Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Remembering Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto

Courtesy of Pomona PD

Pomona – Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was killed in an on-duty motorcycle collision on March 11, 1957, while attempting to stop a vehicle. He was in the process of conducting a traffic stop when he observed another serious violation take place. As he attempted to catch up with the suspect, another vehicle turned left in front of him causing a collision.

Motor Officer Carlo Poggetto was involved in various youth activities and was a key figure in the construction of the Pomona Valley Quarter Midget Track in 1956, which was located near First St. and East End Av. Officer Poggetto saw the track as another way to get boys and girls involved in something positive in the City of Pomona.

The first official race event was held December 30, 1956. After his unfortunate death, the track was renamed the Carlo A. Poggetto Memorial Track on March 31, 1957, at a dedication attended by over 4000. In memory of Officer Poggetto, the first club race of the season was dedicated to him. When the Pomona track closed and the Orange Show track was created, the tradition continued.

Intergenerational Art Show “AMERICA”

Walnut – The City of Walnut’s Community Services Department in collaboration with Mount San Antonio College will host the 13th Annual Intergenerational Art Show, “America.” This group exhibition will feature mixed medium pieces from throughout the community. The show will run from April 24 through April 28, from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, at the Walnut Senior Center, 21215 La Puente Road.

We invite you to join us on Saturday, April 22, from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm, for our Artist Reception and Live Auction. Meet the artists, take home a beautiful work of art and enjoy appetizers and refreshments, all compliments of Brookdale of Walnut Senior Living.

The show is open to all ages. For submissions or more information please contact the Walnut Senior Center at 909-598-6200. You may also email Gabriela Encinas at gencinas@cityofwalnut.org.

 

Chino Hills Standouts Home Burglarized

Photo by: SI.com
Lavar Ball speaks to his son, LaMelo Ball, at UCLA game.

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– Chino Hills Sheriffs Department is 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 last week 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.

The home is owned by Lavar Ball, father of three standout basketball players who have made national headlines. UCLA forward Lonzo ball and brothers LiAngelo Ball and LaMelo Ball who both attend Chino Hills High. The two brothers were playing in a nationally televised playoff game.

LaMelo Ball recently gathered national attention after scoring an astounding 92 points after dedicating his play to fellow classmate Lexi Anderson, who just underwent a successful heart transplant last week.

The burglary occurred while the family was attending LiAngelo and LaMelo’s televised high school playoff game. Since no suspects were caught, its 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.

Gas Prices Are Dropping In Diamond Bar

By Marissa Mitchell

Diamond Bar – Gas prices have dropped for the 11th consecutive day in the San Gabriel Valley, according to AAA.

On Wednesday, Los Angeles County gas prices dropped another half-cent to $3.036. This is following a nine-day consistent decrease in prices, adding to 2.7 cents.

While the average price per gallon is 2.4 cents less than a week ago, it is in fact 4.9 cents more than just one month ago, and a whopping 24.7 cents higher than a year ago, quotes AAA and Oil Information Service.

In Orange County, the cost of a gallon of self-serve regular gasoline decreased for the 11th consecutive day Wednesday. This decreases regular gasoline another half-cent, to $3.019.

Orange County reflects a similar gas price pattern to that of Diamond Bar. Gas prices in Orange have dropped 3.8 cents over the last 11 days, which is 2.5 cents less than a week ago. Yet, still, the same gallon of gasoline is approximately 2.8 more than a month ago in Orange, and another 24.5 cents higher than one year ago.

So the new figures beg the question: are gas prices getting better, or are they getting worse?

WVUSD Trustees Celebrate Outstanding Students, Parent Volunteers

PHOTO BY WVUSD
Partner in Education Awardees Sonal Choksey, Lily Eibert, and Caryn Mason with family members, Board President Tony Torng and Suzanne Middle School Principal Les Ojeda.

By WVUSD

Walnut —Each month, Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees celebrate hard-working students and dedicated community members.

During the March 15 meeting, South Pointe and Suzanne Middle School leaders took to the podium to introduce their hand-picked honorees.

South Pointe parent Annalisa Gore was lauded with the Partner in Education Award. She has served as community club president for the past two years.

Annalisa is a collaborative leader who leads by example and has a magical way of making all parents feel like they belong.

Additionally, she puts “Kids First” by raising important funds to support learning, character development, and extra-curricular activities on campus.

“Annalisa is willing to roll up her sleeves and help in any way she can, including selling bobas!” said Principal Susan Arzola.

PHOTO BY: WVUSD
(Above and below) WVUSD Board President Tony Torng presents Super Star Student Award to South Pointe 8th grader Ivan Vazquez on March 15.

South Pointe 8th grader Ivan Vazquez received the Super Star Student Award. Although he has faced many challenges in his short life, it has not limited Ivan from achieving success.

The young man is a positive role model who puts a smile on his face for anyone who crosses his path.

If Ivan sees a classmate that is having a hard day, he lifts them up. If he sees an adult that needs a helping hand, he’s there to offer it.

“Ivan is always positive, pleasant, compassionate, helpful, considerate, and greets you with a smile,” Arzola said.

“We are very proud of Ivan and all of his accomplishments and all the contributions he makes to the school!”

The Roboheroes robotics team from Suzanne Middle School received the Super Star Student Award.

Team members are Matthew Carreon, Nathan Fong, Collin Lee, Spencer Lee, Codey Ma, Marcus Robles, Roman Robles, Ethan Tungpalan, Sarah Wang, and Ronnie Zhang.

PHOTO BY: WVUSD
South Pointe Middle School parent volunteer Annalisa Gore is honored with Partner in Education Award on March 15. Shown with Principal Susan Arzola and Board President Tony Torng.

The Roboheros won 1st place Robot Game at the Legoland FLL Cup in February.

Team members spent countless hours building and programming a Lego robot, researching and finding a solution to help animals, taking part in community outreach events.

“These students have gone above and beyond to represent our school in a positive way,” said Principal Les Ojeda.

The team is coached by advisor Vicky Silcock, and parent volunteers Jonathan Fong and Daffodil Robles.

The Roboheroes recently won the Core Values Inspiration Award at the Los Angeles Regional Championship and has been invited to represent the region at an international championship tournament sponsored by NASA in West Virginia this summer.

A trio of Suzanne dedicated parent volunteers Sonal Choksey, Lily Eibert, and Caryn Mason received the school’s Partner in Education Award.

“These wonderful ladies put in endless hours of service for our school,” Ojeda said.

This year, the community club board members planned and organized numerous school events including a successful booster drive that raised over $65,000 to provide technology, teacher intervention, curriculum books, and other valuable student resources.

“You have led with passion and enthusiasm, and as a result, you have made Suzanne a better place for our students!”

PHOTO BY: WVUSD
Board President Tony Torng presents Partner in Education Award to Suzanne Middle School parents Sonal Choksey, Lily Eibert, and Caryn Mason.291329

Chino Hills Family Begins Clothing Line

Photo by: Marissa Mitchell

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – This year, 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 (now at UCLA), 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.”

And this is true. Not only that, but Big Baller Brand has broken new ground, perhaps unwittingly, for student-athletes. Because UCLA conceded to LaVar, noting that while he used UCLA colors, it was a “family” operation, the NCAA has broken its strong hold on college athletes. The brand has begun in the same place LaVar trained his three fantastically talented sons: in his home. But sales have been increasing so rapidly, it’s been difficult to keep up with demand.

Such success does seem to pose a visible threat to big-name labels. In a recent interview, LaVar averred, “[Some labels are like] Blockbusters, and the Big Baller Brand is Netflix. And you know what happened to Blockbuster? If you don’t change, guess what’s going to happen. There’s a red box everywhere.”

There is no doubt we are seeing more “BBB” items out and about. Perhaps “big name labels” really do have something to worry about.

Former K-Mart Center Gets Renovated

IMG_6615

Photo by: Michael Armijo, Construction is under way for a new shopping center where K-Mart once stood. Ross and Sprouts Market are expected to open by Dec. 2017.

By Marissa Mitchell

Diamond Bar – Many citizens in the city of Diamond Bar are wondering just what is going on at Diamond Bar Boulevard (where the “old K-Mart” used to reside), and there is thankfully some new revealing information.

While the property is managed by private owners, construction is currently underway. According to Community Development Director Greg Gubman, there have been several approvals solidified thus far of new tenants in what will become the renovated building. Of those tenants,

Sprouts Market and Ross are confirmed, and will be completed and operational by the projected date of Dec. 2017.

Gubman also said that there have been a few approved establishments for the empty lot space just adjacent to Diamond Bar Boulevard: Chipotle and Coffee Bean and Tea Leaf, the latter of which will have a drive through. These are also estimated to be completed by the end of the year, though that completion time may run into early next year.

There will be additional tenants occupying the renovated former K-Mart building, and the private owners of the property are still securing those tenants.

When asked how this will benefit the city, Director Gubman said, “These various retail uses will help diversify the revenues for the city of Diamond Bar.” This is not only needed in the community, it is greatly desired, as the current state does not provide benefit or aesthetic appeal.

One of the goals delineated by the City Council at the beginning of the year to promote long-term economic development was the following: “In cooperation with the property owners, redevelop the K-Mart site to include retail and restaurant options.”

The city is now fulfilling that objective, much to the relief of many Diamond Bar residents.

$30,000 Reward Offered For Diamond Bar Couples Murders

Cover-diamond-bar-stabbings1

Photo by: CBS

By Michael Armijo

Diamond Bar – Supervisor Janice Hahn announced last Wednesday 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. In addition, the City of Diamond Bar approved an additional $10,000 reward, totaling $30,000 in reward money.

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 earlier this month, and the city of Diamond Bar approved a $10,000 reward thereafter.

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 Bureau at 323-890-5500.

 

Family Science Night In Walnut

“Mystery Crime Scene”

City of Walnut

Walnut – Back by popular demand!!! The City of Walnut Community Services Department is hosting its annual Family Science Night event on Friday, March 31, 2017 from 6:00pm to 8:30pm. Come and investigate the suspicious activities taking place at the Walnut Senior Center.  Help solve crimes with clues and science showcasing your forensic mind. Family Science Night is fun for the entire family. Pre-sale registration is available now for only $10.00 per family of four and $12.00 on the day of the event.

Family Science Night is located at the Walnut Senior Center at 21215 La Puente Road, Walnut, California 91789.  For more information, please contact the Walnut Senior Center at 909-598-6200.

Chino 99 Cent Store Applies For Alcohol License

99Store

By Michael Armijo

Chino – Those of you who have visited the “Smart and Final” shopping center on Central Avenue and Philadelphia may have noticed a new sign in the window of the “99 Cents Store”: “Application to Sell Alcoholic Beverages”.

It’s a growing trend around the state, and nearby states, as Tempe Arizona approved a liquor license. But not so fast here in southern California, as the Chula Vista 99 Cent store’s application was rejected. Two more licenses were sought after, one rejected and one granted. The Lake Forest 99 Cent store may sell beer and wine only, but not at the Foothill Ranch store on Towne Centre Drive, a city commission has decided.

Requests made by the stores in January for waivers that would allow them to sell alcoholic beverages to customers were denied in this month by Development Services Director Gayle Ackerman. Such waivers are an option for businesses in tracts deemed “saturated” by the ABC, which makes such determinations based on population.

99 Cent Only store in Chula Vista  was rejected by the community and subsequently the Chula Vista Police Department.

Applications to the Department of the Alcoholic Beverage Control for certain alcohol licenses in census tracts with an oversaturation of licenses or high crime rates (over 120 percent), require an investigation by law enforcement to determine if the business would be a necessity or convenience to the community.

Chula Vista police Det. Jesse Vicente, who oversees these types of licenses, said Friday his team rejected the request to sell alcohol at the Third Avenue and Moss Street location because it didn’t meet criteria to be deemed necessary or convenient to the public.

“We want to be a convenient store,” said Manuel Becerra, district manager for 99 Cents Only according to the San Diego Tribune. “You come to the store and you find everything you need.”

Wine is sold at a discount, but more than a dollar, at 99 Cents Only stores because they buy in bulk, a 99 Cent spokesperson said. The chain has been expanding beer and wine sales across the country.

The 99 Cents Only stores began selling beer and wine in 1983, shortly after the first store opened, spokeswoman Sarah Correa said. While one Mesa store obtained a liquor license in 2000 and another surrendered its license about a decade ago, the rest of the approximately 20 stores that applied for licenses did so this year, according to Arizona Department of Liquor Licenses and Control data.

Dollar stores may have a challenge that other retailers that sell alcohol do not because they often are neighborhood stores, he said. Some communities have resisted the addition of alcohol to dollar-store shelves, according to news reports.

“The application to sell beer and wine is in progress, but not yet approved,” said Martha, a Chino 99 Cent Store employee. “But the one in Pomona currently sells alcohol, you can go there to purchase,” she added. For more information, or to provide input, contact the Riverside ABC District Office at 951.782.4400, or write to them at 3737 Main Street Suite 900, Riverside CA 92501.

99sign

Chino Teen Undergoes Heart Transplant

By Michael Armijo

Chino – A 16-year old sophomore cheerleader at Chino Hills High School underwent a heart transplant last Sunday after a month of hospitalization after her condition took a turn for the worse.

Lexi Anderson, who lives in Chino, has been waiting for her new heart, is at Loma Linda Medical Center recovering from surgery.

“The most important thing is our daughter’s alive,” Lexi’s father Todd Anderson told CBS2 Sunday night.

“We are feeling overjoyed, this is a day that’s been long coming,” he added.

Her health battle received a great deal of attention last month when her classmate, Lamello Ball, scored 92 points in a Chino Hills High School basketball game Feb. 7, and dedicated his performance to her.

The surgery, which lasted 12 hours, was considered a success after the family was informed Sunday afternoon that a heart donor match had been found. She went into surgery at 9 pm Sunday night and came out Monday morning at 11 am.

“March 6th will forever be an important date in the life of our family, and in the life of Alexis. It has been a good day, and for the first time in over a month we have more certainty of a future life with Alexis,” father Todd Anderson wrote on the GoFundMe online fundraising page, set up to help with medical costs. Agape Miracles Org posted Anderson’s comments on his behalf.

Todd Anderson’s posted that Lexi’s new heart began beating after the surgery, but there were some complications with bleeding. Surgeons kept her in the operating room for an additional six hours to manage the blood loss. For now, Lexi is being given her blood transfusions to deal with the loss.

The donor match came as she had a difficult Saturday and had to be shocked seven times over the course of the day, Todd Anderson wrote.

According to a Facebook post from her father, Todd Anderson first discovered his daughter not breathing Feb. 3. Her parents performed CPR until paramedics could take over. She was revived and rushed to the emergency room with a rare heart condition that put her on the transplant list.

An ECMO machine, which pumps and oxygenates a patient’s blood, kept Lexi alive while the family waited. She had emergency surgery Feb. 7, right before Chino Hills basketball player Ball scored 92 points in a game against Los Osos High, sparking lively debate online and sports talk shows about the all-offense showing. Afterward, the sophomore and UCLA commit said he dedicated the game to Lexi, according to local reports. “92 points #love4lexi,” Ball tweeted.

Doctors planned to lessen Lexi’s reliance on a breathing tube Tuesday, which will mark the beginning to a long recovery process, Todd Anderson wrote. He also noted that she’s been in ICU for over a month and will face physical therapy and rehabilitation.

As of Thursday afternoon, the GoFundMe page has brought in more than $77,774 for the family to assist in their medical costs. According to the GoFundMe account, the family is trying to raise $500,000 to cover medical bills.

“Since the moment it first started beating at 3:50 am on Monday, March 6th, Lexi’s new heart has beat approximately 440,640 times.,” wrote Anderson on Lexi’s Facebook account. “We are thankful for each and every contraction.”

“Another momentous thing happened today. Lexi sat up! She had her first dose of physical therapy today, and the main objective for today was to sit Lexi upright. This was done with assistance from the physical therapist, and Lexi sat upright for about 10 minutes. This was a big accomplishment that left Lexi feeling exhausted. She has been lying in a hospital bed for over one month,” added Anderson.

The Andersons attribute their success to God and their faith in Jesus.

“In the book of James, James completes this thought, and describes life as a vapor. Life without God is a dangerous game…an endless ‘chasing after the wind.’ He concludes that we need to bring God into our planning, and let Him have ultimate control. ‘Come now, you who say, Today or tomorrow we will go to such and such a city, spend a year there, buy and sell, and make a profit;’ whereas you do not know what will happen tomorrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanishes away. Instead you ought to say, ‘If the Lord wills, we shall live and do this or that.’ (James 4:13-15)” Anderson wrote.

School Bus Stop Passing Enforcement Planned

By Corona PD

The Corona Police Department will be conducting a school bus stop passing enforcement operation the week of Feb. 27 to March 3. Officers will be at school bus stops targeting motorist who violate traffic laws while children are loading or unloading from school buses within the City limits.

The Corona Police Department would like to remind motorist when red lights flash on a school bus, drivers in both directions must stop, unless they are on a divided roadway or one that has multiple lanes in each direction of travel. If it is a divided highway, then there is no requirement to stop for the other direction, however, the drivers should proceed with caution. The dividing median can be painted or raised. Either double-solid- or double-broken-yellow lines still qualify as a median, so traffic on the opposite side can keep moving. If it is not a divided highway, drivers in both directions must come to a complete stop until the red lights and/ or swinging stop sign is no longer present.

A national study reveals that pedestrians and drivers do not obey laws and signals consistently and many often use cell phones, text and listen to music while walking or driving.

Funding for this program is provided by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

Murder Suspect Turns Himself In

By SBSD
On Sunday, February 19, 2017, at approximately 1:11 a.m., deputies from the Victorville Police Department responded to the report of shots heard and a man down in the 13800 block of Victoria Drive. Upon arrival, deputies located an adult male, in the street in front of the residence, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound. The victim was pronounced deceased at the scene.

Investigators from the Sheriff’s Specialized Investigations Division, Homicide Detail, responded to the location and are conducting the investigation.

On Monday, February 20, the victim has been identified as Roman Robert Clemente of Apple Valley.
Through investigation, Homicide Investigators identified Austin Lembcke as a suspect in the murder of Roman Clemente. An arrest warrant for murder has been issued for Lembcke.
Homicide Investigators are releasing a photo of Austin Lembcke and asking the public for assistance in locating him. Anyone with information regarding the whereabouts of Austin Lembcke is asked to call Sheriff’s Dispatch at (760) 956-5001; or Detective Brian Chambers or Sergeant Jason Radeleff, Homicide Detail (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com.

On Tuesday, February 21st, at approximately 4:00 p.m., Austin Lembcke turned himself in to Homicide Investigators at Sheriff’s Headquarters. Lembcke was arrested and booked into the Central Detention Center for Murder. He is currently being held without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on February 23rd in Victorville.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Detective Brian Chambers or Sergeant Jason Radeleff, Homicide Detail (909) 387-3589. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com

Public Invited to Workshops on Mt. SAC Master Plan

By Mt. SAC 

WALNUT- Mt. San Antonio College will kicked-off a collaborative community effort to develop a new Educational and Facilities Master Plan by encouraging the public to attend one of eight community workshops throughout Mt. SAC’s District, beginning Feb. 23.

Hosted by members of Mt. SAC’s Board of Trustees, the public workshops are the community’s opportunity to provide input on the college’s Educational and Facilities Master plan.

Mt. SAC’s master plan determines how to best serve the college’s students and community for the next decade and beyond. Mt. SAC previously had separate facility and educational plans. This effort is an integrated process that will combine the two. The Educational Master Plan will inform the Facilities Master Plan, and both will be provided in one comprehensive document.

The public workshops will be held on these dates at the following locations:

  • Thursday, Feb 23, 6:30-8 p.m., Ganesha Park Community Center, 1575 N. White Ave., Pomona.
  • Tuesday, Feb. 28, 6:30-8 p.m., West Covina Senior Center, 2501 E. Cortez Str., West Covina.
  • Wednesday, Mar. 1, 6:30-8 p.m., Esther Snyder Community Center, 4100 Baldwin Park Blvd., Baldwin Park.
  • Thursday, Mar. 2, 6:30-8 p.m., Mt. SAC Founders Hall, 1100 N. Grand Ave., Walnut.
  • Thursday, Mar. 9, 6:30-8 p.m., Cougar Park, 150 W. Puente Street, Covina.
  • Monday, Mar. 13, 6:30-8 p.m., Hacienda Heights Community Center, 1234 Valencia Blvd., Hacienda Heights.
  • Tuesday, Mar. 14, 6:30-8 p.m., La Verne Community Center, 3680 D Street, La Verne.
  • Wednesday, Mar. 15, 6:30-8 p.m., Rowland Heights Community Center, 18150 East Pathfinder Road, Rowland Heights.

 

For more information, please visit the website at www.mtsac.edu/efmp.

 

Golf with Your Local Sheriffs in Chino Hills

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club 

CHINO HILLS – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of the Sheriff Department’s 150 volunteers next month. If you would like to contribute and/or cannot attend and would like to donate, the Booster Club is looking for 150 minimum promotional product donations to help in honoring the volunteers.
The registration will be at 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and followed by a Shotgun Start of 11:15a.m. on  April 3 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as follows:
Platinum sponsor – $3,000- Includes 16 players/four teams, recognition during the awards luncheon, repeated advertising of your company in Our Weekly newspaper and during the tournament, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Gold sponsor – $2,000- Includes 8 players/two teams, recognition in Our Weekly newspaper, recognition during the awards luncheon, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Silver sponsor – $1,000-Includes one team of four players and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Other sponsorship opportunities include– Soft drink/Beer Cart Sponsors for $1,000, Hole-In-One sponsor for $500, Goodie Bag Sponsor for $500, Closest-to-the-Pin Sponsor for $400, and Tee Sign Sponsorship for $100.
Captain Al Reyes encourages community members to join this fun and meaningful tournament to continue to help provide the needed uniforms and equipment to the people who volunteer their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

For information and reservations, contact Sgt. Mark Saldecke, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera, booster club member at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

You may visit http://www.planmygolfevent.com/30119-WalnutSheriffGolf/ for more information.

Fontana Man Convicted Of Murder After Strangling His Estranged Wife To Death

By SBCDAO

SAN BERNARDINO – A Fontana man was convicted Friday of murder after strangling his estranged wife to death and then dumping her body in Chino in 2013.  After a day of deliberations, the jury found 44-year-old Victor Lopez guilty of first degree murder in the killing of Lorna Lopez and found true the allegation that he had used a deadly weapon, a cord.

According to Supervising Deputy District Attorney Norma Alejo, who prosecuted the case, the 40-year-old victim had recently told her husband she was planning to seek a divorce.

On March 12, 2013, Victor Lopez and Lorna Lopez were reported missing by relatives.  The investigation into the missing couple led officers to 41-year-old Joseph Rodriguez, the defendant’s nephew. A search warrant was served on the home of Rodriguez in Huntington Park where officers found evidence linked to the disappearance of Lorna Lopez, a bag of bloody clothes.  The Fontana Police Department decided to put out a media release advising that Victor Lopez and Lorna Lopez were being sought as missing persons.

After seeing himself on television, Victor Lopez contacted his family and advised that he was not missing but had just left for a few days. He claimed to be unaware that his wife was missing.

The Fontana Police Department questioned the defendant and confronted him with the bloody clothes that were discovered. Victor Lopez eventually admitted that there had been an argument between him and Lorna Lopez.  He also told investigators where his wife’s body could be found.

Victor Lopez took the stand at trial and claimed he had killed his wife under heat of passion after having discovering his wife was seeing someone else. On March 8, 2013 Victor Lopez discovered that the victim was dating someone. The victim told him that she would be filing the divorce paperwork on March 13.  At trial, the evidence demonstrated that even though the victim and defendant lived under the same roof they had been living separate lives.

“On March 12, the defendant strangled his wife to death following an argument and took her body to a site in Chino where he dumped it,” said Alejo.

Joseph Rodriguez was charged with Accessory After the Fact and pleaded guilty as charged in June 2013. Victor Lopez faces 26 years to life in state prison.  He will be sentenced April 7, 2017 at the Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court.

 

 

City of Chino Hills- Annual Tow Service Selection

By CHPD

The Chino Hills Police Department is beginning its annual selection process for the 2017-2018 rotation tow list. The station will be accepting applications during its open enrollment period of March 1 through March 31, 2017. No late applications will be accepted. If your application is accepted, a vehicle and facility inspection will be conducted during the month of May. If your company is selected as a rotation tow, the agreement will begin July 1, 2017.
Applications are available online at the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s website under “General Info”. The application can be found towards the end of the Tow Service Agreement (TSA). Please refer to the TSA to answer any questions regarding the agreement.

For any additional questions, please contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Deputies arrest a man for stalking, terrorist threats, and check fraud in Loma Linda

By SBSD 

On February 3, 2017, Deputy B. Ortiz responded to a stalking investigation. The suspect in the case was identified as 35-year-old Timothy Bulson. Bulson is on Felony Probation status after receiving a domestic violence conviction. Information gathered during the course of the investigation was that Bulson followed the victim, harrassed the victim and made threats towards the victim.

On February 7, 2017, Deputies were conducting a follow-up investigation with the victim when they were notified Bulson was hiding in an area near the victim’s residence. The victim was intimidated by Bulson and was unable to leave her own residence. Bulson fled on foot when deputies attempted to contact him. He was later located and taken into custody without any further incident.

A probation search was conducted on Bulson and his vehicle. Bulson is transient and sleeps in his vehicle at various locations in the City of Loma Linda. The search led to the recovery of an imitation gun in a holster, a knife, binoculars, a stolen check and a stolen cell phone. Bulson also had an active arrest warrant for domestic violence charges.

Bulson was booked into the Central Detention Center for Terrorist Threats, Stalking and Check Fraud. The San Bernardino Probation Department was notified and placed a probation hold on Bulson for violating the terms and conditions of his probation.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Central Station at (909)387-3545. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the website at http://www.wetip.com

A Fun/Walk Run in DB

Promoting a Healthy Outing for Kids and Adults

By DB Community Foundation

Diamond Bar- The Diamond Bar Community Foundation is hosting its second annual 1K Run 5K Run/Walk on Sunday, March 5, 2017 at the South Coast AQMD, located at 21865 Copley Dr. in Diamond Bar. Funds raised from this event will be used to help alleviate the shortage of youth sports fields in the area.

The 1k Run will begin at 8 AM and the 5K Run/Walk will begin at 8:30 AM. There will be a Business/Fitness Expo, face painting and balloon artistry for the kids plus a DJ. There will also be a special guest, Yolanda Holder, Guinness World Record Holder for the “Most Marathons Completed in One Year’. Entrance fees for kids 12 and under are $20 early bird (+$10 Onsite) and $30 early bird for ages 13 and older (+$10 Onsite). Registration is at www.thedbcf.org. For questions call Krystal, 951 212-5644 or email to info@thedbcf.org.

 

Giving From The Heart

 

ByWVUSD dsc_0006

DIAMOND BAR- Beanies, Food & Friends (BFF) is an initiative started by Castle Rock Elementary second grade teachers Jill Wilson-Fairbanks and Rosemarie Alvarez, who thought it would be nice to make beanies for women going through chemotherapy.

For the past several weeks, the new group has been gathering in Wilson-Fairbanks’ classroom each Monday afternoons to laugh, loom, share techniques, and enjoy snacks. Both teachers said their personal experience with cancer sparked a desire to help others. “It just comes from my heart!” Wilson-Fairbanks said. “I have always wanted to find a way to give back and I feel like I was called to do this!”

During the holidays, Wilson-Fairbanks wanted to make some beanies for her mother who is currently undergoing treatment. When she couldn’t find any knit caps that were “soft” enough, she found a YouTube video and taught herself to use a loom. Then she decided to expand the giving by making beanies for other patients at the hospital.

Wilson-Fairbanks said her second-grade team wanted to help the moment they learned of her endeavor. The “BFF” group officially launched after Alvarez suggested they invite all staff members on the Diamond Bar campus. Wilson-Fairbanks has happily taught each volunteer to how make the colorful knit hats.

The BFFs also take turns bringing snacks and teaching each other new yarn skills – like adding cute pompom toppers. “It is amazing to have so many people around me with such big hearts.  I feel a special bond with these ladies!” she said. To date, the compassionate and crafty girls have completed over 35 beanies that were donated to the University of California Irvine infusion center on February 15.