Category Archives: News By City

Eastvale City Council Recap

By Emily Aguilar

 

EASTVALE– This month’s council meeting began with an experiment. At Mayor Ike Bootsma’s request, the meeting held on Wednesday the 9th began at 7:00 pm rather than 6:30 pm. Bootsma was eager to test two factors as a result of this experiment: one, he wanted to see if the time change would better accommodate the gap between council meetings and budget workshops; and two, he wanted to see how the community would respond to the time change.

Before tending to the schedule change, the meeting began with a closed session, where in which the council discussed the performance evaluation of City Manager Michele Nissen and two conferences with legal counsel regarding an existing litigation and an anticipated litigation.  After the two-hour closed session, a majority of audience members had left. A sense of awkwardness filled the air as the council overlooked the mostly empty seats.

The first item on the agenda was a Public Safety Commission update. Recently, individuals have been racing around Citrus and Scholar during school hours, which has stirred concern in the community. At the Public Safety meeting, citizens addressed not only the speeding, but also vandalism that has been occurring in neighborhoods. One resident pitched the idea of setting up cameras to find the perpetrators. Other concerns, specifically at the high school, are crosswalks and the heavy traffic on the streets. Community residents are looking forward to working with the city and the school in order to help the students be safe.

Next on the agenda was an update on the civic center/library project. Since August 2015, a library subcommittee has sought to build a new library and a city hall. The main discussion on this topic was determining where these new buildings will be located. There are now five possible locations being considered for the new civic center, all of which span from 9 to 16 acres. Before any action is taken, staff requested that the council bring back their contract agreement with the Riverside Economic Development Agency (EDA) to help in choosing, funding, and ultimately purchasing a plot of land to develop the civic center. The EDA has had a positive history with Eastvale developments; for example, they helped choose and purchase the land for the developing Fire Station 31. The council motioned to set up a contract discussion for the next council meeting.

The council quickly approved a construction update on Fire Station 31. Horizons, the current construction team for this project, has been paving, making concrete footings for walls, and establishing building pads. Within the next 6 weeks, city staff will grant the Fire Station Street Improvements bid package to help with further construction. Ultimately, Horizons intends to complete their phase of the 300-task schedule by December 5th. Council received and filed this information.

The council then addressed the outcome to their time change trial. The time change had a negative impact because the closed session, which typically lasts about thirty minutes, ended up lasting two hours. Because the audience was left alone for such a long time, most of them grew impatient and left by the time the council had returned. The council decided to have closed session meetings at the end of the regular 6:30 meetings.

Moving on to Council Communications, Council Member Rush discussed the possibility of distributing newsletters to the city residents in order to pass on information about local events. Mayor Pro Tem Tessari also proposed the idea to see if the city could re-implement creating an infrastructure financing district. If feasible, staff will look into it. The meeting was adjourned to 3 o’clock on Friday.

Two weeks later, on March 23, the meeting began with a series of good-byes and a distribution of recognition awards. Bill Link celebrated his retirement from the council that evening. While receiving a recognition award, Link shared a few affectionate jokes and words with the councilmen, who were “really appreciative of all [his] hard work” over the past two years. Also leaving her position with Eastvale was Code Enforcement Officer Allynn Evans, who would be moving to Texas. Bootsma, a former Texan himself, gave Evans his blessings. The last series of awards were given to two Riverside Police Department officers, Officer Jackson and Officer Merrell, for having effectively responded to an attempted theft and assault case, which ultimately saved the lives of a local couple.

The Community Foundation Update was about preparation for April 5th’s State of the City event. Afterwards, the Public Safety update once again addressed the racing problem off Citrus and Scholar. Residents are concerned for their children’s safety, and the Community Foundation is doing their best to assuage the citizens’ concerns.

The Student Liaison update was delivered by Ayo Banjo, who stated that ERHS was holding an open house event that evening. Also occurring at Roosevelt was the 4th annual Relay for Life Event, expected to be held on April 30th. In other school news, Eastvale Elementary was set to celebrate its 10-year anniversary soon.

During the Public Comments, Linda Cerone took the podium to make two announcements. Her first announcement was an invitation to National Prayer Day, which will be held on May 5th at the Eastvale Community Center. Cerone also encouraged the audience to partake in the Relay for Life event, which is a cancer fundraising event.

Before concluding the meeting, City Manager Michele Nissen briefly announced that ERHS would be holding their Every 15 Minute event on April 5th. She also stated that on Thursday March 24th, the city would begin work with the grant writer they had recently hired. Following Nissen’s topics was an announcement regarding a problem with the CDA Waterline Project. That afternoon it was discovered that a steel plate is interfering with the base waterline. It will most likely stunt progress on the project for the time being. Moving onto the Committee Reports, Lorimore asked council and staff that they prepare to “move forward” in finding someone to fill in Link’s now empty seat. The councilmen agreed to focus on this idea in the next meeting. There was an announcement that there will be a SCAG meeting for District 4 at the Riverside County Administration Center. Bootsma once again invited the audience to visit Roosevelt on April 5th for their Every 15 Minute event, and the meeting was adjourned.

CVUSD Board Members Ordered To Pay Legal Fees

By Carol Heyen

CHINO– Two months after a federal judge ordered Chino Valley Unified School Board members to stop prayer and proselytizing at meetings, the same judge has ordered them to pay over $200,000 in legal fees to the group who sued them.

In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that local officials may open public meetings with prayers- even explicitly Christian ones- so long as the government agency does not discriminate against minority faiths when choosing who may offer a prayer and the prayer does not coerce participation from nonbelievers.

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation filed suit against the CVUSD, saying that they have taken this directive much farther than the Constitution allows.   The FFRF, in their November 2014 suit against the district, argued that Board Member James Na “often injects religion into his comments” at the ends of meetings and that [Board President Andrew] Cruz regularly closed meetings with a Bible reading, in addition to the prayers used to open meetings.”

On Feb. 18, U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal ordered the board to end its years-long tradition of “reciting prayers, Bible readings and proselytizing at board meetings,” saying that it “constitutes unconstitutional government endorsements of religion in violation of Plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights.”

Thursday, March 31, Bernal ordered Chino Valley Unified School Board members James Na, Sylvia Orozco, Andrew Cruz and Irene Hernandez-Blair to pay $202,971 in legal fees to the Freedom From Religion Foundation to cover the legal costs associated with the FFRC’s lawsuit against the board.

Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett said, “[The ruling is] a chipping away at every right we have. The judge not only outlawed Scripture reading in the course of a meeting, he said the prayer at the start of the meeting is illegal. We’ve got to stand our ground and go forward. It’s a spiritual fight.”

The Board is planning an appeal.

Deputies Arrest Man For Carjacking

Staff Reports

LOMA LINDA- On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at about 11:30 p.m., sheriff’s deputies received a report of two attempted carjackings in the parking lot of Loma Linda University Medical Center.  During the first carjacking attempt, the suspect unsuccessfully tried to enter a vehicle occupied by a female.  After failing to enter that vehicle, he then approached a second vehicle, also occupied by a female, and tried to enter through the passenger side door. The second female driver sped away through the parking lot, causing the suspect to fall from the vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies located and detained the suspect, Anthony Martinez, 32, of San Bernardino.
During their investigation, they learned that after falling from the second vehicle, Martinez chased the car through the parking lot as the driver attempted to exit the location. Martinez was able to catch the vehicle a second time and tried climbing into the passenger door once again. The driver continued to speed through the parking lot, causing Martinez to fall from the vehicle again. Both victims indicated that Martinez was trying to carjack them while they were in the parking lot. Neither victim knew Martinez, and neither sustained any injuries as a result of the encounters.
Although he fell twice from a moving vehicle, Martinez did not sustain any injuries. He was arrested, transported and booked on three counts of felony attempted carjacking.

Sheriff’s Golf Tournament A Success

Photo by: Michael Armijo

Photo by: Michael Armijo

By Sarah Sanchez

 

Walnut/Diamond Bar– The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club held another great golf tournament on April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills. The golf tournament took place to honor the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Department’s 150 volunteers who give their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin. The golf tournament was held to provide the needed uniforms and equipment to these volunteers.

Sheriff Booster Club President, Gilbert Rivera, said that the golf tournament had a great community participation. There were a total of 127 golfers, which is the largest number of participants that they have ever had, according to Rivera. There were also 26 volunteers in attendance from the volunteer division of the Sheriff’s Department.

Diamond Bar community member and Efree Church Pastor, Mark Hopper, said he enjoyed seeing the many Deputies that participated in the golf tournament and the Cadets from the Deputy Explorer program that came out.

“It was a very nice event. It was well-organized, well-attended, and there were a lot of prizes,” said Hopper. He was even happy that his team received a trophy. He laughed that the trophy was for “Best Effort” though.

Rivera said their top priority for this year’s golf tournament was to make it a fun and successful event for the participants. They had a variety of games including a putting contest, longest drive contest, straightest drive contest, and even a marshmallow contest, where they had to hit a marshmallow off of a tee. Rivera said they wanted to include games that everyone could participant in, no matter what skill level they were at.

The price to participate in the golf tournament was only $100, which is a very affordable rate for a private golf course. The participants received lunch, dinner, goodie bags donated by Waste Management, and an opportunity to win the many raffle prizes that were donated from different businesses in the community.

Sponsors included American Pacific Mortgage, City of Diamond Bar, City of Walnut, Coca Cola, Diamond Country Escrow, Furniture of America, James & Emma Farmer, Jinza Teriyaki Restaurant, Kaiser Permanente, LA County Professional Peace Officers Assn., Lemon Creek Tires Inc., Miller Coors Brewery, PPOA Federal Credit Union, Supervisor Don Knabe, Walnut Plaza, and Wilshire Bank. Kaiser Permanente’s group even won first place in the tournament!

The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors and all the people who volunteered their time and effort to help put on a great event.

Rivera said that they are so glad it was a successful event and they are looking forward to next year’s event. Follow the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club Facebook page to stay updated on when the next tournament will take place!

The Approval Addiction

Mark Lee NewBy Pastor Mark Lee
Last month, a satirical video of Ben Affleck created a buzz when it was posted online. The short clip spotlighting the Batman vs. Superman star’s melancholic response to his movie’s negative reviews quickly went viral. Millions of viewers were drawn to “Sad Ben Affleck” because it comically combines images of the actor’s downtrodden expression with the sorrowful strains of a popular song. Of course, the video’s appeal also stems from the fact that everyone understands the disappointment that comes with disapproval.
The disease to please infects us all. Whether you are a mother cooking a meal, an employee preparing a report, or a pastor preaching a sermon, everyone enjoys receiving positive feedback. In the same vein, it can be extremely disheartening to invest your time and effort into something only to receive less-than-stellar reviews (Right, Ben Affleck?) While the need for approval can drive us to accomplish great things, it can also have negative results. Anxiety, fear of failure, avoidance, and exhaustion can occur when we work hard to please others.
An acquaintance recently explained her absence from social media by stating, “I realized I was looking for approval in all the wrong places.” This statement is universally true. In our quest to receive “likes” from the world, we often fail to question whether our actions would be pleasing to God.
2 Timothy 2:15 instructs, you must “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.” Doing so may not turn Batman’s frown upside down, but it could sure help me!

Chino PD Request Assistance In Finding Scam Suspects

Photo courtesy: Chino P.D. Police looking for two lottery scam suspects

Photo courtesy: Chino P.D.
Police looking for two lottery scam suspects

Courtesy of Chino P.D.

 

CHINO– Chino Police are requesting help in identifying and locating two suspects who scammed a 65-year-old victim out of $20,000.  It is believed that they may have victimized others using a similar scam.

Officers were able to obtain surveillance footage photos of the two suspects just before they approached the female victim inside of Burlington Coat Factory, located at 5517 Philadelphia Street, on Monday, March 7, 2016.  At approximately 3 p.m., it is alleged that the unknown female and male suspects conned the victim into leaving with them in a vehicle described as a 4-door maroon sedan.  The female suspect claimed to have won a large sum of money playing the lottery, but said she needed assistance to claim it as she did not have identification.  She asked for $20,000 in collateral in exchange for large return on her investment from the lottery winnings.  The victim agreed and was driven to a bank in Corona to withdraw the funds.  The suspects then drove to the Stater Bros. grocery store at 6989 Schaefer Avenue, where the victim had previously dropped off her car.  They then fled with the victim’s money.

 

Suspect descriptions:

Suspect 1:  Hispanic female adult, approximately 45 years old, 160 lbs, 5’6” with long black hair.  Last seen wearing a gray sweater and dark pants.

Suspect 2:  Hispanic male adult, approximately 45 years old, 180 lbs, 5’9” with shoulder length black hair and a moustache, last seen wearing a long-sleeved checkered shirt, blue jeans and a tan “Ford” hat.

 

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective McArdle at 909-334-3039, or jmcardle@chinopd.org.

An Old Friend

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

We got a phone call today that a dear friend had died.  It was not unexpected; Margaret was over 90 years old.  But this wonderful woman and her husband made a lasting impact on our family.

We met Ray and Margaret while I was the pastor of a small church in Tucson, Arizona, in the 1980’s. They were “snow birds” who came to Tucson each year to get away from the long, cold winters in Minnesota.  They were hard working farmers with grown children and several grandchildren.  They were able to soak up some sunshine in Arizona during the winter months.  Later, they bought a home in Tucson and became full-time residents.

Ray and Margaret quietly helped others.  They had servant hearts.  When my wife and I needed to get away for a few days, they would stay with our kids in our house.  Not only did they feed and care for our kids, but they would clean our house too!

Our children still remember the “clean plate club” when Ray and Margaret came to stay with them.  If our kids ate all the food on their plates, they were rewarded by Ray and Margaret with a visit to Dairy Queen and a Peanut Buster Sundae!

When our young family was growing and we needed a room addition, Ray and Margaret loaned us the money to finish the job.  Although we did repay that loan over several years, they insisted on providing the floor covering so that our young kids would not be walking or crawling on a cement floor!

One summer we drove across the country and visited their farm in northern Minnesota.  We were thrilled to see their family farm, their home and their garden.  It sure looked different than the Arizona desert where our family lived.

Ray and Margaret had a firm, unshakable faith in Jesus Christ.  In his later years, Ray used to say goodbye like this, “If I don’t see you again, I’ll see you in heaven”.

They were generous and faithful members of our church.  I will never forget the time when our church was beginning a new building project.  We were committed to pay cash for each phase of construction.  At one point, the lumber was scheduled to be delivered on a Monday but we didn’t have all the funds to pay at delivery.  The church leaders met after the Sunday evening service to pray and discuss what we should do.

During that meeting, there was a knock at the door.  A man handed a check to our chairman to cover the remaining amount that was due the next day.  That check came from Ray and Margaret!  I have never forgotten that moment.  It was a wonderful reminder of how God provides through faithful people like this remarkable couple.

I wonder if there have been some people like Ray and Margaret who have impacted your family and your life.    They were like an extra set of grandparents to our kids.

When was the last time you expressed your thanks to someone who impacted your life as a child, teen, young adult or young couple?  Don’t wait until it is too late.  Write a note, send a card or make a call this week and tell them again how much you appreciate how God used them to enrich your life.

Pastor Mark Hopper is from the Evangelical Free Church of Diamond Bar, 3255 South Diamond Bar Blvd.  Sunday services are 9 a.m. and 10:45 a.m.  For more information, call (909) 594-7604 or visithttp://www.efreedb.org

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR-The March 22 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with a presentation to Diamond Bar High School student Hailey Shi, who won first place in the 17th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing contest at Chapman University.

Following public comments, the schedule of future events was read, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 24 at 7 p.m.; the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 26 at 10 a.m. at Pantera Park; the State of the City address on March 30 at 6 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on April 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Next, the Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the March 1 City Council meeting; the Parks and Recreation minutes from the January 28 meeting; the Planning Commission minutes from the January 26 and February 23 meetings; ratification of a check register totaling $1,680,851.92; authorization of the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Industry, establishing a reimbursement agreement for consultant costs related to the preparation of joint Fastlane Tiger Transportation funding grant applications; and a maintenance agreement for the Lemon Avenue undercrossing with the State of California, related to the construction of a new freeway interchange at Lemon Ave at State Route 60. The Council also appropriated $180,000 from General Fund Reserves and approved a contract with Public Finance Strategies, LLC.

Following Council Member reports and comments, the council adjourned to April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar.

Walnut Valley Trustees Honor Stand Out Students, Community Members

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Justin Tran, a Maple Hill Elementary kindergartner, was honored as a Super Star Student on March 16. Shown with Principal Nancy Stingley, teacher Lisa Esse, librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen, family members, and Board President Helen Hall.

 By Kelli Gile

 

WALNUT– The Walnut Valley Unified School District Board of Trustees recognized four stellar students and community members during the March 16 meeting.

Maple Hill kindergartner Justin Tran was lauded with the Super Star Student Award.  Justin was recently named a winner in the “Ticket to Adventure” bookmark contest sponsored by the Los Angeles County Public Library. Each fall, students submit original artwork in the K-12 competition.

“Justin is the only kindergartener that won,” exclaimed librarian Tuyet Van Nguyen.  “This is a very big deal for our school – we haven’t had a winner in 11 years!”

“He is a wonderful student, extremely caring and compassionate, and gives 110% every day,” described teacher Lisa Delio.  “Justin is one of those little boys who will be a great leader in our community someday.  I am extremely proud of him. Justin is an all-around Maple Hill super star!” she added.

Justin passed out copies of his winning bookmark as a gift for the Board members and District officials.

Global Mission Church was honored with the Partner in Education Award. For the past two years, the Diamond Bar church has supported Maple Hill’s character education program by sponsoring an assembly, providing teacher materials, and purchasing over 500 books for students.

Last year, while the school was renovating its library, Global Mission Church stepped up and provided all new shelving in the two rooms. In addition, members donated over new 200 books for the library.

“We are so very proud to have them as our community partners!” said Principal Nancy Stingley.

Westhoff Elementary 5th grader Bella Liu was recognized with the Super Star Student Award.

“Bella exemplifies all character traits taught at Westhoff,” said Principal Denise Rendon.  “Kindness and respect are ingrained in who she is as a person.”

Bella is a quiet leader who encourages classmates to do their best on a daily basis. She is humble, yet willing to take charge and get things done.

“The reason Bella shines is that she consistently makes the right choices – being safe, respectful, and responsible – with a smile on her face and joy in her heart,” Rendon added. “Bella will be a huge success next year at Suzanne Middle School.”

Westhoff volunteer Gary Chow, who has served as longtime advisor, mentor, and community partner, was honored with the Partner in Education Award.

Last year, Gary generously donated funds that helped launch the school’s robotic program for 4th grade students.  He also helped to bring popular STEM program to 5th graders through another donation made this year.

“It is rewarding to watch the progress of the students as they benefit from a second year of robotics,” said Rendon.

When Gary visits classes to watch student progress, the kids love to show off their tech skills.

“He has made our dream of providing our students a robotic curriculum that enriches and links them to middle school and beyond.  We are very grateful!” she added.

Vantagepoint Helps Feed Needy Children

By Pastor Adam DeCorte

EASTVALE– During the month of April, VantagePoint church will be providing nutritious meals for children and families in need.

Did you know that over 795 million people in the world don’t have enough food to lead a healthy, active life? That’s 1 out of every 9 people on Earth.

We make a donation to a Kingdom-building cause every time our community checks in on Facebook. It’s a great way to tell your friends about VantagePoint Church and do some good in the process. If you need some help checking in on Facebook, just ask any of our staff members and we’ll show you how.  Every 2 Facebook check-ins at VantagePoint church will provide 1 meal to a child in need through a faith-based non-profit called feedONE.

feedONE has 146,676 children enrolled in their Children’s Feeding Initiative and provides meals to children in El Salvador, Haiti, Honduras, Kenya, Nicaragua, the Philippines, Ethiopia, South Africa, Guatemala, and Tanzania. To learn more about feedONE, check out their site at: https://feedone.com.

When you check in on Facebook, make sure to add #meals4kids to your posts. It’s a great way to remind your friends of why you’re checking in.  Remember, your Facebook check-ins not only provide meals for children, they also gently invite your friends to participate in our church community.  Thank you for getting involved!

Celebrating 27 Years of Diamond Bar Cityhood

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR– On Saturday, April 16, the City of Diamond Bar will be holding its annual Birthday Party at Pantera Park, in recognition of Diamond Bar’s 27th anniversary of incorporation.

The festivities will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with carnival attractions operating until 6:00 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides and punch cards for activities and games will be sold at the event – $10 for each wristband and $1 for each card (four activities per card). A variety of beverages, snacks and food plates will be sold by local area nonprofits. There will also be numerous information booths offering giveaways and information related to emergency preparedness, crime prevention, recycling, recreation, pet adoptions, and more. Additionally, at approximately 3:15 p.m., following the presentation of certificates to the honorees of this year’s Outstanding Volunteer awards, free slices of birthday cake will be distributed near the main stage.

A few things to keep in mind: Leave your pets at home – only registered service animals will be allowed. Bring cash – all transactions and purchases made onsite will require cash as payment. Free and frequent shuttle service to and from Pantera Park will be available from surrounding neighborhood streets, starting at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until the end of the event. Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive.

For more information, call 909-839-7000 or visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/bday.

Tyler Slavin to Host Football Camp with JCSD!

Photo courtesy: JCSD

Photo courtesy: JCSD

Staff Reports

EASTVALE– Tyler Slavin will be offering a one day football camp where you can work on your football skills under the watchful eye of an NFL player.

Tyler is a 2010 graduate of Eleanor Roosevelt High School, where he played football, played basketball, and ran track.  The 1st-Team D2 All-American wide receiver has been the recipient of several awards, including the National Best Wide Receiver award, the Daktronic Award, the NCAA Offensive Player of the Year Award, and the D2 Statistical Leader Award.

Tyler has played for the St. Louis Rams and the Seattle Seahawks.  He says that it has always been a passion of his to give back to kids, and he can think of no better way to do that than to give to the young people of his hometown of Eastvale.

“I want to show the community that it is possible to accomplish your dreams, and that I was once the underdog.  No one expected me to get this far, but through it all, I persevered and made it- I know the next person can and will too.”

The camp will take place at the Eleanor Roosevelt Stadium on Saturday, April 9, 2016 from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Your camp registration will consist of a two hour training session, a camp T-shirt and an autographed photo.  There will be a full coaching staff on hand and all positions will be worked with.

Register online at www.parksreg.jcsd.us or at the Eastvale Community Center.  Registration will end on Friday, April 8, 2016.

Age Requirements:
Ages: 4-12 10a-12p
Ages: 13-18 12p-2p

Spots are limited! Register today to ensure your spot!

Chino Hills Huskies Win State Championship

Photo courtesy of Facebook

Photo courtesy of Facebook
Chino Hills Huskies win State Championship

By Carol Heyen

CHINO HILLS– The Chino Hills Huskies capped their perfect 35-0 season with the State Championship on March 26.
The Huskies went up against Concord’s De La Salle, who had a 31-2 season going into the game. The Spartans were up by as much as 10 points in the first quarter, and led by 2 at halftime, a rarity for a team playing the Huskies. Chino Hills came back with a vengeance after halftime, took back the lead and easily pulled out a 70-50 victory.
The undefeated Huskies, led by Coach Steve Baik, have scored over 100 points in 18 games this season, trying the state record. They have cemented their place as one of the greatest high school basketball teams ever seen in the state of California, with the three UCLA-bound Ball brothers, Lonzo, LiAngelo and LaMelo at the center of the team.
Lonzo, the lone senior and a McDonald’s All-American, has won numerous awards, including being named the All-USA Player of the Year, the Gatorade Player of the Year, the Naismith Boy’s High School Player of the Year, and the Morgan Wooten Player of the Year. He averaged 23.6 points, 11.5 rebounds and 11.4 assists per game, and is listed as the #1 high school point guard in the country.
Junior LiAngelo Ball averages more than 27 points per game, and baby brother LaMelo adds his impressive ball handling skills and more than 16 points on average. Rounding out the starting five is junior Elizjah Scott, who became known for his rebounding and spectacular dunk shots, and freshman Onyeka Okongwu, who’s shot-blocking skills are awe-inspiring.
Congratulations Huskies!

Honey Oil Lab Found in Diamond Bar Home

Photo courtesy: LASD Cannabis lab raided in Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: LASD
Cannabis lab raided in Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

 

DIAMOND BAR – A hash oil extraction lab was found in a Diamond Bar home Wednesday, March 23.  Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) narcotics investigators assigned to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station team served a search warrant at approximately 1:30 p.m. at a residence located in the 200 block of South Rock River Road.

LASD narcotics detectives discovered an active honey oil marijuana extraction lab, where approximately one pound total of concentrated cannabis and unfinished cannabis product were seized. Detectives arrested five suspects, two females and three males, all between the ages of 18 and 23.  Four of the suspects were residents of the location.

Honey oil, or hash oil, is THC that has been extracted from marijuana by the use of different solvents and heat.  People who try to create honey oil can injure themselves or cause an explosion in the process.

The street value for the concentrated cannabis was estimated at approximately $15,000 and $70,000 for the unfinished cannabis product. Additionally, two vials containing approximately two ounces of liquid LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) were also seized.  The street value for the liquid LSD was estimated at about $15,000. Approximately $6,000 in U.S. currency was also seized.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT) Clandestine Laboratory Team responded and are assisting LASD narcotics investigators in processing the scene and collecting evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Walnut/Diamond Bar Station, Detective Burnside at (909) 595-2264.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Volunteers Honored by Local Sheriff’s Booster Club

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Local residents to be recognized for their volunteerism and hard work for the Walnut/Diamond Bar sheriff and emergency services at the 26th annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner on Saturday, April 21.

Hosted by the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club, the event will honor the sheriff department’s 150 volunteers who give freely of their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.
“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community. This recognition dinner is just a small token of our appreciation.”
Funds raised through the Annual Scholarship Dinner provide uniforms and equipment to the volunteers.
Reception begins at 6 p.m. and dinner will be served at 7 p.m. Dinner is free for all Volunteers, Reserve Deputies, Explorers, and Disaster Communications Services workers.  Dinner tickets are available for $30 per person. Dinner includes choice of chicken picatta or tri tip beef with peppercorn sauce, garden salad, oven-roasted potatoes, dessert, coffee/tea and cash bar.
The event will be held at Diamond Bar Golf Course, 22751 Golden Springs Drive.
For information and reservations, contact Walnut/Diamond Bar Booster Club members, Sgt. Mark Saldecke at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

91 Toll Lane Expansion

Courtesy of the Riverside County Transportation Commission

 

CORONA-The 91 Project will add two tolled express lanes in both directions to the 91 in Corona, replacing the existing carpool lanes. In addition, a single tolled express lane will be added to I-15 in both directions starting and ending south of Magnolia Avenue. Direct express lane connectors will be built between eastbound 91 and southbound I-15 and between northbound I-15 and westbound 91.

There will be a seamless transition between the 91 Express Lanes in Orange County and the new 91 Express Lanes in Riverside County. Existing transponder owners do not need to establish a new account with RCTC or change their existing account to use the new lanes in Riverside County. Both sections of the 91 Express Lanes will operate using the account structure, account fee schedule, and customer service. Access to the express lanes for carpoolers, disabled veterans, clean vehicles, etc. will be the same in both counties. The same safe and reliable system will be provided in Riverside County and managed and maintained by the same operator. Like the Orange County system, Riverside County toll collection will be electronic, with no toll booths needed. Separate tolls will be charged for each county segment, offering drivers a choice of using the Riverside County toll lanes, the Orange County toll lanes, or both.

Although express lanes will replace existing carpool lanes, vehicles with three or more occupants and a transponder will be able to use the express lanes at free or reduced rates – the same Three Ride Free policy that is in place now in Orange County. This policy encourages carpooling by allowing a group of three or more commuters per vehicle to travel the 91 Express Lanes for free during most hours, except when traveling east, Monday through Friday, between 4 pm and 6 pm. During those hours, carpools of three or more with a transponder still can save money by receiving a 50 percent discount on the posted toll. Motorcycle riders with transponders benefit from the same pricing structure, which is consistent with Orange County 91 Express Lanes policies.

Toll road entrances and exits will be available at several locations:

  • On the 91, west of the Green River Road Interchange for drivers heading in either direction
  • On the 91, at I-15 for drivers heading west
  • On I-15, north of the Ontario Avenue Interchange, with a direct connector from northbound 15 to westbound 91

Drivers will not be able to enter or exit the tolled express lanes west of the I-15 Interchange and Green River Road. Access within this segment was analyzed through a separate engineering study and not selected as a feature of this project.

Six Candidates Seek to Sway Walnut Voters

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT – On Tuesday, March 15, approximately 40 people showed up at a Candidate Forum before the April 12 election in the city of Walnut.

The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters of the East San Gabriel Valley. The candidates who participated included Andrew Rodriguez, Dino Pollalis, Bella Cristobal, Betty Tang, Nancy Tragarz (incumbent), and Eric Ching (incumbent).

The six council hopefuls are vying for the three available council seats that are currently filled by Tony Cartagena (who after 16 years of service is not running), Nancy Tragarz, and Eric Ching. The event began at 7 p.m. and was moderated by League of Women Voters President Rosie Fabian.

The candidates had one minute for an opening statement, and one more minute to answer questions from the audience. The candidates answered questions covering topics such as term limits for Council members, public safety action items, and plans for combating traffic congestion.

Following the audience questions, the candidates concluded with a two-minute closing statement, and then were able to mingle and speak to audience members individually.

The election will take place on Tuesday, April 12. Residents over 18 who have registered to vote are eligible to vote, and election information will be available in English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and Tagalog.

Eastvale Walmart: Update and Clarification

City of Eastvale

EASTVALE – City officials announced that a citywide mailer sent in late 2015 by the Walmart retailer was premature and inaccurate.  The mailer gave the impression that a proposed Walmart store had been approved and circumvented the planning process.

The printed mailer entitled, “Introducing a Walmart Supercenter for Eastvale,” was sent to Eastvale homes in December 2015, according to City officials who received comments from concerned residents about the mailer. The mailer, which highlighted features of the proposed store, left many residents with the impression that the Supercenter had been approved due to wording such as “The store will be …” and “… will create.”

City Manager Michele Nissen, emphasized that the City is processing an application for a store like the one in the mailer, however; it has not yet been reviewed by the City’s Planning Commission and City Council as required by law.

“Walmart has not yet obtained the required approvals,” said Nissen.  “They are still in the planning phases and can’t build anything on the site without the necessary approvals.”

“We have been working with Walmart to get them through our very rigorous review process since the filing of their application in 2014,” continued Nissen.  “We were surprised to see the language of their mailer, which seems to portray the project as already approved. We can certainly understand the confusion and we felt it important to clarify the approval process.”

According to the City’s Planning Director, the project will likely be scheduled for public hearings later this year, after the release of a comprehensive environmental analysis of the project in a Draft Environmental Impact Report (EIR).

“The Draft EIR, which covers a very wide range of topics, will be available for the public to review for 45 days,” said Eric Norris Planning Director. “The City has retained an independent firm to prepare the document, which we hope to have completed and ready for public review in the Spring of 2016.”

“Comments received from the public and other agencies will be responded to after the EIR’s public review is complete” said Norris. Those responses will then, in turn, be provided for review and comment.  Public hearings will be scheduled, most likely in late 2016.

The proposed Walmart would be located on approximately 20 acres of land at the southeast corner of Limonite and Archibald avenues. Walmart has owned the 20-acre parcel for approximately six years.  The proposed project includes a 192,000-square-foot Walmart location, as well as several smaller buildings that would house other businesses and a gas station. The project requires approval of an amendment to the City’s General Plan and Zoning Map, as well as approval of the applicant’s development plans. All of these will be reviewed by the Planning Commission and ultimately voted on by the City Council. Both the Commission and Council will hold public hearings on the project.

The City encourages citizens to stay abreast and informed of this and other projects and City events by signing up for E-Notification on the City’s website: www.EastvaleCA.gov.

Canyon Hills Junior High Robotics Club Seeking World Championship

Photo courtesy CVUSD

Photo courtesy CVUSD
State Champion Canyon Hills Robotics Club

Courtesy of Chino Valley Unified School District

CHINO HILLS– Canyon Hills Junior High School’s Robotics Team is planning to compete in the VEX World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, April 20-23, 2016.
The competition requires students to design, build and compete with VEX EDR robots.
The first-year team has been named 2016 State Champions in VEX robot competition. They have also been named Tournament and Excellence Champions, Programming Champions, Skills Champions, received sportsmanship awards, and an innovation award.
Their advisor, Canyon Hills Junior High science teacher Isaac “Jami” Cabase, started an afterschool robotics club in fall 2014 at the school in Chino Hills.

CDA Water Line Construction – Revised Schedule

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

EASTVALE-Due to unforeseen field conditions at Harrison Avenue and 65th Street intersection, the project is currently on hold while waiting for pipeline delivery, installation and testing. The schedule will be delayed for several weeks until approximately mid-April 2016.

The traffic signal will operate normally, but will be on flashing red during construction. Please be advised that traffic delays are to be expected.

Construction is tentatively scheduled for April 15-22, 2016, between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
Traffic Impacts & Advisories during Construction:

  • Partial Northbound and Southbound lane closures on Harrison Avenue at 65th Street with one lane open in each direction at all times
  • Local access to residences to be maintained between 65th Street and Limonite Avenue
  • Intermittent Westbound lane closure at 65thStreet
  • Traffic signal on flashing red at Harrison Avenue and 65th Street

Please obey all posted construction signs (including the 25 mph speed limit), use alternate routes as advised, drive safely and do not enter the construction work zone.

Following the water line project, the Southern California Gas Company will be installing high-pressure gas lines within approximately the same vicinity. City staff has been coordinating these two projects closely in order to minimize impacts to traffic and the community. Water line trench pavement will be repaired, however the final street pavement will be delayed until after the Gas Company completes the project.

For additional information, contact the City of Eastvale Public Works Department at 951-703-4470.