Category Archives: IE News

Inland Empire: 32 Honored for Saving Lives

Deputies honored for their life-saving actions pictured with Sheriff McMahon.

Photo courtesy: SBCSD
Deputies honored for their life-saving actions pictured with Sheriff McMahon.

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County –The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department on Friday, Dec. 18, recognized 32 personnel and citizens whose actions contributed to saving many lives.

Sheriff John McMahon presented the individuals with the awards and praised their heroic deeds at the event.

“I couldn’t be more proud of the professional character displayed by all 32 individuals awarded,” McMahon said. “Without hesitation, citizens and employees from various agencies stepped in and gave so many people their life back.”

Among the stories of the heroic acts, here are a few shining examples:
Deputy Will Fifita was honored for saving his father’s life while off-duty. On Thursday, Oct. 1, Fifita was off-duty at LAX Airport waiting to pick up family members. Suddenly, Will’s father, Eddie Fifita, fell to the ground and stopped breathing, possibly in cardiac arrest. Will quickly began assessing his father’s needs and was assisted by Customs Agents Phillip Gaff and Kevin Mahoney. The three officers began CPR and after several minutes, Will located a pulse and his father began breathing. Eddie Fifita was transported to a nearby hospital.
Highland resident Micheal Ruth helped save an injured driver on June 19.  At about 11 p.m., a traffic collision occurred on Boulder near Pacific. Ruth witnessed a car crash into a tree and become fully engulfed in flames. Ruth ran to the vehicle, saw the injured driver in the backseat, reached into the burning vehicle and pulled the driver to safety. After rescuing the driver, Ruth stayed with the driver until he was transported to a local hospital.
Deputy Daniel Smith was honored for saving his partner Deputy David Franquez’s life earlier this year.

In January of 2015, Deputies Daniel Smith and David Franquez were assigned as partners for the day on routine patrol in Rancho Cucamonga. They stopped for a quick bite to eat before their first assignment. Smith was researching the subjects they were going to contact when he looked at Franquez and realized he was choking. Franquez’s face turned red and he was no longer breathing. Smith got Franquez out of the patrol car and immediately began the Heimlich maneuver. The one hard compression dislodged the food from his airway and he began breathing on his own.

91 Construction Message Sign Hacked

Image courtesy of Nikki Worden

Image courtesy of Nikki Worden

Staff Reports

CORONA – A hacked electronic construction sign on the northbound Interstate 15 had commuters scratching their heads at the unusual message Christmas evening.

The electronic sign, which is located between El Cerrito and Ontario Avenue in Corona, was changed from a construction alert to a political message Dec. 25.

Several commuters posted images and video of the hacked sign on social media. One of the Facebook images shows the sign was changed to read: “Inland Empire Supports Donald Trump. Merry Xmas. Vote Donald Trump.”

The political message was replaced on Dec. 26 when work crews returned to work after the Christmas holiday, according to the Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC).

The RCTC issued a press release regarding the vandalism of a changeable message on Monday, Dec. 28.

“Enhanced security measures will be implemented to protect the signs and the project from additional vandalism,” John Standiford, RCTC’s Deputy Executive Director said in the press release.

At this time, California Highway Patrol investigators have no solid leads as to who vandalized the sign.

The Day San Bernardino Stood Still

Photo courtesy: SBCS In memory of the victims: Shannon Johnson, 45, Los Angeles (DOB: 03/06/70), Bennetta Bet-Badal, 46, Rialto (DOB: 03/08/69), Aurora Godoy, 26, San Jacinto (DOB: 02/01/89), Isaac Amanios, 60, Fontana (DOB: 06/29/55), Larry Kaufman, 42, Rialto (DOB: 08/12/73), Harry Bowman, 46, Upland (DOB: 06/08/69), Yvette Velasco, 27, Fontana (DOB: 04/03/88), Sierra Clayborn, 27, Moreno Valley (DOB: 06/15/88), Robert Adams, 40, Yucaipa (DOB: 05/02/75), Nicholas Thalasinos, 52, Colton (DOB: 10/14/63), Tin Nguyen, 31, Santa Ana (DOB: 04/06/84), Juan Espinoza, 50, Highland (DOB: 06/24/65), Damian Meins, 58, Riverside (DOB: 02/02/57), Michael Wetzel, 37, Lake Arrowhead (DOB: 04/29/78)

Photo courtesy: SBCS
In memory of the victims: Shannon Johnson, 45, Los Angeles (DOB: 03/06/70), Bennetta Bet-Badal, 46, Rialto (DOB: 03/08/69), Aurora Godoy, 26, San Jacinto (DOB: 02/01/89), Isaac Amanios, 60, Fontana (DOB: 06/29/55), Larry Kaufman, 42, Rialto (DOB: 08/12/73), Harry Bowman, 46, Upland (DOB: 06/08/69), Yvette Velasco, 27, Fontana (DOB: 04/03/88), Sierra Clayborn, 27, Moreno Valley (DOB: 06/15/88), Robert Adams, 40, Yucaipa (DOB: 05/02/75), Nicholas Thalasinos, 52, Colton (DOB: 10/14/63), Tin Nguyen, 31, Santa Ana (DOB: 04/06/84), Juan Espinoza, 50, Highland (DOB: 06/24/65), Damian Meins, 58, Riverside (DOB: 02/02/57), Michael Wetzel, 37, Lake Arrowhead (DOB: 04/29/78)

By Monique Valadez

SAN BERNARDINO – On the morning of Dec. 2, Syed Rizwan Farook, 28, of Redlands, who worked as an inspector with the San Bernardino County Department of Public Health, attended an employee holiday gathering at the Inland Regional Center. According to police, Farook left the gathering abruptly and returned with his wife Tahfeen Malik, 27. Witnesses said the couple opened fire, massacring 14 coworkers and wounded 21 others.

Some call it the worst terrorist attack on American soil since Sept. 11, 2001.

“It was overwhelming and surreal,” Fontana Police Officer Scott Snieder, a first responder on the scene last week, said. “Immediately, it hit home that this was not a training drill. It was one of the worst things I’ve had to experience in my entire career.”

Despite this tragedy and loss, all communities in the county are stronger than ever.

“The real heroes are those who were in the room that day who protected others and pulled injured out of the building,” McMahon said during a press conference. “They acted selflessly and courageously not thinking about what would happen to them but what they could do to save someone else.”

Many took to social media to post their support and well wishes to first responders and local law enforcement.

“This shooting has caused each victims family, friends and co-workers, along with the first responders, to suffer an enormous personal tragedy. We must stand strong and offer support to each individual affected by this senseless attack”, stated San Bernardino County Sheriff John McMahon.

County Sheriff’s Department has kept the community abreast on the investigation through their Facebook page. They reassure resident’s that their safety is of utmost importance.

“As we continue to mourn with ‪#‎SanBernardino and the entire world, we know that despite it all our communities are strong,” the sheriff’s department posted on their Facebook page. “Rest assured that all agencies in San Bernardino County’s main priority is to protect the citizens.

Law enforcement continues to ask the community to be cautious and report any suspicious behavior to the authorities.

“We ask that you stay vigilant, be aware of your surroundings and most importantly if you see something, say something,” authorities said on Facebook.

At this time, investigators are still trying to piece together profiles of the couple who killed coworkers and died in a gun fight with police last week. Local agencies will continue to work with the FBI.
 

 

The Nutcracker Returns to the Inland Empire

Sugar Plum Fairies (2)

Enter a caption

 

Performances in Riverside & Rancho Cucamonga

By Susan Gordon

Inland Empire – Inland Pacific Ballet, returns with its spectacular production of The Nutcracker, the classic holiday story danced to Tchaikovsky’s beloved score. Critically acclaimed Inland Pacific Ballet (IPB) brings The Nutcracker to life with dazzling sets complete with falling snow, an antique original Albany Flyer One Horse Open Sleigh, a 40-foot Chinese Dragon, beautiful costumes handmade in-house at IPB’s costume department, and a cast of 80 dancers. New to this year’s production is a completely re-choreographed Snow Scene for an expanded cast of 20 and a brand new lighting design. IPB’s Nutcracker has four performances left this holiday at Riverside’s Fox Performing Arts Center and Lewis Family Playhouse in Rancho Cucamonga.
This season’s cast features brilliant young talent from the region, most notably Emily Baggarly, and Lauren Collett alternating in the role of Clara. Both Emily and Lauren continue to receive their training at the IPB Academy. Both attended prestigious Summer Intensive programs in New York City – Emily at American Ballet Theatre and Lauren at New York City Ballet. IPB Principal Dancer, the exquisite Meilu Zhai of Montclair, will reign over the Kingdom of Sweets as the Sugar Plum Fairy. Meilu is a former dancer with the National Ballet of China and returns for her fourth season with IPB. Also returning is IPB Principal Dancer Cameron Schwanz of Corona, who will dance as the Cavalier and the Nutcracker. Cameron is a thrilling dancer who returned to southern California three years ago to join IPB as the Beast for its premiere of Beauty and the Beast. He previously danced with Texas Ballet Theater, Ballet Pacifica/Festival Ballet Theater, Los Angeles Ballet, and Ballet San Jose. IPB Principal Dancer Jonathan Sharp as Drosselmeyer, returns for a seventh season with IPB and brings an extensive resume of dancing professionally with the Boston and Pennsylvania Ballet companies, and appearances in original casts of five Broadway shows. Jonathan is currently appearing in San Diego’s Old Globe production of In Your Arms.
This annual holiday favorite tells the story of a young girl named Clara who receives a magical nutcracker doll on Christmas Eve, and sets out on a wondrous journey to the Land of the Snow and the Kingdom of Sweets. A fantastic dream with battling mice, dancing snowflakes, waltzing flowers, and the delightful Sugar Plum Fairy stir the imagination. Meet the cast after the performance for photos and autographs. A dazzling holiday tradition for the entire family, see it again or for the first time and be swept away in a winter wonderland.
“We are thrilled to again take our wonderful production on tour to four beautiful southern California theaters. As always, The Nutcracker showcases our key Company Principals and Soloists who are in top form,” says Artistic Director Victoria Koenig. “Cameron Schwanz (Cavalier) and Meilu Zhai (Sugar Plum Fairy) are extraordinary. They really honed their partnership in Beauty and the Beast last spring and are a joy to watch.  We look forward each year to enhancing the show to surprise our audiences and this year is no exception. We’re re-choreographing the Snow Scene for 20 dancers, which is fun and inspiring for the dancers, and I think will make for an exciting new addition. We also have a brand new lighting design. Our fans who return year after year really look forward to these fun changes to the choreography and production values.”
IPB is a professional ballet company based in the Inland Empire of Southern California since 1994. The Company is committed to producing exquisitely staged productions of full-length classic story ballets as well as presenting the best in contemporary choreography. Their large studio facility in Montclair also includes in-house costume and scenic departments. In addition, through creative marketing and an extensive Educational Outreach Program, IPB strives to introduce new audiences to the magic of ballet, and to make the experience more available and accessible to all. For students pre-school through grade 12 enrolled in public, private and home schools, IPB offers “A Young Person’s Guide to the Ballet,” connecting the arts to learning through music and movement with five educational outreach performances scheduled for The Nutcracker. The Company is also committed to the nurturing of new talent and provides an essential training ground for serious young dancers.
Choreography for The Nutcracker is by Laurence Blake and Victoria Koenig; Scenic Design by Nancy Seruto and Daniel C. Nyiri; Costume Design by Jeanne Nolden; Brand new Lighting Design by Joseph Walls; and Music by Peter Ilyich Tchaikovsky.
IPBs Founders/Artistic Directors/Choreographers Victoria Koenig and Kevin Myers, are southern California natives who bring a wealth of experience to their visionary leadership of this young Company. Over the past 21 years they have built IPB into the premiere ballet company and a key creative force in the region, enjoying critical acclaim while performing the largest and most varied repertoire in the area. Victoria Koenig is a native of Los Angeles now residing in Claremont. After many years as a professional dancer, and extensive international travel as a guest artist and teacher, Ms. Koenig returned to southern California and has become a shaping force in the region’s dance community. She co-founded the Los Angeles Chamber Ballet, was on the faculty of the Stanley Holden Dance Center, and served on the dance faculty of California State University, Long Beach. Ms. Koenig has brought her many years of professional experience to the Inland Valley, one of the fastest growing cultural assets in southern California and is also on the dance faculty at Pomona College. Kevin Myers is a native of Riverside, California. He danced with the Houston Ballet in solo roles in the classic repertoire including Giselle, Swan Lake, The Nutcracker and Sleeping Beauty and in work created for him by Houston Ballet’s renowned Artistic Director, Ben Stevenson. Later as soloist with the Los Angeles Ballet, he danced principal roles in a variety of Balanchine ballets, including Tarantella and Jewels. As a Co-Founder and Associate Director of Inland Pacific Ballet and of the Inland Pacific Ballet Academy, Mr. Myers is fulfilling a dream of widening the opportunities for the young people of the Inland Empire to experience the art of ballet and providing local talent with the chance to pursue a career in the field.
Performances of The Nutcracker take place at the Lewis Family Playhouse, 12505 Cultural Center Drive, Rancho Cucamonga, CA 91739, Friday, Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, Dec. 19 at 2pm and 7:30pm, and Sunday, the 20th at 2pm. Tickets start at $38 with senior/child/group discounts available. For more information and tickets, please go to IPBALLET.org.

Inland Empire: Couple Arrested For Identity Theft

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – An El Monte couple is jailed for numerous identity theft that occurred at San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino.

Authorities arrested Vinny Hoai Nguyen and Quynhnhu Nguyen on Nov. 25.

On Nov.23, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s were contacted by a Bank of America fraud investigator, reporting a theft. Bank investigators were alerted to a theft by fraud that occurred at the San Manuel Indian Bingo and Casino in May of 2015. A bank customer reported $46,866 was stolen from their savings and home equity line of credit accounts. The suspect made numerous cash withdrawals over a five-day period, using the victim’s identity and stolen banking information.
With the assistance of the Bank of America fraud investigator and investigators from the San Manuel Tribal Gaming Commission, detectives identified Vinny Hoai Nguyen of El Monte as a suspect. On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 25, an arrest warrant was issued for Nguyen. Detectives contacted Nguyen, at his home, at the 5000 block of La Madera Avenue, in El Monte. Nguyen’s girlfriend, Quynhnhu Nguyen, was also inside the residence when detectives arrived. A search warrant was obtained for Nguyen’s residence.
During a search of the home, detectives found numerous credit card manufacturing devices, hundreds of credit cards in various stages of being altered, dozens of stolen identification cards, numerous altered checks, several laptop computers and $8,300 in one hundred dollar bills.
The couple was booked at the Central Detention Center in San Bernardino.

Inland Empire: Street Closure in Corona

By Eliza Echevarria Perez

CORONA – As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s 91 Project in Corona, Buena Vista Avenue at the 91 undercrossing will close from 6 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 20 until Dec. 2 to lower the roadway.

There will be no pedestrian access during this closure. Motorists and pedestrians can use West Grand Boulevard or Lincoln Avenue as alternate routes. Local residential and business access to Buena Vista Avenue will be available from Railroad Street north of the 91 and from Sixth Street south of the 91.

The closure dates were coordinated with the Corona Norco Unified School District. Students are on Thanksgiving vacation for much of this closure time.

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.

Former Corona Teacher Arrested in Sex Crimes with Students

Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department

Photo Courtesy: Corona Police Department
Anthony Joshua Perez

Staff Reports

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

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

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

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

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.

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

SBC Sheriff Celebrates New Training Center

Photo Courtesy of S.B.C.S.

Photo Courtesy of S.B.C.S.
SB County Sheriff John McMahon cuts the ceremonial red ribbon at the grand re-opening of the Frank Bland Regional Training Center in Devore on Oct. 22.

By Monique Valadez

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY – The San Bernardino County Sheriff Department officially unveiled its new, expanded training center Thursday, Oct. 22 at a dedication ceremony led by Sheriff John McMahon.

The Frank Bland Regional Training Center in Devore is a completely new building, having been rebuilt on the spot where their old center stood last August before it was demolished. The new facility expanded to a 4,000-square-foot administrative building that includes training classrooms with upgraded tech tools.
“The improvements symbolize many great things: the legacy of those whose vision we carried, tremendous support and collaboration between the CEO, County Board of Supervisors, and the Sheriff’s Department; and our commitment to providing quality service to our communities by enhancing our capacity to deliver professional training,” said Sheriff Captain Darren Goodman.

According to sheriff officials, training staff now has office space necessary to conduct their daily administrative tasks in close proximity of the classrooms and have a view of the physical training field. Classrooms were increased to provide additional space for larger academy classes with state of the art digital technology to deliver one of the state’s top recognized training academies.

Providing basic training for new recruits since 1973, the new center is already taking full advantage of its new digs. As of Oct. 5, the 200th academy began with recruits who will receive 26 weeks of training.

The new center brings additional space for larger academy classes for aspiring sheriffs throughout the state, boasting an average of 300 graduates each year in the academy programs.

“Our basic academy is one of few “intensive delivery” programs still operating in the state,” sheriff officials said. “We believe the emphasis on discipline, stress and real-world scenarios helps develop a well-rounded officer, better prepared to handle the challenges of a law enforcement career.”
In addition to the administrative building and classroom upgrades, several improvements were made to the firearms ranges.

“Our high standards, professionalism, and commitment to excellence contribute to the constant demand for training our facility receives from agencies throughout the county and state,” sheriff officials state in a press release.

The 800-acre training center also holds an eight-mile Emergency Vehicle Operations Center, one of the largest outdoor ranges in the region. Five 50-yard ranges, a Trap and Skeet range, and a 300-yard rifle range for multiple firearms training.
“From constantly seeking the most relevant and useful tactics, to the newest state of the art technology, the Training Center’s mission will always be to prepare today’s officers for tomorrow’s challenges,” Goodman added.

Inland Empire: Hear the Beep Where You Sleep

October is Fire Prevention Awareness Month

Staff Reports

Inland Empire – Riverside County Firefighters want all residents to install and inspect smoke alarms in every room.
“I urge you to have working smoke detectors on all levels of your home, and in all areas where people sleep” Riverside County Fire Department Chief John Hawkins said.
National Fire Prevention Month is a good time to make sure all homes have working smoke alarms, on every level, in every sleeping area, and in the hallways leading to the sleeping areas.
This year’s fire prevention theme is “hear the beep where you sleep, every bedroom needs a working smoke detector.”
“When fire strikes, every second counts,” Hawkins said. “Knowing how to react quickly and correctly can mean the difference between life and death.”
According to the latest National Fire Prevention Association (NFPA) research, working smoke alarms cut the chance of dying in a fire in half. Meanwhile, three out of five fire deaths resulted from fires in homes with no smoke alarms or no working smoke alarms.
These alarms should be hard-wired with a battery backup in case of a power outage. In California, new smoke alarms have a 10 year long battery life.
Residents are encouraged to inspect all smoke alarms every month, clean them annually, and replace the entire smoke alarm every 10 years.
Roughly half of all home fire deaths happen between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m., when most people are asleep, according to fire officials.
If a smoke alarm sounds, crawl low and go outside to a predetermined meeting place. Fire officials recommend practicing the plan in a fire drill at least twice a year. Families should also have an escape plan with an assigned meeting place outside the home in case of a fire.
This Fire Prevention Month CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is asking all residents in Riverside County to improve their own safety by having working smoke alarms in every bedroom and on every level of your home.

Green is the New Orange this Halloween

Discover new ways to reduce, reuse and recycle this Halloween season

 

 

Courtesy of Waste Management of Southern California

Inland Empire – Halloween is just around the corner and in the next few weeks, residents will begin transforming their homes into haunted castles. Before they do, Waste Management of Southern California wants to remind residents that there are several ways in which they can get into the spooky spirit without scaring off Mother Nature.

“Between the candy, costumes and decorations that are typically used once before being tossed to the curb, Halloween is notorious for accumulating trash,” said Eloisa Orozco, spokesperson for Waste Management of Southern California. “To help keep the spirit of the holiday without making it a nightmare for the environment, we’re offering our customers a handful of tips that they can easily use to reduce waste and be green during the Halloween season!”

Zombies, princesses and superheroes can keep their Halloween celebrations festive and eco-friendly by using the following tips from Waste Management:

  • Give your pumpkin a second life. Instead of tossing your used jack-o’-lantern to the curb after Halloween, remove the candle and add it to a compost pile. Organic waste, such as unwanted pumpkins and fallen leaves, is nutrient rich and can help enrich fertilizer and produce healthier lawns, plants and flowers.

 

  • Hand out eco-friendly treats. Health food stores offer a wide range of candy from organic chocolates to organic lollipops. These tasty treats are produced using methods that are not damaging to the environment.
  • Use recyclable bags for your trick-or-treaters. Create a unique candy basket or simply put a reusable bag to good use. Avoiding the plastic jack-o’-lantern containers will clear up space in the home, save money and add a dash of originality to your child’s costume.
  • Make your own costumes. Put less stress on your wallet by opting for costumes made of reusable or recycled materials. You can find Halloween costume materials from thrift stores or yard sales.
  • Walk instead of drive. Rather than drive to other neighborhoods, stay close to home and trick-or-treat in your neighborhood. By walking from house to house you are reducing fuel consumption and air pollution.
  • Throw a green Halloween party. Purchase organic pumpkins for carving and apples for bobbing from local organic farms. Once the jack-o-lanterns are carved and the bobbing is complete, use the apples and pumpkins for pies, soups and other tasty dishes.
  • Help keep neighborhoods clean while trick-or-treating. Carry an extra bag and pick up litter along the way. Candy wrappers can be a big source of litter on local streets during Halloween.

Inland Empire: Traffic Delays on Archibald Avenue

Resurfacing began on Oct. 7

Staff Reports

Eastvale– Road construction on Archibald Avenue north of Limonite Avenue will cause traffic delays over the next couple of weeks.
Traffic delays are expected on both north and southbound lanes on Archibald Avenue.
A developer in City of Ontario is resurfacing Archibald Avenue between Limonite Avenue and north of City limits, say Eastvale Public Works Department officials.
The work will continue until Oct. 15.
Local access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout all construction activities.
Commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes during resurfacing process.
According to a city-issued news release, flaggers will be provided as needed to assist traffic through the work zone.
Road work will continue through the weekend to minimize weekday traffic congestion.
For additional information, contact the City of Eastvale Public Works Department at 951-703-4470.

Corona: Baseball Player Arrested for Homicides

Local man arrested

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD Murder Suspect, Brandon Willie Martin, 22

Photo Courtesy: Corona PD
Murder Suspect, Brandon Willie Martin, 22

Staff Reports

Corona – On Thurs., Sept. 17, at approximately 6:35 p.m., the Corona Police Department responded to the 1000 block of Winthrop Dr. in Corona in response to a report of a male not breathing. Upon arrival, Officers located three male victims at the location. Michael Martin, 64, of Corona, and Barry Swanson, 62, of Riverside, were pronounced deceased at the residence. Ricky Lee Anderson, 51, of Corona, was found with life threatening injuries and taken to an area hospital.  Anderson succumbed to his injuries on Sept. 19.

According to the Corona Police Department, on Fri., Sept. 18, Officers located a truck that was seen at the crime scene the night before.  After a short vehicle pursuit, the suspect, Brandon Willie Martin, 22, of Corona, ran from the truck and hid himself in the backyard of a house in the 800 block of Derby St. in Corona.  He was apprehended with the use of a Police K-9 Team.  Brandon – the son of Michael Martin and the nephew of Anderson – was arrested for the homicides.
It is reported that Brandon – who was the 38th overall pick by the Tampa Bay Rays in the 2011 Major League Baseball Draft (BaseballAmerica.com) – was taken by authorities to a mental health facility in Riverside after he made threats against his family on Sept. 15.  Swanson – a subcontractor for ADT Security – was allegedly at the residence on Winthrop Dr. at the time of the murders to install a security system because of the threats.

It was reported by Police Sgt. Brent Nelson, that Brandon was released from the mental health facility on the day of the murders.
Anyone with information about this incident is asked to call Sr. Detective Gottfried at the Corona Police Department Hotline: (951) 817-5837.

Many Rally For The Reagan Dedication

Photo By: Sarah Sanchez Michael Reagan

Photo By: Sarah Sanchez
Michael Reagan

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – On Friday, Aug. 28, a Dedication Ceremony was held in honor of Ronald Reagan Elementary, the 50th school to be opened in the Corona-Norco Unified School District. Michael Reagan, the son of U.S. President Ronald Reagan, was the special guest of honor at the dedication.

A variety of people were also in attendance, including U.S. Congressman, Ken Calvert; Senator Richard D. Roth; Anthony Pennay of the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation; Eastvale’s Mayor, Ike Bootsma, and other City officials and dignitaries; CNUSD Superintendent, Michael Lin, and Board Members; Reagan Principal, Susan Helms;  Director of Education Board Members; PTA Board Members; Eastvale Chamber Members, and the students, teachers, and parents of Ronald Reagan Elementary.

The Dedication Ceremony was a great event, starting off with a Reagan student leading the Pledge of Allegiance. The crowd addressed the very same flag that was flown over the Capital on Ronald Reagan’s birthday.

Reagan Elementary Principal, Susan Helms, gave an introduction and thank you to all in attendance, and then Congressman Ken Calvert took the stage. He announced that four U.S. flags were flown over the United States Capital in honor of President Ronald Reagan, his son Michael Reagan, Principal Susan Helms, and Superintendent Michael Lin.

Many spoke at the dedication, including Mayor Bootsma; Superintendent Lin; CNUSD Board of Education President, Jose W. Lalas; Board Vice President, Cathy L. Sciortino; and Reagan PTA President, Brenda Meagher.

Then, the special guest of honor took the stage.

“It is an honor and privilege to be here at Ronald Reagan Elementary.  It is also an honor and a privilege to be the son of Ronald Reagan,” said Michael Reagan, as he chuckled.

Reagan thanked everyone who was responsible for making Ronald Reagan Elementary possible. He also presented Principal Helms with a Challenge Coin from the USS Ronald Reagan.  He then advised the students to always work together toward a common goal, referring to when President Reagan brought down a certain wall in Berlin. Reagan said his father focused on making friends out of enemies, and not enemies out of friends.

Reagan also said that the President always knew his audience when he gave a speech.

“Think about this school. Think about the name it has on this building. Think about who you represent. People will be looking to you for leadership in the future; the leadership that is going to be taught to you and brought to you in this school. Think about when you go out and leave this school campus; what will people be looking at? What message are you going to be giving to them? Always know your audience and know that they are watching. When you do good, the community will do good, and hopefully the state and the world will be doing good right behind you.”

The event concluded with all the Reagan students singing the Reagan Rally, and then officials gathered for the ribbon cutting. However, Principal Helms said, “It is a rope cutting instead of a ribbon cutting, because, after all, we are the Reagan Wranglers.”

Inland Empire: National Night Out

The City of Eastvale comes together with pride

 

By K.P. Sander

Eastvale – On Tues., Aug. 11, the Target parking lot in the Gateway Shopping Center was transformed into a “Night Out Against Crime.”  It was the perfect opportunity for residents to become acquainted with the phenomenal individuals that keep our City safe, get a glimpse of what happens behind the scenes, and make new friends while enjoying a sense of community.

Law enforcement, Firefighters, City personnel and a variety of booths dedicated to the betterment of the City were on hand to give an up close and personal glimpse into the resources available to Eastvale.  Big and little kids alike were able to speak with members of the Bomb Squad, SWAT Team, Hazardous Materials Unit, Paramedic Squad, Mounted Posse, K-9 unit, as well as Firefighters and Police Officers. Wide eyes watched as the hook and ladder truck reached for the sky and future Sheriff’s Deputies donned SWAT gear and sat in an assortment of vehicles.

The evening was rounded out with carnival games, face painting, a rock wall and bounce houses full of fun, and it was great to see a wide range of neighbors, City Council and Staff, business owners and people from surrounding communities come together on a unique and memorable night. There is a formidable force working behind the scenes for the City of Eastvale, and we should be proud to know we are in excellent hands.

If you’d like to know more about National Night Out, visit NNO.org.

 

Inland Empire: Successful Search And Rescue

62-year old female hiker found after being lost 9 days

 

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – On Wed., Aug. 26, the Volunteer Forces Division of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD) received a Mutual Aid request from the California Office of Emergency Services to provide Search and Rescue assistance to Fresno County.

According to SBSD, a 62-year old woman was overdue from her hike in the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The responding searchers had to be certified for extreme terrains and be self-sufficient in the field for three days.

Four searchers and a Deputy Coordinator assisted in the effort. The searchers were inserted into the search area by a National Guard Chinook helicopter and were not able to be extracted until the morning of Sun., Aug. 30 due to smoke and poor visibility from the nearby Rough Fire.
On Sat., Aug. 29, the woman was found alive by a Fresno search team. She suffered from broken bones and survived by crawling two days to a creek so she could drink water through a filter straw. When she heard searchers nearby calling for her on the ninth day of the search, she was able to use a plastic whistle to call out to them.
Hikers are encouraged to be properly prepared with food, water, emergency supplies, a personal locator beacon, cell phone, portable charger, etc. Inform others of the hiking area and when possible, hike with another person.

For more information regarding preventative Search and Rescue, please contact San Bernardino Sheriff’s Volunteer Forces/Search and Rescue at (909) 387-0641

Inland Empire: Sheriff’s Air Rescue

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Staff Reports

Forest Falls – On Tues., Aug. 25, hiker Alexis Lopez was climbing at Big Falls, in Forest Falls, when he fell approximately 15 feet, hitting his face on the rocks.
According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Sheriff’s Air Rescue 306, manned by Pilot Corporal Mike Gilley, Crew Chief Deputy Paul Kowalski, SBCFD Captain Jack DeJong, and SBCFD Firefighter/ Paramedic Eric Sherwin, were dispatched to assist with Lopez’ rescue.

Kowalski lowered Sherwin via hoist to access Lopez. Due to the extent of Lopez’ injuries, and the remote location of his fall, the crew determined a hoist rescue was necessary.

Lopez was hoisted 120′ out of the falls and then transported in stable condition to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center to be treated for non-life threatening injuries.

Inland Empire: Teen Arrested For Pointing Laser At Sheriff’s Helicopter

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Photo Courtesy: SBSD

Staff Reports

 

Hesperia – On Mon., Aug. 17, at approximately 10:42 p.m., a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s (SBSD) helicopter 40k1 was en route to Apple Valley to assist with a call when a high powered laser was pointed at them.
According to SBSD, Deputies in the helicopter were able to discern which home the laser came from and notified the Hesperia Station. Deputies responded and made contact with persons at the residence. Through investigation they discovered suspect Spencer Hamm, 18, had pointed the laser at the helicopter.
Hamm was arrested and booked at the High Desert Detention Center on charges of pointing a laser at an aircraft. Hamm’s actions could have resulted in impairment of the pilot’s vision and ability to safely fly the helicopter.

Please keep in mind that emergency vehicles and aircraft need to respond to their call safely so they can help others.

Inland Empire: Deadly Shooting In Apple Valley

Staff Reports

Apple Valley – On Thurs., Aug. 6, at approximately 9:25 p.m., Deputies from the Apple Valley Sheriff’s Station were called to the 21000 block of Nisqually Road in reference to a shooting.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department (SBSD), Deputies arrived on scene and found victims, Julian Kilgore, 23, and Richard Fenton, 21, both residents of Apple Valley, suffering from gunshot wounds. Kilgore was transported to St. Mary’s Medical Center, but despite life saving efforts, he was pronounced deceased that same night at 10:35 p.m.  Fenton was transported to an alternate hospital and is expected to survive.
Detectives from the SBSD Specialized Investigations Division-Homicide Detail were summoned to conduct the investigation

On Fri., Aug. 7, Arieon Shoulders, 23, of Victorville, was arrested and booked into the High Desert Detention Center for Murder.
The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact Detective Adam Salsberry or Sergeant Robert Warrick at (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.