Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Chino Valley Scam Alert

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy: CVFD This is an official Chino Valley Fire District Uniform

Photo Courtesy: CVFD
This is an official Chino Valley Fire District Uniform

Chino Valley – The Chino Valley Fire District wants to alert business owners of unsolicited companies claiming to be sent to their businesses by the Fire Marshal, Fire District or a Fire Inspector.  These unsolicited companies claim that they are being sent on behalf of the local fire agency to perform an inspection or survey of the business.  The unsolicited companies target fire protection equipment, systems and other areas related to fire safety.

Fire inspections in Chino and Chino Hills are conducted by Fire District personnel.  All Chino Valley Fire District personnel who perform fire and life safety inspections wear an approved uniform. The uniform has a badge clearly displayed above the left front pocket and a Fire District patch on the left upper sleeve of their uniform shirt.  Businesses are encouraged to request a business card from anyone who claims to be at their business to conduct an inspection or to call the Fire District at (909) 902-5260 to verify an inspection by Fire District personnel.

Below are some precautionary measures that businesses can take:

  • Business owners should ask for proof of a proper license before anyone services their fire extinguishers, sprinkler system or alarm system.  Refuse fire protection services if proper identification is not provided. Have fire protection companies leave any parts that have been replaced.
  • Ask for identification of anyone requesting to perform any type of inspection.  CVFD personnel carry a Fire District ID card and business cards.
    • Always obtain an estimate for services or work that needs to be performed.
    • Do not pay upfront for any services rendered and do not pay with cash. Never sign a blank invoice.
  • Fire extinguishers should be inspected and serviced annually by a licensed technician. Be sure to record the date of the previous service, the quantity and size of your extinguishers, and the purchase dates.
  • Record the dates of the fire sprinkler, fire alarm, and special fire protection system installations and services.
  • Be cautious of service companies that show up “UNSOLICITED”.
  • Educate employees on business owner rights and fraudulent practices. Post this information where your employees have access to it (e.g. at the front desk or employee break room).

If you are in doubt or have any questions, contact the Chino Valley Fire District at (909) 902-5260, or visit our website at www.chinovalleyfire.org.

University of California Is For Bears, Bruins And Banana Slugs, Not Cash Cows

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia

Photo Courtesy: Wikipedia
California’s 29th District Senate Republican Leader, Bob Huff

By Senator Bob Huff (R-San Dimas)
The University of California should be a beacon of opportunity for California students; but in recent years, there’s been a clear trend at UC campuses to turn away too many of our own California students in favor of higher paying, out-of-state students and foreign elites. This crowding out of our own high school graduates from UC schools is a trend that can’t be allowed to continue.

The numbers tell the story: UC officials claim state budget cuts have forced them to admit more and more out-of-state students. This makes some fiscal sense, because those out-of-state students pay nearly triple the tuition charged to California residents.  But this year, fully one out of three freshman students admitted to UC campuses are from out-of-state.  And, despite past assurances I’ve gotten from UC officials, some of those out-of-state students are receiving financial aid that’s been paid for with California taxpayer dollars. Not only is that not fair to California families, if this trend continues we could soon see the day when the majority of students entering the University of California aren’t from California.

And while UC officials claim that state budget cuts are forcing them to turn more and more to out-of-state students and the dollars they bring, that’s not the whole story.  After all, there’s more to fiscal management than simply grabbing more dollars. There’s also controlling costs, and that’s where UC officials don’t have a very good story to tell. In the past 20 years, UC has tripled its hiring of non-faculty administrators.  That’s a big increase in spending for some very expensive bean counters and pencil pushers.  And it’s a tough increase to justify.  For comparison’s sake, over the same period UC was busy tripling its administrative staff, the California State University actually cut its administrative staff by a third.
We can do better. Our students deserve better. That’s why I signed on this year as co-author of SCA 4, a proposed Senate Constitutional Amendment which places a ten percent cap on UC out-of-state admissions.   SCA 4 also freezes UC tuition for the next five years, and bars out-of-state students from receiving financial assistance from California families.  SCA 4 protects our students while imposing a little fiscal discipline on UC’s educational bureaucracy.

SCA 4 likely won’t make it through the Legislature this year, and that’s a shame, because now the people will be denied a chance to vote for its important student protections.
Education is the great equalizer, because education is what turns opportunity into real world success. If we truly want to battle income inequality and increase opportunity for Californians, it’s time to protect UC’s educational opportunities for California students.

Senator Bob Huff serves as the Senate Minority Leader and represents the 29th Senate District covering portions of Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino Counties. Follow Senator Huff on Twitter @bobhuff99.

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – The Walnut City Council met on Wed., July 22, with recently appointed Mayor, Bob Pacheco, fitting into his old position and taking on a long agenda for the last meeting of the month.

To start, Pacheco and the other Council members met with Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Department Captain Jeff Scroggin, proclaiming Aug. 4 as National Night Out – a day for residents to get out and meet their local law enforcement officers and combat drug use and crime. Pacheco thanked Scroggin for the safety that the Sheriff’s Department provides to the City, and that it’s up to all Walnut residents to keep the City safe.

After the proclamation, Pacheco gave a speech about his hope for the City Council to work together in order to maintain the City’s reputation as one of the best in the country.

“We might not always agree, but if we disagree, we should do so in a civilized manner,” Pacheco said.

He spoke about getting a citizen committee together to talk about the way the Council has conducted themselves in recent months, as well as pledging to continue to serve with the citizens’ best interest in mind during his term as Mayor.

There were alternative viewpoints from some residents attending the meeting.

The Council then moved to approve the July 8 City Council meeting minutes and all items on the Consent Calendar, including a resolution for claims and demands in the amount of $1,298,381.17; a resolution designating Mayor Pro Tem Mary Su as the official voting delegate for the League of California Cities Annual Conference; an amendment to the agreement for WRA Environmental Consultants; an amendment to the agreement for Leibold, McClendon & Mann; the award of bid for the Suzanne Park Parking Lot Project; an alcoholic beverage license application for 7-Eleven store #27324; the Mayor’s agency representatives; and the rescheduling/cancellation of City/WHA Council meetings for November and December holidays.

The Council also approved a resolution of the City of Walnut as Successor Agency, allowing certain claims and demands in the amount of $125,000.

For the discussion/transaction items, the Mt. San Antonio College Development Task Force decided to revise their City-wide notification mailer for August, and to meet in closed session to discuss the Notice of Nuisance Abatement hearing (a rear property block wall located at 20638 Loyalton Drive).

After the Council’s final discussion item, the meeting was adjourned with plans to meet on Aug.12 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

For more information on this City Council Recap, visit http://www.ci.walnut.ca.us/general.asp?id=372.

Chino Hills: Three Arrested For Robberies

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Sat., July 25, at about 9:53 p.m., two robberies occurred in the city of Chino Hills. The victims are not associated with one another and were walking on the sidewalk in the area of Chino Avenue and Peyton Drive when the crimes occurred.

In both robberies, the suspects drove up to the victims, pointed a silver colored semi-automatic handgun at them and demanded their property. In fear for their safety, the victims complied and handed their property over to the suspects. As the suspects fled, one of the victims was able to obtain a license plate number.
Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department responded and initiated the investigation. With the information provided by the victims, Deputies were able to positively identify one of the suspects – a 17-year old juvenile from Beaumont – and obtained arrest and search warrants.  The information on this suspect and his vehicle was provided to law enforcement agencies throughout Southern California.
On Sun., July 26, 2015, at about 4:50 p.m., Huntington Beach Police Officers found the suspect vehicle, which was occupied by five subjects. Officers initiated a traffic stop and detained all of the occupants. Investigators from the Chino Hills Police Department were notified of the stop and drove to Huntington Beach. Through investigation, three of the five subjects were identified as the suspects in the Chino Hills robberies and an additional robbery in Rancho Cucamonga.
During a search of the vehicle, investigators located evidence linking the passengers to the crime. Deputies also recovered property that belonged to one of the victims from Chino Hills.

Heather Chambers, 18, of San Bernardino was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.  The 17-year old juvenile from Beaumont and a 16-year old juvenile from Rialto were booked into San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall for Robbery and Conspiracy.
Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department. Those who want to report information anonymously can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

Baldwin Park Father Sentenced For Son’s Murder

 

Photo Courtesy: LASD David Paz Vasquez

Photo Courtesy: LASD
David Paz Vasquez

Staff Reports

Baldwin Park – A 34-year old man has been sentenced to 25 years to life in prison after being convicted of murdering his 20-month old son.

According to the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office, jurors deliberated on Tues., July 21 for about an hour before finding David Paz Vasquez guilty of one count each of second-degree murder and assault on a child causing death. He was immediately sentenced to 25 years to life in state prison by Los Angeles County Superior Court Judge Bruce Marrs.

Deputy District Attorney Deborah Scott, who prosecuted the case, said Vasquez was watching his son, Joshua, on June 12, 2013 at the family’s Baldwin Park home. After the toddler’s mother left for work, she received a call from a hospital saying the child had died.

Vasquez told investigators that he placed the child on a bed and told him not to move, the prosecutor added. The toddler fell onto the floor and Vasquez became upset and struck his son on the head and abdomen and then took him to the hospital. He was arrested that evening.

Injuries to the toddler included a smashed skull, broken ribs and internal bleeding in the abdomen.

During the trial, evidence was presented that when the child was five months old, he suffered a broken leg after Vasquez yanked him from the mother. After that incident, the toddler was placed in foster care for about a month, and then went to live at his grandmother’s house for six months. He was then returned to his parents.

The case was investigated by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department.

 

Pomona College Is The Best

Photo Courtesy: Pomona.edu Pomona College campus in Claremont, CA

Photo Courtesy: Pomona.edu
Pomona College campus in Claremont, CA

By Claire Lewis

Claremont – Harvard, Yale, Princeton…all great schools with excellent reputations, right?  Absolutely, but apparently they are not the best, at least according to Forbes magazine.  The well known and respected publication released their “America’s Top Colleges 2015” listing on Wed., July 29, placing Pomona College as No. 1 in the United States.

The private liberal arts college located in Claremont – who was Forbes-ranked No. 8 in 2014, and No. 2 in 2013 – is an exclusively undergraduate four-year institution with approximately 1,600 students each semester, according to their website.  The School is part of the Claremont Colleges, a conglomerate of five undergraduate and two graduate institutions in the San Gabriel Valley.

Pomona College was founded in 1887, and the innovators that designed this beautiful school envisioned “a college of the New England type with small classes, close relationships between students and faculty, and a green jewel of a campus,” their website continues.  And from that beginning, Pomona has grown to be one of the nation’s premier liberal arts colleges, well known for not only the original vision, but also a challenging curriculum, quality academic programs, and a wide variety of personal growth and intellectual development opportunities for students.

Pomona College refers to its students as “Architects of Education.”  With an average class size of 15 and large-scale resources, students are easily able to cultivate a great enthusiasm for learning by collaborating with professors, who are also top scholars in their fields.  Notable Pomona College alumni include Roy E. Disney, Kris Kristofferson, Richard Chamberlain, and Joel McCrea.

For the 2015 listing, Forbes ranked Williams College No. 2, followed by Stanford, Princeton, Yale, Harvard, Swarthmore, Brown, Amherst and M.I.T., respectively, completing the Top 10 in the country.  The rankings are a result of Forbes “return-on-invest” scale, which gives specific points for high graduation rates, career success, low debt, and student satisfaction.

Pomona College is located at 333 N. College Way in Claremont, California.  For admissions and more information, call (909) 621-8000.

 

Celebrate. Remember. Fight Back.

When we walk together, we are bigger than cancer

Photo Courtesy: Google

Photo Courtesy: Google

Staff Reports

Chino – Everyone, in some way, has been touched by cancer.  Either you are a survivor, or know someone who has lost the battle.  You can join the American Cancer Society Relay for Life of Chino help people get well, stay well, find cures, and fight back against cancer.

On Aug. 1-2, from 9 a.m. Saturday to 9 a.m. Sunday, at Ayala Park (14225 Central Ave.), the Relay for Life of Chino will become part of the world’s largest and most impactful fundraising event to end cancer.  This experience unites communities across the globe to celebrate people who have battled cancer, remember loved ones lost, and take action to finish the fight once and for all.

With the support of thousands of volunteers – just like you – the American Cancer Society is helping to save more than 400 lives each day.  According to the Relay for Life Chino website, 81 teams and 1,262 participants have raised more than $124,000 to date.

You can help by starting or joining a team, or become a sponsor by visiting www.relayforlife.org/chinoca.  If you are not able to walk in the relay, you can still become part of the momentum by participating in the Goodwill Fundraiser.  Gently used items from Garage Sale leftovers or getting around to cleaning out those closets can be brought to the parking lot behind the soccer fields at College Park Ave. in Chino, on Aug. 1, between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.  The proceeds for every bin filled for Goodwill Southern California will benefit the American Cancer Society.  For more information on this fundraiser, call (909) 518-0097.

Come and join in the fun at the Relay for Life of Chino.  Whether you participate or just cheer others on, you will help take a stand in the fight against cancer.

 

 

Walnut Aquatic Park Update

Image Courtesy: City of Walnut Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park

Image Courtesy: City of Walnut
Conceptual drawing of proposed Aquatic Park

By Claudine Stines

Walnut – As you may recall, in October of last year, Standard Pacific filed a Writ of Mandate against the City of Walnut stating, in short, the Three Oaks property could not be sold, but would revert back to the original developer if not used for the purpose intended (swimming pool and recreational facility).  While the Writ was filed, they did not act upon it, preferring to negotiate; negotiations have been going on since that time.

On Wed., July 22, the Walnut City Council was scheduled to review negotiations for the sale of the property in a closed session. After their review of the Purchase and Sale Agreement, the Council was to reconvene at their Meeting and announce the closed session actions, according to page 6 of the Council agenda.

Other developers did bid on the sale of the property for approximately $15 to $16 million, thus causing Standard Pacific to enter the picture.  The Three Oaks property appraised at approximately $5 to $6 million – considerably short of the $20 million the City would need to build the aquatic park, per the conceptual drawing previously submitted on Oct. 8, 2014.

Depending on the financial outcome, the City may have to scale back to accommodate the shortfall, building only the recreation facility, one pool and parking – and develop a strategy to add the additional pool, amphitheater, etc., as additional funds are budgeted in the coming year(s).

As of this month, the renovation of the Walnut High pool has finally started; the estimated time of completion is not known at this time.  You may not be aware that the renovation will cause the City to modify their summer aquatic program due to the configuration of the pool.  They will no longer be able to support instruction for the smaller swimmers and some adult programs due to the new depth of the pool.

While Council members are in favor of the aquatic center, it appears even at this level of government the wheels of progress have been moving slowly. Council members need to hear from citizens; otherwise the momentum of this vision for the community will continue to move at an even slower pace.

Council members may be contacted, as follows:  Robert Pacheco, Mayor (bpacheco@ci.walnut.ca.us); Mary Su, Mayor Pro Tem (msu@ci.walnut.ca.us); Nancy Tragarz, Council Member (ntragarz@ci.walnut.ca.us); Eric Ching, Council Member (eching@ci.walnut.ca.us); Antonio Cartagena, Council Member (tcartagena@ci.walnut.ca.us).

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s City Council met for the first time in July following its Fourth of July holiday cancellation, for a short meeting of regular events.

To start, the Council presented a City tile to former Planning Commissioner, Peter Pirritano, for his three years of service to the City. Mayor Steve Tye congratulated Pirritano and thanked him for all of his hard work on the City’s commission.

Tye was accompanied on stage with Senator Bob Huff’s Senior Field Representative, Jody Roberto, and Assemblywoman (and former Diamond Bar City Council member) Ling Ling Chang, who also gave their thanks to Pirritano for his time serving the City.

“This is kind of a sad moment for me,” Pirritano said. “I’ve been involved in so many things in Diamond Bar and I’m hoping to keep doing some of the things I’ve been involved in. I’m just so thankful and grateful and thank all of you for allowing me to serve the City.”

The Council then gave a proclamation that July 2015 be recognized as Parks and Recreation Month, and also presented a certificate to 123 Rakuya, located at 21076 Gold Springs Dr., as the July 2015 New Business of the Month.

Next, the Council read its schedule of future events for a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 23 at 7 p.m.; a Planning Commission meeting on July 28 at 7 p.m.; a Concert in the Park event on July 29 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. featuring Last Chance at Sycamore Canyon Park; a Movies Under the Stars event on July 29, following the concert at Sycamore Canyon Park; and the next City Council meeting on August 4 at 6:30 p.m.

The Council then approved all items on its consent calendar, which included the minutes for the June 16 City Council meeting; the March , April  and May 24 minutes for the Parks and Recreation Commission; the minutes for the May 14 Traffic and Transportation Commission meeting; the ratification of a check register dated June 11 through July 15 totaling $3,599,235.67; the Treasurer’s May 2015 statement; the award of contract to Doctor Playground, Inc. for the removal of playground surfacing at Heritage and Peterson Parks in an amount not to exceed $79,925.42, plus a contingency of $7,993 for unexpected conditions from the Park Development Fund; an approval of contract with Regional Chamber of Commerce San Gabriel Valley for the fiscal year 2015-16 in an amount not to exceed $12,000; an adoption of a resolution approving the design and plans for the construction of the Reagan and Peterson Park parking lot rehabilitation project; an award of contract to E.C. Construction Co. for a total authorization of $497,131.30; an approval of expenditures with Diversified Printers, Inc. for printing services in an amount not to exceed $69,304.40 for fiscal year 2015-16; an approval of Contract Amendment No. 1 with Onward Engineering in the amount of $15,970 for professional engineering services to provide plans, specifications and engineer estimates for the Morning Canyon Roadway rehabilitation project; and the approval of expenditures with Simpson Advertising, Inc. for specialty graphic design services in an amount not to exceed $71,762 for fiscal year 2015-16.

The Council also performed the first reading of an ordinance adding Chapter 1504 to Title 15 of the Diamond Bar Municipal Code to provide an expedited, streamlined permitting process for small residential rooftop solar energy systems.  The Council approved the first reading and would hold the item’s second reading during the next meeting in two weeks.

After the Council was finished with all of its items and discussions, they adjourned with plans to meet on Aug. 4 at 6:30 p.m. in the AQMD/Government Center Auditorium at 21865 Copley Dr.

Chino Hills: Multiple Arrests

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Fri., July 17, Chino Hills Deputies arrested a known Pomona gang member during an extra patrol due to recent vehicle burglaries.

In the parking lot near Costco, located at 13001 Peyton Drive, Deputies conducted a check on an occupied Toyota Corolla parked at the former Best Buy. During the contact, Ruben Castorena, 28, of Pomona, was identified as a Pomona gang member. He claimed a black bag in the back seat was his and Deputies found the bag to contain tools known to be used to commit burglary.

The second occupant of the vehicle was Michael Palma, 28, of Pomona, who was found to be in possession of a controlled substance not prescribed to him.

Both Castorena and Palma were booked into the West Valley Detention Center for possession of Burglary Tools and Controlled Substance.

Also on Fri., July 17, Chino Hills Deputies were in the 15800 block of Ashwood Dr., to serve a search warrant. While at the location, Deputies heard a loud squealing noise approaching the residence and saw a suspect driving a brown Chevy truck east on Glen Ridge Dr. at an unsafe speed; the truck had obvious front-end damage.
The suspect ignored orders from Deputies to stop the vehicle and continued driving at an unsafe speed north on Ashwood Dr. Deputies initiated a traffic stop, and the driver – Eric Serna – was found to be on active CDCR parole. Serna was in possession of suspected methamphetamine, a methamphetamine pipe, several hypodermic needles, and was also under the influence of a controlled substance.
During the investigation, it was discovered that Serna struck a parked vehicle on Rolling Ridge Dr. and fled the scene without notifying the owner. Serna was arrested for possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, driving under the influence of a drug, and hit and run non-injury.

On Tues., July 21, Chino Hills Detectives arrested three men for burglary after the suspects ransacked a home in the 14800 block of Country Creek Ct.

The suspects first targeted a home in the 3400 block of Royal Ridge Court. An alert witness saw the suspects ring the doorbell repeatedly and then enter the backyard. The witness was able to get a detailed description of the suspects and a license plate of the vehicle, which was a light silver BMW.
About 15 minutes later, another call of suspicious circumstances came out in the south end of the City. As detectives arrived in the neighborhood, they saw the suspect vehicle. Detectives followed the suspect vehicle in an unmarked unit to Orange County, via the 71, 91 and 55 freeways, while waiting for marked units to assist with a traffic stop.
The suspects exited the 55 Freeway South at Chapman Avenue in Orange as CHP officers attempted to initiate a traffic stop. The suspect vehicle led officers on a pursuit back on the 55 Freeway northbound and exited Katella Avenue. The pursuit continued through the city of Orange, and ended with the suspect losing control and crashing in a residential neighborhood. Orange Police Department and the Orange County Sheriff’s Department also assisted in the apprehension of the suspects. Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the case and transported the suspects to the Chino Hills Station to further the investigation.
Eddie Nguon, 26, of Long Beach, Michael Mao, 33, of Long Beach, and Polyhana Mao, 33, of Kearns, Utah, were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for burglary and attempted burglary.

Detectives recovered thousands of dollars worth of US savings bonds, US currency, jewelry and electronics from the suspect’s vehicle. The victim of the burglary on Country Creek Ct. was able to identify all the stolen property. Detectives also recovered three sets of gloves and burglary tools from the suspect vehicle.
Anyone with additional information on any of these incidents is asked to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. Those who want to report information anonymously can call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME.

San Gabriel Valley: Church Youth Leader Arrested

Photo Courtesy: SBSD Yanhao Ren

Photo Courtesy: SBSD
Yanhao Ren

Staff Reports

Rowland Heights – On Sun., July 12, just before midnight, CHP Officers conducted a welfare check on the occupants of a vehicle parked in a turn-out of Highway 330, near Fredalba Road in San Bernardino County.  A 24-year old male and a 13-year old female were found in the back of the vehicle. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department – in cooperation with personnel from the California Highway Patrol’s Lake Arrowhead Office and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Twin Peaks Station – Detectives from the Crimes Against Children Detail arrested Yanhao Ren (aka Eric Ren), 24, of Fullerton, on Mon., July 13, for engaging in a sexual relationship with the victim, 13, of Rowland Heights.

Ren has been a youth leader for the Evangelical Formosan Church of Rowland Heights for the past two years, and has attended that church since 2006.  The victim met Ren while attending youth programs there. They told officers they have been involved in a sexual relationship since May. Investigators have determined that during the following months they engaged in several sexual acts in the counties of Orange, Los Angeles, and San Bernardino.

Ren was booked into the Central Detention Center on charges of Sex Crimes, Sodomy, Oral Copulation, Penetration with a Foreign Object and Kidnapping (all with a child under the age of 14).  He is being held in lieu of $500,000 bail and was arraigned on July 15 at the San Bernardino Justice Center.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to call Detective John Everman at the Crimes Against Children Detail, at (909) 387-3615.

New Walmart For Diamond Bar

Neighborhood market offers affordable groceries and new jobs to area

 

neighborhood-market-california-WEB

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Wed., July 8, Diamond Bar’s new Walmart Neighborhood Market opened its doors amid fanfare and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“We are excited to be part of the Diamond Bar community, providing residents a variety of merchandise at a convenient location,” said store manager, Jorge Orozco.

The new store employs up to 95 full- and part-time associates. Orozco began his Walmart career in 2003 as an hourly unloader associate.

The store will provide local residents with low prices on a broad assortment of merchandise, including groceries and a drive-through pharmacy.

Fresh produce and a full line of groceries from leading brand names, including organic selections, are available. By working directly with growers, Walmart is able to provide farm-grown, quality produce at added convenience and low prices. There is also a wide variety of meat and bakery selections, including fresh baked breads and tortillas.

The pharmacy offers a full range of products and services, and pharmacy team members are ready to assist customers with product and prescription questions. Diamond Bar residents can easily transfer prescriptions and order refills on the go with the Walmart mobile app for iPhone and Android.

The 41,000 square foot store is dedicated to meeting the needs of local shoppers.  In addition to groceries, the store features health and beauty aids, pet products and cleaning supplies. Customers can also shop an additional 7 million items online, including toys, electronics and home decor on Walmart.com through Walmart Pickup, which will offer free shipping to the Diamond Bar Walmart Neighborhood Market.

In addition to grants given as part of the grand opening, the new store will further Walmart’s pledge to fight hunger in America. As part of Walmart’s and the Walmart Foundation’s $2 billion commitment to fight hunger through 2015, Walmart stores in California donated approximately 23.1 million pounds of food, in fiscal year 2014, or the equivalent of 19.3 million meals. Additionally, Walmart and the Walmart Foundation gave more than $47.1 million in fiscal year 2014 in California alone. For more information on Walmart’s fight against hunger, visit http://foundation.walmart.com/our-focus/hunger

The new Walmart is located at 1180 S. Diamond Bar Blvd, and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m., seven days a week.  Check them out on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/walmart4762.

Fallen CHP Officer Honored With Highway Designation

Photo Courtesy: Cahp.org

Photo Courtesy: Cahp.org
William B. Wolff, III

Staff Reports

Los Angeles County – On Mon., July 13, a resolution was passed designating the 1-10 and I-605 Interchange in Los Angeles County as the “CHP Officer William B. Wolff III Memorial Interchange.”  Assembly Concurrent Resolution (ACR) 86 recounts the lifetime accomplishments of Wolff, who was a father, husband, veteran, and a proud officer of the California Highway Patrol (CHP).

ACR 86, authored by Assembly member Roger Hernández (D-West Covina), passed the Assembly Committee on Transportation with bipartisan support. The resolution designates that, “Officer Wolff exemplified true selflessness and leadership as a member of our community,” said Hernández.  “It is a true honor to carry a resolution memorializing his valiant public service and the sacrifices he has made for the State of California and the San Gabriel Valley.”

Born on Jan. 22, 1946, Officer Wolff graduated high school in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and received his bachelor’s degree in kinesiology from Cal Poly Pomona.  Upon graduation, Wolff served in the United States Navy and later as a vocational nurse. His desire to continue serving on behalf of the public led him to pursue a career and life as an officer of the CHP.

Wolff was killed in the line of duty on Dec. 30, 1977, when he was struck by a drunk driver while making a traffic stop.  Officer Wolff is survived by his two children, Eric and Carrie Ann, and granddaughter, Kaylee Rose.

This resolution is sponsored by the California Association of Highway Patrolmen, the labor organization that represents California Highway Patrol Officers.

 

San Gabriel Valley: Church Burglar Arrested

Media websites help identify the suspect

 

Staff Reports

SGV – Over the course of the year, a male Hispanic suspect burglarized several churches in the Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station’s areas.  The churches had fixed post surveillance cameras which recorded the suspect at the locations, and he was described as having “tribal band” tattoos on both legs and large tattoos on both arms.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, the suspect entered churches, stealing large amounts of cash from locked donation boxes.  The burglaries occurred during the day when the churches were open to the public.

Detectives from two stations worked diligently to identify the suspect – who appeared responsible for all of the burglaries – but were unsuccessful. Special Bulletin flyers were distributed to local police agencies seeking additional information and assistance in identifying the suspect, but he remained unidentified.

Industry Station Detective, Charell Heard, who was the lead detective, created a Special Bulletin flyer with the suspect’s photograph from the surveillance videos. Industry Station personnel contacted Sheriff’s Information Bureau personnel seeking media coverage and the public’s assistance in identifying the suspect.

On July 2, Heard conducted an interview with television and radio media personnel at the Industry Station. Shortly after the interview, and after the suspect’s photograph was televised and posted on media websites, anonymous community members identified the suspect as Hacienda Heights resident, Carlos Montiel, 36.

Heard immediately queried Department resources and confirmed the suspect’s identity. Industry Deputies conducted surveillance on the suspect’s location, positively identified him, and arrested him without incident.

Detectives authored a search warrant for Montiel’s residence and his vehicle to recover evidence related to the crime.

The collaboration of the Detectives from Industry and Walnut/Diamond Bar Stations, Sheriff’s Information Bureau, media personnel and the community, led to the successful arrest of Montiel.

Industry Weed Bust

Deputies seize over $3 Million in Marijuana

Photo Courtesy: LASD Industry Station

Photo Courtesy: LASD Industry Station
Marijuana plants sized at the Industry business.

Staff Reports

Industry – On Wed., July 1, Special Assignment Team Deputies from the Industry Sheriff’s Station – in collaboration with Narcotics Bureau personnel – arrested two individuals for cultivation of marijuana for sales.  Deputies developed leads based on an anonymous tip, ultimately leading them to the service of a search warrant in the 1300 block of Darius Court in the City of Industry.

During the search warrant, hundreds of marijuana plants in various stages of growth, with an estimated street value worth over $3 million, as well as hydroponic equipment were recovered.  The equipment was used to cultivate the plants inside an otherwise nondescript local business/warehouse.

Deputies arrested David Nguyen, 32, and Phong Nguyen, 54, for cultivation and sales of marijuana.  The suspects are both of Vietnamese decent, and claimed to be from out of the state/country with no local residence.  Both are being held at the Industry Station jail with bail set at $50,000 each.

According to the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department, this is the second such incident of marijuana being grown indoors locally in as many months.  On June 6, the Special Assignment Team from the Industry Sheriff’s Station – accompanied by Detectives from the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force – arrested three individuals for cultivation of marijuana for sales.  In that case, Deputies seized over $1.5 million in marijuana during a local search warrant operation.

For additional questions or comments, contact Lieutenant John Gannon at Industry Sheriff’s Station at (626) 330-3322.

Diamond Bar: Community Garden Now Open

Photo Courtesy: DBCG

Photo Courtesy: DBCG

By Claire Lewis

Diamond Bar – The Diamond Bar Community Garden (DBCG) has opened for community members to come and enjoy the benefits of growing their own produce.

“There is nothing quite as satisfying as seeing something you’ve grown with your own hands on your dinner table,” states their website.

While the Grand Opening was earlier this year in May, the community of gardeners is growing. Sponsored by the Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, the DBCG serves the residents of Diamond Bar and the surrounding cities by maintaining a garden that fosters community enrichment, education and economic empowerment.

According to the DBCG, this garden provides a local opportunity for community members of all ages, religious affiliations, cultural backgrounds, community standings, and socioeconomic classes to come together with a common activity of producing locally grown, organic food.

Community members can also look forward to educational classes and lectures, as well as special events like the upcoming work party to develop the Stella Hatzfeld’s memorial lemon tree orchard – to be held July 18, from 9 am to noon.

This beautiful garden will also supply fresh produce for involved residents and organizations that are associated with its philanthropy, as well as benefit low-income families within the community by providing them with fresh, healthy produce.

The goal of the DBCG is to provide a safe and attractive environment for those individuals desiring a place to grow edible produce.  A 4 x 8-foot, raised bed plot is available for just $50 annually.

The DBCG invites you to come and see their garden and enjoy the beautiful and peaceful surroundings, located near the corner of Morning Canyon Road and Diamond Bar Blvd.  You can also visit www.diamondbarcommunitygarden.com, or call (909) 861-4735 for more information.

The Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is located at 2335 Diamond Bar Blvd.  They can be reached at (909) 861-4735.

New Mayor For Walnut

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

Photo Courtesy: City of Walnut

Staff Reports

Walnut – At the City Council meeting for the City of Walnut held on Wed., July 8, rather than swear in Mayor Pro Tem, Eric Ching, as the new mayor, the Council decided to reorganize and place Bob Pacheco in the position.  In addition, Councilwoman Mary Su will now serve as Mayor Pro Tem, and Antonio Cartagena, former Mayor Nancy Tragarz and Ching will now serve as council members.

“I’m very pleased to have been selected to be mayor; I look forward to it,” said Pacheco. “This year is going to be challenging.  I’m looking forward to uniting Walnut, instead of dividing it.”

Robert Pacheco has served the City of Walnut since 1994. He was first appointed to the Mayor’s Advisory Committee and then to the Walnut Planning Commission, according to the City’s website.

In 1996, Pacheco was elected to the Walnut City Council where he served for two years. In 1998, he was elected to the California State Assembly; making him the only City of Walnut resident to serve in the California Legislature. Pacheco was elected to three terms in the State Assembly until he termed-out in 2004. In July 2013, he was again appointed to the Walnut City Council.

Pacheco’s professional career spans 60 years in business and the legal profession. For over 40 years, he was the Senior Partner of the law firm, Pacheco & Pacheco, located in the City of Walnut. He received a Presidential appointment to the United States Naval Academy Board of Visitors, and was also appointed as California Senior Advisor for Jobs and Workforce Development under Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger’s tenure – as well as an Appellate Member of the Cal-OSHA Board of Appeals.

Pacheco, and his wife, Gayle, currently own and operate a multi-million dollar manufacturing company located in Walnut.
Pacheco is involved in numerous community organizations. He is the founder of the Walnut Valley Educational Foundation, co-founder of the Walnut Humanitarian Medical Mission, and The Gabriel Foundation, which sponsors the annual Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo. Most recently, he co-founded the newly formed Walnut Valley Symphony Orchestra and Master Chorale. He is also a member of the Industry Manufacturer’s Council and also represents the City of Walnut with the Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Congratulations to Bob Pacheco on his new appointment as Mayor for the City of Walnut!

OnStar Helps To Stop Carjacking

Image Courtesy: WikipediaStaff Reports

San Dimas – On Sun., June 28, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Deputies responded to the 500 block of W. Arrow Highway regarding a carjacking call.

The victim, a 74-year old man, told Deputies that he was yanked out of his 2015 Chevy Silverado by a white male in his 20s, who struck him, knocked him to the ground, and stomped on his head.  The victim fought back, but the suspect was able to overcome him and drove off in his vehicle.

The vehicle had OnStar auto security and safety service, which was activated.  Walnut Station Sheriff’s Deputies were able to locate the vehicle in Diamond Bar, and followed it onto the southbound 57 Freeway where a brief pursuit ensued.

OnStar then remotely disabled the vehicle, causing it to slow down to 5 miles per hour.  The suspect – Joshua Frontino-Deaton – exited the vehicle on his own, complied with Deputy orders, and was taken into custody.  The pursuit did not result in any collisions or injuries.

The victim was treated at a local hospital for his injuries.

Frontino-Deaton was arrested for carjacking, and is currently being held in lieu of $100,000 bail.

Chino Hills: PD Arrest Two In Carjacking

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., June 25, Chino Hills Deputies arrested a carjacking couple and were able to recover the victims’ vehicle, money, stolen electronics and cell phone, as well as the firearm used in the crime.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, Esteban Silva Carrillo, 42, of Pomona, and Genesis Soto, 24, of Pomona were arrested after an elaborate crime spree that spanned from Pomona to Chino and Chino Hills. Chino Hills Detectives took the lead on the case, as Deputies were the first to find the suspects and take them into custody.
Carrillo and Soto met the victims at a store in Pomona to buy electronics the victims had loaded into their car. Carrillo and Soto told the victims they wanted to purchase the electronics and made their way from Pomona to the area of Pine Avenue and the 71 Freeway. One of the two victims got into Carrillo’s grey Mercedes with both suspects, while the other victim waited in his car near the 71 Freeway.
Carrillo and Soto robbed the victim who was in the car with them and left him in a rural area near Euclid and Pine avenues in Chino. A person who witnessed this called police and Chino Police responded to the robbery. Chino Police immediately released a broadcast to surrounding law enforcement to be on the lookout for the suspects’ gray Mercedes.
Minutes later, Chino Hills Deputies received a report of a carjacking. Carrillo and Soto returned to the other victim, who had been waiting in his car, pointed what was later to be determined to be an air-soft pistol at the victim and stole his car. Silva left driving the victim’s stolen vehicle as Soto followed him in the gray Mercedes. The victim was able to get the license plate of the gray Mercedes and report it to Deputies. The victim also gave a very detailed description of both suspects.
Deputies immediately responded to an address in a mobile home park in the unincorporated area of Montclair where the Mercedes was registered. The Sheriff’s Department Aviation Division assisted in the area check. Carrillo and Soto were found walking in the mobile home park, in the direct vicinity of the gray Mercedes, and taken into custody without incident.
Electronics and one of the victim’s cell phones were recovered from the suspects’ gray Mercedes. The victim’s vehicle was found at a park in Ontario near the corner of Riverside Drive and Campus. The air-soft firearm was recovered, as well as additional evidence linking the suspect’s to the various crimes.

The Chino Police Department is conducting a parallel investigation regarding the robbery of the other victim that occurred in the city of Chino.
Carrillo and Soto – who is on parole for home invasion robbery – were booked at the West Valley Detention Center for carjacking. Investigators will also seek charges of robbery and conspiracy to commit robbery and carjacking.

Huff’s Attempts To Veto Bill In Vain

Senator calls Mandatory Vaccination SB 277 an “Unwarranted Insertion of Government” – Brown makes it a law

 

Staff Reports

Sacramento – Senate Minority Leader Bob Huff (R-San Dimas) called on Governor Jerry Brown to veto mandatory childhood vaccination legislation headed for the Governor’s desk after passing off the Senate Floor on Mon., June 29.  In a veto request letter sent to the Governor, Senator Huff called SB 277 an “unwarranted insertion of government into an area that has rightly been the domain of parents.”

“The sweeping nature of SB 277 is all the more problematic when one considers the actual magnitude of the recent measles outbreak that spawned the bill,” wrote Senator Huff in his veto request to the Governor. “In a state of nearly 39 million people, only 131 measles cases are likely linked to this outbreak. This can hardly be considered a breakdown of ‘herd immunity.’”

Senator Huff also argued that the need for SB 277 was premature; noting that previous legislation introduced by the author (AB 2109 in 2012) actually led to a decrease to the use of personal belief exemption (PBE) requests. The prudent course, Senator Huff stated, is to monitor the effectiveness of AB 2109 over several years to see if PBE usage continues to decline.

“If this downward trend does not continue, then and only then, should an extreme measure like SB 277 be considered,” Senator Huff wrote in his veto request letter to the Governor. “A strong case can be made that our current policy works. Now is not the time for this measure (SB 277).”

Despite the efforts of Senator Huff and others, Gov. Brown signed this legislation into law on Tues., June 30. This bill eliminates vaccination exemptions based on religious or personal beliefs and will require all children entering kindergarten to be vaccinated unless a doctor certifies that a child has a medical condition preventing it.  The legislation is reportedly prompted (in part) by an outbreak of measles traced to the Disneyland Resort late last year, and ultimately spread to more than 130 people in California, as well as other states.