Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Pomona Bicycle Rodeo

Courtesy of the Pomona Police Dept.

POMONA– The Pomona Bicycle Rodeo, for kids aged 3-10, will be held on Saturday April 16, 2016, from 8:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m., at the Pomona Civic Center at Mission Blvd. and Garey Avenue.

Police officers will inspect bicycles, provide personalized education, and assist children as they ride their bikes through riding patterns.

Kids who live in Pomona and bring their own bicycle will be provided a free helmet, while supplies last. Police officers will get behind the grill to prepare hot dogs, and chips and drinks will also be served. Several displays will be set up, including the opportunity for kids to take pictures wearing police gear and on a police motorcycle or in a police car.

A brand new bicycle will be raffled off free during the event.

Chino Hills Hosts 24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

 

Hop on down the bunny trail and join us for an “Eggstra-Special” day filled with adventures and surprises. Spend time with family and friends and create wonderful spring memories. Participate in a variety of activities including egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, musical entertainment, a craft fair, and refreshments to purchase. No outside baskets or bags allowed. The City will provide bags for egg hunts.

When
Saturday, March 26
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where
Chino Hills Community Park
3280 Eucalyptus Avenue

Egg Hunt Schedule
11:15 am Infant to 2 years old*
11:45 am 3 to 4 years old*
12:15 pm 5 to 6 years old
12:45 pm 7 to 8 years old
1:15 pm 9 to 12 years old
* Adult assistance, if needed

So Many CIF Championships!

Photo by Jennifer Heyen

Photo by Jennifer Heyen
Over 12,000 people packed the Honda Center on March 5 to watch the Chino Hills Huskies win the CIF-SS Open Division Championship.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Hills – What a great year for basketball!

The Chino Hills Huskies, the Ayala Bulldogs and the Diamond Ranch Panthers boys’ basketball teams all won their respective CIF Southern Section championships.

In front of a Honda Center crowd estimated at 12,000, the #1 team in the nation, the Chino Hills Huskies, took an early and decisive lead against Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon in the Open Division Championship.  With a first quarter score of 26-8, and a halftime score of 49-26, the Huskies were on their way to their 17th 100-point game, one shy of the state record of 18.   Mc Donald’s All-American Lonzo Ball finished with another triple-double, scoring 20 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, four blocked shots and two steals. Younger brother LiAngelo was the Huskies’ high scorer with 31 points and 7 rebounds.  All five starters finished the game in the double digits.

“We’re glad we got the win, but at the end of the day, we still got to get one more,” Lonzo said. “It’s another step. We took that step and now we have to get to the top.”

Chino Hills now advances to the State Championships with a 31-0 record after their 105-83 win.

Ayala’s #1 seeded Bulldogs dominated Edison on Saturday night to win their Division 2A Championship 63-29. The Bulldogs took the lead late in the first quarter and were never threatened again by #2 seed Edison.    John Edgar and Austen Awosika scored 19 points each, and Edgar led the rebound count with nine. Fellow senior Miles President added 13 points.

“I’ve been doing this (coaching) 25 years,” Ayala coach John Mounce said. “It means a lot to me, it means a lot to our school and it means a lot to these kids who have worked so hard.”

Diamond Ranch’s Panthers won their first 3A CIF-SS Championship under the skilled guidance of Head Coach Eric Cooper.  Cooper, who led La Verne Lutheran to two CIF championships and two state titles, was delighted to see his Panthers beat the Chaminade Eagles at Azusa Pacific University on Friday. Diamond Ranch’s constant pressure, and Roman Silva’s 22 points and 12 rebounds helped defeat the Eagles 53-48.

“I thought our guards outplayed their guards,” Cooper said. “When they made a run, we really clamped down and got stops when we needed them.”

The Huskies will take on Immanuel High from Reedly, the Bulldogs will play Bakersfield’s West High School and Diamond Ranch will take on Kern Valley in the first round of the state playoffs.

WHO Will Take Care of Your Eyes

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Walnut Hills Optometry is conveniently located at 18736 Amar Road. You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153. For more information, visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com

Staff Reports

WALNUT–Do you know WHO will care for your eyes?

For many years, WALNUT HILLS OPTOMETRY (WHO) has taken excellent care of the vision needs of the community, serving patients from Walnut/West Covina/Diamond Bar/Chino Hills to patients from La Puente/Rowland Heights/Hacienda Heights/Whittier. Because of the quality of service provided, as well as the trusting care given by the doctor, patients travel from the Los Angeles and Inland Empire areas as well.

WHO considers vision to be a precious gift, and their office takes pride in providing comprehensive eye exams.

WHO believes that quality eye care involves consistent care by a professional.  Carmela Larino, O.D., and her loyal staff, will give your eyes the personalized care and attention they deserve.

Dr. Larino is proud to serve the community she grew up in.  She attended Rowland Unified schools from elementary through high school, and then attended U.C. Irvine before receiving her doctorate degree from the Southern California College of Optometry.  In 2003, Dr. Larino was honored at her alma mater – Nogales High School – when she was inducted onto their Wall of Fame.  She is a member of the American Optometric Association, the California Optometric Association, and the Rio Hondo Optometric Society, where she stays current on the latest in eye care.  As a local resident, you might find Dr. Larino eating at your favorite restaurant, shopping in a local store, or attending a community event.

WHO offers personalized eye examinations, diabetic and eye health exams, and the management and care of a multitude of eye and vision concerns.  A wide variety of eyewear is also available, from progressive and polarized lenses to silicone high-oxygen contacts, and even designer frames. They also offer Lasik Surgery co-management. If you have used eyeglass frames scattered around the house, bring them to the WHO offices and they will donate them to those in need of frames.

WHO is conveniently located near the 10, 60 and 57 freeways, on the border of Walnut and West Covina, at 18736 East Amar Road (at the corner of Nogales Street and Amar Road, next to Papa John’s Pizza.)  Their hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.  You can reach them at (626) 965-3878 or (909) 594-1153.  For more information visit their website at http://www.walnuthillsoptometry.com.

Chino Hills Resident Arrested For Vehicle Burglaries

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– On March 5, 2016, Noel Serna, a 19-year-old resident of Chino Hills, was observed trying to break into vehicles parked on the street and in driveways in the 15800 block of Zenobia Lane in Chino Hills.  When officers arrived, Serna provided false identifying information and was detained. He was found to be in possession of a black bag, which contained stolen property from the vehicles.  Serna is believed to be responsible for approximately 10 other vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles in the city of Chino Hills over the last several weeks. Detectives served a search warrant at his residence in Chino Hills, and are still trying to locate additional stolen property.
Serna was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center on charges of Vehicle Burglary, Attempted Vehicle Burglary, and giving false ID to a Peace Officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Popa, from the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Volunteen Summer Program

Courtesy of the City of Diamond Bar

Are you between the ages of 13 and 15 and looking for a fun way to earn community service hours while gaining job skills in the City recreation services field?  The City of Diamond Bar is currently seeking interested teens to be part of its 2016 Summer Volunteen Program.

To be eligible to participate, you must be available to work starting May 16 and until August 12 for a minimum of 5 to a maximum of 20 hours per week. Hours are mutually arranged between the Volunteen program coordinator and the participant.

Volunteens help with popular City programs such as Summer Day Camp, Youth Baseball and Tiny Tots, and also assist with the City’s popular Concerts and Movies in the Park series.

The last day to apply to be considered for the 2016 Volunteen Program is Thursday, April 14. Only online applications submitted through the NeoGov system, available through the City website at http://www.DiamondBarCa.gov/ employment will be considered. No paper applications or emailed resumes will be accepted.

For more information, contact the City’s Recreation Services Division at 909.839.7070.

Alert Resident Helps Deputies Arrest Two Suspects

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- An observant citizen helped deputies catch two suspected mail thieves on Friday, February 26.  At 3:30 a.m., sheriff’s deputies received a call from a Chino Hills resident who saw two subjects carrying backpacks in the area of Shady View Drive and Mystic Canyon Drive.

After the subjects saw the caller, they attempted to hide by jumping into nearby bushes.  When deputies arrived, they noticed a vehicle driving away with passengers in the rear of the vehicle who were crouching down in an attempt to remain unnoticed.

Samantha Goode, 25, and Theodore Sanchez, 32, both of Bloomington,  used Uber to drop them off and pick them up from the location, where they were attempting to steal mail.  The Uber driver was not involved.  Goode and Sanchez were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on charges of credit card fraud and identity theft.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1 (800) 78-CRIME.

Mt. SAC Opens New $13.6-Million Student Success Center

Photo courtesy of Mt. SAC

Photo courtesy of Mt. SAC
Mt. SAC’s new Student Success Center

By Mike Taylor, Mt. Sac


WALNUT– Mt. San Antonio College will hold a ribbon cutting and an open house for its new $13.6-million Student Success Center, building 9E, on Wednesday, March 9, at 3 p.m. This event is free and open to the public. 

“The Student Success Center configures in a central location many of the programs and support services that help our students succeed and reach their goals in college,” said Mt. SAC Student Services Vice President Audrey Yamagata-Noji. 

Located right next to the college’s Student Services Center, the new facility affords 22,800 square feet for classrooms, study labs, offices, and a computer lab. It houses the Bridge Program, the TRiO Programs, ACES, Veterans Resource Center, Upward Bound, the Accessible Technology Center for Disabled Student Programs and Services, and a Student Health Center satellite office. 

College officials will make brief presentations at the ribbon cutting, and tours of the new facility will be available. 

The center was funded by Mt. SAC’s Measure RR, the college’s $353-million facilities bond that was passed by voters in 2008.

San Bernardino Co. Sheriff Helps Out Homeless Vet

Photo courtesy: SBCS Jack gets a new start through the HOPE program.

Photo courtesy: SBCS
Jack gets a new start through the HOPE program.

Staff Reports

San Bernardino – Jack was lying on a piece of cardboard in Perris Hill Park when San Bernardino County Sheriff Deputy Collins and Jones approached him one afternoon.

Once a decorated Vietnam veteran and business owner, Jack had hit rock bottom and given up on life after his wife’s death in 2010. He had been living on the streets for over a month. He turned to drinking heavily and ended up on the streets. He did not want to bother or worry his two adult children and decided to live in the park. Jack told deputies that he did not know how to get off the streets, but was willing to do whatever was necessary to get into housing.

After contacting Veteran Affairs, deputies discovered that Jack had earned five Medals of Valor during his service in Vietnam.

His day was about to change for the better. On Feb. 23, Jack was given a fresh start on life and offered assistance by the Sheriff’s HOPE (Homeless Outreach Proactive Enforcement) team.

Jack was very eager to get out of the park and agreed. He had an honorable discharge and a copy of his Together with Veteran Affairs (VA) and Knowledge & Education For Your Success, Inc. (KEYS), deputies helped Jack put a roof over his head.

Jack was extremely happy and appreciative of the assistance provided to him by HOPE, and repeatedly thanked and shook the team’s hands, with tears in his eyes, deputies said.

“It was truly a pleasure to help a national hero get back on his feet and restore some dignity to his life,” Jones said. “The HOPE team is pushing to end veteran homelessness in San Bernardino County.”

This is just one of the many success stories of the SB County Sheriff’s HOPE program.

HOPE was developed in 2014 to balance proactive outreach with enforcement of the law, while connecting members of the homeless population with resources that may help them transition from homelessness. The deputies even appear less threatening sporting polo shirts and khaki pants.

According to the HOPE webpage, the ultimate goal is to reduce the rate of recidivism and reduce the current costs associated to homeless related crime.

How can you help? Deputies encourage the public to give donations to organizations that assist homeless persons, not panhandlers. Statistics show that most panhandlers are not homeless, and most homeless do not panhandle.

Photo courtesy: SBCS

Photo courtesy: SBCS

 

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 24 Walnut City Council meeting began with two commendations for city staff. First, Marie Santos was recognized for her ten years of service. Santos is retiring in order to spend more time with her family. Fabiola Huerta was also recognized for her nine years of service.  She is moving away to accept an offer from another city.

Following the commendations, the Walnut Valley Robotics team presented the robot they built for last year’s robotics contest. The team requested assistance in continuing their work, such as city help with robotics contests and outreach programs, in order to increase awareness and interest of STEM fields. More information can be found on their Facebook page, Walnut Valley Robotics, and their website, www.team5857.com.

After the public comment session, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including the minutes from the February 10 City Council meeting; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $849,997.46; a resolution allowing a change in positions; the new City Attorney services contract; a contract with RKA Consulting Group to prepare the preliminary engineering and alternative analysis for the proposed Walnut Ranch Park expansion; the award of the 2015-16 Maintenance Area 5 slurry seal program bid; final acceptance of the Suzanne Park parking lot project; and the mid-year request for additional appropriation.

Following Council comments and updates, the Council adjourned with plans to meet again on March 9 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

Diamond Bar– The February 16 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with an announcement from a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library. The representative announced two upcoming events that will be held at the library, including a Chinese Calligraphy workshop on February 23 from 3-4 p.m., and an event for Black History Month, on February 20, from 2-3 p.m. that will feature an African drum circle.

Following the public comments, the schedule of future events was read.  The schedule includes: the Third Annual Bridal Show on February 21 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center on 1600 Grand Avenue; the next Planning Commission meeting on February 23 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive; the next Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on February 25 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive; and the next City Council meeting on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Drive.

The Council then approved the City Council minutes from the meeting of February 2; the Parks and Recreation Commission minutes from the meetings of October 22 and November 19; the ratification of a check register totaling $1,015,874.50; appropriation of $137,747 of Prop A funds to the 2015/16 fiscal year CIP budget; a resolution approving plans and specifications and establishing a project payment amount and a construction contract award for the traffic signal infrastructure upgrades project to Elecnor Belco Electric Inc; and approval of contract amendment with David Evans and Associates Inc. to provide landscape plan checking services for three fiscal years with an option for two one-year extensions. Two items were tabled until the March 1 Council meeting.

The Council then adopted a resolution amending the 2015-16 fiscal year municipal budget, and confirmed Council appointments to the Parks and Recreation Commission, the Planning Commission, and the Traffic and Transportation Commission.

The meeting adjourned with plans to meet again on March 1 at 6:30 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr.

Man Arrested for Workers’ Comp Fraud

Staff Reports

San Bernardino County – A Fontana man was arrested on insurance fraud charges earlier this month following an investigation conducted by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Workers’ Compensation Insurance Fraud Unit.
Jamie Gallardo, 45, is charged with a violation of workers’ compensation insurance fraud. Gallardo was employed at California Coach & Body located in Walnut, Calif. on or about April 21, 2010 through April 19, 2014. During this time, Gallardo filed a workers’ compensation claim alleging he sustained injuries to his chest and back while performing his job duties.
According to D.A. investigators, an investigation into possible fraud resulted in the current allegation that Gallardo presented a knowingly false or fraudulent statement in order to obtain Workers’ Compensation benefits.
After obtaining an arrest warrant, investigators–with the assistance of officers from the Fontana Police Department–arrested Gallardo at his place of residence Feb. 2. Gallardo was transported and booked into the West Valley Detention Center. If convicted, Gallardo faces five years County prison. Arraignment is scheduled for March 24 in the Rancho Cucamonga Courthouse.

Collegewood Completes 612 Acts of Kindness

Photo courtesy: WVUSD

Photo courtesy: WVUSD
Teachers took turns playing a pie in the face game as a treat for students.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT, CA—Collegewood Elementary showed support for second grader Coben Swanson with 612 acts of kindness during a read-a-thon at the school on February 12.

The school quickly rallied when the eight-year-old was diagnosed with leukemia in November, sending get-well video messages and fundraising to help the family with expenses.

All 612 students and staff members came together once again during a special reading time held on the upper playground.  With towels and blankets spread out on the grass, the children and their teachers opened favorite books and quietly read for about 20 minutes.

The event was the culmination of a two-week reading challenge where students were encouraged to read daily, log minutes, and collect pledges. All donations will benefit the Swanson family.

“He’s our friend and needs our help”, said Kaitlyn Tran. “We’re donating money to help his family. We miss him!”

“Coben’s going through a hard time and we should support him no matter what,” added fifth grader Cassidy Ng.

Afterward, teachers surprised the group with a pie in the face game.  The children crowded around to watch their teachers get doused with whipped cream after taking turns spinning the wheel on the tabletop game.

“Acts of kindness instill empathy and teach children the value of living a life of giving,” said teacher Jane Dyer-Smith.

Eastvale: Car Crashes into Home

By Carol Heyen

EASTVALE– The Espinoza family of Eastvale has been forced out of their home after a car crashed through a cement wall, into the back yard of their house and into their living room.

Just after 2 a.m. on Monday, February 23, the fire department was advised of a car that had crashed into the first floor of a home in the 13800 block of Dellbrook Street, in the Brookdale Place housing development.  A fire official at the scene said that the crash caused the car to burst into flames, which set the house on fire.  Firefighters were able to put the fire out within 20 minutes.

A resident of the home, Hunter Espinoza, said it sounded “like a bomb.”

“I was in shock for a little bit,” said Freddy Espinoza, Hunter’s father, who alerted the rest of his family members. “I went ‘there’s a car here and I think it’s going to catch fire.’ I told the people ‘get up, get out of the house.’ ”

One occupant of the home had minor injuries, and all five residents have been displaced so that repairs can be done.   The American Red Cross was called to help the family find shelter.

The two occupants of the Saturn sedan fled the scene, and the cause of the collision is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident was encouraged to call the Eastvale Police Department, which is serviced by the Jurupa Valley Sheriff’s Station, at 951-955-2600.

CHH Places in Top Five of County Academic Decathlon

Photo Courtesy of CVUSD

Photo Courtesy of CVUSD
Members of the Chino Hills Academic Decathlon team with County Superintendent of Schools Ted Alejandre (center).

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO HILLS-Chino Hills High’s Academic Decathlon team was among the top five teams in the San Bernardino County Academic Decathlon held in late January and early February in the San Bernardino and Redlands area.

The event featured 39 teams representing 21 high schools, competing in 10 subject areas. Each team included a mix of students with A, B and C grade point averages.

Chaffey High School was the top winner of the academic challenge for the fifth straight time.
Others in the top five were Redlands High, Rancho Cucamonga High, and Redlands East Valley High.
 

Four Arrested in Diamond Bar Burglary

Staff Reports
Diamond Bar– On Wednesday, February 10, Pomona Police Department officers observed a white 2007 Toyota Camry being driven in to the American Inn Motel parking lot at 310 East Foothill Boulevard.  Officers ran the license plate and found that the car had been reported stolen out of Diamond Bar, during a residential burglary.  The lone driver was arrested for Grand Theft Auto.  Investigators then found three more suspects in a motel room, along with stolen property from the Diamond Bar home burglary. Officers were able to recover and return multiple stolen items.

Four suspects were arrested:  Daniel Torres, 23, of Pomona; Deserie Villa, 38, of Pomona, Victoria Ahedd, 19, of Pomona and a 17-year-old juvenile.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

Chaparral Grand Reopening Set

Photo By Carol Heyen

Photo By Carol Heyen

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR– After eight years of construction projects on campus, which have included relocated athletic fields, the construction of a new gymnasium, the building of 14 classrooms dedicated to science and Design Based Learning, Chaparral Middle School is set to celebrate the completion of the last of its remodeling and modernization projects.

On February 25, Chaparral Middle School will be “reopening” its main building to the public and officially debuting its new music education building, the “Cougar Conservatory”, along with its new food services building, the “Cougar Kitchen.”

The school will be holding a grand reopening ceremony, along with a ribbon cutting, starting in the school’s multipurpose room, promptly at 6 p.m.  Immediately after, the entire campus will be open to the public for its annual Open House in which teachers will be on hand in their classrooms and student work will be displayed.

Please plan on stopping by and attending along with other members of the Chaparral Middle School learning community as we concurrently celebrate Chaparral’s remodeling and modernization along with the school’s 40 years of providing education to the children of Diamond Bar.

Construction and modernization projects were made possible by community support of Bond Measures S & Y.  Chaparral Middle School is located at 1405 S. Spruce Tree Drive in Diamond Bar.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT -The February 10 Walnut City Council meeting began by presenting Donut Tree with an award naming it the Winter 2016 Business of the Quarter. The Council thanked Donut Tree for its years of service to the community, for providing an excellent meeting place for celebrities and common residents alike, as well as for providing gracious donations of donuts to anyone who asked.

During the public comments, several residents reported burglaries between Pierre and Lemon, citing homes on Meadowpass and High Knoll as specific victims of these crimes. This group of concerned residents also announced a neighborhood watch meeting on February 16, and encouraged everyone to attend. Deputy Doug Daley also promised increased patrols around the area.

The Council then approved the minutes from the January 26 and 27 City Council special meeting, and the January 27 City Council meeting. After a brief public hearing, the Council remanded a conditional use permit from Sprint wireless back to the Planning Commission, who will review the permit and return the item back to the Council. The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including a resolution allowing $772,961.87 in claims and demands; an amendment to the agreement between the City and Silver and Wright LLP; and a bid to Toyota and Scion of Whittier for a City Fleet Vehicle.

Next, the Council agreed to post the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force Expansion and Growth Issues document to the City website, following a review of the document by the new City attorney. The Council also discussed front yard landscaping requirements in residential areas. Although front yards are not required to be completely green, considering the current drought, front yards are not allowed to be overgrown with weeds or have patches of dead soil. Residents should make sure any planned landscaping is in line with city code before remodeling their front yard.

After Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 24 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Rd.

Desalination Expansion Proposed

Courtesy of Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang 

 

Sacramento – Assemblywoman Ling Ling Chang (R-Diamond Bar) introduced Assembly Bill 1925 on February 11, to establish annual goals for the production of potable water through desalination into law.  This legislation comes at a time when Californians calling out for new sources of water to better prepare us for droughts of the future, as well as address our current drought which is in its fifth year.

“We can all agree that our state is lacking when it comes to sustainable water supplies,” said Chang. “Our water infrastructure was designed for a smaller, younger California and we have outgrown it. It is important that we start placing priority on projects that promote self-reliance and sustainable supply in dry times.”

This is not the first ti​me California has been faced with diminished water supplies. Multiple times we have seen the legislature and the people support policies that improve upon our water infrastructure. This includes legislation in 1997 which placed goals for water production through water recycling into law. This legislation resulted in a state wide push for more water recycling, which mirrors the intent AB 1925 holds for desalination.

Chang added, “I recently took a study trip with several of my legislative colleagues to Australia in order to learn about their historical drought and how they pulled themselves out.  One of the main solutions that stood out was the use of desalination. It offers a source of clean water for not just cities closest to the ocean but all of Southern California and the Central Valley. Now is the time for us to get serious about planning for and diversifying our future water supply. Desalination needs to play a serious role in that effort.”

Recently, the nation’s largest desalination plant went online in Carlsbad and another large facility in Huntington Beach is in the final steps of the permitting process. In the 15 years of planning the Huntington Beach facility has faced, Australia has put 6 facilities into operation. Their largest facility more than doubles the daily water production of both the Carlsbad and Huntington Beach facilities combined.  

Chang concluded, “We have a long way to go in making the diverse regions of our state independent when it comes to their water supplies. Countries like Australia and Singapore have found environmentally friendly ways of mass producing water through desalination. California can follow suit and provide our constituents with a reliable supply of clean drinking water. My bill will ensure that this becomes a statewide priority.”