Category Archives: News By City

The Lord God Almighty

Pastor Robert Jewett

Pastor Robert Jewett

By Pastor Robert Jewett

I will ponder all your work, and meditate on your mighty deeds. Your way, O God, is holy. What god is great like our God? You are the God who works wonders; you have made known your might among the peoples. Psalm 77:12–14

When was the last time that you sat still and said nothing while communing with God?  Perhaps you have tried to do so and your mind just runs wild with all the things that need to be done.  God tells us to be still and know that he is God (Psalm 46:10).  It is vitally important that we remember who God is…the Lord God Almighty.

As the Lord God Almighty, he is the one who made the heavens and the earth. (Genesis 1:1) As the Lord God Almighty, he is our Maker and the one whom we are to worship and bow down. (Psalm 95:6) As the Lord God Almighty, he is the Alpha and Omega, who is and who was and who is to come. (Revelation 1:8)  As the Lord God Almighty, he has promised to never leave you nor forsake you. (Hebrews 13:5)  When we stand in awe of his holiness and greatness, our prayers are filled with thanksgiving and much of our prayers are focused on loving him and loving others. “…Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory…” (Revelation 19:6–7).

Friend, I encourage you today to stop and ponder God’s work and to meditate on his mighty deeds.  The Lord God Almighty is forever faithful so trust and rest in him!

Word of Truth Community Church meets Sundays at 10:30 a.m. at 850 East Parkridge Ave., #110, in Corona. For more information, visit WordOfTruthCC.com.

Chaparral Grand Reopening Set

Photo By Carol Heyen

Photo By Carol Heyen

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR– After eight years of construction projects on campus, which have included relocated athletic fields, the construction of a new gymnasium, the building of 14 classrooms dedicated to science and Design Based Learning, Chaparral Middle School is set to celebrate the completion of the last of its remodeling and modernization projects.

On February 25, Chaparral Middle School will be “reopening” its main building to the public and officially debuting its new music education building, the “Cougar Conservatory”, along with its new food services building, the “Cougar Kitchen.”

The school will be holding a grand reopening ceremony, along with a ribbon cutting, starting in the school’s multipurpose room, promptly at 6 p.m.  Immediately after, the entire campus will be open to the public for its annual Open House in which teachers will be on hand in their classrooms and student work will be displayed.

Please plan on stopping by and attending along with other members of the Chaparral Middle School learning community as we concurrently celebrate Chaparral’s remodeling and modernization along with the school’s 40 years of providing education to the children of Diamond Bar.

Construction and modernization projects were made possible by community support of Bond Measures S & Y.  Chaparral Middle School is located at 1405 S. Spruce Tree Drive in Diamond Bar.

Shooting in Chino Hills Ruled Justified

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO– The fatal officer-involved shooting of Peter John Oien, 47, of Chino Hills, by three San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies on Nov. 18, 2013 was justified Tuesday by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the police report, on Nov. 18, 2013, at approximately 7:52 p.m., Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a disturbance call at 157 Tern Street, in the city of Chino Hills. The reporting party, (“RP”) advised dispatch that her boyfriend, Peter John Oien was stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife. She also advised that Oien may be high on methamphetamine.

Upon arriving at the location, deputies contacted RP down the street, and she informed them that Oien was last seen inside their bedroom, and was stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife. RP gave the deputies a key to the residence and gave them verbal permission to enter.

Deputies Hendrix, McChristian and Tobar walked to the front door area of the residence and tried to make contact with Oien, who was believed to still be inside the residence. Deputies called out to Oien that they were there to help him, and that fire department and ambulance personnel were at the scene as well. They instructed Oien to drop the knife and come out of the bedroom without any weapons. McChristian looked down the hallway from the living room and saw Oien standing in a bedroom approximately 12 yards away holding a knife in each hand. Oien was covered with blood from his neck down to his waist. Deputies instructed Oien to drop the knives several times, but Oien instead ran at the deputies while holding a knife in each hand. Deputies again ordered Oien to drop the knives, but Oien raised his hands with the knives while still charging at the deputies and closing the distance on them. In fear for their safety and their lives, and for the safety and lives of their fellow deputies, the deputies fired their weapons at Oien as he continued to run toward them. After being struck by the gunfire, Oien fell to the ground and landed near McChristian’s feet.

The crime scene was secured and Oien was transported to Chino Valley Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

According to County D.A. officials, the deputies’ use of force was in response to an immediate threat of great bodily injury or death to themselves and their fellow deputies present at the scene.

Local Football Coach Honored

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD Centennial Football Coach Named Coach of the Year

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD
Centennial Football Coach Named Coach of the Year

By Sara Cipollone

CORONA – Centennial High School football Coach Matt Logan has been honored for his work and accomplishments with the school’s football team.

USA Today has named Coach Logan the ALL-USA Football Coach of the Year. Coach Matt Logan stated that the best advice he has been given was from Coach Bruce Rollinson, before his first CIF championship game. Robinson told him “Don’t be happy just to be here. Go out and win the thing.” Logan took this advice to heart and has passed on this competitive spirit to his team, telling them “We may get beat, but we always compete.”

This competitive nature has helped Coach Logan garner a very successful coaching career, coaching the Centennial Huskies to a 14-1 season, the No. 7 spot in the final Super 25 football rankings, a second consecutive Pac-5 title and a runner-up finish in state Open Division. According to USA Today, his teams have won 10 CIF Southern Section titles since 2000. He won his 200th game this season against Orange Lutheran, and in 19 seasons Logan has an overall record of 211-46.

The coach said that his secret weapon to winning so much is consistency with the staff. He told USA Today that most of his coaches have been there for seven or eight years, and two coaches have been there since day one.

Whether it’s consistent staff, competitive drive, or just a great amount of skill, this coach is doing something right. Congratulations to Coach Matt Logan, USA Today ALL-USA Football Coach of the Year.

 

Chino High Wrestler CIF Champion

Photo courtesy: CVUSD Chino High Wrestler Erika Aguila

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Chino High Wrestler Erika Aguila

Courtesy of CVUSD

Congratulations to Chino High School wrestler Erika Aguila, the 2016 CIF Central Division 150lb Wrestling Champion!

Chino High School wrestler Erika Aguila, is advancing to the CIF State Championship on February 26 and 27. She is the first Chino wrestler to qualify for State since 1998.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 10 Walnut City Council meeting began by presenting Donut Tree with an award naming it the Winter 2016 Business of the Quarter. The Council thanked Donut Tree for its years of service to the community, for providing an excellent meeting place for celebrities and common residents alike, as well as for providing gracious donations of donuts to anyone who asked.

During the public comments, several residents reported burglaries between Pierre and Lemon, citing homes on Meadowpass and High Knoll as specific victims of these crimes. This group of concerned residents also announced a neighborhood watch meeting on February 16, and encouraged everyone to attend. Deputy Doug Daley also promised increased patrols around the area.

The Council then approved the minutes from the January 26 and 27 City Council special meeting, and the January 27 City Council meeting. After a brief public hearing, the Council remanded a conditional use permit from Sprint wireless back to the Planning Commission, who will review the permit and return the item back to the Council. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing $772,961.87 in claims and demands; an amendment to the agreement between the City and Silver and Wright LLP; and a bid to Toyota and Scion of Whittier for a City Fleet Vehicle.

Next, the Council agreed to post the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force Expansion and Growth Issues document to the City website, following a review of the document by the new City attorney. The Council also discussed front yard landscaping requirements in residential areas. Although front yards are not required to be completely green, considering the current drought, front yards are not allowed to be overgrown with weeds or have patches of dead soil. Residents should make sure any planned landscaping is in line with city code before remodeling their front yard.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 24 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

DUI Checkpoint Nets Four Arrests

Photo courtesy of Google

Photo courtesy of Google

Courtesy of Chino Police Department

CHINO – The Chino Police Department conducted a DUI/Driver’s License checkpoint Friday, February 12, 2016 at the 8400 block of Pine Avenue, near the Chino Preserve.  The checkpoint was held between 8 p.m. and 3 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.  In addition to the deterrent effect of DUI/Driver’s License checkpoints, the purpose of this type of checkpoint is to educate the public, arrest impaired drivers who are operating vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs, cite unlicensed drivers and to reduce the number of victims killed or injured in alcohol-related collisions.
1754 vehicles traveled through the checkpoint.  Four arrests were made, three were DUI and one was drug-related.  Twelve drivers were cited for driving while unlicensed or with suspended licenses.  Twelve other citations were given for various transgressions.  Nine vehicles were towed.

The Chino Police Department encourages people to call 9-1-1 to report suspected drunk drivers.  For additional information regarding traffic enforcement and education programs contact the Traffic Services Unit at 909.334.3073. 

Orange Grove Teacher Named State Finalist

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD Orange Grove Teacher Jessica Fuller poses with her award

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD
Orange Grove Teacher Jessica Fuller poses with her award

By Linda Hawkins, CNUSD

CORONA– Congratulations to Orange Grove teacher, Jessica Fuller, for being named the California League of High School’s (CLHS) Region 10 state finalist at the awards dinner on Thursday, January 21.  Jessica, along with 10 other finalists, was recognized by CLHS as “Educators of the Year” for Region 10, which includes Riverside, Inyo, Mono, and San Bernardino Counties.

The CLHS “Educator of the Year” award is given annually to ten educators, representing regions throughout California, who exemplify educational excellence and have made significant efforts to implement elements of educational reform in high schools.  Each nominee selected as the representative for their region will be honored at the CLHS Annual Conference in Sacramento, California the weekend of February 26-28, 2016.  One of the regional nominees will be announced as CLHS Educator of the Year at the conference.  Nominees selected may be teachers, administrators, counselors, or other certified personnel.  After being introduced, each finalist gave a brief speech which was scored by a panel of judges.  The Regional Representative was announced at the conclusion of the event and was invited to participate in the CLHS in Sacrament for the state’s Educator of the Year award in February.

Congratulations to Jessica on this very well deserved recognition.  She is an incredible teacher who goes above and beyond every day to ensure the success of her students.

Quail Summit Loves on Local Seniors

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR-Quail Summit Elementary students delivered hundreds of handmade valentines to Diamond Bar senior citizens on February 9.
About 25 students, representing every class on campus, traveled by bus to the meeting at the Diamond Bar Center. The children carried a total of 649 simple messages of kindness, one from every student on campus.
“I think it will make them feel really happy and valued,” shared 4th grader Violet Kieta before the children began mingling from table to table while passing out the Valentine’s Day gifts.
Many of the pink and red heart-shaped cards included read “Be Mine,” “You are Very Special,” and “Have a Great Valentine’s Day” and included sweet personal notes and artwork from the children. The seniors were thrilled to receive the love messages.
“I’ve been looking forward to this,” exclaimed Marjorie Fair. “I’ll put the valentines on my refrigerator!”
“They’ve been so good to us again this year!” said another senior admiring his new cards.
The young visitors are members of the Character Crew leadership group. Elementary learning specialist Leann Legind and teachers Kathy McLean and Pam Leslie work with students during school and community service activities that promote good character. This year, Leslie’s fifth grade class volunteered to make a batch of cookies, including chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, Snickerdoodles, and s’mores, as a gift for the seniors.
“The kids brought in recipes and got a chance to practice math skills while calculating measurements during the baking session,” Leslie explained.
The Diamond Bar Senior Citizen’s Club provides generous support to the school each year, funding recent activities including an author visit, tree dedication, mix-it-up day, and blanket donations for foster children. The Valentine’s Day cards were the perfect way for students to show their appreciation.
“Thank you for being so kind and generous to us and being amazing role models,” Legind said. “You have impacted us in so many ways, and because of you we were able to impact others.”
“It was special seeing all the senior citizens smile!” said 5thgrader Janiyah Hunsaker.
Quail Summit continued spreading a message of kindness and love during an 11 a.m. assembly marking the beginning of a new event. Mr. John’s Day of Kindness will now be held each year in honor of the school’s beloved custodian John Bisaha, who passed away last fall. Bisaha worked at Quail Summit for 25 years and made lasting connections with students, staff, and parents.
“He left ripples of kindness on our campus and we want to remember him,” Principal Jeanette Koh said. “To honor Mr. John, we’ll always have a day in February, near his birthday, as a day of kindness.”
Several family members were on hand for the unveiling of a portrait created by gifted artist and former parent, Margot Bloom. The school will display acts of kindness along with the painting inscribed “The Heart of Quail Summit.”
“Mr. John exemplified that every day,” Koh added.
The student body demonstrated compassion on its first official day of kindness by collecting five boxes of donations for furry friends at the Inland Valley Humane Society. Character Crew members also created cat toys from socks, batting, and cat nip, and painted “You are Paw-Some” and “Adopt Me!” messages on dog bandanas to help touch the heart of someone wanting to adopt a new pet.
“We encourage our students to spread kindness every single day,” Koh said.

Jogger Hit by Car and Killed

Photo By NBC Los Angeles

Photo By NBC Los Angeles

Staff Reports

WALNUT -Just before 6 a.m. on Monday, February 15, Walnut Sheriff’s deputies got a 911 call informing them of a car that had hit a brick wall outside of a home in the 20200 block of Barnard Avenue.

The vehicle, a 1989 Toyota Camry, was being driven by Haissam Massalkhy, 36, a resident of West Covina.  Mr. Massalkhy was driving eastbound on La Puente Road when he struck a male jogger, identified as 59-year-old Chi Shao, of Walnut.  Mr. Shao was jogging eastbound in the bike lane when the vehicle hit him from behind and carried him several yards on the hood of the car before colliding with the brick wall of the Barnard Avenue residence.

Homeowner Jim Li said he and his family were asleep when he heard the crash.  “It was shock. The driver was standing there. I asked him: ‘Are you okay?’ And he said: ‘Someone dead. Call 911.’”

Mr. Shao was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Massalkhy, who did not appear to be injured, has been booked at the Walnut Sheriff’s Station on murder charges.  Sheriff Lieutenant David Buckner said the incident appeared to have been intentional.  Massalkhy is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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.

Woman Arrested for Abandoning Baby in WC Sandwich Shop

Photo Courtesy of the West Covina Police Department. Mary Grace Trinidad’s mug shot from a drug arrest in January 2016

Photo Courtesy of the West Covina Police Department. Mary Grace Trinidad’s mug shot from a drug arrest in January 2016

Staff Reports

West Covina – On Feb. 16 at 8:34 a.m., a woman was arrested for abandoning her baby in a West Covina Subway sandwich shop’s bathroom after giving birth.

The West Covina Police Department stated that a 9-1-1 call was received on Feb. 16 regarding a baby who was found in the restroom of the Subway Restaurant located at 2540 S. Azusa Avenue. “The caller also stated that a woman who had just exited that restroom was seen bleeding as she headed toward the front doors,” according West Covina Police Department Public Information Officer Rudy Lopez.

“Employees from the restaurant heard a baby crying as they entered the restroom. An umbilical cord was seen hanging out from the toilet and the newborn baby boy was found partially submerged in the toilet water,” said Lopez.

The baby was treated and transported to the Neonatal Unit of Queen of the Valley Hospital in West Covina and is currently in stable condition.

West Covina Police Officers said they were able to find a blood trail that led them to the suspect in an alleyway behind the Pep Boys Auto located at 1540 E. Amar Road. Mary Grace Trinidad, 38, of West Covina was arrested immediately.

“Due to the suspect’s medical state, she was transported to a local hospital for treatment. Following her release, she will be booked for Attempted Murder and Child Abandonment. Bail will be set at $2 million dollars. The suspect also had a $30,000.00 narcotics related warrant outstanding for her arrest,” said Lopez.

The recording of the 9-1-1 call and a Subway security surveillance video has also been released.

After this incident, Supervisor Don Knabe issued a release reminding the community that the Safe Surrender program gives the opportunity for mothers to legally leave their baby with an employee at any hospital or fire station at any time, no questions asked. This provides a “safe, secure and anonymous way to get her child into safe hands–at any fire station or hospital, any time, in any county in California–and to protect a baby from abandonment: No shame, No blame, and No names,” said Knabe.

“Though 142 lives have been saved by the Safe Surrender program, this near-tragedy shows we still have a lot more work to do to spread the word,” said Knabe.

 

City of Eastvale Public Safety Commission Meeting

By Nicole Leiva

 

The Eastvale Public Safety Commission Meeting, held on Jan. 26, started with the appointments of a Chair and Vice-Chair to serve through December 2016, Chris Hook and Anwar Khan were appointed.

The meeting proceeded with the Eastvale Police Department giving an overview of their work reaching out to the homeless during the harsh rains, helping to get many people sheltered. The Police Department representative gave a quarterly report on traffic and reported that the Motor Officer program has been successful in reducing traffic accidents. It was also reported that during the holiday season, they gave out 83 citations and arrested six in the Gateway Shopping Center. During the holidays, many people have packages delivered to their homes and this led to burglaries.  On Dec. 8, a police officer patrolling Schleisman Road saw a vehicle with numerous packages.  The officer stopped the driver and discovered the packages were stolen.

Police Lieutenant Scott Forbes gave a presentation on the Electronic Citation Proposal that would make it more efficient to issue a citation. This would allow officers more time to be in the field. The violator will receive court notification a few days after violation and this enforcement will lead to fewer collisions.

The Riverside County Fire Department then presented some statistics regarding the past year.  In 2015, RCFD had an average response time of six minutes for Priority 1 calls, which was a minute shorter than 2014. The Department also had an average of 220 calls per month and 70 false alarms for the 2015 year. Currently, the average response time is under five minutes, but it is anticipated to increase with El Niño. A second fire station is being built in Eastvale and firemen are preparing for El Niño by gathering sandbags and using new smaller, and more equipped emergency trucks. Lastly, the fire and police departments are joining forces to be more efficient in serving the community. The firemen will be participating in training in how to use body armor to enter homes/buildings to rescue victims.

During the City Staff Report, staff presented their findings on how to improve the Mass Communication Emergency Alert System. Considering the warnings about the upcoming El Niño, staff is proposing to enhance the city’s ability to alert its residents of public safety emergencies through text messages and alerts on the City’s webpage. They presented the Commission with a potential company to contract with, Black Board Connect, which can provide services that enhance mass communication. In addition, it would allow them to send non-emergency messages and important community information. This system would be more effective for most residents in Eastvale, which currently has 16,000 households and 30,000 phone numbers. The Commission voted to bring this to the City Council meeting.

The next Public Safety Commission meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, Feb. 23.

$50K in Scholarships Available for Class of 2016

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO– Tim Adams, of School Portraits by Adams Photography, provided the Board of Education with the largest check to date of proceeds from the “Hit the Greens for Scholarships” Golf Tournament held every November. Adams has been hosting the tournament for the district for six years. This year’s check in the amount of $31,329.29, added to funds available from previous years, enables the district to distribute $50,000 to students, the largest amount since the tournament began. To date, more than $145,000 has been given to 116 seniors.

“The opportunity to assist students as they choose to continue their education is something that we consider a privilege,” said Tim Adams of School Portraits.

The scholarships will be awarded to high school seniors at each of the following schools: Ayala, Buena Vista, Chino, Chino Hills, and Don Lugo. The application period has begun and will continue through Feb. 29.
Seniors at each of those schools may apply for one of the following:
• Spirit of Chino Valley Unified
Awarded to a student who has volunteered at school or in the community, has embodied school spirit by serving in a student leadership role, has participated in school activities that promote good citizenship, and has an outstanding attendance record.

• President’s Award
Awarded to a student in need of financial assistance to continue their education.

• Superintendent’s Award
Awarded to a student who has embraced academic rigor and excelled by earning an overall grade point average of 3.8 or higher.
The application is available on the District website (www.chino.k12.ca.us) with a cover letter and checklist for submission.

Day to Day Operations at City Hall

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen

By Michele Nissen, City Manager

If you have ever been to City Hall, you will see that it is bustling with activity. It is my goal to provide everyone who comes in contact with City Hall the best possible customer service.   One of the many reasons Eastvale became a city was to provide better, more efficient services to the community and to have input on land use decisions.

Over the next several months, I would like to introduce you to each department in the City and describe their key roles and responsibilities.  The City’s organizational structure includes:

  • City Council: elected by the residents to set policy for the City;
  • City Attorney: appointed by the City Council to provide legal counsel to City Hall operations;
  • City Manager: appointed by the City Council and responsible for implementing the policy of the City Council and running the day to day operations of the City;
  • Office of the City Manager: responsible for communications, public relations, education/outreach, management analyst functions, economic development, personnel/staffing, human resources, and emergency management;
  • Office of the City Clerk: provides support to City Council, responsible for agendas, minutes, public records requests and records management;
  • Code Enforcement: enforces all private property maintenance issues relative to the Municipal Code to ensure that the City is well-maintained and in compliance with the City’s Municipal Code;
  • Planning/Community Development: responsible for implementation of the General Plan, processing of land use applications and ensuring development is compatible and consistent with the City’s General Plan and Zoning Code;
  • Finance Department: responsible for managing and reporting all financial transactions of the City;
  • Public Works: responsible for maintenance of all infrastructure in the public right of way, City’s capital improvement program, and building permitting/safety;
  • Eastvale Police Department (contract with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department): responsible for public safety;
  • Fire Department (contract with CALFIRE): responsible for fire suppression, emergency medical response and fire protection.

The City has a current population of 60,633 (source: CA Department of Finance).  As you can see from the list above, it is City staff who provide these services and they are critical to the success of the organization.  The City has been extremely prudent and conservative in how it provides the services listed above.  The City currently has eight (8) full-time employees and three (3) part-time employees.  The rest of the staffing needs at City Hall are fulfilled by contract employees through private consulting firms.  Hiring these consulting firms during this time in the City’s history allows us the flexibility to staff the peaks and the valleys according to the workload at City Hall.

There is no staff member within the City organization who does not wear many hats.  When the staff is small, each employee must perform multiple duties in order to get the job done.  I am extremely proud of the staff that we have assembled at City Hall to serve this community.  I am confident that they will continue to provide outstanding service in 2016.

Should you have any questions or comments, City Hall can be reached at (951) 361-0900. City Hall office hours are Monday-Thursday from 7:30 am – 5:30 pm; and we are closed every Friday.  City Hall encourages all residents and visitors to register for e-notification on the City’s website: www.EastvaleCA.gov.   This is a free email notification service that allows subscribers to receive emails from City Hall regarding the latest news, announcements, events, meeting agendas, job posting, RFPs and more.  Subscribers simply register their email address and choose which type of updates they would like to receive from City Hall.  Get connected in 2016 with the City of Eastvale on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

New Teen Volunteer Program

Courtesy of the City of Chino

CHINO– The City of Chino is seeking teens interested in volunteer service.  The Teen Opportunity Program (TOP) is a new volunteer program geared toward teens in the 7th-12th grades.

The TOP program requires teens to attend monthly meetings where they are trained in customer service, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, teamwork and leadership.  Through the training, the youth are equipped with life skills that help them succeed with volunteer assignments in city programs or special events.

“The Teen Opportunity Program is a great way for teens to earn volunteer hours required for graduation,” says Noemi Luna, Community Services Coordinator in charge of the program.  “They also gain valuable leadership skills and experience for future employment opportunities,” she added.

The first two meetings were well attended.  Youth learned about the enrollment process and the requirements of volunteering through TOP.  They were also introduced to the types of assignments available and upcoming events.

To get more information or to enroll in the program, youth can call the Neighborhood Activity Center at 909-334-3260.  The upcoming meeting dates are March 17, April 14, May 12 and June 9, 2016.

Former ERHS Students Sign with NFL

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD ERHS Alumni celebrate their NFL signing (L-R: Superintendent Michael Lin, Austin Hill, Tyler Slavin, Josh Mitchell, and ERHS Principal Jeremy Goins.)

Photo Courtesy of CNUSD
ERHS Alumni celebrate their NFL signing (L-R: Superintendent Michael Lin, Austin Hill, Tyler Slavin, Josh Mitchell, and ERHS Principal Jeremy Goins.)

Courtesy of CNUSD

EASTVALE– Gleaming smiles and new NFL hats were proudly worn by three former Eleanor Roosevelt High School students from the class of 2010, all of whom have signed with teams in the NFL. Austin Hill signed with the Seattle Seahawks, Josh Mitchell with the Indianapolis Colts and Tyler Slavin with the St. Louis Rams.  This marks a significant moment for Roosevelt High School, its football program and the entire CNUSD community. Josh, Austin and Tyler are Eleanor Roosevelt High School’s first athletes to play in the NFL.

During the students’ football career at ERHS, all three players made First Team All-League.  Austin Hill was awarded Riverside County Player of the Year and Most Valuable Player.

The three Roosevelt Alumni were the first graduating class to attend Roosevelt all four years. “When Austin, Josh and Tyler joined the football team, Roosevelt HS football stadium was still under construction, causing them to practice at Harada Park and go to Auburndale Intermediate for weightlifting”, recalls Coach Stacy.

“I am honored to have coached them and it is an honor that they have turned out to be such great young men,” said former ERHS Football coach, Coach Stacy.

Congressional Art Contest

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

EASTVALE– Congressman Ken Calvert is inviting high school students throughout the 42nd Congressional District to participate in the 34th Annual Congressional Art Competition.

“I am always amazed and inspired by the artistic skills of our students,” said Rep. Calvert. “The Congressional Art Competition is a fantastic way to showcase the talents of young Americans from around the country.”

This year marks the thirty-fourth anniversary of the Congressional Art Competition, An Artistic Discovery. Each year, Members of Congress hold contests within their districts to choose winning pieces of art by high school students. The winning student from each district is invited to Washington, DC for the ribbon-cutting ceremony, and will have his or her artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol for one year.

Only high school students residing in the 42nd Congressional District may enter. All artwork must be original and two-dimensional, and can be no larger than 28” high x 28” wide x 4” deep when framed.  Acceptable categories include: Paintings, Drawings, Collage, Prints, Mixed Media, Computer generated art, and Photography.  The deadline for submission is Thursday, March 27, 2016.

For more information, please contact Jackie Lansing at (951) 277-0042.

12 Suspects with Outstanding DUI Warrants Caught

Courtesy of the Eastvale P.D.

EASTVALE– Some think if they just don’t show up for a court hearing, the police won’t have the manpower to come find them. If your violation is a DUI, don’t count on it. Eastvale Police Department Officers, with dozens of outstanding arrest warrants, fanned out into neighborhoods in search of high-risk DUI offenders on Jan. 23.  Officers served warrants and arrested 12 offenders who either failed to show up for a court date or violated the terms of their probation in an outstanding DUI case.

“The best bet for anyone with a missed DUI court date is to go to court on their own now,” said Sergeant Bill Davis “If you don’t, that warrant isn’t going away. We’re going to come find you and take you to jail.”

Those caught often face additional jail time for failing to appear in court, or for violating probation. When family, friends, and co-workers find out, violators can also face personal embarrassment as they are lead away in handcuffs.  Sitting in jail and missing work is another problem offenders can face.

Special DUI Warrant Service Operations, along with regularly scheduled ‘High Visibility’ DUI enforcement, has a deterrent effect on those who disregard driving safety and abuse alcohol and drugs. Eastvale P.D. places a high priority on lowering deaths and injuries by removing impaired drivers and heightening awareness of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

The February 2 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a crime report from Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Scroggin. According to Scroggin, the vast majority of Diamond Bar crimes are theft and burglary, which can be prevented through simple acts such as locking doors on cars and homes and investing in home security systems.

During the public comments, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events coming up, including a Chinese New Year celebration, an etiquette workshop for teens on February 6 from 2-3 p.m., and a Landlord/Tenant informational workshop on February 18 from 6-7 p.m. Another resident announced an Evening of Colors on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Diamond Palace.

The schedule of future events was read, which includes the Planning Commission meeting on February 9 at 7 p.m.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on February 11 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on February 16 at 6:30 p.m. City offices will be closed on February 15 in observance of Presidents Day.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including minutes from the City Council meeting of Jan 19; the Traffic and Transportation Commission minutes from the meetings of September 10, October 8, and November 12; Planning Commission minutes from the meeting of January 12; ratification of a check register totaling $1,452,378.07; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of December 2015; an ordinance amending penalties and civil remedies for offenses pertaining to animal regulations; notice of completion for the Ronald Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation projects; a resolution approving CalRecycle grants to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery; and a contract amendment with Tait Group for professional consulting/advocacy services.

Following Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 16 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr in Diamond Bar.

36 Students Compete in District Spelling Bee

Photo courtesy: CNUSD Aisha Randhawa of Garretson Elementary spells out her winning word to claim the District’s Spelling Bee title.

Photo courtesy: CNUSD
Aisha Randhawa of Garretson Elementary spells out her winning word to claim the District’s Spelling Bee title.

Courtesy of CNUSD

Corona – The Annual District Spelling Bee brought together the best spellers grades 4-8 to compete at Santiago High School for the District Spelling Bee title. 36 schools, elementary and intermediate, were represented.

Contestants held strong for the first few rounds, but by Round 5, the field whittled down to 18. The dictionary opened up into words with foreign words and the field dropped down to 11 by Round 6.

By Round 9, the spelling bee came down to two students, Max Chen from Citrus Hill Intermediate and Aisha Randhawa from Garretson Elementary.

Aisha defended her title by correctly spelling “effluent”, earning the right to represent the district in the Riverside County Spelling Bee Feb. 23 in Moreno Valley.