Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Back To School – Drive Safely

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – Most students in the Chino Valley Unified School District started back to school on Monday, August 13. That means more drivers on the roads and more kids walking to school. “Some back-to-school advice for parents and students is to try and get to school 15 to 30 minutes before school starts,” said Denise Cattern, spokesperson for the City. Parents are encouraged to check their school’s website for information on drop-off patterns. Motorists need to be aware of crosswalks and pay attention to signage that may prohibit left or right turns, U-turns, parking, or stopping. Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department will be conducting extra enforcement around schools.

“No speeding, no texting, no cell phones, and no U-turns where signs are posted,” said Ms. Cattern. A “no stopping” sign means that motorists MAY NOT EVEN STOP to drop off students. High school students need to obey the “walk” and “do not walk” signs that coincide with green and red traffic signals. If motorists give themselves enough time to get to school, and are courteous to other drivers, the streets and school zones will be a lot safer.”

“The City of Chino Hills and the School District often work together to address safety concerns related to school traffic,” said Captain Walker. “When student drop offs are prohibited or “no left turn” signs are posted, they were placed to address safety concerns caused by those actions.”

A permit is required to park in neighborhoods near Litel Elementary School and Chino Hills High School between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Residents may obtain a free permit at City Hall for vehicles registered to their address. On-street parking on Eucalyptus Avenue is limited to two hours except for vehicles that display a permit. Parents of Ayala students can take advantage of a student drop-off area at the Chino Hills Community Center. Staff will provide direction to motorists during the first few weeks of school. Student drop off is not allowed anywhere on Peyton Drive. The north side of Boys Republic Drive from City Center Drive to Peyton Drive may also be used to drop off Ayala High School students. A wider lane allows drivers travelling on Boys Republic Drive from Grand Avenue to Peyton Drive to pull over on the north (right) side, between City Center Drive and Peyton Drive, to drop off students.

“Ayala parents have the option to travel from Grand Avenue to southbound Boys Republic Drive to access the drop-off area,” said Ms. Cattern. Parking in the City’s parking structure is limited to two hours between 6:00 a.m. and noon unless the vehicle has a parking permit issued to employees of The Shoppes at Chino Hills or the Government Center. Parents picking up students in the parking lot must wait in a parking space. Stopping is not allowed at all in the circular area of City Center Drive near the Library. Many businesses along Peyton Drive, including the Post Office and several churches, prohibit student parking and drop offs because their parking lots were built to accommodate their customers, not students.

Mt. SAC Sporting Complex

Photo: Mt.SAC Athlectics
The opportunity to build a sporting complex nestled amongst mountains and valley’s in such a natural setting is a unique opportunity in California.

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – Mt Sac may have lost the Olympic Trials but that will not deter them from moving forward with the planned upgrades they had in place when the trials were coming to town. The athletic tradition runs deep at Mt. Sac and the new upgrades will carry that tradition well into the future.

“All the construction on the major buildings has begun, the finish work is pending, the project is about 25-30% completed,” said Gary Gidcumb, the manager of the design and construction of the project. ““We have the opportunity to build a sporting complex nestled amongst mountains and valley’s in such a natural setting is a unique opportunity in California. The complex is in the city but the location makes one feel that they have escaped to an urban setting if even for an hour or two,” said Gidcumb. Nobody knows what the future brings and if it brings the Trials back someday, they will be ready.

Mt. SAC has always prided itself on providing service to the sport by hosting world-class events. Like the Mt. SAC Relays and Cross Country Invitational that they have hosted for more than 60 years. Gidcumb said that the motivation for the design is to preserve the integrity and history of the past but overlaid with new, said Gidcumb. We wanted to preserve the most loved traditions of the program without remaining stagnant.” We are proud and passionate about the role this new complex will play in the future histy here at Mt. SAC,” concluded Gidcum.

The college’s plans to build a stadium for their students and community and to keep hosting top notch sporting events remain remains unchanged. Mt. SAC officials are confident that they can continue to be the place where the world’s best athletes compete.

 

One of Nine SpaceX Astronauts Hails from Pomona

Pomona — NASA on Friday assigned the astronauts who will ride the first commercial capsules into orbit next year and bring crew launches back to the U.S.

SpaceX and Boeing are shooting for a test flight of their capsules by the end of this year or early next, with the first crews flying from Cape Canaveral, Florida, by next spring or summer.

Nine astronauts were named to ride the SpaceX Dragon and Boeing Starliner capsules — five on the first crew flights and four on the second round of missions to the International Space Station.

One of those announced by NASA Administrator Jim Bridenstine is someone from right here in Southern California. Victor Glover is from Pomona, California

I am overwhelmed and humbled to be a part of the @SpaceX team for my first flight! Feeling extremely grateful that the agency and our leadership have confidence in these crews to be part of such a critical mission. This is a big step for @NASA and for our Nation! #LaunchAmerica

NASA has been paying billions of dollars to SpaceX and Boeing to develop the crew capsules to pick up where the shuttles left off, while also paying billions for cargo deliveries to the space station by SpaceX and Northrop Grumman. The cargo missions started in 2012. The crew missions have been delayed repeatedly because of the technical challenges and difficulties of making spacecraft safe for humans.

Boeing’s Starliners will soar on United Launch Alliance’s Atlas V rockets. Dragons, meanwhile, will fly on SpaceX’s own Falcon 9 rockets. The race to get astronauts to the space station first is real; a U.S. flag that flew on the first space shuttle flight in 1981 and the last shuttle flight in 2011, awaits the winner.

Chino Hills Woman Faces 12 Years For Sex Trafficking

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – A chino Hills woman pled guilty to racketeering and aiding and abetting four other suspects for sex trafficking. The charges could result in up to 12 years in federal prison. Although the trafficking was out of state, Ms. Nava ran the business from her Chino Hills home in the 15500 block of Rhyolite Court in Chino Hills, prosecutors said.

Sophia Wang Navas, 50, pled guilty at a Washington County District courtroom in the state of Minnesota. The guilty plea gives up her right to trial and she will be sentenced in October of this year.

Navas was the last of four suspects charged by federal prosecutors after investigators surveilled and arrested the sex-trafficking ring that took place for over two years. They were arrested in 2017 at a Minnesota massage parlor, several private homes, and hotels.

The defendants posted over 20,000 ads fir sexual services on the now federally shut down backpage.com website. The site was shut down last year by the FBI for sex trafficking and for child exploitation, court documents disclosed.

For this particular case women from 32 years old to 45 years old reported to investigators that they were required to earn a minimum of $800 per day, which went towards their housing and food, or they faced being fired and evicted, court documents stated.

The majority of the women were Korean and Chinese nationals working in St. Paul, Blaine, Maplewood, St. Louis Park, Oakdale, College Grove, and Minneapolis in Minnesota.

Other defendants were sentenced earlier this year. Hong Jing, of Irvine, has been sentenced to 8½ years in prison and Fangyao Wu, also of Irvine, was given 20 years’ probation for their roles in the operation. A third person, Dongzhu Jiang, of Minnesota, will be sentenced later this month.

Ms. Navas was allegedly considered the ring leader who was responsible for recruiting and sending women to Minnesota for the prostitution, court records show.

62 Year Old Killed in Traffic Collision

DATE/TIME: Monday, July 30, 2018, at about 12:24 a.m.

INCIDENT: Fatal Traffic Collision

LOCATION: Windmill Creek Rd. and Rancho Hills Dr., City of Chino Hills

SUSPECT(S): None

VICTIM(S): Livier Ruvalcaba, 62-year-old, resident of Westminster

SUMMARY: On Monday, July 30, 2018, at about 12:24 a.m. , deputies from the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station responded to the area of Windmill Creek Rd. and Rancho Hills Dr. in the city of Chino Hills regarding a single vehicle collision. Deputies learned the Toyota Tundra traveling east on Rancho Hills Dr. failed to stop at the intersection and collided with a tree. The front passenger was pronounced deceased at the scene. The driver and rear passenger were transported to a local hospital for treatment of injuries.

Deputies from the Region I Major Accident Investigation Team (MAIT) were called to the scene. The cause of the collision is und er investigation.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation is urged to contact Deputy Anthony Ortega at the Chino Hills Station. Callers wishing to remain anonymous can call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or may leave information at http://www.wetip.com.

Refer: Deputy Anthony Ortega of the Region I Major Accident Investigation Team

Station: Chino Hills

Phone No. (909) 364-2000

Case No. 221802431

JOHN McMAHON, Sheriff-Coroner
San Bernardino County Sheriff-Coroner Department

Help Needed to Identify Hit and Run Suspect

Staff Reports

WALNUT –Authorities are requesting help from the public in identifying and locating a hit-and-run suspect that was involved in a collision that killed a motorcyclist last month in the Walnut area.

The incident took place at about 8 p.m. on July 10 on the eastbound side of the Pomona (60) Freeway near Grand Avenue according to reports from the California Highway Patrol.
Daniel Gutierrez, 39, of Riverside was pronounced dead at a hospital a short time later according to CHP reports.

The vehicle hit-and-run suspect was driving was described only as an older-model red Freightliner semi truck that was pulling a red trailer.

Gutierrez was riding a 2016 Harley-Davidson when was struck by a car that was spinning out of control after it had collided with two big rigs, the red freightliner continued driving as if nothing had happened, the CHP reported.

A news conference was planned by CHP officers later to appeal to the public for their help in finding the driver of the red freightliner.
Anyone with any information about the accident is urged to call the CHP’s Baldwin Park Area office at (626) 338-1164

 

CHPD Investigate Homicide In Butterfield Ranch

Staff Reports

Chino Hills, CA –Chino Hills Police Department is investigating a homicide at an apartment complex which is now described as a possible home invasion robbery. The incident took place at 1 am Saturday.

Deputies were called to the apartment complex regarding a possible home invasion robbery Saturday July 28, 2018, at 12:58 am. When deputies arrived, they contacted the victims outside the apartment and both were suffering apparent knife wounds. The suspect was inside the apartment and was not responding to deputies orders to exit. Deputies requested a SWAT response, as the suspect appeared to be barricaded inside. Several hours later, SWAT officers entered the apartment and found the suspect deceased. Homicide Investigators were requested to conduct the investigation.

Homicide Investigators contacted the victims at the hospital and have determined the victims were in their apartment when a friend arrived at the door. Moments after arriving, the friend (suspect) produced a handgun and demanded a large amount of cash from the victims, turning the visit into a home invasion robbery. The female victim armed herself with a knife, while the male victim fought with the suspect to disarm him. A struggle ensued inside the apartment until the victims were able to escape and call police.

An autopsy will be conducted to determine the suspects cause of death. The suspects name will be withheld until family notification can be made.

Anyone with information related to this investigation is urged to contact the Homicide Detail, Detective Jerry Moreno at (909)387-3589. Callers can remain anonymous and contact WeTip at (800)78-CRIME or http://www.wetip.com. When calling refer to case No. DR#221802420 H#2018-066.

Mike Kolling Retires After Almost 3 Decades of Service

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Mike Kolling retired from the City of Chino after 29 plus years of employment. Kolling retired from the position of Capital Projects and Building Maintenance Manager after a long illustrious career. The City hosted a special retirement luncheon for a very special and distinguished guest.

Kolling was hired as an Associate Park Planner by Chino in December 1988 and shortly after promoted to Capital Projects Manager. Kolling is a licensed landscape architect.

During Kolling’s tenure, he designed and was the projects manager for many of the new parks you see in the city today.  The skate park and the expansion of Ayala Park are just a couple examples of the scope of projects he managed. He was also the project manager for the construction of major facilities in the City of Chino, including the Carolyn Owens Community Center, Chino Police Department Facility, Fire Stations No. 1 and No. 3 and the training center.

In 2001 and 2012 Kolling was named the Employee of the Year Award by the City of Chino. He loved that he got to volunteer as the Chino Relay For Life Logistics Lead from 2003-2017. He put in hundreds of hours planning the course and the site where it was held each year. In 2018 Kolling reached a milestone by donating 100 gallons of blood.

The Chino City Council recognized Kolling at the July 17 City Council meeting, he was presented with a tile of the City Of Chino’s official seal.

Mike Kolling’s accomplishments during his time with the City:

1997 Cypress Trails Park

1998 Neighborhood Activity Center

2001 Chaffey College Chino Campus Development

2001 Chino Youth Museum

2001 Chino Experience Teen Center

2002 2004 Aguiar Square Development Phase I and II

2003 Chino Skate Park at Ayala Park

2005 Shady Grove Park

2005 Monte Vista Park Medical Clinic

2005 Current AG Preserve and College Park Development

2006 Paseo Del Sol Development

2006 CDF Helipad Project

2006 Chino High School Track Improvements

2006 Council Chambers Remodel

2007 Carolyn Owens Community Center

2007 Chino Valley Fire District, Fire Station No. 3

2011 Chino Valley Fire District, Fire Station no. 3 and Training Center

2012 Chino Police Department Facility Development

2016 Chino Community Garden

Master Plan Projects for:

Ayala Park Expansion Master Plan

Downtown Civic Center Master Plan

Recreation and Open Space Master Plan

East Chino Specific Plan

AG Preserve Master Plan

Southern California Edison Easement Master Plan

 

 

Aquatic Center Study Session Postponed

Staff Reports

Walnut – It’s true that public pools bring good things to a community. From swimming lessons and healthy exercise to organized water sports, water safety and of course, fun, which is why a new Aquatic Center that may be in Walnut’s future has once again been delayed by the city.

“The reasoning behind the cancellation is the never-ending approval of the Environmental Impact Report (EIR),” said Walnut resident and advocate of the center. “The report was sent showing a two-story recreation building and the stage area to accommodate entertainment, i.e., Concerts in the Park, etc. but the Council did not make a timely decision; therefore, the construction with the biggest impact on the property was reported.”

The City of Walnut currently provides a program utilizing the Walnut High School pool. The Walnut Unified School District allows public use during the summer, offering a multitude of courses for swimmers of all ages and abilities; but priority belongs to the high school’s aquatic team. Nearby Mt. San Antonio College also allows public use of their pool with organized programming, but Walnut itself doesn’t have an aquatics center to serve its nearly 30,000 residents. One individual in particular feels the Walnut High School’s nearly 40-year old pool does not meet the needs of the community. Stines, who has lived in the city since 1973, seems intent on formulizing a plan that would help the city approve the project. But the city hasn’t met the projections according to community members.

“The amenities for the Center have not been approved by Council, which would determine the financing costs, added Stines. “ The study session is to discuss the amenities and the financing options; therefore, it was prudent to cancel the session.”

Stines has spent the several months gathering information on the benefits of an aquatic center, and has made some progress. According to recent information from Stines, she hosted a Community Awareness booth at the Walnut Family Festival last October just to provide information and facilitate the collection of signatures on a petition for this project.

Stines reports that back in 2007, the Park and Recreations Commission formulated a proposal to the Walnut City Council regarding the development of an Aquatics Park and Building Complex in the Three Oaks housing development. Due to the economy at that time, the $10 million budget item lay dormant. Six years later, Stines was happy to report that the City of Walnut Parks and Recreation Department has agreed to place the topic on their November 2017 agenda. Up for discussion was the feasibility of using the nine acres selected for an Aquatic Center back in 2007, currently owned by the City, Three Oaks and Walnut Ranch. There is also acreage in the hills above Country Hollow Drive, currently adjacent to tennis courts and a soccer field that might allow for an expanded version of an Aquatic Center.

“We continue to hear from the City there are no residents coming forward to voice their need for this center,” added Stines. “Council continues to play the waiting gaming knowing residents become complacent and will eventually give up the idea of our need to make our children safe and a place for older adults to come for the therapeutic waters.” To voice your opinion go to www.cityofwalnut.org.

Diamond Bar Boulevard Streetscape Project

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is planning a city wide beautification process, the newest streetscape improvements will be on Diamond Bar Boulevard. The goal is to to enhance the look and function of the medians, crosswalks, and sidewalks that are between the 60 Freeway and Golden Springs Drive.

Proposed Improvements will include but aren’t limited to new plantings, furnishings, colored concrete paving, lighting, monument signs and other decorative accents that will enhance visual interest while continuing to pay tribute to the area’s ranching heritage.

Diamond Bar Boulevard, between the Pomona (SR-60) Freeway and Golden Springs Drive is the area that will be the main focus for this project. Currently the project is in the early design phase. The ground breaking ceremony is anticipated to begin in 2018 and continue into 2019.

This project is part of the Diamond Bar City Council’s larger Citywide Streetscape Enhancement Plan. The goal of this long-term plan is to invest in streetscape enhancement projects – as funds and/or opportunities arise beginning with prominent locations around town that will include key entry points and areas along major the city’s main thoroughfares.  The ultimate goal will be to create a distinctive, cohesive and attractive identity for the city that instills a sense of pride and belonging in community members and provides a sense of arrival for place for visitors.

The new design brings a Sustainable Element for long term maintenance ease and longevity. Improvements to the median strip will include swales – partly rock lined, partly vegetated are designed to capture, convey, filter and infiltrate storm water runoff.

Questions

Contact the City’s Public Works Department at 909-839-7040 or email Public Works.

 

Free, Reduced Price Lunch and Breakfast

Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Walnut Valley Unified School District announces its policy to serve nutritious meals every school day under the National School Lunch Program and School Breakfast Program.

The household size and income criteria identified below will be used to determine eligibility for free, reduced-price, or full-price meal benefits.  Children from households whose income is at or below the levels shown here are eligible for free or reduced-price meals. Children who receive CalFresh, CalWORKs, or FDPIR benefits are automatically eligible for free meals regardless of the income of the household in which they reside.

Effective July 1, 2018 through June 30, 2019, children are eligible for free or reduced-price meals if the household income is less than or equal to the federal guidelines.

 

Free Eligibility Scale for Breakfast, Lunch, and Milk                          Reduced-price Eligibility Scale for Breakfast and Lunch

Household Size Year Month Twice Per Month Every Two Weeks Week Household Size Year Month Twice Per Month Every Two Weeks Week
1 $15,782 $1,316 $658 $607 $304 1 $22,459 $1,872 $936 $864 $432
2 $21,398 $1,784 $892 $823 $412 2 $30,451 $2,538 $1,269 $1,172 $586
3 $27,014 $2,252 $1,126 $1,039 $520 3 $38,443 $3,204 $1,602 $1,479 $740
4 $32,630 $2,720 $1,360 $1,255 $628 4 $46,435 $3,870 $1,935 $1,786 $893
5 $38,246 $3,188 $1,594 $1,471 $736 5 $54,427 $4,536 $2,268 $2,094 $1,047
6 $43,862 $3,656 $1,828 $1,687 $844 6 $62,419 $5,202 $2,601 $2,401 $1,201
7 $49,478 $4,124 $2,062 $1,903 $952 7 $70,411 $5,868 $2,934 $2,709 $1,355
8 $55,094 $4,592 $2,296 $2,119 $1,060 8 $78,403 $6,534 $3,267 $3,016 $1,508
For each additional family member add $5,616 $468 $234 $216 $108 For each additional family member add $7,992 $666 $333 $308 $154

 

 

California Wins Federal Approval for Every Student Succeeds Act State Plan

By CA Dept of Education

 

Sacramento — California State Board of Education President Michael W. Kirst and State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Torlakson announced today that U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has approved California’s Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) plan.

“Given the differences between federal and state law, the plan approved by Secretary DeVos today represents the best possible outcome of our discussions with U.S. Department of Education staff,” Kirst said. “California is a national leader in supporting students with extra needs, providing local control over spending, encouraging community participation in schools, and releasing critical information on measures that indicate student success. Our ESSA plan allows that work to continue.”

Torlakson agreed: “California has the most ambitious plan in the nation to give additional resources to students with the greatest needs as we prepare all students for college and 21st century careers. The ESSA plan approved today will support those efforts.”

Signed by President Obama in 2015, ESSA requires every state that receives federal money for low-income students and English learners to submit and receive approval of a plan for managing and using the funds.

ESSA replaced No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and differs from its predecessor by giving states more flexibility to use accountability systems that reflect local values and goals.

California’s accountability system is focused on improving classroom learning for all students and especially those that need extra help in achieving success.

The state’s new California School Dashboard evaluates schools and districts on multiple data points and by performance of student groups such as homeless children, foster youth, and students with disabilities.

California’s focus is on supporting districts—rather than individual schools—and differs from the federal model. But through several weeks of negotiations, a compromise was reached that allows the state to continue working with districts, recognizing that the challenges of individual schools are often related to wider systemic problems.

California receives $1.8 billion in Title I funds through ESSA. The funds represent about 2 percent of California’s total $78 billion K–12 budget, which includes $10.1 billion in resources for low-income students, foster youth, and English learners through the groundbreaking Local Control Funding Formula.

Torlakson thanked staff for their hard work, noting that California took the initiative to travel to Washington, D.C. in both February and March to meet with members of Congress, federal Department of Education staff, and Secretary Betsy DeVos. “We disagreed with the federal government on some issues and interpretations of federal laws,” he said. “But we are pleased that the federal government has approved our plan.”

California’s ESSA plan was developed over two years with input from thousands of Californians. More on ESSA can be found on the CDE ESSA web page.

 

17 Miles of Streets Repaired in Annual Street Improvements

By Anthony Saude

 

Chino Hills – The $1.5 million annual street improvement project in Chino Hills includes 17 miles of streets. The patch and repair work has been completed and the application of slurry got underway on Tuesday, July 10th and will continue on weekdays through Tuesday, July 30th.

All American Asphalt is required to distribute door hanger notices on the streets to be affected at least 48 hours before the slurry seal work begins. Residents in affected areas will be required to park their vehicles on neighboring streets and remain off of the fresh slurry for several hours after it has been poured.

Slurry work has already started on Rancho Hills Drive where half of the street was slurry sealed at a time. Residents can expect lane closures in the area as the work continues. Flagging operations will direct traffic to share the remaining open lane and will cause minor delays. A complete schedule of the work is available online at http://www.chinohills.org/StreetProject. Unforeseen conditions may cause a change to the schedule.

The biggest part of the project will be completed west of Chino Hills Parkway on both sides of Grand Avenue and will include the Rancho Hills neighborhoods. The project area also includes streets in lower Los Serranos, Garden Court, and the Buckingham area north of Chino Hills Parkway. Striping work and pavement markings will begin starting the week of July 30th.

According to Public Works Director Nadeem Majaj, the City intends to invest $1 million each year to maintain City streets. This project is funded by the Gas Tax, and Measure I, the half-cent sales tax approved by voters for transportation projects. For additional information please call (909) 364-2770.

 

DB City Council Seeks Candidates to Fill Open Seats

By Anthony Saude

 

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, November 6, the City of Diamond Bar will hold a general municipal election to fill three Diamond Bar City Council seats. The nomination period for this election opened Monday, July 16 and closes Friday, August 10. If an incumbent does not file nomination papers by the closing date, this period will be extended to Wednesday, August 15.

Anyone interested in running for one of the three available seats on the City Council, needs to contact the Diamond Bar City Clerk’s Office to schedule an appointment to take out nomination papers and receive a candidates’ handbook full of important information. You can reach the City Clerk’s office by calling 909-839-7010, Their office is open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday, and 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Friday. Appointments will be available beginning July 16 and should take approximately 30 minutes. There is a $25 processing fee for the nomination papers and all of the other election-related materials you will be given.

The following requirements must be met in order to become a candidate for one of the City Council seats: candidates must be a U.S. citizen of at least 18 years of age, a resident of Diamond Bar, and be a registered voter in the City of Diamond Bar. For any additional information, you can log on to the City’s website at: https://www.diamondbarca.gov/CivicAlerts.aspx?AID=131.

Mt. SAC Board Considers Bond Measure

Photo: commons.wikimedia.org
The meeting is to consider a resolution that would place a general obligation bond measure on the November ballot.

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – The Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees scheduled an additional regular meeting for Tuesday, July 24 at 6:30 p.m., in Founders Hall. The meeting is to consider a resolution that would place a general obligation bond measure on the November ballot.

The college’s Educational and Facilities Master Plan has been approved by the board and it lays out how to best serve Mt. SAC’s students for the next decade and beyond. A bond measure would help fund infrastructure repairs, expand career technical education programs and improve the college’s security and emergency systems.

An independent community survey was recently taken and it shows that residents strongly support the affordable, quality programs Mt. SAC offers. The survey provided insight into constituent perspectives on current academic needs. Concerns about safety, vocational education and affordability are at the top of the list. Eighty five percent of respondents want Mt. SAC to expand access to its high quality, affordable education so that more students can attend college.

Residents identified a number of their priorities including: preparing students for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, repairing deteriorating gas, electrical and sewer lines, repairing decaying walls, drainage systems and leaky roofs, improving student safety, improving access for disabled students, and expanding career technical education programs.

Residents recognize the need to keep students safe and expressed their support for upgrades and improvements to the college’s security and emergency systems through the installation of cameras, lighting and other measures.

Up to 76 percent of respondents indicated they would support a 55 percent requirement education bond to make essential upgrades to Mt. SAC.

For the complete report of community survey results, visit http://www.mtsac.edu/efmp/documents/Community_Survey-2018-05.pdf.

 

Suspects Arrested in Attempted Murder

By Anthony Saude

CHINO – Two suspects were arrested this week for attempted murder. The investigation began on July 10, 2018, in the early morning hours when officers responded to a call of a possible fight in the area of Park Avenue and Benson Avenue.

Officers arrived at the scene and found two victims of a stabbing in the 12800 block of 16th Street. The victims were a male and female adult were transported via ambulance to a local area hospital. Once there they were treated and their condition was stabilized. Detectives immediately began processing the crime scene and investigating all the leads available to them.

Later that evening, based on the evidence detectives were able to identify Ricky Mathew Barrera, age 19 of Chino, as one of the suspects. A search warrant was issued and officers served it at his residence in the 5700 block of Riverside Drive. Barrera was taken into custody and charged with attempted murder with a gang enhancement. He was booked and placed into the West Valley Detention Center.

Throgh further investigation the Detectives on the case were able to identify a second suspect, a 17-year-old male resident of Chino. On Wednesday, July 11, detectives served a search warrant at the juvenile’s residence in the 13100 block of 4th Street where he was taken into custody. Both suspects were arrested and booked for the charges listed below: • Ricky Mathew Barrera: booked at the West Valley Detention Center for attempted murder and gang enhancement. • 17-year-old male: booked at San Bernardino County Juvenile Hall for attempted murder. The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with any information is asked to contact Detective Chinnis at (909) 334-3047 or at cchinnis@chinopd.org.

Bev Mo Moving to Chino

By Anthony Saude

Chino – BevMo BevMo has been frustrated by the diminished condition of the Chino Hills center they are currently located and will leaving to relocate to the City of Chino. This is another big blow to the struggling northern section of the Chino Hills Marketplace located at Peyton Drive and the 71 Freeway.

BevMo, a big box retailer that specializes in beer, wine, and spirits, will be relocating to the empty storefront where Party City used to be in the Chino Spectrum.

BevMo has applied for two alcoholic beverage control licenses that include one for alcohol tasting, they will be in front of the Chino Planning Commission for approval next week.

The news came as a surprise to Chino Hills Mayor Peter Rogers and members of the Chino Hills Planning Commission even though city staff members have known about it for a month.

City officials were aware that BevMo was looking for a location but thought they were trying to stay in Chino Hills, no one had heard of its commitment to Chino.

Planning Commission Chairman Stephen Romero said he was not aware of the move either but wasn’t surprised that tenants are fleeing the shopping center.

Reports state that City Manager Rad Bartlam sent a memorandum to the council and the three commissions, department directors, and other staff members, announcing BevMo’s move to Chino. The memo also contained an update on the shopping center.

Bankruptcy

The shopping center was once owned by a group of investors called CRCH LLC, led by developer Lloyd Yeonsu Lee.

The investment group defaulted on its loan last year, not long after plans for an Asian-themed complex with 120 apartments fell apart.

The county assessor shows the investment group Peyton Drive Holdings LLC as the current owner according to care of CW Capital Asset Management LLC.

U.S. Bank sold the property to an investment company called Lakha for $34.2 million, the very same group that previously owned the shopping center and sold it to Mr. Lee’s group.

Lakha then sold the property to CW Capital for the same amount.

Over several years the much maligned shopping center has lost Sport Chalet, Best Buy, and SteinMart.

A damaged slope and water line in the back of the shopping center led to the city restricting access to the center which has prevented truck deliveries.

What’s left?

The remaining large stores are PetSmart, Bed, Bath and Beyond, and Dollar Tree. It has been reported that PetSmart has expressed interest in relocating but is approaching a potential move slowly.

Sales for Bed Bath and Beyond have continued to steadily decline like many other big box stores have over the last few years.

Dollar Tree has not indicated an interest in moving out of the center.

The northern end of Crossroads Marketplace also includes Wendy’s, Fazoli’s, 85 C Bakery Cafe, and others.

Diamond Bar DUI Checkpoint Nets 6 Arrests

Photo: wklaw.com
Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13 on the southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Highland Valley Road.

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Traffic Services Detail conducted a DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint on Friday, July 13 on the southbound side of Diamond Bar Boulevard at Highland Valley Road. The Checkpoint was operational between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 2:00 a.m. Checkpoint locations are well thought out and placed in locations that have the greatest opportunity for achieving drunk and drugged driving deterrence. Making sure the location has the greatest safety possible for officers and the public is also a large part of the equation.

California has seen a disturbing increase in the number of drug-impaired driving accidents in recent years. The LASD supports the new effort from the Office of Traffic Safety that aims to educate all drivers that “DUI Doesn’t Just Mean Booze.”  Taking prescription drugs, particularly those with a driving or operating machinery warning on the label may cause impairment enough to get a DUI.  Marijuana can also be impairing, especially in combination with alcohol or other drugs, and can result in a DUI.

Studies of California drivers show that 30 percent of drivers in fatal accidents had one or more drugs in their system. A study of active drivers showed more tested positive for drugs that may impair driving (14 percent) than did for alcohol (7.3 percent).  Of the drugs, marijuana was most prevalent, at 7.4 percent, only slightly more than alcohol.

One driver wanted for an injury Hit and Run on Interstate 5 was detained at the Checkpoint. He was turned over to the California Highway Patrol and arrested for felony DUI and Hit and Run charges.

415 Vehicles Screened
1 DUI Alcohol impaired suspect arrested
1 DUI Drugs (Marijuana) impaired suspect arrested
4 Drivers cited/arrested for operating a vehicle unlicensed or while suspended/revoked

With all the technology today and the promotions for designated driver there isn’t any reason to be driving drunk. Before your next night out on the town check out the Designated Driver VIP, or “DDVIP,” free mobile app for Android or iPhone.  The DDVIP app give information on nearby bars and restaurants that feature free incentives for the designated sober driver. Anything from free non-alcoholic drinks to free appetizers and more are made available. Who doesn’t want free food and refreshments?  The feature-packed app even has social media tie-ins and a tab for the non-DD to call Uber, Lyft or Curb.

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

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department will be conducting other DUI/Drivers License Checkpoint and DUI Saturation Patrol in the future in our ongoing commitment to lowering deaths and injuries upon our streets and highways.

AS A DRIVER TAKE SOME TIME TO PLAN AHEAD USING THESE TIPS:

Arrange rides home for your friends, family, co-workers and yourself before the drinking begins

Identify and provide free non-alcoholic drinks or other promotional items to the Designated Driver

Party hosts and servers must limit drinks to your guests or patrons. Don’t serve more than one or two over several hours.

Cut back on the amount of drinks you plan to bring to the party – and provide plenty of food.

Chino Valley Election Filing Now Open

The nomination period for candidates to file their intent to run for several races in the Chino Valley opened July 16, and will close at 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 10 for the November 6 election

By Anthony Saude

Chino Valley– The nomination period for candidates to file their intent to run for several races in the Chino Valley opened July 16, and will close at 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 10 for the November 6 election.

The seats available include the city councils of Chino and Chino Hills, the Chino Valley School District board, and the Chino Valley Fire District board.

 

If none of the incumbents file their forms by August 10, the nomination period will be extended five additional days until Wednesday August, 15.

Nomination papers for city council candidates and the fire board are available from the respective agencies. Candidates for the school board may obtain the proper paperwork from the San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters office, located at 777 E. Rialto Ave. in San Bernardino.

Chino Hills

For the first time in the history of the city, Chino Hills will implement a district elections system. This means that residents will be voting for a councilperson that lives within the district they are running.

Under a district election system, residents vote only for candidates in the district in which they live.

After being threatened with a lawsuit in 2016 by the Mexican American Legal Defense and Educational Fund the council voted to change at the large election system.

Mayor Peter Rogers, Councilmen Ray Marquez and Brian Johsz are up for re-election in November seeking four-year terms.

Mr. Marquez would represent District 1 that generally includes the western area of the city. Mr. Rogers would represent District 2 that generally includes the northern end of the city. Brian Johsz would represent District 4 that generally includes the western end of the city. For a map of the boundaries, visit chinohills.org/districtelectionsmap.

Chino

Three Chino City Council seats will be on the ballot in November: The District 1 seat held by appointee Paul Rodriguez, the District 2 seat held by appointee Gary George, and the District 3 seat of longtime councilman Earl Elrod.

District 1 is a short term of two years. District 2 and 3 are full terms of four years.

Mr. George was appointed to the council in early 2017 after Eunice Ulloa was elected mayor. He has announced that he will run for the District 3 seat which represents the area where he lives.

Mr. Rodriguez was appointed to the council in 2017 to fill the remaining term of Glenn Duncan who retired. He has filed the proper intent to run forms with the city clerk’s office that allows candidates to fundraise for the election.

Dorothy Pineda has also filed her intent to run form with the city clerk for the District 2 seat held by Mr. George.

Longtime Chino Valley Unified School District Board member Sylvia Orozco announced in June about her plans to run for the District 2 council seat as well.

For the specific boundaries of the districts please visit the city of Chino’s district map at cityofchino.org/home/showdocument?id=16168.

Chino Valley Fire District

The seats of Chino Valley Fire District board members Mike Kreeger, Ed Gray and Harvey Luth will be on the ballot for the at-large election in November.

Mr. Gray, a Chino resident the longest serving board member was appointed to the board in 2003 and has since won four-year terms in 2004, 2009, and 2013 elections.

Mr. Kreeger, of Chino Hills, a former Chino Hills public works commissioner and the top vote-getter in 2013 elections will run for his second four-year term.

Mr. Luth was appointed to the fire board in September 2017 to fill the void created when Brian Johsz was appointed to the Chino Hills City Council.

Mr. Luth was a Chino planning commissioner from 2001 to 2017 before his appointment to the fire board.

School Board

Voters will have an opportunity to elect two new Chino Valley school board members for seats are currently held by Sylvia Orozco and Pam Feix, both seats are four-year terms.

Mrs. Orozco said she will not seek another term on the school board, this year she plans to run for the District 2 seat on the Chino City Council.

Ms. Feix, a retired teacher, announced she will not run for a second term on the school board.

Former school board member John Pruitt announced that he will be running for a seat on the school board.

Retired teacher Don Bridge, a former Associated Chino Teachers union president also plans to run.

Joe Schaffer, a parent in the district and a Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Commissioner since 2017 will be seeking a spot on the board as well this election.

 

 

Mt. SAC Students Win Seven Medals at Nationals

By Anthony Saude

WALNUT– Mt. San Antonio College health careers students won seven medals at the Health Occupation Students of America (HOSA) national competition. More than 9,000 secondary and post-secondary students competed in 57 different health-related events at the national leadership event held June 26-30 in Dallas, Texas.

Derek Hawkins (Pomona),  Sho Kitada (Rowland Heights), and Griselda Venezian (Chino Hills) won silver medals in the biomedical debate competition. Hector Alvarado (Montclair), Ezra Dureault (Pomona), Hector Herrera (La Puente), and Robert Solis (City of Industry) won bronze medals in the creative problem solving competition.

“The majority of the teams that they competed against were from universities around world, and amazingly, they surpassed the university competitors,” said Mt. SAC psychiatric technician professor and HOSA advisor Mary Ellen Reyes.

HOSA, established in 1976 by the U.S. Department of Education, is the national organization for secondary and post-secondary health career students. The mission of HOSA is to empower HOSA-Future Health Professionals to become leaders in the global health community through education, collaboration, and experience.

The organizations core values are We value learning. We are committed to learning and becoming respected, knowledgeable and skilled health professionals.  We will respect the experiences and contributions of our teachers, peers and patients and seek to learn from them.

We value leadership. We will serve as role models in our academic program, profession and community. We will be ethical, accountable and trustworthy.  We will use our influence to empower others to strive for excellence.

We value service. We are dedicated to serving others with compassion. We believe that individuals are important, and we will treat everyone with respect and care.

We value innovation. We are dedicated to enriching the lives of others. We will continuously seek the knowledge and skills to address challenges and improve the health professions.