, eager to participate in the live global broadcast.
“Asante Sana!” the students exclaimed in Swahili while waving to one another.
“We got to experience the way they live and learn,” Brant said. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing about this experience!”
“I hope we can stay connected with the kids in Tanzania.”
“The best thing has been the sharing,” Ginez offered.
“We talked about our siblings, our pets, and hobbies. We have a lot in common.”
Students said they also gained appreciation for their own lives after seeing the East African partner school squeeze 80 students inside a class with dirt floors and dilapidated furniture.
“It showed me to be grateful for what I have, and to respect elders and family,” Reedy said.
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