Category Archives: News By City

Former Corona Teacher Arrested in Sex Crimes with Students

Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department

Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department
Anthony Joshua Perez

Staff Reports

CORONA – Former Lee V. Pollard High School teacher was arrested on Tuesday, Nov. 17, on charges that he had a four-month sexual relationship with a minor student, officials said.

Anthony Joshua Perez, 28, of Corona was arrested by Corona police officers for unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor and possession of child pornography.
Corona detectives determined that Perez engaged in a dating relationship with a minor student while teaching at Lee V. Pollard High School. Detectives determined that Perez and the minor had an ongoing inappropriate sexual relationship between December 2010 and April 2011.

In March 2015, Fontana Police Department notified the Corona Police Department regarding a child annoyance investigation involving Perez.

Fontana detectives discovered evidence that revealed Perez was engaging in inappropriate sexual acts with at least two minors in Corona, according to the Corona Police Department report.
Detectives are asking anyone with information regarding this investigation to please call Senior Detective Gail Gottfried at 951-817-5873.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Chino Hills

Staff Reports

Chino Hills –Terry Alan Read, 57, of Chino Hills was killed early Tuesday morning (Nov. 17) as he walked southbound on Valle Vista Drive, police officials said.

Chino Hills Police Department responded to the scene of the fatal traffic collision at Valle Vista Drive and Oakshire Lane in Chino Hills.
Chino Hills police investigators said, Veonna Gallimore, 41, of Chino Hills was driving east on Valle Vista Drive in a Chevrolet Trailblazer when she struck Read walking south on Valle Vista Drive just east of Oakshire Lane.

Read was walking in the traffic lane when he was struck by Gallimore. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallimore was transported to Chino Valley Hospital for complaint of pain and a precautionary evaluation. Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in the collision, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or, you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

CVFD Offers Thanksgiving Cooking Tips

Courtesy of the Chino Valley Fire District

 

Chino Valley– The Chino Valley Fire District wants to help ensure that your Thanksgiving holiday is a safe and happy one. Below are some safety tips that will help you and your loved ones stay safe during the holiday.

Cooking Safety:

· Begin holiday cooking with a clean stove, oven and food preparation surfaces.

· Keep the kitchen area “off limits” to young children and adults that are not helping with food preparation to avoid accidents or mishaps.

· Have games or other activities for young children outside the kitchen area to keep them entertained.

· Avoid wearing clothing with loose or long fitting sleeves that might ignite if too close to a flame. Also avoid wearing dangling jewelry that might get caught on pot handles.

· Never leave boiling pots unattended. If you must leave the kitchen, turn off all burners or have another adult watch what is being cooked.

· Have a fire extinguisher available no more than 10 feet from the stove or cooking area.

· Remain in the home while food is cooking, and use a timer to remind you that you are cooking.

· Keep anything that can catch fire—oven mitts, wooden utensils, food packaging, towels or curtains— away from your stovetop.

Deep-Fryer Safety:

· If you are using a deep fryer to cook your turkey, make sure it is set up outdoors in an open area that is away from walls, wooden fences, hanging tree branches and any other structure or item that can catch fire.

· Never use a deep fryer on a wooden deck or inside a garage.

· Never let children or pets near the fryer when it is in use.

· Never leave a deep fryer unattended.

For more information on holiday safety tips, visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

Chino Teachers Receive Walmart Cash for Classroom Expenses

Photo courtesy: Gustavo Miranda Walmart and Sam’s Club presented 20 Walnut Avenue Elementary teachers with $50 gift cards for school supplies on Nov. 17.

Photo courtesy: Gustavo Miranda
Walmart and Sam’s Club presented 20 Walnut Avenue Elementary teachers with $50 gift cards for school supplies on Nov. 17.

By Monique Valadez

CHINO– Twenty teachers from Walnut Avenue Elementary received $50 gift cards to purchase supplies for their classrooms thanks to Walmart’s annual Teacher Rewards Program.

These funds come at a critical time, as many teachers will spend an estimated $1,000 of their own money to ensure their students have the supplies they need to learn throughout the school year, Walmart officials stated in a press release.

“I am thrilled that our Walnut teachers have this wonderful opportunity to win gift cards to purchase classroom supplies for their students,” Walnut Avenue Elementary School Principal Karen Morales said. “Thank you Walmart and Sam’s Club for your generous contribution to our school.”

This year, local Sam’s Club employees selected Walnut Avenue Elementary School to receive $1,000 in gift cards to be awarded to teachers. The school was selected from among 35 schools in Chino Valley district because of the school’s need and dedicated staff, officials said.

“The [Walnut Avenue Elementary] teachers are amazing as is the principal,” said Sam’s Club Marketing Leader Gustavo Miranda, who presented the 20 teacher’s with gift cards on Nov. 17 in the school’s library. “As soon as they heard me say that we wanted to give them gift cards for their classroom supplies, their jaws dropped. It was an emotional presentation with one teacher almost in tears. We know we made the right choice.”

For the past six years, Walmart has donated over $4.5 million in reward cards to approximately 90,000 teachers across the United States to help offset the cost of classroom expenses.

“We are proud to honor our community’s teachers, who give time and often their own money to ensure our students have everything they need to be successful throughout the school year,” Miranda said.

More than 5,000 U.S. Walmart stores, Distribution Centers and Sam’s Club locations are eligible to select one local public school, grades K-8, and provide reward cards to 20 teachers from each selected school. Winning teachers can use the funds to purchase essential items for their classrooms such as paper, folders, binders, pencils, crayons and markers.

“At Walmart, we are dedicated to supporting our nation’s teachers by providing support and resources needed to continue educating the future leaders of our community,” Miranda added.

The Teacher Rewards program is an extension of Walmart’s ongoing support of local initiatives that help students, teachers and families better prepare for their future including programs like Breakfast in the Classroom, Fill the Bus and Farm to School.

A New Legacy

rob-norris-BW-2x2By Pastor Rob Norris

“This book of the law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it; for then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have success.” -Joshua 1:8
As a people, we are healthier but not happier. We are drenched in knowledge but parched for wisdom. Materially we are wealthy, but we suffer a profound poverty of the soul. The longer I live, the more I see that our nation needs a spiritual reformation in its inner spirit.
Nowhere is this more apparent than in the state of the family. The biblical values that built our great nation–once passed on from each generation to the next as a national treasure–are being questioned and dismissed. As a result, never before have we seen such deterioration in our homes:

  • Never before have so many children grown up in broken homes.
  • Never before has the definition of marriage been altered to allow for two people of the same sex.
  • Never before has the marriage covenant been viewed with such contempt by a generation of young people.
  • Never before have parents been ridiculed for seeking to raise children with biblical values.
  • Never before have so many Christians laughed, shrugged their shoulders or did nothing about adultery, divorce and sin.
  • Never before has materialism been so flagrantly embraced over relationships.
  • Never before has the family been in such need of a new legacy.

The pivotal national issue today is not crime; neither is it welfare, health care, education, politics, the economy, the media or the environment. The pivotal issue today is the spiritual and moral condition of individual men and women, husbands and wives, mothers and fathers, and families.
Nations are never changed until people are changed. The true hope for genuine change in the heart lies only in the life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Through Him, lives can be rebuilt. Through Him, families can be reformed.
How has the deterioration of our homes affected your family? Your extended family?

Live it: Pray that change in our country will begin with change in your lives and home.

The Crossings meets Sundays, 10 a.m., at River Heights Intermediate, 7227 Scholar Way, in Eastvale. For more information, call (951) 847-6836, or visit http://www.atthecrossings.com.

Saving Water And Saving Money

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

We continue to hear about the drought here in California. We tend to forget that we actually live in a desert. Even though we have an ocean only miles away, we have cactus growing on the hillsides right here in Diamond Bar!

I sense that many people are making sincere attempts to conserve water. Some have actually removed their lawns and installed artificial grass. Others have re-landscaped their yards with drought resistant plants and shrubs.

We have reduced the amount of water we are using at our home and the number of days we water our lawn. I’m encouraged to see that our water bill reflects that we are using less water each month.

Recently I noticed that there was moisture in the flower bed where we left our water hose. I soon realized that the hose valve was not shutting off completely. A tiny steam of water was getting through. We were wasting water.

My first step was to try to turn the valve off more tightly. But that did not stop the water completely. I realized that the valve was not working properly. Calcium and mineral deposits had built up on the inside of the vale and it was not shutting off completely. How expensive was this going to be?

I went to Home Depot and bought a new valve but when I got home I discovered that it was not the same size. It looked like this project was getting more difficult and probably more expensive.

Then I want to my neighborhood Ace Hardware store hoping to could replace the parts inside the shut off valve and not have to remove the whole thing. They did not have the replacement parts that I was looking for, but I had an idea. Did they sell a simple rubber washer that is inside the shut-off valve?

Not only did they have the small washer, but the price was right, too. It cost a total of eighty cents – less than a dollar!

I went home and scrapped off the sediment and calcium that had built up inside the valve and installed the small rubber washer. It worked! No drips, no water seeping out of the garden hose!

I was so encouraged that I was not only saving water but I also save a lot of money.

Who would have thought that a small rubber washer could make such a difference? No more drips. No more wasted water!

Let me encourage you to look for some simple steps that you can take to save water and save money.

You will be glad you did and your neighbors will too!

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

 

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

The Nov. 3 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a presentation of Certificate of Recognition to Katherine Kim, the winner of the Diamond Bar Friends of the Library essay contest. The theme of the contest was “How a Book Changed my Life,” and Kim wrote a moving essay about The Little Princess, by Frances Hodgson Burnett, and how the book inspired her to push out of her comfort zone and become involved with her school and various extracurriculars.

During the public comments, a representative of the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several upcoming events, such as a workshop to learn to change coffee filters into candle holders for LED lights; a workshop for teens to learn how to budget finances on Nov. 7 from 2 to 3 p.m.; a holiday card making event on Nov. 14 from 2 to 3:30 p.m.; and a Social Security workshop on Nov. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read. Election day was Nov. 3, with polls opening at 7 a.m. and closing at 8 p.m.; a Veterans Celebration will be held on Nov. 5 from 9 to 11 a.m. at Diamond Bar Center, 1600 S Grand Ave.; The Nov. 10 Planning Commission meeting is cancelled; Veterans Day is on Nov. 11 and city offices will be closed; Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting is on Nov. 12 at 7 p.m. in the Windmill Community Room; the 2015 Eco Expo is on Nov. 14 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the AQMD parking lot; and the next City Council meeting is scheduled for Nov. 17 at 6:30 p.m. at the AQMD Government Center Auditorium.

The Council then approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including City Council minutes from Oct. 20; Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from July 23 and Aug. 27; Planning Commission minutes from Sept. 8; ratification of check register totalling $1,138,640.51; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of September; an amendment to the memorandum of understanding between the City and the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority for State Route 60/Lemon Avenue Partial Interchange Construction; appropriation of $193,921 of Federal Surface Transportation Program-Local funds and $32,000 of Prop A Fund Reserve to the FY 15-16 Capital Improvement Program budget and approve contract amendment with All American Asphalt for construction of the Grand Avenue Beautification Project; appropriation of $60,000 of Prop C Fund Reserve to the FY 15-16 Capital Improvement Program budget and approve contract amendment 1 to the consulting services agreement with Onward Engineering for construction administration services for the Grand Avenue Beautification Project; adopt a resolution for the subdivision of air space for a 10-unit warehouse condominium, located at 614-646 Brea Canyon Road; approval of an amendment to the agreement with Access Control Security to increase the contract authorization for the 2015/2016 fiscal year in the amount not to exceed $73,000, plus appropriation of $38,000 from General Fund Reserves for guard services at Peterson Park required during construction of improvements; and approval of an amendment to the contract with Achiterra Design Group for a value engineering analysis of the construction documents for the ADA retro-fit of Longview Park South and Star Dust Park in the amount not to exceed $25,600.

The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Nov. 17, at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive.

“Parents on Point” Sheds Light on Teen Issues

By Emily Aguilar

EASTVALE – Eleanor Roosevelt High School held its first ever Parents on Point event on Tuesday, Oct. 13. The purpose of the evening was to inform parents on issues concerning teenagers such as bullying and social media usage. Cindy Cole, the parent of an ERHS freshman, was inspired to organize the event by her cousin, who has dealt with adolescent suicides in the San Diego area. Cole believes the city will benefit from the program because it will educate parents on the difficult conflicts their children confront every day.

Before the introductory announcement began, parents were welcome to browse the booths set up by representatives from Planned Parenthood, CNUSD Tobacco and Vapes, Hope Collaborative, and a booth that provided ultrasounds for teenagers. Many parents took the time to pick up brochures and ask questions about the programs.

After a brief overview, parents were sent to the F Building for a two-part session. In both sessions, parents had the option to attend a half hour presentations dealing with social media awareness, adolescent education, eating disorders, substance abuse awareness, suicide, parenting, or bullying.

Each presentation was lead by parents, current or retired law enforcers, or representatives from an organization; in other words these presenters had the right information to shock and educate their audience.

Parents were enthralled by the astonishing statistics, videos, and stories regarding the topic. They constantly interrupted presenters to ask questions or express disgust.

“I had no idea how easy it is for kids to lose their way,” remarked Paula James after Brian Nissen’s presentation on bath salts. “At least, [the schools] want to solve the issues!”

By far the most intriguing presentation was Jesse Winkler’s social media presentation. The room was flooded with intrigued parents struggling to listen to Winkler’s presentation from both inside the densely packed room and in the hallway. In his presentation, Winkler focused on social media’s negative effects on adolescents. While he defended social media for its benefits, Winkler argued that social media has turned teenagers against one another and has put them in danger, to which parents responded with disappointed sighs and terrified expressions. In fact, while talking about an app called “Burnbook,” which is used to anonymously post rumors about classmates, parents were silent upon learning that the app triggered suicides and fights across campuses.

Winkler, much like other speakers, assured parents that they should not “crack the whip” on their kids after this presentation. He told the audience to assure their children that they are “in your corner,” meaning that parents and children must have proper communication with each other in order to help them, and possibly save them.

“I’m definitely gonna let my girls open up to me,” stated Andrea Byrne on her way out.

Walnut Middle School Students to Perform with Young Americans

WALNUT-YoungAmericansDrama 2

Photo courtesy: Walnut Valley Unified School District Suzanne Middle School drama students rehearse alongside the internationally acclaimed Young Americans. Over 2,000 students from eight schools will come together to perform Turn it Up So Cal on Dec. 1 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

Photo courtesy: Walnut Valley Unified School District
Suzanne Middle School drama students rehearse alongside the internationally acclaimed Young Americans. Over 2,000 students from eight schools will come together to perform Turn it Up So Cal on Dec. 1 at the Citizens Business Bank Arena in Ontario.

Turn It Up So Cal 2015 coming December 1

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Thirty-five drama students from Suzanne Middle School have joined the phenomenal Turn it Up So Cal, a first-time ever event with the Young Americans.

“The Young Americans are an amazing and inspirational group. This experience has had a really positive impact on me,” said classmate Nada Dalati.

Over 2,000 students from eight Southern California schools and 250 internationally acclaimed Young Americans will come together and perform a one-hour show on Dec. 1 at the Citizens Business Bank in Ontario.

During two workshops held in the school multipurpose room in Walnut, the Suzanne students are learning three songs and choreographed dance routines for the performance from the Young American mentors.

“Seeing how excited my kids are and watching them interact with the Young Americans is amazing!” said drama teacher Helen Papadopoulos.  “This is an experience they will never forget, and neither will I!  I’m so proud of them!”

The Young Americans, a non-profit organization founded over 50 years ago, currently focuses on music education with talented members between the ages of 16 and 25.

The Suzanne students are eager to hit the stage for the Turn it Up event.

“It’s so much fun and I can wait to perform with all of my friends,” said eighth-grader Aidan Borgen. “This is a once in a lifetime opportunity!”

Tickets on sale for the 7p.m show at www.youngamericans.org.

Chino Hills Launches New Utility Bill

Utility bill aims to provide water usage data, easy-to-read information

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – Residents of Chino Hills have a new utility bill that will cover water, sewer and trash starting this month.

The utility bill was redesigned following customer suggestions and ideas. Residents requested easy-to-follow information on water usage and consumption history as well as more clear and transparent language, according to a City-issued press release.

City Manager Rad Bartlam believes that the newly designed utility bill will help residents understand monthly water usage and remain vigilant in their water conservation efforts.
“Residents wanted to see their water usage in gallons, not the typical “hundred cubic feet (CCF)” used by water providers,” said Bartlam. “They also wanted to see the results of their water saving efforts on a monthly and yearly basis. The City is very interested in our residents having that information so that we can continue to work toward meeting our State-mandated 28 percent reduction in water use.”

Residents stated receiving the new utility bill along with a flyer explaining the new utility bill on Nov. 9.

The new utility bill includes a previous month and current month comparison of their total monthly water usage in gallons and CCFs.

According to city officials, customers will also see an easy-to-read bar graph that shows a month-by- month comparison of water consumption data for the current year and previous year, if the historical information is available for the account. Customers also have access to water consumption history online, but the new design will make it conveniently available on the monthly bill, officials added.

The water section of the bill includes charges for the system that delivers the water, as well as the cost of the water used. The line item “City Maintenance Charge,” reflects the costs to have the system ready to deliver water (water pipes, pumping stations, maintenance, personnel, etc.) and is based upon the size of the meter.

For residential properties, the cost of water is tiered, so the costs increase as the usage increases. The bill now reflects the Tier 1, 2, and 3 rates and provides the final total for water charges. The Tier rates also vary depending upon the rate zone, which is noted at the top of the bill under “Account Information.” The City is divided into three rate zones, based upon geography (low, intermediate, high), to reflect the costs of pumping the water to higher elevations.

The sewer section of the bill also includes the amount charged by the Inland Empire

Utilities Agency (IEUA) for sewer treatment labeled as “IEUA Pass-thru Treatment Fee,” and the “City Maintenance Charge” which reflects the costs to have the City’s sewer system ready to move sewage to the IEUA treatment Plant (sewer pipes, pumping stations, maintenance, personnel, etc.). “City Pumping Charge reflects the costs to pump sewage within the City sewer system, if necessary.

Trash charges on the bill are listed as a line item and the “Bill Summary” section has the typical items such as the last payment, outstanding balance, adjustments, current charges, and the total balance due. The bill also includes a “Special Message” section for messages of general interest to residents and businesses.

Socially Speaking

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – The busy holiday season is here but don’t forget to make time for some fun. If you’re looking for something to do during this holiday season, follow us on our Facebook page (facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews) for updates on events and activities in the surrounding areas. We also post local news, meetings, city press releases, yard sales, and our monthly calendar.
If you missed what happened last month, below is a recap of the most popular posts on our Facebook page.
The most popular post last month was about a Felony Arrest in Eastvale on Oct. 22. A 21-year-old male was arrested for possession of narcotics, possession of narcotic paraphernalia, child endangerment, burglary, and for an outstanding felony warrant. The suspect was seen spotted sleeping in the playground area at Rosa Parks Elementary School, which caused the school to go on lockdown. Local residents commented how frightening this experience was for them and their families.
The most popular event posted was about the Halloween “Bright Night” event at Orchard Park. This was a free event hosted by Calvary Chapel Eastvale and the community was very excited about it. Many local residents tagged their family and friends on the post.
Lastly, there were two popular pictures posted last month that the community loved. The first was of students lined up on Inernational Walk to School Day on Oct. 7. The picture was taken by K.P. Sander. The second most popular picture was of members of the Eleanor Roosevelt High school football team after their Homecoming game. This picture was taken by ERHS student Miguel Becerra.
Don’t forget to check our Facebook every Thursday for the local weekend yard sales. On Fridays, you will find a link to our monthly calendar, which includes a variety of meetings and outings in the surrounding areas. We also post the online version of the full Eastvale Community Newspaper for you to download, save, or print out.
Make sure to LIKE our page at Facebook.com/EastvaleCommunityNews, 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!

Chino Wins Award For Promoting Healthy Living

Staff Reports

CHINO– Chino has received the top honors in the Inland Empire’s media awards recognition for its wide-ranging and collaborative efforts to improve healthy living.

The Inland Empire Chapter of the American Advertising Federation announced last month at its annual awards ceremony in Riverside, that Chino was a recipient of a 2015 Public Service Campaign of the Year for excellence in advertising their Healthy Chino campaign.
“We are honored to have been recognized by an esteemed list of Media and Communication professionals in the Inland Empire,” City Manager Matthew Ballantyne said. “Connecting with residents and continuing to provide options in sustaining a healthy community is a priority for the city and we are humbled that others recognize the efforts.”
To reach this milestone, city officials introduced new programs in 2015 including the “grocery store on wheels” Mobile Fresh program and Children’s Discovery Workshops which offer a fun and safe atmosphere for children to learn about the environment, gardening and nutrition.

Finding new ways to engage and connect with the community such as utilizing social media also contributed to receiving this honorable award, officials said.

City officials and the Healthy Chino Coalition believe that a healthy lifestyle starts from childhood. Healthy Chino introduced Super Fit Flex, a superhero helping to spread the message to a young generation about the importance of staying fit and healthy.
According to city officials, the Healthy Chino Initiative was created in 2004 to combat an epidemic rise in obesity and associated chronic illness, such as heart disease and diabetes that affect communities across the country.

“Healthy Chino has been on a mission to increase the healthy lifestyle option in Chino through workshops, hikes, walking groups, a community garden, Healthy Family Day and the first-ever Healthy Chino General Plan element,” city officials said. “Due to these efforts, the Chino community is 10 years stronger!”

City Manager Ballatyne accepted the award on behalf of the City at the American Advertising Federation, Inland Empire Media Awards Ceremony in Riverside.
Healthy Chino has also received the prestigious Helen Putnam Award and the Cities Counties Schools Partnership Award.

 

Walnut Water Rates Increase Jan. 1

Rates will be reflected in Feb. 2016 water bill

By Walnut Valley Water District

WALNUT– New rate increase reminders were mailed out to all Walnut Valley Water District customers last week.

The new rate increase will take effect on Jan. 1 and will be reflected in their February 2016 water bill.

In November 2014, the WVWD’s Board of Directors approved a five-year rate plan to primarily cover cost increases.

WVWD also mailed out rate sheets for customers to understand the new rates and charges that were approved last November.

Walnut Valley Water District is 100 percent dependent upon imported water supplies purchased from Metropolitan Water District through its local wholesaler, Three Valleys Municipal Water District. These water supplies must travel very long distances to reach Walnut families and businesses.

To decrease dependence upon these costly imported water supplies, WVWD has been working diligently for several years to secure additional water from local sources, partnering with other regional water agencies to develop local groundwater basins for future use. These efforts require careful planning and significant financial investment to help ensure long-term supply reliability.

Approximately 50 percent of every dollar spent by WVWD does not vary based upon the quantity of water used by its customers. These costs are associated with the effective operations and maintenance of WVWD’s water system infrastructure and all services provided by WVWD to meet the needs of its customers.

In response to California’s most severe drought to date, WVWD Board of Directors adopted a Stage 3 Water Supply Shortage Resolution and implemented a drought rate surcharge. Since adopting the Stage 3 Water Supply Shortage, WVWD customers have answered the call to conserve and have successfully reduced their overall water usage.

District officials encourage customers to “Keep Saving…..Every Drop Counts!” The District remains fully committed to its mission of “providing a reliable, high quality water supply in a fiscally efficient and environmentally responsible manner while remaining committed to providing superior service to our customers.”

Chino: Become A Gardener

Staff Reports

CHINO – The benefits of gardening are endless. Whether if you want to find a new hobby, enrich a healthy lifestyle or just want to start growing vegetables for your family table, then head over to Chino’s garden workshops held at the city’s community garden located on the northeast corner of 5th Street and D Street.
The free gardening workshops cover a variety of topics including growing fruits and vegetables, harvesting, pruning, composting, and more. Workshops are presented by the City of Chino’s Healthy Chino and Green Chino Initiatives in partnership with the UCCE Master Gardeners of San Bernardino County, Kaiser Permanente and 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman. Advance registration is encouraged due to limited space.
The next workshop titled, “The Basics”, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This workshop teaches participants the basics about efficient irrigation systems, soils, design practices, fertilizers and water-wise plants.
Gardening is a family affair so parents are encouraged to bring their children to participate in the Children’s Discovery Workshop that run in conjunction with the garden workshops.  Visit discovery.healthychino.com or call, 909-334-3478 for more information and details.

Free Flu Shots At Chino Hills High

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – If you don’t have insurance and need to get flu shots for you or your children, the San Bernardino County Health Department will be giving free flu shots Thursday, Nov. 19.

Flu shots will be provided to adults, including senior citizens and pregnant women, as well as children. Children must be three years of age and older, and children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children below nine years of age may require two doses of flu vaccines (four weeks apart) based on prior vaccination history.

The clinic will be open from 3 until 5 p.m. at Chino Hills High School, located at 16150 Pomona Rincon Road.

Chino Hills High School is a Point of Dispensing (POD) site where the community can go to receive medication and/or vaccinations during a public health emergency, such as a pandemic influenza or bioterrorism.

The flu shots are provided and administered by the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health, Preparedness and Response Program.

Ask Deputy Myers – Holiday Shopping Safety

Deputy Myers

Deputy Myers

By Deanna Myers, Riverside County Sheriff Department

EASTVALE-With the holidays seemingly in full swing at most of your local retail shopping locations, it is important to think about how to keep yourself, your family, and your recently purchased goodies safe.

The following are some suggestions for your next big shopping trip.

  • Shop during daylight hours whenever possible and try to shop with a friend.
  • Avoid wearing expensive jewelry.
  • Even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
  • Avoid carrying large amounts of cash, if unavoidable. Carry it in your front pocket.
  • Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible.
  • Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
  • Avoid carrying a purse or wallet if possible; they are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
  • Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
  • Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, “con-artists” may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
  • If you load your vehicle with purchased items and plan to continue shopping in the area, move your car, if a potential suspect has been watching you, they may wait for you to load your vehicle and walk to the next store, and when you return your items could be gone. Also, never leave packages in plain view, lock them up in your trunk.

Happy shopping, Eastvale!

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

Chino Schools Marching Band Showcase Nov. 18

Courtesy of Chino High School 77th Cavalry Chino High School Marching Band performs at the 2015 Los Angeles County Fair.

Courtesy of Chino High School 77th Cavalry
Chino High School Marching Band performs at the 2015 Los Angeles County Fair.

Staff Reports

CHINO VALLEY – High school and middle school bands are taking a break from competing and putting on a fun performance for the community Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Don Lugo High Stadium.
The annual Marching Band Field Showcase is an annual opportunity for resident’s to see a live performance by some of Chino Valley’s award-winning school marching bands.
Bands from Ayala, Chino, Chino Hills and Don Lugo High Schools will play a medley of songs. They will also be joined by younger band mates from Canyon Hill and Townsend Junior High Schools. The free showcase will begin promptly at 7 p.m. with a performance of the “Star Spangled Banner” by all participating bands.
Admission is free and open to the public. Don Lugo High Stadium is located at 13400 Pipeline Ave. in Chino.

The Marching Band Field Showcase schedule:
7:05 p.m. – Canyon Hills Junior High Color Guard
7:10 p.m. – Townsend Junior High Band
7:15 p.m. – Don Lugo High Band
7:35 p.m. – Chino Hills High Band
7:55 p.m. – Chino High Band
8:15 p.m. – Ayala High Band
8:35 p.m. – Event concludes

Quality Comes First At Peterson Auto Repair

peterson-auto-repair-center-walnut

Peterson Auto Repair Center is located at 3900-B Valley Boulevard, in the Big Valley Industrial Park. They can be reached at (909) 598-3881.

By K.P. Sander

Walnut – If you are looking for a local automotive repair center that performs quality work at reasonable prices – and delivers it all with excellent service – look no further than Peterson Auto Repair Center.

Peterson now houses a full mechanic shop to serve all your automotive needs.  They not only specialize in lube and oil changes, but also repair and maintain radiators, alternators, starters, brakes, clutches, shocks and struts, axles,  air conditioning, belts and hoses, and much, much more.

In business for over 15 years, owner Eric Peterson says, “For me, it’s all about providing quality automotive repair for the neighborhood.  I grew up in La Puente and Walnut, and we have so many good customers in this area.  We really appreciate the business and word of mouth referrals.”

Carhelp.com customers agree constantly giving Peterson high marks for quality workmanship and fair pricing.

Look for Peterson to add quality auto-body services to the business in the future.

Peterson Auto Repair is located in the Big Valley Industrial Park, at 3980-A Valley Boulevard in Walnut.  They are open Monday through Saturday, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and can be reached at (909) 598-3881.  Mention their ad and get an oil change for just $21.99 (plus tax and fees).

Clark’s Helps You Live Better!

Staff Reports

CHINO – When it comes to health and nutrition, one size does not fit all. Just ask your neighborhood’s health and nutrition market, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Market who strive to make lives better one customer at a time.
Clark’s equates success not with size but with integrity, responsibility and service.

“The cornerstone of Clark’s market position is to provide reliable scientific information for the consumer’s benefit in making educated and informed decisions resulting in vibrant health,” Clark’s website states.

Spanning three generations, Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets was founded in 1972 in Riverside by the Clark family patriarch, Jim Clark, whose vision of healthy living grew into what is today a 60 billion-dollar industry.

Today’s, Jim’s grandchildren have taken over the reins of Clark’s Nutrition and Natural Foods Markets. Grandson Jeff Clark is president, his brother Bruce Clark is vice president of retail development, and their sister Tracy Clark is the director of finance.
Their newest location in Chino, 12835 Mountain Avenue (at corner of Mountain Avenue and Riverside Drive), boasts a large selection of organic, gluten free, grass-fed beef, vitamins and raw foods. They also carry an extensive collection of health and beauty production including, celebrity Suzanne Somers’ skin care and cosmetic line, “SUZANNE Organics.”

Clark’s puts an emphasis on connecting with the community through various in-store and local events.

With locations in Loma Linda, Riverside, Rancho Mirage, and now Chino, Clark’s Nutrition lives up to their motto, “Live Better …We Can Help!”They provide regular free lectures on various health related topics and make-up tutorials with professional make-up artists.

Customers will appreciate their knowledgeable and helpful staff. Clark’s employees undergo a comprehensive in-house training curriculum, and continuing their education “which is now accredited”.
So, for all your health and nutritional needs, look no further than Clark’s in Chino or any of their other I.E. locals. Clark’s is open 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. every day. Stop by for yourselves and experience Clark’s great customer service, knowledgeable staff, and affordable pricing. Whatever your health goals, Clark’s can help! Visit www.clarksnutrition.com.

57/60 Freeway Redesign Moves Forward

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar City officials and local dignitaries officially break ground on the first phase of the long-anticipated 57/60 Confluence Project.

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar
City officials and local dignitaries officially break ground on the first phase of the long-anticipated 57/60 Confluence Project.

Traffic relief draws near for one of California’s worst bottlenecks

By Monique Valadez

DIAMOND BAR – Deemed the eighth worst bottleneck in the nation by the American Transportation Research Institute, the two-mile stretch where the 57 Freeway and 60 Freeway merge is on the fast track for a face lift that is set to begin in January 2016.

Last Tuesday, Nov. 10, city officials from cities of Diamond Bar and Industry were joined by the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and other dignitaries to help break ground on the first phase of the two-mile stretch, referred to as the 57/60 Confluence Project.

“We applaud Los Angeles County for moving this project forward,” Federal Highway Administrator Gregory Nadeau said. “It is tremendously important to the economy of California and, by extension, to the nation as a whole.”

During both the morning and afternoon grind, commuters attempt to weave across multiple lanes where 17 lanes of traffic condense sharply into just 14 lanes, resulting in a traffic choke hold on both freeways and frequent accidents. The $256-million freeway facelift promises to alleviate this problem with three major phases of improvements.

The first phase of the project calls for construction of the westbound freeway on-ramp from Grand Avenue. Phase two will include two series of improvements: Street widening in the vicinity of Grand Avenue and Golden Springs Drive and construction of the westbound freeway off-ramp and secondary lane to Grand Avenue.

The third and largest phase will bring improvements to the freeway mainline and bypass connectors. Funding is yet to be identified for this phase.

The project will be funded with a mix of funds from local, State and Federal sources. Similar projects nationwide are not moving forward due to the lack of funding, according to federal officials.

Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) who represents the project area says that the nearly 40 year old freeway redesign is long overdue.

“The Southern California Association of Governments (SCAG) estimates about 356,000 vehicles, including 26,000 big rig trucks, travel on the 57/60 Confluence every day,” said Huff. “During rush hours, peak traffic generally last for three to four hours on a typical weekday. Nearly ten thousand vehicles travel this stretch nearly every hour of the day.”

U.S. Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx says that the interstate redesign project will make a big difference in the quality of life.

“This project is a win for businesses and people living in Los Angeles County,” said Foxx. “Not only will it improve the efficient movement of freight, which is an important priority for the economy, it will also improve the quality of life for people who have experienced the frustration of waiting in rush hour traffic.”

The proposed improvements would result in a reduction of at least 162 accidents per year, or nearly 3,300 less accidents over the next 20 years, and likely reduce accidents that cause injury or fatality by at least 1,000 occurrences over the next 20 years, according to project planners.

This freeway fix is expected to be completed in about two years depending on weather.

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar Traffic relief draws near for one of California's worst bottlenecks.

Photo courtesy: City of Diamond Bar
Traffic relief draws near for one of California’s worst bottlenecks.