Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Basketball Hoops Not Permitted In The Street

City Of Chino Hills

 Chino Hills – City of Chino Hills officials have noted an increase in basketball hoops placed in the street. The City will be placing notices on basketball hoops as part of an educational effort to prevent this unsafe practice. “We would like to remind residents that it is unlawful to obstruct the street or sidewalk with play equipment, and that applies to basketball hoops in the public right-of-way,” said Brandi Larson, Code Enforcement Supervisor. “Basketball hoops in the street obstruct parking, motorists, and pedestrians; and can block the street sweeper leaving debris that may get into the storm drains.” The Chino Hills Municipal Code is available online at http://www.chinohills.org/MunicipalCode. The section that applies is 8.12.020(21) which prohibits the placement of any play equipment in the streets, alleys or sidewalks.

 

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department

Reserve deputy program

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Back in the 1800’s, the Sheriff would look to the community to form a posse and deputize citizens to assist him in the apprehension of horse thieves, murderers, or other criminals.  Thankfully, we have thousands of full-time deputies to perform those duties today, but in 2018, just like the 1800’s, the Sheriff is looking to the community to find citizens to volunteer and help by becoming reserve deputy sheriffs.

Reserve deputies undergo the same training and background checks that full-time deputies receive.  It’s a year-long process, but after graduation reserve deputies can perform a wide array of duties and service to the community.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Program is one of the largest in the country, with over 600 all-volunteer sworn reserve deputy sheriffs.  Last year they worked 182,000 hours keeping the citizens of Los Angeles County safe.  Those 182,000 hours represent millions of dollars in savings to taxpayers.

Patrolling our communities is only one of many functions performed by reserve deputies.  Lifesaving search and rescue missions are performed every week by reserves as part of the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Search and Rescue Program.  Last year reserve deputy sheriffs performed 684 missions throughout the county, saving countless lives.

Another opportunity for reserve deputy sheriffs to serve is by becoming a member of the Sheriff’s Department’s Posse.  Posse members work patrolling trails and various community events on horseback.

Reserve deputies also help solve crimes by working in many of the Sheriff’s Department’s detective units, such as Homicide Bureau, Narcotics Bureau, Fraud and Cyber Crime Bureau, and Special Victims Bureau.  We also have reserves who ride street and off-road motorcycles for the Department.

Reserve deputies come from all walks of life and from a wide variety of professions.  The common thread of all is a burning desire to give back to their community and assist their fellow citizens.

If you are interested in signing up, just like citizens did over 150 years ago, there is a reserve deputy academy scheduled to start in February 2019.  If you are interested in this rewarding opportunity please contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Reserve Forces Detail at 323-526-5100 and ask for Assistant Director Mike Leum to get started.

 

98 Citations Issued for Illegal Fireworks

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Excitement was growing as the skies were growing dark in Chino and Chino Hills on the fourth of July just before the skies lit up like a, well like the fourth of July, as residents began their fireworks show —legal and illegal.

Chino police wrote 98 citations for illegal fireworks, modification of safe and sane fireworks, and use of fireworks in parks and off limits locations. It was the most citations written by the police for these violations since 2004.

Chino Hills police only issued three fireworks-related citations on America’s 242nd birthday after three consecutive years of writing zero.

In 2017 Chino police only wrote 64 citations.

The penalty for offenders could be fines of up to $1,000, police said.

Sale of safe and sane fireworks from noon July 1 to 9 p.m. July 4 is allowed in most neighborhoods of Chino. All fireworks are illegal in Chino Hills and the unincorporated areas of San Bernardino County boundaries.

A new record was set this year when 2,210 pounds of illegal fireworks was seized by police beginning June 7, it included 1,443 pounds on July 4 alone.

Last year, officers seized 1,189 pounds of illegal devices.

If the fireworks explode, fly or do not have the California Fire Marshal’s seal of approval they are considered illegal.

Teams of police officers and Chino Valley Fire officials scoured both cities, looking for anybody using illegal fireworks, or using legal fireworks in restricted areas.

Three people suffered fireworks-related injuries; the most severe was to a man in his late 40s in the13000 block of Fourth Street. The unidentified man suffered his injury just after 9:30 p.m. when an illegal firework exploded in his hand, causing severe injuries.

Chino Valley Medical Center also reported two people were treated for fireworks-related injuries.

A 21-year-old man injured both thumbs and a 16-year-old boy suffered minor burns and abrasions on his forehead.

32 fireworks-related calls for service came into Chino Hills Police Department. Fireworks calls began around 6:40 p.m. and the last call was received at approximately 4:57 a.m. There weren’t any fireworks-related fire calls received all evening. There was a large bag of fireworks was confiscated as well.

Ten Chino Hills deputies patrolled the city, he added.

A car fire in the parking lot of Harkins Theatre at 3070 Chino Ave in Chino Hills was reported at 10:27 p.m. it was reported to be due to mechanical problems, not fireworks.

In Chino, safe and sane fireworks are legal to use in certain residential neighborhoods, there were 5 fireworks-related fires all reported between 8:51 p.m. and 10:29 p.m.

Trash container fires were reported at 14235 Ramona Ave. and 13157 Ninth St. and a box of used fireworks were burning in a parking lot of Chino Chaffey College Campus at 5897 College Park Ave.

Chino police received 272 fireworks-related calls on July 4, said Chief Karen Comstock.

 

New Traffic-Safety Laws in California

By Anthony Saude

California – In case you were unaware several new traffic-safety related laws were implemented in California on July 1. The new laws will primarily impact drivers for hire, buses and private carriers.

The first is a new law requires all bus passengers to wear seat belts in buses that equipped with those safety restraints.

Under Senate Bill 20, children between the ages of 8 and 15, riding a bus will now be required to be in an appropriate restraint, such as a seat belt, that complies with federal safety regulations.

The DMV is convinced this law will contribute greatly to reducing highway deaths and injuries as a result of large bus crashes. By requiring the use of seatbelts on motor coaches and large buses, and requiring bus operators to inform passengers of the seatbelt requirement the number of deaths will be reduced in these types of accidents.

Anyone who is in violation of the law will face a possible fine.

Assembly Bill 2687 changed the DUI threshold for drivers who transport passengers for hire, such as those who use ride-hailing apps like Uber and Lyft.

This new law essentially prohibits any driver with a blood alcohol level of 0.04 to transport a paying passenger. The previous legal BAC level was 0.08.

The DMV wants to ensure the public understands drivers of passengers for hire will be held to a higher standard of safety while transporting people.

Under the law, a person’s driver license could be suspended by the DMV if a conviction is added to his or hers driving record.

Finally, Senate Bill 19 affects private carriers, which are defined as not-for-hire transportation services such as a church vans or employee shuttles.

Regulatory authority from the California Carriers of Passengers Program will now be the responsibility of DMV instead of the Public Utilities Commission.

The program will now be jointly administered by the DMV and California Highway Patrol; the DMV will issue certificates for intrastate authority and verify proof of liability insurance, while CHP will regulate compliance and ensure the safe operation of the affected vehicles.

The goal is to make sure that private carriers are operating in a safe manner while also maintaining adequate insurance coverage.

 

Students Take Top Awards in National Math Olympiad

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – More than fifty students from Suzanne Middle School joined nearly 150,000 students in the United States during the 2017-18 Math Olympiad.

 

The annual contest enables “mathletes” to challenge themselves and to compete against other students nationwide.

 

Math Olympiad is comprised of five monthly contests held from November through March, each containing five high-level math problems.

 

For the first time ever, Suzanne 7th and 8th grade students scored in the top 10% of all teams in their division nationwide earning a highest team achievement award.

 

The 6th through 8th grade students also competed among schoolmates during nationwide challenge.

 

Eighth grader Joshua Hsu earned the title of top school winner with a perfect score of 25. He was awarded the individual George Lenchner Award of Excellence.

 

Additionally, Joshua received a 1st place trophy and gold pin signifying his outstanding top 2% in the nation score.

 

Seventh grader Chandrark Mudddana took the 2nd place award and silver pin for scoring in the top 10% nationally.

 

Eighth graders Daniel Ji and Deven Tseng tied for the 3rd place award scoring in the top 10% nationally.

 

The top 6th grade winners were Lucas He and Louis Xie, both scoring in the top 10% nationally. They earned 1st place trophies and silver pins.

 

Second place winners Adora Ma and Harris Song also scored in the top 10% nationally and earned silver pins.

 

Phillip Chen took the 3rd place award and recognition patch for scoring in the top 25% nationally.

 

In addition, several 7th and 8th grade students were honored for their high scores.

 

Serena Huang, Benjamin Jin, Lewis Lui, and Kevin Yu scored in the top 10% nationally and received silver pins.

 

David Hu, Bella Liu, Andrew Shi, Max Eibert, and Eric Wang scored in the top 20% nationally and received silver pins.

 

Oscar Chen and Siarra Huang scored in the top 25% nationally and received patches.

 

Allison Lin and Joseph Shen scored in the top 30% nationally.

 

Jayaraman Donath, Kevin Zeng, Matthew Carreon, Andrea Florendo and Ella Lin scored in the top 40% nationally.

 

Megan So, Andrew Wang, and Aaron Zhang scored in the top 50% of the nation.

 

Several 6th grade students were recognized for their high scores.

 

Andrew Qi, Nathan Chung, Aidan Do and Eric Tsou scored in the top 40% nationally. Vito Lin and Lorraine Wu scored in the top 50% nationally.

 

Congratulations Suzanne Middle School students and coach Amy Erickson.

 

Capt. Goodman exits, Walker enters

Photo: Twitter.com
Captain John Walker is a member of the California Association of Tactical Officers and he holds a Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Supervisory Certificate, a POST Management Certificate and Role of the Police Chief, among his accomplishments

Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Captain Darren Goodman, chief of police for Chino Hills, will retire from the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department after 27 years of service. He will move down the road a ways to become the Chief of Police for the city of Upland.

His last day on the job in Chino Hills will be Friday, July 6.

The former lieutenant at the Highland Police Station, John Walker, has been promoted to captain and will take command of the Chino Hills station on Monday, July 9.

Captain Goodman said the job at Chino Hills challenged him to be a better person and officer every day. He said he was welcomed and supported by residents and city leadership from day one and quickly learned how engaged and passionate residents were about their city.

Goodman always took pride in meeting the expectations of the community to keep Chino Hills one of the safest cities in the state. He praised the sheriff’s department’s men and women of the Chino Hills Police Department for making his job a whole lot easier.

Goodman said he would miss all of them and the great working relationships with city employees.

Incoming Captain Walker began his 21-year career with the sheriff’s department in 1997 during his time he has worked patrol, narcotics, gangs, internal affairs, and SWAT.

He led one of the tactical teams that was mobilized during the Christopher Dorner manhunt and was in dual tactical command during the 2015 terrorist attack in San Bernardino.

Captain Walker is a member of the California Association of Tactical Officers and he holds a Peace Officer’s Standards and Training (POST) Supervisory Certificate, a POST Management Certificate and Role of the Police Chief, among his accomplishments.

The new captain is an avid cyclist and long-time member of the Citrus Valley Velo cycling club based in Redlands.

He is also vice president of the Sheriff’s Athletic Federation; their mission is to promote a high standard of physical and mental well-being of law enforcement officers in the sheriff’s department. This is accomplished through the sponsorship of athletic competition.

Captain Walker lives in Riverside with his wife of four years, Angela, and their blended family.

Walker said he values the concept of community policing and looks forward to collaborating with citizens, business owners, and stakeholders to promote positive police and community relations.

Captain Goodman gave a rave review of his replacement saying a better person could not have been picked for the job.

John Walker will be great fit for Chino Hills because of his integrity, strong work ethic, and commitment to community policing. He has in the past done great work forging relationships with the community of Highland, and I have no doubt that he will continue that philosophy here.”

 

Board Member Files Claim Against CVUSD

By Anthony Saude

Chino– Some Don Lugo parents say they are satisfied with the way the school and the district handled investigations into sexual hazing incidents last year that involved freshmen on the football team. In Contrast to the statements made by Chino Valley school board member Irene Hernandez-Blair.

The parents speaking at a school board meeting said the school had notified them about the alleged incidents and student interviews were conducted by the district and the Chino Police Department.

Some of those parents also stated that the school offered counseling services to their sons but that their boys did not feel victimized in any way during the incidents. It is alleged the incidents took place over a period of several days in November 2017.

Four community members who do not have children attending Don Lugo spoke in support of Mrs. Blair.

Mrs. Blair announced she could no longer stay quiet about the “egregious acts” and this week told her story to NBC News in Los Angeles. The news station broadcast a video of an incident that appeared to show a student being held down by other students.

The students in the video were clothed and their faces were blurred.

Mrs. Blair told the media that “flesh to flesh contact” had also occurred.

On June 12, Blair filed a claim against the school district on behalf of her son, a member of the freshman football team last year.

The claim alleges sexual assault, humiliation, emotional distress and sexual harassment.

Sexual assault, by definition, places a person in fear of imminent sexual contact or sexual battery.

Sexual battery, on the other hand, is the physical sex act. Mr. Prince, Mrs. Blair’s attorney declined to answer if any physical contact was alleged in the claim.  It was reported that he said In this case there was not intercourse but there were clear victims and perpetrators.

After the investigations by the district it was recommended by the district’s human resources department that head football coach Greg Gano be terminated immediately.

At public meeting held on a February 15, the Don Lugo football community convinced the board to keep the coach. Mrs. Blair recused herself because of a possible conflict of interest.

Mr. Prince, Blair’s attorney said that parents were led to believe that Mrs. Blair was critical of the coach because her son was not given sufficient playing time in games and that the district allowed that perception to take root.

Their claim is that this was not being handled at all and was being swept under the rug and a false narrative was being perpetrated by the district. Mr. Prince also filed a claim June 12 on behalf of Corina Talamantes and her son, another Don Lugo student and a member of the freshman football team last year. The claim alleges sexual assault, humiliation, emotional distress, and sexual harassment.

The claims submitted by Mrs. Blair and Mrs. Talamantes seek an unspecified amount in damages and settlement demands.

The board rejected the claims and referred them to the district’s insurance carrier.

 

Diamond Bar Restaurant Closed By Health Board

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Cockroach, dirt and debris found near hanging ducks at Diamond Bar restaurant, and other health inspections in the San Gabriel Valley

Not only did a health inspector find numerous live and dead cockroaches during a visit to a Chinese restaurant in Diamond Bar, she also discovered filthy conditions and shut it down.

Facilities are graded with a number and letter score much like school report cards.

When a Los Angeles food facility is temporarily closed for a cockroach, rodent, or fly infestation, sewage problems, or for not having hot water, the facility loses seven points in addition to the four points deducted for major health violations. At the point of discovery of two major health hazards occurring concurrently, the facility loses an additional three points in its inspection score. Results like those will usually result in loss of passing grades (perhaps from A to B or A to C).

In contrast to the County of Los Angles Public Health department, the Pasadena health agency does not issue grades but rather one of three placards to each establishment: “Pass,” “Conditional Pass,” or “Closed.” The city does deduct points the same way the county does, but if an inspector determines a closure is warranted, the facility loses 26 points automatically.

The inspector, employed at the Los Angeles County Public Health Department paid a visit to Jade House Seafood & BBQ on June 18. She noted on a report filed with the agency that there was cockroach infestation as well as several other health code violations. The duck roasting station itself was noted for having:

One adult cockroach (living)

A heavy build up of dirt and debris on the shelf and cooking equipment

An employee’s hot beverage

There was also a lot of dust, debris and dirt on the fan being used to cool the hanging ducks. The restaurant received a score of 76 and was shut down. As of publication, it had not been allowed to reopen.

Harkins Alcohol Sales Being Appealed

Photo: ibetar.info
Two members of the Chino Hills city council, Art Bennett and Ray Marquez are not on board with the decision. They have asked for an appeal of the planning commission’s decision to allow the sale of beer and wine at Harkins Theatre

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– The Chino Hills planning commission approved a conditional use permit, earlier this month that would allow alcohol sales in a 20-seat bar area located in the lobby that will replace the arcade games.

Two members of the Chino Hills city council, Art Bennett and Ray Marquez are not on board with the decision. They have asked for an appeal of the planning commission’s decision to allow the sale of beer and wine at Harkins Theatre on Chino Avenue at the 71 Freeway.

The appeal hearing will take place during an in council chambers session at the next council meeting.

Beer and wine are classified as fermented beverages and not liquor. It was previously reported that Harkins was planning to sell liquor but have changed their tune and assure the Council that only beer and wine will be served.

A Harkins representative informed the commission that only beer and wine would be served, even though the conditional use permit stated liquor would also be served, according to community development director Joann Lombardo

Councilman Bennett said in a statement that he is concerned that drinking will take place in a setting where small children may be in the audience.

He says he isn’t against drinking but like some he feels it’s inappropriate for families going into a theater where beer and wine sales are taking place.

Patrons would be allowed to take their alcoholic drinks into the movie theaters but there is two-drink maximum allowed for safety purposes.

Harkins representative Alex Verkruijsse told the commission that there will be trained management staff monitoring the auditoriums in 30 minute intervals. Extra security will be provided on the weekends by guards that have law enforcement backgrounds.

The commission has been informed that the food menu will be expanded to include pizza, hot dogs, chicken tenders, and other food items.

 

 

Sexual Hazing at Chino High School

Photo: anapr
Students at Don Lugo High School in Chino were accused of sexually hazing other students in a classroom that was not being supervised by a teacher.

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Students at Don Lugo High School in Chino were accused of sexually hazing other students in a classroom that was not being supervised by a teacher.

A student caught some of the incident on video. The video shows two football players holding another player down on the ground while simulating sexual acts.

In the video everybody is clothed, but Irene Hernandez Blair says there have been other reports that the alleged assaults were even more graphic.

Some of these reports state that was actual flesh to flesh contact. Blair is not only a parent of one of the alleged hazing victims; she is also a Chino Valley Unified School District Board member. Blair spoke about these reported incidents at a recent board meeting on June 14.

“These are the facts: Egregious acts took place while the kids were unsupervised,” she said in a recording of the meeting.

She said she was notified by the school superintendent and other board members last November about several videos showing football players performing lewd acts on other players, including placing genitals on students.

“I wanted parents to be advised that their sons were being interviewed and the reason as to why,” she said.

The school board decided not to inform the parents what their children were being questioned in reference to the incidents. Technically the school board doesn’t have a legal obligation to notify parents that any students were even being interviewed, much less about what.

Chino police have been contacted and the incidents are currently under investigation.

Blair said the school district conducted their own investigation and human resources recommended terminating head football coach, Gred Gano, for leaving the class of students without any adult supervision.

But school board members voted in favor of the coach without any disciplinary action whatsoever.

Blair recused herself from the vote because her son is an alleged victim.

It was reported that four students were expelled and a 14-year-old boy has been cited by Chino police.

Two of those students were eventually reinstated and one was allowed back on the football team.

Should Coach Gano have been held accountable?

The school district released the following statement:

“At Chino Valley Unified School District, the safety of our students is our highest priority. At this point, we cannot comment on pending litigation.”

 

Mt. SAC Board Appoints Provisional Trustee

ByAnthony Saude

WALNUT — The Mt. San Antonio College Board of Trustees selected Walnut resident Gary Chow to serve as a provisional trustee, replacing longtime member Dr. David Hall who passed away on April 22.

The appointment was voted on and made official following a special meeting on June 13. The candidates were given 20 minutes to answer questions about community service experience, familiarity with budgets of complex public entities and interacting with diverse populations.

Before the 5-1 vote, Board President Dr. Manuel Baca said, “On behalf of all of the trustees, we thank those who applied. Any one of them would have been an asset to the board.”

Chow will represent Area 2, which includes Covina, West Covina, north Walnut, and San Dimas. He will serve until the next regularly scheduled election for governing board members on November 6.

Chow is a CPA and serves as chair of Walnut Valley Unified School District’s bond oversight committee. He also sits on Mt. SAC’s Community Facilities Plan Advisory Committee and acts as the financial advisor for the Mt. SAC Foundation.

Seven applications of highly qualified individual that met all eligibility criteria to apply for the position were received by the college. In addition to Chow, the following six residents applied:

Michael Miller Brown (Walnut), Alan A. Carrico (West Covina), Mansfield Collins (Walnut), Ruth Luevand (San Dimas), Rosalyn Phan (Covina), Drexel L. Smith (West Covina).

The Board of Trustees is the policy-making body of the college; it consists of seven elected community members representing seven districts and one student trustee.

 

Lemon Avenue Interchange is Nearing Completion

Photo: City of Diamond Bar
The third and final ramp construction of the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) from Lemon Avenue is due to open sometime in June. The multimillion-dollar freeway interchange project that has been many years in the making.

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The third and final ramp construction of the Pomona Freeway (SR-60) from Lemon Avenue is due to open sometime in July. This will bring the project to a close the key multimillion-dollar freeway interchange project that has been many years in the making.

The planning and design of the major three-legged Lemon Avenue Interchange project began more than 15 years ago with meetings and discussions. The groundbreaking ceremony was way back in September 2016, however the project’s history extends back more than 50 years. In March 1968, plans for the construction of an interchange at Lemon Avenue were included in a Freeway Agreement between the County of Los Angeles and the State. Those plans never came to fruition because in the end there was just a lack of funding.

The Cities of Diamond Bar and Industry in cooperation with Caltrans and the Federal Highway Administration should all be applauded for the gargantuan efforts made to move the project forward. Last month the westbound on-ramp and eastbound off-ramp from Lemon Avenue to SR-60 was opened to the public. It is anticipated that the eastbound on-ramp and an auxiliary lane to SB SR-57 will open sometime in June. Part of the project plans called for the existing freeway ramps near Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive to be permanently closed.

The opening of the new interchange at Lemon Avenue and elimination of the eastbound on- and off-ramps at Brea Canyon Road and Golden Springs Drive will help address congestion and safety issues both on the freeway and on nearby surface streets. It will provide a more direct freeway access for delivery trucks heading into and leaving local industrial areas. It will also make it easier and safer for drivers traveling east on the SR-60 to merge onto the southbound SR-57.

For additional information and construction updates on this project, visit www.theaceproject.org or call 888.223.1426.

 

Sheriff Explorer Graduation

Photo:LASD
(from left to Right) The Grads included Walnut/Diamond Bar Station’s very own Chandler Duncan, Jesus Morales and Alina St. Charles. Also pictured Sgt. Saldecke and Capt. Reyes

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar-It is that time of year and graduation is in the air, on June 16, Explorer Academy Class 100 had it’s graduating ceremonies. The grads included Walnut/Diamond Bar Station’s very own Chandler Duncan, Jesus Morales and Alina St. Charles. The Academy is an 18 week long physically and mentally challenging course that requires dedication, motivation and discipline. To complete it the young explorers must complete 184 hours of lectures, demonstrations, presentations, defensive tactics, and leadership development.

 

The Sheriff’s Department Explorer Program is for young men and women interested in a career in law enforcement or community service. Applicants must be between the ages of 14 and 21 to qualify. Explorers will get assigned to work at numerous community events during the course of the year. They will perform non-hazardous duties, such as foot patrols and KidPrint. KidPrint is a program that provides parents a confidential way of recording their child’s vital identification information and a physical description card of their children, for their records. The Explorers will be invited to events throughout the year to perform Color Guard ceremonies for the Cities of Walnut, Diamond Bar, and Relay for Life events. They also will have the privilege to experience ride-a-longs with deputies in the communities we provide services to.

For additional information regarding the Explorer Program, please contact the Explorer Coordinator at 909-595-2264.

 

 

Man Arrested In Chino for Las Vegas Murder

Julius Trotter was wanted in a Las Vegas double homicide. He was found and arrested in Chino California

By Anthony Saude

Chino – A 31-year-old man wanted in the homicide of two Vietnamese tourists in Las Vegas was apprehended and arrested after a short police pursuit from Chino to Chino Hills. He is currently awaiting extradition to Nevada.

Julius Trotter is being held without bail at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga after his arrest on June 7 in the 4300 block of Lugo Avenue in Chino Hills.

Chino Police and FBI agents worked together to track Mr. Trotter to a residence in the 13900 block of Derby Avenue in Chino. Trotter must have seen them coming because he was able to get into a car being driven by a 27-year-old woman. They sped off in the car and lead officers on a short pursuit.

According to jail records, Itaska Lavon Dean, the woman driving the car, is being held on $100,000 bail at the Glen Helen Rehabilitation Center in Devore on suspicion of felony evading.

Trotter has been named as the main suspect in the homicides of Sang Boy Nghia, 38, and Khoung Ba Le Nguyen, 30, who were at the Circus Circus Hotel and Casino in Las Vegas. Earlier this month the victims were part of a tour group that was preparing for a trip to the Grand Canyon in Arizona. Video footage obtained by Las Vegas Police show a man burglarizing the victims’ hotel room shortly before the couple was stabbed to death. Reports state that the victims did not show up for a tour that was scheduled for that morning. One of the members of the tour group was concerned when the victims could not be contacted the entire day. The concerned party asked the hotel security to check on their welfare later that afternoon. When security officers entered the room they discovered the victims deceased and called police.

On June 6, Las Vegas Police identified the murder suspect on the security footage as Mr. Trotter, and worked until through the night trying to find him. He was found at the home in Chino.

Investigators have not said why Mr. Trotter, who is not a resident of Chino or Chino Hills, was at the Chino house.

 

Residents Ask Police For Help With a Neighbor

Anthony Saude

Chino – Residents of the 13300 block of San Marcos Place in Chino are pleading with the city council and police department for help with a neighbor who they claim has been disturbing the peace on their street for many years.

The situation has become so heated that the Chino Police Department recently installed a video camera overlooking the cul-de-sac to capture any criminal activity occurring there. The plan is to consult with the special prosecutor in an effort to identify other potential legal remedies.

Six residents attended the recent city council meeting to ask for help dealing with their neighbor, a 69-year-old female homeowner who lives on a cul-de-sac just east of Don Lugo High.

Neighbors claim the situation began about 17 years ago. It is alleged that the woman uses vulgar and foul language on the street, aimed particularly at children, the elderly, and women. Allegedly she has told neighbor children that their father is a rapist and their mother, a murderer.

By all the reports the neighbors are at the end of their rope and are concerned for everybody’s safety. They are afraid that if something isn’t done to stop this soon, presumably something horrible is going to happen.

Next door neighbor Frankie Lam was quoted as saying, when he leaves for work, the woman will often direct inappropriate gestures and use bad language towards him. He said that she told him he would get deported and raped in jail. He also said she plays music loudly, often in the wee hours of the morning.

Residents all have their own experience with the woman of yelling obscenities at neighbors, spraying water at people on the street and on residents’ vehicles. Two people have already moved from the neighborhood because of the disturbances.

Several residents showed up at a recent city council meeting and implied that the woman may suffer from mental illness and needs help.

Officers are working diligently to link the woman to some type of mental illness with the resources available through the San Bernardino County Department of Behavioral Health.

Reports by the Police show that there have been approximately 200 calls to or from the residence that the police were obligated to investigate on some level since October 2014.Most of the calls have been related to loud noise or music, disturbing the peace, general nuisance activity, and most recently, court order violations.

The woman has been arrested eight times for misdemeanor violations, primarily for disturbing the peace. Neighbors have signed private person’s arrest forms for protection regarding misdemeanor crimes committed outside an officer’s presence.

The woman has been issued citations from the police department for disturbing the peace in the past.

They have encouraged resident’s to call 9-1-1 when the alleged disturbances take place, and to file the private person’s arrest forms. These forms are needed for the police to take any action in these types of cases. .

Officers recommended to several neighbors that they may want to seek restraining orders against the woman. Protection types of orders would prohibit her from having “negative contact” with them. The protective order would also allow police officers to possibly make an arrest and/or file a report with the District Attorney’s Office for a court order violation.

 

LASD Now Has An App to Connect with the Community

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is proud to announce its new and innovative mobile application. The Department is the largest law enforcement agency in the nation to use a mobile application to connect to the community with information and resources.

The app is available in the Apple and Android app stores, is free to the public and provides access to the latest news, photos, videos, events, alerts, and crime information wherever you are. The application also allows two-way communications using social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. It also includes a special feature for submitting anonymous tips to the Department; you will even be able to file a crime report from the convenience of your Smartphone.

The Sheriff’s department knows it needs to stay current with technology if they want to live up to their motto of providing a tradition of service. This new technology will help provide information that could help the community find answers and work with in tandem with LASD to fight crime. The mobile app empowers everyone who lives, works, or visits the County of Los Angeles to have access to the Sheriff’s Department on their right on their smartphones.

Some of the Features Included in the Application Include:

• NOW HIRING: Check out one of the many career opportunities with the LASD and start the process of joining our team, right from your Smartphone.
• ALERTS: You can sign up for alerts that will be delivered directly to your cell phone.
• SUBMIT A TIP: Be the eyes and ears of the LASD by submitting anonymous tips to help fight crime or report suspicious activity in your neighborhoods.
• CONTACT US: Send a non-emergency question directly to LASD 24/7.
• INMATE INFORMATION: Locate information on someone in custody or schedule a visit.
• EVENT CALENDAR: Find out what events are occurring across the county with LASD and schedule them right to your calendar.
• CRIME MAPS: View maps of criminal activity in your neighborhoods or across the county.
• PRESS RELEASES: You can view all official press releases sent out by LASD through the Newsroom.
• DIRECTORY: Our directory provides you with a list of contact numbers within our Department and allows you to quickly connect through your phone.
• SOCIAL MEDIA: You will have access to all LASD’s social media platforms through our app.
• FILE A REPORT: You will be able to make certain types of crime reports directly from your mobile device.
• LINKS: Click on “Links” to find information about other County departments and area agencies.

More helpful features will be added in the near future, please select automatic updating when you download the application. You will find the app in the Apple and Android app stores by searching “Los Angeles County Sheriff’ “or “LASD”.  Or visit www.LASDapp.com

If you have any questions regarding the use of this new application, please visit http://www.lasd.org/contact_info.html The application is powered by, and developed in collaboration with, ApexMobile, Inc. www.ApexMobile.net

Bible Thrives At Public Schools

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Glory, Grace, and Hope all come in the form of white buses to the Chino Valley Unified School District they are driven by volunteers on a mission to share the Christian faith with children.

The buses can be found weekly parked near all 22 elementary schools. Children hop on board during school hours once a week to receive an hour of Bible teachings and character building.

The program has never been  associated with the district.

Every first-year student is given the Honey Word children’s Bible upon graduation.

The program celebrated its twentieth year in existence in the school district with a luncheon at Los Serranos Country Club.

Gail Blake-Smith of Chino Hills, Founder and director of the program, explained that the program is made possible by  the California State Education Code and is authorized by a school board policy.

There are rules to follow like no taxpayer money may be used, parent permission is required, and instruction must not take place on the school campus.

The program was started by Blake-Smith in 1998, two schools were involved—Cortez and E.J. Marshall–four volunteer teachers, and 11 children participated in the program that first year.

At this time all 22 elementary schools and 40 volunteers, half of those being teachers are now participating. Approximately 5,000 children have gone through the program since it inception.

Robert Ramirez of Chino Hills, known as the “bus godfather,” devotes his time to making sure the buses are always in clean good working order. He also a drives one of the buses and is a teacher assistant, and the go-to guy for the program.

Chino resident Maria Simpson said she attended when she was in the sixth grade and it was her first contact with Christians. Her experience was so special to her that she became volunteer teacher for several years and encountered children with deep questions about God.

Four graduates from the seven-month program gave heartfelt testimonies about how their lives have been changed forever.

One student said that in his second year of the program, he began to realize how much he loved and needed God  and started sharing the Gospel with my friends,” he said.

Mrs. Blake-Smith said today’s youth are faced with challenges and alarming problems that were unheard of a few years ago.

The program will is grateful to Calvary Chapel Chino Hills and Calvary Chapel Golden Springs for their “extraordinary support and continued love for the program.”

 

Walnut Knock Knock Burglary Suspects Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – On June 11, Walnut Diamond Bar Station Sheriff’s station received a call about a burglary in the 19800 block of Hidden Trail Place. When the deputies arrived at the scene they quickly alerted other units with a description of the vehicle and the suspects. A nearby Aero unit (helicopter) was dispatched and was able to locate the vehicle, a brown Porsche SUV with paper plates. The vehicle was traveling westbound on the 60 freeway at speeds estimated to be as high as 90 mph. Aero informed the California Highway Patrol and East Los Angeles Station of the vehicles whereabouts.

During the chase, the vehicle collided with a large delivery truck and became inoperable on the southbound 710 freeway at Gage Avenue. All three of the suspects in the car ran from vehicle and into a car repair shop in the 5400 block of Gage Avenue in Bell Gardens. Containment was established by East Los Angeles Sheriff’s Station deputies with assistance from Compton Sheriff’s Station, LASD County Services Bureau and The Bell Gardens Police Department. A search for the suspects began using resources from the LASD Special Weapons Team and they were able locates all three suspects in a relatively short period of time. .
The efficiency shown by the work the police put in shows that collaborative support and communication is sometimes needed in high risk situations. The incident is still under investigation by handling detectives. Another job well done by all who were involved!  The Walnut Station has experienced a rash of burglaries in the area during the summer and is urging residents to be more intentional about their safety and report any suspicious activity immediately. Anyone with information about this incident or witnesses are encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station at (909) 595-2264. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” by dialing (800) 222-TIPS (8477), use your smartphone by downloading the “P3 Tips” Mobile APP, or “P3 Mobile” for the hearing impaired, on Google play or the App Store, or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org.

For full details, view this message on the web.

 

Chino Player Places at Angel Stadium

City Of Chino

Chino– Kaylee Pitts has some bragging rights.  The 12-year-old softball player from Chino Girls Fastpitch league took 3rd place in the Scott’s Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit & Run Team Championship competition at Angel Stadium on June 2.

 

To make it to this point, she had to win a few other events:  On March 24, Kaylee participated in Chino’s local competition after her softball game.  She was the hitting and running champion, and tied for the pitching champion.  She was also the all-around champion for her age group.  From there, she participated in the Sectionals hosted by Chino Hills at Chino Hills Community Park on May 20.  That day, she took the “Gold” for her age group, which made her eligible to go on to the Team Championships at Angel Stadium on June 2.

 

Kaylee will be in the seventh grade at Woodcrest Junior High School.  She plays in the Chino Girls Fastpitch, 12 & under division, on the team “All Stars.”  Her mother, Monica Pitts, said “I’m so proud of the hard work Kaylee has been putting in.  Chino Girls Fastpitch has been her home since she was 6-years-old, and for her to represent the league and the City of Chino at Angel Stadium was a great experience.”

 

The Pitch, Hit & Run competition is a free event that invites kids to demonstrate their pitching, hitting, and running abilities in baseball and softball, and is the official youth skills competition of Major League Baseball.  The City of Chino will host a local competition again in the spring of 2019.

 

Household Hazardous, E-Waste Recycle Day

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar –  The City of Diamond Bar wants all Los Angeles County residents to know that a free Household Hazardous(HHW) and E- waste Recycling Roundup event will be provided by the Sanitation Districts of Los Angeles County on Saturday June 23. Residents will have the opportunity to properly dispose of HHW and electronic waste.

This free event will be held at Pomona Fairplex L.A. County Fair Hotel & Exposition Complex at 2118 N. White Avenue, Gate 9, Pomona from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Example items will be accepted for disposal at this one day event include; TV’s, Microwaves, Air Conditioners, Computers, motor oil, oil filters, pesticides, expired pharmaceuticals, anti-freeze, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs.

Items that will not be accepted: Business Waste, Tires, Ammunition, explosives, radioactive materials, trash, Empty Drums, refrigerators, stoves and washing machines or controlled substances.

Los Angeles County residents may utilize the mobile, one-day collection event to properly dispose of HHW and electronic waste free of charge.

Make sure to bring proof that you are a resident of Los Angeles County. Please make sure to bring all items in a sturdy box, preferable in their original labeled containers.

There is a limit of 15 gallons or 125 pounds of hazardous wasted accepted per trip.

Residents are responsible for unloading their own items.

For additional information please visit: http://ladpw.org/general/enotifyCalendar/Calendar.aspx