Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Deputies Arrest Four Suspects for Multiple Residential Burglaries in Chino Hills

By Chino Hills Sheriff
On January 10, 2017, deputies from the Chino Hills Station responded to a residential burglary in progress located in the 2400 block of White Dove Lane in Chino Hills. Deputies observed three black males running from the scene. After a short foot pursuit, all three suspects were apprehended and identified as, Armani Young, Daquione Hardy and Max Macias. Deputies also observed the suspect vehicle, being driven by a black male, fleeing from the scene. Deputies conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle in the same area and contacted the driver, later identified as Shawn Hernandez. During the investigation, evidence and stolen property, including a stolen firearm, were located in the vehicle connecting them to three separate residential burglaries in Chino Hills. All four suspects were arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center for multiple felony charges.
Suspect(s): Shawn Hernandez, 24 Years old, Resident of Los Angeles
Armani Young, 18 Years old, Resident of Los Angeles
Daquione Hardy, 22 Years Old, Resident of Los Angeles
Max Macias, 21 Years Old, Resident of Fontana
Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy J. Brenes, Deputy J. Vega, or Detective Q. Holiday at (909) 364-2000. 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.

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station
14077 Peyton Drive, Chino Hills, Ca. 91709

 

SBCSD Aviation and SB County Fire Perform a High-Risk Hoist Rescue

8194202371_d542761185_bBy SBSD
On January 16th, the victim, and her brother were hiking down the Devil’s Backbone Trail near the Mount Baldy Summit at the 9200’ level. While hiking down, she lost her footing and slid down the snow covered ridge approximately 50 feet. The victim managed to use her ice ax to prevent her from falling further down the steep rocky ridge. The victim’s brother immediately called 911 and requested assistance.

Sheriff’s patrol helicopter 40King4 (Pilot Deputy Jon Roberg and Tactical Flight Officer Deputy Carlos Quezada) was dispatched to the location to attempt to locate the victim. Due to the circumstances and elevation, the crew of 40King4 requested the assistance of Air Rescue 307, which was staffed with Sheriff and Fire personnel, to also respond and conduct a hoist rescue. The victim’s brother provided vital information including their GPS location and clothing descriptions. The crew of 40King4 located the victim and her brother and relayed that information to Air Rescue 307. The victim was located on a steep snow packed ridge.

Sheriff’s Air Rescue 307 responded to that location and began assessing the situation. It was determined the victim was in a high-risk area, which would require a technical pick off hoist rescue. Pilot Corporal Mike Gilley hovered over the victim while battling high winds with gusts up to 45 mph. Crew Chief Deputy Ed Leon lowered Fire Captain Eric Spies down on the hoist to the victim 130 feet. Spies contacted the victim while remaining on the hook, and immediately disconnected her backpack, which fell hundreds of feet down the rocky slope. Spies placed the victim into a “Hasty Rescue Harness” and secured the victim to himself on the hook. Deputy Leon hoisted both Spies and the victim together up to and inside the aircraft. The victim was then flown to Cow Canyon Saddle and released to awaiting medical personnel.

Two Armed Suspects Captured In Shooting Incident With CHP

By SBSD

San Bernardino- On Saturday, January 7th, at approximately 7:00 a.m., the two suspects involved in the shooting incident with the California Highway Patrol surrendered and taken into custody without incident. The suspects were found to be hiding in an abandoned vehicle on a ranch on Cima Road West of the I15 Freeway. The suspects identified as Sean Winter and Samantha Ross-Blume.
On Friday, January 6th, at approximately 11:19 p.m., the Barstow Sheriff’s Station received a call for assistance from the California Highway Patrol regarding the suspects wanted in connection with the shooting incident earlier in the day at I15 near Halloran Summit Road. Deputies responded to a ranch on Cima Road, West of I15 where the suspects were believed to be hiding in an abandoned building. Deputies in addition to officers from the California Highway Patrol responded to the area and established a perimeter. Due to the danger perceived by responding officer’s because of the earlier shooting by a suspect with an AK47, the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Specialized Enforcement Division, along with two armored rescue vehicles/bearcats responded to the location, to search the property. As deputies in the armored rescue vehicle approached what appeared to be an unoccupied vehicle, two subjects were observed sleeping in the vehicle. PA announcements were given from the armored rescue vehicle/bearcat, waking up the occupants. Deputies observed the male suspect reaching for an object inside the vehicle, then look up at the armored rescue vehicle and put the object down. The male suspect then exited the vehicle and surrendered peacefully.
Suspects, Sean Winter and Samantha Ross-Blume, were taken into custody without further incident. The suspects were turned over to officers of the California Highway Patrol. A subsequent search of the vehicle resulted in 6 firearms being located. The use of the armored rescue vehicle/bearcat proved to attribute to the surrender of the suspect who, earlier in the day was involved in the shooting against two California Highway Patrolmen.

Brother of San Bernardino Shooter Pleads Guilty In Immigration Fraud Case

ojkyim-perfarook0111braax

By United States Attorney’s Office 

RIVERSIDE-Syed Raheel Farook, the brother of deceased San Bernardino attacker Syed Rizwan Farook, pleaded guilty today in federal court in an immigration fraud case stemming from the investigation of the December 2, 2015 attack in San Bernardino in which 14 people died and 22 were wounded.

Syed Raheel Farook, 31, of Corona, California, pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit immigration fraud before United States District Judge Jesus Bernal.

As a result of today’s guilty plea, Syed Raheel Farook faces a statutory maximum sentence of five years in federal prison, a fine of up to $250,000 and up to three years of supervised release. Judge Bernal is scheduled to sentence the defendant on November 13.

Syed Raheel Farook; his wife, Tatiana Farook; and his sister-in-law, Mariyah Chernykh, were charged in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury in April 2016. All three were charged with conspiracy to knowingly make under oath a false statement with respect to a material fact in an application, affidavit, and other document required by the immigration laws and regulations of the United States, and to commit perjury.

The indictment alleges that, beginning in late 2014 and continuing through February 2016, the three defendants conspired with Enrique Marquez Jr. to obtain immigration benefits for Chernykh by arranging and carrying out a fraudulent marriage between Chernykh, a Russian citizen, and Marquez, a United States citizen. The conspirators allegedly made false statements in immigration documents submitted on Chernykh’s behalf.

In addition to the conspiracy count, Chernykh is charged in the indictment with two counts of making false statements under oath in immigration documents and one count of making false statements to federal agents about the scheme. A trial for Tatiana Farook and Chernykh is currently scheduled for March 28.

Marquez was charged in a separate federal indictment with participating in the marriage fraud scheme, as well as plotting with San Bernardino attacker Syed Rizwan Farook in 2011 and 2012 to carry out attacks in the Inland Empire. Marquez is also charged with supplying two firearms that Syed Rizwan Farook and his wife, Tashfin Malik, later used in the San Bernardino attack and during the shootout with law enforcement that ended in the couple’s death. Marquez is scheduled to go on trial before Judge Bernal on September 26.

“Today’s guilty plea is the result of the thorough investigation into the brutal attack in San Bernardino that took the lives of 14 innocent Americans and tragically affected many more shooting victims and family members,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Law enforcement and prosecutors in my office continue to seek justice for the victims and the entire community of San Bernardino by uncovering and prosecuting all of the criminal activity related to the terrible events of December 2. As I have said many times, we are committed to leaving no stone unturned in this investigation.”

“The false statements Mr. Farook admittedly made allowed others to cut the line to attain citizenship ahead of legitimate applicants,” said Deirdre Fike, the Assistant Director in Charge of the FBI’s Los Angeles Field Office. “This guilty plea should serve as a message for anyone contemplating similar activity that flouting the immigration laws of the United States has serious consequences.”

“Let there be no doubt, immigration benefit fraud is a serious crime,” said Joseph Macias, special agent in charge for HSI Los Angeles. “When people use false or misleading information in order to obtain an immigration benefit for themselves or others, it creates a security vulnerability that could be exploited by criminals and other individuals who pose a serious danger to our community. As this case makes clear, HSI will aggressively target those who conspire to corrupt the integrity of America’s legal immigration system, putting our nation’s security at risk in the process.” The investigation in this case was conducted by the Joint Terrorism Task Force in Riverside, which includes the Federal Bureau of Investigation; U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives; the San Bernardino Police Department; the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department; and the United States Attorney’s Office.

These cases are being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Jay H. Robinson, Melanie Sartoris and Deirdre Z. Eliot of the Terrorism and Export Crimes Section with substantial assistance from Trial Attorney C. Alexandria Bogle of the Justice Department’s Counterterrorism Section.

91 Project near Completion

By City of Eastvale

The 91 Project is now 91 percent complete! Work is continuing full speed ahead, with major milestones expected to be reached in early 2017.

The new westbound Maple Street off-ramp is nearing completion, and the Maple Street bridge is projected to return to two-way travel later this month.

The eastbound Serfas Club on-ramp, which has been closed since September 2015, is expected to reopen in February.

These dates are subject to change, based on weather and other factors.  Last month, crews completed the removal of the support structures of the Lincoln Avenue bridge. Work is continuing to widen the bridge over the 91.

Nighttime closures of eastbound 91 at Interstate 15 will continue through January for ongoing construction of the Express Connector from eastbound 91 to southbound 15 and from northbound 15 to westbound 91. Crews will be removing support structures on this flyover structure, which measures 3,700 feet long and 70 feet tall.

Also early this year, crews will coordinate restriping of travel lanes on the 91 and on city streets. Additional work will continue along Frontage Road, Wardlow Road and Pomona Road. Please watch for intermittent closures and detour signs.

 

Residential Burglary in Eastvale

By City of Eastvale

On Monday, January 9, 2017, at approximately 9:15 AM, deputies from the Eastvale Police Department responded to a call for service at the residence of Joshua Celaya (age 26 of Eastvale), located in the 7000 Block of Tennessee River Court, Eastvale. During the call for service, deputies located what they believed to be stolen property. Further investigation led deputies to the discovery of residences in the 7000 block of Osage Court and the 7000 block of Tennessee River Court which had been recently burglarized.

Joshua Celaya was arrested and booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for two residential burglaries and possession of stolen property. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to call Deputy S. Hernandez at the Jurupa Valley Station by calling (951) 955-2600.

The Eastvale Police Department will be vigilant in arresting violators of the law. The Eastvale Police Department would like to remind all citizens to be aware of their surroundings at all times and report any suspicious activity, including any vehicles or persons by calling 911 for emergencies, or calling our dispatch center non-emergency line at (951) 247-8700.

Persons who wish to report criminal activity and wish to remain anonymous can call crime stoppers at 800-78-CRIME (800-782-7463) or 800-47-DRUGS (800-473-7847). You can also leave anonymous information at www.riversidesheriff.org/tipline or www.wetip.com.

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

 

Chino Hills – Fatal Traffic Collision

By City of Chino Hills

On Saturday, January 7, 2017, at about 2:07, Contreras was driving west on Chino Hills Parkway with two passengers inside his 1997 Chevrolet Tahoe. Once through the intersection of Ramona Avenue, the Tahoe crossed the double yellow line and continued west onto a raised concrete center median. The Tahoe continued west on the median for about 230 feet with no physical evidence of breaking. The front of the Tahoe collided into a traffic signal pole at the intersection of SR 71 northbound on-ramp. The impact resulted in the death of the front passenger, and non-life threatening injuries to the rear passenger and Contreras who were transported to local hospitals.

Anyone who may have witnessed or has additional information regarding this collision is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or the website at www.wetip.com

Chino Hills Man Attempted Murder of U.S. Diplomat in Mexico

BY USAO

Chino Hills – Zia Zafar, 31, of Chino Hills, California, made his initial appearance on January 10, after being charged with the attempted murder of a diplomat stationed at the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara, Mexico.

According to the criminal complaint, on January 6, Zafar disguised himself and followed a Vice Consul of the U.S. Consulate in Guadalajara through a parking garage to his vehicle. After the Vice Consul got into his car and drove towards the garage exit, Zafar allegedly shot him once in the chest and fled. The Vice Consul was taken to a local hospital, where he currently remains. Zafar was subsequently detained by Mexican authorities.

Zafar was deported from Mexico on January 9, arriving in the United States. He was immediately arrested and charged with attempted murder of an internationally protected person. Zafar faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison if convicted. The maximum statutory sentence is prescribed by Congress and is provided here for informational purposes, as the sentencing of the defendant will be determined by the court based on the advisory Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

The Department of Justice gratefully acknowledges the government of Mexico, to include the Secretaría de Relaciones Exteriores, Procuraduria General de la Republica, Fiscalia del Estado de Jalisco and Instituto Nacional de Migracion for their extraordinary efforts, support and professionalism in responding to this incident.

Dana J. Boente, U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia; Leslie R. Caldwell, Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department’s Criminal Division; George L. Piro, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Miami Field Office; and Bill A. Miller, Director of the U.S. Department of State’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS), made the announcement after Zafar’s initial appearance before U.S. Magistrate Judge John F. Anderson. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney William M. Sloan, and Trial Attorney Jamie Perry of the Criminal Division’s Human Rights and Special Prosecutions Section.

The FBI and DSS are investigating the case in close cooperation with Mexican authorities and with assistance from the Justice Department’s Office of International Affairs, DEA and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement’s Homeland Security Investigations.

A criminal complaint contains allegations that a defendant has committed a crime. Every defendant is presumed to be innocent until and unless proven guilty in court.

 

Fundraising Opportunity for Nonprofits

By City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR–The City of Diamond Bar’s popular Winter Snow Fest event will again provide local nonprofits a fun way to raise awareness of, and cash for, their causes.

Nonprofits have until Monday, December 12 to apply to work the event as a food vendor, game booth operator or craft area monitor. In exchange for their participation, nonprofits that staff the entertainment areas will receive a portion of proceeds from the wristband and game/craft cards sales; food vendors keep all their profits.

Winter Snow Fest event takes place on Saturday, January 21, 2017 from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. at Pantera Park. For additional details and a copy of the application, visit www.DiamondBarCa.gov/wsf or call 909.839.7067.

Bank Robbery at Chino Bank

City of Chino PD chino-citizens-business-bank

On December 30, 2016 at 4:00 p.m., Chino Police Officers responded to a panic alarm at the Citizens’ Business Bank located at 12808 Central Avenue.  Responding officers confirmed an armed robbery had taken place and were able to obtain a description of the suspect and his vehicle from bank employees and patrons.

Chino Officers located the suspect vehicle on the eastbound 60 freeway and conducted a high risk traffic stop.  The suspect was taken into custody without incident. Evidence from the robbery was recovered from the vehicle.

The eastbound 60 freeway was closed for approximately twenty minutes during the traffic stop.

The robbery investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is asked to call the Chino Police Department at (909) 628-1234.

 

A Tax in California Has Actually Been Lowered?

By City of Eastvale

A Project of Taxpayer Advocate Diane L. Harkey

Did you resolve to pay lower taxes in 2017? Effective Jan. 1, 2017, the sales and use tax rate dropped in California one-quarter of 1 percent, from 7.50 percent to 7.25 percent. The lower tax rate is good news for consumers and the result of the partial expiration of Proposition 30, a 2012 initiative that sought higher income and sales taxes.

Shoppers in some cities may pay more than 7.25 percent because of local sales taxes higher than the state rate. To find your rate, visit this page.

You can look up sales and use tax rates by city here.

If you bought something before Jan. 1 and need to return it, the store must provide you with a refund for the old tax rate. And if you bought something before Jan. 1 that wasn’t delivered until after the New Year, the old tax rate remains applicable. Retailers should adjust their operations to charge the current 7.25 percent sales tax starting January 1, 2017,  unless a higher sales tax is present in their area.

A retailer who continues to charge and collect the higher statewide sales and use tax after January 1, 2017, must either refund the excess tax collected to their customer or pay the excess tax to the Board of Equalization (BOE). If the excess tax collected has been paid to the BOE, the retailer may request a refund on behalf of their customer by completing form BOE-101, Claim for Refund or Credit.

For merchandise delivered after January 1, 2017, the applicable sales and use tax rate is the rate that is in effect at the time the sale occurs. Generally, the sale occurs when the merchandise is delivered to the customer, unless the sales contract specifically states that title to the merchandise passes to the customer prior to delivery.

With returned merchandise, the customer should be refunded the amount of tax at the rate that was charged and collected from the customer at the time of the original sale.

If you have other ideas on how we can lower taxes or make business easier in California, please email me directly at diane.harkey@boe.ca.gov. As your taxpayer advocate it is my number one priority to serve you and make California a golden state!

 

Identity Theft Ring Bust in Chino

By City of Chino PD

CHINO– On December 29, 2016, Chino Police Officers responded to a motel located on the 12000 block of Central Avenue for a report of suspicious subjects, possibly renting a room using a fictitious name.

Officers confirmed the name and credit card used was fictitious and proceeded to attempt to make contact with the subjects.  The subjects were no longer in the room.  Through a swift investigation using witness interviews, the officers were able to locate the two suspects at a motel in Pomona, Ca.  The two suspects had multiple outstanding warrants for their arrest.

Subsequently, search warrants were served to both motels in Chino and Pomona. Officers located over 40 counterfeit driver’s licenses and over 100 counterfeit credit cards along with several computers and printers used to print counterfeit driver’s licenses and credit cards.

Suspect 1: Chad Jensen, 32 years old (DOB 4-16-84) residing in the Orange County area.

Suspect 2: Ashley Villarreal, 27 years old (DOB 9-25-89) residing in the Orange County area

Both suspects are charged with possession of ten or more persons’ identity with the intent to commit identity theft, and possession of an embossing machine with the intent to commit identity theft, along with other identity theft related charges.

The initial investigation has identified fifty separate identity theft victims. Investigators expect to identify more victims as the investigation continues. This identity theft operation was complex and included the use of sophisticated technology.

“Being the victim of identity theft is very frustrating and time consuming. The Chino Police Department is committed to seeking out these types of criminals, shutting down their operation, and making sure they are prosecuted.” – Lieutenant Kevin Mensen

Anyone with information or any potential victims may call Chino Police Investigations at 909.334.3093

 

DMV Reminds Motorists of New 2017 Laws

Courtesy City of Eastvaleimg_1240

With the New Year just around the corner, the California Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) wants to inform the public of several new laws or changes to existing law that, unless otherwise noted, take effect on January 1, 2017. The following are summaries of some transportation-related laws taking effect.

Use of Electronic Wireless Devices (AB 1785, Quirk): Driving a motor vehicle while holding and operating a handheld wireless telephone or a wireless electronic communications device will be prohibited, unless the device is mounted on a vehicle’s windshield or is mounted/affixed to a vehicle’s dashboard or center console in a manner that does not hinder the driver’s view of the road. The driver’s hand may only be used to activate or deactivate a feature or function on the device with the motion of a single swipe or tap of the driver’s finger, but not while holding it. The law does not apply to manufacturer-installed systems that are embedded in a vehicle.

Child Safety Seats (AB 53, Garcia): This law requires a parent, legal guardian, or the driver of a motor vehicle to properly secure a child who is younger than 2 years of age in an appropriate rear-facing child passenger restraint system, unless the child weighs 40 or more pounds or is 40 or more inches in height (3 feet, 3 inches).

Motorcycle Lane Splitting (AB 51, Quirk): This law defines “lane splitting” as driving a two-wheeled motorcycle between rows of stopped or moving vehicles in the same lane. The law authorizes the California Highway Patrol (CHP) to develop educational guidelines relating to lane splitting in a manner that would ensure the safety of motorcyclists, drivers, and passengers. In developing these guidelines, the law requires the CHP to consult with specified agencies and organizations that have an interest in road safety and motorcyclist behavior.

Vehicle Registration Fee (SB 838, Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review): This law increases the vehicle registration fee on every vehicle or trailer coach from $43 to $53 beginning April 1, 2017.

Environmental License Plate (SB 839, Committee on Budget and Fiscal Review): This law increases the fee for the issuance of Environmental License Plates from $48 to $53, starting July 1, 2017. This law also increases the fee for the renewal, retention, transfer, or duplication of Environmental License Plates (personalized) from $38 to $43, starting January 1, 2017.

Accident Reporting (SB 491, Committee on Transportation and Housing): This law increases the minimum financial threshold for property damage that is required to be reported to the DMV from $750 to $1,000 when a driver is involved in a motor vehicle collision.

Vehicle Safety Recalls (AB 287, Gordon): This law enacts the Consumer Automotive Recall Safety (CARS) Act, and requires the DMV to include a general advisory regarding vehicle recalls and needed repairs on each vehicle registration renewal notice. This law prohibits a dealer or a rental car company from renting or loaning a vehicle with a manufacturer’s recall no later than 48 hours after receiving the notice—until the vehicle has been repaired. This law gives a limited exception for a licensed dealer or a rental car company with a fleet of 34 or fewer loaner or rental vehicles. The law authorizes the DMV to suspend or revoke a vehicle dealer’s license if they violate the CARS Act.

Year of Manufacture License Plates (SB 1429, Nielsen): This law expands the Year of Manufacture (YOM) license plate program to include vehicles and license plates manufactured through 1980. This law benefits owners of vintage motor vehicles who obtain license plates from the year corresponding to the vehicle’s model-year, and wish to use those vintage plates in lieu of regular license plates. Such plates are commonly found from different sources, including relatives, garage sales, estate sales, etc. The program will include the blue and yellow license plates issued for use on California motor vehicles from 1970 until 1980.

Background Checks of Drivers of Transportation Network Companies (AB 1289, Cooper): A transportation network company (TNC) will be required to perform a comprehensive background check of all their drivers. This law also specifies penalties for a TNC that violates or fails to comply with this requirement. A TNC will be prohibited from contracting with, employing, or retaining a driver if they are registered on the U.S. Department of Justice National Sex Offender public website, has been convicted of specified felonies, or within the previous seven years, has been convicted of a misdemeanor assault or battery, domestic violence, or driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Any TNC in violation of the specified requirements is subject to a penalty of not less than $1,000 or more than $5,000 for each offense.

Installing Counterfeit or Nonfunctional Air Bags (AB 2387, Mullin): This law prohibits knowingly and intentionally manufacturing, importing, installing, reinstalling, distributing, or selling any device intended to replace an air bag system in any motor vehicle if the device is a counterfeit or nonfunctional air bag system, or does not meet federal safety requirements. The law also prohibits selling, installing, or reinstalling any device that would cause a vehicle’s diagnostic system to fail to warn when the vehicle is equipped with a counterfeit, nonfunctional, or a case in which no air bag was installed. This violation is a misdemeanor punishable by a $5,000 fine and/or up to a one year in county jail.

 

Free Sandbags and Holiday Tree Collection

By City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar– During the rainy weather season, most County of Los Angeles fire stations double as free self-serve sandbag stations.

Diamond Bar residents whose home are prone to flooding when it rains may stop by local station 119 (20480 Pathfinder Road – 909.598.4290.) or 121 (346 Armitos Road – 909.396.0165) to pick up free sand and sandbags, while supplies last.

There are a maximum of 25 sandbags allowed per household, and residents should bring gloves and shovels to fill their own sandbags. For more information, call the City’s Public Works Department at 909.839.7040.

Holiday Tree Collection- Waste Management and Valley Vista Services will be collecting live trees collection from December 25 until January 6.

Trees must be free of the stand, ornaments, tinsel and lights be stripped of ornaments and stand, and placed at the curb or designated collection point on the regularly scheduled trash collection day.

For more information, contact Waste Management at 800.266.7551 or Valley Vista Services at 800.442.6454.

Love Skywriting Stamp Reveal At Chino Airport

By Tiana Goegebuerus-stamp

On January 7th, 2017, the United States Postal Service will debut their new postage stamp “Love Skywriting” at the Chino Airport. According to USPS.com, the stamp is not just meant for romantic correspondence, but for friends, family members, or anyone else you love. The new stamp’s description is: “The stamp art depicts the word “Love” written in white cursive script against a blue sky studded with wispy clouds. The edges of the letters are just beginning to blur into the surrounding sky. Underlining the word is a decorative swirl of smoke that emphasizes the message. A small, stylized plane, dwarfed by the giant letters, completes the end of the swirl, with smoke trailing from its tail.” The stamp was designed by Louise Fili, illustrated by Jessica Hische, and directed by Derry Noyes.

Open to the public, the reveal will take place at 10 a.m. at the Planes of Fame Museum, followed by a series of events and activities. According to the Chino Airport website, the events will feature the Curtiss P-40N Warhawk, which will be on display and perform a flight demonstration, a speaker panel of aviation experts and historians, followed by a question & answer period.

The stamp celebrates the history of skywriting as a form of art and expression, so the location of the reveal serves to showcase both aspects and provides an opportunity to see them in action.

 

Sheriff Station Commanders Promoted

Courtesy City of Eastvale

Sheriff Stan Sniff has appointed 2 new Chief Deputies on December 22, 2016, to fill existing vacancies created by recent retirements within the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department.

Captain Cheryl Evans was appointed to Chief Deputy and will oversee Corrections Operations, which consists of jail facilities in Blythe, Indio, Banning, Temecula and Riverside. She has served in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for 22 years.

Chief Deputy Cheryl Evans began her law enforcement career in 1991 with the Corona Police Department, where she volunteered as a Reserve Police Officer. After joining the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, she worked in the Corrections Division assigned to the Blythe Jail, and later, patrol at the Blythe Sheriff’s Station, now known as the Colorado River Station.

In 1997, Chief Deputy Evans transferred to the Moreno Valley Station, where she worked patrol, traffic, and the Problem Oriented Policing (POP) team. In 2003, she promoted to the rank of Corporal within the Moreno Valley Station. In 2004, Chief Evans was promoted to the rank of Investigator within the Moreno Valley Station and later transferred to the Special Investigations Bureau, assigned to the Central Homicide Unit.

Chief Deputy Evans was promoted to the rank of Sergeant in 2005,and transferred to the Perris Station. Her assignments while at the Perris Station included supervising patrol, traffic and the field training program.

In 2009, Chief Deputy Evans promoted to the rank of Lieutenant and returned to the Moreno Valley Station where she held assignments in patrol, administration, and the detective bureau. In 2012,she transferred to the Personnel Bureau.

In 2014, Chief Deputy Evans was promoted to the rank of Captain by Sheriff Stan Sniff and assigned to the Coordinated Custody Management Unit (CCMU). In 2015, she was assigned as the commander of the Robert Presley Detention Center (RPDC) and most recently, as the commander overseeing Court Services East.

Chief Deputy Evans possesses a Bachelor of Science degree in biology and a Master’s degree in public administration, both awarded from California State University, San Bernardino. She is also a graduate of the Sherman Block Leadership Institute(SLI).

Chief Evans lives in the city of Riverside with her husband and five-year-old son.

Captain Jason B. Horton was appointed to Chief Deputy and will oversee West Field Operations which consists of the Jurupa Valley, Moreno Valley and Perris Sheriff’s Stations, the Special Investigations Bureau (SIB), as well as the Sheriff’s Media Information Bureau (MIB). He has served in the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for 23 years.

Jason B. Horton joined the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in 1989 as a Reserve Deputy Sheriff assigned to the Sheriff’s Riverside Station, which is now replaced by the Jurupa Valley Station. In 1993, he was hired as a Deputy Sheriff and attended the 125th Basic Peace Officers’ Academy.

Upon academy graduation, he was assigned to the Southwest Detention Center. He later completed assignments at the Hemet, Perris and Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Stations. While in field operations, Horton was promoted to the ranks of Senior Deputy Sheriff and Corporal and held collateral assignments as a Field Training Officer (FTO), Special Enforcement Team (SET) member, and School Resource Officer (SRO).

In 2004, Chief Deputy Horton was promoted to Sergeant and worked in the Corrections Division, and later at the Ben Clark Training Center (BCTC) and Perris Station. While in Perris, he worked on the transition of the city of Menifee becoming a sheriff’s contract city.

In 2009, Chief Deputy Horton was promoted to Lieutenant. As a Lieutenant, he held assignments at the Larry D. Smith Correctional Facility (SCF), Jurupa Valley Station, and the Special Investigations Bureau (SIB). While in Jurupa Valley, Horton worked on the transition of the cities of Eastvale and Jurupa Valley becoming sheriff’s contract cities.

Chief Deputy Horton was promoted to Captain in 2013 by Sheriff Stan Sniff and served as the Coordinated Custody Management Unit (CCMU) Commander. In April 2014, he was transferred to the Jurupa Valley Station as the commander and as chief of police for the cities Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and Norco.

Chief Deputy Horton holds a Bachelor’s Degree from California State University San Bernardino in Criminal Justice and a Master’s Degree from the University of Redlands in Management. He is a graduate of Class 214 of the Sherman Block Supervisory Leadership course (SLI). He has served as an academy instructor for 16 years, teaching topics in law, supervision and defensive tactics.

Chief Deputy Horton is the fourth generational member of his family to serve in law enforcement, which started with his great-grandfather being a member of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police. He and his wife Jacqueline have four children and reside in Riverside.

4 Arrested after DUI Checkpoint

By City of Chinodui-police-checkpoint-sign

Chino Police Department Traffic Unit conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, December 16, 2016 between the hours of 8:00 p.m. and 3:00 a.m.

The deterrent effect of High Visibility Enforcement using both DUI checkpoints and DUI Saturation Patrols has proven to lower the number of persons killed and injured in alcohol or drug impaired crashes.  Research shows that crashes involving an impaired driver can be reduced by up to 20 percent when well-publicized proactive DUI operations are conducted routinely.

DUI Checkpoints like this one are placed in locations based on collision statistics and frequency of DUI arrests, affording the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Locations are chosen with safety considerations for the officers and the public.

In California, this deadly crime led to 1,155 deaths and over 24,000 serious injuries in 2014 because someone failed to designate a sober driver. Over the course of the past three years officers have investigated 60 DUI collisions which have claimed 0 lives, but resulted in 79 injuries.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), checkpoints have provided the most effective documented results of any of the DUI enforcement strategies, while also yielding considerable cost savings of $6 for every $1 spent.  Ninety Percent of California drivers approve of checkpoints.

The checkpoint resulted in the following:

  • 1,092 vehicles screened
  • 4 DUI suspects arrested
  • 14 drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked
  • 9 other citations issued
  • 7 vehicles impounded/stored

Studies of California drivers have shown that 30 percent of drivers in fatal crashes had one or more drugs in their systems.  A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, slightly more than alcohol. Everyone should be mindful that if you’re taking medication – whether prescription or over-the-counter – drinking even small amounts of alcohol can greatly intensify the impairment affects.

Drivers are encouraged to download the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app helps find nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver, from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more.  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and even a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

Drivers caught driving impaired can expect the impact of a DUI arrest to include jail time, fines, fees, DUI classes, license suspensions and other expenses that can exceed $10,000 not to mention the embarrassment when friends and family find out.

Funding for this checkpoint is provided to Chino Police Department by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, reminding everyone to ‘Report Drunk Driver – Call 9-1-1’.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim 

Walnut – The Walnut Council meeting of December 14 began with several presentations. The first was a presentation for Andy Jin, a Walnut High School student being recognized not only by the city of Walnut, but also the Los Angeles County. Jin began charity work in his freshman year, selling his photographs and donating the profits to those in need, such as the homeless population. As Jin grew and matured, so did his charity work. Jin began to also focus on other important issues, such as conservation. In thanks for his recognition before the Council, Jin presented the Council with a Christmas wreath made purely out of recycled materials.

Pastor Anna Crews Camphouse of the Walnut United Methodist Church was also recognized by the Council. The pastor dedicated her life to service; not purely in the church, but to the rest of the City as well. The Council bade her farewell and wished her good luck on her return to her home state of Alabama. Camphouse praised the City for being a success of diversity and respect for all people.

Finally, the Walnut High School Freshman/Sophomore Volleyball Team was recognized by the Council. The team were League Champions this year, and the Council praised the team for their hard work, dedication, and showcasing the well roundedness of students at Walnut High School.

Following the oral communications, the Council approved the minutes for the October 19 Joint City Council/Planning Commission Workshop; the October 26 City Council meeting; the November 9 City Council meeting; and the November 9 City Council SPecial meeting.

Next, the Council opened a public hearing concerning an urgency ordinance adopting the 2017 Los Angeles County Building, Residential, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Electrical Codes with local amendments and the 2016 California Green Building and existing building codes with local amendments. After hearing the staff report and closing the public hearing, the Council adopted the urgency ordinance. The Council also approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing the City of Walnut claims and demands in the amount of $1,433,181.17; a request by Valley Vista Services for a rate adjustment for CPI increase and adoption of organic material recycling rates; a resolution authorizing destruction of records pursuant to resolution No. 01-18; a resolution amending the seasonal part-time salary schedule; a resolution supporting the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority Complete Streets policy; the donation of $500 from the Los Angeles County First District Supervisor Solis’ Board of Supervisors Revolving Fund and appropriate the $500 towards the purchase of lunches for seniors at the Walnut Senior Center; award of a bid for the Lemon Creek Park Playground Renovation Project; and the final acceptance of a tract map.

Following individual reports and comments, the Council adjourned to January 11, at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Diamond Bar’s City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim 

Diamond Bar – The December 6 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with the closing with the exciting reorganization of the City Council. Mayor Nancy Lyons formally handed down the gavel to mayor pro tem Jimmy Lin. Council member Ruth Low was then nominated and appointed the mayor pro tem. The Council then gave a presentation honoring outgoing mayor Lyons, thanking her for her hard work and the dedication she has given to the City as mayor. Following a brief reception and the public comments, the Council announced the schedule of future events, which is as follows: the Holiday Diamond Ride will shuttle Diamond Bar residents 18 years or older to or from Diamond Bar Shopping centers for free from November 25 to January 1, 2017; a Traffic and Transportation meeting on December 8 has been cancelled; a Planning Commission meeting on December 13 has been cancelled; and the next City Council meeting on December 20.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including the minutes from the City Council meeting of November 15; the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from the meeting of October 27; the Traffic and Transportation Commission minutes from the meetings of July 14 and SEptember 8; the Planning Commission minutes from the meeting of October 11; the ratification of a check register totalling $2,597,356.20; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of October, 2016; approval of adjourning the December 20 City Council meeting to January 17, 2017; a resolution amending the 2016-17 Fiscal Year Budget in the Public Works Department, eliminating the Park Maintenance Inspector classification, and establishing the facilities and assets maintenance technician and maintenance worker job classifications and salary grades effective December 10; appropriation of $8,507 from the General Fund Reserves and approval of amendment no. 8 to the contract with Brightview Landscape Services Inc. for landscape maintenance services at Diamond Canyon Park for the December 3, 2016 through June 30, 2017 period in an amount of $20,377; and an authorization for an approval of expenditures up to $60,000 payable t Alliant Insurance SErvices for the purchase of tenant user liability insurance and special event insurance for fiscal year 2016-17.

Following individual reports and comments, the Council adjourned to January 17, 2017.

City of Eastvale Awarded $250,000 for HSIP Grant

By City of Eastvale

Eastvale- The City of Eastvale was awarded $250,000 for the highly competitive Highway Safety Improvement Program (HSIP) funded by Caltrans. The city plans to install crosswalk enhancements by retrofitting existing traditional pedestrian crossings at signalized intersections with Countdown Pedestrian Signals at 46 locations and audible APS Controller Units at 22 locations.

Studies have shown that the countdown signals, both visual and audio, are less confusing for pedestrians. They are less likely to begin crossing the intersections if they know that they will not have enough time to completely cross, based on the information provided on the signal. In addition, the timing greatly reduces the likelihood of pedestrians being caught in the middle of the crossing when the vehicle signals change. The City’s goal for this project is to greatly improve safety, encourage walking and avoid pedestrian/vehicle collisions.

The City of Eastvale was recently recognized as the #1 Best Places to Live in the State of California and #17 Best Places to Live in America, as awarded by Money Magazine, 2016.