Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Bank Robbery Prompts Fatal Shooting

Staff Reports

Corona bank robbery chase ends in Chino. (Photo Courtesy: Casper News)

Corona bank robbery chase ends in Chino. (Photo Courtesy: Casper News)

Chino – On Wed., Feb. 4, at approximately 4:07 p.m., the Corona Police Department responded to Pacific Premier Bank, located at 102 E. Sixth St. in Corona, in reference to a take-over robbery.

As the robbery suspect exited the bank, it was reported he may have car-jacked a vehicle. Officers located the suspect vehicle and a pursuit ensued out of Corona and into the City of Chino.

Reports say the suspect vehicle careened off the 71 Expressway, crashed through barricades and slammed into a light pole at the intersection of Euclid Ave. and Pine St.  An officer involved shooting took place at the scene with a white male adult.

According to the Corona Police Department, the suspect was struck by gunfire and was pronounced deceased at the scene.  The identity of the suspect has not yet been released.

No officers were injured during the incident and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office, Specialized Investigations Unit, is handling the shooting investigation.

There were no reported injuries from anyone inside the bank where the robbery took place.  The amount of money taken from the bank is not known at this time.

This investigation is on-going and anyone with additional information is urged to call the Corona Police Department at (951) 736-2330 (select Option 3), or San Bernardino Sheriff Investigator, Gary Hart at (760) 559-3431.

Mission Viejo Man Strangles Wife

Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Thurs., Feb. 5, an Orange County husband was arraigned on charges of strangling and murdering his wife in their Mission Viejo home.

Gary Lee Parsons, 74, is charged with one felony count of murder. If convicted, he faces a maximum sentence of 25 years to life in state prison. The defendant is being held on $1 million bail in Santa Ana’s Central Jail.

In the early hours of Feb. 3, Parsons is accused of engaging in an argument with his wife, Barbara Parsons, 73, inside their home. The argument escalated to a physical altercation and the defendant is accused of throwing the victim onto their bed and strangling her until she was unresponsive. He is also accused of tucking the victim into the bed and leaving the home in his car.

Parsons reportedly then called a family member, who, in turn, called the Orange County Sheriff’s Department (OCSD) to report the crime.

At approximately 12:30 p.m. on Feb. 3, OCSD received a call from the defendant, and deputies arrived at the Mission Viejo home shortly thereafter. The defendant returned home and parked in the driveway.  After entering the home and finding Barbara Parsons deceased in her bed, OSCD deputies arrested the defendant.

Boy Band Returns Home To Perform

By Gina K. Ward

The Filharmonic, with Oswalt alumnus, Niko Del Rey (top row, 2nd from left) (Photo Courtesy: Gina K. Ward)

The Filharmonic, with Oswalt alumnus, Niko Del Rey (top row, 2nd from left) (Photo Courtesy: Gina K. Ward)

Walnut – Students are buzzing that the a cappella group, “The Filharmonic” – from NBC’s hit musical competition, The Sing-Off, and featured in the new movie, Pitch Perfect  – performed on Wed., Jan. 28 at the Oswalt Academy in Walnut.

Beat boxer, Niko Del Rey, is an alumnus of Oswalt Academy and he was excited to return to perform for the 6th through 8th Grade students.

The Filipino-American band have had much to sing about after sharing the stage with musical groups Linkin Park, the Black Eyed Peas and Penatonix from The Sing Off national tour, and their upcoming movie.

The Filharmonic band is known for their melodic vocal style that exemplifies an urbanesque Hip Hop sound, with 90’s nostalgia. The six members are passionate about their Filipino culture and love of music, and have combined musical talents coming from the world of pop, jazz, a cappella, opera and theater.

To catch recent videos and learn more about the band, visit www.thefilharmonic.com, or follow them on Twitter @thefilharmonic.

The Stanley G. Oswalt Academy is part of the Rowland Unified School District and is an International Baccalaureate® (IB) World School and National Apple Distinguished School for its ‘Laptop for Learning’ program. Oswalt Academy is for students TK through 8th Grade, and is located at 19501 Shadow Oak Drive in Walnut.  For more information, visit www.oswaltacademy.org  or contact Principal Kevin Despard at (626) 810-4109.

Walnut Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Walnut – Closing out its final meeting for the month of January, the Walnut City Council met to discuss matters concerning ordinances for body treatment related businesses, and the City’s stance on historical preservation.

After approving the Jan. 14 meeting minutes, the Council approved the first and only public hearing on its agenda, concerning an ordinance amending business licensing and permits for “body treatment related businesses.”  The ordinance – which comes after growing state-wide concerns that illegal prostitution rings are being run in massage parlors – was the City’s answer to Governor Brown’s Assembly Bill 1147. The bill passed on Sept. 18, 2014, allowing California cities to amend zoning, business licensing and health and safety requirements concerning massage establishments and massage therapist businesses.

The ordinance had many stipulations as to what would be considered grounds for a masseuse and massage establishment being granted a business license within the City, including diplomas or certificates from the state of California Massage Therapy Council, proof of completing at least five full years of experience as a massage technician, and adequate hygiene standards for the building itself.

The Council then went on to approve the second reading of Ordinance No. 15-02, amending Title VI, Chapter 25, to establish historical preservation of the Walnut Municipal Code; Resolution No. 15-07 for checks and demands in the amount of $1,053,197.35; the approval of a one year contract with Athletic Field Specialists for baseball field maintenance at Creekside and Snow Creek parks in the amount of $60,900; a contract amendment for WRA Environmental Consultants to prepare CEQA compliance documents for Tentative Tract Map 49059; and the award bid for the Walnut Senior Citizen’s sound center upgrades.

For the Successor Agency consent calendar, the Council approved its only agenda item, which was for a resolution to the Walnut Improvement Agency confirming repayment in the amount of $442,129.

The Council then adjourned for the evening with plans to meet on Feb. 11 for the next City Council meeting at 21201 La Puente Road.

Loma Linda Family Arrested For Embezzlement

Staff Reports

Riverside – Four former and current officials of an independent labor union in Colton were arrested on Wed., Jan 28, on federal charges related to a scheme to embezzle funds from the union’s health plan.

The four defendants, who were named in a 40-count indictment returned by a federal grand jury on Jan. 21, are charged with conspiring to embezzle from the health plan for the United Industrial and Service Workers of America Local 101 (UISWA), which serves members in the Inland Empire.

According to the United States Attorney’s Office, the defendants allegedly misappropriated a total of approximately $900,000 in union funds over the course of eight years.  Those arrested are John S. Romero, 68, the former president of USIWA; Evelyn Romero, 66, John S. Romero’s wife, who succeeded her husband as president of USIWA and served in that position until June 2014; John J. Romero, 50, who is the son of John S. and Evelyn Romero and who is the former secretary/treasurer of USIWA; and Danae Romero, 37, who is the daughter of John S. and Evelyn Romero and who served as an officer in the union.  All are residents of Loma Linda.

The indictment charges the defendants with conspiring to embezzle assets from the UISWA Health Plan, which was a program intended to provide healthcare benefits to union members.

The indictment also includes charges of knowingly filing false annual reports with the U.S. Department of Labor that failed to disclose more than $100,000 in UISWA revenues and disbursements, willfully misusing the assets from both the UISWA and UISWA Health Plan, and knowingly and willfully permitting another Romero family member – who had previously been convicted of a felony narcotics violation – to serve as an officer and employee of the UISWA.

The indictment alleges that some of the Health Plan’s bank accounts were held in the name of a construction company associated with the Health Plan’s third party administrator, through which the Romero family received payments without the knowledge of consent of the Health Plan’s second trustee. It is further alleged that the Romero family controlled the Health Plan’s reserve fund accounts and used those assets for their personal benefit.

The defendants’ family allegedly used union funds to pay personal and union-related legal fees and judgments levied against them, systematically making payments of Health Plan assets to a separate business entity they operated under false pretenses, fund a payroll account that had been established using the name and employer identification number of a previous labor union they had been in control of that had since terminated operations, pay off a car loan for a vehicle belonging to another Romero family member, and recirculating assets from the Health Plan’s reserve fund to its operating account to cover the insurance expenses for their own healthcare benefits that were billed to the union.

If these individuals are convicted of the charges in the indictment, all four defendants would face decades in federal prison.

Beware Of IRS Phone Scam

By Claire Lewis

Chino – On Jan. 21, a local Chino resident (who wishes to remain anonymous for obvious reasons) was the victim of an attempted scam.  She received a voicemail message – supposedly from the IRS – stating that she owed $3,981 and must pay this outstanding debt immediately.  The victim was threatened with arrest and seizure of all of her property, and becoming alarmed, she called them back at the number provided:  (866) 931-3773 (we called and received a busy signal).

The man who answered the phone (as “Internal Revenue Service”) reiterated the threats, and stated he needed to be kept on the phone while the victim withdrew money from her bank account and deposited it into the “IRS account” by providing verbal information.  Luckily, she did not comply, and the man hung up on her.

Shortly after the call ended, the victim received another call from a woman identifying herself as from the Chino Police Department.  She was told that the Police Department had dispatched an officer to come and arrest her.

The victim immediately contacted the Chino Police Department, and was reassured that this was, in fact, a scam.  They were quick to confirm that the victim did not provide any personal information.

The Chino Police Department would like to remind you that these are not the practices of the IRS or the Police Department.  Beware of such callers; they are very aggressive and use scare-tactics to steal money from unwary victims.  Never provide personal information, including social security numbers, bank account numbers, passwords, addresses or other critical data that could allow criminals into your life – often with serious consequences.

Unfortunately, these scammers get lucky sometimes.  If you have been the victim of a phone scam, report the information to your local Police Department.

Meet New DB Councilman Lin

By Raymond Mendoza

Diamond Bar’s new council member, Jimmy Lin. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar’s new council member, Jimmy Lin. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar – Following the departure of former councilwoman Ling Ling Chang to the California State Assembly during the November election, the Diamond Bar City Council launched a month-long search to find a suitable replacement in her stead.

After reviewing more than a dozen candidates, the Council appointed Jimmy Lin, a 12-year resident of Diamond Bar and longtime public servant.

Lin – who holds a Master of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Kansas State University – spent 32 years living in Kansas where he worked for the engineering firm, Bucher, Willis and Ratliff, and eventually became the chairman of the firm.

In 2012, Lin, and his wife, Sophia, decided to retire and move to Diamond Bar.  They have an adult son who is currently practicing medicine in the Midwest.  Lin – not exactly in retirement mode – is now the President, CEO and Chairman for the KOA Corporation – an engineering firm in Monterey Park.

Lin said beyond his professional qualifications, he is an “experienced public servant” who has not only served in Diamond Bar, but also in Leadwood, Kansas.

“I am happy that there is a very minimal learning curve for me to understand the needs of Diamond Bar and her citizens and residents,” Lin said. “I am excited about the opportunity and I am certain that I can do a good job.”

Lin said he believes his background in civil engineering will be a boon to the City, since the growing population of Diamond Bar means higher traffic volumes – a topic that he is well-versed in considering his lifelong profession.

“One of the bigger challenges facing Diamond Bar, is, of course, the traffic issues,” Lin said. “Physically, we are located in the center of the L.A. Metropolitan area and traffic from all directions converges and disperses here on our freeways. When the freeway gets congested, traffic starts to funnel through local streets such as Diamond Bar Boulevard, Grand Avenue, Golden Spring and other minor arterial streets.”

Lin said traffic problems will be a major concern of his during his time as a Council member, and that he looks forward to making a cost effective solution that will help commuters and residents.  Lin also said he’s looking forward to working with the local Sheriff’s Department to curb small incidents involving petty theft in order to maintain Diamond Bar’s image as one of the safest cities in America.

Beyond that, Lin said being appointed to the City Council will be a major opportunity and responsibility, and that he is willing to listen to any resident on any matter that would improve Diamond Bar during his tenure on the Council.

“As a public figure, my number one responsibility is to learn and understand every public issue and try to build a consensus to solve the problem,” Lin said. “I certainly welcome comments and recommendations from every citizen and resident of Diamond Bar. My door is always open.”

OC Mother Gets 11 Years For Stabbing Children

 Staff Reports

Santa Ana – On Fri., Jan. 23, a mother was sentenced to 11 years to life in state prison for attempting to murder her two young children by stabbing them while they were asleep.

Thuy Thi Le, 43, of Westminster, was found guilty by a jury Feb. 4, 2014, of two felony counts each of attempted murder, and child abuse and endangerment with sentencing enhancements for the personal use of a deadly weapon and committing great bodily injury.

On Oct. 27, 2014, a unanimous jury found the sentencing enhancement for premeditation and deliberation for the attempted murder charge to be true following a retrial of the sentencing enhancement, as a former jury was unable to reach a unanimous verdict.

The defendant, who entered pleas of “not guilty” and “not guilty by reason of insanity,” was found to be legally sane at the time of the murder by the jury on Oct. 31, 2014.

Back on Sept. 16, 2009, Le spent the night at a family member’s home with her children, a 5-year old and a 3-year old.  Her boyfriend – who is the father of the children – was at work. Le slept with her two children together on a mattress in the family room.  At approximately 6:30 a.m., she went into the kitchen, picked up a knife from the sink, walked back over to the children, stabbed each of them in the chest, and then stabbed herself nearly 25 times. She then called 911.

The children were rushed to the University of California Irvine Medical Center.  The 5-year old child suffered a stab wound to the chest and the knife penetrated her heart; she underwent emergency open-heart surgery to save her life. The 3-year old child suffered a stab wound to the chest area, but the knife missed all vital organs.

Both children are reportedly recovered and are living with their father.

Diamond Bar Council Recap

By Raymond Mendoza

Members of the Diamond Bar City Council honor former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, Jen Mahlke, with a City Tile, a distinction which represents years of hard work for the City. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Members of the Diamond Bar City Council honor former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, Jen Mahlke, with a City Tile, a distinction which represents years of hard work for the City. (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Diamond Bar – Residents and proud family members attended the Diamond Bar City Council meeting in high numbers on Jan. 20, which included the award ceremony for the City’s annual “Through My Lens” photo contest.

To start, council members gave out two City Tiles: one to former Traffic and Transportation Commissioner, Jen Mahlke, for her outstanding service to the City from March 2011 to October 2014; and the other, to former Planning Commissioner – and newly appointed council member – Jimmy Lin. Both Mahlke and Lin were thanked for their service to the City in their respective positions and their years of hard work.

The Council then welcomed and congratulated nearly 20 Diamond Bar residents for their award winning participation in the 2014 “Through My Lens” photo contest, which had residents snapping shots around town for categories including people, places, nature, pets and digitally altered. The contest was also split between youth and adult participants.

Mayor Steve Tye thanked all the residents for their outstanding work and for continuing to show off the City through the perspective of their camera lenses.

“The Contest was started in 2008, and has focused positive attention on our community, which we’ve accomplished,” Tye said. “The result has been a win-win for residents and the City.  Residents get to exercise their passion for photography and the City gets a collection of incredible random art photographs to showcase throughout the year.”

After all the category and honorable mention winners were announced, Tye proclaimed that resident, Alfred Bertulfo, was this year’s grand prize winner.

The Council then moved to the list of future events, which included the Parks and Recreation Commission Jan. 22 meeting, the Planning Commission Jan. 27 meeting, the City Council Feb. 3 meeting, and the Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Roundup on Sat., Feb. 14 from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m. at the Gateway Corporate Center in the 1300 block of Bridge Gate Drive.

The Council then approved all the items on its consent calendar including the minutes for the Jan. 5 and Jan. 6 City Council and Traffic meetings, and the Oct. 9 and Nov. 13 Transportation Commission meetings, the ratification of check register dated Dec. 31 through Jan. 14 totaling $986,081.06, the authorization from the City Manager to execute any necessary documents/agreements from Winstream for 36 months of phone service in an amount not-to-exceed $50,000, and the authorization from the City Manager to execute any necessary documents/agreements from SC Fuels for 36 months for City vehicle fuel card services in an amount not-to-exceed $100,000.

With no more public hearings for consideration, the Diamond Bar City Council officially adjourned at 7:13 p.m., with plans to meet next month on Feb. 3, at 6:30 p.m., at 21865 Copley Drive.

UPS Driver Guilty of Weapons Charges

Staff Reports

Riverside – A former United Parcel Service driver was found guilty on Thurs., Jan. 15 of federal gun trafficking charges for stealing dozens of guns going through the shipping company’s Ontario hub and providing them to another man, who sold the weapons on the street.

Curtis Ivory Hays II, 37, of Rancho Cucamonga, was convicted of firearms and other offenses following a six day trial in United States District Court.

Hays, who was found guilty of 15 counts, faces a statutory maximum sentence of 115 years in federal prison when he is sentenced on March 30 by United States District Judge Virginia A. Phillips.

The associate who allegedly sold some of the firearms – Dennis Dell White, Jr., 35, of Moreno Valley – previously pleaded guilty in the case and is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Phillips on May 4.

The evidence at trial showed that Hays stole a series of packages containing guns that were supposed to be delivered to Turner’s Outdoorsman in Rancho Cucamonga. From May through October of 2012, Hays stole six shipments containing a total of 72 firearms.

Hays gave the stolen firearms to White, who illegally sold the weapons to other individuals, and some of the guns were then sold to others. The firearms included 12-gauge shotguns and .45-caliber handguns.

Hays also stole shipments containing jewelry and mobile phones that were supposed to be delivered to Costco in Rancho Cucamonga, and this merchandise also was given to White.

Hays was found guilty of conspiracy, six counts of theft of firearms, six counts of receipt and possession of stolen firearms, and two counts of theft of interstate shipments.

White pleaded guilty to one count of theft of firearms.

The investigation into the stolen firearms was conducted by the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in conjunction with the Ontario Police Department and the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department. Substantial assistance was provided by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

Chino Area Crime

Staff Reports

 

West Valley Detention Center (Photo courtesy of County of San Bernardino)

West Valley Detention Center (Photo courtesy of County of San Bernardino)

Chino/Chino Hills – On Tues., Jan. 5, a juvenile female contacted School Resource Officer, Deputy Marlene Thompson, at Ayala High School in Chino Hills.  She advised Thompson of ongoing physical and mental abuse that she has suffered at her residence in Chino.

Fontana Sheriff’s Deputies and Detectives initiated an investigation and identified the suspect as Joe Patino, 37, of Chino.  A search warrant was conducted at the suspect’s residence, and Detectives gathered additional information in regard to the allegations of abuse.

Patino was taken into custody and booked into the West Valley Detention Center for Cruelty to a Child.  The victim and other minors in the home were taken into protective custody by Children and Family Services.

Detectives are concerned there may be additional victims; anyone with additional information regarding this incident is urged to contact Detective Joe Parker or Sergeant Mark Martinez at (909) 356-6767.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to contact the

West Valley Detention Center (Photo courtesy of County of San Bernardino)

West Valley Detention Center (Photo courtesy of County of San Bernardino)

We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or you may leave information on the We-Tip website at www.wetip.com.

In another incident, Deputies from the Chino Hills Station arrested a felon in possession of a loaded assault rifle during a routine traffic stop on Fri., Jan. 16.  This incident let Deputies to an illicit identify theft crime ring being conducted from a nearby hotel room.

Joseph Sisenia, 31, of Los Angeles, and two female passengers were contacted at a vehicle traffic stop.  Sisenia provided identification to the Deputies with a different name on it that later proved to be fraudulent.  Upon a record search of the occupants, Deputies discovered that Skye Kelley, 24, of Moreno Valley, had an active warrant for her arrest.  The other female passenger, Aimee Rodriguez, 27, of Baldwin Park, was in possession of and under the influence of a controlled substance. Deputies also discovered Sisenia’s true identity, and learned he was on felony probation for identity theft out of Montclair.

A vehicle search was conducted which revealed a loaded assault rifle with a high capacity magazine; additional ammunition was discovered in the car as well.  Deputies also recovered several Green Dot cards, gift cards, credit cards, check making materials, and items used to commit identify theft.  Green Dot cards are commonly used to launder the illegal proceeds of identity theft by funneling it to a generic prepaid credit account.

During the course of the investigation, deputies learned that the suspects had been staying in a nearby Extended Stay America hotel room.  A search of the hotel room uncovered more suspected narcotics and evidence of identity theft related to a Chino Hills mail theft case from December 2014, as well as an additional suspect, David Chacon, 41, of El Monte.

All the evidence was recovered and Detectives will attempt to locate additional victims.

All suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center for their respective crimes, including identify theft, possession of a high capacity magazine, felon in possession of a firearm, parole violation, conspiracy to commit identity theft, and active warrant for weapons.

Strategic Alliance: Free Networking

Staff Reports

Walnut – If you are looking for an effective way to market your business and network with local businesses at the same time, Strategic Alliance is the perfect solution…and it’s FREE!

Strategic Alliance is a non-profit company dedicated to providing businesses the opportunity to align synergistically by creating an environment conducive to business development.  They were founded in 1997 for the purpose of generating quality business opportunities.  By creating an alliance of ethics-driven business professionals who are dedicated to generating business, the level of customer service increases, creating better results.

Members meet each week to exchange information, ideas and referrals.  Over time, these relationships – which are built on trust and mutual respect – generate business opportunities.  Strategic Alliance is unique in the fact that they are free, have a proven track record with 13 years in business, and their meetings are fun (no one wants to sit through a boring meeting).  Similar networking groups often charge for this type of service.  One of the reasons Strategic Alliance works so well is that there is only one of each type of business within the membership; this way, you receive all the referrals from the group for your field of expertise.

The group meets every Thursday morning, 7 a.m., at the Holiday Inn (21725 Gateway Center Drive, off Golden Springs), in Diamond Bar.  Membership for the group is free, but everyone is encouraged to purchase breakfast to reserve the room at the Holiday Inn each week.  Guests are invited to enjoy a free breakfast at their first meeting to see if they are a good match for the group.  There are approximately 20 members at every meeting, which in turn generates hundreds of referrals every year, and creates tens of thousands of dollars in business.

Strategic Alliance covers Brea, Chino, Chino Hills, City of Industry, Claremont, Covina, Diamond Bar, Fullerton, Glendora, La Habra, La Puente, La Verne, Montclair, Ontario, Pomona, Rancho Cucamonga, Rowland Heights, San Dimas, Upland, Walnut, and West Covina.  They are now recruiting members in a variety of business genres

Contact Strategic Alliance today, and begin marketing your business and generating more income in an effective new way.  President, Johnny Hudson, understands that business by referral is the best possible way to grow your business and make more money.  Call him at (909) 268-9470, email him at BasicTrainingMembers@yahoo.com, or visit www.strategicnetworking.org for more information.

DB High Alumnus Playing In Super Bowl XLIX

Diamond Bar High alumnus and New England Patriots offensive lineman, Ryan Wendell, will be playing in the 2015 Super Bowl on February 1 (Photo by Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar High alumnus and New England Patriots offensive lineman, Ryan Wendell, will be playing in the 2015 Super Bowl on February 1 (Photo by Kelli Gile           

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar – Check out Diamond Bar High School 2004 graduate, Ryan Wendell, when the New England Patriots face off against the Seattle Seahawks in Super Bowl XLIX on February 1 at the University of Phoenix Stadium.

The DBHS standout was an All-CIF Southern Section selection as a senior defensive lineman, with more than 50 tackles, six sacks, and much more.

Wendell earned the same honor as an offensive lineman his junior year. He was the Sierra League’s Most Valuable Player as a junior.  Wendell’s DBHS #77 Brahma jersey is retired, and he was named to the school’s Hall of Fame.

Wendell earned a scholarship to Fresno State, was a four-year starter, and earned numerous accolades.

Wendell signed with the Patriots in 2008 as a free agent and played on the scout team before working his way onto the lineup, filling in for an injured lineman.  His work ethic and proven ability has earned him a spot on the starting team with quarterback, Tom Brady.

Wendell, #62, a guard, shifted to center after rookie Bryan Stork suffered a knee injury in the first half of the AFC second-round playoff game against Baltimore.   He is currently practicing as the starting center for the Super Bowl.

“Ryan worked at all the positions, all the way through the spring – center and guard,” Patriots Head Coach, Bill Belichick, said earlier this season.

“Ryan’s a really smart player. He’s one of the smartest players that we have, that we’ve had.” Belichick told the Fresno Bee this week.

At 6’ 2”, Wendell may be the smallest offensive lineman in the NFL, but he doesn’t let size stop him.  He plays with superior technical skills and heart, according to his former DBHS coach, Kurt Davies.

The pro football player stops by the high school every year to talk with the team.

This will be Wendell’s second Super Bowl appearance. And you can be sure Diamond Bar High will be cheering for this hometown hero on February 1!

Drug-Infused Bread Closes OC Bakery

Staff Reports

An example of Rosca de Reyes (or Three Kings Bread) (Photo courtesy of Google Images)

An example of Rosca de Reyes (or Three Kings Bread) (Photo courtesy of Google Images)

Santa Ana – On Tues., Jan. 6, the Orange County Health Care Agency closed Cholula’s Bakery in the City of Santa Ana to begin a food-borne illness investigation after receiving several reports of illness related to eating Rosca de Reyes Bread distributed by the bakery on Jan. 5 and 6.

According to the Santa Ana Police Department, the O.C. Sheriff’s Crime Lab results from analysis of product samples of the bread returned positive for JWH122 – classified as a “synthetic cannabinoid,” which mimics some of the symptoms of cannabis consumption.

Wikipedia states synthetic cannabis/cannabinoids as synthetic marijuana, the effects of which are categorized in the genre of “designer drugs” and are sold as natural highs under brand names such as K2 or Spice (often termed a “spice product”).

Adverse health effects associated with ingesting synthetic cannabinoids include seizures, hallucinations, paranoid behavior, agitation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, racing heartbeat and elevated blood pressure.

Cholula’s Bakery was initially closed until the investigation into the food-borne illness was completed, and it was confirmed that the bakery completed a professional restaurant-grade cleaning of the establishment, disposed of all opened foods and all ingredients used to make the Rosca de Reyes bread, and completed mandatory food safety training for all employees.

With the synthetic drug findings by the O.C. Sheriff’s Crime Lab, the future of Cholula’s Bakery may be in jeopardy.  The case has been returned to the Santa Ana Police Department for criminal investigation.

Anyone who believes they have consumed the tainted bread is encouraged to contact the Santa Ana Police Crimes Against Persons Unit at (714) 245-8390.

Armed Robbery At Olive Garden

Staff Reports

Scene of the crime, the Olive Garden restaurant at the Montebello Town Center. (Photo Courtesy of Olivegarden.com)

Scene of the crime, the Olive Garden restaurant at the Montebello Town Center. (Photo Courtesy of Olivegarden.com)

South San Gabriel – On Mon., Jan 12, at approximately 8:15 a.m., Deputies from the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department (LASD) Temple Station responded to an ‘armed robbery’ call at the Olive Garden Restaurant, located at The Shops at Montebello in unincorporated South San Gabriel.

Upon arrival, Deputies learned that the lone, male suspect entered the restaurant before it opened for business.  The suspect robbed the location, as well as the five employees who were inside.  Employees were held at gunpoint while an unknown amount of cash was taken from the restaurant.

A preliminary investigation revealed that several of the employees were accosted by the suspect, although no injuries were reported.

This Olive Garden location is in close proximity to the 60 freeway; however, it is unknown how the suspect escaped at this time.

Assistance from the LASD Major Crimes Bureau was requested, and they are leading this investigation in conjunction with Temple Station investigators.  Surveillance video from the restaurant and the surrounding mall is being reviewed for leads.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Major Crimes Bureau, Lieutenant Rodriguez, at (562) 946-7008; or the Temple Station at (626) 285-7171. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), or texting the letters TIPLA plus your tip to CRIMES (274637), or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

Walnut Council Recap

Members of the Mt. San Antonio College Women's Cross Country team and their coaches were recognized as state champions (shown with Councilman Bob Pacheco and Mayor Nancy Tragarz). (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

Members of the Mt. San Antonio College Women’s Cross Country team and their coaches were recognized as state champions (shown with Councilman Bob Pacheco and Mayor Nancy Tragarz). (Photo By Raymond Mendoza)

By Raymond Mendoza         

 

Walnut – Walnut’s City Council held their meeting for the first time after the New Year, and was met with angry citizens voicing their displeasure about a planned housing development on Camino De Rosa. Council member Tony Cartagena was out sick, according to council member Mary Su.

The Council started off its meeting with two recognitions – the first being for Mt. San Antonio College’s Women’s Cross Country State Champion win. Several of the members, along with coaches Doug Todd and Ron Kamaka, accepted the City’s recognition of their accomplishments and their status as state champions.

The second recognition was for Chinese exchange teacher, Jing Jang, who has taken up residency at Walnut Elementary. Mayor Nancy Tragarz thanked Jang on behalf of the City for her work in creating strengthened cultural relations between America and China.

Jang commented that she was honored to work in the City of Walnut and to have a chance to not only learn many American traditions, but to teach her students about many Chinese traditions as well. At the end of her speech, Jang wished everyone in the City a Happy Chinese New Year.

Following public comments and an approval of the Dec. 10 meeting minutes, the Council then approved the first public hearing item, selecting projects for the 2015-2016 Program of the Community Development Block Grant. The program was in the amount of $143,393 for housing rehabilitation, and $16,484 for senior citizen activities in the City.

The next public hearing item was a matter of much contention from residents, pertaining to the development of 13 single-family homes on a 1.2 acre of land at 650 Camino De Rosa.  Residents largely came out to speak against the development, claiming that the area lacked parking, would create higher volumes of traffic, lacked space for housing and would contribute to more trash on the streets. Other residents came to the development’s defense, claiming that the new houses would increase property value and encourage more commerce in the area.

As the public comments ended, the council members largely agreed that the development was in the best interest of the City. However, the Council added an amendment to have the landscaping looked at one more time – with the possibility of adding more trees and plants – before any building permits would be issued. The Council then approved the plan unanimously.

The Council then went on to approve the second reading of an ordinance of the City Council related to “Body Treatment Related Businesses,” and all items on the Council consent calendar including the certain claims and demands in the amount of $1,343,169.56, the agreement between Silver & Wright, LLP for municipal code enforcement legal services, sports groups requests for biannual field use for spring 2015, and the only item on the Successor Agency consent calendar for claims and demands in the amount of $125,000.

After the Council discussed their announcements and comments, the meeting was adjourned with plans to meet on Jan. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Council Chambers at 21201 La Puente Road.

CNUSD Boundary Updates

Staff Reports

Ronald Reagan Elementary under construction last October.

Ronald Reagan Elementary under construction last October. (Jennifer Jester-Madrigal)

Eastvale — With the 2015-2016 school year opening of Ronald Reagan Elementary School set to happen in July 2015, some school boundaries within Eastvale have changed. Clara Barton, Harada, and Eastvale Elementary Schools will see the majority of the change, as some of Regan’s new attendance will pull from those directions.

The new boundaries will be discussed in detail at parent meetings to be held at these Eastvale locations, as follows:

 

  • 14, 2015, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Eastvale Elementary School, 13031 Orange Street
  • 21, 2015, 6:30 – 7:30 p.m., Barton Elementary School, 7437 Corona Valley Avenue

 

Parents wishing to apply for transfers, as well as open enrollment, for Reagan Elementary need to complete a transfer request by filing out the proper forms. According to the CNUSD website, if you live in the CNUSD attendance area, you will need to complete a transfer request by filling out the proper form.

Map of Barton to Reagan attendance. Please visit the CNUSD website to see maps for other schools. (Image Courtesy of CNUSD)

Map of Barton to Reagan attendance. Please visit the CNUSD website to see maps for other schools. (Image Courtesy of CNUSD)

If you are currently attending a school on a transfer, you do not need to renew that transfer to remain at that school. As long as you maintain continuous residency in the Corona-Norco Unified School District, your transfer shall continue until your child receives a transfer to a new school or leaves the district.

Please note, if your 6th or 8th Grader is attending a transfer school, they will matriculate to the intermediate or high school based on your residence address.

If you live outside the CNUSD attendance area, you will need to renew your transfer permit annually. You must obtain a release from your home school district and submit it to the CNUSD District Office, Student Services, between Dec. 1, 2014 and Jan. 15, 2015.

Applications for School of Choice transfers (between CNUSD schools) may be obtained at the CNUSD District Office, 2820 Clark Avenue, Norco, CA, 92860, (951) 736-5111.  Applications may also be downloaded from the CNUSD website at www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/forms.

Please visit the CNUSD website for transfer forms and additional details: http://www.cnusd.k12.ca.us/Page/741.

PLEASE NOTE: Completed applications may be returned to the District Office.  Parents with children who attend Barton, Eastvale or Harada should visit the website to view the maps to determine if their child will be attending another school.

DB Amending Massage Parlor Regulations

By Raymond Mendoza

 

Diamond Bar – Prostitution worries are prompting the City of Diamond Bar to amend its regulations regarding massage parlor businesses.

 

Local governments are being given new laws in the fight against organized prostitution, and cities like Diamond Bar are working to make obtaining permits more difficult for businesses that would offer illicit services under the guise of massage parlors.

 

Prostitution rings being housed in massage parlors might be a pop culture image in movies and TV, but the threat has become a major reality in Los Angeles and Orange counties – so much so that Governor Jerry Brown signed Assembly Bill 1147 back in September to fight the epidemic.

 

Following Brown’s lead, the Diamond Bar City Council approved a 45-day moratorium prohibiting the establishment, expansion or relocation of massage establishments in order for City officials to amend its municipal code to ensure that all massage parlors are free of prostitution.

 

According to Mayor Steve Tye, the moratorium was created with public safety in mind.

 

“The City plans to develop and codify new zoning, land use and business license regulations on massage establishments in an effort to mitigate any potential negative effects associated with the use, all in a manner consistent with AB1147,” Tye said.

 

Originally, SB731 and AB619 were created to professionalize the massage industry by creating uniform standards for massage practitioners and therapists in California. The two bills established a voluntary certification process for massage professionals under the California Massage Therapy Council (CAMTC), effectively blocking cities from denying land use controls pertaining to massage establishments.

 

The end result, throughout California, has been an increase in prostitution being well hidden behind faux massage establishments.

 

With AB1147, city governments no longer have to comply with the CAMTC and are free to once again allow or deny massage establishments based on their merit.

 

Tye said he believes that the temporary moratorium will lead municipal codes that ensure that illegal prostitution fronts never have a place in the City.

 

“The moratorium will help the City by halting establishment of new massage-related businesses until the City develops amendments to our municipal code to establish appropriate local regulatory measures – as permitted by AB1147 – that are consistent with new state law,” Tye said. “This will better ensure that massage establishments in Diamond Bar are legitimate and regulated effectively for overall public safety.”

 

Furthermore, Tye noted that the moratorium was not created out of desperation to rid Diamond Bar of prostitution since the City has had no prostitution arrests in any of its massage parlors.

 

Tye also indicated that the moratorium will be in effect for 45 days, beginning Jan. 6, but that the prohibition period can be extended two times- once for 10 months and 15 days, and a second and final time of one year.

 

Tye said that to ensure the safety of Diamond Bar residents, City officials will “take as much time as necessary to get it right.”

Parolee Assaults Chino Hills Deputy

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – On Thurs., Jan. 8, Deputies from the Chino Hills Police Department stopped a vehicle for an inoperable break light in the area of Ramona Avenue and the 71 Freeway. Upon contact with the occupants in the vehicle, a record check revealed a possible warrant for passenger Rodolfo Garcia Lopez (aka Rudy Garcia), 28, from Anaheim.
According to the Chino Hills Police Department, when Deputies attempted to confirm Lopez’s identity, he fled from the car, pushing the Deputies into oncoming traffic in the process. Deputies pursued Lopez and gave numerous verbal commands that Lopez ignored. Deputies attempted to take Lopez into custody, but he fought with deputies by pulling from their grasp and pushing them on the ground.
During the struggle, Lopez continuously reached for his waistband. Deputies were able to prevent Lopez from accessing his waistband and took him into custody. During a search subsequent to Lopez’s arrest, Deputies discovered a loaded handgun in his pocket, as well as a small amount of narcotics.
Further investigation revealed that Lopez is on active parole for home invasion robbery, and was in the area to sell suspected stolen merchandise. He was arrested for battery on a peace officer, and a felon in possession of a firearm, and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
The driver of the vehicle, Hilda Lopez, 28, from West Covina, was also arrested for possession of stolen property used for identity theft. The other vehicle occupant, Frank Lopez, 28, from West Covina, was found to have three no-bail warrants from Los Angeles County. Both were arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

CHP’s Holiday DUI Statistics

Staff Reports

California – The holidays are cause for celebration, and sometimes the celebration that involves alcohol consummation can go too far.

In an effort to help reduce the number of deaths and injuries over the 2015 New Year’s Holiday, a Maximum Enforcement Period (MEP) was conducted beginning at 6 p.m. on Wed., Dec. 31, and continued through 11:59 p.m. on Sun., Jan. 4. During this MEP period, all available CHP Officer were on patrol.

The MEP results for this past holiday weekend were, unfortunately, significantly increased over last year. 28 people were killed in collisions statewide (more than double over last year); and 1,158 DUI arrests were made by CHP Officers statewide (triple over last year). In Los Angeles County alone, six people were killed and 236 DUI arrests were made (only one person was killed and 104 were arrested for DUI last year).

CHP’s goal is to reduce the amount of roadway deaths, and they strive to educate the motoring public that the use of safety belts saves lives, and driving under the influence is never a good idea. The results can be deadly.

Drinkinganddriving.org wants to help educate you and remind you about the dangers of driving under the influence.

Follow these tips:
• Know the truth about blood alcohol levels and how drinking affects your actions.
• Know yourself (what’s at risk?).
• Think about the “3 Fs” – Family, Friends, and Future (who will your actions affect?).
• Understand what a costly mistake underage drinking is.
If you plan on drinking:
• Get a ride;
• Get a room;
• Appoint a Designated Driver
If you are offering drinks:
• Be an excellent party planner and be accountable for what (and to whom) you serve;
• Don’t be afraid to confiscate car keys, offer a room or couch, or call a taxi for those that overdo it;
• Stop serving alcohol well before your guests are expected to leave.
Have a Happy New Year, but don’t become a statistic. Don’t drink and drive!