Category Archives: Weekly News Top Stories

March for Our Lives Event on March 24th

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar—Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, 2335 South Diamond Bar Blvd., Diamond Bar, CA 91765, will hold a march in front of the church campus on Saturday, March 24, 2018 from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm.

The DBUCC event is being offered as a local alternative to larger but more distant marches taking place throughout Southern California. The church is responding to the call for nationwide marches made by students from Marjorie Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, FL, after 17 students and staff were killed on February 14, 2018. Earlier this month about fifty church members, neighbors, and members of the community participated in a morning candlelight vigil, to show their support for students and parents driving to Diamond Bar High School on the day of the national school walkouts, March 14th.  Participants carried signs and candles while motorists honked and waved their support as they commuted down Diamond Bar Blvd.

Residents of Diamond Bar and surrounding communities are invited to participate in the DBUCC march, which will take place around the church’s memorial display commemorating gun violence victims, including 17 crosses clustered together in memory of the Parkland victims.  Pastor Jeanne Favreau-Sorvillo will begin the march with prayer and a call to action against gun violence in schools and in all public places. “We must remember that gun violence impacts us all by threatening our sense of safety for ourselves and for our loved ones. We are obligated not only to pray but to act in tangible ways to bring about meaningful change. We must never again be forced to bring out our memorial display.”

Diamond Bar United Church of Christ is a progressive church that seeks to link its faith to social justice issues. The church believes that God’s love embraces all persons equally, no matter their gender, race, or sexual identity; that the social expression of love is justice, and that God calls us to be peacemakers. We wish for an open and embracing community of faith within which to nurture our spirit and raise our children.

Contact:  Diamond Bar United Church of Christ, Diamond Bar, California

Rev. Dr. Jeanne Favreau-Sorvillo, Pastor (909-861-4735)

Jim Hazlett, Coordinator (949-433-5756)

 

 

Parent Arrested On School Grounds

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Howard Cattle Elementary School in Chino was placed on lock down for both students and staff when school administrators had to deal with an irate parent. She was later arrested by Chino Police on suspicion of making criminal threats.

Gisele Chiquito was booked into West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga on a felony charge of making criminal threats. Jail records show Chiquito was released on $50,000 bail at 10:26 p.m.

Police were called to the school at 8:40 a.m., due to their quick and efficient response the lock down only lasted a few minutes.

“Apparently the parent was not happy with school administrators and a teacher,” police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez said. “The parent was yelling. Police booked her on criminal threats charges.”

“School staff members called 911 and Chino Police Department were on scene within minutes,” according to a Chino Valley Unified written statement. “Cattle administration immediately worked with law enforcement on site to ensure the safety and security of our students and staff and confirm that the threat did not pose any danger to our students and staff while law enforcement conducted their investigation.”

The school district served her with a “no trespass” notice, a news release said.

“Investigators have concluded that there are no additional threats related to this investigation. The school day instruction was not interrupted by this incident and school followed the normal schedule,” district officials wrote.

 

Sheriff Golf Tournament Honors Former Mayor

Jack Tanaka

Staff Reports

Walnut, Diamond Bar – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of former Diamond Bar Mayor Jack Tanaka on April 2, 2018. Tanaka passed away in August of last year after a battle with cancer. He spent 10 years as a city council member and mayor.

“Jack was always the first to contribute to our annual golf tournaments, always stopping by the booster club booth at the city birthday party, and a fervent supporter of the volunteers who serve at the Sheriff’s station,” said Booster Club President Gil Rivera.

Since 1987, the Walnut/Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club has provided thousands of dollars to the Reserve, Volunteer, Explorer, and Disaster Communication Services (DCS) programs for the Cities of Diamond Bar and Walnut, and the community of Rowland Heights, to finance needs not funded by the County, Cities, or the Sheriff’s Department.

“Each year we hold an annual golf tournament to raise funds for this event among other needs the department needs that are not on the budget from the county,” said Sheriff Booster President Gil Rivera ofwww.SellYourCasa.com. “They give generously of their time to help in many areas including patrol and vacation home checks, in addition to thousands of hours at sobriety check points and school traffic assistance

This cannot be accomplished without participation from local businesses, as well as individual citizens. Membership in the Booster Club helps ensure that needed funding for these auxiliary programs is available to help protect our communities and provide a high degree of safety for our citizens.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Alfred Reyes said in an earlier statement last year.  “From vacation checks and traffic control to color guard and keeping disaster communication equipment ready in case of emergency, these are a few of the many services they provide the community.”

If you would like to contribute and/or cannot attend and would like to donate, the Booster Club is looking for 150 minimum promotional product donations to help in honoring the volunteers.
The registration will be at 9:30 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and followed by a Shotgun Start of 11:15a.m. on  April 2 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

Sponsorship opportunities are available as follows:
Platinum sponsor – $3,000- Includes 16 players/four teams, recognition during the awards luncheon, repeated advertising of your company in Our Weekly newspaper and during the tournament, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Gold sponsor – $2,000- Includes 8 players/two teams, recognition in Our Weekly newspaper, recognition during the awards luncheon, name placement on event signage and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Silver sponsor – $1,000-Includes one team of four players and a recognition certificate from the Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club.
Other sponsorship opportunities include- Soft drink/Beer Cart Sponsors for $1,000, Hole-In-One sponsor for $500, Goodie Bag Sponsor for $500, Closest-to-the-Pin Sponsor for $400, and Tee Sign Sponsorship for $100.
Captain Reyes encourages community members to join this fun and meaningful tournament to continue to help provide the needed uniforms and equipment to the people who volunteer their time to improve the service and security to the cities of Walnut and Diamond Bar, and the unincorporated communities of Rowland Heights, Covina Hills and West Covina.

Tanaka stated that the city council, staff and residents made his 10 years of service memorable and a great learning experience. His last day in office was December 1, 2016.

Tanaka, was first elected in 2005, served twice as the city’s mayor and served on the City’s Planning Commission for more than three years. He said he wanted to spend more time with family, but will still remain active in the community who he considers family.
A retired U.S. Army Sergeant and former peace officer with the California Youth Authority and State Department of Corrections, Tanaka was first elected to the Diamond Bar City Council in 2005.
A constant fixture in the community, Tanaka and his wife Wanda devoted much of their time to helping out in the community especially youth. From the Miss Diamond Bar Pageant and the local Humane Society to community birthday parties and city concerts, the Tanaka’s were always there to lend a helping hand.
The Tanakas moved to Diamond Bar in 1976 and have since remained actively involved in community matters. In 2012, the couple was honored with Lions Clubs International’s Lion of the Year Award, the organization’s highest honor and usually given to only one person in the world. This is one of many reasons he has earned the honor of being recognized by the Sheriff’s annual event.

For information and reservations, contact Sgt. Mark Saldecke, volunteer coordinator, at (909) 595-2264, mcsaldec@lasd.org or Gil Rivera, booster club member at (909) 967-4525, GRiveraEmail@gmail.com.

 

 

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Upcoming Road Closures for “Every Fifteen Minutes” Program at Ayala HS

Staff Reports

 

Chino Hills – Ruben S. Ayala High School students will safely experience the devastation caused by a drunk driving accident as part of the “Every 15 Minutes” program on Thursday, March 22nd. Peyton Drive will be closed for part of the morning. The simulated “accident scene” will be set up on Peyton Drive and will feature students portraying crash victims whose vehicle was hit by a drunk driver on Prom night. Emergency response will be conducted as if it were a real accident. From 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. two northbound lanes will be closed leaving just one northbound lane open in front of the school. From 9:30-10:30 a.m. Peyton Drive will be completely closed from Bulldog Way to Boys Republic Drive. At approximately 10:30 a.m. southbound lanes will open, and at 11:00 a.m. northbound lanes will open. Motorists may wish to avoid the area.

“Every 15 Minutes” is a two-day program focusing on high school juniors and seniors, which challenges them to think about drinking, driving, personal safety, the responsibility of making mature decisions and the impact their decisions have on family, friends, their community, and many others.

The two-day program is very dramatic and emotional and purposely so. Teenagers are constantly reminded about the choices they have in front of the involving alcohol and how others in their lives are affected.

Teens know the intellectual statistics they just share the belief it will never happen to them.

The program brings together a broad coalition of interested local agencies with the goal of reducing alcohol-related incidents among youth. The partnering of the California Highway Patrol, local law enforcement, local hospitals, emergency medical responders, schools, businesses, and service clubs validates the importance of working together to ensure a healthy community.

Best Seat in the Class

By Kelli Gile

Classrooms transform with flexible seating options

DIAMOND BAR—Several Walnut Valley educators are discovering that flexible seating classrooms are providing learning environments that kids need.

Flexible classrooms give students a choice in what kind of learning space works best for them, and helps them work collaboratively, communicate, and engage in critical thinking.

At Quail Summit Elementary, first grade teacher Jessica Cabral replaced rows and rows of traditional desks with a variety of innovative seating options this year.

Learning areas are now filled with stability disks, stadium chairs, yoga balls, camp chairs, hooki stools, stack stools, lap desks, standing tables, and even a few “old school” desks.

When her 26 students enter the classroom, they decide which type of chair or desk to occupy for the day.

“They enjoy having the ability to choose where they sit,” Cabral said.

The new education space was intentionally designed to foster the five C’s (critical thinking, collaboration, communication, creativity, and citizenship), the educator said.

“They need to be given the opportunity to collaborate and solve problems with different students in the classroom. They couldn’t do that sitting in the same old spot every day,” Cabral said.

“I feel that flexible seating absolutely impacts student learning. Statistics have shown that movement increases memory,” she added.

Her goal is to provide students the opportunity to move while learning, in order to increase their attention, focus, engagement, and overall, their learning experience.

“The Hokki stools are an absolute hit. We can’t get enough of them!” she shared.

Logan Shih, age 7, didn’t hesitate when asked about choosing his favorite mobile seat in class.

“Oh, that’s simple,” he proudly announced.

“The yoga ball – because I like to bounce around!”

“All the kids like the yoga ball!”

A few feet away, classmate Clovis Hung was settled on a red stadium chair while writing at a low table.

“I like it because I can adjust it,” he said.

How did she do it?

Most recently, Cabral was able to purchase eight swivel Hokki stools, at $96 each, with funds raised through the online classroom project site, Donor’s Choose.

After experimenting with choice seating options for years, Kathy McLean “dove in all the way” three years ago.

The second-grade teacher began with Goodwill tables repurposed with a fresh coat of paint and whiteboard tops.

Next, McLean brought in few Wobble and Hokki stools, and two double standing tables.

McLean received a grant for the standing tables, that run about $200 each.

“Some of my students prefer to stretch out on the floor with lap desks,” she reported.

The savvy educator discovered that doing away with assigned seating has empowered her students to make positive decisions for their own learning.

“By being able to change seats each day, students also have the opportunity to collaborate with different classmates while working on self-discipline. After all, to sit by your best buddy, you have to abide by classroom expectations!” she said.

McLean said trusting her students to make the best choice for themselves has been an important factor in the success of innovative classroom.

“Flexible seating has been a game changer for me!”

Cabral advices teacgers contemplating the classroom seating switch to “start small.”
“Change a few chairs and tables. Expect chaos, it’s not as easy to manage at first, but you will see the benefits as the year progresses!”

 

Neighborhood Watch Program

By Anthony Saude

Walnut – In case you were unaware, the City of Walnut has an ongoing Neighborhood Watch Program that is always interested in recruiting volunteers. Over the years it has been proven over and over again, that Neighborhood Watch Programs lower crime rates within the neighborhoods they patrol. If there is one thing that criminals hate but the police love more than anything, it’s nosy neighbors. The purpose of the program is to have neighbors look out for one another and report suspicious activity to local law enforcement. Neighborhood Watch is one of the oldest and best-known crime prevention concepts in North America. In the late 1960s, an increase in crime heightened the need for a crime prevention initiative focused on residential areas and involving local citizens. The National Sheriffs’ Association (NSA) responded, creating the National Neighborhood Watch Program in 1972 to assist citizens and law enforcement. If you live in the City of Walnut and are already a Neighborhood Watch Block Captain, but you have not had a meeting in a couple of years call for the latest and greatest programs. If you are motivated and want to get involved in the program, please contact Deputy McDonald at (909) 595-2264 for information on how to start a group in your area.

Chino Man Gets Three Years For Embezzlement

By Anthony Saude

 

Chino – Robert Leland Johnson IV, a 39 year-old former securities broker and Chino resident, was sentenced to three years in state prison after he plead guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft. This was in connection with the embezzlement of nearly $1.1 million as reported by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s office.

In addition, Johnson was also ordered to pay $1 million in restitution to the victims that were affected by the crime, said spokesman Christopher Lee.

The thefts went on for approximately 2 years from 2013 to 2015, according to Deputy District Attorney Rick Lal of the Specialized Prosecutions Division of the DA’s office.

In a statement to the press, Lal said “The fraud included falsely reflecting significant trading profits, concealing losses, and overstating account balances by millions of dollars,”. The district attorney’s office utilized a forensic account to follow the money trail. They were able to trace the stolen funds and demonstrate Mr. Johnson’s sophisticated scheme to misappropriate victims’ funds for his own personal gain.

The Chino Police Department began an investigation after the victims reported financial discrepancies in their accounts. Johnson would transfer money to his own accounts to pay for his extravagant lifestyle expenses, sometimes diverting a portion in the same manner you would when running a Ponzi scheme.

 

Passport Acceptance Fees Increase April 2

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills– For the first time in a while the federal government is raising costs on passports. If you have been planning that trip, don’t wait. Make an appointment today to apply for a passport at Chino Hills City Hall (14000 City Center Drive) on the second floor. Do it before the Passport Acceptance Fee increases on Monday, April 2, from $25 to $35.

“Spring is always a busy time at the City of Chino Hills Passport counter,” said Public Information Officer Denise Cattern. She added “So this year we enhanced our customer service efforts with an online appointment system”. Take advantage of the appointment system by calling the passport hotline at (909) 364-2607 to schedule your appointment. Appointments are available from 2:00 – 4:30 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday; from 2:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Tuesday; and from 7:30 a.m. to noon on Friday. Walk-in customers may apply for a passport from 7:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday. If walk-in traffic exceeds the capacity for service, signage will be posted to inform customers.

It will help the process immensely if all passport customers come ready with a completed application and the necessary documentation at their scheduled appointment time or they will be required to reschedule the appointment for another day. Passport photo services are also offered. Only checks or money orders are acceptable forms of payment for passport services. The office does not process passport renewals. For additional information, please visit http://www.chinohills.org/Passports.

Three Arrested For Attempted Murder In Chino

Kevin Devon
Thomas (18 yrs old)

Tariq Rayshawn Thompson (19 yrs old)

Deangelo Rabon (20 yrs old)

By Danny Nguyen

Chino – Chino police detectives alongside Special Enforcement Team and SWAT team members arrested, on Feb. 21, three young adult men for suspected armed robbery, attempted murder, and assault in their ongoing investigation involving calls made from multiple people about a disturbance in the neighborhood block of 3900 Yellowstone Circle from a house party.

18-year-old Kevin Devon Thomas from Azusa, 19-year-old Tariq Rayshawn Thompson from West Covina, and 20-year-old Deangelo Rabon from La Puente were arrested after detectives sent out 5 search warrants in the area. They started with Thomas and Thompson on the 21st, which they were booked for robbery and assault while Rabon was booked for attempted murder and robbery, according to a Chino press release.

In an article from the Chino Champion Newspapers about the incident, police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez, stated that “warrants were sent to homes at the 800 block of Vincent Avenue in Azusa, 3800 block of Muirfield Street in El Monte, the 15600 block of Amar Road, and the 900 block of Del Valle Avenue in La Puente as well as the 1700 block of E. Natalie Avenue in West Covina.”

All three are being held at the West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga, with Rabon’s bail set at $1 million, while the other two have bails set at $100,000 each.

The police investigation started on Saturday Feb. 17 when law enforcement responded to calls made about a fight that occurred at a house party. Officers intended to arrive at the crime scene, but received information from another caller, who reported witnessing an armed robbery occur at the same place where the fighting took place. It appeared that an unidentified black suspect prepared to steal the caller’s belongings and subsequently shot at the caller with a handgun. The caller could not be reached for further details.

Hours later, police answered another call from an 18-year-old guy that reported being robbed of his jewelry at gunpoint, except this time it was by two unknown black male suspects, at the same address.

It wasn’t until police responded to another call made by an injured male person the next morning on Feb. 18 roughly around 9:15am in the Chino Valley Medical Hospital Center. The police then, were able to connect the dots with the three men, even with being separate incidents. The injured victim in the hospital claimed that “he was beaten and attacked by someone with a pistol who had attempted to rob him and he was revealed to be present at the same party where the fight occurred.” Shots were fired, but fortunately the victim was not hit. The victim also claimed that another 15-year-old male was assaulted as he tried to help him.

Since the investigation is still ongoing, those with more information on the case should contact Detective Chinnis at (909) 334-3047 or at cchinnis@chinopd.org

 

Recognizing Excellence

Walnut Valley Trustees honor star students, partners in education

By Kelli Gile

WALNUT—In keeping with tradition, the Walnut Valley USD Board of Trustees honored outstanding students and partners in education during the February 21 meeting.

Castle Rock Elementary crossing guard Donna Aquila received the Partner in Education Award.

Donna, known as “Miss D” to students, has served the Diamond Bar campus for the past seven years.

“She has built relationships with students, teachers, and families,” said Principal Dr. Resma Byrne.

Donna has a special way of connecting with people whether it’s her joke of the day or sharing a personal story.

The caring crossing guard even brings a pocketful of quarters each Friday to help the children purchase popsicles.

“She loves our Castle Rock students,” Byrne said.

Donna is described as humble, takes her job seriously, and leads her life with integrity.

“She also brings staff the sweetest tangerines and homemade peanut brittle!” Byrne said.

The arrival and dismissal of students is often the most chaotic time of the day.

“But with Miss D, it’s actually fun. We’re so lucky to have her in our corner!”

Castle Rock Elementary 5th grader Austin Lee received the Super Star Student Award.

“Austin has taken great strides in learning how to take risks, make key friends, and persevere,” Dr. Byrne said.

He has also learned the art of taking a failure and turning it into an opportunity.

“We try to teach our students to work hard, analyze their mistakes, and learn from them,” the school leader said.

This is something that’s not easy for anyone, regardless of their age.

“When I look at my IB Learner Profile, I think about the traits we want our students to embody: to be caring, risk takers, thinkers, open minded, and reflective,” she described.

“I see Austin!”

“We want to recognize him tonight, not for academic success, but for his courageous attitude and ability to take risks, because that is what it’s all about.”

Quail Summit Elementary Community Club President Anna Amezcua received the Partner in Education Award.

“In my 32 years in education, I have never seen anyone as committed to every single student as Anna!” said Principal Frances Weissenberger.

“She is amazing!”

Anna stepped up to fill a vacancy as president about three years ago, and since then, has totally enriched the school’s relationship with the community at large.

Anna has established a welcoming environment that has set the tone for community and staff involvement.

The hard-working parent volunteer continually provides support for students and is a strong advocate for school programs.

She tirelessly handles her duties and has been called upon on “time and time again” to provide assistance with mother’s workshop, Santa’s Workshop, Friday Snacks, Room Parent Schedules, and more.

“Thank you for all you do, Anna. I wish we could give you a car with a red ribbon!” Weissenberger said.

Enthusiastic, optimistic and empathetic are three words that describe Quail Summit 5th graders Tristan Skipper and Brian Vu, who were honored with Super Star Student Awards.

The student leaders are rarely seen without each other and often work together to help a teacher or a fellow classmate.

Tristan and Brian both interviewed for the positions of Student Council President and Vice President.

“They were determined to make a difference and even told their teacher before the interviews that if they did not get a position, they would still want to be involved in some aspect,” Weissenberger said.

The boys were elected and now lead monthly Spirit Assemblies and daily morning flag salute.  They collect recycling every Thursday with a smile and monitor the student council fundraisers and bulletin board.

“They work with other members of student council and they contribute to any other project we challenge them with great leadership and poise,” she added.

Tristan and Brian also show leadership in the classroom, completing extra class jobs because they are reliable. They are always kind and including of other students.

“They have grown so much over the years and are models of what Quail Summit is all about… A school with a Heart,” Weissenberger said.

“Brian and Tristan are truly kind and spread their kindness to all they meet. They are role models for all our students!”

 

12 Year Old Arrested For Violent Video

By Ariana Scott

Chino Hills – On February 22, 2018, a threat to the school was made by a juvenile young male, whose actions at the school were very violent, which was enough cause for a concerned citizen to talk to Chino Hills Police. The citizen, who wished to remain anonymous, had discovered a video made by a juvenile that showed his delinquent acts at school. Deputies viewed the video in which the juvenile was reciting a rap song. The rap song had students on edge. It included lyrics speaking about fighting with other students, and concluded with lyrics about shooting a specific school staff member of the Chino Valley Unified School District. Deputies immediately initiated an investigation and identified the juvenile. School officials have been made aware of the video and the seriousness of it. Deputies contacted the juvenile and his family at their home. There was a locked safe containing firearms at the location and do not know if he could have possibly had access to that safe.
The boy was arrested and booked into Juvenile Hall. At this time, the Chino Hills Police Department has determined there are no additional threats and as of right now, everyone is safe.
Contact: Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday
Case #: 221800652
Anyone with information regarding threats to our schools is urged to contact Deputy M. Thompson or Detective Q. Holiday 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.

For full details, https://local.nixle.com.

Wasted E-Waste? Don’t Hoard It

Staff Reports

Diamond Bar – Diamond Bar residents with unwanted electronics or hazardous waste are reminded that the Los Angeles County’s popular mobile Household Hazardous Waste and E-Waste Collection is coming to Diamond Bar on Saturday, March 10.

Starting at 9 a.m. and going on until 3p.m, residents are invited to drive to the 1300 block of Bridge Gate Drive in Diamond Bar and drop of any household items banned from disposal in the garbage. Bring all of your computers, television sets, microwave ovens, batteries, expired medicine and pesticides. Recycling these items are very beneficial for the environment. Responsible E-Waste Management is our responsibility even if it is “just an old device”. Any device you donate with private information will be scrubbed and will possibly be reused as is or refurbished.

If you have an old device taking up space that you keep telling yourself you fix it one day stop fooling yourself. Sometimes throwing it away feels as if you wasted your money. This gives you the opportunity to give others opportunities they might not otherwise have had.  You know what they say “one man’s trash is another man’s treasure.

This is a drive-through event, which means that staff at the collection site will remove the items intended for disposal without the driver having to exit the vehicle.

For more information or a complete list of what you can and cannot bring, call 800.238.0173. For details about the even, contact the City’s Environmental Services Division at 909.839.7015. Or greendb@diamondbarca.gov.

 

11 Cited for Furnishing Alcohol to Minors

By Anthony Saude

 

Pomona – The Minor Decoy/Shoulder Tap Operation is a method that has been known to reduce the availability of alcohol to minors.

The Pomona Police Department is doing their part in making a concerted effort to reduce the amount of alcohol that is available to minors on the streets of Pomona. Officers participated in an operation on February 15 at various liquor/convenient store locations throughout the city of Pomona.

Here is how it works: Under the direct supervision of officers, one 19 year old minor and one 20 year old minor were sent to various liquor/convenient stores throughout the city of Pomona. They would wait outside the establishment for an adult patron to enter, inform them that they were less than 21 years of age, and then ask them if they would buy some alcohol for them.

Eleven adults were contacted and five of them offered to buy the alcohol for the minors working undercover. The adult suspects were immediately detained by the officers on the scene, after they supplied the minors with the alcohol. The officers then made sure that none of the suspects had any outstanding warrants. After it was determined that they didn’t have any warrants the officers issued each a citation to each suspect for penal code violation 25685(a)BP – Sell/furnish Alcohol to a Minor violation.

This project is part of the Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control’s Minor Decoy/ Shoulder Tap Grant Project, funded by the California Office of Traffic Safety through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. ■

 

Attempted Robbery Thwarted By Employee

By Anthony Saude

Chino – A clerk at a Chino gas station escaped injury early Tuesday morning after being shot at during an attempted robbery and struggle with the armed man.

“Chino police officers responded to a call in reference to the Arco gas station at 12100 Ramona Ave. There was a report of “shots being fired,” said police spokeswoman Monica Gutierrez.

Ms. Gutierrez said, “a man wearing dark clothing, a ski mask and armed with a handgun, approached the front doors to the store at approximately 1:29 a.m. it was there that he encountered a courageous male employee.

“A struggle ensued as the suspect tried to open the unlocked doors from the outside while the employee attempted to hold them shut,” Mrs. Gutierrez said. Although a brave thing to do probably not what the police would have recommended.

“The armed man fired multiple shots through the glass doors at the employee, causing the glass to shatter. The employee was not shot, but did suffered injuries from the shattered glass. He was treated at the scene by Chino Valley Fire District paramedics.

Mrs. Gutierrez said the suspect immediately fled the scene on foot and was nowhere to be found when the officers arrived.” Ms. Gutierrez stated, “The male employee did not get shot in the encounter but did suffer minor injuries from the shattered glass.” His wounds were treated and released at the scene by Chino Valley Fire District paramedics.

Ms. Gutierrez added, “The investigation is ongoing and the suspect is still at large at this time.”

Anyone with any information is encouraged to contact Detective Monroe at (909)334-3104 or send an email to:jmonroe@chinopd.org.

 

Chino Hills Crime Meeting

By Anthony Saude

Chino Hills – New California state legislature has changed and now crimes such as first degree burglary and battery with serious bodily injury will no longer be prosecuted as violent felonies. Police officials are saying that crime is exploding all over the state because criminals now know that they won’t be put in jail for those types of crimes. How does a criminal respond to these kinds of changes, they commit more violent crimes of course.

There will be a town hall type meeting held in the Chino Hills Community Center located at 14250 Peyton Drive on March 14 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. It is encouraged for all citizens to come out to discuss how we can take back the community from the criminals. The new legislature tells you what the law can’t do but the Chino Hills Police Department will be in giving advice on what we can do with some crime prevention techniques and education. They will be talking about burglaries and package theft in Chino Hills and some preventative measures home owners can take to prepare themselves in a responsible manner. They will also discuss how to go about reporting a crime with WeTip.

Another topic of Conversation that the police will discuss at the meeting is the cannabis industry and the new laws. Specifically they will be talking about the cultivation of Marijuana as it relates to the legalization of it recreationally.

 

 

 

WVUSD Welcomes New Faces

By Kelli Gile

Board approves Emmalyn Coles as director of nutrition services and Ryan Gaviola as director of technology

Walnut—The Walnut Valley Unified School District is proud to announce two new members to the administrative team.

The Board of Trustees approved Emmalyn Coles as the new director of nutrition services.

Coles brings over a decade of experience in the food industry, human resources management, staff development, training, and team building.

“Coming to Walnut Valley has been a game changer,” she said.

“It’s improved my quality of life being closer to my children and participating in their activities. The challenges of coming to a new organization have provided opportunities for personal and professional growth. The support from colleagues, staff, and administration has been astounding. I’m honored and humbled to be part of the Walnut Valley family.”

Most recently, Coles served as director of food services in the Hacienda La Puente Unified School District for the past six years.

Prior to that, she was food services assistant director of food services and operations supervisor in HLPUSD.

Additionally, she was a general manager for Eurest Dining Services, food services director at Huntington Culinary, area supervisor for David & Margaret Home, McKinley Children’s Center, and Leroy Haynes’ Center.

Coles holds a bachelor’s degree from California State University, Los Angeles and master’s degree in business administration from University of Phoenix. She graduated with honors from the California Culinary Academy in San Francisco.

Her family resides in Walnut and children, Aya and Isa Al-Juraishi, attend Walnut High School.

Ryan Gaviola was appointed as director of technology during the January 17 Board Meeting.

Gaviola brings 18 years of IT experience to his new post, 13 of those years in a K-12 environment.

“I am honored to be given the opportunity to serve this community and feel blessed as a member of the Walnut Valley team,” he said.

Gaviola was director of technology at San Gabriel Unified School District and Lowell Joint School District for the past decade where he was instrumental in the development of new technological initiatives.

Prior to that, he served in the Fullerton Joint Union High School District.

He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in computer information systems from DeVry University.

Gaviola resides in Walnut with his wife Chelo, a WVUSD graduate, and daughter Camille, who attends Vejar Elementary.

 

Box Truck Hydrogen Tank Fire

By Anthony Saude

Diamond Bar – It was Sunday afternoon on February 11 at about 1:23 pm when San Dimas Sheriff’s Station received a report that a vehicle was on fire at a gas station near the intersection at Golden Springs Drive and Brea Canyon Road.

Upon their arrival at the scene, the responding deputies immediately noticed the hazardous material placard on the burning Box Truck however they could not locate the driver. The deputies eventually located the driver of the engulfed truck, who told them that he had gotten scared and ran from the burning truck because he was aware that the material he was transporting was highly flammable. Once the Deputies confirmed that the driver was not at fault for the fire and that no crime had been committed, the investigation was handed over to the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

The truck was transporting tanks filled with hydrogen gas when it caught fire. The remaining tanks that had not been affected by the fire, had to be manually released by Air Products (Proprietor) with the Los Angeles County Fire Department standing by for safety purposes. Although the process took quite some time to complete, it was the safest, non-toxic way to handle the situation.

Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department assisted Los Angeles County Fire Department with evacuations of the nearby businesses and residences. LASD enlisted the help of a total of nine other LA County Fire Stations (Altadena, Crescenta Valley, Diamond Bar, San Dimas, East Los Angeles, Norwalk, Temple, Pico Rivera and Walnut). The Emergency Operations Bureau were also brought out to help with road closures and some precautionary evacuations. The “Precautionary Evacuations” had NOT been lifted as of 8:45 PM on Sunday.

Evacuation Areas:
-Area West of Valley Vista Drive/East of Lemon Avenue
-Areas South of the 60 Freeway/North of the 57 Freeway
When evacuations become necessary there are some items residents can get ready.

Prepare yourself with a “go bag” that contains:

Your identification

Your Medications

Any important documents you might have or need (birth certificates, marriage certificates, etc.)

Any emergency supplies you need

a change of clothes and toiletries

You never know how long you will be away from home if evacuated.
Check with you local Sherriff or Fire Department for evacuation shelters in your area. This evacuation event had the following shelters available for use.
Emergency Shelter:
*Diamond Bar High school (Overnight Accommodations)
21400 Pathfinder Road Diamond Bar CA 91765
*Calvary Chapel Golden Springs Church
22324 Golden Springs Drive Diamond Bar CA 91765
Deputies will remained in the area to provide security and escorts if necessary.
– Assist with notifications and evacuations if they become necessary;
– Protect residences, businesses and property;
– Provide posts at road closures;
– And assist the community as needed.

All the residents that were affected by the Box Truck Hydrogen Tank Fin in Diamond Bar were able to return to their homes by 3:45 a.m. by 3:30 am on Monday, February 12.

In order to provide for the safety of homeowners and first responders, residents are always encouraged to comply with the evacuation orders.

The LASD wants all the residents and business partners that were affected by the evacuations for their patience. The cooperation enabled the LASD to work efficiently with partnering agencies to provide the community with a safe environment throughout the event. They also thanked all the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department personnel for assisting with the evacuations and road closures.

26-Year-Old Man’s Body Identified

By Anthony Saude

Corona – The young man’s body that was unceremoniously discarded in the middle of a Corona street last week has been identified by family members. Michael Williams, who had recently turned 26, was an aspiring chef according to his grief-stricken relatives.

The family gathered for a vigil at the scene to mourn and remember their slain precious Michael. A little later on that Monday the Corona police confirmed that Williams was the person they had found.

Five days earlier the Corona Police Department responded to a report that there was a pedestrian lying in the middle of the street. When they arrived at the 1300 block of Old Temescal Road shortly before 2 a.m. they discovered Williams’s lifeless body. A homicide investigation into the crime was opened immediately.

His mother Elyse Vaughn told reporters, “it’s a call that you never want to get.” She told them that she wished it was like a bad dream that she could wake up from but it’s not.

Family members told reporters that they believe he may have been dumped in the remote industrial area where he was found. They had no idea why he would be in the area.

“Michael was fun-loving, he was a very sweet young man,” Vaughn told reporters. “There’s so much to say about him. It’s hard to put it in words. He was the light of our lives … he was the energy that walked into every room.”

The family is very confused about who would want to hurt their sweet Michael. They can’t think of anbody that would want to hurt him. The family says he was a very kind, gentle fun loving person that had a lot of friends.

There is a Gofundme page set up to help the family pay for funeral costs that describes Williams as “a kind, funny, gentle and truly compassionate soul,” who “loved basketball, music, fashion and food.”

It is always a tragedy when people are struck down senselessly at such a young age. They will never get to watch their child get married or see their grandchildren be born or grow up. This type of crime robs so many people of so much happiness that should have been part of their lives in the future.

Corona Police Department said that the investigation is still ongoing. They are searching for surveillance video from nearby businesses that could help solve the crime.

A cause of death has not been released at this time but it is being investigated as a homicide according to the police. If anyone has any information in relative to the crime they are encouraged to call the Corona police at 951-279-3628

 

Lemon Ave Onramp Finally Comes To Fruition

Photo Credit: Mike Armijo

By Michael Armijo

Diamond Bar, CA – The long awaited Lemon Avenue onramps and off ramps are finally being constructed, with most of the foundation and grading done.

The cities of Diamond Bar and Industry, in cooperation with the Alameda Corridor East (ACE) Construction Authority and the California Department of Transportation District 7 (Caltrans) and the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), started constructing the new interchange on State Route 60 (SR-60) at Lemon Avenue. The project will improve traffic operations by providing direct access to SR-60 from the surrounding areas.

The project will construct a partial (three-legged) interchange, a WB on-ramp, and EB on-and off-ramps from Lemon Avenue. It will also permanently remove the existing EB off – and on-ramps at Brea Canyon Road. An auxiliary lane from the proposed EB on-ramp to the connector to SB SR-57 will also be constructed.

The ramps will help congestion on the local level that has been plaguing Walnut, Diamond Bar, and surrounding cities. There are many industrial sites that have lots of employees who use the existing ramps on Fairway, Golden Springs and Grand Avenue. These new ramps should help those congested areas significantly as follows:

The construction will cause some delays, as Friday, February 23, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. – Monday, February 26, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. 2 lanes of eastbound SR-60 will CLOSED between Fairway Drive and Brea Canyon Road Eastbound on-ramp from northbound Fairway Drive CLOSED.
Friday, March 2, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. – Monday, March 5, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. 2 lanes of eastbound SR-60 will be CLOSED between Fairway Drive and Brea Canyon Road Eastbound Brea Canyon Road will also be CLOSED.
Friday, March 9, 2018 at 10:00 p.m. – Monday, March 12, 2018 at 5:00 a.m. (tentative)
2 lanes of eastbound SR-60 will be CLOSED between Fairway Drive and Brea Canyon Road Eastbound Brea Canyon Road off-ramp will be CLOSED.

Consturction began last January 23, 2017 when the street was closed for street widening and center median removal. A few months earlier crews began brush clearance in preparation of the freeway ramps. Portions of the freeway sound wall within the work area was temporarily removed during construction. Access to local businesses and residences were maintained.

The existing sound wall along EB SR-60 west of Lemon Avenue will be removed and a new sound wall will be installed along the edge of pavement of the EB off – and on-ramps.

A new traffic signal will be constructed along Lemon Avenue at the new EB ramps. Traffic signal modifications will also be made at the Golden Springs Drive/Lemon Avenue intersection and at the Golden Springs Drive/Existing EB ramp intersection near the Market World shopping center.

The construction of the new ramps at Lemon Avenue will also eliminate the Truck Route designation along Golden Springs Drive between Brea Canyon Road and Lemon Avenue. (Anthony Saude helped with story)

Chino City Manager’s Contract Extended

By Anthony Saude

Chino – Matt Ballantyne is so well thought of by Chino mayor Eunice Ulloa and the rest of the city council that they unanimously voted to extend his contract four more years until 2023. The decision was voted on during the city council’s regular meeting on Tuesday, February 6. The feeling of the mayor and the council is they would rather be safe than sorry.

Ballantyne has done such an excellent job since he beat out 72 applicants in 1972 to replace the retired Pat Glover, the former city manager. Mr. Ballantyne was previously the city manager for San Marino, a community in the San Gabriel Valley. He has two master’s degrees, in public administration and urban and regional planning, along with a bachelor’s degree from the University of California, Los Angeles in geography and environmental studies.

The City of Chino has rewarded him with 4 contract extensions over the years each one well before the expiration of his current contract. It has been widely reported that the mayor is so enamored with his performance she said that “he is just to doggone good to lose” and “he is such an excellent city manager we don’t want to give any of the surrounding cities a chance to snatch him up.“  His original contract was extended two years in 2014 to the end of 2017. On October 4 2017, it was extended an additional year until July 31, 2018. The city then extended that contract on October 4 2016, until the end of July 2019.

There were some additional changes made to his contract at that time that included increasing the severance agreement to 12 months or the unexpired term of the contract, which ever was less if Mr. Ballantyne was terminated without cause. Tuesday night’s extension has guaranteed his services in Chino until July 31, 2023. The city manager’s salary was set at $21,653 monthly as of the end of 2016, with a total annual compensation package, that includes benefits is $391,491.