Category Archives: News By City

San Bernardino County Jail Prisoners Sue Over Jail Conditions

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO- Two prisoners in the San Bernardino County jails filed a federal class action lawsuit today, claiming that conditions in the jails are unconstitutional. George Topete and Zachary Shovey claim that the jails are depriving them of basic medical and mental health care, and protection from harm.  They also allege that the jails are denying them reasonable accommodations for their disabilities. The prisoners are seeking an order from the court requiring county officials to improve jail conditions in order to comply with constitutional standards.

The suit alleges that prisoners do not have timely access to physicians and mental health clinicians, that they are victims of excessive force and violence from other inmates, and that they do not receive reasonable accommodations for their disabilities.

George Topete, 50, who has been convicted of attempted murder and robbery, alleges that he has difficulty walking and using stairs due to a physical disability.  Topete is alleging that the jail system has refused him access to a cane, which he needs to walk.   Topete is also alleging that the jail gave him a wheelchair, but he is not able to use it because he is not located in a wheelchair-friendly cell block.   As a result, he has fallen and is at risk of falling when trying to access the visiting area, his cell, and the toilet.

Zachary Shovey, a pretrial detainee at the West Valley Detention Center, has no violent criminal record. He does have an extensive psychiatric history that includes multiple suicide attempts, psychiatric medications, and a nine-month stay in a state psychiatric hospital. Shovey is alleging that the jail failed to provide him mental health treatment and psychiatric medications for one year after his arrest despite symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and insomnia.  He is also alleging that the jail has failed to provide him with timely medical treatment for his seizure disorder.

“These people are entirely dependent on the jail for their health care and well-being – they have no other options,” said Kelly Knapp, Staff Attorney at the Prison Law Office.

The lawsuits stem from a lengthy investigation undertaken by the Prison Law Office into conditions in the jails.

“Sheriff John McMahon has been transparent about the conditions in the jails and has cooperated fully with the investigation,” said Donald Specter, Executive Director of the Prison Law Office. “We expect this cooperation to continue during the litigation and hope that the case can be resolved as quickly as possible,” said Specter.

The county denies that conditions in the jails are unlawful and believes that health care provided to inmates is of high quality, that inmates with disabilities are accommodated and that prisoners are housed in a safe and secure environment.

Even so, Sheriff McMahon noted that, “Since realignment, counties, including San Bernardino, have faced significant challenges in housing more inmates for longer periods of time than they have historically.”

The county has devoted significant resources over the last several years to ensuring that conditions in the jails meet all relevant constitutional, statutory and regulatory standards. As part of that ongoing effort, the county has been working cooperatively with the Prison Law Office for more than a year in an effort to address the claims that have been made in the lawsuit.

“We have appreciated the willingness of the Prison Law Office to work constructively with the county on these issues, look forward to continued cooperative discussions, and are optimistic that the case can be resolved amicably” said Sheriff McMahon.

Norco: Special Ed Art Exhibit Draws a Crowd

Courtesy of CNUSD

Courtesy of CNUSD

Courtesy of CNUSD

NORCO– The CNUSD Special Education Community Advisory Committee hosted their 11th annual art show at the District Office. This year’s theme was “My Imagination” and students created a variety of projects, including paintings, drawings, mixed media, sculpture, and transfer art.

The event drew parents, students and teachers and packed the room as they supported the students and their work. Each piece of art was given a number and attendees were asked to vote for their favorites in each age bracket (Preschool, K-2, 3-5, 6-8, High School, Transition). All participating students received a certificate for their work.

Students enjoyed a dinner courtesy of Chick-Fil-A Norco, Crusty’s Pizza, and Vito’s Pizza.  They were entertained by a magician and had the opportunity to take pictures with Disney’s Rapunzel and Belle.

A mixed media collage by William Karim, a fifth-grader at Prado View took top honors and was named “Best in Show”.

CVUSD District Science Fair Winners Named

Courtesy of CVUSD

Courtesy of CVUSD

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Thirty Chino Valley Unified School District students will advance to the RIMS Science and Engineering Fair in early April, after receiving trophies at the District’s Science Fair on Feb. 24.
More than 170 projects were submitted by almost 200 students for the opportunity to represent CVUSD at the regional science fair in April, which includes students from Riverside, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino counties.
All of the students who made it to the District-level competition received some level of recognition: White Ribbon Medals, Red Ribbon Medals, Blue Ribbon Medals, and trophies.  Teachers and community members served as judges.
The RIMS Science and Engineering Fair will be held April 5 to 7 at the Bourns Technology Center in Riverside.

Eastvale: “Circle City” Electrical Transmission Line Project

 By Valerie Gutierrez

EASTVALE– Many Eastvale residents gathered at Rosa Parks Elementary School on February 24 to voice their concerns about Southern California Edison’s electrical transmission line project. The California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) is currently processing an application by SCE to construct a new electrical transmission corridor through and adjacent to residential neighborhoods in the city.

Considering that CPUC did not want to hold a public meeting to solicit comments, the City of Eastvale conducted their own meeting to inform residents. The meeting included a presentation on the project that explained SCE’s proposal to install 66K overhead lines through Eastvale as part of a project to improve service locally.

The plan is to run the lines from the Corona substation through Eastvale to Ontario, where the lines will come to an end. Fourteen to fifteen new poles for the 66vK lines will be installed along Hellman Avenue. SCE proposed undergrounding the lines in the City of Corona, but did not offer undergrounding in the City of Eastvale.

Several environmental topics were discussed during the meeting.  These included: agricultural and forestry resources, air quality, greenhouse gas emissions, hazardous materials, noise, population and housing, recreation, transportation and traffic, utilities and service systems. The impacts that the “Circle City” project will have on Eastvale residents include health conditions, safety concerns and the lowering of property values.

Supporters of Chino Hills’ Hope for the Hills came out to encourage residents to get involved. Chino Hills resident Bob Goodwin explained that what really worked for Chino Hills was to analyze the impact on health, safety and property value that the lines would cause.

Eastvale is home to thousands of people.  If they do not want to see these 66vK poles go up, the community needs to take action. “Don’t wait and get involved,” said Chrisanne Goodwin, Chino Hills’ resident.

Many Eastvale residents are not happy about the power line plan, and they want the word to get out about how bad these lines are for the community.  “We need to get the word out there, that our community doesn’t want this,” said Shannon Juniper an Eastvale resident.

“Residents need to support the efforts of getting the lines underground. If residents want the lines underground they need to write these letters and get them to CPUC,” said Mayor Ike Bootsma. Public comments to be considered for the CPUC had to be sent via email by Feb. 29.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Three Area Teams Make CIF Finals

By Lyn Taylor

 

It’s a great year for basketball in the Inland Empire.  Chino Hills High School, Ayala High School and Diamond Ranch High School’s boys’ basketball teams have all made it into the CIF Southern Section Finals to be played this weekend, March 4-5.

Diamond Ranch High School (23-8) will play Chaminade, Friday night March 4, at Azusa Pacific University for the Division 3A Championship.    Diamond Ranch is led by former professional basketball player and multiple award-winning coach Eric Cooper.

The #1 team in the nation, Steve Baik’s Chino Hills Huskies (30-0),  have dominated this season in the Open Division, and will take on Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon (26-3) at 6:30 p.m. for the prestigious Open Division Championship.   Chino Hills’ Ball brothers, Lonzo, Liangelo and Lamelo Ball lead the team, with Elizjah Scott and Onyeka Okongwu creating a starting five who are fun to watch and difficult to defeat.

Ayala’s Bulldogs (29-3) led by Coach John Mounce, will compete against Edison (24-7) at 8:30 p.m. the same night, also at the Honda Center, for the 2AA Championship.  The Bulldogs will have 6’5” senior star John Edgar to help them in their first championship quest.

Good luck to all of the boys!

How Is Your Garden Growing?

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

A few weeks ago, I shared that my grandchildren had helped plant seeds in a corner of our back yard.  We planted seeds for lettuce, radishes, carrots and tomatoes.  Every time the kids come to visit our house, they run to the back yard to see how the seeds are doing.  It is fun to see their excitement and enthusiasm.
At first, there was nothing but dirt.  For several weeks, we watered, waited and watched.  Then, at last, there were tiny little seedlings that emerged from the rich, dark soil.  These little sprouts were so small that you might not have noticed them.   A week later, there were many young plants that were emerging all over the garden.  I suppose it has been six to eight weeks since we planted the original seeds.  I wish we had recorded the date.
Now, when the grandchildren come to visit, they have a lot to see.  Small vegetable plants are growing taller and stronger.  The kids love to help water these little plants.  The lettuce looks promising.  I’m not as sure how the carrots and radishes are doing underground.  We can’t wait to see.  I think every child should experience the wonder of planting seeds.  It is amazing that a living plant emerges from a dead seed in a pile of dirt.  It is amazing that fruits and vegetables are the result of one little seed!
I know that many people believe that this is simply a result of millions of years of evolution.
But, I think it is actually evidence for the existence of God and the perfect balance of conditions that enable tiny seeds to grow into healthy, edible plants.  The conditions have to be perfect – water, sunlight, soil and nutrients all have to be there in the proper amounts.
In the Creation account in Genesis Chapter One we read, ” Then God said, let the earth sprout with vegetation, plants yielding seed after their own kind, and trees bearing fruit with seeds in them after their kind, and God saw that it was good”. (Genesis 1:11)
In the book of Acts, the Apostle Paul says, “God did not leave Himself without evidence, but He has shown His kindness by giving you rain from heaven and crops in their seasons, He provides you with plenty of food and fills your hearts with joy.” (Acts 14:17)
I’m thankful that my grandchildren are able to see these tiny seeds growing into healthy plants.  I hope that they will get to taste some of the fruits of their labor in the months ahead.  And, I hope they will realize that this remarkable process is the result of God’s amazing creation.
The next time you go to the grocery store or a local farmer’s market, take a moment to remember that a hard working farmer planted the seeds that grew into the fruit and vegetables that you see.  And, take a moment to give thanks to God who designed all of this so that we might have food on our table every day.

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

Crime Increases in 2015, With Biggest Increase in Unincorporated Areas

Riverside County Sheriff’s Department

Overall Crime:

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has released preliminary crime statistics for calendar year 2015, indicating an overall increase of 7.4% in all reported FBI Part I crimes

Violent Crime increased by 6.6% in the Sheriff’s areas of Riverside County (both unincorporated areas and cities), along with 7.4% increase in overall property crime in those same areas.  The FBI typically publishes final crime data for 2015 later this year.

Although homicides were down sharply by nearly 26% for 2015, there was a 7.4% increase in the number of robberies and for aggravated assaults reported to the Sheriff.  The overall FBI violent crime numbers (homicide, rape, robbery & aggravated assaults) increased by 6.6% across all of the Sheriff’s areas.  Reported rapes increased by 2.4% over the previous calendar year.  The violent crime numbers were the highest reported since 2012.

Property crimes (burglaries, auto thefts & felony thefts) in the Sheriff’s areas of responsibility (county and cities) within Riverside County increased by 7.4%, although burglaries were sharply reduced by over 20% in 2015.

Auto thefts increased by over 20% in 2015, contrasted with the previous year and were the highest number reported since 2007.

Contract Cities Only:

Within just the Sheriff contract law enforcement cities combined, violent increased 2.4%, property crimes increased 5.7%, with FBI Part I Crimes increasing 5.5%.  The Sheriff’s contract policing services provides each of our 17 community partners with a flexible menu of services and each city is able to control its police staffing levels along with their own unique focus for their respective community.  The Sheriff’s local commanders serve as city police chiefs for each city manager and are just as responsive as any other city department head.  This responsiveness encourages considerable initiative and creativity in dealing with local crime challenges in each of those partner cities.

Unincorporated Areas Only:

Within just the unincorporated areas of Riverside County, violent crime increased 18.3% from 2014 to 2015, and Property crimes increased by 14.2%, and all FBI Part I Crime was up in the unincorporated areas by 14.6% in 2015, the highest since 2012.  In the unincorporated areas of Riverside County, the overall increase in reported Part 1 crimes was impacted the most by aggravated assault, auto theft, and larceny-theft.

Patrol staffing has been held without any increases by County direction and funding at 1.04/1000 population since June 2014, placing on hold the previous County policy under the buildup of patrol deputy staffing in the unincorporated areas up to 1.2 sworn/1000 population over the several years. In contrast, the Sheriff’s contract city partners each staff their cities in accordance with their own desires.

The Sheriff’s Department serves as the contract policing agency partner with 17 of Riverside County’s 28 cities and also serves the unincorporated areas of Riverside County for criminal investigations.  Altogether, the Sheriff is responsible for policing nearly 1.4 million residents of the County’s population of 2.3 million. Annually Sheriff’s Department dispatchers receive over 1.6 million phone calls from the public and dispatch nearly 900,000 calls for service (CFS) by Sheriff’s staff, with nearly 1/3 being in-progress calls for service. Riverside County is the 4th most populous of California’s 58 counties, and the 10th most populous county with the nation.

Some notes:

There are a number of factors that may be attributable to increases in Riverside County crime.  The rise in aggravated assaults, may well be attributed to the increase in assaults related to Domestic Violence.  Incidents related to spousal assaults were up markedly.  Overall, almost half of all reported aggravated assaults in unincorporated Riverside County involved domestic or spousal violence.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has a long history of collaboration with all responsive agencies when it comes to the application of domestic violence resources.  Our investigative bureaus across the county have designated Domestic Violence Threat Management (DVTM) trained investigators focusing on reviewing of domestic violence reports to identify training or follow-up needs, identifying subjects likely to commit repeated acts of domestic violence, participating in multi-agency collaborative countywide threat management teams, handling high-profile or threat management domestic violence incidents, and mentoring deputies to improve initial and follow-up domestic violence investigations.  All of this is focused on supporting the victim, stopping the behavior, and breaking the cycle of violence.

The Department also works closely with the Family Justice Courts, the District Attorney and their Victim Witness advocates, the SAFE team, and support organizations such as ‘Shelter from the Storm’ and the ‘Riverside Area Rape Crisis Center’ to assist with restraining orders, group sessions, safety plans, and individual victim needs such as food and gas vouchers, along with a number of other Crime Victim Assistance programs.  The Department also recently received a three year grant from the “Office of Violence against Women” to continue to improve the criminal justice response to sexual, domestic, dating, and stalking violence against women.

Auto theft is an area where Riverside County has also seen increases.  The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) notes that auto theft is on the rise all across the United States, yet there is no identifiable reason.  Washington, California, Nevada, and New Mexico are among the top five states for auto theft.  Riverside County mirrors the national trend, in that the Honda Accord and Civic, Ford F-Series and Chevrolet Silverado trucks, and the Toyota Camry are among the vehicles most at risk for theft.

An additional area of note is the category of larceny-theft.  Within this category, thefts from vehicles and shoplifting had significant increases.  A likely reason for the increase in thefts from vehicles is related to identity thefts.  We attribute this, because wallets, purses, and mail items were frequently reported as being taken from targeted vehicles.  In the aftermath of the implementation of Prop 47 we have seen a sharp increase in shoplifting.  Shoplifting incidents, previously charged as felonious theft or commercial burglary, which could result in prison sentences, have been reduced to misdemeanors and as such the consequence of incarceration is remote.  It could be pointed out that due to Prop 47, the consequence of criminal behavior is more heavily being borne by the crime victim.

The Riverside County Sheriff’s jail leadership has been on the cutting-edge in working closely with the District Attorney’s Office, the Probation Department, and other jail systems statewide in alternative sentencing programs and in developing assessment tools and training programs to address local inmate recidivism pursuant to AB 109 Realignment in 2011.  The Sheriff and local police chiefs across Riverside County maintain close coordination and teamwork in using regional teams, task forces, community partnerships, and multi-disciplinary approaches in confronting our crime problems and the impacts of AB 109 Realignment.

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Vejar Elementary to celebrate 50 golden years

 

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD

Photo Courtesy of WVUSD
Vejar Elementary students and staff gather for a 50th anniversary aerial photo.

WALNUT—Vejar Elementary School, home of the Vaqueros in the City of Walnut, will mark its 50th anniversary during an Open House on March 24 from 5-8p.m.

Community members, former students, and staff members are invited to attend.

Students have been celebrating the milestone by completing acts of kindness throughout the community, including picking up grocery carts at the local Vons parking lot.

Vejar is looking for stories and memorabilia from the past five decades.  Please contact Yadira Gostel to RSVP or share your Vejar memories at (909) 594-1434 ext. 3.

 

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar– The February 16 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an announcement from a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library. The representative announced two upcoming events that will be held at the library, including a Chinese Calligraphy workshop on February 23 from 3-4 p.m., and an event for Black History Month, on February 20, from 2-3 p.m. that will feature an African drum circle.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read.  The schedule includes: the Third Annual Bridal Show on February 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center on 1600 Grand Avenue; the next Planning Commission meeting on February 23 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive; the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on February 25 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive; and the next City Council meeting on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive.

The Council then approved the City Council minutes from the meeting of February 2; the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from the meetings of October 22 and November 19; the ratification of a check register totaling $1,015,874.50; appropriation of $137,747 of Prop A funds to the 2015/16 fiscal year CIP budget; a resolution approving plans and specifications and establishing a project payment amount and a construction contract award for the traffic signal infrastructure upgrades project to Elecnor Belco Electric Inc; and approval of contract amendment with David Evans and Associates Inc. to provide landscape plan checking services for three fiscal years with an option for two one-year extensions. Two items were tabled until the March 1 Council meeting.

The Council then adopted a resolution amending the 2015-16 fiscal year municipal budget, and confirmed Council appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Traffic and Transportation Commission.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.

Suzanne’s Robotics Leading The Pack

Photo courtesy of WVUSD

Photo courtesy of WVUSD
Suzanne Middle School 6th grade student Wolf Corps team members demonstrate award-winning can crusher robot.

By Kelli Gile 

 

Walnut– A new robotics club at Suzanne Middle School dominated a First Lego League (FLL) competition aimed at finding solutions to global environmental issues.

Two teams of sixth grade programmers vied in separate divisions while focusing on this year’s FLL theme – Trash Trek.  Students were challenged to explore the world of trash, from collection, to sorting, to smart production, and reuse, and then invent a solution to help our trash problem.

The Suzanne teams won coveted championship awards during the recent 2016 California FLL Cup challenge at Legoland in Carlsbad on January 24.  They also took numerous 1st place awards at tournaments throughout Los Angeles.

“We like having fun together and encouraging people to get involved in STEM education,” said Kaden Salvador about his enthusiasm for robotics.  “We want to show them how cool it is!”

Every Tuesday and Thursday, the 14 students meet after school to build and program the little bots using Lego Mindstorm EV3 kits and refine their presentations.

Robotics encompasses all aspects of STEM education, according to teacher advisor Vicky Silcock.  “Not only must students learn to engineer and program a robot that will accomplish the task before them, but they also need to learn to do research and use teamwork to explain real world applications.”

Wolf Corps team members designed an automatic can crusher called the “BEATit” that compacts, counts the collected cans, and calculates a payout.

“We came up with the idea after our school held a pop top drive,” explained Gordon Lau. “This is the first can crusher designed for households.”

The robot bin opens using an ultrasonic sensor and motor, while two additional motors crush the can and drop it into a bottom bin.  Students believe their innovative product will encourage families to earn extra money from recycling (five cents a can), reduce landfill size, and save energy consumption.

“We work together like a pack of wolves!” said Wolf Corp member Kawin Watkins.

The Wolf Corp team was invited to represent the Los Angeles Region at the Razorback Invitational Tournament after their 1st place FLL performance.

The RoboHeroes team built a robot that completes recycling missions during a building demolition and salvage challenge.  During a tabletop demonstration, students expertly explained each step before sending their robot through the course brimming with trash reduction and recycling components  – landfill, methane energy, re-use of toy packaging, and trash sorting.

The team programmed their sturdy robot to move forward, backward, turn, pick up and drop off pieces, and then return to base.

“It was fun finding a design for our robot,” said Marcus Robles. “We started from scratch to make something new!”

“There’s a lot of trial and error in programming,” added Matthew Carreon, age 12. “We must have run the program over 100 times.”

Students must demonstrate how well they practice the FLL Core Values of teamwork and friendly competition during matches.  Along with participating in robotics competitions, the teams share their environmental plans with several community groups and local businesses.

The group of students began participating in robotics competitions during the 4th grade at Collegewood Elementary with Wolf Corp parent coaches Scott and Leh Watkins.

“I think the biggest benefits for students is collaborating and working as a team,” said coach Scott Watkins.

“The kids come up with a solution for real world programs. This year is trash reduction and recycling,” said RoboHeroes parent coach Jonathan Fong.

“We all hope to continue through middle school and into high school,” Watkins added.

Collegewood Completes 612 Acts of Kindness

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Teachers took turns playing a pie in the face game as a treat for students.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA—Collegewood Elementary showed support for second grader Coben Swanson with 612 acts of kindness during a read-a-thon at the school on February 12.

The school quickly rallied when the eight-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia in November, sending get-well video messages and fundraising to help the family with expenses.

All 612 students and staff members came together once again during a special reading time held on the upper playground.  With towels and blankets spread out on the grass, the children and their teachers opened favorite books and quietly read for about 20 minutes.

The event was the culmination of a two-week reading challenge where students were encouraged to read daily, log minutes, and collect pledges. All donations will benefit the Swanson family.

“He’s our friend and needs our help”, said Kaitlyn Tran. “We’re donating money to help his family. We miss him!”

“Coben’s going through a hard time and we should support him no matter what,” added fifth grader Cassidy Ng.

Afterward, teachers surprised the group with a pie in the face game.  The children crowded around to watch their teachers get doused with whipped cream after taking turns spinning the wheel on the tabletop game.

“Acts of kindness instill empathy and teach children the value of living a life of giving,” said teacher Jane Dyer-Smith.

Eastvale: Car Crashes into Home

By Carol Heyen

EASTVALE– The Espinoza family of Eastvale has been forced out of their home after a car crashed through a cement wall, into the back yard of their house and into their living room.

Just after 2 a.m. on Monday, February 23, the fire department was advised of a car that had crashed into the first floor of a home in the 13800 block of Dellbrook Street, in the Brookdale Place housing development.  A fire official at the scene said that the crash caused the car to burst into flames, which set the house on fire.  Firefighters were able to put the fire out within 20 minutes.

A resident of the home, Hunter Espinoza, said it sounded “like a bomb.”

“I was in shock for a little bit,” said Freddy Espinoza, Hunter’s father, who alerted the rest of his family members. “I went ‘there’s a car here and I think it’s going to catch fire.’ I told the people ‘get up, get out of the house.’ ”

One occupant of the home had minor injuries, and all five residents have been displaced so that repairs can be done.   The American Red Cross was called to help the family find shelter.

The two occupants of the Saturn sedan fled the scene, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to call the Eastvale Police Department, which is serviced by the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station, at 951-955-2600.

CHH Places in Top Five of County Academic Decathlon

Photo Courtesy of CVUSD

Photo Courtesy of CVUSD
Members of the Chino Hills Academic Decathlon team with County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre (center).

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO HILLS-Chino Hills High’s Academic Decathlon team was among the top five teams in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon held in late January and early February in the San Bernardino and Redlands area.

The event featured 39 teams representing 21 high schools, competing in 10 subject areas. Each team included a mix of students with A, B and C grade point averages.

Chaffey High School was the top winner of the academic challenge for the fifth straight time.
Others in the top five were Redlands High, Rancho Cucamonga High, and Redlands East Valley High.
 

Stroke Awareness

Staff Reports

According to the CDC, every 40 seconds someone in the United States has a stroke.  In 2008 alone, more than 133,000 Americans died from a stroke, which equates to one person every four minutes-making it the fourth leading cause of death in the United States.  Strokes can affect people of all ages and backgrounds.

Strokes are sometimes called brain attacks.  Strokes happen when a blockage stops the flow of blood to the brain or when a blood vessel in or around the brain bursts. There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorraghic.  Ischemic strokes are caused by blood clots and hemorraghic strokes are caused by bleeds.  The American Heart Association says that ischemic strokes account for 87 percent of all strokes and are usually caused by uncontrolled high blood pressure.

You can lower your risk for stroke, regardless of your background.  Family history, age, sex and ethnicity all play a role in an individual’s stroke risk, but there are still things you can do to help keep yourself healthy.  One of the best preventative measures is to not smoke cigarettes.  Cigarette smoking and exposure to second-hand smoke can thicken the blood and make it more likely to clot, according to the CDC.  Thicker blood flow can lead to increased plaque buildup in your arteries and can damage the blood vessels leading to the brain.
Controlling your blood pressure is also extremely important.  High blood pressure, also called hypertension, increases your risk of stroke and heart attack by weakening and thinning blood vessels, making them more prone to rupture.  More than half of the world’s stroke deaths are caused by elevated blood pressure levels.

Some other proactive measures that you can take to help lower your stroke risk include exercising regularly, eating a healthy diet low in sodium, maintaining a healthy weight and preventing or controlling diabetes.

Stroke.org says there are several treatment options for stroke, depending on the cause of your stroke.  If you are having an ischemic stroke or a stroke that is caused by a blood clot, your doctor may recommend drug treatment that will help dissolve the clot and improve blood flow to your brain.  Another way your doctor may treat your stroke is to use a small mechanical device that removes or breaks-up the clot.  A surgeon will insert the device into the blocked artery using a thin tube. Once inside, the tool traps the clot, and either breaks it up or the surgeon pulls it out of the brain, reopening the blocked blood vessel in the process.

A hemorrhagic stroke (sometimes called a bleed) occurs if an artery in your brain leaks blood or ruptures (breaks open). The first steps in treating a hemorrhagic stroke are to find the cause of bleeding in the brain and then control it. Some of the options for treatments include surgical clips or coils inserted in aneurisms (weaknesses in the blood vessel wall), controlling high blood pressure, and surgery to remove the bleeding vessel and blood that has spilled into the brain.

Medical advances have greatly improved survival rates and recovery from stroke during the last decade. Your chances of survival and recovery outcomes are even better if the stroke is identified and treated immediately.

If you think you are having a stroke, every minute counts. The sooner a patient receives medical treatment, the lower the risk for death or disability. If you or someone you know exhibits the following signs or symptoms, call 9-1-1 immediately:

  • Numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, especially on one side of the body.
  • Confusion, trouble speaking, or difficulty understanding.
  • Trouble seeing in one or both eyes.
  • Trouble walking, dizziness, or loss of balance and coordination.
  • Severe headache with no known cause.
  • Remember, getting immediate medical attention for stroke is crucial to preventing disability and death.

Four Arrested in Diamond Bar Burglary

Staff Reports
Diamond Bar– On Wednesday, February 10, Pomona Police Department officers observed a white 2007 Toyota Camry being driven in to the American Inn Motel parking lot at 310 East Foothill Boulevard.  Officers ran the license plate and found that the car had been reported stolen out of Diamond Bar, during a residential burglary.  The lone driver was arrested for Grand Theft Auto.  Investigators then found three more suspects in a motel room, along with stolen property from the Diamond Bar home burglary. Officers were able to recover and return multiple stolen items.

Four suspects were arrested:  Daniel Torres, 23, of Pomona; Deserie Villa, 38, of Pomona, Victoria Ahedd, 19, of Pomona and a 17-year-old juvenile.

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

Planes of Fame Living History Days

Staff Reports

CHINO-The Planes of Fame Air Museum, which is open to the public, will present its monthly Living History Flying Day on March 5, 2016, and will be featuring the Republic P-47G Thunderbolt. A speaker panel of distinguished aviation experts, historians and veterans will be featured, followed by a question & answer period and flight demonstration if possible.

It is the mission of Planes of Fame Air Museum to preserve aviation history, inspire interest in aviation, educate the public, and honor aviation pioneers and veterans. The Museum sponsors regular events in the form of inspirational experiences, educational presentations, flight demonstrations, and air shows in fulfillment of this mission.

The Living History Flying Days are held on the first Saturday of each month, and are great for families to attend. Price is $11 for adults, $4 for children 5-11years, and 4 years and under are free.

A different featured airplane will fly for each event. Upcoming Living History Days will feature the North American B-25 Mitchell on April 2 and the Douglas SBD Dauntless on June 4.

The Planes of Fame Air Show will be held April 29-May1 this year, and will commemorate the 75th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.  There will be over 40 vintage aircraft on display, and many of these, along with newer aircraft, will be performing for your enjoyment.

 

Firework Stand Application Period Open

Staff Reports

The City of Chino is accepting firework stand applications through March 15 for the 2016 sales season. Non-profit organizations are encouraged to apply.

Priority sale permits will go to permitted organizations from the previous year. Additional permits that become available will be granted through a lottery process. Funds from the sales of fireworks sold must be used to benefit the Chino community.

Interested organizations may obtain an application at the City of Chino Finance Department counter, located on the first floor of Chino City Hall. The application deadline is 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday, March 15. Please note that organization and designated representative information submitted to the City on the application and permit process become a matter of public record and shall be regarded as such.

Organizations interested in the application process and additional information may visit City Hall or call (909) 334-3263. Interested organizations may also request paperwork be mailed to a designated representative.

Death of a Scholar

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Mark Hopper

Many people were surprised to learn of the sudden death of Supreme Court Justice Anthony Scalia.  He was a brilliant legal scholar who served for many years on the highest court in our land.
But, most people were not aware of the recent death of another brilliant scholar.  His name was Dr. Charles Ryrie.  He was one of my favorite professors at Dallas Theological Seminary.
I never met Justice Anthony Scalia, but I had the privilege of studying under Dr. Ryrie.  He was a slim, soft spoken man who taught Theology for more than five decades.  Some people might recognize his name because he wrote the footnotes notes for the “Ryrie Study Bible”.  Anyone can learn a lot from just reading the Bible.  But you can learn even more when you read a “Study Bible” that includes maps and footnotes that provide additional background information as you read passages in the Bible.
When I studied at Dallas Seminary in the 1970’s, Dr. Ryrie provided us with helpful insights and clear explanations in both Theology (the study of God) and study of the Bible.  I still remember some of his clear, crisp summaries of deep theological subjects.  In addition to the Ryrie Study Bible, Dr. Ryrie also authored a number of other books.  His writings were clear and uncomplicated.  His teaching style was thoughtful and easy to understand.
I’m convinced that the Bible was written so that people could easily read and understand it.  Although the Bible was written over a period of 1500 years by more than 40 different authors, it provides us with a remarkable understanding of the nature of God and records many of His wonderful works.
It was a special privilege to study under Dr. Charles Ryrie.  I continue to appreciate and use the lessons and insights that I learned from this remarkable scholar.  I also appreciate that he was approachable and available to his students.  When I was in my final year at the seminary, two of my classmates and I invited Dr. Ryrie to lunch.  He gladly accepted our invitation and we enjoyed a memorable time with this humble man.  I don’t know if it improved our grades in his class, but it was a time that I still remember to this day.
Maybe there has been a teacher, coach, professor or mentor that has impacted your life.  Why not take a moment and send them a note and thank them for their impact in your life?  I regret that I don’t have the opportunity to thank Dr. Ryrie in this life, but I believe that I will have that opportunity when I see him again in heaven.

Socially Speaking

By Sarah Sanchez

Time seems to be flying by now that we’re in the month of February. If you missed out on what happened in our community last month, here is a list of what was trending on our Facebook page (Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews) during the month of January.

These trending posts included the following: an Eastvale/Norco Wind Warning, a Big Security Exercise at the Norco Navy Base, DUI Saturation Patrol Results showing a driver under the influence was arrested, the announcement of The Ranch at Eastvale Specific Plan, and the announcement of the new Mayor Pro Tem Joseph Tessari, along with Mayor Ike Bootsma continuing for another term.

The most popular article we posted on social media was about the coyote attacks that had occurred throughout Eastvale. The article talked about what you can do to prevent coyotes from harming your animals and children. If you missed it, read it online at anapr.com.

However, our most “liked” post on social media was about an Eastvale resident who wanted to show gratitude towards an 83-year-old woman named Reba. The resident told us that Reba picks up dog poop that was left behind at the Dairlyand Park. Many residents showed their love for Reba in comments, and many residents reminded Eastvale dog owners to pick up after their dogs.

Our Facebook page (Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews) includes a variety of articles, meetings, city news releases, yard sales, and events posted on a daily basis. Every Thursday, we post notices of local yard sales for the weekend and allow you to post your own yard sale notice in the comments. On Fridays, we post the weekend events and link it to our local monthly calendar. We also post the online version of the full Eastvale Community Newspaper for you to download, save, or print out.

Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram at @EastvaleNews, and subscribe to our website at anapr.com in order to stay up to date on what’s happening in the community. Use #ILoveEastvaleNews to tell us why YOU love Eastvale News.

Keep on Trending, Eastvale!