Category Archives: News By City

$10,000 Reward Offered for 2011 Pomona Murder

Photo courtesy of Pomona PD 20-year-old Carlos Jimenez

Photo courtesy of Pomona PD
20-year-old Carlos Jimenez

Staff Reports

POMONA-Suspects remain at large in the 2011 murder of 20-year-old Pomona resident Carlos Jimenez.

The Pomona Police Department announced this week the $10,000 reward for any information that leads to the arrest of the suspects. The Pomona Police are seeking the public’s assistance to provide any information to help solve the case.

According to the Pomona Police Department, on May 14, 2011 at 11:46 p.m. Carlos Jimenez was found in a garage near the rear alley of the 2400 block of Chanslor Street suffering from several gunshot wounds. Jimenez was pronounced dead at the scene at 12 p.m., according to Los Angeles County coroner’s records.

Police believe Jimenez was shot at close range and that the suspects involved in the shooting may have been involved in a local street gang.

Pomona Police Detectives remain vigilant and believe in a positive outcome for this investigation. Investigators are again asking for the public’s assistance in this case and hope that a reward will convince someone with information to come forward.
Anyone with information regarding this crime is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department’s Homicide Unit at 909-620-2095. To provide information anonymously, call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) or “We-Tip” at 1-800-782-7463. Please refer to incident DR# 11-053331.

Give Peace a Chance This Thanksgiving

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

Pastor Mark Lee of Vantage Point in Eastvale

By Pastor Mark Lee

Millions of Americans will soon be giving thanks while gorging on platefuls of turkey.  Although Thanksgiving became a national holiday in 1863, this feasting tradition can be traced back several hundred years earlier to Plymouth, Massachusetts. In 1621, Puritan settlers celebrated their first good harvest with an impressive banquet. The most remarkable aspect of this first Thanksgiving was that it was made possible by the region’s natives. Despite their obvious differences, the Wampanoag people had helped the settlers survive.

While it is highly likely that the natives were concerned by the Puritans, they overcame their suspicions and reached out. Over the next several weeks, it is possible that many of us will find ourselves in a similar position. Statistics reveal that one of the most stressful aspects of the holiday season is family.  Ancient hostility and old offenses can leave us feeling hurt, angry or anxious.  And, while our complicated relationships are avoidable throughout the year, the holidays often make them inescapable.

Skipping Thanksgiving dinner with the family may be tempting, but the reality is that we all eventually come in contact with “haters.”  When doing so, we need to be honest and apologetic about the role we play in the discord.  And, above all, we need to give grace to those who have wronged us.  After all, how many times have you regretted something you have said or done that was unkind?

One of the most powerful ways to combat tension is with kindness. In Luke 6:35, Jesus says, “Love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great.”  Imagine how shocked the settlers were when the natives lent a helping hand. Now, imagine how shocked Grumpy Uncle Bob would be if you gave him the last piece of pumpkin pie. What could be sweeter than a peaceful holiday season?

VantagePoint Church meets at Roosevelt High School on Sundays at 9:30 and 11:00 a.m.

Winning The Holidays!

Courtesy of Clark’s Nutrition

The holidays are that special time of the year where every indulgence is neatly packaged, socially encouraged, and conveniently available. Pumpkin-spiced, chocolate-dipped, rum-soaked, caramel-topped “megatreats” are found everywhere, from the checkout stand to the drive-thru to school fundraisers. And while the odd confectionary indulgence certainly does not make a bad diet, the holidays have become a seemingly endless parade of pies, sweets, drinks, and culinary inventions of bacchanalian proportions. So what to do if your desire is to enjoy the holidays yet still maintain workout, weight, and longevity goals? The first thing to do is be realistic. Setting a goal to drop 20 pounds is setting oneself up for failure. A more realistic goal would be to maintain one’s weight throughout the holidays whilst allowing for plenty of shared festivities and a few indulgences. Here are a few suggestions that will help in the battle to win the holidays:

-Remember there is always strength in numbers. There is nothing wrong with letting others know of your goals and surprisingly, you may find others who have similar goals

-Prepare and bring healthy snacks to school or work

-Portion-Portion-Portion. Try and use smaller plates and cups (bring if necessary)

-Drink a 12 ounce glass (think soda can size) of water before sitting down at the holiday table

-Offer to bring a healthy dish to parties (what host would say no to eggplant parmesan or grilled cucumber and hummus wraps?)

-Have a healthy snack before going to the party or dinner and once there, plan your meal in your head. Lastly, savor every bite.

-Remember to wait 20 minutes before going for seconds (better to skip them altogether)

Remember that the holiday season is strategically followed by the “New-Years Resolution” season. Making better choices during the former means making easier choices during the latter. Also, having a bite of something sweet now is better than a having 10 bites later. Oftentimes, willpower can dissolve later in the night when our bodies start to wind down. It is possible to wipe a good workout off the map with a few mindless spatula-fulls of pumpkin cheesecake. Being active and even ramping up workouts is a very effective way to make those extra calories work in your favor. Try making some personal record (PR) goals during this time of year. A cupcake-fueled sprint or latte-energized bench press may be your best attempt all year.

  • Plan group activities that are not centered on food, like going on walking tours of decorated homes (also, volunteering opportunities are everywhere during the holidays as needs rise drastically)
  • Be the life of the party! Mingle, move, and burn more calories
  • Let your brain, not your stomach do the choosing. Showing up to functions hungry means being mostly defenseless against overindulgence.
  • Be picky. Take a moment to think about what indulgences are worth your extra work.
  • Get a high-quality digestive enzyme. These supplements can mean the difference between burping and “Burpees”. By assisting digestion, enzymes help
  1. Extract vital nutrients from foods
  2. Shuttle undigested foods through our digestive system
  3. Reduce gas and bloating

The holidays do not have to be an automatic “lose my gains and gain weight” season. It can be a time of intense satisfaction when we prove to ourselves that planning really does lead to success. Plan time to be mindful of your goals and increase your holiday cheer.

Right Back Where I Started From

Pastor Mark Hopper

Pastor Mark Hopper

By Pastor Mark Hopper

Recently, my wife and I were looking forward to spending a week in Hawaii, but it was a lot more difficult than we expected.

Our travels started easy enough.  We got up early at 4 a.m. and left our house before 5 a.m. to catch our flight to Hawaii.  Freeway traffic was better than we expected and we got to the airport in plenty of time for our 8 o’clock flight.

We had made our reservations using airline miles almost a year ago.  We were scheduled to go from LA to San Francisco and connect with a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Maui.  Unfortunately, our flight out of LAX was delayed and we began to wonder if we would make our connection in San Francisco.  But, our airline was reassuring.  We had time to catch the Hawaiian flight.

When we finally got to the San Francisco airport we discovered that we had to go outside security, go to another terminal and go through security again.  There were about 10 people like us who were scheduled to connect with the Hawaiian flight.

As we ran to our departure gate we could see the big, beautiful Hawaiian plane pulling away from the gate.  It did not wait for us and it did not come back for us.  We missed it.

All of us were told to go back to our original airline’s ticket counter to get booked on another flight since they had caused us to miss our connection.  We were told there were no other flights available to Hawaii from San Francisco on that day.

We could stay at a hotel near the airport (at our own expense) and try again the next day.  Or, they offered to fly us back to LA and see if there were any empty seats on planes going to Hawaii that evening.  All 10 of us decided to take our chances in LA.  So we flew back to where we started from!

Two couples got rebooked on a Hawaiian Airline flight from LAX to Honolulu and then on to Maui.  Two other couples got on a flight from LAX direct to Maui on our original carrier.  We did too.  We got the last two seats on the last flight of the day!

Hurray, we were finally going to Hawaii!  Our flight was packed but we were just glad to be going to Maui and not going back to Diamond Bar.  We arrived at about 10 p.m. Hawaiian time which is about 1 a.m. our time.  We had been waiting and flying and waiting and flying for almost 24 hours!

Just when we thought we had successfully completed our travel adventure, we discovered that our bags did not make it.  Thankfully, we had our clothes in our carry-on bags but the most important one, my golf club bag, did not make it.  How can you enjoy Hawaii without your golf clubs?

The airline assured us that my golf clubs would be on the next flight and would be delivered to our hotel the next day.  What they didn’t tell us was that my golf bag was actually still in San Francisco. I finally found it in a locked office at the Maui airport two days later.  I’m not sure what happened to the overnight delivery.

I know that there are many things much worse that can happen in life.  Our little Hawaiian adventure was more of an inconvenience, not a national disaster.  You probably have a similar story of missed flights and lost bags.  I suppose we should expect things to not always go as planned.

There is a verse in the book of Proverbs that says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart and do not lean on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge Him and He will direct your paths. (Proverbs 3:5-6)

In all of life there will be unexpected bends in the road and delays at the airport.  We need to learn to trust God to direct our paths and not become impatient or frustrated with the missed connections of modern travel.  Who knows, you may find yourself right back where you started from, 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.

Riverside: WRCRWA Construction Update

Construction and odor minimization efforts continue at the WRCRWA Treatment Plant.

Courtesy of the City of Eastvale

WRCRWA November Update

Construction and odor minimization efforts continue at the Western Riverside County Regional Wastewater Authority (WRCRWA) Treatment Plant. The WRCRWA team is committed to providing regular updates to the community about the project. In recent weeks, there has been an increase in concerns regarding odors from the facility and this post is an update on actions WRCRWA has implemented and are in the process of doing: 

  1. Installation of tarp enclosure around solids loading structure. WRCRWA installed a tarp canopy system around the loading structure that was completed on Sept. 15. The purpose of the tarp canopy system is to enclose the loading structure where biosolids are loaded into trailers for offsite disposal. With the enclosure, the goal is to contain the odors and to have the air pass through passive carbon filters to reduce odors. However, WRCRWA staff is not satisfied with the effectiveness of the tarp system as originally designed and installed, and our team is in the process of making modifications to the system. Staff has met with the tarp contractor and modifications are in process and should be re-installed the week of Nov. 16.
  2. Facility misters. Staff checks the misters on a weekly basis.  The misters are changed out as they fail. Our goal is to have 100 percent of the misters running 24/7. There is only one misting system at the facility and staff does not have the ability to turn sections on/off independently.
  3. Centrifuge Building & Temporary Air Scrubber. With the expansion of the facility, three new Andritz Centrifuges are being installed to replace the aged Alfa Lavel Centrifuges installed in 1998. Centrifuges dewater the sludge coming out of the digesters prior to loading solids into trailers for offsite disposal. WRCRWA installed a rented temporary centrifuge and has operated it while the Alfa Lavel Centrifuges were removed and the new Andritz Centrifuges installed. The new Andritz units are now in start-up testing, which should be complete within 7 to 10 days.

    At the end of September a Duall rental air scrubber was installed to treat air within the Centrifuge Building. Although this air scrubber has been working continuously since the end of September, the Centrifuge Building has remained open during working hours so the contractors can install the new Andritz centrifuge units. Because the Centrifuge Building has been open during this installation process, effectiveness of the air scrubber has been diminished during the hours of 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Once construction activities have wrapped up in the Centrifuge Building (anticipated within the next seven to 10 days), the building will remain closed (except for the occasional need to move equipment in/out) aiding in the effectiveness of the air scrubber. The following sequence of events will occur:

    1. Removal of the temporary centrifuge
    2. Relocation of the rental air scrubber where the temporary centrifuge was located
    3. Change out of air ducts from the centrifuge building to the relocated air scrubber
    4. Restart of the air scrubber
    5. Closure of the Centrifuge Building

Items a through e will take another few days, with goal to be complete prior to the Thanksgiving holiday. The result will be a totally enclosed Centrifuge Building with full air scrubbing of air within the Centrifuge Building prior to release to atmosphere.

  1. Digester Operation. WRCRWA has successfully converted one of the two digesters to full aerobic process with the second unit acting as pretreatment sludge thickener using the facultative bacteria process. Both digesters are running well; the aerobic with a musty odor expected from an aerobic process and the facultative digester with a deep layer of clear water suppressing odors from it. Once the Andritz Centrifuges have gone through their start-up testing as explained above, WRCRWA staff will begin working towards operating the facility with one aerobic digester. This one digester operation is required to turn over the other digester to the contractor so it can be converted to anaerobic digestion, which will be a fully enclosed process. After the first digester is converted to anaerobic digestion and put into service, the second digester will be turned over to the contractor for conversion to anaerobic.   Staff is working closely with the contractor on the schedule for this effort and once final dates are determined that information will be shared on our website.
  2. Recent manure smells. In recent weeks a property owner west of the WRCRWA facility has initiated the spreading of manure to fertilize a field used for crops. WRCRWA immediately notified the Air Quality Management District (AQMD), and an AQMD inspector visited our site and the surrounding area and confirmed that there were manure smells coming from the west. WRCRWA is in no manner attempting to shift responsibility; however, we want to report on recent activity in the area.

WRCRWA staff is diligently working to control odors at the facility. Significant effort is being made to systematically work through issues at the plant toward interim and permanent improvements. We appreciate your concerns and your patience during construction and are working as quickly as we can to implement all the improvements to control odors.

A tour of the plant is being scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 12, 10 to 11 a.m. We look forward to showing you all the things we have completed and the progress made that has been made.

For more information, contact WRCRWA Administrator Jeff Sims at 951.571.7220 or visit WRCRWA.org.

Chino PD Receives Traffic Enforcement Grant

Courtesy of Chino Police Department

CHINO– Chino PD has been awarded a $167,872 grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety (OTS) for a yearlong program of special enforcements and public awareness efforts to prevent traffic related deaths and injuries.
After falling dramatically between 2006 and 2010, the number of persons killed and injured in traffic collisions has been slowly rising. Particularly alarming are recent increases in pedestrian and bicycle fatalities, the growing dangers of distracting technologies, and the emergence of drug-impaired driving as a major problem. This grant funding will provide opportunities to combat these and other devastating problems such as drunken driving, speeding and crashes at intersections.
“Chino PD has an ongoing commitment to keep our roadways safe through enforcement and education. The partnership and support provided by OTS will allow us to further enhance those efforts and put a stop to the emerging upward trend,” said Chino Police Chief Karen Comstock.
Activities that the grant will fund include:

  • Educational presentations
  • DUI checkpoints
  • DUI saturation patrols
  • Motorcycle safety enforcement
  • Distracted driving enforcement
  • Seat belt and child safety seat enforcement
  • Bicycle and pedestrian safety enforcement
  • Speed, red light and stop sign enforcement
  • Warrant service operations targeting multiple DUI offenders
  • Compilation of DUI “Hot Sheets,” identifying worst-of-the-worst DUI offenders
  • Specialized DUI and drugged driving training such as Standardized Field Sobriety Testing (SFST), Advanced Roadside Impaired Driving Enforcement (ARIDE), and Drug Recognition Evaluator (DRE)
  • Stakeout operations to observe the “worst-of-the-worst” repeat DUI offender probationers with suspended or revoked driver’s licenses

“Overall, California’s roadways are among the safest in the nation,” said OTS Director Rhonda Craft. “But to meet future mobility, safety and accessible transportation objectives, we have to reverse this recent trend in order to reach our common goal – zero deaths on our roadways. The Office of Traffic Safety and the Chino Police Department want to work with everyone to create a culture of traffic safety across Chino and the state.”

Funding for this program is from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. For more information on Traffic Unit services contact Corporal Trosper at 909-334-3153 or email, strosper@chinopd.org.

Time To Live 2 Give This Thanksgiving

Photo courtesy of Live2Give Facebook page Live2Give team is always in need of volunteers. Be a part of the Live 2 Give Crusade.

Photo courtesy of Live2Give Facebook page
Live2Give team is always in need of volunteers. Be a part of the Live 2 Give Crusade.

By Noah Reyes

“I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.'” -Acts 20:35

Thanksgiving is a time of giving back and to remember those less fortunate than us.

We have all had our share of adversities and understand how encouraging the help can be when someone is at a low point in their lives. That is the reason my wife Erika and I created the Live 2 Give charity organization. When we got married, we decided that we were going to build our marriage based on creating wonderful memories of helping others. We are so grateful for the people that God has placed in our lives who continue to help in so many ways. The mission of Live 2 Give Crusade, a non-profit organization, is to help people who are in need and could benefit from receiving a helping hand during tough times, and to share compassion with those we serve.

Be a part of our Thanksgiving Live 2 Give Crusade. Last year, we delivered to 56 homes.  Our goal this year is to deliver well over 300! We need your help assembling and filling boxes with food (lunch will be provided). Join us at Eastvale’s Mayor Ike Bootsma’s home on Nov. 22 from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.; and from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. we will be delivering the prepared boxes to the homes of nominated families.

Live 2 Give Crusade welcomes small and large-volume product donations — especially food, bottled water, new and lightly used clothing (for children, men and women), blankets, new toys, markers, crayons, coloring books, baby products, gift cards, and other items that could be used to help someone in need. Every item counts! All product donated to Live 2 Give Crusade will be gratefully received on behalf of the people we serve. It is given to people in need and is never sold.

Live 2 Give also hosts a “Sock It To ‘Em” Homeless Outreach Christmas crusade where we deliver blankets, socks, a variety of items that can be used for hygiene purposes, and dog food for pets. During Valentine’s Day, we host a toy drive for foster children.

We need volunteers, donations of canned goods, hygiene items, toys, books, crayons and people that would like to be a blessing to others. We thank you in advance for your support and interest in wanting to impact others. If you have any questions, please call (888) GODS-WRK (888) 463-7975 or visit our website to learn more about what we do, www.live2givecrusade.com.

We look forward to growing this crusade of blessing others and doing the work that God has put forth for us.

Honoring Walnut Valley’s Best

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile Walnut Valley Unified School District honored the 2014-15 Teachers of the Year during Salute to Teachers held on October 21. Shown: Eunice Lee, Pam Acosta, Hyeyon Park, Marla Rickard, Jennifer Veneracion, Anna Chung, Sherry Truong, Jennifer Hooton. Back Row: Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Member Dr. Tony Torng, Deanne Rodriguez, Board Member Helen Hall, Mabel Woken, Judy Ameluxen, Judy Olmos, Dr. Buddy Clements, Board Member Cindy Ruiz and Board Member Larry Redinger.

Photo courtesy: Kelli Gile
Walnut Valley Unified School District honored the 2014-15 Teachers of the Year during Salute to Teachers held on October 21. Shown: Eunice Lee, Pam Acosta, Hyeyon Park, Marla Rickard, Jennifer Veneracion, Anna Chung, Sherry Truong, Jennifer Hooton. Back Row: Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor, Board Member Dr. Tony Torng, Deanne Rodriguez, Board Member Helen Hall, Mabel Woken, Judy Ameluxen, Judy Olmos, Dr. Buddy Clements, Board Member Cindy Ruiz and Board Member Larry Redinger.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT-Fourteen of Walnut Valley USD’s finest educators were honored during the 18th annual Salute to Teachers on Oct. 21.

The 2014-2015 Teachers of the Year from each site were chosen for putting “Kids First” each and every day.

Over 300 teachers, staff, family, and friends gathered for the celebration of excellence held at the Diamond Bar High School Theater.

Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor recognized the dedicated group of educators and commended them for the work they do every day to support students.

“This is an opportunity not only to recognize our 14 Teachers of the Year, but to recognize our entire teaching staff throughout our District.  I want to thank our teachers for what they do every day!”

Congratulations to the following Teachers of the Year:  Judy Ameluxen – Castle Rock Elementary, Jeanette Hooton – Chaparral Middle School, Jennifer Veneracion – CJ Morris Elementary, Sherry Truong – Collegewood Elementary, Mabel Woken – Evergreen Elementary, Howard Alcosser – Diamond Bar High, Eunice Lee – Maple Hill Elementary, Anna Chung – Quail Summit Elementary, Judy Olmos – South Pointe Middle School, Marla Rickard – Suzanne Middle School, Pam Acosta – Vejar Elementary, Deanne Rodriguez – Walnut Elementary, Dr. Buddy Clements – Walnut High School, and Hyeyon Park – Westhoff Elementary.

Fifth grade teacher Jennifer Veneracion was named the 2015 District Teacher of the Year at the culmination of the program.

Veneracion was presented with an engraved award and additional gifts including a weekend getaway and ergonomic workstation.

She told the audience that she was “honored and thankful” to be among the 2015 Teachers of the Year.

“I know that these teachers we are honoring today are part of many success stories of students in our District.”

The recognition event included personalized tributes and awards and student entertainment by the DBHS Solitaire advanced women’s choir under the direction of Patti Breitag.

Each Teacher of the Year received a personalized golden apple bell award courtesy of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation. Honorees received rolling carts filled with gift cards, school supplies and certificates of achievement from Congressman Ed Royce, Senator Bob Huff, Assembly Member Ling Ling Chang, Supervisor Hilda Solis, City of Diamond Bar, and City of City of Walnut.  “Teachers do their best to make sure that no one is left behind,” she said, noting time spent before and after school, prep periods, and lunch recesses working with children who are struggling.

A special thanks to our event sponsors Chick-fil-A, Benihana Restaurant, Schools First Federal Credit Union, Chaffey Federal Credit Union, BB & T Insurance Services, Staples, ESR Construction, Maintex, P-Line Consulting, Roule Construction, and WVUSD Educational Services Department.

Walnut Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT-The Oct. 28, Walnut City Council meeting began by recognizing resident John Hoang, who played an instrumental role in arresting the mail thieves that have been plaguing the city. The City thanked him for his diligence in reporting suspicious figures to the Sheriff, who in turn managed to arrest the thieves, who will be tried in a federal court. The City also recognized the Starbucks store located on Grand and Valley as the business of the summer 2015 quarter.

During the public comments, a resident expressed her concern with the current location of cell towers and their proximity to elementary schools. Several other residents complained about a lack of code enforcement in Walnut homes. Finally, a representative from Habitat for Humanity announced a lack of eligible families for a new home the organization is in the process of constructing. All Walnut residents that meet the requirements of being a multigenerational disabled veteran family are encouraged to call Habitat for Humanity at (909) 596-7098 and apply for housing.

An ordinance revising the methods of drawing warrants was read for the second time, and subsequently approved. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar: a resolution allowing claims and demands in $1,006,946.03; a request to solicit bids for City Attorney services; awarding a bid to Deere and Company for the purchase of utility tractor and attachments; awarding a bid to Shade Structures, Inc. for Creekside Park Fitness Zone shade structure installation; and an amendment to the agreement for Leibold McClendon & Mann.

During the Council comments and updates, Councilmember Su announced a health fair on Thursday (Oct. 29), from 9 a.m. to noon, where flu shots will be available. Councilmember Cartagena also announced a wildlife tour at Mt. San Antonio College’s wildlife sanctuary on Nov. 10.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on Nov. 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road.

What’s W.O.L.F.F. Been Up To?

WOLFF logoBy Patricia Flinn

EASTVALE-The Wives of Law Enforcement and Firefighters (W.O.L.F.F.) have already begun planning a very busy holiday season!

On Thursday, Nov. 5, members of W.O.L.F.F., along with police officers and firefighters from various Southern California agencies, will be delivering plush toys to Children’s Hospital of Orange County (CHOC). The plush toys will be given to children with chronic illnesses by the officers and firefighters, who will also work on crafts and activities with the children. Collection boxes are located at Eastvale City Hall, and Albertson’s Grocery Store. Residents are encouraged to drop-off a plush toy and partner with public safety families to bring joy and a sense of comfort to the children at CHOC.

On Sunday, Nov. 15 from 12 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., W.O.L.F.F. will host the 5th Annual “A Taste of Fabulous” Holiday Boutique on Patti Ann Court, in Eastvale. The Boutique will feature 30-plus vendors, offering a wide variety of unique and affordable merchandise for everyone on your Christmas list! For more information, email atofabulous@gmail.com or visit https://m.facebook.com/ATASTEOFFABULOUS.

On Thursday, Dec. 3, at 6:30 p.m., W.O.L.F.F. will host a benefit dinner to kick off The Lieutenant Pat Libertone Charitable Giving Campaign. This event will be held at the Cal-Aero Country Club, located in Chino at 14925 Cal Aero Drive, B181.

Lieutenant Libertone was a 32-year law enforcement officer employed by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.  Lieutenant Libertone tragically lost his life on-duty, while keeping the public safe. The Lieutenant Pat Libertone Charitable Giving Campaign was established to give back to the community and to bring a positive image to American law enforcement. To date, 102 law enforcement officers have been killed in the line of duty. Donations will help to benefit local communities and public safety families which The Wives of Law Enforcement and Fire Fighters are dedicated to serving.

To learn more about W.O.L.F.F. or to make a donation, please visit our website at www.eastvalewolff.com.

Adopt-A-Family in Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: DandelionMoms.com

Photo Courtesy: DandelionMoms.com

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS-The City of Chino Hills is seeking donors for the annual Adopt-A-Family Program to assist families who face difficult financial hardships that may prevent them from providing food, clothing, and gifts for their families during the holiday season.
Established in 2005, Chino Hills’ Adopt-A-Family Program offers community members the opportunity to give back to less fortunate families during Christmas.
Families qualify for the program through an application and interview process.  Residents, local businesses, and community groups are asked to “adopt” one or more of these families to provide them with the items they need so they may have a happy holiday season.  Donors must complete a donation form and submit it by 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 to the Recreation Division at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, or online at http://www.chinohills.org/AdoptAFamily.
Donors may select a small, medium, or large family to “adopt.” The family’s Christmas wish list will be provided no later than Nov. 16, after all interviews have been conducted.
Adopt-A-Family donors are required to drop off their wrapped and labeled gifts at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30.
If unable to Adopt-A-Family, gift cards can also be donated and used to purchase gifts for a family. Gift Card Donors must complete the online form and mail or drop the gift card off at Chino Hills City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709.
For additional information, please call the Recreation Division at (909) 364-2730.

Nighttime Full Closures – Southbound I-15 at 91

Nighttime Full Closures – Southbound I-15 at 91; Nights of Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17

Courtesy of RCTC

The Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project in Corona will require nighttime full closures of southbound Interstate 15 at the 91, starting Nov. 12.

The roadway will close at 10 pm each night and reopen by 5 am the following morning on Nov. 12, 13, 16 and 17. The connecting ramps to the 91 will remain open during the closures.

The closures will allow crews to place temporary support materials for the construction of a bridge that, when completed, will serve as the new express lane connector between the 15 and the 91.

As a detour, motorists may travel east on the 91, use the McKinley Street off-ramp, and then enter the westbound 91 to reconnect to southbound I-15.

Motorists are reminded to allow extra travel time, follow the designated detour and watch for construction workers and signs. Motorists also are cautioned to use reduced speeds when approaching the detour route; speed limits on the 15 and the 91 are 55 MPH, and fines are doubled in construction zones.

The 91 Project is adding regular lanes, tolled express lanes, auxiliary lanes and direct express connectors from the northbound 15 to the westbound 91 and from the eastbound 91 to the southbound 15. Improvements to interchanges, ramps, lanes and surface streets also will be made along the 91 between the Riverside County/Orange County Line in Corona and Pierce Street in Riverside. The new lanes are expected to open in 2017.

For more information, visit sr91project.info or call the helpline at 877-770-9191.

Inland Empire: 91 Project Task Force Seeks Volunteers

Photo Courtesy: RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer

Photo Courtesy: RCTC
Executive Director Anne Mayer

By Anne Mayer, 91 Project Executive Director

CORONA – Last month, storm damage forced a closure of a lane on the Westbound 91 which made a challenging commute even worse. Although the damage was quickly repaired, the impact it had on the local community was intolerable.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) needs to do a better job communicating directly to those impacted by the construction of the 91 and its traffic impacts. During the last few weeks we have enhanced our efforts to work closely with our partners at the City of Corona to get the facts out and address your concerns. We are committed to improving communication and we need your help.
RCTC is creating a Corona Community Task Force (CCTF) to create a productive forum for citizens to raise their concerns and provide feedback to our team on what works and what doesn’t work. A good two-way conversation starts with facts and information and the task force will be a good place to have that conversation. The primary topic will be on traffic and how to address the impact of the construction work on residents, but we could also cover other issues involving the project which might impact local residents. The task force is expected to begin meeting this fall and continue to meet on a monthly basis. Meetings will be held on a weeknight from approximately 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you have an interest in serving, we encourage you to apply. To apply, please email, sr91project@rctc.org, or call, 951-787-7141.  Applications must be submitted by Nov. 16 for the initial CCTF meeting. Late applications will be considered for future meetings. We would like to form this committee quickly and have it in place for the length of the project.

The 91 Project is more than 50 percent complete and great progress is being made on improvements that will benefit commuters and the City of Corona for years to come. We are committed to improving communication and minimizing the impacts where we can. Join us in making this work for your community.

Eastvale’s October Council Meeting Recap

Photo By: Emily Aguilar New Eastvale Motor Cop Aaron Hownbeck was welcomed by Eastvale City Council on Thursday, Oct. 28. (Pictured L-R) Mayor Ike Bootsma, Mayor Pro Tem William Link, Councilman Adam Rush, Officer Hownbeck, Councilman Clint Lorimore and Councilman Joseph Tessari.

Photo By: Emily Aguilar
New Eastvale Motor Cop Aaron Hownbeck was welcomed by Eastvale City Council on Thursday, Oct. 28. (Pictured L-R) Mayor Ike Bootsma, Mayor Pro Tem William Link, Councilman Adam Rush, Officer Hownbeck, Councilman Clint Lorimore and Councilman Joseph Tessari.

“Big Ike” Pumpkin, New Motor Cop Welcomed While Residents Put Brakes on Trucks

By Emily Aguilar

Eastvale – A pumpkin by the name of “Big Ike” was just one of the “spooktacular” moments during Eastvale’s bimonthly City Council meetings. There were also some newly awarded construction contracts for Chandler Street and River Road street improvements as well as discussions on the Hamner Traffic Signal Synchronization Project.
Here are a few highlights from the City Council’s Oct. 14 meeting.

During Presentations and Announcements, the council proclaimed Red Ribbon Week, Oct. 23-31, and Freedom from Workplace Bullies Week, Oct. 18-24. Certificates of appreciation were presented for the City’s 5th Birthday Celebration. Additionally, the Vice-Chair of the Public Safety Commission Chris Hook provided an update and it was decided that a joint workshop will be held.

During the Public Comment, community members discussed their upcoming events. Roth Heng of the Eastvale Garden Group presented the City Council with a pumpkin named “Big Ike.” The group was seeking the Council’s support in creating a community garden in the future. Noah Reyes of Live 2 Give Crusade organization discussed a thanksgiving food drive to be held Nov. 22.

Preparing for the winter storm and revised water efficient landscaping regulations were discussed during the City Council Business. City staff recommended that the City Council prepare an updated water efficient landscape ordinance; propose changes to the City’s regulations to expand the requirement for landscaping plans and permits to cover re-landscaping of existing homes and businesses; and update the City’s zoning code and design standards and guidelines to be consistent with the new landscape ordinance.

During the City Council Communications, Councilmember Rush discussed the bridge collapse on the 91 freeway. Councilmember Tessari discussed the recent annual conference of the League of California Cities. He asked staff to look into hiring an economic development consultant. Councilmember Lorimore discussed the recent annual conference of the League of California Cities. He discussed a tour of the central valley to examine water infrastructure with Western Municipal Water District. Mayor Bootsma expressed his concern for trucks that are speeding in the City. He noted that the City’s 5th birthday celebration was a great success.

The City Council’s Oct. 28 meeting spotlighted a new hire in the Police Department’s Motor Division. Here is a review of what occurred during the Oct. 28 meeting:

Before the meeting, the council agreed to move their closed-session items to the end of the evening.

After closed session, the Community Foundation discussed the city’s military banners. They announced with enthusiasm that they were currently working on four new banners, and are always happy to take in new applications. They took this opportunity to say that two military banners were taken down because they were not placed on the proper street. Afterwards, the Foundation informally presented the new Vice Chair of the Public Safety Commission Don Hook, who will be officially approved in the next meeting.

Someone who was formally introduced to the council by Chief of Police Jason Orin, however, was the city’s new motor officer, Aaron Hownbeck. Hownbeck is a former Marine who fought in Operation Iraqi Freedom, and has trained officers as well. He has served as an officer for 12 years, and he will be monitoring Eastvale drivers who “jeopardize the lives” of our citizens. Hownbeck told the council that he would “hate to see anything happen” to the residents and vowed to keep the city safe.

The Student Liaison Julia Sung announced that all schools in the area had concluded Red Ribbon Week, which promotes drug prevention education and healthy, drug free youth.

Sung also mentioned that Eleanor Roosevelt High School (ERHS) is looking forward to organizing a winter festival, which is still in the planning stages. Updates will be announced as event moves forward.

There were three items for the Public Commentary section of the evening. The first to speak were two Eastvale citizens named Kenith C. and Louis R., who addressed the illegal trucking by Bellegrave and Sumner. The men feel that it is unfair to keep these drivers in their neighborhoods since it is not permitted for them to be there. While the council is aware of the issue, they admit that they are unsure of what they can do. They were especially uncertain of what to do since those trucks come from Ontario; they most likely cross their neighborhood because Eucalyptus is closed off. Although Kenith did display his annoyance with the council, one city manager promised to talk to the two men personally at a later time.

Chamber of Commerce President Arie briefly discussed that membership with the Chamber has increased to 124 members. He also invited the council to attend its chamber meetings every second Friday of the month from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m.

The final presenters were Chris Villamore and her husband, who are in a “battle” with the Homeowner’s Association. They are currently living next to a resident who has six exposed antennas throughout the property. The family has found that they have faulty WiFi access and have trouble using other electronic devices such as their cellphones because of their neighbor’s excessive antennas. Villamore has reached out to countless people ranging from the FCC to the police, all of whom have not helped the couple because the city does not have an ordinance on the sizing and amount of antennas homeowners can display. The council advised the couple to file a report to the city manager, and they promised to look into both this particular situation as well as looking into the municipal code in order to see how they can deal with this problem like this in the future.

All items were motioned in the consent calendar.

The only item in the public hearings was a request to have the Leal Master Plan taken off the calendar to discuss at a later date.

The three items in the city council business, all of which had to do with street projects, were motioned. The items included approving a contract with the All American Asphalt company to work on Chandler Street and River Road improvements, approving a contract with Crosstown Electrical and Data Inc. for the Hamner Traffic Signal project, and finally, approving a grant application submitted to the development of Safe Routes to School master plan.

To conclude the evening, the city manager announced that the city will be working alongside other districts to clean up public spaces such as Walmart, Corona Park, and locations near Citrus Street. Council member Lorimore spoke of his experience at an ERHS event to raise awareness for breast cancer, and stated that he had a good time. Council member Rush stated that he will be going to Washington DC to lobby federal funds that will help with the construction of the 91 freeway.

The next city council meeting will be held Nov. 10 at 6:30 p.m. at Rosa Parks Elementary. City Hall will be closed on Nov. 11 in observance of Veteran’s Day.

Diamond Bar: Lane Closures on Grand Avenue

Courtesy of Diamond Bar Diamond Bar Blvd. Map

Courtesy of Diamond Bar
Diamond Bar Blvd. Map

Staff Reports
DIAMOND BAR– Motorists are urged to plan ahead for heavy traffic impacts anticipated as part of construction work taking place the first two weekends in November in Diamond Bar along Grand Avenue at the intersections of Diamond Bar Boulevard and Longview Drive.

The work involves the installation of colored concrete and decorative pavers as part of the final phase of the federally-funded Grand Avenue Beautification Project. The labor-intensive nature of this work and types of materials used will require extended construction hours and continuous traffic lane closures.

Closures at the intersections of Grand Avenue and Diamond Bar Boulevard and Grand Avenue and Longview Drive will begin on Friday, Nov. 13 at 4 p.m. through Monday, Nov. 16 at 6 a.m.   Lanes through these two intersections will be reduced to at least one through lane and one turn lane in each direction at all times during these closure periods.

Because major traffic delays of up to one hour are anticipated, motorists are strongly encouraged to use alternate routes and avoid the construction work areas if possible. Electronic message signs are set up. Traffic notices were mailed to residents of the scheduled lane closures.

A project location map and a construction schedule are available on the City website at www.DiamondBarCa.Gov/Grand.

As in any work zone, motorists are reminded to use caution at all times when traveling through the area and pay attention to signs, speed limits and traffic control devices.

A Great-Full Heart

Tim Eaton

Tim Eaton

By Pastor Tim Eaton

Thanksgiving is just around the corner.  Are you ready for it? I don’t mean do you have all the trappings of a fabulous turkey dinner or your plans all set to see family and friends.  I mean are you ready to give thanks?  Have you started already, or do you not yet have enough to be thankful for?  As Thanksgiving approaches do you have a grateful heart or are you continually seeking more?

It’s hard to be grateful when it seems we don’t have enough.  It may seem like there is never enough time, money, resources, or help.  It’s not only hard to be grateful, it’s easy to be scared; scared that there isn’t enough, we won’t have what we need, and won’t get what we want.  When a lack of stuff scares us it isn’t long before we lash out at others – afraid they will take, use, or loose what should be ours.  It’s no wonder that an attitude of scarcity grows like a hunger in us that can never be satisfied.

But is it possible we actually have more than we need?  Maybe we have so much we don’t even realize it could be put to better use.  Perhaps it could be better appreciated instead of squandered.

King David wrote Psalm 23 while he was clearly in danger of being killed by his enemies.  It may have been written during one of the many times he fled his own kingdom to find safety (“Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death…in the presence of my enemies”).  It is likely he took little with him for the journey.  From the attitude of scarcity he seems to have nothing.  But David sees life from an attitude of abundance saying things like: “I lack nothing” and “my cup overflows.” His heart is Great and Full, not because of what he has, but because he trusts that God will graciously provide all that he truly needs.  A Great and Full heart is the antidote to the hunger of scarcity.  Have your heart filled every Sunday at Edgewater.

P.S. – Mark your calendars, Comedian Nazareth will be at Edgewater, January 2 and 3.

Edgewater Lutheran Church meets Sundays at 10 a.m., worshiping at Harada Elementary, 12884 Oakdale Street, Eastvale, CA, 92880;http://www.EdgewaterLutheran.org.

Everyday Heroes

Licensed Marriage Family Therapist

Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist

By Nancy Stoops, M.A., M.F.T.

There is so much good left in our world. I run into wonderful people daily. In my eyes you don’t have to acquire super powers or wear a cape to be a hero. For me, a hero is somebody that models all the good characteristics one should have. A hero is a person that lives up to their potential and strives to be better each and everyday. A hero is a person that gives fully of themselves because it is the right thing to do and doesn’t expect anything in return.

Look around and you will see plenty of everyday heroes. You will find them teaching our children, protecting our community, mentoring others, saving lives, putting out fires, giving grants and scholarships and modeling who we are intended to be in this world.

Giving unconditionally is one of the greatest gifts one can offer to this world.  It is the stuff that can make another understand, just how important their existence is to this world. It can literally save the life of another.

Sometimes people just need a break and being an everyday hero can offer that break for another human being. Don’t take your life for granted instead strive to be an everyday hero. Being an everyday hero doesn’t require lots of letters after your name or a fancy college degree. You can make a huge influence by just being the wonderful person you already are and by sharing your kindness and compassion with another.

Our youth need heroes and a sense of hope in a very chaotic time in our world.  It is our job to be everyday heroes and guide them. Strive to be your best, each and everyday.  If you do this I’m sure your inner most everyday hero will be unveiled for the world to see!

This article was written by Nancy Stoops M.A., M.F.T.  Nancy is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist.  She has a private practice in Diamond Bar and is currently accepting new clients; she is also a motivational speaker who can inspire your employees or group members.  Nancy runs free family support groups, a group on loss for seniors, and groups on how to manage anger.    For more information about any of these services feel free to contact her at (909)229-0727.  You may e-mail Nancy at stoopsshecter@earthlink.net.

9 Wins for Ayala High Band and Colorguard

Courtesy of CVUSD Ayala HS Band

Courtesy of CVUSD
Ayala HS Band

By Julie Gobin/CVUSD

CHINO HILLS – For the ninth time, Ayala High Band and Colorguard has earned the title of Regional Champion by winning the Bands of America Regional Championship on Oct. 24 in Long Beach.
The nine wins are the most ever won by a California band, according to Ayala band director Mark Stone.
Ayala also won Regional Champion in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. There was no regional competition in 2011, Mr. Stone, who was recently chosen as an instrumental staff director for the Bands of America Honor Band Tournament of Roses Parade in 2017, said.
Ayala Band and Colorguard (BAC) also won all caption awards at the Oct. 24 competition for outstanding music, performance, outstanding visual performance, and outstanding general effect. Twenty-one high school marching bands — representing California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas — competed at the 2015 Bands of America Regional Championship.
In addition, Ayala High Band took first overall in the large band division at a Western Band Association contest on Oct. 10 at Vista Murrieta High in Murrieta. The band also took first place caption awards in general effect, music, visual, and percussion. The band’s color guard took fourth in the auxiliary category.
Chino’s Don Lugo High Band also went home with honors during the Oct. 10 competition. They came in first place in a smaller band division. Don Lugo also took first place caption awards in general effect, music, and auxiliary; second place in visual; and third place in percussion.

Stone said the 235 students in the Ayala BAC have been working hard since June to prepare themselves for their busy marching band season. The band even missed trick or treating on Halloween to perform at a competition at Mission Viejo High School. The Halloween spirit was in full swing with Booster members offering students candy from the trunks of their vehicles and a couple of students in costume.  The students began competing in October and continue this month.
Ayala will compete Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Mira Mesa High School Field Tournament in San Diego. It will also compete Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Riverside City College Big Orange Classic Field Show Tournament in Riverside, and Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Western Band Association Championships in Fresno.

Calling All Diamond Bar Photographers!

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar Alfred Bertulfo's beautiful 2014 entry of "Diamond Bar Center From Above" won the Grand Prize for that year.

Photo Courtesy: City of Diamond Bar
Alfred Bertulfo’s beautiful 2014 entry of “Diamond Bar Center From Above” won the Grand Prize for that year.

Diamond Bar’s “Through My Lens” Photo Contest

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– Think you have what it takes to be named the City of Diamond Bar’s “Through My Lens” prized photographer? Now is the time to choose a photo from your existing collection or take a brand new one before the Nov. 16 deadline.

The five categories that make up this year’s contest are people, pets, places, nature and digitally-altered.

“Through My Lens” was started in 2008 as a means to celebrate the various facets of Diamond Bar living and the photographic talents of community members; it is co-sponsored by the Diamond Bar Community Foundation (DBCF).

The contest is open to photographers of all ages and levels of experience, with youth and adult entries judged separately. To qualify to enter, the contestant must reside in Diamond Bar and the photo subject must also be within city limits.

Photographs by the winners and finalists will be featured on the City’s website, in the Windmill magazine published by the DBCF, and a print of the Grand Prize image will be showcased inside the City Hall building on wall space dedicated to the photo contest. Also, winners will be recognized during an upcoming City Council meeting and receive a cash prize, courtesy of the DBCF.

Complete contest guidelines and the entry form are available online at http://www.diamondbarca.gov/

photocontest.

Corona PD Seeks Help Finding Stolen Toy Hauler

City of Corona

CORONA – On Sunday, Oct. 25, at about 5:15 a.m. a 32-foot Weekend Warrior trailer with California license plate number 1LL3041 (model FS3200) was stolen from the area of E. Sixth Street and El Sobrante. The trailer was kept in a secured area behind a business. The trailer was used for a child’s go-kart racing program, and stored a go-kart and all the equipment necessary to race. The trailer is missing the cover for the propane tanks and has black “plasti-dripped” wheels.
The Corona Police Department is seeking the public’s help to identify the suspect(s) and the suspect’s vehicle. The pictures below are of the suspect’s truck pulling the stolen trailer at E. Sixth St. and Rimpau Avenue. The truck is believed to be a late 1990’s to early 2000’s model Chevy truck with collision damage on the driver’s side. The truck and trailer were last seen heading west on Quarry Street.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call the Corona Police Department at 951-736-2330 option 3.

Trailer 1

Photo courtesy: City of Corona

trailer 4

Photo courtesy: City of Corona

Trailer 2

Photo courtesy: City of Corona