Category Archives: News By City

Valuing Differences

C.J. Morris students write friendship book for special needs class

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT–Two C.J. Morris Elementary 3rd graders believe that everyone has a right to have friends, especially students with autism.

Nyla Rivera and Kailyn Park feel so strongly that they’ve written a book to support special needs students on their campus.

Last year as a 2nd grader, Rivera noticed a few students sitting alone at recess and lunchtime.

One boy was even quietly talking to himself, while another child replied a gruff “leave me alone” when she offered a hello.

Rivera didn’t understand why.

“I would see them so quiet, just waiting for a friend,” the eight-year-old explained.

“This year, I found out they have autism and they need friends.”

The eight-year-old decided to take action. She recruited her best friend and classmate, Kailyn, and the two girls quickly began spending their free time with kids in the autism spectrum disorder (ASD) class.

“Now they know we’re not strangers,” said nine-year-old Park.

“And little by little, they began to trust us and started talking to us.”

This month, the girls collaborated on another project together.

They’ve written “Everyone Has a Right” and are currently completing illustrations to honor the dozen students in Rochelle Mortensen’s ASD class.

They recently offered the students a “sneak preview” of their gift.

“It was a huge thing when they got the book. They really appreciated it,” Park said.

The story is intended to be an encourager for the students to make friends.

“If you try, you can do it!” Park says in the story.

Making friends is a real challenge for our students with autism, Mortensen explained.

Students identified on the spectrum are impacted in their development of social and communication skills.

“We have social lessons every morning. But with students like Nyla and Kailyn, they can practice these skills and learn to fit in,” she added.

“These two girls have a special bond with the students and wanted to brighten their day with this book,”3rd grade teacher Shayleen Ojeda said.

“They are such amazing students with so much empathy.”

Once the drawings are complete, Ojeda plans to have the book professionally printed and bound, and offer copies for sale.

All proceeds will be donated to special needs classes in Walnut Valley USD.

“It’s very exciting,” said Mortensen who has promised to purchase copies for each of her students.

One ASD student recently announced “You’re going to be my best friends forever!” Park shared.

“He doesn’t like a lot of things, but he likes us.”

“It feels good!” said Rivera.

“They know we’re not bullies and we like them just as they are.”

 

 

Hands Down

By Pastor Rob Norris

Put on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.
Colossians 3:12

In a classic Sunday comic strip from Charles Schulz, creator of Peanuts, Linus is eating a sandwich and Lucy is nearby as he begins to ponder. “Hands are fascinating things,” he says. “I like my hands. I think I have nice hands. My hands seem to have a lot of character. These are hands which may someday accomplish great things. These are hands which may someday do marvelous works. They may build mighty bridges, or heal the sick, or hit home runs, or write soul-stirring novels. These are hands which may someday change the course of destiny!”

A moment of silence. Then Lucy’s one-line reply: “They’ve got jelly on them.”

Even as we laugh, we know that Lucy’s comment is typical of the way she treats other people.  unfortunately, it is also a picture of how you can treat your spouse. Rather than encouraging your spouse and building him or her up, you choose instead of be the voice of criticism and harsh reality.

Dr. John Gottman, a leading expert in sociological research, conducted a 10-year study to determine the types of communication — both verbal and nonverbal — The four critical elements he determined as being the most detrimental.

  • Criticism — nagging, deflating, picking at each other
  • Contempt — rolling your eyes, discounting the other’s value
  • Defensiveness — refusing to hear the truth or to deal with self
  • Stonewalling — retreating, withdrawing, not saying anything

Live it:

Take a look at how you are relating with one another and see how you can use attitudes and words to strengthen and encourage one another.
Pray

Invite the Lord to intervene every time you feel like saying something you shouldn’t..

 

Join us Easter Sunday for a Easter Celebration Service and Egg Hunt, Meeting @ 10:00 at River Heights Intermediate School 7227 Scholar Way, Eastvale CA.

 

 

Distracted Driving: Be Aware! A Month of Enforcement

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – This month is Distracted Driving Awareness Month, and CHP officers will be acting accordingly in and around the Diamond Bar Area.

This past week, April 5th was an enforcement day, as will be April 19th. Officers will be on the look out to give citations. Moreover, officers have been and will continue to speak to drivers of all ages warning them of dangers of distracted driving.

According to California law, the phone must not be observed to impair the driver’s ability to see, nor can it block the potential deployment of an airbag. Many judgments of officers of what this means is based on a case-by-case scenario, with the officer’s discretion.

Distracted driving and reckless driving is the number one killer of teens in America, according to the California Highway Patrol.

A driver must not hold or operate electronic devices, including smart phones. For a phone to be legally visible in the car, a phone must be mounted on the dash, the center console or one of the lower corners of the windshield, according to CHP.

Eastvale’s Newest Retail Development To Open This Fall

Eastvale Marketplace Will be Anchored by a Smart & Final Extra! Grocery Store

City of Eastvale

EASTVALE –Evergreen Devco, Inc. broke ground on its 73,000-square-foot retail development in Eastvale, California, in January. The retail development, Eastvale Marketplace, comprises 7.64 acres on the northeast corner of Limonite and Sumner Avenues, and is expected to open this fall.

“Eastvale is one of the fastest-growing cities in the State of California and is a very special community,” said Chris Bergren, Principal of Evergreen Development. “Eastvale is a young, affluent and family-oriented community with a great culture.”

Eastvale Marketplace will be anchored by Smart & Final’s new Smart & Final Extra! grocery store concept. At 30,560-square-feet in size, it will provide all of the basic grocery necessities and a whole lot more.

The Smart & Final Extra! store at Eastvale Marketplace will also speak to consumers seeking a healthier lifestyle. The store will offer larger sections of fresh and frozen foods, organic and natural products, and bulk food items. Shoppers will find larger sections of produce, along with oven-roasted chicken and other daily-needs items in convenient sizes.

In addition to the grocery store, Eastvale Marketplace will feature three additional retail pads and two shop buildings for additional tenants, which will include a mix of tenants, including a Les Schwab Tire Center and a Pacific Dental Services office.

“We’ve received a lot of interest in Eastvale Marketplace from restaurants and service-oriented retailers,” said Bergren. “To date, we have tenant commitments for 92 percent of the development. We will make more announcements soon, as we know that residents and visitors are looking forward to hearing what restaurants and retailers will open at Eastvale Marketplace.”

Santa Ana-based Moorefield Construction is the contractor for Eastvale Marketplace, which was designed by Pasadena-based McKently Malak Architects.

“Evergreen kept our community in mind when collaborating with City staff to create a shared vision for Eastvale Marketplace,” said Mayor Joseph Tessari. “Eastvale Marketplace will provide a mix of restaurants and retailers who can serve the needs of our growing community and create a broad range of jobs to support our local workforce, both during construction, and when it opens this fall.”

Tenants interested in Eastvale Marketplace are encouraged to contact Chris Bergren at (310) 480-0128 or cbergren@evgre.com.

 

A Personal Touch

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

It seems that whenever you call a local utility or cable provider, you get voice mail.  The voice on the other end of the line seems cheerful and friendly, but it’s just a computer that you’re talking to.

Recently, I called my local cable company to request a reduction in my monthly payment.  The friendly voice asked for my account number and other personal information.  After I entered the information the computer requested, I assumed I would be connected to a service representative.

But that was not the case.  Now the computer wanted to know why I was calling.  Did I need service or sales?  Did I have a technical problem, or did I have a problem with my billing?

My best strategy is to ask for “service” or just say “help.”  I repeat this over and over again into the phone, but the computer tries to cut me off and ask me additional questions.  I keep saying “help” and “representative,” hoping I can talk faster than the computer voice.

Then, the computer says, “I see you want to talk with a representative.”  The computer continues by saying, “If this is correct, press one. If this is not correct, press two.  I press “1”.

Finally, I have a real person on the phone.  He greets me enthusiastically.  He seems genuinely interested in my situation.  He wants to solve my problem.

I wonder if it wouldn’t be easier and faster if a real person had answered my call in the first place.  Why do I need to talk with a computer for five minutes when I still need a real person to solve my problem?

It is true that computers do help make our lives easier and our banking faster.  Computers can provide navigation for our cars and provide information at our finger tips.

But, there are some things that computers cannot do. There are problems that computers cannot solve.  We still need people.  People helping other people.

Let me encourage you to be more alert and aware of the people in your life.  Your co-workers family members and classmates are vital in your life.  Why not express your appreciation to some of them this week?  Tell them how much you appreciate their encouragement and support.  They will be glad you did and you will too.

 

Pastor Mark Hopper

Efree Church of Diamond Bar

3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd

(909) 594-7604

Sunday Services: 9:00 & 10:45 AM

Easter Services: 8:30 / 10:00 / 11:30 AM

EFreedb.org

 

Man Arrested For 8 Year Old’s Murder

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – This past Sunday a man was arrested on the charge of murder by drive-by shooting of an 8-year-old boy in Pomona, CA.

On March 26, Sengchan Houl, aged 35 of Pomona, was taken into custody and booked on suspicion of murder for the demise of Jonah Hwang, a young boy shot to death on February 20th of this year. The shooting occurred on 1100 block of West 11th Street in Pomona.

The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s office will decide later whether or not to seek the death penalty against Houl, who is currently being held without bail while waiting arraignment on April 26 of this year. The murder charge includes the allegation of murder committed while firing from a motor vehicle.

At the time of the shooting, the boy was in the home with his family while visiting friends for dinner. He was struck by the bullet and killed upon impact. Police have stated that the family formerly residing at the house of the aforementioned crime had no gang affiliations.

Pomona police Chief Paul Capraro, during news conference that ensued the Monday following the shooting, declared there have been four shootings in total since January of this year aimed directly at this house, but for unknown reasons.

“On three of the shootings, the house was unoccupied,” stated Capraro. “Evidence suggests that all four of these shootings are related.”

Investigators were able to identify the vehicle used in all four shootings, and thereafter arrested Houl this past Sunday.

Regarding the arrest, Capraro attested, “Mr. Houl was stopped (while) driving the suspect vehicle…In his possession at the time of his arrest was a firearm that we believe was used in the shootings.”

The motive for these shootings remains unclear, and the investigation continues. Capraro stated police are trying to discover any other accomplices.

The suspect does not have an extensive criminal record, and it is unknown if he is or was involved in criminal organizations.

Chino Hills Resident Charged In Bribery Scheme To “Fix” Cases

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Chino Hills citizen Juan C. Rosas Santillana, age 33, is scheduled to plead guilty on April 21 for participating in a racketeering scheme by acting as a recruiter in a large-scale bribery operation.

On Wednesday, March 29, a former clerk of the Orange County Superior Court pled guilty to federal racketeering charges. With the aid of above Chino Hills resident Juan Rosas and other recruiters, the clerk collected more than a $250,000 in bribes to illegally resolve both criminal cases and traffic offenses.

The clerk, Jose Lopez Jr., age 36 of Anaheim, pled guilty to one count of conspiring to violate the federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO). Lopez admitted that he was at the center of a scheme in which co-conspirators (including Chino Hills resident Santillana) paid him as much as $8,000 in bribes to “fix” cases.

Chino Hills resident Juan Rosas Santillana and others were middlemen who “recruited” individuals with pending cases to pay money to resolve their cases without authorization of the court.

With the help of aforementioned middlemen, or recruiters, “defendant [Lopez] improperly resolved approximately 1,034 cases, including 69 misdemeanor driving under the influence cases, 160 other misdemeanor cases and 805 traffic-related infraction cases.” Lopez admitted to these charges on the plea agreement.

Over the course of 5 years, recruiters sent to Lopez and Lopez subsequently “resolved” cases by entering information in court computers to do any or multiple of the following: making it appear that a defendant had pled guilty, making it appear that required fees had been paid and/or community service time served, and even that drunk driving charges had been dismissed or defendants had already served required jail time.

Moreover, Lopez was also found to have forged the signature of a prosecutor within the Orange County District Attorney’s Office.

The conspiracy finally ended in the spring of 2015 when the court discovered the misconduct and took steps to reopen cases that Lopez and his affiliates had interfered with.

“This defendant compromised the justice system in Orange County to line his pocket with money he used to travel abroad, take trips to Las Vegas and open a Mexican restaurant,” stated United States Attorney Sandra R. Brown. “This scheme affected hundreds of cases and caused havoc in the Orange County Superior Court – problems that were further complicated when the former clerk encouraged others to lie about the scheme.”

Lopez pled guilty before United States District Judge Josephine L. Staton, who is scheduled to sentence the defendant on September 22. Consequently, Lopez faces a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

“The defendant ignored the rule of law and potentially undermined public safety by essentially serving as judge and jury in scores of cases to enrich himself,” declared Deirdre Fike, Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “The FBI and our partners will continue to investigate complaints of corruption by public officials and those with access to sensitive information.”

With Lopez’s guilty plea, there remain 10 people charged last fall with participating in the racketeering scheme by acting as recruiters.

The other 10 defendants who have pleaded guilty or have agreed to plead guilty are the following:

  • Juan C. Rosas Santillana, 33, of Chino Hills, who is scheduled to plead guilty on April 21;
  • Ricardo Quinones, 33, of Santa Ana;
  • Ramon Salvador Vasquez, 28, of Santa Ana;
  • Manuel Galindo Jr., 27, of Santa Ana;
  • Gibram Rene Lopez, also known as “Ivan,” 27, of Anaheim;
  • Agustin Sanchez Jr., 32, of Santa Ana;
  • Luis Alberto Flores Guillen, also known as “Bills,” 26, of Santa Ana, who pleaded guilty earlier today;
  • Oscar Centeno, also known as “Mosquito,” 27, of Santa Ana;
  • Jeff Reynes Fernandez, also known as “Lean,” 25, of Fullerton; and
  • Jesus Saldana, 28, of Garden Grove.

Special agents within the Federal Bureau of Investigation and IRS Criminal Investigation continue to investigate this case.

Rolling Stone

By Pastor Tim Eaton

Have you ever imagined yourself walking with Jesus back in His time here on earth? What kind of relationship would you have had with Him? Do you liken yourself to John, “The disciple whom Jesus loved?” Or would you be more like Peter, and deny Him three times even though you loved Him?

It’s hard to say what we would have done at the time, for the turmoil surrounding the arrest and crucifixion of Jesus was profound, to say the least. Even though the disciples walked with Him, followed Him, and learned from Him what was to come, they still had their doubts.

When the women brought spices to Jesus’ tomb and found the stone rolled away, they were astonished to find Him gone. In Luke 24, we read that Mary, Mary Magdalene and Joanna ran to tell the disciples what the angels had told them, yet they still did not believe. They had to see Him face to face.

What would you do when you saw the stone rolled away? Would you recall the words your Lord told you with joy? Matthew 27:63-64 says, “They told him, ‘Sir, we remember what that deceiver once said while he was still alive: ‘After three days I will rise from the dead.’ So we request that you seal the tomb until the third day. This will prevent his disciples from coming and stealing his body and then telling everyone he was raised from the dead!’” Obviously the Pharisees and Chief Priests had their doubts, too. It took several men to roll that stone into place, and guards stood watch those three days.

The good news is, He is Risen! We don’t have to doubt. “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! In his great mercy he has given us new birth into a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead,” (1 Peter 1:3).

Have no doubts; come and hear the real story of Easter. Join us for Holy Week services at Edgewater.

Palm Sunday: April 9, 10 a.m.

Good Friday: April 14, 7 p.m.

Sonrise Service, April 16, 6 a.m.; Pancake Breakfast 8 to 9:45 a.m.; Resurrection Celebration, 10 a.m.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10am at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street., Eastvale, CA  92880. www.EdgewaterEastvale.org

Man Convicted For Murder May Avoid Life

By Michael Armijo

Diamond Bar – A man accused of killing a gas station attendant over 20 years ago was convicted last week in the two decade old murder may avoid serving a life sentence because he was a teenager at the time, authorities said Tuesday.

Lino Jesus Acero, now 38, was 17 years old when he walked into an Arco gas station on Nov. 18, 1994, in a robbery attempt that killed Mahfouz Ghabour. Acero was convicted of being the trigger man when he went behind the counter and shot Ghabour in the chest. He fled with an accomplice empty handed, officials said.

The jury, who deliberated for only a few days, convicted Acero last Monday. Using a handgun in a crime would normally lead to a life sentence without parole, but because of a Supreme Court ruling earlier this year found that such punishment was cruel and unusual for juveniles.

Acero faces at least 25 years to life in prison, authorities said. He’s scheduled to be sentenced June 10 when the judge can order the life sentence or a reduced sentence.

Mt. Sac Solar Project Moves Forward

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Walnut – A recent judge’s ruling has given Mt. San Antonio College the go-ahead to construct its long-awaited solar project, previously contested by the City of Walnut and neighboring residents.

On March 14, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge James C. Chalfant found that because the project is a solar generation facility, it is exempt from city land use, zoning, and building controls. This ruling halts the city’s stop-work order on the college. Moreover, he rejected the city’s request to take lead agency status. Mt. Sac thus maintains responsibility for conducting the project under the CEQA: California Environmental Quality Act.

“We are pleased the judge supported Mt. SAC’s position on this matter,” stated the President of Mt. SAC Bill Scroggins. “We are looking forward to working cooperatively with the City of Walnut and neighbors.”

The project will be located on Mt. Sac premises known as the “West Parcel,” a triangular piece of land South of Temple Avenue.

Even though the judge ruled that Mt. SAC is not required to apply to the City of Walnut for a conditional use permit or building permit, it must submit grading and truck hauling plans for the solar project. City engineers must then review and process the grading plans for approval. However, the authority of the city’s review is limited by state code to onsite review only – meaning the design and grading issues can only be judged and assessed inasmuch as they affect the site itself.

“The college has had a long history of working with the city on construction issues such as grading and truck hauling,” Scroggins declared. “We will monitor the city’s progress on the review of our grading and hauling plans and collaborate with city staff to expedite the process.”

Because the system will generate 2.2 megawatts of electricity for the campus, it will save taxpayers at least $480,000 a year, as well as approximately $15 million over the 25-year life cycle of the system. This project will move the college closer to energy independence and improve the quality and reliability of campus electrical service.

Funding for the project has included voter-approved Proposition 39 Clean Energy Funds, California Solar Incentive Funds, and California Energy Commission loans.

Happy Easter From The Whole Enchilada!

The Whole Enchilada is located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, (at Grand Ave.), in Diamond Bar. You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.

Join The Whole Enchilada for Easter Breakfast –They Open at   7:30 a.m.

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Easter is just around the corner, and celebrations are plentiful with family and friends around this holiday.  This year, why not bring the celebration to The Whole Enchilada, beginning with breakfast at 7:30 a.m. on Diamond Bar Blvd and Grand Ave in the Walmart Market shopping center.

From delicious platters and entrée meals to taco bars, The Whole Enchilada offers fresh, authentic Mexican recipes their resident chef brought from their homeland.  They guarantee you will enjoy your dining experience with delicious food and friendly service.

“All our food is made fresh daily,” says Lil Palmer of The Whole Enchilada.

The restaurant has been in business for over 30 years, offering a variety of Mexican dishes ranging from enchiladas and burritos to carne asada and fajitas.

Planning to have an Easter celebration at home and don’t want to cook?  The Whole Enchilada can help cater your event with handmade tamales, which are available year round. This traditional holiday dish is sold by the dozen and is available in pork, beef, chicken, green chili and cheese.  Other menu items, such as the taquito or street taco platters, are available for catering as well.

Whether it’s an Easter fiesta, business meeting or catered Grand Opening, a fundraiser or birthday party, or even just a wonderful excuse not to cook, The Whole Enchilada will dazzle you with their excellent customer service and delicious food.  They look forward to helping you celebrate the special moments in your life.

If you are looking for a sweet Easter treat after your meal, try The Whole Enchilada’s Mexican Kaluha Flan, Rio Grande Mud Pie, or popular Deep Fried Ice Cream.  Much better than a chocolate rabbit, and muy delicioso!

The celebration doesn’t stop with just one visit.  The Whole Enchilada has gift cards available for purchase in person or online.  It’s the perfect gift for an Easter basket!  And be sure to ask The Whole Enchilada about the Combo Punch Card, Enchilada Bucks, and Kids Club.  Fundraising? Ask us and we can accommodate. With a wide variety of reasons to visit, it’s obvious that The Whole Enchilada wants to become your favorite restaurant.

Don’t deny your taste buds this Easter, visit the Whole Enchilada soon!

The Whole Enchilada is open on Easter Sunday from  7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.  They are located at 1114 S. Diamond Bar Blvd., (at Grand Avenue, in Diamond Bar). You can reach them at (909) 861-5340, and visit their website at http://www.wholeenchilada.com.  See their ad on the back page of this publication for specials offered throughout the week.

Fire Damages Home

Staff Reports

Walnut – One person was transported to a local hospital after a fire broke out in Walnut last Thursday.

The fire broke out in the 800 block of North Silver Valley Terrace around 11 am when the Walnut Fire Department were called out to the residence. One person was treated for smoke inhalation.

The fire department extinguished the flames at the two-story building in 21 minutes, according to the county fire department.

No other injuries or damage assessment was available at press time.

City Of Eastvale City Council Notice Of Public Hearing

PROJECT NO. 12-0051

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Eastvale City Council will hold a public hearing on Wednesday, April 12, 2017, at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary School located at 13830 Whispering Hills Drive, Eastvale, CA 92880, to consider the City of Eastvale Planning Commission’s recommendation of approval for the development of a new retail center with a Walmart Store on an approximately 24.68-acre site – Project No. 12-0051.

 The proposed project includes the following proposed  land use entitlements:

  • General Plan Amendment to change the land use designation for the eastern half of the project site from Light Industrial to Commercial Retail.
  • Change of Zone to change the zoning for the eastern half of the project site from Manufacturing-Service Commercial to General Commercial.
  • Tentative Tract Map No. 35061 for the subdivision of approximately 24.68 acres into five commercial parcels and one parcel for a stormwater detention and water quality basin.
  • Major Development Review for the development of an approximately 192,000-square-foot proposed Walmart store and associated improvements.
  • Conditional Use Permit to operate a drive-through pharmacy at the proposed Walmart store.
  • Two Conditional Use Permits to allow two drive-through facilities on two parcels located within the retail center, subject to future Major Development Review approval.
  • Conditional Use Permit to allow alcohol sales at the proposed Walmart store.
  • Conditional Use Permit to allow alcohol sales in a future gasoline service station located within the retail center.
  • Variance from the parking lot landscaping and shading requirements of the Zoning Code for a portion of the parking lot in front of the proposed Walmart store.

The project site is located at the southwest corner of Limonite Avenue and Archibald Avenue; Assessor’s Parcel Number 144-030-039. The project site is not located on a hazardous materials site that is listed under Government Code Section 65962.5. Applicant is Wal-Mart Real Estate Business Trust, c/o Matt Smith.

The City of Eastvale has completed an environmental impact report (EIR) for the proposed project in accordance with the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) to assess the potential for any significant environmental impacts associated with the proposed project. The EIR (State Clearinghouse No. 2015011020) was released for public and agency review on October 3, 2016, with the 45-day review period ending on November 17, 2016. The EIR and project file may be reviewed at Eastvale City Hall during business hours. The City Council will consider adoption of the EIR prior to making a decision on the project.

The EIR recommends the adoption of various mitigation measures that will reduce the project’s environmental impacts to a less than significant level as required under CEQA. The EIR identifies three areas in which environmental impacts cannot be mitigated to a less than significant level; namely, air quality, noise, and transportation. Because of these significant and unavoidable impacts, a Statement of Overriding Considerations has been prepared for adoption by the City Council prior to any decision to approve the project.

Any person may submit written comments prior to the public hearing or may appear in person before the City Council to be heard. Written comments may be mailed to the City of Eastvale City Clerk at Eastvale City Hall, 12363 Limonite Avenue, Suite 910, Eastvale, CA 91752. Any questions on the project may be directed to Eric Norris at (530) 574-4875 or via e-mail at enorris@eastvaleca.gov. To be presented to the Council at the meeting, all comments made in writing or via e-mail prior to the public hearing must be submitted and received by the City of Eastvale City Clerk no later than Wednesday, April 12, 2017 at 4:00 p.m. Oral and written comments may be submitted directly to the City Council at the public hearing. If you challenge the project in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you raised at the public hearing as described in this notice or in written correspondence delivered to the Eastvale City Council prior to or at the public hearing.

Bomb Threat at Chino Hills High Locks Down School

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – Tuesday, April 4, Chino Hills High received a telephonic bomb threat to the school. The phone call occurred at approximately 1 o’clock p.m. that day.

A male individual called on April 4 and threatened to “blow up” the school. The principal immediately ordered a lockdown of the entire school.

Thereafter, the Sheriff’s department received a call informing them that a possible bomb threat had been issued at CHHS. The entire school was immediately put on lockdown as the police arrived and proceeded with a thorough investigation.

The police conducted searches of every building on campus while students were waiting for them to check and clear the space. Deputies searched and swept the school room by room. Students were moved to a safe area as the searches were conducted.

Roads were closed at that time. Surrounding streets were closed and have since reopened.

Many parents flooded social media during this frightening time, asking online for prayer. At the end of the school day, students were given the “all clear” and were allowed to go home.

No motive was clear and no one has been apprehended so far.

Shooting Victim In Critical Condition

By Pomona PD

Date / Time: Tuesday, April 4, 2017 / 10:18pm

Location: Palomares and Fernleaf Ave., Pomona Ca. 91766

Crime: 245 PC Assault with Deadly Weapon – Firearm

Victim: Name unknown at this time

Suspect(s): Unknown male(s)

Suspect Vehicle: Possible silver Acura , unknown year

On Tuesday, April 4, 2017 at approximately 10:18pm, Pomona Police Dispatch received calls regarding gunshots heard in the area and a possible victim of a shooting at the location. Officers responded and located a victim of a shooting. The victim was treated at the scene by LA County Fire personnel and then transported to an area hospital via ambulance. The victim’s condition was listed as critical as he was being taken into surgery.

The suspect(s) fled the location in the above described vehicle and officers did not locate the suspect(s) or suspect vehicle.

The investigation into this incident is on-going.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

By Lieutenant Alex Rilloraza, Pomona Police Department

Suspects Arrested In Mail Theft

Photo courtesy: Dickie Simmons

Staff Reports

 

Eastvale – Last week deputies announced that the Norco Sheriff’s office arrested four suspects for mail theft from homes in the City of Eastvale. Several more suspects were arrested, three from Corona, by the US Postal Service.

According to a press release, on March 28 around 2 am, Norco deputies located an unoccupied stolen vehicle in the 1600 block of Hamner Ave., Norco. While conducting further investigation, deputies located and detained four suspects at the scene. During a subsequent probation compliance search of their belongings, deputies located several hundred pieces of stolen mail, checks and credit cards in their possession. The mail was determined to have been recently stolen from the cities of Norco, Eastvale, Jurupa Valley and Ontario. Several locations victimized include, but are not limited to:

7000 block of Freesia Ct., Eastvale

7000 block of Ginko Ct., Eastvale

13000 block of Blue Ribbon Ln., Eastvale

14000 block of Orangevale Ave., Eastvale

3900 block of Pontiac Ave., Jurupa Valley

2100 block of 5th St., Norco

3000 block of S. Clover Ln., Ontario

All four suspects were arrested and booked into jail at the Robert Presley Detention Center for numerous crimes including conspiracy, mail theft, identity theft, possession of stolen property and vandalism. The suspects have been identified as:

Anthony Joey Marquez, a 22-year-old resident of Rialto

Janeen Alejandra Gutierrez, a 24-year-old resident of Rialto

Alejandra Tapia-Jimenez, a 24-year-old resident of San Bernardino

Jovanni Benitez, a 22-year-old resident of Loma Linda

The three arrested from Corona are Bernie Martinez 23, Kammi Leigh Vestesen, 24, and Paul Wagner 28.

In the federal case, a father and son team from Adelanto were arrested for mail theft. They went so far as to jump onto a moving USPS vehicle in an attempt to rob it.

“The brazen acts of these defendants demonstrate the lengths to which mail thieves will go, including jumping onto moving vehicles and attempting to rob secure post offices,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “This case is the latest of several cases highlighting my office’s focus on criminals victimizing the Postal Service and its customers.”

If convicted of the conspiracy charge in the criminal complaint, the defendants each would face a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison. A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until proven guilty in court.

One thing the USPS is doing to combat mail theft is a new program that will scan images of mail you are to receive. By April 14th, Informed Delivery will be available covering the majority of the United States.

The United Stated Postal Service now offers a service called “Informed Delivery.”  With Informed Delivery, the USPS is able to scan your mail each day and send images directly to you.

Get up to 10 mail piece images in your morning email, which can be viewed on any computer or a smart phone. Get more mail than that? Additional images are available for viewing on your online dashboard – in the same place you track your packages! Don’t worry if you are on travel; if you have email or online access, you can see much of the mail that will be delivered to your mailbox.

If you suspect your mail is stolen, you will know exactly what is missing when filing a police report.

Golfing Fore The Kids

By Pastor Mark Hopper

 

I enjoy playing golf.  It requires skill, luck, and perseverance.  Many life lessons are found in golf:   how to overcome adversity; how to build character; how to help and encourage your fellow players.

Another nice thing about golf is that you can play the game throughout your life.  I enjoy seeing a mom or dad spending time on the putting green with their young children.  My son and I started playing golf together when he was in middle school and we still enjoy playing golf together today.

It is also nice to see golf teams from local high schools on the golf course.  Although each player keeps his or her own score, they compete as a team against other schools.  In fact, my own son is the boys’ golf coach at his high school.  This is his third year.

This year I am the co-chairman of our annual Walnut Valley Rotary Club – Diamond Bar Community Foundation golf tournament.  These two service organizations put this annual golf tournament together to raise funds that benefit children and youth in our local community.

The DBCF contributes funds for youth sports fields, academic scholarships, fine arts programs and much more.  The Rotary Club of Walnut Valley supports youth speech and music competitions, youth leadership camps and holiday food and toy distributions.  Both organizations make contributions to our local schools and both give away thousands of dollars each year to benefit children and youth in Diamond Bar, Walnut, and Rowland Heights.

Our annual “Golfing Fore The Kids” tournament will be on Monday, May 8th at the beautiful Western Hills Golf Course.  We are looking for more golfers to participate in this event.  The cost is $150 per player.  This includes 18 holes of golf plus Subway breakfast sandwiches, Chick- Fil-A chicken sandwiches, and a mid-afternoon dinner in the Western Hills dining room.

Participants will have the opportunity to win a new Car at the Hole in One par three.  Numerous raffle items will be given away at the end of the tournament.  It will be a great day to enjoy with your fellow golfers on this luxurious private golf course.

In addition, we are looking for more sponsors to support this community event.  Over the years, many local businesses and corporations have given financial support to this event.  Individual sponsors have also contributed to Golfing Fore the Kids.

You can learn more about “Golfing Fore The Kids” at the Diamond Bar Community Foundation web site.  Golfers can register online, too.

Please mark your calendar now and register this week to enjoy a wonderful day of golf on May 8th at the Western Hills Country Club. Check out our web site for all the information.  Invite some fellow golfers to join you for a memorable golf experience.  They will be glad you did and you will too!

 

Remembering Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto

Courtesy of Pomona PD

Pomona – Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was killed in an on-duty motorcycle collision on March 11, 1957, while attempting to stop a vehicle. He was in the process of conducting a traffic stop when he observed another serious violation take place. As he attempted to catch up with the suspect, another vehicle turned left in front of him causing a collision.

Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was involved in various youth activities and was a key figure in the construction of the Pomona Valley Quarter Midget Track in 1956, which was located near First St. and East End Av. Officer Poggetto saw the track as another way to get boys and girls involved in something positive in the City of Pomona.

The first official race event was held December 30, 1956. After his unfortunate death, the track was renamed the Carlo A. Poggetto Memorial Track on March 31, 1957, at a dedication attended by over 4000. In memory of Officer Poggetto, the first club race of the season was dedicated to him. When the Pomona track closed and the Orange Show track was created, the tradition continued.

Remember You Are Dust And To Dust You Shall Return

EV - Father PatrickBy Fr. Patrick Kirsch

“Remember you are dust and to dust you shall return.”  This admonition, graphically emphasized by the imposition of Ashes on our foreheads, sets the theme of Lent reminding us of our mortality and that one day we will go home to our Creator.  Just as God originally made humanity in grace, finding his creation “very good” we are called to conversion and to return to God in that same goodness.  Although sinners, we are able to regain that state of grace as we prepare for the Paschal Mystery by turning to God for help, asking him to cleanse us of our iniquities and renew within us a steadfast spirit.

LENT:  A LIST OF “GIVE UPS.” Give up Bitterness; Turn to Forgiveness, Give up Hatred; Return Good for Evil, Give up Negativism; Be Positive, Give up Pessimism; Be an Optimist, Give up Complaining; Be Grateful, Give up Harsh Judgments; Think Kind Thoughts, Give up Worry; Trust Divine Providence, Give up Discouragement; Be full of Hope, Give up Anger; Be more Patient, Give up Pettiness; Be more Mature, Give up Gloom; Enjoy the Beauty around you, Give up Jealousy; Pray for Trust, Give up Gossiping; Control your Thoughts, Give up Sin; Turn to Virtue.

 

Blessed Oscar Romero: http://www.BlessedOscarRomero.com

Textual Criticism

EV - Ed Moreno.jpgBy Pastor Ed Moreno

Have you ever heard someone say: “How true to the original can the Bible we have today be?  I mean, it was translated from Greek to Latin, and then from Latin to German, and then from German to English, and so on.  By now our modern translations have surely been corrupted.  There’s got to be a lot of mistakes, alterations, and distortions.”

Is this objection correct?  No!  You see, our current Bible is not the end of some long chain of translations from one language to the next.  Rather, it is a direct translation from ancient manuscripts in the original language – Hebrew for the Old Testament and Greek for the New Testament.

Now, as is the case with all ancient writings, the original handwritten documents themselves no longer exist because they were written on papyrus, and those have disintegrated.  This is true of the writings of Socrates, Plato, Aristotle, and every other ancient work – including the original handwritten letters and books by the apostles.

But what we do have are very old reliable copies of these ancient writers.  And there is a science called, “Textual Criticism” that has methods and means for determining if the current text of an ancient work is pure or if it has been corrupted over time.   Please note that this science is applied in the assessing of all ancient writings.

One of the things Textual Critics do to determine the purity of an ancient work is to compare several of the oldest copies of that ancient work, if several copies are available.

If there is agreement, consistency and continuity between the oldest copies, then the original document is considered to have been kept in tact by the copyists who transmitted it and, thus, the current copy is considered to be pure and uncorrupted.

And the rule is that the more ancient copies the science of “Textual Criticism” has to work with, the greater the ability of Textual Critics to determine if the text we have today is true to the original or not.

Well, just for the New Testament alone, there are over 5000 more ancient copies than its closest competitor, which happens to be Homer’s Illiad with just 643 ancient copies for Textual Critics to examine.

So guess what the science of “Textual Criticism” has determined?  It has determined that the Bible is the most accurately transmitted ancient work of all time!   In other words, the Bible we have today is the same as the one early Christians used.  So you can trust it, folks.  It is trustworthy and reliable.  Read it.  Live by it.  You’ll be glad you did!