Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Legislation Approved For State Cyber Security

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Establishes Strong Foundation for Securing the Most Sensitive Information Systems

 By Chris Wangsaporn

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) announced that her legislation to put California’s troubled cyber security system back on track was approved by the Assembly Privacy & Consumer Protection Committee. On the heels of a troubling audit of the state’s cyber security program, AB 1881 will ensure the state’s Chief Information Officer (CIO) establishes minimum security controls for state departments and agencies. California is vulnerable to thousands of hacking attempts per month but has a porous information security operation.

“Without proper security controls in place, it’s akin to leaving your front door unlocked at night,” said Assemblywoman Chang. “It doesn’t matter if we have state-of-the-art technology or firewalls in place if you lack proper policies to keep data secure.”

AB 1881 will require the State Chief Information Officer (CIO) to develop baseline security controls (minimum security requirements) for all state agencies and departments.  The CIO would further be required to report on compliance to the Legislature.  Security controls are procedures — sometimes performed by people rather than IT systems — that reduce the risk of security vulnerabilities such as password procedures, personnel access, or data disposal.

In 2015, the California state auditor outlined an extensive assessment of the Department of Technology’s oversight of California’s State’s information security operations.  The results of the audit painted an alarming picture of California’s cyber security system and practices. For example, 95% of surveyed departments and agencies stated they are not fully in compliance with existing state security standards.   And shortly after a recent committee hearing on cyber security discussing the audit, a top cyber security official stepped down.

“The state is falling short on some of the most basic aspects of cyber security,” said Chang.  “There really shouldn’t be an information security program in place without developed security controls.”

State government is responsible for securing highly sensitive information of its citizens. From social security numbers and medical records, to the integrity of wastewater treatment plants, state government’s information systems ensure our privacy as well as the reliability of critical infrastructure and resources.

Two Suspects Arrested At CH Shoppes

Chino Hills Police Department
Chino Hills– On Wednesday, April 13th, at approximately 6:19 p.m., deputies from the Chino Hills Police Station responded to The Shoppes regarding suspects stealing merchandise from businesses.

Shoppes security officers located the suspect’s vehicle in the parking lot and gave deputies a general description of the suspects. Deputies and Shoppes security located Felicia Kelley and Andrew Rodriquez in The Shoppes parking lot as they returned to their vehicle.

During a search of the suspect’s vehicle, deputies located stolen property from Barnes and Noble, along with illegal narcotics and drug paraphernalia. Additional suspected stolen merchandise was located and collected for further investigation.
Both suspects were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on various charges.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1(800)78-CRIME.

DB High Ranked Best School

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, April 19, the US News & World Report published their 2016 Best High Schools Report. Diamond Bar High School was once again ranked among the best schools in the state and the nation.

Diamond Bar High School was ranked 51st in California and 338th in the Nation. Their Magnet rank was 60th and their STEM rank was 98th. This means that they received Gold Medal Status out of 30,000 US high schools.

Diamond Bar High School’s student body makeup is 52 percent male and 48 percent female, and the total minority enrollment is 89 percent, according to the US News website. In addition, the school’s data, district’s data, AP® participation rate, and test scores calculated on student performance were also listed.

Visit the following website to see the full list of Diamond Bar High’s results: http://www.usnews.com/…/walnut-valley…/diamond-bar-high-3634.

Toddler Bit By Snake In Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: Digital Media Services

Photo Courtesy: Digital Media Services

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– A three-year-old girl was airlifted to the hospital after a snake bit her in Chino Hills last week.

On Tuesday, April 19, Chino Valley Fire District firefighters responded to the snake bite incident at 9:22 a.m. The girl was bit on her left leg while walking on a local walking trail on Soquel Canyon Road and Pipeline Avenue.

CVFD Firefighter/Paramedics provided advance life support care and the girl was transported by air ambulance to Loma Linda University Medical Center. She is currently in critical but stable condition.

The Chino Valley Fire District warns that the chances of coming across a rattlesnake increases when the temperatures increase. The warm weather encourages rattlesnakes to come out, so it is important to watch where you are walking and to stay on designated trails when out hiking and enjoying the outdoors.  If you see a snake, stop and back away to a safe place.  Never try to touch a snake or scare it away.  Snakes seek warmer areas when it is cool, so be observant for snakes sunning on rocks or trails, especially in the cooler times of day.  Conversely, when it is hot, snakes seek cooler areas.  Use extra caution when around areas where there is high brush or when stepping over logs or fallen trees.

Below are additional safety tips provided by the Chino Valley Fire District.

Safety tips to help you avoid a rattlesnake bite:

  • Never go barefoot or wear sandals when hiking or walking through grassy areas. Always wear hiking boots.
  • When hiking, stick to well-used trails. Avoid tall grass, weeds and heavy underbrush where snakes may hide during the day.
  • Do not step or put your hands where you cannot see.
  • Never hike alone. Always have someone with you who can assist in an emergency.
  • Do not handle a freshly killed snake, it can still inject venom.
  • Teach children early to respect snakes and to leave them alone.

What to do if bitten by a rattlesnake:

  • Do not panic. Remain calm and slowly move away from the snake.
  • Call 9-1-1 immediately or send someone for help.
  • Keep the bite at or below heart level.
  • Do not apply a cold pack, tourniquet, cut the bite or attempt to suck out the venom.
  • Do not attempt to catch or kill the snake. Do try to remember what the snake looked like.
  • Take note of the time the bite occurred, if possible.

Chino Mayor Says Farewell

Photo courtesy of City of Chino Chino Mayor Yates

Photo courtesy of City of Chino
Chino Mayor Yates

Staff Reports

Chino – Chino Mayor Dennis Yates will be saying farewell at this year’s Chino State of the City since he will be retiring this year at the end of his term.

Mayor Yates has been a member of the Chino City Council since 1992 and has served as a Council Member from 1992 to 2004. During those years, he has served as the Mayor Pro Tem for two years and then as Mayor in 2004. He was reelected as Mayor three different after that and is currently serving his third four-year term.

Mayor Yates will be bidding farewell at the Chino Annual State of the City Address on Wednesday, April 27 from 11:20 a.m. to 1 p.m. The event will be held at the Chaffey Chino Community Center located at 5890 College Park Ave., in Chino.

This year’s theme is Chino-At Your Service, which will highlight the local agencies, organizations and people that work tirelessly to provide services that enhance the quality of life in Chino, according to a City news release.

Tickets are available at the Chino Chamber of Commerce for $40. Please make a check payable to the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. Presenting and Table Sponsorship opportunities are also available. For further information, please contact the Chamber at 909-627-6177.

Many Win At Chamber Mixer

By Araceli Hernandez

Chino – The Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce March Mixer was a fun-filled event with food, karaoke, great prizes, and networking. The mixer was held on March 24 at ABC Public Relations and Armijo News, located at 14144 Central Ave., Ste. H, in Chino.

After members of the community ate and mingled, Zeb Welborn, Chino Valley Chamber Chairman of the Board, welcomed the crowd and announced the Chino Valley Chamber ambassadors in attendance. Other government officials were also in attendance, including City of Chino Public Information Officer Monica Gutierrez, and Supervisor Curt Hagman representatives Karen Haughey and Melissa Compani. In addition, members of local businesses from Chino, Eastvale, Diamond Bar, and Walnut also stopped by the mixer.

Business owners and community members gathered outside to network while listening to music by Bobby’s Mobile DJ Show. Some Chino Chamber members even had the courage to sing karaoke in front of the crowd.

Many local businesses contributed to the mixer by providing services and prizes. All chairs and tables were provided by Koki’s Bouncers in Eastvale. There was also a wide selection of prizes that were donated, including a bread and treat basket by Great Harvest Bread Co.; a Car Care Service gift certificate from Gabriel’s Automotive; a goodie basket from Marcia McBean of Chino Commercial Bank; a gift basket from Loretta Szudy of Legal Document Services; a well-dressed screwdriver kit from The Bountiful Baskets; a dessert basket by Gift Baskets by Rita; a Starbucks gift card; and Girl Scout cookies.

Our grand prizes were a $165 razor scooter donated by The Shop Pro Scooter Lab, and an Android Tablet donated by ABC Public Relations.

Congratulations to all the prize winners:  Jeff Feather of Forest Lawn, William Yu of AVIS, Kyle Schneider of IEShineOn.com, Marilyn Taylor of The Bountiful Basket, Karen Kaplan of DamselINDEFENSE, Michael Lujan of New York Life, Zeb Welborn of Welborn Media, Suzanne Burt of Real Time Pain Relief, and Tom Haughey of Haughey Insurance. The scooter winner was Raziel Fuentebella Arcega of LNR Promotions and the tablet winner was Scott Flatten of World Financial Insurance Agency, Inc.

“Thank you to everyone who came out to the Chino Valley Chamber mixer. It was a great event and we were happy to host the March Mixer. Also, thank you to all the sponsors that donated prizes,” said Michael Armijo, President of ABC Public Relations.

Jeff Feather won a bread and treat basket donated by Great Harvest Bread Co. Visit their website at www.greatharvest.com.

Jeff Feather won a bread and treat basket donated by Great Harvest Bread Co. Visit their website at http://www.greatharvest.com.

William Yu won a Car Care Service gift card donated by Gabriel’s Automotive. Visit their website at www.gabrielsauto.com.

William Yu won a Car Care Service gift card donated by Gabriel’s Automotive. Visit their website at http://www.gabrielsauto.com.

Kyle Schneider won a Starbucks gift card provided by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at www.anapr.com.

Kyle Schneider won a Starbucks gift card provided by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at http://www.anapr.com.

Linda Ragland with a beautiful basket donated by Gift Baskets by Rita. Call Rita at (909) 354-9610.

Linda Ragland with a beautiful basket donated by Gift Baskets by Rita. Call Rita at (909) 354-9610.

Karen Kaplan won a goodie basket donated by Marcia McBean of Chino Commercial Bank. Call Marcia at (909) 230-7600.

Karen Kaplan won a goodie basket donated by Marcia McBean of Chino Commercial Bank. Call Marcia at (909) 230-7600.

Michael Lujan won a well-dressed screwdriver kit donated by Marilyn Taylor of The Bountiful Basket. Visit her website at www.thebountifulbasket.net.

Michael Lujan won a well-dressed screwdriver kit donated by Marilyn Taylor of The Bountiful Basket. Visit her website at http://www.thebountifulbasket.net.

Loretta Szudy of Legal Document Services gives winner Zeb Welborn the gift basket she donated. Call Loretta at (909) 223-8515.

Loretta Szudy of Legal Document Services gives winner Zeb Welborn the gift basket she donated. Call Loretta at (909) 223-8515.

Suzanne Burt won a box of Girl Scout cookies, which she shared with fellow colleagues at the mixer.

Suzanne Burt won a box of Girl Scout cookies, which she shared with fellow colleagues at the mixer.

Raziel Fuentebella Arcega gave her daughter the $165 razor scooter she won that was donated by The Shop Pro Scooter Lab. Visit their website at www.shopproscooterlab.com.

Raziel Fuentebella Arcega gave her daughter the $165 razor scooter she won that was donated by The Shop Pro Scooter Lab. Visit their website at http://www.shopproscooterlab.com.

Scott Flatten won the Android Tablet donated by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at www.abcpublicrelations.com.

Scott Flatten won the Android Tablet donated by ABC Public Relations. Visit their website at http://www.abcpublicrelations.com.

Top Quality Auto Body Repair and Towing

California Coach

California Coach

By J.D. Alberts

Walnut – For over 25 years, California Coach Auto Collision has served its community with top notch repair and assistance services, reaching from “Diamond Bar to Chino and beyond.”

Under original ownership, California Coach takes great pride in their quality service reputation and understands the importance of automotive safety. Their highly trained, certified mechanical technicians take great care of every vehicle they service.  And with a 16,000 square foot “state of the art” collision repair shop and one acre adjacent storage space, California Coach is well-equipped to take care of all of your auto collision needs, including:

  • Estimating
  • Complete Auto Repair, Auto Body and Paint
  • Frame, Unibody and Metal Repair/Replacement
  • General Repair
  • Refinishing
  • 24-Hour Emergency Roadside Assistance
  • Towing (Light, Medium and Heavy Duty, and Recovery)
  • AAA Battery Service Program
  • Battery Jumps
  • Tire Changes, and much more!

California Coach has earned a reputation for courteous service, high standards, and extremely high customer satisfaction ratings since they opened in 1998.  Most new customers are a result of referrals by happy customers, and this is a standing they don’t take for granted.  They understand the stress associated with an accident or tow, and their goal is to take care of your car and reduce your frustration.  They will work hard to restore your car to its original condition and keep you updated throughout the process; and all insurance claims are welcome.

In partnership with Mercury Insurance Group and Diamond Honda of Puente Hills (as an approved repair facility), California Coach is also ASE certified, and a AAA Roadside Assistance Provider and Patrol.  They are also members of the California Auto Body Association, the California Tow Truck association, and the Walnut Sheriff’s Booster Club.

California Coach Auto Collision is located at 22064 Valley Blvd. in Walnut. Body Shop hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 12 noon. You can reach them at (909) 595-9448, or (909) 595-6970 for their 24-hour towing service. For more information visit their website at http://www.calcoachautobodytowing.com, or send them an email at info@CalCoachAutoBodyTowing.com.

Walnut Election Results

Staff Reports

Walnut–  The Walnut City Council election results are in! Incumbents Nancy Tragarz and Eric Ching were elected to the City Council on Tuesday night. However, Tony Cartagena’s open seat will be occupied by 23-year-old newcomer, Andrew Rodriguez.

Rodriguez is a Walnut High School graduate and he is the youngest City Councilmember ever elected in Walnut’s history.

“Over the last few months, it has truly been an honor and privilege to have met so many different people who genuinely care about the future of our community… I would like to thank the residents of this city for giving us a chance to showcase our vision for Walnut,” Rodriguez said a week before election day.

When he found out he won, Rodriguez posted a picture on his Facebook page with the caption, “Thank you Walnut! I look forward to serving as your City Councilman for the next 4 years!”

Unofficial results reported that Tragarz received 2,358 votes; Ching received 1,896 votes; and Rodriguez received 1,668 votes. They will take the three final seats on the Walnut City Council, joining Mayor Robert Pacheco and Mayor Pro-Tem Mary Su.

The unofficial results also reported that the candidate in fourth, Bella Cristobal, received 1,281 votes; Dino Pollalis in fifth place received 1,170 votes; and Betty Tang in last received 1,064 votes.

 

City Birthday Party

City of Diamond Bar

Diamond Bar– On Saturday, April 16, the City of Diamond Bar will be holding its annual Birthday Party at Pantera Park in recognition of Diamond Bar’s 27th anniversary of incorporation.

The festivities take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., with carnival attractions operating until 6 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides and punch cards for activities and games will be sold at the event – $10 for each wristband and $1 for each card (four activities per card).

A variety of beverages, snacks and food plates will be sold by local area nonprofits. There will also be numerous information booths offering giveaways and information related to emergency preparedness, crime prevention, recycling, recreation, pet adoptions, and more.

Additionally, at approximately 3:15 p.m., following the presentation of certificates to the honorees of this year’s Outstanding Volunteer awards, free slices of birthday cake will be distributed near the main stage.

A few things to keep in mind:

  • Leave your pets at home – only registered service animals will be allowed.
  • Bring cash – all transactions and purchases made onsite will require cash as payment.
  • Free and frequent shuttle service to and from Pantera Park will be available from surrounding neighborhood streets, starting at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until the end of the event.

Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive. For more information, call 909.839.7000 or visit www.diamondbarca.gov/bday.

Friends Of The DB Library Host Wine Soiree And Auction

Staff Reports

 

DIAMOND BAR-  The Friends of the Diamond Bar Library will be hosting a Wine Soiree and Benefit Auction on Sunday, April 24, at the Diamond Bar Center.  The annual soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors.

This festive and exciting event will feature delicious food from local restaurants, great wine, music, entertainment, raffles and exciting book, silent and live auctions.  Each year the Soirée is full of entertaining surprises:  this year look for the Total Wine and More table with interesting and delicious French wines being poured by Total Wine and More.  Tasty beer will be poured by Innovation Brew Works from Cal Poly.  Some of the great restaurant food hosts this year include Albertsons Market, Aljibani Halal Market, Buca de Beppo, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Restaurant, Del Taco, Diamond Palace, Got Taco Party?, Graber Olive House, It’s A Grind, Jeseca Creations, Julie’s Café, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, NiNi Bakery, Round Table Pizza, The Noodle, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them in person and thank them for their support for literacy in our community.

The Diamond Bar Community Library manager announced recently that the Diamond Bar Library is second out of all 86 libraries within the Los Angeles County library system for circulation, with 460,000 volumes moving in and out of the library each year.  Additionally, the Diamond Bar Library ranks eighth in total monthly patronage with a gate count of over 22,000 visitors per month.  The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library dedicates its time and energy to supporting this invaluable community institution.

With the support of the community,  the Friends gave the Diamond Bar Library over $30,000 in 2015, for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc. that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our non-profit bookstores, Basically BOOKS.

Tickets for the event are $60 per person, and are available at the following Diamond Bar locations:  Midas Auto Service Experts, 796 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard; Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive; and Basically BOOKS, 23447 Golden Springs Drive.  Advertisements are also available in the annual program.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.  Tickets and program information are also available at  www.dblibraryfriends.org.  For more information call Kathleen Newe at 909 629-2711.

Walnut Animal Licensing Enforcement

Courtesy of the City of Walnut

WALNUT– Officers from the County of Los Angeles Department of Animal Care and Control (DACC) will be conducting field licensing enforcement in the City of Walnut beginning April 20th, 2016. Field enforcement efforts are designed to ensure that residents’ dogs and cats are in compliance with mandatory licensing requirements. Additionally, California law requires that all dogs over the age of four months be vaccinated against rabies and licensed. Securing a dog or cat license is essential to assisting animal control agencies if a pet becomes lost.

The licensing fees for City residents are as follows:

  • Unaltered dog- $72
  • Altered dog- $27
  • Altered dog belonging to a senior citizen (60+) – $9.50
  • Unaltered cat- $10
  • Altered cat- $5
  • Penalty fee- Equal to the license fee

Residents not in compliance will be subject to license fees, delinquency charges, and a $40 field enforcement fee (to offset the cost of the field services.)  In order to avoid penalties, be sure your pet is licensed.

 

You can secure a new license by printing the application online at http://www.animalcare.lacounty.gov and mailing it to Department of Animal Care 12440 E. Imperial Hwy Suite 603 Norwalk CA 90650 or by visiting your local County animal care center. Residents may also renew online if their pet’s license is not delinquent at our website: http://www.animalcare.lacounty.gov. Information on licensing fees can also be found on the website.

 

DACC offers low-cost vaccination/microchips clinics (microchips are now $15, which includes an AVID registration) and low-cost assistance (for individuals who qualify) for spay and neuter surgeries. Please visit our website or stop by your local County of Los Angeles animal care center for more information about these services.

CVUSD Board Members Ordered To Pay Legal Fees

By Carol Heyen

CHINO– Two months after a federal judge ordered Chino Valley Unified School Board members to stop prayer and proselytizing at meetings, the same judge has ordered them to pay over $200,000 in legal fees to the group who sued them.

In 2014, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled 5-4 that local officials may open public meetings with prayers- even explicitly Christian ones- so long as the government agency does not discriminate against minority faiths when choosing who may offer a prayer and the prayer does not coerce participation from nonbelievers.

The Wisconsin-based Freedom From Religion Foundation filed suit against the CVUSD, saying that they have taken this directive much farther than the Constitution allows.   The FFRF, in their November 2014 suit against the district, argued that Board Member James Na “often injects religion into his comments” at the ends of meetings and that [Board President Andrew] Cruz regularly closed meetings with a Bible reading, in addition to the prayers used to open meetings.”

On Feb. 18, U.S. District Judge Jesus Bernal ordered the board to end its years-long tradition of “reciting prayers, Bible readings and proselytizing at board meetings,” saying that it “constitutes unconstitutional government endorsements of religion in violation of Plaintiffs’ First Amendment rights.”

Thursday, March 31, Bernal ordered Chino Valley Unified School Board members James Na, Sylvia Orozco, Andrew Cruz and Irene Hernandez-Blair to pay $202,971 in legal fees to the Freedom From Religion Foundation to cover the legal costs associated with the FFRC’s lawsuit against the board.

Chino Hills Mayor Art Bennett said, “[The ruling is] a chipping away at every right we have. The judge not only outlawed Scripture reading in the course of a meeting, he said the prayer at the start of the meeting is illegal. We’ve got to stand our ground and go forward. It’s a spiritual fight.”

The Board is planning an appeal.

Deputies Arrest Man For Carjacking

Staff Reports

LOMA LINDA- On Wednesday, March 30, 2016, at about 11:30 p.m., sheriff’s deputies received a report of two attempted carjackings in the parking lot of Loma Linda University Medical Center.  During the first carjacking attempt, the suspect unsuccessfully tried to enter a vehicle occupied by a female.  After failing to enter that vehicle, he then approached a second vehicle, also occupied by a female, and tried to enter through the passenger side door. The second female driver sped away through the parking lot, causing the suspect to fall from the vehicle. Upon arrival, deputies located and detained the suspect, Anthony Martinez, 32, of San Bernardino.
During their investigation, they learned that after falling from the second vehicle, Martinez chased the car through the parking lot as the driver attempted to exit the location. Martinez was able to catch the vehicle a second time and tried climbing into the passenger door once again. The driver continued to speed through the parking lot, causing Martinez to fall from the vehicle again. Both victims indicated that Martinez was trying to carjack them while they were in the parking lot. Neither victim knew Martinez, and neither sustained any injuries as a result of the encounters.
Although he fell twice from a moving vehicle, Martinez did not sustain any injuries. He was arrested, transported and booked on three counts of felony attempted carjacking.

Sheriff’s Golf Tournament A Success

Photo by: Michael Armijo

Photo by: Michael Armijo

By Sarah Sanchez

 

Walnut/Diamond Bar– The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club held another great golf tournament on April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club in Chino Hills. The golf tournament took place to honor the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff Department’s 150 volunteers who give 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.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin. The golf tournament was held to provide the needed uniforms and equipment to these volunteers.

Sheriff Booster Club President, Gilbert Rivera, said that the golf tournament had a great community participation. There were a total of 127 golfers, which is the largest number of participants that they have ever had, according to Rivera. There were also 26 volunteers in attendance from the volunteer division of the Sheriff’s Department.

Diamond Bar community member and Efree Church Pastor, Mark Hopper, said he enjoyed seeing the many Deputies that participated in the golf tournament and the Cadets from the Deputy Explorer program that came out.

“It was a very nice event. It was well-organized, well-attended, and there were a lot of prizes,” said Hopper. He was even happy that his team received a trophy. He laughed that the trophy was for “Best Effort” though.

Rivera said their top priority for this year’s golf tournament was to make it a fun and successful event for the participants. They had a variety of games including a putting contest, longest drive contest, straightest drive contest, and even a marshmallow contest, where they had to hit a marshmallow off of a tee. Rivera said they wanted to include games that everyone could participant in, no matter what skill level they were at.

The price to participate in the golf tournament was only $100, which is a very affordable rate for a private golf course. The participants received lunch, dinner, goodie bags donated by Waste Management, and an opportunity to win the many raffle prizes that were donated from different businesses in the community.

Sponsors included American Pacific Mortgage, City of Diamond Bar, City of Walnut, Coca Cola, Diamond Country Escrow, Furniture of America, James & Emma Farmer, Jinza Teriyaki Restaurant, Kaiser Permanente, LA County Professional Peace Officers Assn., Lemon Creek Tires Inc., Miller Coors Brewery, PPOA Federal Credit Union, Supervisor Don Knabe, Walnut Plaza, and Wilshire Bank. Kaiser Permanente’s group even won first place in the tournament!

The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club would like to thank all the sponsors and all the people who volunteered their time and effort to help put on a great event.

Rivera said that they are so glad it was a successful event and they are looking forward to next year’s event. Follow the Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club Facebook page to stay updated on when the next tournament will take place!

Chino PD Request Assistance In Finding Scam Suspects

Photo courtesy: Chino P.D. Police looking for two lottery scam suspects

Photo courtesy: Chino P.D.
Police looking for two lottery scam suspects

Courtesy of Chino P.D.

 

CHINO– Chino Police are requesting help in identifying and locating two suspects who scammed a 65-year-old victim out of $20,000.  It is believed that they may have victimized others using a similar scam.

Officers were able to obtain surveillance footage photos of the two suspects just before they approached the female victim inside of Burlington Coat Factory, located at 5517 Philadelphia Street, on Monday, March 7, 2016.  At approximately 3 p.m., it is alleged that the unknown female and male suspects conned the victim into leaving with them in a vehicle described as a 4-door maroon sedan.  The female suspect claimed to have won a large sum of money playing the lottery, but said she needed assistance to claim it as she did not have identification.  She asked for $20,000 in collateral in exchange for large return on her investment from the lottery winnings.  The victim agreed and was driven to a bank in Corona to withdraw the funds.  The suspects then drove to the Stater Bros. grocery store at 6989 Schaefer Avenue, where the victim had previously dropped off her car.  They then fled with the victim’s money.

 

Suspect descriptions:

Suspect 1:  Hispanic female adult, approximately 45 years old, 160 lbs, 5’6” with long black hair.  Last seen wearing a gray sweater and dark pants.

Suspect 2:  Hispanic male adult, approximately 45 years old, 180 lbs, 5’9” with shoulder length black hair and a moustache, last seen wearing a long-sleeved checkered shirt, blue jeans and a tan “Ford” hat.

 

If you have any information regarding this case, please contact Detective McArdle at 909-334-3039, or jmcardle@chinopd.org.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR-The March 22 Diamond Bar Council meeting began with a presentation to Diamond Bar High School student Hailey Shi, who won first place in the 17th Annual Holocaust Art & Writing contest at Chapman University.

Following public comments, the schedule of future events was read, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on March 24 at 7 p.m.; the Annual Easter Egg Hunt on March 26 at 10 a.m. at Pantera Park; the State of the City address on March 30 at 6 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on April 5 at 6:30 p.m.

Next, the Council approved all items on the Consent Calendar, including the minutes from the March 1 City Council meeting; the Parks and Recreation minutes from the January 28 meeting; the Planning Commission minutes from the January 26 and February 23 meetings; ratification of a check register totaling $1,680,851.92; authorization of the City Manager to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Industry, establishing a reimbursement agreement for consultant costs related to the preparation of joint Fastlane Tiger Transportation funding grant applications; and a maintenance agreement for the Lemon Avenue undercrossing with the State of California, related to the construction of a new freeway interchange at Lemon Ave at State Route 60. The Council also appropriated $180,000 from General Fund Reserves and approved a contract with Public Finance Strategies, LLC.

Following Council Member reports and comments, the council adjourned to April 5 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr, Diamond Bar.

FBI Unlocks Terrorist’s iPhone

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO– The government has asked a United States Magistrate Judge in Riverside, California to vacate the order that would have compelled Apple to assist the FBI in unlocking the iPhone 5C that was used in the San Bernardino terrorist attack last year. With the recent assistance of a third party, the Department of Justice is now able to unlock that phone without compromising any information on the device.

Government officials had sought an order compelling Apple to help unlock the phone of terrorist Syed Farook, who along with his wife, Tashfeen Malik, shot and killed 14 people and wounded 22 others at the Inland Regional Center in San Bernardino on December 2, 2015.  The DOJ wanted Apple to help the FBI unlock the phone by building a new version of iOS that would have bypassed iPhone passcode restrictions.  Apple had steadfastly refused to comply with the court order, saying that it would set a dangerous precedent for future device security.

United States Attorney Eileen Decker released the following statement, “We sought an order compelling Apple to help unlock the phone to fulfill a solemn commitment to the victims of the San Bernardino shooting – that we will not rest until we have fully pursued every investigative lead related to the vicious attack. Although this step in the investigation is now complete, we will continue to explore every lead, and seek any appropriate legal process, to ensure our investigation collects all of the evidence related to this terrorist attack. The San Bernardino victims deserve nothing less.”

Celebrating 27 Years of Diamond Bar Cityhood

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

DIAMOND BAR– On Saturday, April 16, the City of Diamond Bar will be holding its annual Birthday Party at Pantera Park, in recognition of Diamond Bar’s 27th anniversary of incorporation.

The festivities will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with carnival attractions operating until 6:00 p.m. Wristbands for unlimited carnival rides and punch cards for activities and games will be sold at the event – $10 for each wristband and $1 for each card (four activities per card). A variety of beverages, snacks and food plates will be sold by local area nonprofits. There will also be numerous information booths offering giveaways and information related to emergency preparedness, crime prevention, recycling, recreation, pet adoptions, and more. Additionally, at approximately 3:15 p.m., following the presentation of certificates to the honorees of this year’s Outstanding Volunteer awards, free slices of birthday cake will be distributed near the main stage.

A few things to keep in mind: Leave your pets at home – only registered service animals will be allowed. Bring cash – all transactions and purchases made onsite will require cash as payment. Free and frequent shuttle service to and from Pantera Park will be available from surrounding neighborhood streets, starting at 10:30 a.m. and continuing until the end of the event. Pantera Park is located at 738 Pantera Drive.

For more information, call 909-839-7000 or visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/bday.

Honey Oil Lab Found in Diamond Bar Home

Photo courtesy: LASD Cannabis lab raided in Diamond Bar

Photo courtesy: LASD
Cannabis lab raided in Diamond Bar

Staff Reports

 

DIAMOND BAR – A hash oil extraction lab was found in a Diamond Bar home Wednesday, March 23.  Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) narcotics investigators assigned to the Walnut/Diamond Bar Station team served a search warrant at approximately 1:30 p.m. at a residence located in the 200 block of South Rock River Road.

LASD narcotics detectives discovered an active honey oil marijuana extraction lab, where approximately one pound total of concentrated cannabis and unfinished cannabis product were seized. Detectives arrested five suspects, two females and three males, all between the ages of 18 and 23.  Four of the suspects were residents of the location.

Honey oil, or hash oil, is THC that has been extracted from marijuana by the use of different solvents and heat.  People who try to create honey oil can injure themselves or cause an explosion in the process.

The street value for the concentrated cannabis was estimated at approximately $15,000 and $70,000 for the unfinished cannabis product. Additionally, two vials containing approximately two ounces of liquid LSD (lysergic acid diethylamide) were also seized.  The street value for the liquid LSD was estimated at about $15,000. Approximately $6,000 in U.S. currency was also seized.

Detectives from the Los Angeles Interagency Metropolitan Police Apprehension Crime Task Force (LA IMPACT) Clandestine Laboratory Team responded and are assisting LASD narcotics investigators in processing the scene and collecting evidence.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Walnut/Diamond Bar Station, Detective Burnside at (909) 595-2264.

If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Six Candidates Seek to Sway Walnut Voters

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT – On Tuesday, March 15, approximately 40 people showed up at a Candidate Forum before the April 12 election in the city of Walnut.

The event was hosted by the League of Women Voters of the East San Gabriel Valley. The candidates who participated included Andrew Rodriguez, Dino Pollalis, Bella Cristobal, Betty Tang, Nancy Tragarz (incumbent), and Eric Ching (incumbent).

The six council hopefuls are vying for the three available council seats that are currently filled by Tony Cartagena (who after 16 years of service is not running), Nancy Tragarz, and Eric Ching. The event began at 7 p.m. and was moderated by League of Women Voters President Rosie Fabian.

The candidates had one minute for an opening statement, and one more minute to answer questions from the audience. The candidates answered questions covering topics such as term limits for Council members, public safety action items, and plans for combating traffic congestion.

Following the audience questions, the candidates concluded with a two-minute closing statement, and then were able to mingle and speak to audience members individually.

The election will take place on Tuesday, April 12. Residents over 18 who have registered to vote are eligible to vote, and election information will be available in English, Chinese, Hindi, Spanish, and Tagalog.