Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

Chino Hills Man Arrested for Wielding Knife

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – Deputies were dispatched at 2:08 p.m. to a residence on the 12800 block of Sunburst Trail. They had received a report of a knife- wielding man fighting with his family members.

Chino Hills deputies arrested and jailed a 50-year-old man Saturday afternoon on suspicion of arming himself with two knives and threatening members of his family. It was reported that the family would not allow him to drive the family car.

It was reported that the male suspect was extremely angry with his family about being denied permission to drive the family vehicle. Although family members were able to disarm the suspect of two knives during the struggle and pin him down on the floor. The suspect was able to injure one of the family members hand with one of the knives before other family members were able to disarm the suspect.

The suspect, Ruther Chito Martinez, was booked on a $50,000 bond and taken into custody at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. He was released from the jail at 12:07 p.m. on Sunday, according to jail records. He is facing a felony count of assault with a deadly weapon.

Chino Valley Fire District paramedics treated the injured person for the laceration, but they refused to be taken to the hospital. They told the police that they would go to the hospital on their own later.

The Last Great Race on Earth

By Kelli Gile

Evergreen students follow Iditarod sled dog race

DIAMOND BAR — For one exciting week in March, Evergreen Elementary second-grade students become immersed in tracking the Iditarod sled dog race from Anchorage to Nome, Alaska.

For the past 15 years, teacher Alice Oldag has incorporated the famous 1,000-mile journey of 65 musher teams into her lesson plans.

To educate students about the trail race and Eskimo culture, she first reads aloud two books, Balto and the Great Race and Black Star, Bright Dawn, before the race begins.

Then students randomly select a musher and follow the race on individual Chromebooks, recording team location, ranking, and number of dogs in notebooks.

“Each morning, the children run to the computers and ask each other ‘Where’s your musher?’” Oldag reported while wearing an Iditarod sweatshirt.

The teacher even purchased a subscription to the official Iditarod Insider website so students can watch real-time videos, read bios about their mushers, check the status of sled dogs, and weather conditions.

“It makes them feel like they’re part of the race,” she said.

Each day, the race can change drastically with the extreme sport racers dealing with frostbite, injuries, icy crossings, moose attacks, and whiteout conditions.

A team can fall from first to last place in just one day, the teacher commented.

Her classroom was buzzing as the children checked on their teams and watched streaming video footage on March 7.

“My musher is Shaynee Traska,” shared Akanksha Bhat, age 7, on the second day of the race.

“Right now, she’s in 49th place, has 16 dogs, and is in Nicolei.”

“It’s 27 degrees and cloudy there today,” the teacher reported to the class.

“That’s good racing weather!”

“My musher is Emily Maxwell and she’s in 40th place,” said Isabella Lok, age 8.

“Come on, Emily!” she cheered.

“When I grow up I want to be a musher!” she added.

“My musher helped another musher that crashed today,” reported Jacob Hinds while checking the website.

“My musher scratched, so I picked a new one – Monica Zappa, and she’s in 46th place today,” said Matthew Heng.

Kyle Lin followed Steve Watkins whose 16-dog team had checked into Finger Lake, Rainy Pass, and Rohn by the second day of the race.

“He’s in 65th place today, but he’s in great shape – he’s climbed Mount Everest.”

“This is fun!” exclaimed Hannah Miraflores.

“My musher is Michelle Wilgrees. She’s in 55th place today, but I think she’ll win!”

Oldag shared that the racers only take an 8-hour and 24-hour rest break during the nine-day race.

“It’s mainly for the dogs, racers snooze on the side of the trail and then keep going,” she said.

During the race, the mushers care for their dogs by cooking up frozen bits of fish with melted snow. They also stop to change snow boots on the entire team every few hours.

“The mushers live off of chocolate bars and frozen fish. There’s no Chick-fil-A in the middle of nowhere!” Oldag exclaimed.

The children trace the location of the international troop of mushers on a large map in the classroom each day.

And they covet Iditarod treasures on display including an autographed picture of famous musher Dee Dee Jonrowe, a tiny dog snow boot, and a cuddly stuffed Balto dog that goes home with one student each day during the month.

At the culmination of the event, Principal Trina Dreyer arranged for a real musher and team of sled dogs to visit with students.

“It is very rewarding to see children so enthusiastic about learning,” said Oldag, a 26-year veteran teacher.

“The Iditarod experience taught them about the Eskimo culture and a way of life that is so exciting. It is an excellent example of perseverance in its highest form!”

25th Annual Wine Soirée

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – The social event of the year, the Wine Soirée, is fast approaching on Sunday, April 22 to Diamond Bar.  Co-chairs Dana Cox, Nancy Lyons, Rick Rogers and Tony Torng announce the spectacular 25th Anniversary Celebration of the Wine Soirée with an afternoon of delicious food tasting from local restaurants, great wine tasting, other beverages, raffle, music, exciting book, silent and live auctions all to benefit the Diamond Bar Library and literacy in our community.  For the first time Anheuser Busch in Pomona will be pouring their delicious craft beer, Golden Road.

The annual Wine Soirée is an institution in Diamond Bar and is a great way to meet new and old friends and neighbors. Tickets are $65 per person so get your tickets soon as the number is limited.  You can purchase tickets online at http://www.dblibraryfriends.org/store/wine-soiree-ticket.html  or at the following Diamond Bar locations:  Midas Auto Service Experts, 796 N. Diamond Bar Boulevard; Xavier’s Florist, 1135 S. Grand Avenue; Diamond Bar Library, 21800 Copley Drive; Basically BOOKS, 23447 Golden Springs Drive.  A unique souvenir wine glass and program are included with each ticket.

Each year the Soirée is full of entertaining surprises:  There are many spectacular restaurants offering samples of their delicious foods including Albertsons Market, Aljibani Halal Market, Chili’s Grill and Bar, Claro’s Italian Market, Dilliwalla Indian Kitchen, Graber Olive House, It’s A Grind, Jeseca Creations, Julie’s Café, King Bap Korean, Mandarin Taste Restaurant, Mr. G’s Pizza, NiNi Bakery, Old Chendou , Round Table Pizza, Sprout’s Farmers Market, The Side Bar at Oh’Crab, Total Wine and More, and The Whole Enchilada.  Visit them is person and thank them for their support for literacy in our community.

Those attending this great event can feel good that all the fun they are having – the food and wines they taste, the auction items they win, the music they enjoy – all the proceeds from this will go to improve our quality of life and learning. With the support of the community, the Friends contributed to the Diamond Bar Library over $40,000 in 2017 for much-needed materials, programs, books, magazines, etc. that would not have been possible without the Wine Soirée and our non-profit bookstores, Basically BOOKS.  The Friends also sponsored Read Together Diamond Bar 2017, a month-long celebration of literacy last October.  We could not do this without the help of the community.

Diamond Bar Community Library Manager Pui-Ching Ho announced recently that the Diamond Bar Library is the highest circulation library out of all 87 Los Angeles County libraries.  Diamond Bar Library has circulation with 470,000 volumes moving in and out of the library last year.  Additionally the Diamond Bar Library ranks sixth in total monthly patronage with a gate count of over 23,000 visitors per month.  The Diamond Bar Friends of the Library dedicate our time and energy to supporting this invaluable community institution—so you can see why we need your help!

 

Corona Residents Sue Over 91 Contruction

By Anthony Saude

Corona – The residents, who live north of the 91 freeway, contend that the pile driving, jack hammering and round-the-clock work at Green River Road damaged their houses and robbed them of most of the mountain views they had previously enjoyed. The freeway construction was part of a larger $1.4 billion freeway improvement project that stretched from 2014 to 2017.

Sleepless nights, cracks in the walls and a rodent infestation is what a group of Corona homeowners say is just some of the damage caused by the 91 Freeway construction over the past few years.

A group of more than a dozen homeowners decided they had enough so they sued the Riverside County Transportation Commission and two companies that worked on the project in late 2016. The homeowners sued over property damage, loss of quality of life, loss in property values and of course now the cost of attorneys.

The lawsuit was filed over a year ago and the residents said they are still waiting for a resolution on the matter.

John Standiford, deputy executive director for the Riverside County Transportation Commission, declined to comment due to pending litigation. Attorneys for Atkinson Contractors and Walsh Construction Company, the two companies named in the lawsuit, have both failed to respond to a request for comment.

67 year old resident Warren Stockwell, has lived in his Pennyroyal Drive home for more than 30 years, and now has cracks running along his ceiling and driveway. He states that the damage was caused by the construction work related to the lengthening and widening of the Green River Road westbound off-ramp.

“I’m 67 years old and still partially working,” resident Warren Stockwell said. “I don’t need this. I want my house fixed.” His house still hasn’t been repaired.

The Green River Road improvements were part of a larger project that added two toll lanes and a general lane in both directions of an 8 mile stretch of freeway from Orange County to the 15 Freeway.

The issues for the homeowners began in 2014 when construction started on the 91 Freeway.

The group said they met with RCTC and construction firms at a neighborhood meeting to ask questions in October 2014. Soon after, Stockwell and other residents began seeking legal options to address the damage.

Sheila Lawrence, who has owned a house in the neighborhood since 1996, said the construction caused problems for her renters.

Lawrence alleges rodents, including kangaroo rats, were driven from their natural habitat outside the neighborhood into the neighborhood after crews started working.

One of the off ramps, the much taller one has caused a host of other problems other problems for the homeowners.

“I have more dirt and emissions coming into the yard and into the back of the house,” Lawrence said. “They can’t even open up the back of the house. If they do, within less than 20 minutes, it is covered in black soot.”

Other neighbors, including Diana Sanches and Julie Sanchez, suffered damage to their homes due to freeway construction. Both stayed at hotels during some of the construction phases after lawyers got involved.

It is estimated that it would cost about $8 million to cover all the damages and attorney fees for the homeowners in the suit.

 

Mental health hospital planned at CIM

California Institution for Men entrance

Staff Reports

A 50-bed mental health facility is expected to be built at the California Institution for Men in Chino in approximately four years.

The prison entrance is located at 14901 Central Ave. at the end of Chino Hills Parkway.

“The first dirt to move on this is at least two years from now and finished construction is at least four years away,” said Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation spokesman Bill Sessa.

The 48,000-square-foot hospital will be built inside the existing prison at a cost of $56.6 million, Mr. Sessa said.

An old building that has outlived its usefulness will be demolished to make way for the facility, he said.

The hospital will be self-contained to provide the care that 50 inmates at a time would require, he said. It would include accommodations for doctors, nurses, and administrative staff.

He said the project will be budgeted in phases. Working drawings and preliminary plans are budgeted at $3.6 million and will probably be completed at the end of 2019, he said. The actual construction costs will be budgeted in future cycles.

Mr. Sessa said the Department of Corrections (CDCR) is required by law to provide mental health care to inmates, from counseling to medication to crisis beds.

He cited a case called Coleman vs. Brown that covers all inmates with serious mental disorders housed in California state prisons.

He said the hospital will be CDCR’s second such facility in southern California. The other one is in the Richard J. Donovan state prison in San Diego, he said.

There are currently 373 beds in CDCR prisons, he said.

“We have a need for these beds in southern California for inmates who need short-term acute care,” Mr. Sessa said. “We have an imbalance at the moment. We have facilities in northern and central California but not in southern California.”

This isn’t the first time  the community has been faced with a prison mental hospital. Back in 1973 it was announced that the Youth Training School on Euclid Avenue, which was being closed by the Youth Authority, would house a psychiatric and treatment center, a proposal that was nixed under local pressure.

A decade ago, the state was working on plans to use a vacant unit at CIM for a mental health hospital. Local leaders, headed by Mayor Dennis Yates, went to Sacramento to strenuously oppose it. The pressure, plus a reduction statewide ion prison population and a cutback in funds, shelved the proposal after several years of local hearings and opposition.

Residents who are interested in learning more about current affairs at the prison may attend the next citizens advisory committee meeting at 9 a.m. Tuesday, April 10 at Chaffey College Chino Community Center, 5890 College Park Ave.

The meetings are held the second Tuesday every two months and are open to the public.

The citizens advisory committee for California Institution for Women meets at 9:30 a.m. following the men’s meeting.

On April 20, Scott Kernan, secretary for the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation, will come to Chino for a meeting about CIM and safety concerns as a result of the January escape of an inmate.

Mr. Kernan is expected to meet with city and police officials from Chino Hills and Chino at the prison.

 

Family Fun At DB 29th Birthday Bash

By Sarah Sanchez

Diamond Bar – The City of Diamond Bar is inviting the community to their 29th Birthday Bash on Saturday, April 14.  This annual event celebrates the city’s incorporation with a day of family fun at Pantera Park, located at 738 Pantera Drive.

The event will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and will feature a variety of new activities for kids and adults.  Kids will love the carnival rides, games, inflatables, and a new Kiddie Land area that will cater to children ages 8 and younger.  The Kiddie Land will feature several age appropriate inflatables, activities, a puppet show, and a magic show.

Community members can also sit back and watch local groups and solo acts perform on stage, while enjoying food provided by various vendors.  In addition, several volunteers will be recognized at this birthday celebration, as part as the City’s Community Hero Award program.  Then, you will be able to enter various giveaways at the information booths and business showcase.  But the event highlights will be the Heritage Display, and the Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Area.

The Heritage Display will feature a short video, a display of photographs, memorabilia, and artifacts that tell the story of Diamond Bar’s ranch days.  This area will discuss how Diamond Bar’s land was “once known as Rancho Los Nogales, founded in 1840 by Jose de la Luz Linares to a grant issued by Governor Juan Bautista Alvarado of Mexico,” according to the City of Diamond Bar.  Established by Frederick E. Lewis II in 1918, the Diamond Bar Ranch was known as one of the most respected ranches in Southern California.  If you want to find out more about Diamond Bar’s Ranch history, stop by the Heritage Display, where you will take part in activities like rope making, blacksmithing, and gold panning to demonstrate the life in the 1800s and 1900s.

The Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Area will feature our local public safety agencies, such as the Los Angeles County sheriff’s and fire departments, and emergency medical response personnel.  The information, resources, and giveaways that will be displayed are aiming to improve personal safety, reduce property crime, and prepare for emergencies, such as earthquakes or wildfires.  This will be a great area to visit, meet the local personnel, learn about crime prevention techniques, and pick up a free pine tree seedling ready for planting.  You will also be able to enter the “Shakey Quakey School House” that simulates shaking, falling objects, and sounds typical during an earthquake.  In addition, your child can have an identification card made with his or her fingerprints, height, weight and other identifying information documented for your records.

Event admission is free for this birthday party, but there will be nominal fees for the kids’ activities: carnival rides ($10 unlimited access), Kiddie Land ($5 unlimited access), and games and activities ($1 card for any four).  Don’t forget to bring cash too, as this is a cash-only event, and bills larger than $20 cannot be accepted.

Also, if you park on a surrounding neighborhood street, a free and frequent shuttle service will take you to and from Pantera Park.  This shuttle service will start to transport local residents at 10:30 a.m. and continue until the end of the event.

There are so many great things to look forward to at this year’s Diamond Bar Birthday Celebration.  But many local residents are excited to simply get together with the members of our community.

Gil Rivera, Diamond Bar resident and local realtor, agrees that the community is a big reason why he loves attending the birthday celebration each year.  “I enjoy the fact that our community is so diverse,” said Rivera, who is also the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club President.  “Especially on that day, we gather together as one family to enjoy rides, food, and entertainment!”

So stop by this year’s Diamond Birthday Celebration on April 14th for a great day of fun, food, and activities to enjoy with your “like family” community!

 

Teens Needed For City Summer Programs

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– The City of Chino Hills’ Community Services Department is looking for enthusiastic teens, ages 13 to 16 years old, to volunteer this summer. Volunteens, as they are referred to, will assist in the City’s Aquatics, Summer Day Camp, Mobile Recreation, and Special Events programs.

Applications for the Volunteen program will be available starting Monday, April 2nd  and will be available only until the first 80 applications are received. Applications will be available online at http://www.chinohills.org/Volunteens; at City Hall in the Community Services Office on the first floor, 14000 City Center Drive; and at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive. All completed applications MUST be submitted to the Community Services Department at City Hall. Of the 80 applications accepted, up to 40 teens will be selected for the program.

The summer 2018 program will begin the week of June 11th and end the week of August 6th. A mandatory training is scheduled for May 30th for selected applicants. Volunteens must be certified in First Aid and CPR prior to June 11th.  Kayla with the recreations department said, “call the Chino Valley Fire District for information on how to get your teen CPR certified.” Volunteens who successfully complete the program will receive a certificate of appreciation, a letter of recommendation, and recognition at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting.

For more information, please call (909) 364-2700.

Chino Hills Boys Basketball CIF CHAMPIONS!

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – For the past five years, the Ball family has ruled Chino Hills basketball. Patriarch LaVar Ball oversaw the rise of eldest son Lonzo from promising point guard to surefire NBA Draft pick. In Lonzo’s last season with the Huskies they won everything, taking the state title and the USA TODAY Super 25 national title. A season later with new coach later, Chino Hills led by brothers LiAngelo and LaMelo Ball, fell just short of another berth in the state title game.

LaMelo Ball left Chino Hills this year for a professional future in Europe. Lavar pulled him from the school and decided to home school him for his senior year. Dennis Latimore the 1st year coach, after being publicly chastised by LaVar and LeMelo as soon as they left the school, had the last laugh. You would have to score that Latimore 1, Ball 0.

The Huskies claimed their second state title in three seasons led by Junior Onyeka Okongwu, the unquestioned leader of this squad after the departure of LaMelo. Onyeka put together a great night with 27 points, 14 rebounds, three assists and five blocked shots.

The last remaining Ball family member at Chino Hills, cousin Andre Ball had 17 points in the victory. Did the team peak at just the right time this year or were they finally able to focus on basketball and not the Ball family traveling circus.

When reporters asked Latimore about losing Onyeka to foul trouble during the game, his answer could have easily been about LaMelo and LaVar, “I think the team showed they are more than one individual player,” Latimore said. “Our big guy went out, but the team stayed united. That’s what teamwork is all about, and they went and got it done.”

 

Diamond Bar High Robotics Team Headed to World Championships

Regional Champs!

By Kelli Gile

DIAMOND BAR—After a long weekend of broken parts and design flaws to overcome, Diamond Bar High’s Team Sprocket took home the prestigious blue banner as winners of the 2018 Orange County Regional FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC) on Saturday.

The team has now qualified for the World Championships that will be held in Houston, Texas on April 18-21.

“We couldn’t have done this without all of the support from our members, alumni, parents, mentors, teachers and our sponsors,” said senior captain Karen Tan after the four-day competition held at UCI Bren Events Center.

“We will first celebrate the accomplishments of our hard work over the course of the season, and then we will focus on learning from the mistakes we made this year, so we can improve our program and grow to be even more successful in the future.”

On Friday, the competitive robotics team hosted 36 students from Chaparral, South Pointe and Suzanne Middle Schools to tour the FRC competition pits and enjoy matches in an effort to inspire the next generation of engineers.

After two days of game play, Sprocket #3473 finished qualification matches with a record of 7-3-0 and ranked 12th out of 52 teams.

The team was then selected as the 1st pick for the 3rd Ranked Alliance, including alliance members “Assembly Required” (Santa Margarita) and “The Midnight Mechanics” (La Jolla).

In the exciting Finals match, Team Sprocket defeated the 1st ranked alliance (2-0).

“This accomplishment is even more impressive considering that the #1 Alliance consisted of the #1 & #2 overall ranked teams. Team Sprocket and their alliance members stunned the arena by taking down “Goliath” in two straight matches with an unconventional defensive strategy… securing the title of FRC Orange County Regional Winners,” said instructional dean and advisor Gabriel Aguilar.

This is the second year in a row that the Diamond Bar High team qualified to compete at the World Championships.

“This is a testament to the high-quality instruction that these students are receiving in DBHS STEM classes!” Aguilar added.

Perris Woman Dies On 60 Freeway In Chino

Staff Reports 

Chino –  At approximately 7:38 p.m. a 1998 Jeep Cherokee driven by a 19-year-old male in the far right lane veered into the right shoulder for reasons unknown and struck the back of a Ford Taurus. Three were injured in the accident. In addition to the driver, the car also contained two children. According to reports a 10-year-old girl was seated in the right front passenger seat and a 4-year-old boy in the right rear passenger seat.

About 7:45 p.m., firefighters with Chino Valley Fire District responded to a call of a two-car crash on the right shoulder of the eastbound 60 Freeway in Chino at Central Avenue, Sunday night, March 25.

The driver, 31-year old Ashley Sharade Morales of Perris, died in the hospital after her vehicle was struck by a motorist. Morlas was driving eastbound on the 60 Freeway when her car began having mechanical problems, she pulled over to the right shoulder and called for help, said Sgt. M. Solorzano of the California Highway Patrol.

Fire crews transported the four occupants of the two vehicles to Chino Valley Medical Center. According to a press release from the San Bernardino County Coroner, Morales succumbed to her injuries a short time after she arrived in the Emergency Room. There is no information on the children at this time.

The CHP is investigating whether speed, reckless driving, drugs or alcohol may have been a factor in the crash

Free Essential Oils Workshop

By Anthony Saude

Chino – There is so many uses for essential oils and countless combinations for even more uses, it can be downright confusing and overwhelming.

Clark’s Nutrition, as always, wants to inform and educate their customers on healthy habits and how it can affect their lives in a positive manner. The month of April is Essential Oils month at Clark’s in 2018. Every Tuesday at 6 p.m. during the month of April, Clark’s will have Free Essential Oils workshop at all locations. This workshop will educate you so you feel more comfortable with using your essential oils. You can come in for 1 hour every Tuesday and learn how to make your own essential oil blends. The last class will be on the last day of the month, a Saturday, and will be a 2 hour review of all that you have learned during all of the workshops combined. The Workshop schedule and topics are as follows:

Tuesday April 3 – Essential Oils Basics (How to use oils)

Tuesday April 10 – Spring in the Home

Tuesday April 17 – Spa Day!

Tuesday April 24 – Wellness Happy Hour

Saturday April 28 – Special 2-hour workshop on various oils from previous Tuesday classes

Maybe you just started using essential oils or maybe the thought of it is just overwhelming to think about come in, relax and let Clark’s do all the heavy lifting.  See ad on page 7 of the Weekly News for great deals on fruit and vegetables!

Mt. SAC Students Named to State Academic Team

Staff Reports

WALNUT–– Mt. San Antonio College students Edilberto “Iggy” Ylo and Amir Freeman are two of the 83 community college students throughout the state recently selected for the 2018 All-California Academic teams, chosen by Phi Theta Kappa (PTK), the international community college honor society.

Ylo and Freeman, both students in Mt. SAC’s Honors Program, will receive medallions during the Community College League of California’s awards ceremony to be held at the Sacramento Convention Center on Apr. 2. Selection for the academic teams is based on grades, leadership, and community service.

Ylo, 20, is a nursing major and carries a 4.0 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic First Team. A Walnut resident, he is the president for the PTK chapter at Mt. SAC. He also works as a student assistant for the Honors Program. He has been nominated as one of Mt. SAC’s Students of Distinction this year. He hopes to transfer to Cal State L.A., go on to attend UCLA’s School of Medicine, and wants eventually to become a cardiologist.

Freeman, 19, is a political science major and carries a 3.94 GPA. He was selected for the All-California Academic Second Team. A Pomona resident, he has been involved in Mt. SAC’s student government as a student justice. He has also been a member of Mt. SAC’s forensics team and won medals at last year’s national speech championship. In addition, he volunteers for candidate Andy Thorburn’s run for the 39th congressional district. He hopes to transfer to Princeton and plans to become a lawyer.

There are 28 first-team, 28 second-team, and 29 third-team winners.

These students represent some of the best of the 2.1 million students enrolled in California’s community college system.

Chino PD Investigate Murder/Suicide Following Standoff with S.W.A.T

Photo Courtesy: Google Images
CSI collect evidence from the victim’s vehicle where she was found suffering from multiple stab wounds earlier in the afternoon this last Saturday, March 24.

By Anthony Saude

 

Chino – At around 12:30 p.m. on Saturday, March 24, officers from the Chino Police Department responded to a call regarding an injured woman in the 12300 block of Cypress Avenue.  When the officers arrived on the scene, Fire officials were already on the scene & were performing first aid on the victim, who has been identified as Nicole Batoosingh, 32. According to the fire officials from Chino Valley Fire Department, Batoosingh was suffering from multiple stab wounds so they called the police for assistance. Fire personnel found the victim found inside her vehicle parked in front of home on the corner of Fillmore Ave and Cypress Avenue. The victims’ dog (who was not injured) was also found, spattered with the victim’s blood, sitting quietly in the backseat of the vehicle. Paramedics then arrived and performed CPR on the victim for approximately 45 minutes, in an attempt to stabilize her before transporting her to a nearby hospital

The police began their investigation and quickly learned that the male suspect, who police have identified as Daniel Batoosingh, 37, had barricaded himself in a residence at the end of the block and was refusing to come out. At that time the officers on scene requested assistance from SWAT officers who quickly arrived on the scene. The standoff ended shortly before 7:00 pm on Saturday evening after a police SWAT team entered the residence and found that the suspect dead inside the residence. He had apparently committed suicide hours after the stabbing that left the woman fatally wounded. Coroner’s officials have not yet announced the official cause of death.

Authorities were quick to cordon off the 12400 block of Cypress Avenue with yellow Crime Scene tape and continued with their investigation. The victim’s vehicle, which was now a crime scene, remained parked in the middle of the street during the barricade situation and investigation. A short time later, police learned that the victim had succumbed to her injuries and had been pronounced dead at the medical center. Her identity has also been withheld until the next of kin have been notified however police have confirmed that victim and suspect were known to each other.

It was reported that witness, Steve Loop, said:  “From what I can surmise she must have fell out of the car during the attack. She was lying in the street, bleeding. The paramedics were working on her for about 45 minutes.”

Neighbors said that the couple had been renting a room in a residence near the scene. One neighbor was reported as saying that the victim had multiple bruises on her body and she believed that the woman had been the victim of consistent domestic abuse. The investigation is ongoing and police urge anyone with any information about the crime to contact Detective Carlson of the Chino PD at (909) 334-3102 or email kcarlson@chinopd.org.

C.J. Morris 3rd Graders Go One-On-One With WVUSD Schools Chief

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—Superintendent Dr. Robert Taylor fielded questions from elementary students during an official town hall meeting on Tuesday.

About 100 inquisitive C.J. Morris assembled third graders were eager to learn about the role of the Walnut Valley USD leader.

The IB-PYP students have been studying about government and how it affects lives at the national, state, city, or school level, teacher Dave Boots said.

“This is a great opportunity for our students to learn about how government works at the school level,” added IB coordinator Kelly Howard.

The children came prepared with questions about family, hometown, background in education, and role as superintendent, working with community and government, and more.

About 15 students took turns at the microphone and waited for the thoughtful responses during the hour-long event.

Dr. Taylor shared that his job is supporting all 15 schools in the District and then went on to describe the structure of the District.

“We have a School Board, Superintendent, which is me, District office with lots of people that support our schools, and our school sites with principals, teachers, and support staff.”

“We all work together for our students!” he added.

The assembled group wanted to know the best thing about being the superintendent.

“In the five years that I’ve been here in Walnut Valley, my favorite thing has been going out and visiting schools,” he said.

“Because I’m in education, I spend every day working with people – with kids like you, teachers, and principals. I like to find out all your interesting stories!”

Dr. Taylor also told the students that there have been more changes in education during the past five years than in the last 30 or 40 years.

“It’s been an exciting time to be part of that change and to see how successful things have gone here.”

The group of students also wanted some expert advice as they begin thinking about middle school and future careers.

“You’ll be well prepared for middle school because you’re learning how to study, how to do your homework, and projects. I would be excited, it will be great!”

“My one piece of advice I like to give young people is to find something you enjoy doing. If you find that, you’ll be happy!”

Truth Stovall asked the final question during the session held in the multipurpose room.

“What is your favorite color and why?” he said.

“My favorite color is green and here’s why: I told you I like sports and football. Raise your hand if you think you know who my favorite team is,” Dr. Taylor said.

“Green Bay Packers!” the children eagerly called out.

“I liked that Dr. Taylor came to our school and shared that to be successful students we need to be kind and have fun,” commented third grader Mia Veneracion after the event.

 

 

Over 1,200 Marijuana Plants Found In Chino Hills

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – The Marijuana Enforcement Team (MET) of the Sheriff’s department and Chino Hills Police Department Deputies served a search warrant at a Chino Hills residence for the illegal cultivation of marijuana.

After Deputies from Chino Hills Police Department received a tip from a concerned citizen regarding suspicious activity going on at the residence an investigation was opened. Investigators found evidence of illegal marijuana cultivation.

Investigators served their search warrant and it and were rewarded for their efforts by finding over 1,200 healthy marijuana plants. There was also 25 pounds of processed marijuana confiscated from the scene.

As is the case in most of these crimes, evidence of utility theft was also found. The main power lines that belong to SCE were tampered with in a way that allows the theft of electricity. SCE   Personnel were dispatched to the scene to assist in the investigation and disconnect the electrical service at the residence. Stealing of utilities is illegal and will usually result in a fire at the incident location because of the nun-permitted methods used.

Several investigations have revealed that rental properties being used by tenants to illegally grow marijuana is a crime that is on the rise. Law enforcement officials encourage tenants and the homeowners to check with their local city code enforcement division or the law enforcement to verify if marijuana cultivation is allowed.

Generally speaking, large scale marijuana growing operations are against code in residential areas. The City of Chino Hills prohibits any type of marijuana businesses of any type. You can get more information about Chino Hills Marijuana Ordinance by going to http://www.library.municode.com/ca/chino_hills/code_of_ordinances

At this time no suspects have been identified. Anyone with information in reference to this investigation is urged to contact Sheriff’s Gangs Narcotics Sividion at 909-387-8400.

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. Refer: Sheriff’s Public Affairs, Phone No. (909) 387-3700, DR: #651800127. ■

License Plate Recognition System Pays Off

Police Chase ends in Crash

By Anthony Saude

Chino-Two men, who were reportedly driving a stolen pickup truck, were spotted by Chino Police Officers near the intersection of Kimball and Cypress avenues late in the morning on Monday, March 19. According to police the vehicle had been reported as stolen from Fontana earlier that morning.

When officers attempted to pull the vehicle over, the driver of the vehicle sped away on El Prado Road and south towards Pine next to El Prado Golf Course in attempt to evade police. After leading the officers on a short high speed chase the driver of the truck lost control of the vehicle and crashed into a chain-link fence and nearly struck a tree.

Neither of the suspects had been identified at the time but it was the license plate recognition system that helped officers identify the vehicle. The system has only recently been activated in the City of Chino. It is a system that alerts police to stolen cars or cars used in other reported crimes. Surrounding cities that have implemented systems like these have seen a significant impact in crime reduction. The system looks  like it might just meet the anticipated benefits that were talked about in August meetings. Real numbers the system may be recording on crime reduction are not available at this early date but it seems to be off to a good start.

The pair of suspects that were in the vehicle could be arrested and booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga. ■

 

 

 

Fatal Traffic Accident

Staff Reports

Corona – On Friday, March 16, 2018, at approximately 9:14 a.m., the Corona Police Department and the Corona Fire Department responded to a traffic collision involving two vehicles near the intersection of Magnolia Avenue and All American Way.
Upon arrival, bystanders were performing C.P.R. on one of the involved drivers. Paramedics, the Corona Fire Department and American Medical Response took over the patients’ care at the scene. After attempting to resuscitate the driver for several minutes, the driver was pronounced deceased.
The other driver at the scene suffered minor injuries but did not require immediate medical attention. The two vehicles at the scene sustained major collision damage and needed to be towed. Several hours later, it was determined that a third vehicle was involved in the collision but had unknowingly left the scene. The third driver later returned to the scene and provided a statement. Their vehicle suffered only minor damage and they were not injured. It has not yet been determined if drugs or alcohol were a factor in this collision.
The Riverside County Coroner’s Office responded to the scene. The name of the deceased driver is being withheld at this time pending notification to their family. The Corona Police Department Collision Response Team started their investigation of this collision and it is ongoing. Magnolia Avenue between All American Way and Trademark Circle was closed for several hours in order to complete the investigation, and is expected to reopen by approximately 6:30 p.m. this evening.
If you have any information regarding this incident, please contact Officer Jason Gardner at 951-817-5784 or by emailing him at Jason.Gardner@CoronaCA.gov

Do You Know This Man? Armed Robbery Suspect Sought

By Anthony Saude

DIAMOND BAR— “On March 11, at approximately 1:30 p.m. A male suspect entered the Chevron gas station on Diamond Bar Boulevard. He was brandished a handgun and demanded that the clerk give him all the money.”  The suspect has been described as a Hispanic man wearing a red long sleeve jacket that had an unidentified logo, white beanie, and black turtleneck. He was wearing white skinny jeans and his red shoes had white shoe laces.

The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department Walnut/Diamond Bar station is now seeking this brightly dressed suspect. They are asking for the public’s help in identifying the suspect. The suspect is described as a Hispanic male, from 25 to 30 years old, approximately 5’8″ tall, 160 to 170 pounds, with a thin mustache.

The Sheriff’s Department is asking anyone with information as to the identity of this suspect to please contact Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Station Detectives at (909) 595-2264 or (909) 890-2833.

Los Angeles County Sheriff/ Walnut / Diamond Bar Division Photo

 

“Hop” Over To The DB Egg Hunt March 31

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar’s popular annual Easter Egg Hunt will take place on Saturday, March 31 at Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive.  Over 11,000 colorful treat-filled eggs will be spread throughout the park for children under 12-years-old.

This springtime event will start at 8:30 a.m. with a pancake breakfast and professional photo opportunities with the Easter Bunny for a nominal fee.  Don’t forget to buy a raffle ticket from Miss Diamond Bar and her court; then say hi to the Easter Bunny’s “peeps”!

The FREE egg hunt will start at 10 a.m. sharp with separate egg hunting areas for the following age groups:

  • Parent-assisted
  • 4 years old and younger
  • 5- and 6-year-olds
  • 7- and 8-year-olds
  • 8- and 10-year-olds
  • 11- and 12-year-olds

It’s recommended that you and your family arrive to the egg hunt early so you don’t miss out on the hunting fun!

A special thanks goes to the City of Diamond Bar and the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club for sponsoring this annual egg-citing event.  For more information, visit http://www.diamondbarca.gov/specialevents or call 909-939-7070.

 

Diamond Bar Students Rocking The Kindness

Courtesy: WVUSD

By Kelli Gile

Diamond Bar—Quail Summit Elementary students are rocking their commitment to spreading kindness.

On Wednesday, the 645 students at the Diamond Bar campus each took home a rock in their backpacks.

But these were no ordinary rocks.

The children painted colorful heart designs with personal messages of kindness, hope, joy, compassion, or strength on the small gray stones.

In the coming days and weeks, these kindness rocks, as they are called, will be left around the community, state, and even the world.

The school is marking its 30th anniversary with a week of caring and compassionate activities.

“We want to spread a positive message to others,” said elementary learning specialist Leann Legind.

The children hope that their kindness offerings will make a difference in the lives of the lucky recipients.

“I want our messages to inspire people,” said fifth grader Lanna Xiao, age 11.

“My rock says “You are special,” shared first grader Emma Johnson, age 6.

“I hope it makes someone feel good!”

“It was fun painting them!” said classmate Aiden Chang.

“I feel like I’m sharing kindness with the world even if it’s just one little way,” said 5th grader Evelyn Wu who decorated her rock with a heart and three flowers.

The nine-year-old penned “Have faith in your heart” on the back of the rock she plans to deliver while on vacation to Taiwan this summer.

Third grader Amy Song wrote “Even though you think no one cares, I care!” and classmate Kyle Chen declared “You are wonderful” on their rocks.

Each kindness rock also comes with a tiny card describing the schoolwide project.

“This gift is for you! Turn the rock over and know that these words came from a child’s heart to yours. Know that someone in this world cares about you!”

Recipients are encouraged to post a message on the “Quail Summit Rocks Kindness” Facebook page.

“I’m probably going to put it in our town!” Chen said.

Fifth grader Bethany Li decided to paint “Hopeful” on her kindness rock after singing at the school’s talent show.

“I performed a song called “Hopeful” with an anti-bullying message,” she said.

Another fifth grader, Wynnson Notomihardjo, age 10, wrote “Honor one another” on his gift.

“I picked it because even if you get mad you should forgive people,” he shared.

“I see many people who give up on their goals, said Anderson Zhu about his “Conquer your dreams” message.

“If you don’t succeed try, try again!” Saym Waraich, age 10, said on his kindness rock.

“A lot of people in this world give up. I believe you should try again until you get it!” he said.

The “School with a Heart” is hosting daily kindness activities including “I can make a chain-ge in this world” paper chains and kindness notes posted around the campus, and an 80’s-themed dress up day to commemorate the school’s opening.