Category Archives: IE News

Abandoned Baby Found Dead in Corona

Staff Reports

Corona – Corona Police reported that an abandoned infant was found dead in the city of Corona.

The baby was found in the area of Cajalco Road and Interstate 15 on Friday afternoon, according to police. The call came in and officers were dispatched to the scene at 2:36 p.m.

When the officers arrived, the infant was already deceased according to the authorities. The cause of death is still being investigated but won’t be known until an autopsy has been been performed.

The investigation into the child’s death is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact Detective Mario Hernandez at 951-279-3659 or email Mario.Hernandez@CoronaCA.gov.

Corona police have said there are several “Safe Surrender Sites” where parents can safely surrender an infant within 72 hours of birth — no questions asked. Those places include hospitals, fire stations and police departments.

The safe surrender law allows a parent or legal guardian to confidentially surrender an infant, three days old or younger, to any hospital emergency room or other designated Safe Surrender site. As long as the baby has not been abused or neglected, the person may surrender without fear of arrest or prosecution for child abandonment.

 

Suspect Arrested for Sexually Assaulting a Child in Public Library Restroom

Staff Reports

Riverside – Earlier this month a father and his two young children were at the SPC Jesus S. Duran Eastside Public Library.  The Library is located at 4033 Chicago Avenue in the Eastside neighborhood of Riverside. At around 5:00 pm, his six-year-old son went to the restroom on his own. Video cameras at the library captured the boy walking toward the restroom as an unknown Hispanic male suspect watched. The suspect followed the boy into the restroom and sexually assaulted him. Following the assault, the suspect quickly fled the library on foot and ran through a nearby shopping center and proceeded toward University Avenue.

The victim informed his father of the assault and the father immediately notified library staff. Riverside PD was called and officers responded to the library and began their investigation. An exhaustive search for the subject was conducted in the surrounding area however the police were unable to locate the suspect.

Detectives from the Sexual Assault – Child Abuse Unit assumed the investigation and were able to quickly identify the suspect as Juan Francisco Palacios, a 29-year-old male transient living in Riverside. Once identified, detectives coordinated their efforts to locate Palacios with members of the Riverside County S.A.F.E. (Sexual Assault Felony Enforcement) Task Force, Riverside County Probation, and the Riverside Police Department’s METRO Team (SWAT). The METRO Team also utilized their partnership with the United States Marshals Service in the search for the suspect.

A short time later, Riverside PD was contacted by the main branch of the Riverside Public Library, located at 3581 Mission Inn Avenue, who reported that a subject matching the description of Palacios was at the library. When officers arrived, the subject was safely detained and identified as the suspect they were looking for. Palacios was arrested and taken to the police station for questioning by detectives. He was later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center on a single charge of sexual assault against a minor under the age of 10 and probation violations. Palacios is currently on probation for possession of child pornography and is required to register as a sex offender.

If anyone has information regarding this investigation, please contact Detective Daniel Mercadefe at (951) 353-7120 or dmercadefe@riversideca.gov, or Detective Stacie Ontko at (951) 353-7121 or sontko@riversideca.gov.

 

City Of Eastvale Appoints Interim City Manager

Bryan Jones

By Anthony Saude

EASTVALE–The Eastvale City Council voted to appoint Assistant City Manager, Bryan Jones to the post of Interim City Manager. The change will went into effect on June 28. With the departure of City Manager Michele Nissen’s to become the Assistant City Manager for the City of Corona, the appointment was unanimous during a closed session vote.

Bryan is a trustworthy and forward-thinking leader who displays strategic perspective that will help guide our city, Mayor Clint Lorimore said. Together we will continue to improve the quality of life for all who live, work, and play in Eastvale. Bryan is passionate about identifying ways to help move and connect people, businesses, and communities so that we can all thrive. Bryan draws from nearly 20 years in both the public and private sectors and understands that success depends on them working together. He has led cutting-edge land use and transportation infrastructure projects throughout California and North America. With a background as a professional engineer and certified planner, Bryan is well positioned to understand the unique opportunities Eastvale faces from a land use, transportation, and economic development perspective.

“We have a talented and dedicated team who truly cares about the community they serve and I am confident we will continue to thrive together,” said Assistant City Manager Bryan Jones. “I always liked building things so I got a degree in civil engineering, through some of my projects I realized I like building communities so I went back to school and in 2012 I received my Masters Degree in Public Administration.”

“I’m honored and humbled to have been entrusted with the responsibility of Interim City Manager,” said Jones. “Fostering relationships with both residents and business in Eastvale is a priority for me.  I am a career Community and team builder and I look forward to serving our City Council and carrying their vision to fruition.”

Having more than a decade serving in local agency public sector in leadership positions, Bryan has led land use projects such as high-quality retail centers, office campuses, industrial parks, transit oriented development, downtown revitalization, and mixed-use projects. Bryan has a Master’s in Public Administration from Norwich University focused on Leadership and Sustainable Financial Strategies, and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from University of California Davis with a Communications minor.

“I am confident that Bryan will do an excellent job in this position,” Mayor Clint Lorimore said. “I know that I am filling some pretty big shoes in this position but I see it as an opportunity to continue the expectation of excellence Eastvale has come to expect,” said Bryan.

Two Drivers Dead in 91 Freeway Accident

By Anthony Saude

CORONA — An accident on the 91 freeway in Corona claimed the lives of two drivers. One of the drivers, a male, was running away from the accident when he was struck and killed by oncoming traffic.

Initially a two-car crash was reported just before 10 p.m. on the westbound Riverside Freeway. According to the California Highway Patrol the accident took place just east of Lincoln Avenue.

Witnesses told the CHP the driver of a black Dodge sedan appeared to be under the influence before he crashed into a white sedan. After his vehicle hit the white sedan the driver exited the vehicle and started running down the freeway in the westbound lanes to get away from the accident. After only a short distance the driver, who has not been identified, was hit by several cars and died at the scene.

A source close to the victim driving the black sedan stated that “to the best of his knowledge the driver didn’t drink at all”.

The transition from the northbound Corona (15) Freeway carpool lane to the westbound Riverside Freeway Fast Track was shut down for several hours due to the wreckage and investigation.

 

Eastvale Man Among First West Nile Virus Cases in 2018

Staff Reports

Eastvale – A 74-year-old Riverside woman and 50-year-old Eastvale man are the first confirmed human cases of West Nile Virus in Riverside County this year, said Dr. Cameron Kaiser, county public health officer. They are also one of the first confirmed human cases in California this year.

The illness was confirmed this week based on test results and other clinical information. Both patients required hospitalization, thankfully both are expected to recover. There are no indications the two cases are related.

The virus is transmitted to humans and animals through a mosquito bite. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Health officials emphasized that the risk of serious illness to humans is low. Most individuals who are infected with the virus will not experience any illness. Elderly individuals and those with compromised immune systems are at greatest risk for serious illness.

“While West Nile is rarely life-threatening, it can be occasionally serious,” Kaiser said. “Unlike the common cold which is easily transmitted, the West Nile virus can only be spread by mosquito bites, and there are easy steps to take to reduce your risk of getting bitten.”

Here are some ways to protect yourself:

  • Avoid spending time outside when mosquitoes are most active, especially at dawn and dusk, and wear long pants, long-sleeved shirts and other protective clothing outside.
  • Apply EPA-registered insect repellent that contains DEET.
  • Make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or holes.
  • Eliminate all sources of standing water on your property, such as old tires, buckets, flowerpots and toys that can support mosquito breeding.-
  • Empty and scrub the water sources. Some mosquitoes can even breed in the amount of water that fits in a bottle cap.

There were 33 human cases reported during 2017 in Riverside County. In 2016, there were 10 confirmed human West Nile Virus cases in the county and there has not been a death from the illness since 2015.

Anyone who becomes ill after exposure to mosquitoes should contact their health care provider.  The Disease Control office can be reached at 951.358.5107 for more information on West Nile Virus.  For more about mosquito abatement, click www.rivcoeh.org/Programs/vector. To download full press release, click here.

To prevent the West Nile Virus spreading in Eastvale, the Northwest Mosquito & Vector Control District performed adult mosquito spray treatments on Friday, June 29, 2018 to lower the mosquito population affecting recreational and residential areas along the Santa Ana River in the City of Eastvale. The spray application was conducted between the hours of 2:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. at the following locations:

  • Riverwalk Park and Bike Trail located next to the Santa Ana River
  • Eastvale Community Park
The District treated these areas with Aqua-Reslin (EPA Reg. 432-796), which is approved for use in mosquito control by the US EPA.  They have been working hard to use Integrated Pest Management Practices in these areas, and the majority of their efforts focus on preventing mosquito breeding and killing mosquito larvae before they become flying adults. However, due to elevated trap counts, they have decided that adult mosquito control via truck mounted ground fogger is their best means to control the current mosquito populations in these areas. Signs were posted on June 27, 2018 in the areas that will be sprayed to inform the public of these activities.

Information regarding the treatment will be posted on their website at www.northwestmvcd.org. If there are any questions or concerns please contact the District at 951-340-9792.

Eastvale PD Routine Patrol Uncovers Drug Dealer

Photo:lcpdfr.com
Caption: Eastvale Police Department has deputy’s patrolling businesses later in the evening as part of their commercial burglary suppression nightly patrols

By Anthony Saude

Eastvale – Eastvale Police Department has deputy’s patrolling businesses later in the evening as part of their commercial burglary suppression nightly patrols. This is the type of proactive action taken that the City of Eastvale should take pride in.

On June 8, at approximately 10:00 PM, a deputy of the Eastvale Police Department noticed a suspicious vehicle with an occupant parked at the Eastvale Gateway Shopping Center in the 6000 Block of Hamner Avenue in Eastvale.

The deputy approached the vehicle and made contact with the driver, he was able to identify him as Willie Abarca, a 43-year-old Eastvale resident. After further investigation by the deputy it was discovered that Abarca was currently on formal probation for drug sales in San Bernardino County. Abarca was also identified as being an active member of a well known criminal street gang.

The deputy conducted a vehicle search and discovered approximately two ounces of methamphetamine and other paraphernalia indicative of methamphetamine sales in Abarca’s possession. The deputy arrested Abarca and he was booked into custody at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga and charged with methamphetamine sales.

For full press release, visit: https://bit.ly/2l8xEVt or our website at www.eastvaleca.gov.

 

Public Park Ends Up With Admission Fee, Sit-Down Restaurant And Bar

Staff Reports

Norco – The Riverside County Grand Jury is allegedly indicating Norco turned the 122-acre SilverLakes property that was intended for “public park, recreational and open space purposes” into a money-making venture that charges admission and features a full-service restaurant and bar.

The grand jury is calling on the district attorney to probe Norco officials’ handling of the project, the panel stated in a report issued last week.

“The SilverLakes Equestrian and Sports Complex is not a public park” as envisioned in a 2002 federal court order restricting use of the land north of the Santa Ana River along Hamner Avenue, the report states.

Norco officials dispute the grand jury’s contention and say the development is in compliance with the court-ordered restriction.

“They are interpreting it wrong,” City Manager Andy Okoro said by phone Tuesday, May 22.

The city intends to issue a detailed written response in a few weeks.

The park opened in September 2015. It hosts concerts, equestrian competitions, soccer tournaments and regional cross-country meets, among other events. The complex boasts 24 soccer fields, five equestrian arenas, a 12,000-square-foot outdoor cafe, a 10,000-person capacity concert venue called The BackYard and a 150-seat restaurant called The FieldHouse.

It drew 1.4 million visitors in 2017, said Cheryl Link, Norco’s city clerk.

However, SilverLakes has had a long and often troubled history.

The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission sued an investment company that owned the property until the late 1990s, alleging unethical practices, the report said. A judgment concluded that some Norco residents who invested in a Ponzi scheme associated with the property had been defrauded of their money. That led to the 2002 U.S. District Court order restricting the property’s use, once it was sold. The city acquired it.

Development was delayed for years, though, and it didn’t help that a 2010 flood along the Santa Ana River caused major damage. After site repairs, construction was finally underway in 2013, before wrapping up in late 2015. The developer is the Balboa Management Group.

While investigating Silverlakes, the grand jury took testimony from the city manager, former Norco elected officials and “concerned” Norco residents. Sara Lipchak, who headed the grand jury, said she could not elaborate.

The grand jury determined that the 2002 development restriction remains in place and the city unsuccessfully sought to alter it in 2004. The panel suggested that the city in 2012 misled the Riverside County Superior Court, which validated the city’s development strategy based on a submitted plan that was “substantially different from what was actually constructed.”

The grand jury report said that the “plans had no reference to constructing a full-service commercial restaurant and bar.”

The grand jury urged:

  • The district attorney to investigate why Norco officials accepted the developer’s bid to build a park with a major commercial component and provided “misleading documents” to the Riverside County court to obtain approval for “a commercial sports park rather than a genuine public park.”
  • Norco to stop charging admission to the park — $8 per walk-in visitor and $10 per carload.
  • Norco to add “actual recreational assets and amenities” such as shade trees, picnic tables, playgrounds, barbecue grills, tennis courts and bike trails.

Brian Petree, deputy city manager, acknowledged the admission charges, but said those are reserved for large weekend events and payments generally are not required from people who visit the park at other times.

As for the restaurant, Petree said it is an appropriate component because it has a concession operation that provides food and drinks for park visitors and is not unusual for a park of SilverLakes’ size.

“We’re not talking about a neighborhood park here. We’re talking about a regional facility,” he said. “And so, you have to look at it in that aspect.”

New Treatment For Ovarian Cancer Begins In Corona

Staff Reports

Corona – Ovarian cancer is the fifth leading cause of cancer death among women in America today. It is estimated that over 22,000 women will be diagnosed with in 2018.

To combat this disease, new treatments are being developed every day and Dr. Mehdi Kebria of City of Hope’s Community Practice Sites in Corona and Rancho Cucamonga is helping to lead the way.

One of the promising new treatment options Dr. Kebria is helping to pioneer for ovarian cancer is a targeted form of chemotherapy known as Hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC).

HIPEC is a highly concentrated, heated chemotherapy treatment that is administered during surgery. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, which circulates throughout the body, HIPEC delivers chemotherapy directly to cancer cells following the surgery.

Because the chemotherapy is concentrated to one area it does not have the side effects, such as hair loss, of regular chemotherapy. HIPEC has been shown to increase survival by up to five years and in some cases can lead to a complete recovery. Thanks to advances like these in treatment, the occurrence and mortality rates for ovarian cancer has been decreasing.

For more information on HIPEC and other cutting edge treatments including immunotherapy and minimally invasive robotic being developed by City of Hope, please visit cityofhope.org.

 

Mothers Day Party Ends in Tragedy

By Anthony Saude

CORONA – Corona police detectives are investigating a double shooting that happened on Mother’s Day.
It happened on the 1200 block of West 10th Street in Corona, around 8:45 p.m. on Sunday.

There was a Mother’s Day celebration going on in the parking lot of the apartment building between several apartment units. It was being attended by many of the residents. That’s when someone drove by, and opened fire at the crowd of people.
A father’s 22-year old son was killed and he was injured but survived the shooting.

“My baby,” said a distraught Phuong Leng, the victim’s mother, fighting back her tears. “Somebody killed my son.”
There were children playing with fireworks at the party at approximately the same time as the gunfire. Naturally Leng’s first thought it was some of the small fireworks the kids were playing with.  Just kids’ playing is what everybody in attendance first thought when they heard the noise.
When people in the crowd started shouting and running, she knew they weren’t fireworks. When she was able to make her way outside she saw her husband was suffering from a gunshot wound to the arm. Thankfully he would survive the incident but her son was pronounced dead a short time later at the hospital.
Corona police detectives say witness reports claim an argument was happening just moments before the shooting began.
The surviving victim will likely provide important information as they search for a suspect.
There are surveillance cameras throughout the property, but there’s been no description of the suspect given, and no description of a getaway vehicle either.
It was reported that the family thinks that it may have been a case of mistaken identity. The suspect may have been trying to shoot somebody else.
Detectives are investigating the shooting, and request anyone with information regarding the incident to call the Corona Police Department at (951) 736-2330.

Police Need Your Help With Fatal Accident

By Anthony Saude

 

Eastvale – Crime never goes away, and the Eastvale Police Department’s Traffic Division is asking for the public’s help with an investigation that occurred four years ago.

On Friday, April 25, 2014, just after midnight, Eastvale officers began a Hit-And-Run investigation at the intersection of Limonite Avenue and Hamner Avenue. The collision turned fatal. Officers learned a black, unknown make sedan, struck a bicyclist after failing to stop for a red light. The sedan fled the scene on Limonite Avenue and was never located. Witnesses attempted to provide information that day, but at this moment, no one is in custody. The day’s tragic events took the life of a young man, Troy Davids, and left his family mourning his loss.

The commitment to the investigation has never diminished for the Eastvale Police Department. They are now asking for residents in the community for your help. All information and the previous leads the public provided have been exhausted. The traffic division for the police department is encouraging anyone with information to come forward and contact them at 951-955-2600.

Details:

On Friday, April 25, 2014 at 12:12 a.m., Eastvale Police Officers responded to a reported injury traffic collision at the intersection of Limonite Ave. and Hamner Ave., in the City of Eastvale.  During the preliminary investigation it was revealed that an unknown make or model black sedan, traveling westbound in the eastbound lanes of Limonite Ave., failed to stop for a red traffic signal light.  As a result, the black sedan collided into a bicyclist, who was traveling southbound on Hamner Ave.

After the collision, the black sedan continued westbound on Limonite Avenue in the eastbound lanes of traffic. The sedan was last seen turning south on Scholar Way. Officers arrived within minutes of receiving being dispatched to the scene. When they arrived at the scene neither the black sedan, nor the driver of the sedan were in the area any longer. They were never located.

Witnesses on scene described the suspect vehicle as a black, four door sedan. The suspect vehicle fled the scene of the traffic collision westbound on Limonite Avenue and made a left turn onto Scholar Way.

As a result of the collision, the bicyclist ultimately succumbed to his injuries and was pronounced deceased at a regional hospital.

The Eastvale Police Department is seeking help from the public in identifying the suspect and suspect vehicle of this traffic collision.   Specifically, the Eastvale Police Department is seeking the help of a good Samaritan, who was driving a tan Chevrolet Suburban. The police believe  that they may have seen the suspect vehicle and driver as is it fled the scene of the collision.

Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to call Deputy Cuadra at the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2662.

 

City of Eastvale Appoints New Assistant City Manager

By Anthony Saude

Eastvale – Bryan Jones’s appointment as Eastvale’s new Assistant City Manager became official on Monday, April 16. Bryan and his wife, Shari, have been married for ten years. They have two children and three black Labradors.

The appointment concluded a six-month nationwide recruitment process. Jones was selected from ninety qualified applicants. “We are thrilled to have Bryan serve as the Assistant City Manager for the City of Eastvale,” City Manager Michele Nissen said. “He is passionate about helping the City move in the direction of our full potential that will ultimately help us serve the community in the best way. I am confident that he will do a great job in this position.” Bryan draws his knowledge from his nearly 20 years of experience in both the public and private sectors. He has led cutting-edge land use and transportation infrastructure projects throughout California and North America as a results-oriented certified planner and professional engineer. He has more than a decade of experience serving in local agency public sector leadership positions, leading large scale land use projects such as residential developments, office campuses, industrial parks, transit oriented development, downtown revitalization, and mixed use projects. Bryan has a Masters Degree in Public Administration from Norwich University with focus on Leadership and Sustainable Financial Strategies, as well as a Bachelors of Science in Civil Engineering from University of California Davis with a minor in communications. Bryan is a certified National Complete Streets Instructor and for the past six years, he has served at Caltrans as a voting member of the California Traffic Control Devices Committee for the California Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices. Bryan is passionate about identifying ways to help move and connect people, businesses, and communities so that they can all thrive. “I am honored and humbled to be joining such an amazing team,” said Assistant City Manager Bryan Jones. “The culture of an organization is very important to me, and you can feel the Eastvale Way the moment you walk into City Hall. The team here truly cares about working with the City of Eastvale and each other. They all care about the people and businesses of the community and are always looking for new ways of helping Eastvale move in the direction of its full potential.” “As the new Assistant City Manager, I look forward to serving the people of Eastvale and collectively, enhancing the quality of life for everyone in our great city,” said Assistant City Manager Bryan Jones.

The City of Eastvale was founded on October 1, 2010 as an independent local government agency, governed by a five-member, elected City Council. The City of Eastvale serves over 64,613 residents and encompasses 13.1 square-miles in western Riverside County. The City is strategically poised between Interstate 15 and California State Routes 91, 60, and 71, making access easy for residents, visitors and businesses alike. Eastvale is a young and dynamic community filled with economic opportunity, tremendous growth, and strong values. For more information on the City of Eastvale, please visit: http://www.EastvaleCA.gov

Woman Crashes Into Corona Walmart Produce Section

Photo: courtesy of Corona Police Department
A vehicle crashed into the produce section of a Corona Walmart Sunday, April 15. The driver was cited for suspicion of driving under the influence. (Courtesy Corona Police Department)

By Anthony Saude

Corona– A Riverside woman crashed her sedan through the glass door and into the produce section of a Corona Neighborhood Walmart on an otherwise uneventful Sunday evening in April.

The woman who was later identified as Diane Mickens, 56, of Riverside, drove through the entrance of the store in the 1500 block of W. Sixth Street around 7:45 p.m. Sunday, April 15, Corona police officials said.

A Walmart employee called 911 after the vehicle came to a rest approximately 25 feet into the produce section. Witnesses say, Mickens got out of the sedan, walked away from the scene and left her two passengers engulfed bin debris and scattered fruits and vegetables.

Officers found Mickens a little later walking near Smith Street and Pleasant View Avenue, she was detained. When the Paramedics showed up at the scene they determined Mickens needed  medical attention. She was transported to a local hospital where she was issued a citation for suspicion of driving under the influence.

She was the only one hurt in the crash.

Many people enquired about the reason the woman wasn’t being held in jail.

“If a person in police custody is treated at a medical facility, the taxpayers end up paying for the cost of that treatment,” A Corona police representative explained on Facebook. Just issuing a citation has no impact on the charges the Riverside County District Attorney’s Office may file later date.

It’s standard operating procedure for the department to issue a citation when a suspect requires medical treatment.

 

Inland Christian Home: Quality Environment For Seniors

Photo Caption: Inland Christian Home offers a community that assists seniors in many ways. They are located at 1950 S. Mountain Ave. in Ontario. For more info call 909-983-0084 or visit http://www.ichome.org.

Staff Reports

Ontario- Inland Christian Home, was founded by a number of local churches and began providing services in 1978. The primary mission of the community is a reflection of the heritage of its founders: to provide quality affordable individualized careto seniors in a Christian environment, it’s a place you can feel right at home. The community’s non-profit status promotes this mission as there are no owners who profit from its operation and all the revenues received are reinvested into the operations of the facility. As the baby boomer generation continues to age, it is important to know they have options. The aging process is not always an easy one and, at times requires the assistance of others. Inland Christian Home offers a community that assists in many ways. Its primary mission is to provide quality, affordable, individualized care to seniors in a Christian environment, making it a place you can feel right at home. Inland Christian Home, being licensed as a Continuing Care Retirement Community (CCRC) through the Department of Social Services, provides many different levels of care which include Independent Living, Assisted Living, Memory Care, Adult day care, Skilled Nursing and Rehab and Custodial Home care Services. The availability of diffe rent levels of care and service arrangements on the same grounds, offers seniors very unique advantages. Our philosophy is to encourage our residents to live as independently as possible at the lowest level of care. Our residents’ individual needs and desires are always considered in the arrangement of these services. We want Inland to be their home, not the facility in which they live, where all are treated as individuals and they participate and are given choices in how they live. The availability of different levels of care and service arrangements on the same grounds offers residents some very unique advantages. Residents can continue to reside at the community even though their abilities may change. Resident and their families have the comfort in knowing that their needs will be met. Inland Christian Home is a close-knit community that promotes the maintaining of social relationship residents have with other residents, friends, and family. Inland Christian Home also provides services to those who prefer to stay in their own homes. Custodial Home Care services make it possible by providing assistance with housekeeping, cooking, shopping, meal preparation, bathing, and dressing through educated caregivers. Inland Christian Home is here to promote aging in place, and gives seniors the ability to live at the lowest level of care even though their abilities change and their families have the comfort in knowing their needs will be met; making it a place you can feel right at home.

Perris Woman Dies On 60 Freeway In Chino

Staff Reports 

Chino –  At approximately 7:38 p.m. a 1998 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 19-year-old male in the far right lane veered into the right shoulder for reasons unknown and struck the back of a Ford Taurus. Three were injured in the accident. In addition to the driver, the car also contained two children. According to reports a 10-year-old girl was seated in the right front passenger seat and a 4-year-old boy in the right rear passenger seat.

About 7:45 p.m., firefighters with Chino Valley Fire District responded to a call of a two-car crash on the right shoulder of the eastbound 60 Freeway in Chino at Central Avenue, Sunday night, March 25.

The driver, 31-year old Ashley Sharade Morales of Perris, died in the hospital after her vehicle was struck by a motorist. Morlas was driving eastbound on the 60 Freeway when her car began having mechanical problems, she pulled over to the right shoulder and called for help, said Sgt. M. Solorzano of the California Highway Patrol.

Fire crews transported the four occupants of the two vehicles to Chino Valley Medical Center. According to a press release from the San Bernardino County Coroner, Morales succumbed to her injuries a short time after she arrived in the Emergency Room. There is no information on the children at this time.

The CHP is investigating whether speed, reckless driving, drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the crash

High Speed Chase Ends in Suicide in Corona

By Anthony Saude

 

Corona- A man, who authorities believe may be connected to a Los Angeles County homicide case,  shot and killed himself following a high speed  pursuit that began in Hesperia and ended in Corona, on Friday, March 23.

The driver, identified as Christopher Spotz, 33, of North Hollywood, was armed with a handgun during the pursuit and was later pronounced deceased from a self-inflicted gunshot wound according to California Highway Patrol Officials.

San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies began the pursuit around 8:45p.m.  on Friday night. They informed the CHP that their deputies were heading south on the 15 Freeway in Hesperia and were in pursuit of a Toyota Tacoma pickup that had been reported as stolen.

The pursuit began when a deputy from Hesperia, who was in the area of Mariposa Road and the 15 freeway,  received a license-plate reader alert that the Tacoma had been involved in a crime in LAPD’s jurisdiction. The deputy attempted to pull the driver of the vehicle over. Spotz apparently had other plans and instead continued driving south on the freeway at a high rate of speed.

Other deputies then joined the chase and pursued the vehicle through the Cajon Pass and into both San Bernardino and Riverside counties. Once they entered the Mira Loma area, in Riverside County, San Bernardino Deputies dropped out of the pursuit and California Highway Patrol officers assumed the pursuit.

During the pursuit, officials used two spike strips, which flattened the truck’s tires, but the driver refused to stop and eventually got onto the westbound 91 Freeway, officials said, exiting at Green River Road in Corona and heading to Rio Vista Street, a dirt road south of the 91. At approximately 9:38 p.m., the driver pulled over, turned his weapon on himself and pulled the trigger. The Riverside County Coroner stated that the official time of death was 10:23 p.m.

According to news reports, citing several law enforcement sources, Spotz was the boyfriend of a 25-year-old aspiring model and actress from Macedonia who went missing in Hollywood last month. Authorities suspect that the woman was most likely murdered  and believe that Spotz was somehow involved in her disappearance and/or homicide. ■

 

Fatal Traffic Accident

Staff Reports

Corona – On Friday, March 16, 2018, at approximately 9:14 a.m., the Corona Police Department and the Corona Fire Department responded to a traffic collision involving two vehicles near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and All American Way.
Upon arrival, bystanders were performing C.P.R. on one of the involved drivers. Paramedics, the Corona Fire Department and American Medical Response took over the patients’ care at the scene. After attempting to resuscitate the driver for several minutes, the driver was pronounced deceased.
The other driver at the scene suffered minor injuries but did not require immediate medical attention. The two vehicles at the scene sustained major collision damage and needed to be towed. Several hours later, it was determined that a third vehicle was involved in the collision but had unknowingly left the scene. The third driver later returned to the scene and provided a statement. Their vehicle suffered only minor damage and they were not injured. It has not yet been determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The name of the deceased driver is being withheld at this time pending notification to their family. The Corona Police Department Collision Response Team started their investigation of this collision and it is ongoing. Magnolia Avenue between All American Way and Trademark Circle was closed for several hours in order to complete the investigation, and is expected to reopen by approximately 6:30 p.m. this evening.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Officer Jason Gardner at 951-817-5784 or by emailing him at Jason.Gardner@CoronaCA.gov

Two Local Wrestlers Take State Title

Courtesy: Kathleen Ray

By Chris Helsinger-Pate

 

Corona – A highly competitive wrestling team from Santiago High School sent three wrestlers to the CIF State Boys’ Wrestling tournament. Brayden Ray, Joshua Kim, and Jesse Vasquez traveled to Bakersfield to represent their team.

Senior Brayden Ray, a competitor in the 220-pound weight class, notes that he has “…had to train hard and stay focused on the right path” to reach the state level. He used the disappointment from last season (falling just short of the CIF title) to catapult him to this season’s success.

Joshua Kim and Jesse Vasquez experienced tremendous hard fought success at the CIF State Championship. Both wrestlers advanced to the finals in their weight classes and came out victorious making them state champs. Sophomore Jesse Vasquez says that “Wrestling continually provides me opportunities to grow and achieve my goals.” Vasquez should be a strong candidate to come out on top in the 132-pound weight class considering his first place finish in the CIF Regional round.

Courtesy: Kathleen Ray

All three wrestlers referenced their faith in God as one of the driving forces behind their success. Joshua Kim, a senior at Santiago, “…believe[s] that my success and failures as a student-athlete are God’s plan.”

While Brayden Ray, Jesse Vasquez, and Joshua Kim have been driving forces behind Santiago’s success it is Jesse Vasquez now a two time state champ, that is likely to have the longest lasting impact. Just a sophomore, he’ll have two more seasons to compete at the high school level. Another offseason of training will leave him a favorite to accomplish more accolades at the CIF level.

Debris Flies Through Windshield, Kills Eastvale Man

By Anthony Saude

Eastvale – A 24-year-old man from Eastvale was killed Wednesday afternoon when metal debris was launched in the air by a vehicle and crashed through the windshield of the vehicle the victim was driving on the westbound Foothill (210) Freeway in Duarte.

The man died at the scene about 12:45 p.m. at Buena Vista Street, the California Highway Patrol reported. His name is being withheld until relatives can be properly notified.

The young man was driving a 2014 Volkswagen in the number four lane when a tan pickup truck or SUV ahead of him in the number three lane ran over metal debris that got launched into the air.

The metal debris entered the crashed through the Volkswagen windshield, striking (the victim) according to reports. A 25-year-old Upland man traveling in the vehicle as a passenger miraculously was not injured.

The passenger was able to gain control of the moving vehicle, possibly preventing serious injury to himself or others. He was able to safely bring the Volkswagen to a stop near the Buena Vista Street off-ramp.

The passenger performed first aid until the Los Angeles County Fire Department arrived.

The number one lane of the Buena Vista Street off-ramp was blocked until about 3:45 p.m. while the fatal crash was investigated and cleanup crews worked.

If there is anyone out there with any information that could help investigators identify and locate the driver of the vehicle that struck the debris you are urged to call the CHP’s Baldwin Park Area Office at 636-338-1164 to speak with Officer Kyle Croxford.

 

Eastvale Still One of Safest Cities

By Jaelyn Fudge

Eastvale – Eastvale is proud to announce that we’ve currently been ranked in the top 25th percentile as one of the safest cities in the U.S! This report was taken from a recent study conducted by the Safe Homes organization, entitled the 101 Safest Cities in America.

“We are proud that the City of Eastvale is ranked as one of the safest places to live, work, and play. Safety remains a top priority for the City Council. We will continue to prioritize public safety in order to maintain a high quality of life in our community,” Mayor Clint Lorimore comments. Local citizens have also commented, and are equally impressed with this news as well. “This is a real accolade for our city, and I’m happy to say that I’m not surprised Eastvale was awarded this ranking, as it’s an extremely safe community,” local resident Jessica Alvarez states.

Among Eastvale’s various milestones, this one is particularly significant as the Safe Homes organization considers multiple factors before assigning a safety score for a city. Safe Homes is an organization dedicated to making communities safer. Crime reports, population density, unemployment rate, income, and education levels, are only a few of the many factors Safe Homes takes into consideration before publishing their results. While this news is not only exciting for the community, it also reflects the values, merit, and caliber of our city within itself. Keep it up, Eastvale!

Jurupa Valley Sheriff Conducts Death Investigation

Staff Reports

Eastvale – On February 28, 2018 at approximately 11:54 am, Eastvale deputies responded to Harada Heritage Park, located at 13099 65th Street, for a medical aid call. The first responders, Cal-Fire personnel arrived on the scene and reported that they found a 74-year-old Eastvale resident deceased in his vehicle. The vehicle was parked in the parking lot when they arrived.

Eastvale detectives responded to the scene and based on their preliminary findings a death investigation was promptly initiated. The investigation is still on-going and anyone with further information is encouraged to contact Detective Peters from the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station at (951) 955-2600. Reference File # EV180590042 when you call in.

Citizens may also submit a tip using the Sheriff’s CrimeTips online form.