Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Lakers Meet With Local Basketball Star

Photo by: Marissa Mitchell

By Michael Armijo
Chino Hills – Chino Hills resident, former Chino Hills High standout, and former UCLA star Lonzo Ball was interviewed and worked out with the professional NBA team Los Anglees Lakers last week, the team he had said he would prefer to play with.
The Lakers have the number two pick in next week’s NBA draft and Ball has been on their radar. Team executives spend the morning last week for a second workout with Ball.
The Ball family has been in the spotlight quite a few times this year, not just for on the field play but a whole new era of sports media and paraphernalia is emerging in the form of “Big Baller Brand” clothing and apparel line.
LaVar Ball, father of basketball prodigies Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball (both at Chino Hills High), has turned the sports branding world upside down through the creation of this “triple-B” brand. LaVar currently runs the business as a “family business”…but it won’t stay that way for long.
Most known for his bold statements in the media (such as his statement that his son could outplay Steph Curry, or that he himself could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one), LaVar is more “infamous” than famous at this point in time. Nonetheless, the superb athleticism of his sons is undisputed, especially with his son Lonzo leading the UCLA team, so far victoriously, through the NCAA championship.
Unlike LeBron James, who signed a $90 million dollar deal before the 2003 NBA draft, Lonzo Ball will own a portion of his own brand. “[James doesn’t] have a brand—that’s a brand that Nike created,” LaVar stated. “Try to go somewhere with that King sign and take it from Nike. You can’t do that. These triple B’s? They’re mine.”
Other news the Ball family has created was when Chino Hills High student Lexi Anderson underwent a heart transplant in March this year and her fellow classmate dedicated his stellar performace in her honor. Her struggle received a good deal of media attention when her classmate LaMelo Ball scored an impressive 92 points in a Chino Hills High basketball game, and he subsequently dedicated the outcome of the game entirely to her.
The surgery performed on March 6th lasted 12 hours. According to her father, Todd Anderson, “Alexis has been recovering very well since her transplant.” Her body has not rejected the new heart in any way, and her vitals are stable. He said, “In my opinion she has been improving at a faster rate than expected.”
And in another incident after all the media attention, the Ball family home was burglarized while they were away at a televised high school playoff game.
Chino Hills Sheriffs Department are still looking for two males “wearing dark clothes” after a possible burglary was reported at the home of three basketball standouts while they played in a nationally televised game.
The Sheriff’s Department received a “possible burglary” call and were called out to the 16000 block of Aquamarine Court after a neighbor reportedly heard glass breaking next door.
A search of the area on foot and via helicopter was inconclusive as the two suspects were not found.
Since no suspects were caught, it’s not known whether the burglars knew the family would be in Lawndale for the game.
Police found a pile of the homeowners possessions stacked up in the home, indicating a burglary was most likely interrupted.
LiAngelo Ball was quoted as saying the door was messed up and things were outside the closet, local reports said.
Anyone with information about this burglary can contact the Chino Hills Police Station’s detective bureau at (909) 364-2000.
Wish the family luck as they encounter their dreams via college, pro, and merchandising for the basketball family. (Marissa Mitchell contributed to this story)

Dry Cleaner Robbed

By Michael Armijo
Diamond Bar – A Diamond Bar dry cleaner was robbed Monday at gunpoint, but only fleeing with $50, LA County Sheriff Sergeant Mark Saldecke confirmed.
Country Cleaners, located on Golden Springs and Lemon Ave in Diamond Bar, was robbed when a man in his 30’s wearing a dark shirt and carrying a semi automatic weapon. The owner complied and gave him the money in the cash register.
The suspect was described as Hispanic, weighing about 160 pounds, Saldecke said.
“Crimes like this are so random and spontaneous its best to just comply,” Sgt. Saldecke said. “But to deter such crimes install cameras and signage that you are on camera,” he added.
Saldecke pointed out that a criminal is less likely to rob a place he feels he could be recognized or caught. He said he has handed out flyers with suspect photos from cameras that catch tattoos, unique clothing and vehicle descriptions.
“Our best advice is to comply,” Saldecke said. “Some victims have chased the criminal and have gotten shot for a minimal amount of money. I do not recommend you try to apprehend a criminal especially if they are armed. You could avoid serious injury or death.”

Lakers Meet With Local Basketball Star

By Michael Armijo
Chino Hills – Chino Hills resident, former Chino Hills High standout, and former UCLA star Lonzo Ball was interviewed and worked out with the professional NBA team Los Anglees Lakers last week, the team he had said he would prefer to play with.
The Lakers have the number two pick in next week’s NBA draft and Ball has been on their radar. Team executives spend the morning last week for a second workout with Ball.
The Ball family has been in the spotlight quite a few times this year, not just for on the field play but a whole new era of sports media and paraphernalia is emerging in the form of “Big Baller Brand” clothing and apparel line.
LaVar Ball, father of basketball prodigies Lonzo Ball, LiAngelo, and LaMelo Ball (both at Chino Hills High), has turned the sports branding world upside down through the creation of this “triple-B” brand. LaVar currently runs the business as a “family business”…but it won’t stay that way for long.
Most known for his bold statements in the media (such as his statement that his son could outplay Steph Curry, or that he himself could beat Michael Jordan one-on-one), LaVar is more “infamous” than famous at this point in time. Nonetheless, the superb athleticism of his sons is undisputed, especially with his son Lonzo leading the UCLA team, so far victoriously, through the NCAA championship.
Unlike LeBron James, who signed a $90 million dollar deal before the 2003 NBA draft, Lonzo Ball will own a portion of his own brand. “[James doesn’t] have a brand—that’s a brand that Nike created,” LaVar stated. “Try to go somewhere with that King sign and take it from Nike. You can’t do that. These triple B’s? They’re mine.”
Other news the Ball family has created was when Chino Hills High student Lexi Anderson underwent a heart transplant in March this year and her fellow classmate dedicated his stellar performace in her honor. Her struggle received a good deal of media attention when her classmate LaMelo Ball scored an impressive 92 points in a Chino Hills High basketball game, and he subsequently dedicated the outcome of the game entirely to her.
The surgery performed on March 6th lasted 12 hours. According to her father, Todd Anderson, “Alexis has been recovering very well since her transplant.” Her body has not rejected the new heart in any way, and her vitals are stable. He said, “In my opinion she has been improving at a faster rate than expected.”
And in another incident after all the media attention, the Ball family home was burglarized while they were away at a televised high school playoff game.
Chino Hills Sheriffs Department are still looking for two males “wearing dark clothes” after a possible burglary was reported at the home of three basketball standouts while they played in a nationally televised game.
The Sheriff’s Department received a “possible burglary” call and were called out to the 16000 block of Aquamarine Court after a neighbor reportedly heard glass breaking next door.
A search of the area on foot and via helicopter was inconclusive as the two suspects were not found.
Since no suspects were caught, it’s not known whether the burglars knew the family would be in Lawndale for the game.
Police found a pile of the homeowners possessions stacked up in the home, indicating a burglary was most likely interrupted.
LiAngelo Ball was quoted as saying the door was messed up and things were outside the closet, local reports said.
Anyone with information about this burglary can contact the Chino Hills Police Station’s detective bureau at (909) 364-2000.
Wish the family luck as they encounter their dreams via college, pro, and merchandising for the basketball family. (Marissa Mitchell contributed to this story) Continue reading →

HS Stars Recognized

By Kelli Gile, WVUSD

WALNUT, CA– Outstanding students and community members from local high schools received special tributes during this month’s Board Meeting.
Walnut High senior Sarah Kim was honored with the Super Star Senior Award.
“Sarah has done a lot of great things in her four years at our school,” said Principal Brandon Dade.
She served as ASB president, class president all four years, and peer counselor for two years.
“Sarah put on the best prom, turned the senior breakfast into a senior dinner, and has provided Walnut High seniors a wonderful experience they will never forget,” said class advisor Drew Johannson.
In addition, the senior class contributed $10,000 to help renovate the gymnasium flooring.
Sarah is empathetic and is driven to help students through the school’s peer counseling program
She’s given her time and energy to help students deal with sensitive topics and does all this with compassion and love that lifts up her fellow students in a way that’s life-changing, Johannson said.
“In the nearly 40 years I’ve been at Walnut High, I honestly can say that no student has done more for our school than Sarah Kim. Being able to work with her last four years has been an honor!”
Sarah will attend Stanford University in the fall.
Parent volunteer Rhonda Melton received the Partner in Education Award.
Rhonda has found a way to offer support for staff and students within the large and competitive high school.
“She has devoted hours of her time helping raise money that can be directly used to support students’ social-emotional needs on campus.”
Walnut High’s Peer Counseling held over 450 personal appointments this year. These students consistently work out-of-the spotlight and serve without the recognition of support.
“Rhonda felt this group would benefit from additional support and through her dedication has truly made a difference,” Dade said.
She helped organize two e-waste recycling events this year that supported the Peer Counseling group and the school. She also participates in the Parent Think Tank.
“Rhonda spends a lot of time on our campus and we are very appreciative!” Dade said.
Other local high school stars recognized include Junior Zainia Siyed was recognized with the Super Star Student Award for Diamond Bar High.
Zainia is committed to developing STEM for girls and last year launched a FemSTEM robotics scholarship program for 10-14 years-olds.
The Brahma Tech Academy president began teaching robotics as a freshman.
The teen worked eight hours per week developing and providing instruction to her team members.
“And it’s no surprise they took 1st place in a FIRST Lego League competition!” said Principal Reuben Jones.
Additionally, Zainia was a keynote speaker during the recent FIRST Robotics World Championships in Texas.
This month, she will be filmed by Disney on the topic of girls in STEM, which is typically a male-dominated field.
Zainia has also been selected for a Boeing internship and has applied for a TED Talk in London.
Sarbani Sharma, president of one of the school’s Magnificent 7 groups, received the Partner in Education Award.
Sarbani currently heads up the South Asian Parent Association (SAPA) and has been active in numerous activities that support Diamond Bar High.
The group’s signature event, Evening of Colors, is a scholarship fundraiser featuring student performances, music, and dancing.
“It’s truly a fantastic night that celebrates diversity at Diamond Bar,” Jones said.
Sarbani recently led a fundraising campaign to help the school’s robotics team, Sprocket, compete at the FIRST Robotics World Championships.
She also partnered with the Wellness Center to provide a free stress-management workshop for students.
Shown:
Diamond Bar High junior Zainia Siyed was recognized with the Super Star Student Award. (0312)
Board President Dr. Tony Torng presents DBHS parent volunteer Sarbani Sharma the Partner in Education Award. Shown with Principal Reuben Jones. (0319)
Board President Dr. Tony Torng presents DBHS parent volunteer Sarbani Sharma the Partner in Education Award. Shown with Principal Reuben Jones. (0322)
Walnut High senior Sarah Kim is honored as a Super Star Student. Shown with Board President Dr. Tony Torng. (0334)
Walnut High senior Sarah Kim is honored as a Super Star Student. Shown with Principal Brandon Dade, Board President Dr. Tony Torng, Assistant Principal Petria Gonzales, advisor Drew Johannson, and family members. (0338)
Walnut High parent volunteer Rhonda Melton receives the Partner in Education Award. Shown with Board President Dr. Tony Torng. (0344)
Walnut High parent volunteer Rhonda Melton receives the Partner in Education Award. Shown with Principal Brandon Dade, Board President Dr. Tony Torng, Cecilia Yeh, Clark Rucker, and family members. (0347)

DB Adopts Budget

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar City Council last month adopted a $26 million balanced general fund budget for the coming fiscal year. Considered one of largest budgets in the City’s 26-year history, the budget provides for ongoing operations with no cuts in service levels and an anticipated year-end $1 million surplus.
City Council also approved nearly $20 million for capital improvement expenditures that include $5.7 million to cover projects carried over from the current fiscal year and $4.1 million of City of Industry funds for the Lemon Avenue Interchange Project. The remaining capital improvements outlined in the new budget include three street improvement projects, six traffic management projects, several groundwater drainage improvements, several park and trail enhancements, and the creation of a the City’s first comprehensive sewer master plan.
Also planned for this coming fiscal year is the use of one-time monies acquired from building fees related to the construction of the masterplanned, gated residential community of Willow Heights to replenish reserves in six specific City funds. These monies, which add up to more than $3 million, will help establish new balances or restore funds that have been drawn from over the years in the areas of traffic mitigation, park development, City fleet vehicle maintenance and replacement, equipment replacement, City building maintenance, and the City’s General Plan Update.
In keeping with the City Council’s tradition of managing finances in a prudent manner, the anticipated $1 million fiscal year-end surplus will be deposited into the General Fund reserve, bringing the total to $15 million which translates to 60 percent or six months of the City’s annual operating expenses. The City’s new fiscal year runs July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016. A copy of the complete budget document is available for viewing at City Hall, 21810 Copley Drive, and on the City website at http://www.diamondbarca.gov/budget.

Mustang Evan Sentoso Named CIF Scholar Athlete

IMG_4290.JPGBy Kelli GIle

WALNUT, CA–Walnut High senior Evan Sentoso has been selected as a 2017 CIF Scholar-Athlete of the Year.
The scholarship award identifies student-athletes who excel in the classroom, athletics, and are strong contributors to their schools and communities.
Sentoso is a two-sport athlete participating in cross country and track and field. His commitment to his studies earned him class valedictorian status, AP Scholar with honors as well as Junior Honor Guard accolades.
The teen is also involved at Walnut High as a member of the Class of 2017 Cabinet, Future Business Leaders of America, and Hip Hop Club. He will be attending UCLA next year.
“Evan is invested in making his high school and community a better place for those who are less fortunate,” said GLC Sonia Nunez.
Athletic Director Jerry Person adds, “Evan is the true definition of scholar-athlete. He could not have raised himself to this level without strong character, hard work, sacrifice, commitment, integrity, fun and persistence.”
This year’s two winners, Sentoso – Southern Section and Erica Barrett – San Diego Section, were selected from a pool of 263 candidates representing 1,582 CIF member schools statewide.
The State Capitol and Senate and Assembly Floors will honor the CIF Scholar Athletes on Thursday, May 25 in Sacramento.
In addition, they will receive a $5,000 scholarship award.
Adversities in and out of school have continually tested the depth of my character,” states Sentoso.
“However, by developing a resilient mindset to bounce back from these hardships, I have accomplished more than I could ever imagine.”
“I am honored and humbled to receive this award.”

DB Smoke Shop Burglarized

Staff reports

Diamond Bar – Wednesday May 24, 2017 at 6:41 a.m. Walnut/Diamond Bar deputies responded to a burglary in progress at “Diamond Bar Smoke Shop”. The suspects had fled prior to the deputies arriving, but had received, from a citizen, a description of the vehicle and suspects. The deputies spotted the suspect vehicle entering the Eastbound 60 freeway and initiated a traffic stop on the 71 freeway/Chino Av. exit. The deputies searched the vehicle and found 2 trash bags filled with tobacco products that had been stolen from “Diamond Bar Smoke Shop. All 3 suspects were arrested. Station detectives followed up on the case and served a search warrant at a residence in Riverside where more stolen property was recovered. Thousands of dollars of items stolen from “Home Depot” were recovered.
Date/Time: Wednesday, May 24, 2017 6:41 a.m.
Incident: Commercial Burglary, 459 PC
Location: 1127 Grand Av. Diamond Bar “Diamond Bar Smoke Shop”
Suspect(s):
Eugene Little MW/A of Riverside
Louie Gutierrez MH/A of Riverside
Jon Gallarde MH/A of Riverside
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Armed Robbery Suspects Sought

Staff Reports

Grand Terrace – On May 26, 2017, at approximately 5:58 pm, deputies from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Central Station (Grand Terrace Police) received a call for service for an armed robbery that occurred at the Little Caesars Pizza in the city of Grand Terrace. Suspect #1 entered the business, brandished a black semi-auto handgun and demanded the money from the cash register. The clerk handed over the entire cash drawer and suspect #1 fled the business north to a waiting getaway vehicle being driven by suspect #2. They fled the area northbound on Mt. Vernon, into the city of Colton. Within the next half an hour, Colton Police Department had two armed robberies and the suspect descriptions were the same. The suspects robbed a Domino’s Pizza and a Pizza Hut.
DATE: May 26, 2017 / 5:58PM
INCIDENT: Armed Robbery
LOCATION: 12000 block of Mt. Vernon Avenue, Grand Terrace.
SUSPECT(S): #1, HMA, wearing a brown long hair wig, sun glasses, black dress shirt, black under shirt, black pants, and black shoes.
#2, HFA, no further description, getaway driver.
#3, HMA, no further description, front seat passenger.
VEHICLE: 2006-2013, silver 4-door Chevrolet Impala, black rims, no license plate, dark tinted windows.
VICTIM(S): Little Caesars Pizza
Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. 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 Hotline at http://www.wetip.com.

Fireworks Illegal in Chino Hills, Diamond Bar, but Legal in Chino

By Michael Armijo
Chino, Chino Hills – There’s a lot of misunderstandings in the Chino and Chino Hills areas for fireworks, so let’s try to get this straight:
CHINO: LEGAL FIREWORKS ALLOWED. There is a bit of confusion as Chino continues to post a sign: “ILLEGAL FIREWORKS A THOUSAND TIMES NO! $1,000 FINE FOR ILLEGAL FIREWORKS.” This sign means ILLEGAL fireworks, not legal ones. City Ordinance for fireworks in Chino: Per section 8.12 of the Chino Municipal Code, the sale and discharge of “Safe and Sane” fireworks shall only be permitted within the City beginning at noon on July 1 through 9:00 p.m. on the 4th of July of each calendar year. The City of Chino will strictly enforce fireworks laws and fines: Possession or use of illegal fireworks: $1,000 fine. Inappropriate use of “Safe and Sane” fireworks: $500 fine. No fireworks allowed anywhere outside a residential zone, in any public park, and outside the city limits.
CHINO HILLS: NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. You cannot ignite any legal or illegal fireworks and you cannot possess any illegal fireworks within the city limits. There will be alternative ways to enjoy fireworks listed on their website at http://www.chinohillls.org.
DIAMOND BAR: NO FIREWORKS ALLOWED. You cannot ignite any legal or illegal fireworks and you cannot possess any illegal fireworks within the city limits. There will be alternative ways to enjoy fireworks listed below. Alternatives are listed on their website at http://www.cityofdiamondbar.com.
All fireworks that explode, shoot into the air or move along the ground are termed dangerous and are illegal anywhere in California. “Safe and Sane” fireworks bear the State Fire Marshal seal on the packaging and are allowed only in the following cities in the county: Adelanto, Barstow, Chino, Colton and Rialto, as well as specific locations in Fontana, Grand Terrace and San Bernardino.
The illegal activity has already begun as a San Bernardino County multi-agency task force seized 7,500 pounds of illegal fireworks during operations on June 3-4, writing 40 citations totaling $50,000 in fines, the San Bernardino County Fire Department said.
“Fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use, possession or storage of fireworks with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense and the possibility of arrest. Property owners may be cited if they allow fireworks to be possessed, stored or used on their property,” a press release stated.
Fire officials also urge residents to report illegal fireworks to local authorities or to We-Tip at 800-472-7766 or WeTip.com.

Run, Teach, Eat, Sleep, Repeat

Walnut High educator Jerry Knox breaks 3 world records in 2017

 By WVUSD

WALNUT, CA—To say that Walnut High teacher and alumnus Jerry Knox is passionate about running might be an understatement.

He laces up his running shoes five days a week, clocking five-to-eight miles a day, and 15 miles every Saturday.

Knox usually runs a marathon each month, and in the past 11 years has crossed the finish line over 80 times.

Every medal is displayed in his classroom and the AP geography and cross country coach has been known to wear the event t-shirt to school on Mondays following a race.

In 2009, the 22-year veteran educator decided to up the ante and go for a world record “just to make it interesting.”

Knox said he had always liked the Guinness Book of World Records as a kid.

When his son Alex was 8, he announced “Dad, you can beat that” after reading that someone held the world record for dribbling a basketball during a marathon.

And he did. Knox won his first world record in 3 hours, 42 minutes, 20 seconds. That record was beat in 2011.

Before going for another world record, Knox decided to focus on running a marathon in under three hours.

He accomplished that goal in 2015 at the Surf City Marathon in Huntington Beach with a time of 2:59:20.

That same year, he won back the basketball marathon title with a time of 3:11:16, which was bested in 2016 by a runner from Estonia.

“It’s about the running, the basketballs are just a gimmick,” Knox said.

He also learned in order to be included in the actual Guinness Book, not just the website, he had to participate in the London marathon with official representatives.

In April 2015, he crossed the Atlantic and became the fastest man to dribble not one, but TWO basketballs while running the 26.2-mile course.

He captured that title in 4 hours, 10 minutes, 44 seconds.

“It was hard keeping the concentration, especially at the end of the race,” he said.

Cobblestone roads, 38,000 racers, drums, disc jockeys, a dark tunnel, coupled with fatigue quelled the distance runner during the last miles.

“I thought, is this thing going to end?” Knox commented.

“It was like an obstacle course!”

Some of the London racers cheered as he attempted the challenging world record, while others were irritated with the noisy bouncing basketballs.

“They’d trained hard and you’ve got this guy next to them passing them with a clank-clank!”

Knox has broken three additional world records in 2017: running the fastest marathon while jumping rope with a time of 4:20:31 on February 19 and the fastest marathon wearing German lederhosen at the Los Angeles Marathon on March 19.

“I thought it would be funny and an excuse to buy some!” he said about going for the quirky record.

Most recently, he crossed the finish line wearing a graduation cap and gown during the OC Marathon on May 8.

For the first time in history, Guinness sent a team to Los Angeles to verify world records.

No need for witnesses, photos, videos, or coordinating with the race director, Knox said.

“It’s so much easier. You say you’re going to do it, they watch you, and you’re done.”

The athlete is currently prepping for his sixth 100-mile race which will take about 22 hours to complete.

Next fall he’d like to break the record for skipping during a marathon.

“I think it would be a hard one to beat, you use different muscles.”

Knox doesn’t actively recruit students to join his healthy lifestyle, he prefers to quietly lead by example.

Snacks of fresh fruit and vegetables and a “Want to get fit? Join cross country – no experience necessary” recruiting flyer can be seen near his desk.

“Sometimes it’s best not to be a nag and I know it’s expensive to run marathons,” he said.

The coach also joins the cross-country team for their daily training runs.

“It’s better when he’s out on the course with us,” said sophomore Jason Yen.

“And he understands our pain.”

Knox didn’t begin running marathons until he was 36 years old, thinking distance running was only for “Olympians.”

It all began when fellow teacher So Hee Tan mentioned that she had just completed one.

“If she can do it, so can I,” he said.

The first step was joining a running club and beginning training, but the first marathons didn’t go as he had hoped.

Knox walked the final four miles during his first two attempts.

On his third try, he was able to jog the entire way and was “hooked.”

Last year, his wife Carolyn Campbell, a Vejar Elementary transitional kindergarten teacher, joined him on the course, completing her first marathon in November.

In recent years, he has also transitioned to eating more organic food.

“Every year I seemed to click off something different,” he said about first giving up ground beef, then fast food, fried food, and soda. He recently went vegan.

“So, I’ll comment to my students on that and some of my failures. I still really miss pizza!”

Yen says his marathon-running teacher is a setting a good example for fellow students.

“He has a goal and achieves it by practicing and not giving up.”

 

Chino Hills Recreation Is On The Move, Literally

By Marissa Mitchell

 

Chino Hills, CA – Recreation in Chino Hills is now mobile. With its new “rec” van equipped to the tee with fun activities, Chino Hills Mobile Recreation is coming into local neighborhoods.

This year, the mobile recreation for the city has a new summer schedule, beginning June 12th through August 11th (closed on major holidays). The self-contained recreation vehicle will visit various neighborhoods to provide fun activities in a safe environment for children from Kindergarten through 6th grade.

Kids can enjoy arts and crafts, sporting activities, outdoor games, board games, team building activities, and healthy snacks, all provided with materials from the van. Mobile Recreation is a free program that the city of Chino Hills provides that allows children to come and go as they please. However, participants are required to sign in and out, and each child must have a signed emergency card on file.

The schedule is subject to change due to other events and/or weather conditions. Call the Chino Hills Field Conditions Hotline at (909) 364-2738 to determine if Mobile Recreation is cancelled for the day.

 

The following is the schedule for the mobile recreation van for the city of Chino Hills:

Mondays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Danbury Park 15701 Fairfield Ranch Road

Tuesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Butterfield Park 17671 Mystic Canyon Drive

Wednesdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chino Hills Community Park 3280 Eucalyptus Drive

Thursdays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Chaparral Elementary School 4849 Bird Farm Road

Fridays 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Alterra Park 4921 Soquel Canyon Parkway

Memorializing A Veteran Of The Vietnam War

Photo courtesy: R. Andrade
Robert Andrade upon entry into Hospital Corps School at Balboa Naval Hospita, San Diego.

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino, CA – Memorial Day was on May 29, and there is none better than Robert Andrade of Ontario, California to remind us of just how significant our veterans are.

Memorial Day honors the men and women who have served in the U.S. military, particularly those who gave their lives.  Originally known as Decoration Day, it originated in the years following the Civil War and became an official federal holiday in 1971.

As a hospital corpsman, Robert Andrade served actively in the Vietnam War from 1966 to 1967, saving countless lives, and also bearing witness to many deaths. The widely unpopular Vietnam War was a long conflict that pitted the communist regime of North Vietnam and its southern allies (Viet Cong), against South Vietnam and its principal ally, the United States against the backdrop of the Cold War.

Born April 19, 1947 in East Los Angeles, Robert was 17 years old when he entered the military, and had just turned 18 when he entered Vietnam. There were many 18-20 year old boys who served alongside him. As a camp officer at the Balboa Naval School, Robert learned he was “one of many.” He was assigned to the Marines and trained as a medic.

Robert entered Vietnam in 1966 in his battalion knowing he would go directly into the line of fire in his duty to save lives. He was first sent up to the DMZ – the “demilitarized zone” of the border of South and North Vietnam.

“We were in the jungles. We were in monsoon season. We saw tiger tracks….so not only were we fighting the North Vietnamese Army, but we were being tracked by tigers,” Robert recalled. There were many casualties.

As a Hospital Corpsman, Robert stated, everyone on his team was interdependent on one another: “We had a true band of brothers,” he noted, “and many of the guys didn’t make it back.”

Photo courtesy: R. Andrade
Robert Andrade at Camp Carroll, Highway 1 DMZ, Vietnam.

In one case, Robert remembers a good friend of his – just 4 days from being flown home – being sent out on a two week operation. This young African American soldier named Nelson Queen, who Robert called, “one the gentlest spirits I have ever known” died in a firefight that week.

Robert remembers those soldiers who had wives and children they had never even held dying in combat. Two men who had been born in the same small town in Texas were close to their returning date and had plans to reunite at a local cantina back in the States; both were killed by the same mortar.

Memories from war are scarring and graphic. Robert stated, “When someone is shot, they don’t fall over like in the movies. They just drop like a marionette when the strings are cut.” It is brutal.

As a medic, Robert would go up to the injured and discover where they were hit. “One thing I’m most proud of, if anything,” Robert declared,” was my contribution as a medical professional, that I was able to keep them alive until the Med Evacuation arrived by helicopter.” He then recounted how they as medics were often forced to push and even throw the injured soldiers into the helicopter with their wounds.

“The helicopter pilots were never given enough recognition for their bravery,” he stated. They went straight into the line of fire. “I never got to say thank you to those pilots,” he continued.

Every person “in country” (in Vietnam) possessed a responsibility to protect one another, to help one another. The helicopters would land and Robert and his group of hospital corpsmen would jump out; the helicopters would return during and after the firefights.

“The experience in Vietnam was true democracy – nobody was better than anyone else. We were all a living organism that supported each others’ various parts.”

According to Robert, there is no truer saying than that depicted at the Veteran’s Hospital: “All gave some, and some gave all.”

Upon returning to the United States, Robert and all who served in the war were treated with a great deal of anger and contempt from American society at large. Vietnam was not a popular war. They suffered from PTSD and were helped by the Veteran’s Association, but images and experiences had burned scars into their memories. Later on at UCLA, Robert would join the protests against the war, knowing just what occurred there.

“No one should ever have to experience war,” he stated. “I see Afghanistan and Syria at war, and it hurts so much to see the children of war who have done nothing to deserve what’s happening to them in their lives. The politicians have never put the welfare of the children in front their goals.”

Robert agrees with the saying that old men send young men to fight wars. He concluded his interview with the following statement:

“This Memorial Day, I go quietly through the day. Not that I am ashamed…It is only that I feel the pain of those family members who lost loved ones. I am reminded that death is about the living. I have visited Washington D.C. and stood before the Vietnam wall and openly cried. I have seen the traveling wall in La Habra, where my grandson held me as a cried. I pray he never has to go through anything I’ve gone through”

“War is unforgiving. And war is unnecessary.”

***More than 3 million people (including 58,000 Americans) were killed in the Vietnam War; more than half were Vietnamese civilians. By 1969, at the peak of U.S. involvement in the war, more than 500,000 U.S. military personnel were involved in the Vietnam conflict.***

Mother Kills 2-Year-Old; Sentenced To Life

Photo courtesy: SBSD

By Marissa Mitchell

San Bernardino, California – Last week a mother who physically assaulted her 2-year-old with what would become fatal injuries was sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison.

On May 12, Hesperian mother Jaimi Roberts, 24, was sentenced for the crime she had been found guilty for on March 22 of this year: involuntary manslaughter and assault on a child causing death. Her son, Grant Dunn Jr., died of complications due to the injuries she inflicted upon him. Superior Court Judge Eric M. Nakata in Victorville imposed the term.

During the trial, jurors witnessed Roberts’ video-recorded statement, in which she admitted she “dropped elbows” on her son’s abdomen. After autopsy, it was found these stomach blows had ruptured his intestines and brought about his death two days later. She also re-enacted striking the child with her elbow in the video.

Judge Nakata stated, “For you to sit here and tell me this was an accident is outrageous.” Roberts had claimed both in court and during interview that she was “play-wrestling” with her son, and that his death was an “accident.” She claimed no prior child abuse and insisted that they “play-wrestled” on April 22, 2014.

The prosecutor Deputy District Attorney David Foy indicated to the court that Roberts did not procure medical care for the 2-year-old for two days after the injury, even though the toddler was vomiting, could not stand, and felt cold sensations in his legs.

Quoting a probation report, Judge Nakata said: “The crime involved great bodily harm and/or other acts disclosing a high degree of cruelty, viciousness and callousness in that the victim suffered for an extended period of time after the defendant struck him, and made a conscious decision to avoid medical attention for him until after he lost consciousness.”

Paramedics had gone into the Hesperia home of Roberts (then age 21) in the afternoon after the child had lost consciousness. The child was then hospitalized, but died later that afternoon from sepsis in the bloodstream – what occurs once internal organs have been ruptured.

Roberts will serve her sentence in state prison.

Chino Valley Officials’ Texts and Emails Must Be Disclosed On All Public Matters

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Valley, CA – In early March, the California Supreme Court ruled in a unanimous decision to disclose all public-related information regardless of source, a cause supported by open-government advocates.  Cities in and around Chino Valley are looking to comply with said ruling, which generally forces public employees, including politicians, to share texts and emails to public record, even when they come from personal devices.

This ruling came from a long-standing 8-year battle after the city of San Jose refused to release “private” texts and emails to a public records request. These texts and emails, sent by officials, discussed a downtown development project. According to the new ruling, the court stated that communication sent on personal cell phones and computers must be disclosed to the public if they “relate in some substantive way to the conduct of the public’s business.”

In response, the city of Chino Hills has set up email accounts for all public commissions, and is provided a training workshop on Monday May 22 at 7 p.m. in council chambers. Assistant City Attorney Elizabeth Calciano will commence with the training that day.

Now, public officials will be subject to scrutiny on multiple levels. The thought is that they will be disinclined to conduct public business on personal devices or avoid scrutiny.

California Supreme Court Judge Carol A. Corrigan wrote of this recent ruling, “A city employee’s communications related to the conduct of public business do not cease to be public records just because they were sent or received using a personal account.

In the city of Chino, email accounts will be issued to the planning commission, but not to the community services commission because it is not a “decision-making authority,” according to spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez. Even prior to the San Jose court ruling, the city of Chino established a policy encouraging the use of city-issued cell phones and other such devices.

The Chino policy stipulates that all communication on city-issued equipment is subject to perusal at any time, and open to monitoring and public record requests.

The Chino Valley Unified School District spokeswoman Brenda Dunkle stated the district is awaiting recommendations in the middle of May from the CSBA (California School Boards Association) regarding this ruling.  She also stated that the district’s current technology use policy declares that any device accessing the district’s network is not private, whether used on site or off.

Fire Chief Time Shackelford stated he has iterated to his personnel only to use fire district servers and accounts to correspond, create, or store documents and communications related to district business. Training will also be provided for fire station employees.

Various news media representatives have called the decision “a resounding victory for the public.” This new ruling sends a strong message that public officials and employees cannot evade public scrutiny by using personal accounts.

Local governments have expressed concerns about invasion of privacy for its workers, so further concrete details are to come from the California Supreme Court on just how to go about this monitoring. Executive director of the First Amendment Coalition David Synder stated, “If employees are conducting written business about the people’s business on email, that ought to be available to the public. It shouldn’t matter if the email is privately owned or owned by the government.”

 

 

Chaparral Students Make Global Connections

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

By WVUSD

DIAMOND BAR, CA—Chaparral Middle School 8th grader Izzy Reedy and a dozen classmates learned about culture, education, weather, and even sports in Tanzania this year.

But, it wasn’t by opening a textbook or conducting research on a computer.

The Diamond Bar students gained knowledge through a global connection with the Gyekrum Arusha Secondary School, located over 8,500 miles away in East Africa.

Education specialist Kimberly Ramos formed the partnership with teacher Zaituni Njovu and her students through the World Education Connection program.

The students and teachers got to know each other by communicating back and forth using email and Google Hangout.

“They would ask lots of questions and post photos,” Ramos said about the 21st century-learning technology.

“Anything I received from the teacher, I would post on Google Classroom to share with my kids.”

Ramos said her students embraced the program and were amazed with how many similarities they had with their new friends.

“The kids loved seeing each other. And the things we learned this year have had more meaning because we were able to connect with the other half of the ‘Kilimanjaro Squad’ on a personal level.”

The relationship deepened when students recently held a campus clean-up project to provide supplies to the school in Karatu Urusha.

On May 10, global teams shared their thoughts of the power of connection during an inaugural World Education Day event.

Classmates Julia Brandt, Alex Ginez, and Reedy arrived before the 7:45 a.m. opening bell, eager to participate in the live global broadcast.
“Asante Sana!” the students exclaimed in Swahili while waving to one another.

“We got to experience the way they live and learn,” Brant said. “I wouldn’t have changed a thing about this experience!”

“I hope we can stay connected with the kids in Tanzania.”

“The best thing has been the sharing,” Ginez offered.

“We talked about our siblings, our pets, and hobbies. We have a lot in common.”

Students said they also gained appreciation for their own lives after seeing the East African partner school squeeze 80 students inside a class with dirt floors and dilapidated furniture.

“It showed me to be grateful for what I have, and to respect elders and family,” Reedy said.

 

“Protect Chino” Launches Prop H Campaign

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino, CA – There is a grass-roots group – “Protect Chino No on H” – campaigning against a large housing development that will be built if passed on special ballot July 11. Developer D.R. Horton plans to build 180 homes in north Chino if the special election ballot passes.

There is vehement opposition to this ballot in and around the surrounding neighborhoods. If approved, the measure stipulates that 20 acres of rural land south of Francis Avenue would be rezoned. In place of rural space will be 12 single-family homes, 87 detached single-family homes, and 73 condos.

May 20 there will be a community meeting scheduled for 4 p.m. at Wolfinbarger landscape store, 5675 Francis Avenue, in Chino, for those opposing Measure H.

In response to this group, property owners of the rural land have organized a committee called “Support Chino Jobs and Schools, Yes, on Measure H.”

Currently, 30 acres of parceled land north of Cinemark Movies in Chino is zoned for one house per acre, possessing the grazing land and 8 single-family houses. In a Chino City Council meeting in April, the council voted 4-1 to place Measure H on the ballot for citywide election.

Chairman of “No on H” Ed Layaye stated, “The neighborhood is very concerned about this project, “We’re meeting weekly and figuring out how to compete with a multi-billion dollar corporation like D.R. Horton.”

Former mayor Larry Walker is the group treasurer and wrote the argument opposing Measure H, stating, “I’ve become aware of a dramatic number of developments cooking in Chino and it seems like every one is a violation of the general plan,” he said. “I told the people 40 years ago the general plan should be the guide for the development of Chino.”

The property owners of the rural land are long-time Chino residents, and state that this development is a benefit for the city. Matt Evans and father-in-law Ron Brewer, stated that more than 600 Chino residents have expressed support for the project.

Evans declared, “   “Ron Brewer and I believe that Measure H will be a positive step forward for our entire community. It will enable young Chino residents the opportunity to raise their families here and offers new home ownership in an affordable part of the city.”

Other owners echo this sentiment, saying that this development will lure more potential residents to Chino, thus bringing in more economical revenue to be used municipally.

Special ballot is to occur on July 11 of this year.

City of Chino Hills Launches Mobile App

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills, CA – The City of Chino Hills is proud to announce the launch of a customized App for Chino Hills residents and visitors. The official City of Chino Hills App is now available for free in the Apple App Store and the Google Play Marketplace for Android. Residents and visitors can stay connected with the community through their smart phone with just a few taps of the screen.

App users have access to incredible information about the City’s trails and parks with a simple touch of the smartphone screen. City staff completed a major project to compile useful information for trail and park users in the City as part of the Healthy Hills Program which promotes healthy lifestyles for residents. Click on any trail and check difficulty, time estimates for beginning hikers, distance, and even elevation gain. A chart shows the elevation of the entire trail so hikers can decide if they are ready to tackle a hike with multiple climbs in elevation. Trail photos, trailhead locations, access points, parking availability, and connections to other trails are noted and shown on a map. With GIS enabled on the smartphone, users can track their progress on the trail. For people without a smartphone, trails information is also available on the City website at http://www.chinohills.org/Trails.

Take a tour around the App for access to much more information. Looking to adopt a pet? Click on “Adopt-A-Pet” and be linked to photos of pets that are available at the Inland Valley Humane Society. Click on “News” for current events or items of interest. Click on “Recreation” for quick links to information on parks, facilities, and local attractions. Select any park or facility to view photos, special amenities and features, and get directions to the park. Some locations feature 360 degree video tours. Users may also easily report items of concern to the City from their smartphone. Select “Report an Issue” and report graffiti, a streetlight outage, code enforcement issues, and water waste or submit a service request. Residents taking those amazing pictures of Chino Hills from their smart phones can now share beauty shots of through a picture share feature on the app.

Remembering Pomona Police Officer Daniel Fraembs

Photo courtesy: Pomona PD

Pomona PD

End of Watch: Saturday, May 11, 1996

Pomona Police Officer Daniel Fraembs was shot and killed while checking on three suspicious subjects, two male gang members and a female, in an industrial area of Pomona on May 11, 1996.

As Officer Fraembs patted down the first male suspect the second man was able to draw a .45 caliber handgun and fatally shot Officer Fraembs.  The gang member responsible was captured and sentenced to death in 1997.

 

Looking back at Officer Daniel Fraembs childhood, he was destined for a career in law enforcement.  Daniel was found orphaned on a beach in Hong Kong and taken into an orphanage by a local policeman. At nine months old, he was adopted by Donald and Dorothy Fraembs of Cincinnati, Ohio, and became a citizen of the United States in 1963. He rose to the rank of sergeant during four years in the U.S. Marine Corps until receiving an honorable discharge, and 3 years later, in 1988, started his appointment to the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.  He worked with the Sheriff’s Department for 5 years, before joining the Pomona Police Department.

We will never forget Officer Daniel Fraembs.

Pomona Police Officers Killed in the Line of Duty:

6. Officer Shaun Richard Diamond
Pomona Police Department

EOW: Wednesday, October 29, 2014

Cause of Death: Gunfire

 

  1. Police Officer Daniel T. Fraembs

Pomona Police Department, CA

EOW: Saturday, May 11, 1996

Cause of Death: Gunfire

 

  1. Captain Richard Barry Zbinden

Pomona Police Department, CA

EOW: Tuesday, August 13, 1991

Cause of Death: Gunfire

 

  1. Officer Carlo Angelo Poggetto

Pomona Police Department, CA

EOW: Monday, March 11, 1957

Cause of Death: Motorcycle accident

 

  1. Officer George Edward Muriset

Pomona Police Department, CA

EOW: Friday, April 9, 1954

Cause of Death: Motorcycle accident

 

  1. Chief of Police Henry P. Tracy

Pomona Police Department, CA

EOW:  May 3, 1915

Cause of Death: Motorcycle accident

 

Mustang Signing Day

Walnut High athletes make college commitments official

 By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA—Walnut High School celebrated seven elite athletes who have received scholarships to play college sports during a lunchtime ceremony on Wednesday.

Bella Amezcua – soccer, Jacob Garcia, Royce Labuguen, Frankie Zamarripa, and Brandon Godoy – baseball, Malia Avila – track, and Mia Dow – wrestling, signed national letters of intent as families and friends cheered them on.

“It’s exciting! Today makes all the years of hard work pay off,” said defender Bella Amezcua who committed to play soccer at Cal State University, Dominquez Hills.

Four varsity baseball teammates committed to continue playing their sport at the collegiate level during the May 4 event.

“It felt really good signing these papers today!” said pitcher Royce Labuguen who will attend Cal State University, Dominguez hills.

Labuguen said “it felt like home” when he recently toured the campus and met with the coaching staff.

“They’re really nice and welcoming.”

“This is something I’ve been looking forward to for a long time. It’s a dream come true,” said first baseman Frankie Zamarripa who will attend Clarke University in Dubuque Iowa.

Zamarripa said he’s been playing since he was about seven-years-old.

“Swinging the bat and throwing the ball has always been fun for me!”

Pitcher and outfielder Jacob Garcia will attend Cal State University, Stanislaus and third-baseman Brandon Godoy will attend Cal Poly University, Pomona.

Mia Dow, the most decorated wrestler at Walnut High, took 4th place during the CIF State Championships in February. She will be playing her sport at MacMurray College in Jackson, Illinois next year.

Track and field sprinter Malia Avila committed to attend Concordia University.

“This school had everything I was looking for!” said the star athlete who competed in the 300-meter hurdles at CIF State Championships.

BOS Renews $30,000 Reward For Couples Murders

Photo courtesy: LASD

By Michael Armijo

Diamond Bar – Board of Supervisor (BOS) Janice Hahn’s announcement March 18 for a reward of $20,000 for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a Diamond Bar couple’s murder was renewed this week as the board approved the motion. In addition, the City of Diamond Bar approved an additional $10,000 reward, totaling $30,000 in reward money. The couple was stabbed to death in their home in Diamond Bar last October.

On October 20, 2016, a family friend visited the home of a senior couple, in the 3300 block of Bent Twig Lane, Diamond Bar, to check on them. The couples’ family, who were unable to reach them, asked the friend to check on the couple.
The husband and wife team, who operated a studio out of their home and taught art lessons were discovered deceased in their home.

Cheng Long Wang, 60, and Mei Chu Chung, 57, were pronounced dead at the scene from multiple stab wounds.
The $20,000 reward was approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors and the city of Diamond Bar approved a $10,000 reward thereafter. The BOS first approval was to expire May 14, but is now extended for 3 more months.

According to a press release issued by the LA County Sheriff’s Department, both Cheng Long Wang, known as David, and Mei Chu Chung, known as Marian, emigrated from Taiwan in the year 2000.

“They were creative and well-respected within their community, and in an instant, the home which this gentle couple shared with others as a place to learn and be creative was turned into a crime scene where they were brutally attacked, stabbed to death and likely robbed,” the statement read.
At a press conference held at the Hall of Justice, the Homicide Bureau unit commander, Captain Steve Katz, introduced one of the couple’s children, Dr. Gary Wang.  Dr. Wang explained how difficult the loss of his parents has been –not just for him and his sister, but for his 4-year-old daughter.  He revealed how his little girl missed video chats with grandma and cried at night for her grandparents; and relayed how he had to put their death in terms she could understand by explaining that grandma and grandpa “went to heaven.”
Dr. Wang made an emotional plea to the public, asking them to provide any information which may help solve the murder of his parents, for their justice, the release said.
“This couple were married for 30 years and were the classic example of an American success story,” Sheriff McDonald said.  He recognized the retired couple for having raised a successful family, as evidenced by their children who both became doctors, and for having dedicated time to their community by offering art lessons in their home.
Supervisor Janice Hahn, 4th District, thanked Sheriff McDonnell, Captain Katz and the Homicide Bureau detectives for their hard work on this investigation.  In an effort to encourage witnesses to step forward, she announced a monetary reward approved by the Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors.  The reward of $20,000 was offered in exchange for information leading to the apprehension and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the couple’s murder.
Captain Katz presented a second monetary reward which was approved by the city of Diamond Bar for $10,000, offered in addition to the Board of Supervisors’ reward offer.
If you have any information about this case, please call the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Homicide Detectives Margarita Barron or Dameron Peyton at (323) 890-5500.