Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Brush Fire Closes The 71 Freeway

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – A brush fire that started by a car fire was burning in thick brush in the hills south of Chino on Tuesday, June 12 but had not forced any evacuations, officials said.

The flames grew until they had devoured 120 acres after breaking out near Highway 71, south of Euclid Avenue, around 2:20 p.m. on Tuesday June 11. The rush hour commuters on the way home for the evening were met with a traffic nightmare. The blaze is being dubbed the Euclid Fire.

The blaze was only about 15 percent contained by 10:30 p.m… The efforts by the fire department played no small part in the fact that it had not yet presented a threat to any structures.

Smoke from the fire was still presenting a problem for residents, and it had spread as far as Perris, fire officials said.

The 71 Freeway was shut down for a time for safety purposes, but it was later reopened.

The incident began when a car caught on fire an area susceptible to dry brush that could have sparked the blaze, but authorities had not confirmed what led to the fire.

120 firefighters were at the scene called on from several agencies, including the Corona, Riverside, Ontario fire departments and Chino Valley Fire District. They fought the fire with a ferocity that is only reserved for the most courageous of men. One crew member was being evaluated for an injury that was not life-threatening, Cal Fire said, without providing further details.

At one point during the event the flames were attacked using a team of helicopters.

Fire officials did not say in which direction the blaze was spreading. No further details were immediately available.

 

 

Trustees Recognize Star Students and Parents

Courtesy: Kelli Gile
Board Members Layla Abou-Taleb, Dr. Tony Torng, Larry Redinger, Cindy Ruiz, Helen Hall, and Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor recognize Coordinating Council President Lily Eibert for dedicated service to the Walnut Valley Unified School District.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT — The Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees recognized exemplary students and parent volunteers from Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools during the May 16 meeting.

 

Diamond Bar High senior Marisa Umeh was honored with the Super Star Student Award. Marisa has a passion for filmmaking and publishing. She created a film about women’s health at the Girls Impact the World Film Festival organized by the Harvard Social Innovation Collaboration. Last summer, Marisa was selected to attend the Women’s Science STEAM Initiative in Malawi, Africa as a U.S. Department of State Youth Ambassador. Marisa serves on the Junior State of America State Cabinet, yearbook editor, mock trial team, and hosts a web series titled #LikeHer in which she interviews influential women in typically male-dominated fields. She will attend UC Berkeley and plans to work in international human rights law and virtual reality corresponding.

 

Parent Rachel Chang received the Partner in Education Award. Rachel has served as the Mag 7 President for the past four years.  Mag 7 is the parent organization that coordinates the school’s seven parent groups:  Brahma Boosters, CAAP, CAPA, HOPE, KAPA, SAPA, and Brahma Foundation. Rachel has helps support Open House, Rodeo Round-Up, Back-to-School Night, Staff Appreciation Luncheon, and many more school activities. She has also served as president of the Korean American Parent Association (KAPA) for the past six years. KAPA has donated numerous supplies for the school including microphones for classrooms and monitors for front office. “Rachel is truly a partner at Diamond Bar High and helps us in so many ways!” said Principal Rueben Jones.

 

Walnut High senior Adam Ng received the Super Star Student Award. Adam is an extremely motivated, academically driven, and disciplined student. His rigorous academic program and campus activities are a testament to his maturity and focus. Brandon has been involved in FBLA, Model of United Nations, Speech and Debate, Mock Trial, Class of 2018 President, Varsity Basketball, MIT Launch club and Health Occupations Students of America. As the Inland Section President of FBLA, he has created a liaison system for 32 schools in the Inland Empire. Adam is the southern California Area 7 Director of the Rotary Interact Organization, CEO of the “For All Mankind” club, and President of the WHS Hoops4Hope club and FBLA. “Adam’s service club involvement is spectacular!” said Principal Brandon Dade. Adam aspires to work in public policy or corporate law. He hopes to become an attorney and eventually an ambassador for the government.

 

Walnut High parent Sammy Lee was honored with the Partner in Education Award for her involvement with the Korean American Parent Association (KAPA). Over the last three years KAPA has graciously provided the school with monetary donations, gift baskets, and staff appreciation events. Sammy hosted and coordinated this year’s Staff Holiday Party that featured entertainment, food, goodie bags, and wonderful hospitality. “Thank you for giving so generously during this past school year. I know your time is valuable and your willingness to contribute to Walnut High School staff shows your commitment to the well-being of your child and all of our students,” Dade said. “The efforts of volunteers like you are a vital part of our community!”

 

Coordinating Council President Lily Eibert received a special recognition from the Board of Trustees. “Lily has been the leader of all of our parents for the past two years,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor. “I believe we have the strongest parent support and involvement of any school district in the entire state.” Board President Cindy Ruiz lauded Lily for the growth of Coordinating Council under her “amazing” leadership. “I’ve had the honor and pleasure of working with Lily during the past few years.  She goes above and beyond not only for the school district but for the community!”

 

 

Pomona Police Investigate Fatal Traffic Collision

Staff Reports

Pomona – On May 27th at about 9:07 AM, Pomona Police Dispatch received a call of an injury traffic collision in the area of Towne Ave and Kingsley St.  When Officers arrived on scene, they located a multi-vehicle collision with minor reported injuries.  Los Angeles County Fire Department personnel treated injured parties at the scene, and two injured parties were transported to the hospital for further assessment and treatment.  One of the transported injured parties eventually succumbed to their injuries and passed away at the hospital.

This collision is being investigated by the Pomona Police Department’s Major Accident Investigation Team.  Anyone with information about this collision is encouraged to call the Pomona Police Department’s Traffic Services Bureau at (909) 802-7741 or (909) 620-2048.

Anyone with information that would aid in solving any crime is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Walnut Valley Schools Make State Honor Roll

The 2017-2018 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps.

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT —After an extensive analysis of student data for every public school in California, the following Walnut Valley USD schools have been recognized as clear leaders in getting students to grade level and beyond: Collegewood Elementary, Cyrus J. Morris Elementary, Evergreen Elementary, Quail Summit Elementary, South Pointe Middle, Suzanne Middle, Walnut Elementary, and Walnut High.

 

These schools have been named to the 2017-2018 California Honor Roll presented by Educational Results Partnership (ERP) and the Campaign for Business and Education Excellence (CBEE).

 

The 2017-2018 Honor Roll recognizes public elementary, middle, and high schools that demonstrate consistently high levels of student academic achievement, improvement in achievement over time, and reduction in achievement gaps. For high schools, Honor Roll recognition includes high college readiness in students.

 

This year, 1,798 higher performing schools are distinguished for their academic achievement and for closing achievement gaps.

 

“These Honor Roll schools and districts are improving student achievement and we have the data to prove it. It’s critical that the business community support and promote educational success as today’s students are tomorrow’s workforce,” said Greg Jones, ERP and CBEE board chairman.

 

Chino Community Leader Arrested

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Robert Basile a City of Chino community services commission member was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of theft. An elder abuse investigation uncovered a scheme that the suspect concoted to embezzle $130,000 from an elderly family member living in Idaho.

Mr. Basile, 60, of Chino, is the Chino Valley Unified School District’s representative to the Chino community services commission. Basile was booked into at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, bail has been set at $50,000.

Jail records indicate he was arrested at 8:15 a.m. in the 12500 block of Strawberry Place in Chino.

Investigators said the suspect is accused of unlawfully withdrawing money from a family trust fund for four years, said police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez.

It is very concerning to learn about the arrest of community leader Robert Basile for caretaker theft. The community services commission serves in an advisory capacity to the Chino city council on matters pertaining to city-sponsored community service activities. These services include the valuable services provided to the senior community in Chino.

Chino police began their investigation in March of this year after they received information of an elder abuse case from adult protective services in Boise, Idaho, where the victim lives.

“The investigation revealed Mr. Basile, was responsible for the family trust and had embezzled the monies for personal use,” Ms. Gutierrez said.

Mr. Basile serves as a citizens’ oversight committee member for Chino Valley Unified’s Measure G school bond and was president of Rancho Del Chino Rotary in 2012.

 

Chino Hills Man Crashes Into Fire Hydrant

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – On Saturday, May 26, at approximately 12:25 am, a red Chevrolet Corvette, hopped the curb and tore out a stop sign in the center median of Glen Ridge Drive at the intersection of Pipeline Avenue. The corvette didn’t stop there. It continued driving south until it crashed into a fire hydrant on the east side of Pipeline Avenue. The fire hydrant was completely sheared off causing huge amounts of water to spray high into the air and flood the streets. The driver of the corvette was later identified by deputies, as Peter Smolanovich. Smolanovich was arrested and taken into custody on suspicion of Driving under the influence of alcohol (DUI) in violation of CVC 23152(b). City workers had to be called out to the scene to shut the water off that lead to the broken fire hydrant.

Anyone with information regarding this case is urged to contact Deputy D. Martinez at the Chino Hills Police/Sheriff’s Station at (909) 364-2000.  If you wish to remain anonymous you may contact WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Mother Arrested For Murder

Sarah Gomez is seen in a booking photo provided by the Ontario Police Department on May 29, 2018.

By Anthony Saude

 

Ontario – A mother was taken into police custody early on May 29, after she, allegedly, struck her boyfriend and their 7-month-old daughter with her vehicle resulting in the child’s death. The boyfriend, and father of the child, suffered minor injuries.

According to investigators, the infant’s mother, 19-year old Sarah Marie Gomez, and her 21-year-old boyfriend and father of the baby, had been drinking at a family party just a few streets away. The couple had been arguing on and off throughout the day.  The couple left the party, with their child, just before midnight and the arguing continued.  Gomez was driving home when her boyfriend got out of the car and took the baby with him. Authorities said Gomez then intentionally struck him with her vehicle while he was carrying their child outside a home on the 500 block of West D Street in Ontario. Family members immediately took the father and child to a hospital where, sadly, the baby died. According to hospital reports, the child’s injuries were consistent with being hit by a car. The father was released from the hospital after receiving treatment for minor scrapes and bruises sustained in the incident.

Police are still investigating the father’s reason for exiting the vehicle with the child. Sgt. Jeff Higbee of the Ontario Police Department said “He got out of the car with the baby, and that’s when she struck them,” “But we’re not certain yet how that happened. That’s still under investigation.” He went on to say “It appears alcohol was involved,”.

Gomez was initially arrested at the hospital and taken to West Valley Detention Center on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. According to court records, she is now being charged with Vehicular Manslaughter with Gross Negligence, Child Cruelty resulting in injury or death and DUI causing bodily injury. She is being held on $100,000 bail.■

 

 

 

Woman Convicted of Murdering 6 in Wrong-Way Crash on 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar

Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – The driver in a tragic high-speed, wrong-way accident that left six people dead — among them the driver’s sister — along the 60 Freeway in Diamond Bar four years ago, plead no contest to several counts of murder, according to court records.

Olivia Carolee Culbreath, who was only 21 when she drove her 2013 Chevrolet Camaro east down the freeway’s westbound lanes and slammed head-on into a Ford Explorer. Culbreath now 25 killed four people from three generations of one Huntington Park family and the two passengers in her own vehicle.

The gruesome accident, which had bodies ejected from the vehicles and strewn all about the roadway, gained national attention.

There weren’t any DUI charges filed against Culbreath even though evidence showed her blood alcohol concentration stood at .15 percent three hours after the collision, the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

Prosecutors said Culbreath had been driving the wrong way on the 57 Freeway even before getting onto the 60 Freeway early that fateful Sunday morning in February of 2014.

The force her vehicle created when it slammed into the family’s 1998 Explorer ejected all four of its passengers: Gregorio Mejia-Martinez, 47; his wife, Leticia Ibarra, 42; their daughter, Jessica Jasmine Mejia, 20; and Jessica’s grandmother, Ester Delgado. Mejia-Martinez and Delgado died at the scene, while Ibarra and Mejia died some time later at the hospital.

Culbreath’s two passengers, her older sister Maya Louise Culbreath, 24, and their friend Kristin Melissa Young, 21, were both pronounced dead at the scene.

Culbreath and a 57-year-old man in a third vehicle that became swept up in the wreck survived the accident. Both sustained minor injuries; Culbreath was in the hospital for nearly a month with a broken femur and ruptured bladder.

Witnesses told investigators the Camaro had been racing down the freeway at speeds in excess of 100 mph shortly before the accident occurred. Evidence that alcohol may have played a part in this tragedy was also found at the scene.

Culbreath had previously been convicted of driving under the influence in 2010, when she was a 17 year old minor, in San Bernardino juvenile court, according to reports.

Prosecutors stated she had previously been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence when she was involved in another accident. At that time she was warned by the court about the dangers of her behavior. She was informed that further offenses could result in murder charges and prison time.

Restrictions that had been placed on her license in relation to a different intoxicated driving case, were lifted the week before the fatal accident took place, the DMV confirmed.

Her older sister’s license was suspended at the time of the fatal collision following multiple DUI convictions of her own, the Times reported.

Culbreath entered her no contest plea to six counts of second-degree murder Tuesday after previously pleading not guilty to murder charges on two occasions.

She is expected to return to court for sentencing Sept. 7 at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center.

 

Pomona Police Arrest Armed Juvenile

Staff Reports

Pomona – In response to several citizen requests to patrol high call volume locations, the Pomona Police Department fielded a two-man patrol car to conduct extra patrols. On May 23 at about 12:15 am, two officers spotted a group of suspicious looking juveniles in the 2000 block of Palmgrove Avenue. The officers noticed the teenagers huddled around an unoccupied vehicle. The officers believed they stumbled across a possible in-progress vehicle burglary. The group broke up and left after noticing the police approaching. The officers gave chase of one male juvenile who was intently grabbing at his pants pocket. The juvenile was seen removing a handgun from his pants and discarding it in the front yard of a random residence. The juvenile suspect was apprehended a short time after as a result of his failed attempt to flee from the police, and the loaded firearm was recovered safely.

The Pomona Police Department encourages members of the community to report areas within the city that could use extra patrol in order to deter criminal activity.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Pomona Police Department at 909-620-2085. If you prefer to provide information anonymously, you may call “Crime Stoppers” at 1-800-222-TIPS(8477).

Sheriff’s Golf Tourney A Success

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – Walnut and Diamond Bar Sheriffs stations recently held their annual Booster Club Golf Tournament. The tournament was a huge success and another testament to the support, both monetary and action-based, behind the station. Not only do the funds help generally, but the funds aid specifically the volunteer and auxiliary programs within the communities of service.

This support is vital to maintaining the safety of the public and continuing to sustain the communities as safe and enjoyable.

Thanks were made specifically to Booster Club President Gil Rivera, the Board of Directors, and the sponsors who donated generously. Thanks have also been given to all participants for the tournament’s great success.

 

We want to recognize and thank all of the generous sponsors of this event:

Sponsors that donated over $1000:

Walmart Community Grant

Waste Management

Jack & Wanda Tanaka

 

We would also like to thank our other sponsors, who donated money and/or goods and services:

Walnut Valley Water District, James And Emma Farmer, City of Diamond Bar, Popa FCU, Jinza Teriyaki Restaurant, Steve Chi, Eileen Ansari, 1st City Credit Union, Los Serranos Golf, Miller Coors, Pacific Palms Hotel, Roger Dunn Golf, Les Mayeda, American Pacific Mortgage, Dong Bu Sign & Trophy, Mr. G’s Pizza, Medieval Times, Candlelight Pavilion, Dean LeCesne, Sgt Saldecke, Royal Vista Golf, Diamond Bar Golf Course, Vince Spaghetti Restaurants, Dr Kurt Bryant, DC, Ford, Santa Anita Race Track and Laser Island.

A special thanks to all that were involved.

 

Diamond Bar, Walnut High Schools America’s Best!

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT – Hats off to teachers at Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools for grabbing medals in U.S. News & World Report’s Best High School rankings for 2018.

The annual list looks at nearly all public high schools in the country – more than 20,500 in all – to sift out the best with an eye on college readiness.

Diamond Bar High earned a gold medal, ranking 59th in California and 376th in the United States.  Additionally, Diamond Bar placed 146th in STEM high schools.

Walnut High earned a silver medal, ranking 111th in California and 639th in the United States.

Both standout schools have been included in the report every year since the publication began its ‘Best High Schools’ search in 2009.

U.S. News looked at overall student performance on state-required tests, high school graduation rates, and evaluated on how they prepare students for college using participation and performance data from AP and IB exams.

Diamond Bar and Walnut offer an extensive roster of IB and AP courses to provide teens with an opportunity to challenge themselves with college-level course work during high school.

This year, 85 California schools received gold medals, 439 received silver medals and 82 received bronze medals.

“I’m so proud that our premier high schools continue to be recognized on a state and national level for preparing students for college and beyond,” said Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor.

 

New Ordinance For Grow Houses?

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – The city council will meet at 7 p.m. Tuesday in council chambers to consider a new ordinance that would go into effect immediately because of the recent increase of marijuana grow houses in Chino Hills.

Chino Hills’ building official will be given the right to disconnect service utilities and remove water meters on marijuana grow houses with code violations, if an urgency ordinance is approved by the Chino Hills city council on Tuesday.

When a grow house is discovered a red tag is placed on it because of potential health and safety concerns. The red tag isn’t supposed to be removed until all required repairs, to bring the home up to code before it is released back to the owner for occupancy.

Without the ordinance in place a home owner can obtain a permit for the restoration of the house, once the permit is issued the red tag is removed but the house isn’t approved for occupancy until the repairs are made. What has been happening is that the person who was issued the permit is never heard from again. At that point they or somebody moves in and occupy’s the residence illegally.

The red tag may only be removed when a permit has been issued for the restoration that requires the owner to retain a qualified environmental consultant who must provide the city with an assessment report before restoration can begin.

That regulation isn’t being adhered to on far too many occasions and the process needs to be upgraded to allow a more efficient way to police this problem. Officials are disturbed by this inefficiency because houses used to grow marijuana can contain hazardous conditions such as structural problems, chemical contamination, mold, and electrical tampering.

The ordinance would give the city at least some level of control over when a marijuana grow house can is occupied. According to the language of the ordinance, the building official would be permitted to lock off the water at the same time the house is red tagged, when the house is typically empty.

Once the assessment report is approved, the city will release the water to allow the contractor to enter and begin the restoration process.

 

Police Investigation At Diamond Ranch High School

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – The Walnut Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station is aware of a social media post depicting a generalized threat to Diamond Ranch High School.  The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department takes every single threat, comment and/or “rumor” seriously.  Each incident will be investigated thoroughly by our station personnel.

Station detectives are currently investigating the potential threat and are working with the school administration to help ensure the safety and security of students and staff. Patrols have been increased in the area in order to show a high visibility of officer presence. There will be dedicated personnel that will remain on the Diamond Ranch High School campus for the duration of the school day.

LASD Walnut Diamond Bar station wants to thank every parent, faculty member and student that took part in making them aware of the incident. The station is very dedicated to work hand in hand with the community, and school administration to help provide the safest learning environment for all of our students.

Anyone with information about this incident is encouraged to contact the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Walnut Diamond Bar 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 on Google Play or the Apple App Store or by using the website http://lacrimestoppers.org

Seeking Victims of Child Pornography Predator

Photo Courtesy: LASD

Staff Reports

Adelanto – On Tuesday, April 24, 2018, investigators from the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail, began an investigation into a cyber tip that was reported by Google. The cyber tip contained images and videos of child pornography. Investigators determined the account belonged to Juan Beltran.

On May 11, 2018, at 12:27 pm, detectives, and deputies contacted Beltran inside a business, located in the 16000 block of Main St. in the city of Hesperia. Investigators determined Beltran used large, colorful hair bows to exploit minors. At the conclusion of their investigation, Beltran was arrested. Beltran was booked into the High Desert Detention Center for possession of child pornography and contacting a minor with intent to commit sex acts. Beltran’s booking photo is being released as investigators believe there may be additional victims who have not come forward.

Juan Beltran of Adelanto arrested for possession of child pornography &contacting a minor w/intent to commit sex acts

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact Deputy Brian Arias of the Specialized Investigations Division, Crimes Against Children Detail at (909) 387-3615. Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the WE-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463), or you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at http://www.wetip.com

Engineering Futures For Students

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR–Times are definitely changing. Classroom #201 at Diamond Bar High, where auto shop students once tinkered on old car engines in the 90s, has been transformed into a 21st century learning space with 3D printers, Chromebooks loaded with CAD and coding software programs, and bins of robotics parts.

About 150 students are now designing and creating projects in DB Engineering, one of the pathways offered through the Brahma Tech Academy.

The four-year diploma program has an emphasis on the relevance of STEM – science, technology, engineering, and mathematics in today’s workplace.

Teacher Johnny Hwang has been giving teens hands-on engineering experience using Project Lead the Way (PLTW) curriculum for the past five years.

The successful four-course program has earned Diamond Bar High the 2017-18 PLTW Distinguished High School Award.

Only 133 high schools across the United States received the prestigious honor announced last month.

“This class gives the kids a sample of different types of engineering – electrical, mechanical, computer, robotics, and civil,” he said.

In his second-year Principals of Engineering course, students were putting finishing touches on their latest project – a materials sorting machine on May 2.

Groups spent the past three weeks building the metallic machines that could automatically sort glass, wooden, and metal spheres.

Each design was required to sort 15 marble-sized balls, use at least one sensor, include an emergency stop switch, sort the balls into paper cups, and have one 3D printed part.

The only human-assisted action was loading the marbles into the hopper in the creative inventions that slightly resemble a Mousetrap game.

“We wrote the code for the circuit sensor to tell the difference between the balls by colors and then separate them onto the different rails,” explained sophomore Timothy Noritake.

“After we pour them in, the gear spins one ball at a time in the sorter,” said senior Radek Grammes.

“We set it up so the color sensor can detect between 1-2,400 color value for the wood spheres,” he added.

The design was programmed to wait two seconds until the gate opens, and depending on the value the arm would swing and the gate release and drop a ball into the cup.

“Our group got 13 out of 15 balls correct,” reported junior Melvin Houston, who shared that 100% of the balls went into the right cups just one day earlier.

The engineering students are getting real life lessons and skills while in high school.

“This class is about design, problem solving, and working together,” Noritake added.

“I feel like I’m getting a head start for college,” said teammate Eric Susetyo, 16, who plans to pursue a career in engineering.

And that is Hwang’s goal for his students.

“They’re going to be so prepared for college and the learning curve won’t be so steep,” he said.

“All the programs they’re using are things used in this industry.”

Additionally, students are honing professional skills that are applicable to any field – critical thinking, working in groups, making presentations, Hwang added.

The fledgling engineers must come up with their own designs on each assignment.

“All you’re really provided with are the materials and the problem,” said sophomore Calvin Ung who is also a member of the school’s robotics team.

“We brainstorm and gather ideas, then put them into graded categories to decide which one will perform the best,” said junior Bryan Chung.

One group created an extension piece on the 3D printer to correct a slipping gear on their project.

“You feel successful in this class when you solve a problem!” said sophomore Jonathan Tan while recording the CAD design information in his reflective journal.

“I really like 3D modeling – it’s fun!”

“Honestly, I had no coding experience before this class,” said Grammes who has now decided to major in engineering next year in college.

“I had never typed a code before. Mr. Hwang did such a good job explaining the details on how to do it and the step-by-step process on how to remember it.”

“We’re very lucky here – I wish more people could experience this engineering program!”

 

Employee Assaulted During Robbery

By Anthony Saude

 

Chino– At approximately 12:02 p.m., a Chino police officer was flagged down while he was parked toward the rear of the business by employees. They advised the officer that there was possibly an active shooter inside the store. Numerous officers immediately arrived on scene; they entered the store to search for a possible suspect. Upon entering the store they soon discovered that the suspect had fled in a 4-door black Nissan Maxima with no license plates.

Officers quickly determined the reports of an active shooter were greatly exaggerated. The robbery had occurred involving a suspect that was described as an African-American male in his late 20s or early 30s. It was reported the suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black hat, and he had a bandana covering his face.

The suspect sprayed an employee with pepper spray when he entered the business he then used a hammer to break a glass cabinet that secured the electronic merchandise. Customers and employees that were present mistook the sound of the hammer smashing glass as gunfire. The suspect took as much of the electronic devices he could carry before fleeing the scene.

The employee, who was sprayed with the pepper spray, was treated at a local hospital. There weren’t any other injuries to employees or customers reported after the incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909.628.1234.

a suspect that was described as an African-American male in his late 20s or early 30s. It was reported the suspect was wearing a black hooded sweatshirt, black pants, black hat, and he had a bandana covering his face.

The suspect sprayed an employee with pepper spray when he walked in he then used a hammer to break a glass cabinet that that secured the electronics merchandise. Customers and employees that were present mistook the sound of the hammer smashing glass as gunfire. The suspect took as much of the electronic devices he could carry before leaving the scene.

The employee, who was sprayed with the pepper spray, was treated at a local hospital. There weren’t any other injuries to employees or customers reported after the incident.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Chino Police Department at 909.628.1234. ■

 

 

Water Rate Increase For Chino Hills

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills -The Chino Hills City Council has approved a new system to bill residents for their water use.

Beginning July 1, the city will give households a “water budget” – or allocation. This allocation will be based on the number of people living at the residence and their daily usage. Outdoor landscaped areas and weather will also help factor into the equation used in determining allocations.

Rates will increase by 8 percent on July 1. The city has the option of raising rates another 8 percent on July 1 of each year through 2022.

Approximately 61 percent of customers will see up to a $5 increase per month, according to, a city consultant. About 25 percent of customers will experience a $5 to $10 increase.

Most people in the water industry believe that we will experience another drought, so we need to be stewards with this scarce resource historically available in California. The hope of course is to promote more efficient water use by residents. The City believes they have developed a rate structure that does that and is fair.

The council voted 3-2 Tuesday, May 8, to approve the new rate structure, known as budget-based rates, and rate increases.

Councilmen Brian Johsz and Ray Marquez voted against the proposal while Mayor Peter Rogers, Vice Mayor Cynthia Moran and Councilman Art Bennett voted in favor of it.

Before the vote, the city had received 5,671 qualifying protest votes, fewer than the 11,095 required by state law to defeat the proposal.

About a dozen residents addressed the council on the proposal, some citing concern over the new rate structure and the impact increases may have on senior citizens and lower income residents.

 

Volunteer Recognition and Pinning Ceremony

By Anthony Saude
Diamond Bar – On April 26, the Sheriff’s Department held their annual Volunteer Recognition award and Pinning Ceremony at the STARS Center in Whittier. STARS is the primary training site for the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s Deputy Explorer program and is a learning for life certified law enforcement explorer academy.

This event recognizes Civilian Volunteers who have donated in excess of 5,000 hours of their time. The Sheriff’s Department is forever grateful to the dedicated volunteers that make so many things possible that otherwise just wouldn’t happen.

The volunteers that were recognized on this night and presented with the awards are as follows;

Walnut Volunteer of the Year – Floyd Simmons

Diamond Bar Volunteer of the Year – Loretta

Rowland Heights Volunteer of the Year – Richard Kobly

Station Volunteer of the Year – Lynda Woodstra

Reserve of the Year – John Nguyen

Explorer of the Year – Alexis DeLuna

Disaster Communications Service Volunteer of the Year – Omar Acos

Due to the tireless efforts of these volunteers and the many other that help out the Sheriff’s Department is able to be offer many community improvement and safety programs to the public.

Suspect in Chino Hills Robbery Arrested

3rd man still sought by deputies

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – A Hemet resident, a suspect in a brazen robbery at a Chino Hills residence in April was arrested Wednesday, while another man from Perris was already in custody.

Deonta Simuel, 18, of Hemet, was arraigned on robbery charges Thursday in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court after he had been arrested the previous day, according to online court records. He plead not guilty to two counts of robbery during video arraignment proceedings. He is scheduled to return to court May 8 to begin the trial.

A third man is still being sought by San Bernardino County sheriff’s deputies.

The Chino Hills victims had just arrived home about 7:40 p.m.  on April 19 in the 13000 block of Misty Meadow Court, when three men walked up, forcefully took the residents’ belongings and ran away from the residence, according to a sheriff’s news release.

One of the victims chased the men as they headed for a vehicle, a black Hyundai Accent hatchback driven by the third unknown man. Steven Stephon Williams, 22, of Perris, could not get inside of the car before it fled. He was found and arrested by responding sheriff’s deputies.

Detectives and deputies on the sheriff’s Special Enforcement Detail in Chino Hills, conducted several days of surveillance investigation were able to identifiy Simuel as the second suspect in the robbery, the news release stated.

Williams and Simuel are being held on suspicion of robbery at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. Simuel is being held in lieu of $350,000 bail.

Online court records show that on April 24, Williams plead not guilty to two counts of robbery as well as an allegation and enhancement for having a prior felony conviction during his arraignment in Rancho Cucamonga Superior Court. He is being held in lieu of $450,000 bail and is due back in court June 19.

The investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information about the robbery can call Detective Seybert at the Chino Hills sheriff’s station at 909-364-2026. To remain anonymous, call the WeTip Hotline at 800-78-CRIME (27463) or visit the website at www.wetip.com.

 

Walnut Valley Rotary Club’s Deputy of The Year

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – On Tuesday, April 24th, Deputy Mark Dean from the Walnut / Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station, was honored by the Walnut Valley Rotary Club for Deputy of The Year. Deputy Dean was presented the award by the Rotary Club during a breakfast at the Diamond Bar Golf Course in front of County Council representatives, City Council members, partners and his friends and family.