Category Archives: News By City

Call the Right Play For Super Bowl LI

Pass the keys to a sober driver before the big game begins

By City of Eastvale

Eastvale– Football fans across the country will tune into the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 5 and for many, the event often includes alcohol. The California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) and the Eastvale Police Department are teaming up with law enforcement across the state for a special Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk campaign to urge all football fans to call the right play on Super Bowl weekend and pass the keys to a sober driver before the drinking begins.

The Eastvale Police Department will deploy additional officers on special DUI saturation patrols specifically to stop and arrest drivers showing signs of alcohol or drug impairment during and following the game. As part of the Super Bowl Sunday enforcement efforts, police, sheriff and the CHP will be on heightened alert ready to stop and arrest any impaired driver.

Impaired driving can be deadly. A driver is considered alcohol-impaired with a blood alcohol concentration (BAC) of .08 or higher, but even a small amount of alcohol can impair judgment and reaction times enough to make driving unsafe. Drugs such as many prescription medications, marijuana or illicit drugs can also lead to impairment and unsafe driving leading to a DUI.

“Fans that are impaired can secure a safe ride home by designating a sober driver, using public transportation, or calling a taxi or rideshare program,” said Sergeant Bill Davis, from the Eastvale Police Department.

“Volunteer to be a designated driver to help your family and friends get home safely,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “Impaired driving only leads to disaster and tragedy. It is never worth the risk. If you do plan to drink, and/or are taking medications or using marijuana, plan now to pass the keys to a sober driver before kickoff.”

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP , or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone. The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

For those who plan to drive, refrain from any alcohol and be aware of possible drug impairment. Instead, enjoy the game with food and non-alcoholic drinks. This Super Bowl weekend, be a team player and help keep impaired drivers from getting behind the wheel. And remember: Fans Don’t Let Fans Drive Drunk.

This enforcement effort is funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration who reminds everyone to be alert and ‘Report Drunk Drivers – Call 911’ if you see a dangerous driver call immediately!

 

WVUSD Trustees Appoint Layla Abou-Taleb Provisional Board Member

By WVUSD wvusd

WALNUT-Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) Board of Trustees conducted interviews and appointed a Provisional Board Member during the Special Meeting held January 10. 

Longtime Walnut resident, Layla Abou-Taleb, was unanimously approved to fill the vacant seat and will be sworn in during the January 18 Board Meeting.

“We are confident that Mrs. Abou-Taleb will be a great addition to the Board with her knowledge in early childhood education and enthusiasm to serve the community!” said Board President Dr. Tony Torng. The vacant seat was created by the resignation of Phillip Chen in November. 

Abou-Taleb has been a community member for nearly 30 years. Her three children graduated and two grandchildren currently attend WVUSD schools.

“I recognize as a parent and grandparent the importance of quality education,” she said during the interview. 

Abou-Taleb, who is retired, earned a master’s degree in social work from University of Southern California.

During her career, she worked as an early childhood education advocate with the State of California Department of Social Services. She has also been a substitute teacher and classroom volunteer.

For the past two years, she led a grassroots effort to provide information and increase community involvement through the United Walnut Taxpayers non-profit organization.

“My strongest asset is the community’s trust and confidence in me. And that is what I bring to the table,” she said.

Community members who participated in the selection process included Layla Abou-Taleb, S. Sean Monemi, James E. Swartz, Benjamin Yip, and Ben Zhang.

Retired Assistant Superintendent of Human Resources Ray McMullen served as moderator during the Open Session interviews with the five candidates.

Abou-Taleb, who was out of the country due to a previously scheduled visit, participated in the interviews through a Skype conference call.

Each candidate was given one minute to present an opening statement, eight minutes to respond to questions, and one minute to make a closing statement.

“Thank you very much, I am deeply honored and look forward to joining you on the Board,” Abou-Taleb said after the vote.

The provisional appointment is effective immediately and the appointee will serve until the next scheduled District election.

“I hope I meet the expectations of our community and students. And believe me, I will give it my best shot!”

 

Deputies Arrest Four Suspects for Multiple Residential Burglaries in Chino Hills

By Chino Hills Sheriff
On January 10, 2017, deputies from the Chino Hills Station responded to a residential burglary in progress located in the 2400 block of White Dove Lane in Chino Hills. Deputies observed three black males running from the scene. After a short foot pursuit, all three suspects were apprehended and identified as, Armani Young, Daquione Hardy and Max Macias. Deputies also observed the suspect vehicle, being driven by a black male, fleeing from the scene. Deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the same area and contacted the driver, later identified as Shawn Hernandez. During the investigation, evidence and stolen property, including a stolen firearm, were located in the vehicle connecting them to three separate residential burglaries in Chino Hills. All four suspects were arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for multiple felony charges.
Suspect(s): Shawn Hernandez, 24 Years old, Resident of Los Angeles
Armani Young, 18 Years old, Resident of Los Angeles
Daquione Hardy, 22 Years Old, Resident of Los Angeles
Max Macias, 21 Years Old, Resident of Fontana
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy J. Brenes, Deputy J. Vega, or Detective Q. Holiday at (909) 364-2000. 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 Hotline at www.wetip.com.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station
14077 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, Ca. 91709

 

Maple Hill Crowns Spelling Champ

By WVUSDschools-spelling-bee-winner

DIAMOND BAR—After an exciting final round, Maple Hill Elementary fourth grader Eric Choi won the Scripps Spelling Bee on January 12.

“I don’t have any words to describe how I feel right now!” the beaming nine-year-old exclaimed after being named grand champion.

During the last 20 minutes of the contest, Choi battled second grader Jon Wong.

Both boys stepped up to the microphone to correctly spell words like pugnacious, castellated, Lilliput, and constabulary.

Many of the nearly 30 words from the nail-biting finale were “never seen before in order to test the spelling skills of the students,” said Principal Kelly Morris.

“They should be commended!” she said.

In December, each first through fifth grade class hosted a spelling bee using official Scripps words.

The classroom champs were then given 500-word study lists to prepare for the finals.

During Thursday’s contest, the grade-level winners were awarded medals, and then went head-to-head for the championship-round.

The school’s top spellers include Justin Tran – 1st, Jon Wong – 2nd, Emily Aldaz – 3rd, Eric Choi – 4th, and Sabrina Lin – 5th.

Choi will represent Maple Hill in March during the Scripps Inland Valley Regional Spelling Bee semifinals held at Mt. San Antonio College.

Choi said that reading a lot probably helped him clinch the title.

“My favorite books are the Percy Jackson series by Rick Riordan.”

 

Embrace Wellness in 2017 with a FREE Wellness Workshop

By City of Walnut 

Walnut – The City of Walnut invites you to join us for a Taste of Wellness in the new year with free demonstrations, chair massages, meet and greet with registered therapy dogs and a hot tea bar.

The Free Wellness workshop with Nancy Stoops, M.A M.F.T. and special guest will take place on Saturday, January 28 from 8:00 am to 12:00 noon at the Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road., Walnut.

Presented Topics Include:

The 3 Mindful Meditations with Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T.

The Benefits of Massage presented by Austrian Healer Michael Meier

Stress Management presented by Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T.

Yoga with Anne Castagnaro, Ph.D., RYT500

Featured Vendors:

doTERRA Oils by Mindy Martindale Purple Lotus Medical Massage and Wellness
Open Door, Yoga & Meditation in Downtown Pomona

Inland Empire Pet Partners, Katherine Gigandet & Rock-It-Man

Facilitator Nancy Stoops is a licensed marriage and family therapist with over 20 years in the practice, a published author and a columnist. Nancy has provided support to thousands of people in need and conducts every session and support group with Midnight, a registered therapy dog. As a traveler, Nancy has had the opportunity to work with healers throughout the world. She believes that with change comes opportunity.

Join us and give yourself the opportunity to find your inner Zen and discover a different light of wellness. Sign-up today by calling the Walnut Senior Center at 909-598-6200 or simply join us the day of the workshop.

 

STEM Academy Ceremony in February!

By CNUSD

              The Eastvale STEM Academy Ground Breaking ceremony will be held Friday, February 3, 2017 at 10 a.m. in Eastvale. The E-STEM Academy is built on three founding principles: Access, Collaboration, and Partnership. E-STEM focuses on preparing students to be college and career ready in the STEM fields upon graduating through partnerships.

Eleanor Roosevelt High School is set to become the district’s second STEM school. The Eastvale STEM Academy building is scheduled to open in 2018. Students enrolled in the STEM program will be exposed to a learning environment which requires critical thinking, problem solving, innovation and collaboration. These skills will be integrated into the STEM curriculum of real-world science, technology, engineering and mathematics. The address to the E-STEM academy is 7447 Scholar Way, Eastvale, CA 92880.

 

Tips from Deputy Myers

Dear Deputy Myers:

Deputy Myers

Deputy Myers

An oldie, but a goodie…

All too often I hear people that are victims of crimes, such as vehicle burglaries or package delivery theft, post the incidents on social media but do not report the crimes to local law enforcement. I cannot begin to tell you how important it is to REPORT REPORT REPORT!!! If local law enforcement in your area does not know the crime occurred, they cannot be a part of the solution to preventing it from happening again.

Neighborhood watch meetings and social media are great ways to advise your neighbors of what is happening to keep them informed so it doesn’t happen to them; but reporting to law enforcement, will assist in making the crimes stop altogether. This is especially important if you have video surveillance of the possible suspect.

The following is a list of what to do if you fall victim to a property crime (i.e. burglary, theft, vandalism, etc.). 1) Try to avoid touching the vehicle, door, or area around where the item(s) were taken from. This will assist the officer when they arrive to possibly obtain prints. 2) Develop a timeline as to when the last time you saw the item, when you last used it, how/when you secured it, and when you noticed it missing. 3) Contact your local law enforcement!! The non-emergency number to report past crimes is (951)776-1099. Even if you are in a hurry to get to work or have to pick up/drop off a child at school, many reports can be taken over the phone. 4) After you have reported the crime and given necessary details, feel free to reach out to social media, neighbors, etc. to assist with catching those who may have committed the crime. Please note: posting to Facebook forums DOES NOT automatically inform your local law enforcement with what is going on in your neighborhood, you still need to call and report the crimes and suspicious activities as they occur to help prevent them from happening in the future.

It is incredibly important to report crimes, no matter how insignificant, as they affect the statistics regarding current crime trends in the area. The statistics also provide much needed information to law enforcement in crime prevention for the future.

Deanna Myers is the Volunteer and Programs Coordinator for the Jurupa Valley Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that services the Eastvale Police Department.  She has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for about eight years, and most recently was assigned to patrol within the City of Eastvale before moving into her current position where she is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program for the City of Eastvale.

 

Brother of San Bernardino Shooter Pleads Guilty In Immigration Fraud Case

ojkyim-perfarook0111braax

By United States Attorney’s Office 

RIVERSIDE-Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of deceased San Bernardino attacker Syed Rizwan Farook, pleaded guilty today in federal court in an immigration fraud case stemming from the investigation of the December 2, 2015 attack in San Bernardino in which 14 people died and 22 were wounded.

Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, California, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud before United States District Judge Jesus Bernal.

As a result of today’s guilty plea, Syed Raheel Farook faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Judge Bernal is scheduled to sentence the defendant on November 13.

Syed Raheel Farook; his wife, Tatiana Farook; and his sister-in-law, Mariyah Chernykh, were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in April 2016. All three were charged with conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States, and to commit perjury.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in late 2014 and continuing through February 2016, the three defendants conspired with Enrique Marquez Jr. to obtain immigration benefits for Chernykh by arranging and carrying out a fraudulent marriage between Chernykh, a Russian citizen, and Marquez, a United States citizen. The conspirators allegedly made false statements in immigration documents submitted on Chernykh’s behalf.

In addition to the conspiracy count, Chernykh is charged in the indictment with two counts of making false statements under oath in immigration documents and one count of making false statements to federal agents about the scheme. A trial for Tatiana Farook and Chernykh is currently scheduled for March 28.

Marquez was charged in a separate federal indictment with participating in the marriage fraud scheme, as well as plotting with San Bernardino attacker Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to carry out attacks in the Inland Empire. Marquez is also charged with supplying two firearms that Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfin Malik, later used in the San Bernardino attack and during the shootout with law enforcement that ended in the couple’s death. Marquez is scheduled to go on trial before Judge Bernal on September 26.

“Today’s guilty plea is the result of the thorough investigation into the brutal attack in San Bernardino that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and tragically affected many more shooting victims and family members,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Law enforcement and prosecutors in my office continue to seek justice for the victims and the entire community of San Bernardino by uncovering and prosecuting all of the criminal activity related to the terrible events of December 2. As I have said many times, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation.”

“The false statements Mr. Farook admittedly made allowed others to cut the line to attain citizenship ahead of legitimate applicants,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This guilty plea should serve as a message for anyone contemplating similar activity that flouting the immigration laws of the United States has serious consequences.”

“Let there be no doubt, immigration benefit fraud is a serious crime,” said Joseph Macias, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. “When people use false or misleading information in order to obtain an immigration benefit for themselves or others, it creates a security vulnerability that could be exploited by criminals and other individuals who pose a serious danger to our community. As this case makes clear, HSI will aggressively target those who conspire to corrupt the integrity of America’s legal immigration system, putting our nation’s security at risk in the process.” The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Riverside, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and the United States Attorney’s Office.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay H. Robinson, Melanie Sartoris and Deirdre Z. Eliot of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney C. Alexandria Bogle of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.

Understanding Eastvale’s Code Enforcement

By City of Eastvale

EASTVALE, CA– The City of Eastvale’s Code Enforcement division was established to enhance the quality of life within the City by enforcing local laws set forth by the elected and appointed officials. Unlike law enforcement, Code Enforcement officers are City employees utilized to conduct field inspections of properties to ensure compliance with applicable zoning, safety, fire and nuisance codes; ordinances; and/or abatement regulations as outlined in the City’s Municipal Code. Be advised, that any violations to the Municipal Code may be subject to fines, fees and/or legal action. Eastvale’s Code Enforcement is able to respond to reported violations by submitting a complaint through the City’s E-Citizen Service Request System, phone or via email. Officers can also provide additional assistance to the public; however, some inquiries may require a referral to a different department or agency for resolution. It is also important to note that due to the confidentiality or sensitive nature of some cases, information may not be available to the public. In addition, Code Enforcement can provide community outreach, education, and other technical support to assist various departments, divisions, and agencies. To further assist residents with identifying some of the most frequent Code violations found in the City and become familiar with community-wide standards, the City developed the “Eastvale Community Neighborhood Preservation Standards” brochure which can be viewed by visiting www.EastvaleCA.gov.

Code Enforcement cannot respond or resolve the following issues:

  • Emergency situations that threaten human life, property and/or demand immediate attention. (For these emergencies, please call 9-1-1)
  • Covenants, Conditions & Restrictions – (CC&R) violations (Rules established by a developer or Home Owner’s Association that govern residences in a particular neighborhood.)
  • Private disputes between neighbors
  • Situations which are not specifically addressed in the Eastvale Municipal Code

To learn more about the City’s Code Enforcement division, or for questions or inquiries, please call Eastvale City Hall at (951) 361-0900 or you can email Code_Complaint@EastvaleCA.gov.

91 Project near Completion

By City of Eastvale

The 91 Project is now 91 percent complete! Work is continuing full speed ahead, with major milestones expected to be reached in early 2017.

The new westbound Maple Street off-ramp is nearing completion, and the Maple Street bridge is projected to return to two-way travel later this month.

The eastbound Serfas Club on-ramp, which has been closed since September 2015, is expected to reopen in February.

These dates are subject to change, based on weather and other factors.  Last month, crews completed the removal of the support structures of the Lincoln Avenue bridge. Work is continuing to widen the bridge over the 91.

Nighttime closures of eastbound 91 at Interstate 15 will continue through January for ongoing construction of the Express Connector from eastbound 91 to southbound 15 and from northbound 15 to westbound 91. Crews will be removing support structures on this flyover structure, which measures 3,700 feet long and 70 feet tall.

Also early this year, crews will coordinate restriping of travel lanes on the 91 and on city streets. Additional work will continue along Frontage Road, Wardlow Road and Pomona Road. Please watch for intermittent closures and detour signs.

 

Residential Burglary in Eastvale

By City of Eastvale

On Monday, January 9, 2017, at approximately 9:15 AM, deputies from the Eastvale Police Department responded to a call for service at the residence of Joshua Celaya (age 26 of Eastvale), located in the 7000 Block of Tennessee River Court, Eastvale. During the call for service, deputies located what they believed to be stolen property. Further investigation led deputies to the discovery of residences in the 7000 block of Osage Court and the 7000 block of Tennessee River Court which had been recently burglarized.

Joshua Celaya was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for two residential burglaries and possession of stolen property. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Deputy S. Hernandez at the Jurupa Valley Station by calling (951) 955-2600.

The Eastvale Police Department will be vigilant in arresting violators of the law. The Eastvale Police Department would like to remind all citizens to be aware of their surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity, including any vehicles or persons by calling 911 for emergencies, or calling our dispatch center non-emergency line at (951) 247-8700.

Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847). You can also leave anonymous information at www.riversidesheriff.org/tipline or www.wetip.com.

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

 

Walnut Valley USD To Begin Enrolling for 2017-18 School Year

By WVUSD

WALNUT-The Walnut Valley Unified School District will soon begin registration for the 2017-2018 school year for children transitional kindergarten and kindergarten through fifth grade.

Registration dates are:

January 17-20, 2017—for those children with siblings already attending school in our district;

January 23, 2017 & on—for those elementary children new to the district, at any grade level.

You may register for transitional kindergarten if your child turns 5 years old September 2nd – December 2nd.  Students must be 5 years of age on or before September 1, to enroll in kindergarten for the 2017-2018 school year.

At the time of registration, parents will be asked to present a certified copy of the child’s birth certificate or passport, proof of the child’s immunizations, and for kindergarten and first grade proof of an oral health examination.  For residency verification, parents will also need to provide either final escrow papers, mortgage statement or lease/rental agreement, along with a current utility bill (gas, water or electric bill) and a driver’s license (or California I.D.) with current home address.  Enrollment is on-going, and your residence address determines the elementary school where you should enroll your child.

The Walnut Valley Unified School District offers a quality day care program at all elementary sites, for both before and after school hours.  You may contact the Child Care office at 909-444-3460 for additional information and fees.

 

Next Steps: Measure G

By CVUSD

Now that the results of Chino Valley Unified School District’s Measure G have been certified, activity has begun to kick off the $750 million bond program. The most common question is when will the community see something built or go up or change as a result of Measure G’s passage.

“That should become clearer over the next few weeks as a series of meetings and Board of Education study sessions begin,” said Superintendent Wayne M. Joseph. “Make no mistake about it, we are excited to embark upon this process and as anxious as the rest of the community to see a Measure G project begin.”

The Board of Education will meet in special session on Thursday, January 12, 2017, to approve the formation of the Citizens Oversight Committee. The meeting will take place in the Board room and is open to the public.

Once the Board has established the formation of the Citizens Oversight Committee, the application process will begin. Beginning January 13, 2017, interested residents can complete an application for consideration of appointment to the Oversight Committee. The Oversight Committee is governed by state law and members are to be appointed within 60 days after the election results were adopted by the Board, or no later than the first Board meeting in February (February 2, 2017).

The purpose of the Oversight Committee is to review and report to the public on the bond expenditures, advise the public as to the District’s compliance with Prop. 39, and ensure that no bond funds are spent on teacher salaries or District operating expenses. Additionally, the Committee receives and reviews annual financial audits.

The Oversight Committee consists of a minimum of seven members including representatives from the following: business organization, taxpayer group, senior group, parent of a student in the District, and parent involved in parent-teacher organization.

Applications will be available from January 13 to January 25, 2017, on the District website: www.chino.k12.ca.us or in the Superintendent’s Office between the hours of 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.

On January 19, 2017, Robert Barna, Managing Director of Stifel, Nicolaus & Company, will provide a presentation on the bond sale process at the Board of Education meeting. Stifel, investment advisors, also partnered with the District throughout Measure M, the previous bond program. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the District Board room and is open to the public.

One week later, the Board of Education will hold a budget study session to begin to plan and prioritize projects.

“The goal of the study session is to begin the prioritization process and build a timeline for projects,” said Greg Stachura, Assistant Superintendent of Facilities, Planning and Operations.

The study session will begin at 5:30 p.m. on January 26, 2017, in the District Board room and is open to the public.

On February 2, 2017, at the Board of Education meeting, the Board is expected to appoint the members of the Citizens Oversight Committee. The meeting begins at 7:00 p.m. in the District Board Room and is open to the public.

In addition to Board action, the Facilities, Planning and Operations Division is preparing budgets and working with other state agencies to ensure the District can obtain matching funds for eligible projects.

In the first 180 days, the Facilities Division will also oversee the hiring of consultants such as architects, CEQA experts, bond program manager & construction manager. Additionally, it will review other professional services contracts and construction contracts for various delivery methods.

Opportunities for the community to be involved in the process are available through meeting attendance or watching replays of meetings and study sessions on You Tube and/or applying for a position on the Oversight Committee. There will be opportunities for continued community involvement once projects enter the planning stages. Students, parents, community members and school personnel will be invited to learn about those opportunities as school project planning begins.

“The District engaged the community for one and a half years to learn about their priorities and expectations for our schools,” Mr. Joseph said. “The valuable contributions from our meetings helped shape the project list that will be before the Board for prioritization later this month.”

Mr. Joseph added, “We hope that community members – students, parents, staff, neighbors, business and civic leaders who care about the future of the Chino Valley, its schools and the success of its students – will join us on this journey.”

KEY DATES

Board of Education Meetings:

January 12 at 5:00 p.m. – Special Meeting of the Board of Education
• Creation of Citizens Oversight Committee

January 19 at 7:00 p.m. – Meeting of the Board of Education
• Bond presentation by Robert Barna

January 26 at 5:30 p.m. – Board of Education Study Session On Measure G
• Study session on bonds from election to sale

February 2 at 7:00 p.m. – Board of Education Meeting
• Appointment of Citizens Oversight Committee members

 

Chino Hills – Fatal Traffic Collision

By City of Chino Hills

On Saturday, January 7, 2017, at about 2:07, Contreras was driving west on Chino Hills Parkway with two passengers inside his 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. Once through the intersection of Ramona Avenue, the Tahoe crossed the double yellow line and continued west onto a raised concrete center median. The Tahoe continued west on the median for about 230 feet with no physical evidence of breaking. The front of the Tahoe collided into a traffic signal pole at the intersection of SR 71 northbound on-ramp. The impact resulted in the death of the front passenger, and non-life threatening injuries to the rear passenger and Contreras who were transported to local hospitals.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has additional information regarding this collision is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or the website at www.wetip.com

Chino Hills Man Attempted Murder of U.S. Diplomat in Mexico

BY USAO

Chino Hills – Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, California, made his initial appearance on January 10, after being charged with the attempted murder of a diplomat stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico.

According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, Zafar disguised himself and followed a Vice Consul of the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara through a parking garage to his vehicle. After the Vice Consul got into his car and drove towards the garage exit, Zafar allegedly shot him once in the chest and fled. The Vice Consul was taken to a local hospital, where he currently remains. Zafar was subsequently detained by Mexican authorities.

Zafar was deported from Mexico on January 9, arriving in the United States. He was immediately arrested and charged with attempted murder of an internationally protected person. Zafar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the government of Mexico, to include the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Procuraduria General de la Republica, Fiscalia del Estado de Jalisco and Instituto Nacional de Migracion for their extraordinary efforts, support and professionalism in responding to this incident.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Leslie R. Caldwell, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; and Bill A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), made the announcement after Zafar’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Sloan, and Trial Attorney Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.

The FBI and DSS are investigating the case in close cooperation with Mexican authorities and with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, DEA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

 

Crime Re-cap for December

Staff Reports

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, including Eastvale Police and Corona Police, has done a great job combating crime in the area. Read a recap below to see what happened in the month of December.

Norco- On Thursday, December 22, 2016, at 5:45 A.M., deputies from the Norco Sheriff’s Office responded to the 3300 Block of Hamner Avenue in the city of Norco reference an unconscious male lying in a parking lot. Deputies arrived within minutes and located an adult male, deceased at the scene. Preliminary investigation indicates the deceased male may have been struck by a vehicle and the incident is being investigated as a fatal hit and run traffic collision. Traffic Investigators responded to the scene and have assumed the investigation. The name of the decedent is being withheld pending notification to next of kin. Preliminary investigation revealed the pedestrian was initially struck by an unknown vehicle and the driver fled the scene without stopping and providing aid.

Eastvale, CA – The Eastvale Police Department’s Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License checkpoint on December 16, 2016, at Hamner Ave. cross of Limonite Ave. between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m. Checkpoints are placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence and provide the greatest safety for officers and the public.

Results: 513 Vehicles Screened; 3 DUI-Alcohol suspects arrested, 5 Arrested for warrants, 20 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked, and 43 Citations issued.

Eastvale- On Friday, December 9, 2016, the Eastvale Police Department’s Traffic Division conducted a grant-funded traffic enforcement operation as part of its commitment to public safety. This operation is one of many that will be conducted throughout the year. This operation was conducted at numerous locations in the city of Eastvale where major injury and fatal collisions have occurred. The purpose of this operation was to educate motorists about dangerous driving such as exceeding the posted speed limit, failing to stop at stop signs, and using cellular devices while driving to name a few. The operation was conducted from 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The results ended in 35 citations being issued.

Jurupa Valley- On December 7, 2016, Jurupa Valley police officers received information the residents from an address in the 4000 block of Bain Street were involved in multiple vehicle thefts and vehicle burglaries. While surveilling the residence, deputies saw a silver Chevrolet Colorado pickup truck parked in the back of the property. A records check revealed the truck was stolen from a residence in Eastvale on December 2, 2016.

Deputies contacted the occupant of the stolen truck, Steven McCary (age 31 of Jurupa Valley) and detained him for possession of a stolen vehicle. With the assistance of the Jurupa Valley Police and Eastvale Police Special Enforcement Teams (SET), a wallet that had been stolen from an unlocked car in Eastvale on December 6, 2016, was also recovered. McCary was booked in jail for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of a controlled substance, possession of stolen property, and committing a crime while on bail.

Corona- On Dec. 28, the Corona Police Department received a call regarding an in-progress commercial burglary at Graziano’s Pizza, 333 Magnolia Avenue, in Corona. Officers responded to the area while CPD dispatch relayed information from the reporting party. The suspect vehicle, a white Dodge Intrepid, was located in the area and a traffic stop was attempted, but the vehicle failed to yield, which initiated a vehicle pursuit. The suspect vehicle was pursued to the 1600 block of Leeson Lane, Corona where the suspect vehicle drove over a curb flattening its tires. The officers located and detained two of the three male suspects, who were later identified as brothers Rodney Shorter II, 21-year-old, and Rodney Shorter III, 19-year-old, of Long Beach. The third suspect was not located.

The investigation revealed that the suspects burglarized Graziano’s Pizza, removing a safe and cash register drawers, and minutes prior they had committed another commercial burglary at Chronic Taco, 160 E. Ontario Avenue, in Corona. The safe taken from Graziano’s Pizza was recovered from the suspect vehicle. In addition, burglary tools, two cloth masks, and a stolen firearm which had been reported stolen out of Los Angeles County were recovered. Both suspects were booked for Commercial Burglary, Possession of Stolen Property, Felon in Possession of a Firearm, and Evading a Police Officer.

Farook Pleads Guilty in Immigration Fraud Case

By United States Attorney’s Office 

RIVERSIDE-Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of deceased San Bernardino attacker Syed Rizwan Farook, pleaded guilty today in federal court in an immigration fraud case stemming from the investigation of the December 2, 2015 attack in San Bernardino in which 14 people died and 22 were wounded.

Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, California, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud before United States District Judge Jesus Bernal.

As a result of today’s guilty plea, Syed Raheel Farook faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Judge Bernal is scheduled to sentence the defendant on November 13.

Syed Raheel Farook; his wife, Tatiana Farook; and his sister-in-law, Mariyah Chernykh, were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in April 2016. All three were charged with conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States, and to commit perjury.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in late 2014 and continuing through February 2016, the three defendants conspired with Enrique Marquez Jr. to obtain immigration benefits for Chernykh by arranging and carrying out a fraudulent marriage between Chernykh, a Russian citizen, and Marquez, a United States citizen. The conspirators allegedly made false statements in immigration documents submitted on Chernykh’s behalf.

In addition to the conspiracy count, Chernykh is charged in the indictment with two counts of making false statements under oath in immigration documents and one count of making false statements to federal agents about the scheme. A trial for Tatiana Farook and Chernykh is currently scheduled for March 28.

Marquez was charged in a separate federal indictment with participating in the marriage fraud scheme, as well as plotting with San Bernardino attacker Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to carry out attacks in the Inland Empire. Marquez is also charged with supplying two firearms that Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfin Malik, later used in the San Bernardino attack and during the shootout with law enforcement that ended in the couple’s death. Marquez is scheduled to go on trial before Judge Bernal on September 26.

“Today’s guilty plea is the result of the thorough investigation into the brutal attack in San Bernardino that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and tragically affected many more shooting victims and family members,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Law enforcement and prosecutors in my office continue to seek justice for the victims and the entire community of San Bernardino by uncovering and prosecuting all of the criminal activity related to the terrible events of December 2. As I have said many times, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation.”

“The false statements Mr. Farook admittedly made allowed others to cut the line to attain citizenship ahead of legitimate applicants,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This guilty plea should serve as a message for anyone contemplating similar activity that flouting the immigration laws of the United States has serious consequences.”

“Let there be no doubt, immigration benefit fraud is a serious crime,” said Joseph Macias, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. “When people use false or misleading information in order to obtain an immigration benefit for themselves or others, it creates a security vulnerability that could be exploited by criminals and other individuals who pose a serious danger to our community. As this case makes clear, HSI will aggressively target those who conspire to corrupt the integrity of America’s legal immigration system, putting our nation’s security at risk in the process.” The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Riverside, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and the United States Attorney’s Office.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay H. Robinson, Melanie Sartoris and Deirdre Z. Eliot of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney C. Alexandria Bogle of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.

 

Free Sandbags and Holiday Tree Collection

By City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar– During the rainy weather season, most County of Los Angeles fire stations double as free self-serve sandbag stations.

Diamond Bar residents whose home are prone to flooding when it rains may stop by local station 119 (20480 Pathfinder Road – 909.598.4290.) or 121 (346 Armitos Road – 909.396.0165) to pick up free sand and sandbags, while supplies last.

There are a maximum of 25 sandbags allowed per household, and residents should bring gloves and shovels to fill their own sandbags. For more information, call the City’s Public Works Department at 909.839.7040.

Holiday Tree Collection- Waste Management and Valley Vista Services will be collecting live trees collection from December 25 until January 6.

Trees must be free of the stand, ornaments, tinsel and lights be stripped of ornaments and stand, and placed at the curb or designated collection point on the regularly scheduled trash collection day.

For more information, contact Waste Management at 800.266.7551 or Valley Vista Services at 800.442.6454.

LASD C.A.R.E.S

By Walnut/DB Sheriff’s Station
If you are feeling depressed or having psychological problems, you don’t have to feel alone. LASD C.A.R.E.S. in conjunction with the LA County Department of Mental Health would like to provide you with the following resources:
Life Threatening Emergency- Dial 9-1-1

Call 24 hours a day in case of an extreme emergency if you, your loved one and/or the public are facing an imminent threat.

Urgent Questions-call the DMH ACCESS Center (800)854-7771

If you need help with a situation that seems to be getting worse, but hasn’t turned into an emergency, call the DMH Access Center. They will discuss resources and if necessary, may send a Psychiatric Mobile Response team to your location to help evaluate the situation. However, the Response Team won’t come out right away; it may take a few hours, so if the situation changes to an emergency, dial 911 immediately.

Start a Caregiver Plan- Dial 2-1-1

211 LA County provides access to comprehensive social services and disaster support for Los Angeles County residents. They work closely with the DMH ACCESS Center on mental health resources. They can help you with questions about your loved one’s behavior such as suicidal thoughts, hallucinations or what to do when your loved one becomes gravely disabled. After a series of telephone prompts, you will speak to a live person.

Who Qualifies for a ‘5150’ Hold?

Under certain circumstances, officer can place your loved one a 5150 hold. This means a mentally ill person is held for at least 72-hours at a hospital while being evaluated. This can be done when (1) the individual presents a danger to himself or others, or (2) a person is so disabled that he or she cannot take care of daily life activities (for example, has stopped eating for days and won’t come out of the bedroom). However, this is a very difficult standard to meet. In most cases, the LASD cannot take your loved one to a hospital against his or her will.
Crisis Lines:
Suicide Prevention and Survivor Hotline (24 hours/7 days)
Calling from the Los Angeles, Orange, Ventura, San Bernardino, Riverside and Imperial Counties:

  • English: 877-727-4747
  • Spanish: 888-628-9454

Calling from outside the above counties:

  • 310-391-1253

Substance Abuse Hotline:
800-564-6600
Veteran’s Services:
877-452-8387
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
800-950-NAMI (6264)
www.nami.org
Los Angeles Gay and Lesbian Center:
323-993-7400

4 Arrested after DUI Checkpoint

By City of Chinodui-police-checkpoint-sign

Chino Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, December 16, 2016 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes.  Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 1,155 deaths and over 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Over the course of the past three years officers have investigated 60 DUI collisions which have claimed 0 lives, but resulted in 79 injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

  • 1,092 vehicles screened
  • 4 DUI suspects arrested
  • 14 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
  • 9 other citations issued
  • 7 vehicles impounded/stored

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Chino Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.