Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Why Live In Chino Hills?

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino Hills – It can be argued that many cities in and around the Inland Empire provide excellent residence advantages to citizens. This is also true of the City of Chino Hills.

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the population of Chino Hills in 2016 was 78,822, almost ten thousand less than neighboring Chino. Moreover, the median income for the city is $96,914 (according to the same census), more than that of neighboring Diamond Bar and Chino.

According to F.B.I. crime statistics for 2016, Chino Hills continues to rank among the safest cities in California. This is out of 106 cities throughout the state, ranging in population from 50,000 to 100,000.

Specifically, Chino Hills is the fourth safest city in the state in regards to violent crimes and thirteenth in regards to property crimes. “Violent crimes” include aggravated assault, forcible rape, murder, and robbery. “Property crimes” are less severe, including arson, burglary, larceny-theft, and motor vehicle theft.

Often, social media and related outlets actually magnify the amount and severity of crimes committed in a city. Chino Hills is no different, according to Police Chief Captain Darren Goodman: “Social media magnifies crime activity in a city, which sometimes leads to the wrong impression. The partnership we have developed between our Police Department and our residents continues to help us catch criminals and solve crimes.”

Captain Goodman related how deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department are responsive to the community; deputies pursue leads with all of the means at their disposal. Moreover, Goodman states, “Our MET team (Multiple Enforcement Team) also does outstanding investigative work and we’ve had significant success in identifying, apprehending, and convicting criminal networks that have been responsible for dozens of residential burglaries.” Thus, the Department notes crime trends and proactively responds to observations of those trends.

“Our top priority is the safety of our residents, our businesses, and those who visit Chino Hills,” stated the Captain.

Persons of poverty within Chino Hills is a mere 6.5%, half that of the City of Chino, and the High School graduation rate is more than 93.2%, the highest of all surrounding cities, including Chino (77%), Diamond Bar (92.1%), Walnut (93%), and even Eastvale (87.7%).

The City of Chino Hills has other amenities most recently added that appeal residents. Dog Park for Chino Hills was established three years ago off of Pine Avenue and the 71 Freeway, and has attracted dog lovers across the city to bring their dogs.

City revenue has ramped up recently with the variety of businesses opening at the Shoppes in Chino Hills, built several years ago but since continually hosting events that benefit the City.

Housing is not quite as unaffordable as the more “posh” pockets of the city make it seem. In Chino Hills, the median housing value is $507,500, making it more affordable than both Diamond Bar (median value $562,000) and Walnut (median value $649,100).

Most notably, the notoriety of the Ball Brothers from Chino Hills High School and their respective brand and shoes has led to the speculation of other businesses related to the brothers opening in the area. The family recently relocated to another area of the City, but maintains that staying local is a priority.

All being said, the City of Chino Hills maintains the feel of a small town. There may be close to 80,000 people living in the city, but everyone seems to know each other, somehow.

 

William Radcliffe an Attorney You Can Trust

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Hiring an attorney can be very intimidating and let’s face it the industry doesn’t exactly have a “trustworthy” reputation. We should be careful and ask some questions when we do need an attorney. What questions should we ask before we actually hire an attorney? First, how long have they been practicing law? Second, who are they, what evidence do we have of their honesty and integrity? Third, do we believe they actually care about us, our case and not just the money? Also we have to ask can we afford the legal fees and will this firm give me the most bang for my buck?

In a society where money is king and less costs more with every passing day finding an attorney that we can trust and afford can be like finding a needle in a haystack.

William Radcliffe is the attorney that not only answers these questions positively but exceeds expectations in his areas of expertise.

William became one of the youngest attorneys in California at the age of 23. He began his career 32 years ago working with his father John Radcliffe, a well known and respected personal injury attorney in Covina.

In 1986 William married his wife Bonnie who was a legal secretary at a law firm in Ontario at the time. “Bonnie’s Paralegal” processed uncontested divorces and became very successful while William continues to work with his father. After some time William decided to start his own law practice and with Bonnie’s business serving as a client base it was a no brainer for them. William Radcliffe Law Offices became one of the first law firms that offered traditional attorney representation as well as assisting people in representing themselves in cases that didn’t really need attorney assistance.

In the 1990’s the business expanded their services to bankruptcies and a few years later added Wills and Trusts to their growing list of services. “Experience in the area of your need is important” says William. “I think someone who will try to keep the Client’s legal expenses to a minimum is important and that is what got us to where we are today” William added. William said, “we know that not everybody can afford a large legal retainer and no one wants to spend more money than is necessary so if all they need is a paralegal we are there for them”.

Whether you need traditional attorney representation or simply some legal assistance The Law office of William Radcliffe will assess your case and do “whatever it takes” to give you the most cost effective legal assistance plan available today.

“Every Client will receive hands on personal service from an attorney every step of the way through their case” says William. William Radcliffe law offices are always keeping their eyes open to what the latest needs might be for future clients. They are constantly looking at what other offices are doing and what the current trends are for the legal needs of the people. “We now see that mediation is a common trend in the industry today and that ties into our philosophy of helping our clients avoid runaway attorney fees”.

William Radcliffe is bringing these philosophies to Orange County to help even more people by showing them that there is somebody out there trying to help them with this need in an industry that just put simply doesn’t have that type of reputation.

The main office is in Chino/Chino Hills but they also see clients in their home office in San Clemente where he and Bonnie reside. They are involved in the Children’s Ministry at Saddleback Church in San Clemente and provide legal service to the public at the church’s PEACE center.

Bankruptcy, Wills, Trusts and Divorces contested and uncontested services available at reasonable prices. You can contact William Radcliffe at (909)597-3633 or docoflaw@aol.com. Go to www.docoflaw.com for further information.

 

Diamond Bar Woman Dies At Scene

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – It was 3 am on Saturday morning October 28, when two people were killed and another injured in a suspected alcohol related automobile accident on the 57 freeway in Diamond Bar.

The woman who was the passenger in the 2014 Toyota Corolla involved in the accident was identified on Monday morning as Paula Queiroz-Lopes age 24, a resident of the city of Diamond Bar. The driver, Eduardo Goncalves-Lins 28, a resident of Costa Mesa was fatally injured as well and died at a local hospital. It was reported by the Coroners office that Paula died at the scene of the crash that occurred just before 3 am on Saturday morning.

California Highway Patrol reported the pair were driving a 2014 Toyota Corolla, heading south in the number 4 lane of the southbound 57 freeway when the driver, Eduardo, veered off the right side of the road and crashed into a tow truck parked on the right shoulder. The Corolla came to a stop in the number 3 lane just south of Diamond Bar Boulevard and was rammed into by a 2007 Toyota Tacoma about a minute later. The impact caused the pair in the Corolla to be ejected onto the freeway.

The driver, Vicent Delavega 28, of Santa Ana crashed into the Corolla, then bounced off and sent the Tacoma careening into a 1998 Dodge Pickup that had stopped to help with the first crash, the CHP reported. The driver of the pickup was 35 year old William Blackburn of Covina who luckily wasn’t injured.

The Tacoma came to a rest on its left side, Delavega, the driver, suffered fractured ribs and bruises to his chest was arrested for suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. Alcohol is also suspected to have played a critical part in the Corolla slamming into the tow truck parked on the shoulder. The CHP is urging any witnesses to the fatal accident to please call CHP office Meddaugh at the Baldwin Park office at 626-338-1164 with any information.

Twelve Burglaries Reported From Victims Followed From The Bank

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino – There has been a total of twelve (12) burglary reports involving Chino-based bank customers to date. These victims were followed after making large cash withdrawals to their specific destinations, and were thereafter robbed of those withdrawals.

Chino Police Department has taken reports from the victims, all of whom withdrew from several local Chino banks.  This is not just a citywide trend, but one that crosses Southern California.

With the help of detectives, common factors of these crimes have been identified. In all of the reported cases, victims had withdrawn a large amount of cash from the bank, driven to their respective destinations, and then left the cash stored in their vehicles. At this point, an unknown suspect(s) broke into the vehicle and stolen the cash. In one report, a victim stated seeing a “suspicious vehicle” following him or her from the bank.

It is believed that the suspect(s) is conducting surveillance of the banks in order to find customers who either walk away from tellers or banks with visibly exposed, large amounts of cash.

In order to conduct bank transactions safely, customers are encouraged to follow the following safety tips:

  • Be aware of the surroundings: paying attention to what and who surrounds you as a customer both inside and outside of the bank.
  • Try not to get distracted and maintain a safe personal space between you and other customers or people surrounding you both inside and outside of the bank: keeping cell phone use to a minimum and looking around.
  • Bring someone else: having a friend or family member come with is a great way to fend off potential suspects.
  • Conceal your cash: not walking away from a bank with exposed amounts of cash, or bulging envelopes that indicate cash.
  • Properly store and secure the cash: never leaving cash unattended, even inside a vehicle or unsecured in your home; being sure to store your cash in a safe location (such as a locked safe).
  • Report suspicious activity immediately to the police: informing local government if you believe you have or are being followed or watched.

Should you have any information related to this story, please contact Sergean Tomicic  at 909-334-3115, or dtomicic@chinopd.org.

 

 

Chaparral And Suzanne Schools Honor Students/Parents

By Anthony Saude

 

WALNUT — The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized both parent volunteers and outstanding students from Chaparral and Suzanne Middle Schools. During a board meeting held on October 18th eighth grade twins Kaitlyn and Kayla Loera, who attend Chaparral were honored with Super Star Student Awards.

Chaparral’s core belief is to educate the whole child through Academics, Athletics, Activities and Arts and these well rounded students exemplify the honor. Kaitlyn and Kayla are both 4.0 Honor Roll students and involved in on campus clubs, ASB, FBLA and Breakout EDU. They don’t stop there, they also play basketball, run cross country and golf; volunteer after school to tutor fellow students in math, technology aides and play in the Sinfonia orchestra.

Cindy Huang was also honored on this night with the Partner in Education Award for her extensive volunteer work coordinating events that benefit the school. She is the president of Chaparral’s Chinese American Parent Organization (CAPA) and has served as the vice president of the organization in the past. CAPA members work very hard all year to boost membership and have funded many projects for the teachers. They are responsible for the gold cords the school uses for its promotion ceremony and have contributed thousands of dollars to the school band and choir.

Suzanne 8th grader Chole Young received a Super Star Student Award as well on this night of recognition for the students and community members that support the schools. Chole embodies the school’s leadership class motto: Create Spirit and Serve Our Campus. One of the first school activities of the year was lead by Chole and she led her team flawlessly, her ability to work side by side with other team members until the task was finished was inspiring. She presented each team member a hand written note after the task was complete.

David Morales, a parent was honored with the Partner in Education Award for his work as a Community Club member and a supporter at Suzanne Middle School. Others have been inspired to motivate members to assist staff and students through his countless hours of service. Many of those hours are spent volunteering in the library, helping students at registration, and during the tests given at lunch and after school for the Accelerated Reader program. He is there at the WVUSD Coordinating Council and Technology Committee representing his school in exemplary fashion.

There was special recognition for the Wolf Corp Robotics Team on this special night. The team took the 2017 1st place Overall Core Values Award at the Razorback Invitational Robotics Competition at the University of Arkansas. There were 68 of the top rated teams from around the world present, including but not limited to Japan, Brazil, Israel, Slovenia, Canada, Korea, Chili and the USA just to name a few. The Wolf Corp. has been a regular at the podium having taken 1st place in Robot Performance at the Los Angeles Region Championship Tournament, Moonbot Phase One winner, Google Lunar X Prize, 1st Place Most Engaged Team from Lego Education. The team has also been awarded the So Cal First Lego League Cup Champion at Legoland on 3 separate occasions.

 

Loaded Gun At Chino Junior High

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino – A loaded gun was found inside a student’s backpack this week at Chino Cal Aero Preserve Academy, frightening students, staff, and parents.

As soon as the gun was spotted, school officials jumped into action. The discovery left families quite worried. In fact, the families were not notified right away. This loaded gun – and how the situation was not told to families as soon as it was discovered – has family members worried.

“Everything should have been done with quicker action,” a student’s older sibling stated. “I would have wanted to know right away.”

School officials said that they waited even after discovering the loaded gun because it was important to have all the information confirmed first.

Lt. Kevin Mensen from Chino Police Department stated, “The magazine or clip was loaded with bullets or ammunition […] We believe he brought it as a threat, with no intent to use it there.”

Officers arrested the student, who then said he bought it because he was bullied. After bringing the gun to school, the student showed the 22 to another student, who sounded the alarm.  The magazine or clip was loaded with bullets or ammunition, but there was not a bullet or round in the chamber.

Many parents are more concerned with the student’s guardians for allowing this incident to occur. A parent of another student declared, “I believe it is pure negligence and needs to be looked into.”

After the discovery of the gun, the father of the guilty student was cited for not keeping his gun in a safe spot inside his home, away from children.

The student found with the gun was suspended, and he may face expulsion.

America Recycles Day Celebration

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar will host its annual America Recycles Day celebration on Saturday November 4, 2017 in the parking lot of South Coast Air Quality Management District (AQMD) from 9 am to 2 pm. So clean up your closets, your garage and the yard and bring the stuff you don’t need or want anymore while helping others in need and the environment at the same time.

Donations of Clothing, footwear and household textiles (towels, bedding, table linens and curtains) that you do not need or want anymore will be graciously accepted.

There will be environmentally safe disposal for e-waste and confidential documents. E-waste (short for electronic waste) would include your outdated or obsolete appliances or electronic devices such as Television sets, computers, keyboards, printers, cell phones, radios, and even your old hair dryers. It is harmful to the environment to just throw these types of products into our landfills. Confidential documents would include old tax forms, financial statements and medical records. With cyber crime on the rise you don’t want to just throw those documents in your trash can for anybody to retrieve for criminal use.

There will be a ton of information presented in an interactive way at environmental exhibits and displays. Fun arts and crafts booths will be there to help entertain the children all the while getting educated for the future.

Don’t forget to visit the City’s Environmental Services booth and the local waste haulers, utility companies and other organizations that are all about the environment. They will have a ton of information and giveaways so that while you learn about how to adopt a “greener” way of life, you are having a fun with the family at the same time.

Wait, there is more, you can take home some free garden mulch and a used oil recycling kit all you have to do is show up a little earlier. The kits will be handed out on a first come first served basis while supplies last. One member of each household attending the celebration will be given one free Oil recycling kit (funnel, shop towel, and reusable container) and up to two large trash bags full of mulch upon request. Tools will not be provided for you so make sure you bring your own to fill the bags with mulch and load it into your vehicle.

AQMD is located at 21865 Copley Drive. For more information, contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909.839.7012 or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.

 

Health Hazards Close Five Local Restaurants/Market

By Marissa Mitchell

Walnut – The Los Angeles County of Public Health closed at least five (5) restaurants, one market included, in Walnut and its surrounding cities this past week. Cause of closure was deemed as public health hazards.

Between October 8 and October 14, the health permits for those facilities were suspended due to cockroach and fly infestations, as well as not maintaining  or having hot water, per a report from the Los Angeles County Public Health Department and the Pasadena Department of Public Health.

The restaurants and markets with suspended permits must shut their doors to all customers until the next Public Health inspection has determined that the  highlighted problems have been resolved. Closures may occur during routine and owner-initiated inspections, as well as complaint investigations and re-inspections.

The Public Health Department did not provided the number or estimated number of cockroaches or flies in the suspended facilities.

When a Los Angeles food facility is temporarily closed for a cockroach, rodent, or fly infestation, sewage problems, or for not having hot water, the facility loses seven points in addition to the four points deducted for major health violations. At the point of discovery of two major health hazards occurring concurrently, the facility loses an additional three points in its inspection store. This results in loss of passing grades (perhaps from A to B or A to C).

In contrast to the County of Los Angles Public Healthy department, the Pasadena healthy agency does not issue grades but rather one of three placards to each establishment: “Pass,” “Conditional Pass,” or “Closed.” The city does deduct points the same way the county does, but if an inspector determines a closure is warranted, the facility loses 26 points automatically.

The following facilities are those that have been suspended (temporarily shut down). Unless noted otherwise, the grades listed were received on the same day they were closed.

Rodeo Meat Market

Location: 13246 Valley Blvd, La Puente

Closure reason: cockroaches, flies

Closure Date: Oct. 10

Reopen Date: Oct. 12

Grade: C (76)

Jacquis Restaurant

Location: 778 Nogales Ave., Ste. E, Walnut

Closure Reason: no hot water

Closure date: Oct. 10

Reopen date: Oct. 11

Grade: B (84); received an A (94) during an owner-initiated inspection Oct. 16

Kalahi Bakery and Deli

Location: 804 N. Nogales Ave., Walnut

Closure Reason: cockroaches

Closure date: Oct. 10

Reopen date: Oct. 16

Grade: B (80)

Go Go Sushi

Location: 2269 E. Colorado Blvd., Pasadena

Closure reason: no hot water

Closure date: Oct. 11

Reopen date: Oct. 11

Score: D (65 out of 100)

 

 

Blend It Healthy

Location: 411 E. Huntington Drive, Ste. 114, Arcadia

Closure reason: cockroaches

Closure date: Oct. 12

Reopen date: facility is still closed

Grade: B (87)

 

Diamond Bar High Loses A Hero In Brandon Riley

Chino Hills Man Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Eric Frazin, a 31 year old Chino Hills resident was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon after he attacked someone with a skateboard. The victim was sent to the hospital after he sustained injuries from being “struck in the head several times” according to a statement released by the San Bernardino County sheriff’s office. The Chino Hills station was called just before 11:30 am on Thursday with a report of the attack. The deputies were dispatched to the 13000 block of Emerald Way; Frazin had left the scene before the deputies arrived. Upon further investigations the deputies found that they had been called to the same location earlier in the day. That call was made by Frazin’s neighbor alledging that he had vandalized his vehicle. It was not reported if both calls were related. The victim was transported by paramedics to an area hospital. It was reported that at approximately 7:15pm, deputies learned that Frazin was in Pomona. Booking records show that Frazin was found and arrested a short time later at Holt and Gary. He was booked into the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga according to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs new release.

Motion Detector Cameras Deter Crime

On this Thursday, June 25, 2015 photo, a computer terminal displays a single vehicle’s license plate number, captured in multiple locations by Automated License Plate Readers (ALPR) cameras at the city’s Emergency Operations Center in Long Beach, Calif. Police nationwide are buying access into expansive databases run by private companies whose repo men and tow-truckers photograph license plates on vehicles every day, raising concerns among civil libertarians and some lawmakers about the lack of protections against abuse. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes)

By Marissa Mitchell

Walnut, CA – A week  ago the City of Walnut announced that they would begin their “License Plate Camera Pilot Program.” The city will begin installing motion detector cameras to ward off crime in the community by catching criminal activity with exactitude. Via coordination with the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department, Walnut city staff has identified locations for the cameras. In some of those locations, a separate pole will be placed to support camera installation. Residents voiced their concerns to the City of Walnut about the rise in criminal activity, and the city responded. Thus far, the city has promised to install ten (10) motional detection cameras that will take photographs of vehicle license plates, so as to more easily catch criminals right after or during the act of crime. These cameras will only take the pictures of license plate numbers, not persons. The date will be released to the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department or the appropriate law enforcement agency investigating a committed crime. All cameras and their data will be monitored and maintained by the City of Walnut. The cameras store their data directly onto memory cards rather than a database; unlick the “typical” Automated License Plate recognition. This form of memory storage allows for increased area and time specificity. This memory-card data will be stored sixty (60) days, after which they will be recycled and recorded over, unless requested. The City of Walnut hope to enhance the safety of its residents as well as build civic pride by installing these more advanced cameras for criminal monitoring. It is hope that the motion detector cameras will help aid in crime decrease throughout the city.

Westhoff Families Join Global Fair

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT–-Westhoff Elementary families got a chance to sample foods from around the world during a Culture Fair held Friday, October 13. The school’s Community Club hosts the annual food fest with parents, students, and teachers coming together to celebrate the diversity of the many cultures represented at the school. A total of 16 different nations were represented at decorated booths with music, artifacts, and lots of delicious, authentic food. Westhoff students proudly dressed in clothing representing their heritage marched in a parade. Many also provided entertainment during the event with nearly 1,000 in attendance. “We are so thankful to all our parents and extended family members who work so hard putting this event together,” said Principal Denise Rendon.

“It’s one of my favorite nights of the school year!” Shown: Westhoff Elementary families sample foods from around the world during the Culture Fair. Board Members Cindy Ruiz, Layla Abou-Taleb and Helen Hall, shown with students, join Westhoff Elementary School’s annual Culture Fair on Oct. 13.

 

 

Fire in Diamond Bar

Photo by Lorraine Perea-Martinez

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – More than 100 firefighters were dispatched to the scene of two brush fires. At about 4:45 am authorities reported that the forward progress of the fire had been stopped.

The fires were started about a half a mile apart early Wednesday morning in Diamond Bar. The fires were reported a little after 2:15 am, according to Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. The two fires converged on the 57 freeway and combined to burn about 15 acres all before nine in the morning. The fires started on the northbound Orange (57 ) Freeway in Brea and quickly spread to the Diamond Bar area.

Resident Lorraine Perea-Martinez said “the 57 freeway northbound was closed from Lambert to Diamond Bar Blvd during my morning commute”. “It took us 20 minutes to go from to get from the 60 fwy to Lambert on the southbound side” said Perea-Martinez. Perea-Martinez also said she heard unconfirmed reports from channel 5 news that the fire was started by a guy throwing flares out his car window”.

A statement released by LA Sheriff’s Department said that arson investigators were sent to the scene after a witness reported, “seeing a man wearing a white scarf around his face, wearing blue jeans and driving a black four door sedan.”

By the time the sun came up, the firefighters of Los Angeles County Fire Department had the blaze about 70% contained and by 9 am the brave men in red had it fully contained.

One of the fires charred 10 acres and the other about five acres. ”No structures were threatened and no injuries were reported. Anyone who may have been in the area of the fires that has any information about the case is asked to call the Los Angeles county Sheriff’s Arson/Explosives detail at 323-881-7500, or Crime Stoppers at (800)222-TIPS.

 

Can You Stop A Barking Dog?

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Marissa Mitchell

Last week, a woman in Eastvale posted her frustration on the city Facebook page regarding a very loud dog her neighbors have.

What to do about neighboring barking dogs – particularly when they consistently disturb the peace of surrounding residents – can be a relevant question for many.

If a person calls Animal Control, this will not do much to alleviate the immediacy of the barking noises. Animal Control will mail a form to the complaining resident, one that stipulates that the dog is disturbing the peace. That form, in turn, will be sent to the address of the dog’s owner, after which the reporting resident will have to attend court to finally issue a citation. This process can take quite a while.

Those affected by the barking of a neighbor’s dog may take the old-fashioned approach of simply asking the dog owner/neighbor to control their dog’s barking, perhaps through a bark collar. This may or may not be effective depending of the type and receptivity of the person approached. If so confronted, the dog owner may also voice a concern of humane animal treatment, since dog collars are suspected on some level of incurring pain to the animal.

One resident responded to the Facebook complaint by suggesting a “Sonic Bird House Bark Control” sustainable outdoors. This essentially is a bark collar but in a birdhouse form, one that can be placed outdoors, in one’s own yard, without breaking down because of weather. If a person uses this, he or she is essentially controlling the barking of a neighbor’s dog without that neighbor’s permission through ultrasonic sound waves.

Back in 2009, Riverside County – Eastvale and Norco included – approved an anti-nuisance ordinance aimed at silencing noisy dogs by increasing fines for owners up to $500 and including remedies such as obedience training. This process, however, does go through Animal Services and through the Court process, as described above.  The law is meant to expedite the process by allowing an administrative hearing officer, sometimes a practicing attorney in arbitration, to hear the complaints and make the decisions quickly, but this is not always the case.

In Chino Hills, residents are instructed to contact the Inland Valley Humane Society. In Chino, citizens must call Animal Control, and if after hours, a police officer will be dispatched, but only if the caller reveals his or her identity. Generally, simply a warning is issued initially. The same process is outlined for Diamond Bar residents. Thus, there doesn’t seem to be any one expedient way to handle barking dogs in one’s neighborhood, and, while there is some sort of process, it will not be quickly remedied through the government.

Walnut Helps Homeowners

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – The City of Walnut is offering grants and loans to the owners of single family detached dwellings to eligible low to moderate-income occupants living in Walnut. The Housing Rehabilitation Program will be able to assist these homeowners with funding for home improvements that focus on safe and sanitary housing. The funds are made available to correct dangerous structural conditions, eliminate blight, correct code violations and even provide handicapped access. The program will provide grants of up to $7500 and deferred loans at zero percent interest up to $30,000 to eligible homeowners. The grants are designed to help the homeowner with Code issues that need to be fixed in addition to any of the other improvements the homeowner requested and do not need to be repaid. The loans are no interest loans and repayment is deferred until the property changes title or is refinanced. The program is offered on a first come first serve basis to eligible homeowners. The limited funding is provided by the Federal Community Development Block Grant Program is offered to applicants whose annual income doesn’t exceed the Housing and Community Development and HUD established limits. If you think you might qualify CALL and find out for sure, what is the worst that can happen all they can say is no.

Proof of income, a copy of a recent tax bill, proof of property insurance and ID will be required. For more information click on the links below or contact the Community Development Department at 909-595-7543.

Chino Rotary Club Donates to a Good Cause

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino – This past week the Chino Rotary Club donated $500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Inland Empire, and Big Brothers Big Sisters of Orange County.

 

Big Brothers Big Sisters organization is an adult-to-child mentoring non-profit organization that serves the children of its respective area. The organization chooses mentoring models from the community to help children in the area educationally and practically through the mentoring process. All mentored children in the Inland Empires enrolled in the program thus far have graduated high school, and 96% of those students enroll in college.

 

Significantly, studies have shown that children enrolled in Big Brothers Big Sisters have an 89% higher self-esteem rate than those not rolled, and an 83% better attitude towards school.

 

The Chino Rotary Club exhibited its dedication to the continued mental, educational, physical, and social wellbeing of the surrounding youth through its generous donation this past week. In doing so, the club has followed its nearly century-old motto “Service Above Self.” The Chino Rotary Club is involved a variety of other volunteer organizations, including the local Isaiah’s Rock, serving the needy and homeless in Chino.

 

If you would like to find out more about the Chino Rotary Club, visit www.chinorotary.org. The club will also be on exhibition on 10/21/17 at the Chino Valley Chamber of Business Expo, located at the Shoppes in Chino Hills, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

 

If you would like to mentor a child or donate to Big Brothers Big Sisters Inland Empire, visit the following website for programs and opportunities: http://www.iebigs.org/.

 

 

 

 

Diamond Bar Sprouts Opens

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Sprouts long awaited Grand Opening is finally here, on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 the doors officially opened to the public. Sprouts is dedicated to making healthy living for less a staple in the in our communities and families. So, grab your reusable bags, prepare your shopping list and get ready for incredible values on farm-fresh produce, natural and organic meats, barrels of bulk food and specially priced grocery items. We’re making healthy living for less a staple in your community! The stores have natural and organic products alongside a lot of your familiar favorites. There are barrels full of grains, nuts and candy at bulk prices. Fresh fruits and vegetables abound, stop by the meat and seafood departments and pick up your main course. On those busy days you can stop by the deli on your way home and pick up something for the family. Don’t forget dessert at the Bakery, the kids will love you for it. Have a question about our natural meats? Just ask one of our trained butchers for a tour through our Old Tyme Butcher Shop, where we cut your meat any way you want it. Get More with the Sprouts Mobile App. Download the Sprouts mobile app to discover the Checkout Challenge rewards program, and explore a rotating selection of digital coupons that take our great prices to the next level. Click here to learn more. Stay in the Know and Save!Stock up on savings by signing up for our newsletters at Sprouts.com. We’ll keep you up to date on the latest mobile coupons, specials, recipes, health tips and upcoming events at Sprouts! Click here to sign up.Facebook Fan ExclusivesVisit us on Facebook for store updates, grand opening details and recipes. Click here to like Sprouts on Facebook.

Ontario Woman Killed By Chino Driver

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino – On Sunday night, October 8, a woman was struck and killed by a car at Francis Avenue and Central Avenue in Chino. Misti Ann Lucas, a 44-year-old woman from Ontario, was pronounced dead at the scene. The collision occurred at 6:49 p.m. at the intersection between the two Chino cross-streets, stated police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez. Investigators were quickly at the scene. It was reported that 51-year-old Darron Williams was driving a 1994 Honda when the car and pedestrian crashed as the woman stepped onto the crosswalk. The intersection of Central and Francis was closed off for three-and-a-half hours post-collision.“Mr. Williams remained at the scene of the collision and is cooperating with investigators,” declared Gutierrez. “Investigators do not suspect alcohol or drugs are involved in this fatal collision. The cause of the collision is still under investigation,” she stated.Anyone with information may call Cpl. Scott Trosper at 909-334-3153.

 

Chino Resident Wins Bravery Award

Photo courtesy: T. Evanson

By Anthony Saude

Chino– California Partnership to end domestic violence is a coalition that represents survivors, organizations, advocates and allied individuals working to support survivors of domestic violence has an annual awards reception in Fresno California.

This year they honored Tracy Evanson, a Chino resident and the founder of Healed Women Heal, with the Bravery Award at the reception.

The soft and bright sunlight was beaming through the kitchen window, the aroma of fresh coffee filling the room reminded Tracy that “he” would be up soon. Suddenly the relaxing sounds of morning were interrupted by anxiety. She looked around the room sure she had left some bread crumbs or coffee grounds on the counter. Her mind racing asking herself were the drawers shut all the way, was the floor clean enough, did I make too much noise with the coffee? She was on high alert because even though she couldn’t see anything she had done wrong, she knew all too well that didn’t mean he wouldn’t.

Tracy lived through nine years of physical, mental and emotional abuse from the one person that promised to love her forever. During her nightmare she had left more than a few times and not just for a day or two either. She had rented apartments on 2 separate occasions and was gone for over a year and a half one of those times. There was intensive counseling, training and countless tears and a belief that true change had taken place in her husband only to be disappointed again. “The last time I left I never looked back again” said Tracy. “I have two daughters and I wanted them to grow up knowing what a healthy relationship should look like.

Talking with Tracy Evanson today there isn’t any outside evidence that she lived in fear of upsetting the man she called “husband” for nine years. She has two college degrees, one a Masters in Human Behavior and speaks with the confidence one would expect from a professional woman with 2 college degrees. The outside had to be rebuilt from the inside, what you see today has been rebuilt and reinforced into the strong, confidant, independent ministry leader you see before you.

In 2013 after Tracy decided to get out of her marriage and stay out this time she started the non-profit organization, Healed Women Heal. Her hope is to “creat a solid group in the community to come together to be a voiced for the silent crime of domestic violence and teen dating violence and bring awareness to the community”. “It is all about awareness, Tracy said, too many people don’t understand that there are different types of domestic abuse”. “Most people only associate violence with domestic abuse but physical isn’t the only type and quite often the violence come after the emotional, and verbal abuse wears you down”.

In the beginning I only wanted to help the victims of domestic violence, I had no interest in fixing the perpetrators. Then she was asked to speak at a mens prison, she declined. God wouldn’t let her off of the hook about this for some reason and finally she accepted the invitation. That showed me a whole new side of the problem Tracy said. A lot of these men were abused themselves and didn’t even recognize their actions as abuse”. It helped me see that it is much harder to work with a broken person than it is to educate to prevent the abuse from happening. Like she said awareness through education is the key.

You can contact Tracy at any of the links below:

Tracy Evanson

www.healedwomenheal.org

healedwomenheal@gmail.com


www.meetup.com/Healed-Women-Heal.

909.815.7815

You Can Get A Ticket For Walking In The Street

By Michael Armijo

California – As kids, our parents warned us heavily to never ever walk in the middle of the street. It was viewed as a spot where no one could go. However, looking around today, it is clear to see that the sidewalk has become more of a suggestion than a requirement. More and more people every day are walking just by the curb or close to in the middle of the street. Even though it seems that this is simply just accepted by the law, it is very much illegal and you can get cited.

California Vehicle Code 21956 states, “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”

“Walking in the street is a very citable offense,” said LA County Sheriff Captain Alfred Reyes, “it’s about safety more than anything else.”

The Captain explained that cross walks are in place for a reason, and so are sidewalks.

“It’s definitely not wise for anyone to walk in the street,” Reyes added, “the best practice are utilizing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, sidewalks are safest, do not place yourself in harms way.”

Runners and walkers can sometimes use bike lanes, and bike lanes may not be always safe for runners or pedestrians, but no lane is definitely not safe. Safest utilize the sidewalk.

At night always wear reflective clothing, joggers and bikers, Captain Reyes recommends. “If you choose to jog in a bike lane there is always the distracted drivers element. It’s amazing how we see sooo many people look at phones, even on the freeway,” he said.

Just a few months ago, Pastor Mark Lee from Vantage Point Church in Eastvale, sister church from Diamond Bar’s E-Free Church, was running in the bike lane at 9 am when he was struck by a passing truck’s right side view mirror. He spend weeks in rehabilitation and is still reluctant to do certain activities. The driver was cited as being at fault. Fortunately he delivered an inspiring sermon on the importance of cherishing your life.

The Sheriff’s Department will cite runners and bikers in the bike lake who do not wear reflective clothing and bikers who do not have reflectors and a headlight. You are required to have lights on yur bike at night.

Many people do not get ticketed for walking in the street and it appears because of priority. In fact, if you are getting stopped, odds are the officer is concerned about your safety. Sure, walking on a roadway might not get you a serious ticket, but it might get you a serious injury, even death.

In Eastvale, California (bordering Chino), a 28 year old woman was killed last month when she was struck by a vehicle. 28 year old Janine Chavez of Eastvale was walking in the roadway, not inside a crosswalk, Eastvale Sheriff’s officials said. The Eastvale death happened about 7:45 p.m., Chavez was hit by a southbound a Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old Ontario man, sheriff’s officials said in a press release.

Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.  It has not yet been determined who’s at fault but the report stated she was not in a sidewalk and appeared to be walking in the road. Details are being gathered, and  according to the Sheriff’s Department, avoiding the street can avoid injuries and fatalities.

According to everybodywalk.org, over 4,500 people in America are killed just crossing the street. The website also claims that over 68,000 people are injured every year from crossing the street. This is even worse in crowded cities like New York, where it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed or injured by a vehicle every two hours.

The only one who can prevent such actions taking place is the pedestrian. Using sidewalks and obeying traffic signs will keep you safe and lawful. If you want to know more about other laws in the California Vehicle Code, dmv.ca.gov has the complete Vehicle Code on their website. (Chandler Holloway contributed to this story)