Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Jogger Hit by Car and Killed

Photo By NBC Los Angeles

Photo By NBC Los Angeles

Staff Reports

WALNUT -Just before 6 a.m. on Monday, February 15, Walnut Sheriff’s deputies got a 911 call informing them of a car that had hit a brick wall outside of a home in the 20200 block of Barnard Avenue.

The vehicle, a 1989 Toyota Camry, was being driven by Haissam Massalkhy, 36, a resident of West Covina.  Mr. Massalkhy was driving eastbound on La Puente Road when he struck a male jogger, identified as 59-year-old Chi Shao, of Walnut.  Mr. Shao was jogging eastbound in the bike lane when the vehicle hit him from behind and carried him several yards on the hood of the car before colliding with the brick wall of the Barnard Avenue residence.

Homeowner Jim Li said he and his family were asleep when he heard the crash.  “It was shock. The driver was standing there. I asked him: ‘Are you okay?’ And he said: ‘Someone dead. Call 911.’”

Mr. Shao was pronounced dead at the scene.  Mr. Massalkhy, who did not appear to be injured, has been booked at the Walnut Sheriff’s Station on murder charges.  Sheriff Lieutenant David Buckner said the incident appeared to have been intentional.  Massalkhy is being held in lieu of $1,000,000 bail.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Homicide Bureau at (323) 890-5500. 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.

Teacher Arrested for Sexual Misconduct

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Courtesy of the City of Chino

Chino – An investigation of alleged sexual misconduct between a Don Lugo High School teacher and student resulted in an arrest, Friday, February 12, 2016.

At approximately 9:19 p.m. on the evening of Thursday, February 11, 2016, Chino Police Officers took a report of sexual misconduct that had occurred at the high school campus. The reported incidents involved the victim, a minor female student, and the suspect, a Don Lugo teacher, identified as Mike Gutierrez, age 37 of Corona.

As a result of the investigation Chino Detectives arrested Gutierrez and he was booked at the West Valley Detention Center for lewd acts with a minor.  The Chino Valley Unified School District is handling a separate personnel investigation.

Please contact the Criminal Investigations Bureau at 909-334-3093 if you have any information related to this incident.

New Teen Volunteer Program

Courtesy of the City of Chino

CHINO– The City of Chino is seeking teens interested in volunteer service.  The Teen Opportunity Program (TOP) is a new volunteer program geared toward teens in the 7th-12th grades.

The TOP program requires teens to attend monthly meetings where they are trained in customer service, problem solving, decision making, conflict resolution, teamwork and leadership.  Through the training, the youth are equipped with life skills that help them succeed with volunteer assignments in city programs or special events.

“The Teen Opportunity Program is a great way for teens to earn volunteer hours required for graduation,” says Noemi Luna, Community Services Coordinator in charge of the program.  “They also gain valuable leadership skills and experience for future employment opportunities,” she added.

The first two meetings were well attended.  Youth learned about the enrollment process and the requirements of volunteering through TOP.  They were also introduced to the types of assignments available and upcoming events.

To get more information or to enroll in the program, youth can call the Neighborhood Activity Center at 909-334-3260.  The upcoming meeting dates are March 17, April 14, May 12 and June 9, 2016.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

The February 2 Diamond Bar City Council meeting began with a crime report from Sheriff’s Captain Jeff Scroggin. According to Scroggin, the vast majority of Diamond Bar crimes are theft and burglary, which can be prevented through simple acts such as locking doors on cars and homes and investing in home security systems.

During the public comments, a representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced several events coming up, including a Chinese New Year celebration, an etiquette workshop for teens on February 6 from 2-3 p.m., and a Landlord/Tenant informational workshop on February 18 from 6-7 p.m. Another resident announced an Evening of Colors on March 18 at 7 p.m. at the Diamond Palace.

The schedule of future events was read, which includes the Planning Commission meeting on February 9 at 7 p.m.; the Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting on February 11 at 7 p.m.; and the next City Council meeting on February 16 at 6:30 p.m. City offices will be closed on February 15 in observance of Presidents Day.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including minutes from the City Council meeting of Jan 19; the Traffic and Transportation Commission minutes from the meetings of September 10, October 8, and November 12; Planning Commission minutes from the meeting of January 12; ratification of a check register totaling $1,452,378.07; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of December 2015; an ordinance amending penalties and civil remedies for offenses pertaining to animal regulations; notice of completion for the Ronald Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation projects; a resolution approving CalRecycle grants to the Department of Resources Recycling and Recovery; and a contract amendment with Tait Group for professional consulting/advocacy services.

Following Council reports and comments, the Council adjourned until February 16 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr in Diamond Bar.

Walnut: 10-Day Water Shutdown Means Major Conservation

Staff Reports                                  

WALNUT – Walnut Valley Water District customers are being asked to voluntarily reduce their water use while a major source of supply is taken out of service for 10 days, beginning at midnight Monday, Feb. 29 through Wednesday, March 9.

The Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWD) will upgrade its F.E. Weymouth Water Treatment Plant in La Verne. This shutdown will reduce the city’s available supplies by more than 50 percent, according to water officials.

As structures at Weymouth continue to age, regular maintenance is required to maintain supply reliability. The Weymouth plant was last fully shut down in March 2013.

While some local water agencies have access to groundwater, stored reservoir supplies and other sources to meet retail demands during the shutdown, the Walnut Valley Water District is nearly 100 percent dependent on imported water supplies.

To insure there is adequate water, reservoirs will be full prior to the shutdown, and another local water treatment plant will provide additional supplies. However, officials encourage customers to conserve water whenever possible.

To help conserve water, here are some steps to take:

  • No outdoor watering – turn your sprinklers “OFF,”
  • No hand-washing vehicles
  • No filling swimming pools or spas
  • No hosing down driveways and sidewalks.

Other water-saving measures include:

  • Running only full loads in washing machines and dishwashers,
  • Not leaving the tap running when washing dishes,
  • Not leaving the water running while brushing your teeth or shaving. Our customers should be aware that some local parks and landscape areas that are irrigated with recycled water will not be impacted by the shutdown.

 

Ayala Teacher Named to Wrestling Hall of Fame

Terry Martin

Terry Martin

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO HILLS– Ayala High School’s Terry Martin will be inducted this spring into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, California Chapter, for his Lifetime Service to Wrestling.  The Lifetime Service award is given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in youth through the sport of wrestling.

Martin coached wrestling for more than 30 years, half of that time at Ayala. He began his coaching career at Oklahoma University after wrestling for the Sooners, and is a proud alumnus of the university.  Coach Martin is a member of the Mt. San Antonio College Hall of Fame and has been named L.A. Times Wrestling Coach of the Year once.  He is a member of the CIF Wrestling Advisory Committee, has 1 CIF Championship, been Runner-Up 7 times, has 11 Sierra League Championships, and has coached 16 CIF Individual Champions and 8 CIF State Champions.  Coach Martin continues to teach at the school but stepped away from coaching last year.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, pays tribute to coaches, officials, and contributors who represent “the best qualities the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and out,” according to Dan Dierdorff, President of the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held May 21 in Laguna Hills.

 

Chino Resident Arrested for Car Burglaries

Courtesy of San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Dept.
Chino– On Monday, February 8, 2016, deputies from the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station arrested Richard Steven Silva, 22, of Chino, after being called to investigate vehicle break-ins in the 15000 block of Hanover Way in Chino Hills.

After an investigation, Silva was found to be in possession of approximately $1,023 dollars worth of stolen property.

Detectives later learned of a second subject, a 17 year old male juvenile from Chino.  Silva and the juvenile walked around the neighborhood, pulled on vehicle door handles, and stole miscellaneous items from three different vehicles.
The juvenile was cited and released to his guardian at the scene.

Anyone with information regarding this incident (DR#221600464) is urged to contact Deputy Timothy Quick at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station (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.

National Signing Day in the Chino Valley

Courtesy of Facebook Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

Courtesy of Facebook
Emily Nguyen signs her letter of intent to Finlandia University in Michigan.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Valley – Chino Valley Unified had more than two dozen seniors sign with universities on February 3 and 4, as part of National Signing Week.

The annual event allows America’s most talented high school senior student-athletes their first opportunity to sign a binding letter of intent to a NCAA school.  The event has become well-known as major colleges such as USC, Michigan, Alabama, Ole Miss and others sign their football recruits during this time.   The letter of intent restricts a recruit to signing with only one school in the NCAA.   National Signing Day is typically on the first Wednesday in February, according to Sports Illustrated.

Football is the big topic when talking about National Signing Week, but other sports are included as well.  Chino Valley Unified had several recruits sign this year in different sports such as softball, water polo, baseball, gymnastics and soccer.

Chino Hills High School’s Emily Nguyen, who will be majoring in Criminal Justice at Finlandia University in Michigan, said this week that while she will miss her family and friends in Chino Hills, she is excited for the change of scenery and the adventure that college holds.   “Signing day was one of the biggest days of my life; it meant that I knew I was going to do what I love while learning at the same time.”  She also said that Signing Day was especially sentimental because she got to sign with her best friend, Emily Luna, who will be attending Wilmington University in the fall.  The duo started playing together on a 8U Chino Hills Girls Softball team, and have been friends since.

Congratulations to all CVUSD student-athletes!

Chino: Prado Lake Maintenance

 

 

Courtesy of Facebook After drainage, Prado Lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day.

Courtesy of Facebook
After drainage, Prado Lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day.

By Carol Heyen

CHINO– The lake at Prado Regional Park has been looking a little different these days.  The San Bernardino County Regional Park Department began a maintenance and enhancement project around the lake on January 31, and the lake was drained.

According to a park employee, one of the lake drains was severely damaged, and the lake needed to be emptied to investigate the problem.  Workers were able to clean out three drainage basins in the process, which will help prevent mosquito breeding in the summer.  Workers also removed hundreds of pounds of trash from the lake and, interestingly, a green mid-1990s Chevy truck, which was sitting about 40 feet from the nearest shoreline. The truck had been reported stolen at the beginning of 2009.  When park rangers went to get the VIN number for the truck to identify it, there was water in the cab and trout swimming in the truck.

The lake is being refilled with reclaimed/recycled water at the rate of 10 million gallons per day, and fishing will resume on February 13.  There are still many fish in the lake, because there was a pond left in the center to keep them alive until the refill began.  The lake will be double-stocked with trout before re-opening, and there may be a possible one-time stocking of bass in the coming month.

Prado Regional Park is located in the Chino Valley basin where San Bernardino, Riverside, Orange and Los Angeles Counties connect.  The name Prado is derived from California’s early Spanish days when the countryside was known as a “prado” or meadow.

Park entrance fees are: $8 per car Monday – Fridays (excluding holidays and special events) and $10 per car on weekends and holidays (excluding special events.)  Daily Fishing Permits are $8.00/person, all ages. For more information call (909) 387-2757.

Walnut Council Meeting Recap

By Natalie Kim
The January 27 Walnut City Council meeting began with an announcement from a Walnut United Taxpayers representative, who announced that Mt. Sac’s attempt to dismiss the injunction on the parking lot structure was dismissed by the court, and that Walnut United Taxpayers was able to add Mt. Sac’s proposed solar farm to their case. The case against Mt. Sac was reported to be very strong, although currently Mt. Sac’s current master plan still includes the contended parking lot structure.
Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including minutes from the January 13 City Council meeting; an ordinance imposing an express ban on marijuana cultivation, processing, delivery, and dispensaries; a resolution allowing claims and demands of $581,050; a resolution authorizing city application for all eligible CalRecycle payment programs; a first amendment to the purchase and sale agreement by and between the City and CalAtlantic Group Inc; appropriation of CalRecycle Beverage Recycling grant funds; awarding a bid to the Creekside Park Playground Renovation Project; a waiver of parking restrictions on La Puente Rd for a special high school event; a request from Mt. Sac Relays Executive Committee to conduct a 5k/10k Fun Race/Walk on April 9; a request for a film permit; a resolution approving the recognized obligation payment schedule for July 2016 to June 2017; the administrative budget for July 2016 to June 2017; appeal of Planning Commission Conditions and a tentative tract map for a two-lot subdivision of undeveloped land within the Single Family Residential and Rural Overlay Zoning Districts.
The Council adjourned with plans to meet again on Feb 10 at 7 p.m. at 21201 La Puente Road, in the Council Chambers.

City Commission Vacancies

Staff Reports

DIAMOND BAR– Do you want to help your city be better?  Office terms are set to expire next month for members of the City’s three commissions; the Parks and Recreation Commission, Traffic and Transportation Commission, and the Planning Commission, and seats are up for grabs. These commissions serve as advisory boards to the City Council in their designated areas.

Each commission is made up of five members who serve two-year terms that expire on February 28 of even-numbered years. Members of the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Traffic and Transportation Commission receive a stipend of $45 per meeting, while the members of the Planning Commission receive a stipend of $65 per meeting.

The Planning Commission meets on the fourth Thursday of the month; it is responsible for helping direct the short- and long-range growth and development of the city through the implementation of the City’s General Plan and Municipal Code.

The Parks and Recreation Commission meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of the month; it is responsible for helping coordinate all the recreation and leisure activities of the city and providing for the establishment and maintenance of sound recreation and parks programs.

The Traffic and Transportation Commission meets on the second Thursday of the month; it helps with the review and development of systems, facilities, plans, policies and programs concerning rail, bus and other forms of private and public transportation with the city and affecting the city.

Diamond Bar residents who are at least 18 years of age, registered to vote, and interested in serving on one of the City Commissions should obtain an application from the City Clerk’s Office by calling 909.839.7010 or visiting City Hall during the operating hours of Monday through Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Friday 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. The deadline for submission of applications is 5:30 p.m. on Monday, February 8, 2016. Diamond Bar City Hall is located at 21810 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA.

Mail Theft on the Rise

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Photo courtesy of Google Images

Courtesy of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Dept.

Many local police departments have recently experienced an unusual number of calls for service regarding the theft of U.S. mail.  Police always attempt to identify suspects involved in such thefts and to recover the property stolen from its citizens.  Postal inspectors across the country also work hard to protect your mail, but with more than 100 million addresses for delivery, you can imagine the job can’t be done alone.

Criminal investigations of such thefts involve a multitude of resources to solve the crimes, but law enforcement also relies heavily on your participation to recover stolen mail and place closure on a case.  Knowing that, officers would like to suggest several steps you can take in deterring these thefts.

Here’s what you can do to protect your mail from thieves and, thereby; reduce the number of thefts:

  • Use the letter slots inside your post office for your mail or personally hand it to a letter carrier.
  • Don’t leave your mail in your mailbox overnight.  Pick it up promptly after delivery.    If you’re expecting checks, credit cards or other negotiable items, ask a friend or neighbor you trust to retrieve your mail.
  • If you don’t receive a check or other valuable mail you’re expecting, contact the issuing agency immediately, without delay.
  • If you change your address, immediately notify your Post Office and anyone with whom you do business through the U.S. mail.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Tell your Post Office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
  • Report all suspected mail thefts to the Sheriff’s Department and a Postal Inspector.
  • Consider starting a neighborhood watch program.  Exchanging work and vacation schedules with trusted neighbors and friends, you can watch each other’s mailboxes (and homes).
  • Consult with your local Postmaster for the most up-to-date regulations on mailboxes, including the availability of locked centralized or curbside mailboxes.

If you witness a mail theft in progress, immediately contact your local police department and report the incident.  Afterwards, contact the Postal Inspectors at 877-846-2455.

 

Zika Virus Sparks Travel Alert

Photo courtesy: Google Images

Photo courtesy: Google Images

By Carol Heyen

The World Health Organization’s Director General, Dr. Margaret Chan, has declared a “Public Health Emergency of International Concern” regarding the Zika virus. The level of threat, the lack of vaccinations, reliable diagnoses, treatments and population immunity, and the ability for worldwide transmission of the virus prompted the declaration.

The disease, which spreads through the bites of infected mosquitoes, usually produces a mild fever, skin rash and conjunctivitis.  Symptoms last 2-7 days, and begin 3-7 days after the person has been bitten by the infected mosquito. There is no specific treatment or vaccine currently available.

The principal danger of the Zika virus is to the unborn.  According to the PAHO, during large outbreaks in French Polynesia and Brazil in 2013 and 2015 respectively, national health authorities reported potential neurological and auto-immune complications of the Zika virus disease. Recently in Brazil, local health authorities have observed an increase in Zika virus infections in the general public, as well as an increase in stillborn babies, and an increase in babies born with microcephaly in northeast Brazil. Microcephaly is a condition where the head and brain of the affected child are abnormally small, sometimes causing severe birth defects and death.  Agencies investigating the Zika outbreaks are finding an increasing body of evidence about the link between Zika virus and microcephaly.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) have issued a Level-2 (Practice Enhanced Precautions) travel alert for people traveling to certain regions and countries affected by the Zika virus, including Bolivia, Brazil, Cape Verde, Colombia, Ecuador, El Salvador, French Guiana, Guadeloupe, Guatemala, Guyana, Haiti, Honduras, Martinique, Mexico, Panama, Paraguay, Saint Martin, Suriname, Samoa, Venezuela and Puerto Rico.

The Zika virus, spread by Aedes mosquitoes, is affecting Africa and nearly all of the Americas, according to the Pan American Health Organization

The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) recommends special travel precautions for pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant: Pregnant women in any trimester should consider postponing travel to areas where Zika virus transmission is ongoing. Pregnant women who must travel to one of these areas should talk to their healthcare provider first and strictly follow steps to avoid mosquito bites during the trip. Pregnant women who traveled to an area with ongoing Zika virus transmission during pregnancy should be evaluated for Zika virus infection if they had any symptoms suggestive of Zika or if their baby has evidence of microcephaly or brain calcifications.

According to the CDPH, the mosquito Aedes aegypti has been detected in twelve counties in California, and Aedes albopictus has been identified in five counties, including Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside and San Bernardino counties. Thus far in California, Zika infections have been documented only in persons who were infected while traveling outside the United States. While the risk for transmission of Zika, chikungunya, or dengue viruses is still low in California, infected travelers coming back to California can transmit these viruses to Aedes mosquitoes that bite them. This may lead to additional people becoming infected if they are then bitten by those mosquitoes. To date no local transmission of Zika infections have occurred in California.

The CDC recommends taking appropriate precautions if you must travel to affected countries.  Pregnant women and women trying to become pregnant should review the recommendations listed earlier. If you have returned from an affected region and have fever with rash and/or joint pain within the week following your return, contact your doctor and let him know that you have been in an affected area.

There are no vaccines to prevent Zika infection. Preventing mosquito bites is the only way to avoid becoming infected.  The CDC gives these recommendations to keep yourself safe:

  • Use insect repellents containing DEET, picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or para-menthane-diol for long lasting protection. If you use both sunscreen and insect repellent, apply the sunscreen first and then the repellent.
  • Using insect repellent is safe and effective. Pregnant women and women who are breastfeeding can and should choose an EPA-registered insect repellent and use it according to the product label.
  • When weather permits, wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.
  • Use air conditioning or window/door screens to keep mosquitoes outside. If you are not able to protect yourself from mosquitoes inside your home or hotel, sleep under a mosquito bed net.
  • Help reduce the number of mosquitoes outside your home or hotel room by emptying standing water from containers such as flowerpots or buckets.

Steer Clear of the 91!

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Photo Courtesy of Google Images

Staff Reports

A full closure of eastbound and westbound 91 between the 71 and I-15 will occur from Friday, Feb. 19, 2016 at 9 pm to Monday, Feb. 22, 2016 at 4 am.  This 12-mile stretch of freeway sees over 280,000 cars per day, and that number is expected to jump to 425,000 by the year 2030, according to Joel Zlotnik of the Orange County Transportation Authority.

The 91 freeway is a valuable transportation corridor for thousands of motorists, and also serves hundreds of thousands of commercial and freight trucks as they travel inland from the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles, according to Anaheim City Councilman Harry Sidhu.

The full weekend closure of the 91 will allow crews to perform three major construction activities: 1) Demolish the west side of the Maple Street Bridge over the 91; 2) Install support beams for the new westbound Maple Street flyover ramp bridge; and 3) Pave the new eastbound 91 alignment near I-15.

“By fully closing the roadway, we will be able to consolidate these significant construction efforts into one weekend, rather than multiple weekends or extending this over a month of weeknights,” said RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer. “Consolidating the work activities within one weekend will reduce the number of closure hours by more than 50 percent. The project’s design-build method allows for flexibility in planning work, such as this weekend closure,” she said. Another benefit, Mayer noted, is that the full closure will help ensure the safety of the 91 Project crews and the traveling public by eliminating cars and construction equipment on the road at the same time.

More work will be occurring in the Maple Street area during the coming months, including reconstructing the Maple Street bridge and building the flyover connector ramp bridge. Crews will require nightly full closures of eastbound 91 for about a week after the weekend closure. During these closures, motorists will be directed to the eastbound 91 Maple Street off-ramp, and then east on Frontage Road to re-enter the 91 at the Maple/Paseo Grande on-ramp. Once the flyover ramp bridge is completed this summer, another full closure of the 91 may be conducted to remove the temporary support beams that will be placed the weekend of February 19-22.

Because of the impact that a full closure will have on this heavily traveled roadway, motorists are urged to “steer clear” of the area during this closure. To minimize major travel delays and impacts during the closure, RCTC strongly recommends that motorists plan ahead, avoid travel in the area or stay home. Motorists traveling on the 91, the 71 or I-15 near the project area during the closure period can expect travel delays of three to four hours. If travel cannot be avoided, motorists can use the 57, 60 and I-10 as alternate routes.

The Green River Road interchange will remain open to motorists, and during the weekend closure, emergency vehicles will be able to travel on the 91, as needed, to respond to police, fire and medical situations.  “Corona residents can rest assured that police, fire, CHP and ambulance personnel will be fully briefed about the weekend closure and are ready to respond,” Mayer said.

In case of rainstorms or inclement weather, the closure will be postponed to the next weekend, weather permitting.  For more information, please call the helpline at 877-770-9191, or visit http://www.sr91project@rctc.org.

Diamond Bar City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

DIAMOND BAR– Mayor Lyons began the January 19 Diamond Bar City Council meeting by announcing the winners of the “Through My Lens” Photo Contest of 2015. In the youth division People category, Hamzah Daud won first place, and Clarissa Hui won Honorable Mention. In the Pets category, Huanxi Liu won first place, and Hannah Trinh won Honorable Mention. In the Places category, Nathaniel Liu won first place, and Nicole Trinh won Honorable Mention. In the Nature category, Evelyn Dai won first place, and Ashley Chen won Honorable Mention. In the Digitally Altered category, Rachel Ahn won first place, and Huanxi Liu won Honorable Mention. In the adult division People category, Allan Le won first place, and Rae Lasko won Honorable Mention. In the Places Category, Bruce Davis won first place, and Teresa Wang won Honorable Mention. In the Nature category, Han Mook Kim won first place, and Bruce Davis won Honorable Mention. In the Pets category, Tony J. Wu won first place, and Jeff Braun won Honorable Mention. In the Digitally Altered category, Tony J. Wu won first place, and Tommy Zeller won Honorable Mention. The grand prize was awarded to Tony J. Wu for his piece “Sunset Over Beautiful Diamond Bar,” submitted for the Digitally Altered category, for scoring the highest overall marks.

During the public comments, some residents expressed concern over the housing development that is beginning construction on Larkstone Drive.  A representative from the Diamond Bar Public Library announced upcoming events, including an Adult 101 Etiquette Workshop on January 23 from 2 to 3 p.m.; an acting and improvisation workshop for kids on January 27 from 4 to 5 p.m.; and a workshop to help you get organized that will take place on January 30 from 2 to 3 p.m. A representative from the Diamond Bar Women’s Club announced the club’s third annual Roarin’ Twenties Casino Night Charity Fundraiser on February 6 from 6:30-11:00 p.m. The Diamond Bar Community Foundation also announced a 1K Fun Run/5K Run/Walk on March 20, which will help raise awareness for the Fields for Kids Program and raise funds for a Diamond Bar sports field. The Foundation is looking for both sponsors and participants, and more information can be found at www.thedbcf.org.

The schedule of future events includes: a Los Angeles County Park Needs Assessment Public Meeting on January 21 at 7 p.m. at the Diamond Bar Center on 1600 Grand Ave; a celebration for Alex Morgan on January 24 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Pantera Park on 738 Pantera Dr; a Planning Commission meeting on January 26 at 7 p.m. at 21810 Copley Dr; and the next City Council meeting on February 2 at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

The Council then approved all items on the consent calendar, including City Council minutes from Dec 15; ratification of check register totaling $2,939,893.61; the Treasurer’s Statement for the month of November 2015; an agreement between the City and the Discovery Cube, Orange County for the Eco Challenge Education Program; a professional services agreement with Josue Espino to provide planning consulting services; a General Plan status report for 2015; and an ordinance amending Diamond Bar Municipal Code related to water efficient landscaping.

A first reading was approved for an ordinance amending the City Code relating to penalties and civil remedies for offenses pertaining to animal regulations, and the Council then adopted a resolution adjusting existing animal license fees.

The Council then adjourned until February 2, at 6:30 p.m. at 21865 Copley Dr.

Walnut City Council Recap

By Natalie Kim

WALNUT– Walnut kicked off the new year with a City Council meeting on January 13, which started off with a presentation on Smart Trash Bins. The Smart Trash Bins are larger bins which include informational graphics relating to what materials should or should not be recycled. A previous experiment with the bins showed recycling increased by 19% when used, and plans to implement the bins in schools and other public places was discussed.

Following the public comments, the Council approved all items on the agenda, including minutes from the December 9 City Council meeting; minutes from the January 5-6 City Council Special meetings; a resolution selecting projects for the 42nd Program Year of the Community Development Block Grant Program; an ordinance imposing an express ban on marijuana cultivation, processing, delivery, and dispensaries; a resolution allowing claims and demands in the amount of $2,177,238.04; a resolution allowing the Successor Agency claims and demands in the amount of $125,000; and a contract to MIG Inc. to prepare the General Plan Update and West Valley Blvd Specific Plan.

After councilmember reports and comments, the Council adjourned.  The next meeting will be held January 27 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Rd.

How I Almost Became the Chino Hills Powerball Winner

Zeb Welborn

Zeb Welborn

By Zeb Welborn

Growing up in Chino Hills since 1981, I’ve seen the city grow from a cow pasture to a robust suburban town. I’ve personally witnessed a tremendous amount of growth in both Chino and Chino Hills in my lifetime. As the Chairman of the Board for the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce I can see that that success and prosperity will continue.

One of the coolest things that happened as a result of the Powerball win is how it showcased the way our city came together to support something that put our city in the spotlight for at least a few days.

As a child, I’d try to convince my parents to let me ride my bike to the 7-Eleven so I could get some snacks or a Slurpee. I grew up within a bike ride’s distance of the place that sold a winning ticket for the largest-ever lottery prize.  And that’s pretty cool.

The first time I played the lottery was last Saturday, where I bought one ticket for what was then the largest lottery purse in history at $900 million.  On Wednesday, I bought my second for the $1.5 billion jackpot.

In addition, the President of our Sunday Bowling League, Doug, organized a lottery pool and purchased tickets on behalf of our bowling league.

I didn’t watch the lottery live, but I got messages from family and friends not long after telling me to check my tickets. They had heard the news that a winner was sold in Chino Hills.

Instead of a 1 in 275,000,000 chance my odds improved drastically to 1 in Chino Hills.

I carefully checked my ticket.  I didn’t match a single number. Unfortunately, I bought it at the Circle K gas station across the street from that 7-Eleven.

Then I remembered I still had a chance with Doug.

My family (who also bought into the bowling pool) and I waited by the phone hoping Doug would call to tell us the good news, or the more likely scenario, the bad news.  But we didn’t hear from Doug, and so wild speculation began.

As time wore on, it became more and more likely in our minds that we would be declared the winners for various reasons:

  1. The winning 7-Eleven is on the way from the bowling alley to Doug’s house
  2. The winning 7-Eleven is the closest place to Doug’s home to buy lottery tickets
  3. We hadn’t heard from Doug
  4. If Doug did have the winning ticket, we’d assume he’d make sure to consult legal counsel on how to proceed with distributing the winnings to our bowling league
  5. Neither Doug nor any of his family had posted anything on social media.
  6. Everyone in Chino Hills got texts from family and relatives outside of Chino Hills asking if we’d won, so many of us took to social media to let people know we were losers.
  7. What would you do if you won the lottery?  Probably disappear from social media.
  8. As more and more of our Chino Hills family and friends went on to social media to let others know they were losers, the odds went from 1 in Chino Hills to what felt more like 1 in 10 that we were the $1.5 billion lottery winners.

On Sunday, we headed to bowling as we do every Sunday night, only this time we were on the lookout for big news vans and television crews, there to catch our excitement as Doug announced that we were indeed the Powerball winners.

As we entered the bowling alley, Doug, a plumber, was outside making a phone call where he was talking about water heaters and other things a plumber would discuss; clearly a ruse.

Finally, Doug ended his phone call and came inside just before bowling began. I asked him one simple question:

“So Doug, are we millionaires?”

He reached into his pocket and threw down lottery tickets paper-clipped together and said, “You have no idea how hard this week has been. We didn’t win.”

As it turns out, Doug did buy our tickets at the 7-Eleven in Chino Hills as we had suspected, but not the winning ticket. As of now, we didn’t win the Powerball . . . Honestly, we’re still hoping Doug is holding out on us waiting for a more opportune time to tell us that we’re all millionaires!

Inland Empire: Man Sentenced to 135 Years

Photo courtesy of San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office Edward Thomas Booking Photo

Photo courtesy of San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office
Edward Thomas Booking Photo

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO- After jury deliberations that lasted less than an hour, a Michigan man was found guilty last month on nine counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Edward Thomas, 53, was sentenced for his crimes at the West Valley Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga on January 19.

Thomas received 135-years-to-life in state prison for the sexual assaults of his biological daughter that took place over a ten-year period between 1995 and 2005.  Each count carried a 15-year-to-life sentence.

The charges stem from multiple incidents dating back to when the victim, Jane Doe, was approximately 5 years old and living in Fontana. The abuse went on until she was approximately 15 years old, but Jane Doe never told anyone, including her mother, Lucy.

“Due to fears that there could potentially be more victims, Jane Doe was finally able to disclose the terrible abuse she endured for over ten years,” said Deputy District Attorney Morrissa Cardoza, who prosecuted the case.

In 2013, Jane Doe disclosed the abuse to her mother.  Her mother then wrote the defendant a letter confronting him about the allegations.  Thomas responded by apologizing for everything and begging for forgiveness.  The mother, Lucy, then contacted the Fontana Police.

According to DDA Cardoza, the defendant was living in Michigan when the case came to light, so detectives from the Fontana Police Department flew out to interview him, and again, the defendant confessed.   He was arrested in March.

“However, he was unwilling to plead guilty because he was charged with aggravated sexual assaults, and he always maintained that none of the molestation was forcible,” DDA Cardoza said.

The victim, Jane Doe, is now 25 years old and is serving as an active member of the United States Army.

Chino Hills Man Arrested for Meth

Deputies locate several pounds of methamphetamine in Chino Hills

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS– On January 19, 2016, at about 6:00 p.m., Chino Hills deputies, with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Narcotics/Gang Division, executed a search warrant  in the 3300 block of Organdy Lane.  David Selle, 45, was suspected of being involved in the sales of methamphetamine. During the warrant service, deputies located several pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and evidence of possible credit card fraud. Selle was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any criminal activity is urged to call Chino Hills Police Department or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.

Tehachapi Project Construction Update

SCE Power Lines 1 by TRTP EDISON

Photo courtesy: Edison

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS– The Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project will deliver electricity from new wind farms in the Tehachapi area to SCE customers and the California transmission grid. Consisting of new and upgraded electric transmission lines and substations between eastern Kern County and San Bernardino County, it plays a vital role in meeting California’s renewable energy goal of 33 percent by the year 2020.

 

Construction Activities from January 25th – 31st
During the period January 25 to 31, 2016 construction activities as part of Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) will include the following:

  • Surveying, dust control, vegetation, net inspection, soil and material exportation throughout the project route
  • Tower construction east of the East Transition Station at Pipeline Avenue and SR71
  • Mainline trenching which includes trenching and increased truck traffic along adjacent streets at the following locations: west of Pipeline Avenue (south of Yellowstone Circle), and south of Garden Court (east of Lobelia Drive and west of Cork Drive)
  • Vault excavation/installation work south of Eucalyptus Avenue (east and west of Canon Lane, and east of Western Hills Country Club), and west of Pipeline Avenue (south of Yellowstone Circle)
  • Horizontal directional drilling south of Prairieview Circle (west of Lost Trail Drive) and south of Garden Court (west of Cork Drive).  Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a method of installing underground utilities when trenching work is impractical to perform.  The 500 kV underground project in Chino Hills will require two HDD sites along the route.
  • Grading work south of Eucalyptus Avenue (east and west of Canon Lane), and south of Eucalyptus Avenue and North of Turquoise Circle North (west of Coral Ridge Park)
  • Concrete restoration at Canon Lane
  • Transition station construction at the Eastern Transition Station (Pipeline Avenue north of Chino Hills Pkwy.) and Western Transition Station (southwest of the western end of Eucalyptus Avenue).
  • Wire stringing activities west of the Western Transition Station in Chino Hills to Tonner Canyon in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and east of Pipeline Avenue and continuing across SR71 in Chino to just west of Central Avenue. *A small helicopter will be used to position equipment and personnel.  There will be periods when the helicopter will hover in the project area to perform these activities.
  • Cable pulling activities west of Avenida Cabrillo and just east of Calle Madrid

 

Construction hours are: Chino Hills locations: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday; and 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday.  Chino locations: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday