Tag Archives: Chino Hills

Chino Hills: Sandbags Now Available

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills – In preparation for El Niño, the City of Chino Hills Public Works Department has been cleaning V-ditches along slopes and roadways, and has also been cleaning debris from storm drains, catch basins, and flood control channels. If you see any of these areas clogged with debris, report the location by calling Public Works at (909) 364-2800 or the after-hours on-call hotline at (909) 364-2860.

The City of Chino Hills and the Chino Valley Fire District encourage residents to take steps to protect their property before the rain begins. Homeowners should do their part by clearing debris from rain gutters, downspouts, and drains so water can flow and drain properly. Residents with yards that are prone to erosion during heavy rains should consider implementing erosion control mechanisms such as sandbags and the use of straw rolls or wattles. Residents should check roofs for leaks, damage, or displaced tiles, and pay close attention to areas where separation could occur, such as around the chimney.

The City of Chino Hills has delivered sand, and the Chino Valley Fire District has delivered sandbags to Fire Station No. 64, located at 16231 Canon Lane; and to Fire Station No. 62, located at 5551 Butterfield Ranch Road. Citizens with proof of residency will be issued 25 sandbags per household. Bring a shovel to fill the sandbags. For tips on filling and placing sandbags, visit http://www.chinovalleyfire.org/sandbags. For properties that require significant sandbagging, sandbags are available for purchase at local hardware stores.

For more information, please visit the City website at http://www.chinohills.org/ElNino to learn more about what you can do to prepare, how to stay safe during floods and heavy rains, and website links to other helpful resources.

Winning Ticket Sold in Chino Hills

Photo courtesy of Facebook 7-11 clerk celebrates winning ticket

Photo courtesy of Facebook
7-11 clerk celebrates winning ticket

By Carol Heyen

CHINO HILLS– Lady Luck struck Chino Hills on Wednesday night, after it was announced that a winning Powerball ticket had been bought at the 7-11 convenience store on Chino Hills Parkway and Pipeline Avenue.

Chino Hills’ residents eagerly checked their tickets after it was announced that the winning ticket was bought in the city.  Ashley Wagenhoffer, a Chino Hills resident, admitted to checking her tickets “more times than I’d like to admit.”

The winner has not come forward, but Chino Hillians were still cheering on their city.  The 7-11 was swarmed by residents eager to celebrate the win with shop owners.  The store will receive a $1 million bonus for selling the winning ticket.

The ticket, worth approximately $528 million, was one of three winning tickets sold for this week’s record $1.5 billion Powerball drawing.  The other winning tickets were sold in Tennessee and Florida.  This was the largest lottery prize ever offered in North America.

For every $1 in lottery sales, half goes to prize winnings, 40 percent goes to education and 10 percent goes to the retailers who sell the tickets and administrative costs.

Chino Valley Students March in 2016 Rose Parade

Photo courtesy: CVUSD

Photo courtesy: CVUSD
Chino High students Topanga Betke (left), August Decker-Curry, and Kayla Arcoverde were among the five Chino Valley Unified School District students who participated in the 2016 Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1 as part of the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Parade Honor Band.

A Rosy Beginning for the New Year
Staff Reports
Chino Valley – Five high school students from Chino Valley Unified School District celebrated the New Year in style – marching down Colorado Boulevard in the 127th Tournament of Roses Parade.

Don Lugo High School students Anthony Erroa (alto saxophone) and Alana Pineda (color guard) and Chino High’s August Decker-Curry (trumpet), Topanga Betke (tall flag) and Kayla Arcoverde (banner) participated in Southern California’s New Year’s tradition as members of the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Parade Honor Band.
Over 600 high school students audition each year for the 200-plus spots in the band and pageantry, according to the pageant organizers.

After an intense audition and weeks of endurance training and practice, these students now have bragging rights as part of an elite group of performers that marched the famed six-mile route in Pasadena. The Pasadena City College Honor Band has participated in the Rose Parade since 1930.

“The students will have marched over 25 miles in rehearsal before they step on to the parade route on January 1,” the pageant website noted.  “This is one reason why the Tournament of Roses Honor Band looks and sounds as good at the end of the parade as they do at the beginning.”

Chino Hills First Dog Park Opens

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills Council Member Peter Rogers poses with his dog Chloe and Sparky, the fire dog, makes quick friends with Chloe.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills
Council Member Peter Rogers poses with his dog Chloe and Sparky, the fire dog, makes quick friends with Chloe.

By Monique Valadez

 

Chino Hills – The newest addition to Chino Hills’ is for the dogs. After more than a decade of discussion and planning, Vila Borba Park – the city’s first ever off-leash dog park – is now open to the public.

A fanfare of nearly 200 people and their furry four-legged friends gathered at the grand opening ceremony Dec. 18.

City officials and community members snipped the official red ribbon but it was Sparky the Fire Dog and McGruff the Crime-Fighting Dog that made the “leash cutting” ceremonies complete for all dogs in attendance.

The 5.6-acre park is located south of Pine Avenue west of Butterfield Ranch Road at 17001 Amadora Drive. It offers a fenced in space for both big and little dogs to roam freely. The park comes equipped with convenient dog waste stations and dog-appropriate water fountains. There is also a Tot Lot play area for children, picnic areas, exercise stations, and walking paths. The park will be open from 7 a.m. until dusk each day.

City officials say it’s free and open to all dog owners, though there are a few rules. Dogs must be at least four months old and non-aggressive, and owners are asked to keep a leash with them at the park – though dogs can be unleashed within the fence.
City officials say the park has been more than a decade-long project. The concept of a dog park in this city was first addressed in March 2000 by the Parks and Recreation Commission, through a community engagement process, according to the city’s staff report.

Developer’s Standard Pacific presented plans for its new 200-home project to the city council and offered to incorporate a dog park. Standard Pacific built the dog park at no cost to the City as part of their requirement to provide park space.

Residents of the city also rallied behind the cause by starting the nonprofit Dog Park for Chino Hills. The group’s next fundraising efforts are to install commemorative bricks in a section of the park.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills City officials, local legislators and community members join in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Tot Lot children playground at Vila Borba Park.

Photo Courtesy: City of Chino Hills
City officials, local legislators and community members join in the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Tot Lot children playground at Vila Borba Park.

Chino Hills Boys’ Basketball Wins Major Tournament

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – Chino Hills High boys’ basketball team received an early Christmas gift last Wednesday when they won the City of Palms Classic Tournament in Florida.

The Chino Hills Huskies won the prominent tournament with a 66-60 overtime victory against Patrick School of Elizabeth, N.J.

“It’s the best tournament in the nation,” said Chino Hills coach Steve Baik. “I think we have a chance to be named No. 1 in the nation now, so to have this opportunity, for a little public school out in California, it’s like a dream come true. We want to keep it rolling.”

The Huskies knocked off some of the nation’s best boys basketball teams to reach the top including Thomas Jefferson High of New York, Monteverde Academy of Florida, and High Point Christian of North Carolina.

With the victory, Chino Hills became the fifth California school to win the tournament and the first since Santa Ana Mater Dei in 2008.

The UCLA-bound senior Lonzo Ball was named the tournament’s Most Valuable Player and scored 20 points in the final. His brothers, LiAngelo and LaMelo, Onyeka Oknongwu and Elizjah Scott also made impressive plays to take the All-Star Team to victory.

The Huskies are also seeking to be named the best boys’ basketball team in the country when ranking results are released this week by a USA Today High School Sports Poll.

The Huskies winning streak will continue at the MaxPreps Holiday Classic Tournament through Dec. 29 in Rancho Mirage.

Two Men Arrested for Vehicle Theft in Chino Hills

Photos by San Bernardino County Sheriff – Chino Hills Station Stolen vehicle and items recovered by Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies.

Photos by San Bernardino County Sheriff – Chino Hills Station
Stolen vehicle and items recovered by Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies.

By Sara Cipollone

Chino Hills – Two Riverside County men were arrested on Sunday, Dec. 20 by the Chino Hills Sheriff’s Station in response to a service call regarding a vehicle burglary.
On Sunday morning, the Chino Hills deputies responded to a call reporting a vehicle burglary in progress. Adam Rudolph, 23, of Riverside and John Gillespie, 26, of Menifee were arrested in relation to the report.
The reporting party provided police with a description of the suspect vehicle and the last known direction of travel, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. Deputies set up a perimeter and conducted a traffic stop on the suspect vehicle on Rock Springs Drive, just west of Oakland Way.
Police found several stolen items inside the suspects’ vehicle which link them to an ongoing investigation involving numerous victims throughout the city of Chino Hills.
Rudolph and Gillespie were identified during a lineup and booked at West Valley Detention Center for burglary, conspiracy to commit burglary, and possession of stolen property.

Wild Winds Blast through IE

Photo courtesy of Facebook A driveway covered with tumbleweeds greeted this Chino Hills’ homeowner.

Photo courtesy of Facebook
A driveway covered with tumbleweeds greeted this Chino Hills’ homeowner.

By Carol Heyen

Inland Empire – A National Weather Service wind advisory came to fruition Saturday as strong winds pummeled the Inland Empire.
Winds gusting over 40 miles per hour sent dirt and tumbleweeds flying across the 71 freeway and into Chino Hills’ yards.  Drivers swerved to avoid the damaging weeds as they flew by.
Houses were shaking from the winds and hundreds of trees were blown over as residents hunkered down to escape the gusts.
Residents took to Facebook to complain about the wild winds.  Many people lost brand-new drone and helicopter Christmas gifts as they were caught up in the gusts.  Garbage cans and Christmas decorations were found blown down streets, and wooden fences were blown over.
In Eastvale, a backyard palapa was snapped off its pole and landed upside down in the family’s Jacuzzi, and a trampoline that had been staked down flew up and over a brick wall.
Cleaning up the mess was no easy task.  Chino Hills’ resident Steven A. Velasquez Sr. likened clean-up to “bailing water out of a sinking boat.”
City clean-up crews were seen in Chino Hills on Sunday, helping to dispose of the tumbleweeds from residents’ front yards and streets.
Some blame El Niño for the windy and freezing conditions that swept across the southland over the Christmas holiday.
NASA reports that the 2015 El Niño, currently unfolding in the eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean, is the strongest since 1997-98. According to officials, the worst is yet to come with weather events likely to peak in early 2016.
The strong winds serve as a reminder to be prepared. The Federal Emergency Management Association (FEMA) say that high winds can be just as dangerous as heavy rain or snow. They remind residents to remove or secure items that are typically outside.
Bring patio furniture, garden tools, garbage cans, and toys inside. Trim or remove trees close enough to fall on the building. Anchor objects that are unsafe to bring inside, like gas grills or propane tanks.

Identity Theft in Chino Hills

Chino Hills Arrest Card Fraud 3

Photo courtesy: SBCS-Chino Hills

Over 80 Victims in 4 Counties
Staff Reports

 
Chino Hills – Officers arrested a Diamond Bar man on suspicion of identity theft, manufacturing or altering credit cards, and possession of credit card manufacturing equipment Dec. 2, Chino Hills’ sheriff officials said.

Chino Hills’ sheriff deputies discovered that Michael David Soriano, 35, had unlawfully obtained the identity, email, and credit card information from a Chino Hills resident, which he used at the Chino Hills Buffalo Wild Wings. Deputies traced the fraudulent activity to Soriano, and a search warrant was issued. Deputies confiscated several devices to manufacture and alter credit cards. Soriano was in possession of over 80 fraudulent credit cards. Additionally, deputies located numerous names, addresses, and credit card numbers that belonged to victims in San Bernardino, Orange, Los Angeles, and San Diego Counties. Numerous victims in those counties were contacted by deputies, who were not aware their personal information had been unlawfully obtained and used. Soriano was arrested and booked at the West Valley Detention Center.

 

 

Hagman Hosts Jolly Open House

Chino Hills HagmanStaffatXMAS open house by FB.jpg

Photo courtesy: Hagman’s office

By Monique Valadez

Chino Hills – San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman welcomed friends around the community to his annual Christmas open house Dec. 10 at the Chino Hills City Hall lobby. More than 70 people including Santa Claus turned up for the festive affair decked out with carolers from Diamond Ranch High School, sweet treats and tacos.

Among the participants were local city officials, public safety personnel, representatives from Pomona’s Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez’s and Chino’s Senator Connie Leyva’s office and constituents from across San Bernardino County.

Hagman addressed the attendees, reaffirming his support for the lives lost in the horrific shooting in San Bernardino.

“It’s going to be a long healing process but together we are strong and will overcome this tragedy,” Hagman said.

“It was encouraging to see our community come together and support one another while remembering the season of hope.”

 

Chino Hills’ Passport Services Closed for Winter Break

Staff Reports

Chino Hills – The holiday season isn’t just a busy time for shoppers. It’s also a busy time for international travelers. Passport agencies across the country say it is one of the busiest times of the year for travelers and passport services. Due to the city’s winter holiday closure, the City Clerk’s Passport Acceptance Office will be closed for the winter break between Monday, Dec. 14 and Friday, Jan. 1. Services will resume on Monday, Jan. 4.
Some local post offices offer passport services. Chino and Chino Hills post offices are official passport acceptance locations. The Chino Hills Post Office located at 14071 Peyton Dr., can be reached at (909) 548-0695. The Chino Post Office located at 5375 Walnut Ave., can be reached at (909) 364-1364.
To find a passport agency with extended hours, visit the passport information website at http://www.travel.state.gov to find out alternate passport processing locations during the City Hall closure.

Happy 24th Anniversary City of Chino Hills!

City of Chino Hills

Chino Hills– The City of Chino Hills celebrates its 24th anniversary of incorporation on December 1, 1991! On Election Day in 1991, 58% of the voters elected to become the 24th incorporated City within the County of San Bernardino. Voters also chose the name “Chino Hills” instead of “Canyon Hills” and elected five Chino Hills residents to represent them as City Council Members at large. The newly elected City Council Members had the task of selecting the first Mayor. They opted to order the Council according to the number of votes received. The City’s first Mayor was Gwenn Norton-Perry, followed by Mayor Pro Tem James S. Thalman, and Council Members Gary G. Larson, Michael G. Wickman, and Ed Graham.

3 Arrested For Stealing Mail in Chino Hills

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – Three people were arrested for stealing mail from Chino Hills’ neighborhoods, according to Chino Hills Police Department.

Rekha Bun, 41, of Norwalk, Joel Berberabe, 34, of San Dimas, and Chingtai Ngo, 34, of Long Beach each face several counts of felony theft.

The San Bernardino County Sheriff, Chino Hills Station says three suspects were arrested in November for mail theft.
On Nov. 19, the Chino Hills Sheriff’s office received a call of people stealing mail from home mailboxes near Turquoise Circle and Feldspar Lane. Area resident’s provided authorities with a description of the suspects and vehicle license plate number.

Deputies located the suspect’s vehicle at a hotel in Pomona. Authorities issued a search warrant for the hotel room.  At the scene, deputies recovered stolen mail from Chino Hills residents, equipment to manufacture fraudulent access cards, numerous stolen credit cards, stolen Social Security Cards, fraudulent credit cards, and narcotics.

Bun, Berberabe and Ngo were booked into the West Valley Detention Center. Investigators say the stolen mail will be released to the U.S. Postal inspector who then will notify victims.

 

The U.S. Postal Inspection Service offers the following tips to protect your mail.

  • Use the letter slots at your post office to mail letters, or give them to a letter carrier.
  • Pick up your mail promptly after delivery. Don’t leave it in your mailbox overnight.
  • Destroy or shred all unneeded documents that contain personal & financial information. These include credit card receipts, insurance forms, medical and bank statements, AND credit card offers.
  • Don’t send cash in the mail.
  • Ask your bank for “secure” checks that can’t be altered.
  • Tell your post office when you’ll be out of town, so they can hold your mail until you return.
  • Report all mail theft to a Postal Inspector.

 

4 Arrested for Credit Card Fraud

fraud-WEBStaff Reports

CHINO HILLS – Four suspects were arrested Nov. 17 for credit card sham at a Chino Hills business.

According to detective, Silvano Flores Orozco, Celene Rodriguez, and Juan Rodriguez were captured on video surveillance at a business in Chino Hills using fraudulent credit cards. During the investigation, detectives identified one of the male suspects as Silvano Flores Orozco, 34, of West Covina.

On Nov. 17, a search warrant was issued for the arrest of Orozco, Celene Rodriguez, 30, of Montclair, Juan Rodriguez, 22, of Baldwin Park and Kevin Minive, 26, of Downey, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s press release. Over 150 fraudulent access cards, numerous victims of identity theft and over $25,000.00 in fraudulently purchased items were recovered during the arrest, officials reported. The four suspects were booked into the West Valley Detention Center.
Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department. If you choose to remain anonymous you may call WeTip at 1-800-78-CRIME. You may be eligible for up to a $1,000 reward.
 

Sheriff and Local Officials Inspire Pop Warner Team

Staff Reports

 

CHINO HILLS – San Bernardino County Sheriffs and Supervisor Curt Hagman turned out to be a great defense for Diamond Bar’s Pop Warner Football team during its weekly Monday Night Football fundraiser Nov. 16 at Pacific Fish Grill in Chino Hills.

Assistant Coach Deon Edwards said the event was also an opportunity for the kids to discover how cool it is to be a Sheriff and help build a positive relationship with community leaders.

The 16 young players – ages seven and eight – had their share of defeat. At the start of the season, they had gone through three coaches and lost every game often playing against teams twice their physical size.

So the team and families pulled from their resources and worked to rebuild morale and stay motivated.

“These kids are truly resilient and have gone through so much,” Edwards said. “At one point, we even had the dads help out coaching during the season.”

Local businesses poured out their support. At Monday’s event, Red Dragon Karate of Diamond Bar gave each player and their siblings a certificate for 2 weeks free classes. Sheriff’s gave goody bags. Pacific Fish Grill gave the kid’s meal certificates for some fresh and healthy food. Supervisor Curt Hagman gave Certificates of Recognition to each player for their hard work and dedication.

Pacific Fish Grill heard about what the team was going through and decided to donate 20 percent from all receipts during Monday Night Football each week to help the kids afford a team party, lifting their spirits and give them a place to come together and watch the game, Edwards said.

San Bernardino County Lt. Sheriff Dave Phelps also heard about the team and gathered a few Sheriff Deputies to spend some time with the young players and encourage them.

“Deon and I teamed up and decided to reach out to our local communities in seeking some help to fundraise for our team,” Priscilla Gibbs, the team’s photographer said. “We were both eager to share our team’s experience. These kids have worked so hard.”

The boys and team of supporters intend to continue sharing their story of resilience and dedication as well as motivate the young players.

“The kids will remember this day with a smile for the rest of their lives,” Edwards said.

Pedestrian Fatally Struck in Chino Hills

Staff Reports

Chino Hills –Terry Alan Read, 57, of Chino Hills was killed early Tuesday morning (Nov. 17) as he walked southbound on Valle Vista Drive, police officials said.

Chino Hills Police Department responded to the scene of the fatal traffic collision at Valle Vista Drive and Oakshire Lane in Chino Hills.
Chino Hills police investigators said, Veonna Gallimore, 41, of Chino Hills was driving east on Valle Vista Drive in a Chevrolet Trailblazer when she struck Read walking south on Valle Vista Drive just east of Oakshire Lane.

Read was walking in the traffic lane when he was struck by Gallimore. He was pronounced dead at the scene. Gallimore was transported to Chino Valley Hospital for complaint of pain and a precautionary evaluation. Alcohol and/or drugs were not a factor in the collision, authorities said. The investigation is ongoing to determine the cause of the collision.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is urged to contact the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000. 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 website at www.wetip.com

Chino Hills Launches New Utility Bill

Utility bill aims to provide water usage data, easy-to-read information

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – Residents of Chino Hills have a new utility bill that will cover water, sewer and trash starting this month.

The utility bill was redesigned following customer suggestions and ideas. Residents requested easy-to-follow information on water usage and consumption history as well as more clear and transparent language, according to a City-issued press release.

City Manager Rad Bartlam believes that the newly designed utility bill will help residents understand monthly water usage and remain vigilant in their water conservation efforts.
“Residents wanted to see their water usage in gallons, not the typical “hundred cubic feet (CCF)” used by water providers,” said Bartlam. “They also wanted to see the results of their water saving efforts on a monthly and yearly basis. The City is very interested in our residents having that information so that we can continue to work toward meeting our State-mandated 28 percent reduction in water use.”

Residents stated receiving the new utility bill along with a flyer explaining the new utility bill on Nov. 9.

The new utility bill includes a previous month and current month comparison of their total monthly water usage in gallons and CCFs.

According to city officials, customers will also see an easy-to-read bar graph that shows a month-by- month comparison of water consumption data for the current year and previous year, if the historical information is available for the account. Customers also have access to water consumption history online, but the new design will make it conveniently available on the monthly bill, officials added.

The water section of the bill includes charges for the system that delivers the water, as well as the cost of the water used. The line item “City Maintenance Charge,” reflects the costs to have the system ready to deliver water (water pipes, pumping stations, maintenance, personnel, etc.) and is based upon the size of the meter.

For residential properties, the cost of water is tiered, so the costs increase as the usage increases. The bill now reflects the Tier 1, 2, and 3 rates and provides the final total for water charges. The Tier rates also vary depending upon the rate zone, which is noted at the top of the bill under “Account Information.” The City is divided into three rate zones, based upon geography (low, intermediate, high), to reflect the costs of pumping the water to higher elevations.

The sewer section of the bill also includes the amount charged by the Inland Empire

Utilities Agency (IEUA) for sewer treatment labeled as “IEUA Pass-thru Treatment Fee,” and the “City Maintenance Charge” which reflects the costs to have the City’s sewer system ready to move sewage to the IEUA treatment Plant (sewer pipes, pumping stations, maintenance, personnel, etc.). “City Pumping Charge reflects the costs to pump sewage within the City sewer system, if necessary.

Trash charges on the bill are listed as a line item and the “Bill Summary” section has the typical items such as the last payment, outstanding balance, adjustments, current charges, and the total balance due. The bill also includes a “Special Message” section for messages of general interest to residents and businesses.

Free Flu Shots At Chino Hills High

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – If you don’t have insurance and need to get flu shots for you or your children, the San Bernardino County Health Department will be giving free flu shots Thursday, Nov. 19.

Flu shots will be provided to adults, including senior citizens and pregnant women, as well as children. Children must be three years of age and older, and children 18 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Children below nine years of age may require two doses of flu vaccines (four weeks apart) based on prior vaccination history.

The clinic will be open from 3 until 5 p.m. at Chino Hills High School, located at 16150 Pomona Rincon Road.

Chino Hills High School is a Point of Dispensing (POD) site where the community can go to receive medication and/or vaccinations during a public health emergency, such as a pandemic influenza or bioterrorism.

The flu shots are provided and administered by the County of San Bernardino Department of Public Health, Preparedness and Response Program.

Adopt-A-Family in Chino Hills

Photo Courtesy: DandelionMoms.com

Photo Courtesy: DandelionMoms.com

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS-The City of Chino Hills is seeking donors for the annual Adopt-A-Family Program to assist families who face difficult financial hardships that may prevent them from providing food, clothing, and gifts for their families during the holiday season.
Established in 2005, Chino Hills’ Adopt-A-Family Program offers community members the opportunity to give back to less fortunate families during Christmas.
Families qualify for the program through an application and interview process.  Residents, local businesses, and community groups are asked to “adopt” one or more of these families to provide them with the items they need so they may have a happy holiday season.  Donors must complete a donation form and submit it by 4 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 13 to the Recreation Division at City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, or online at http://www.chinohills.org/AdoptAFamily.
Donors may select a small, medium, or large family to “adopt.” The family’s Christmas wish list will be provided no later than Nov. 16, after all interviews have been conducted.
Adopt-A-Family donors are required to drop off their wrapped and labeled gifts at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, from 7:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 30.
If unable to Adopt-A-Family, gift cards can also be donated and used to purchase gifts for a family. Gift Card Donors must complete the online form and mail or drop the gift card off at Chino Hills City Hall, 14000 City Center Drive, Chino Hills, CA 91709.
For additional information, please call the Recreation Division at (909) 364-2730.

9 Wins for Ayala High Band and Colorguard

Courtesy of CVUSD Ayala HS Band

Courtesy of CVUSD
Ayala HS Band

By Julie Gobin/CVUSD

CHINO HILLS – For the ninth time, Ayala High Band and Colorguard has earned the title of Regional Champion by winning the Bands of America Regional Championship on Oct. 24 in Long Beach.
The nine wins are the most ever won by a California band, according to Ayala band director Mark Stone.
Ayala also won Regional Champion in 2006, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013, and 2014. There was no regional competition in 2011, Mr. Stone, who was recently chosen as an instrumental staff director for the Bands of America Honor Band Tournament of Roses Parade in 2017, said.
Ayala Band and Colorguard (BAC) also won all caption awards at the Oct. 24 competition for outstanding music, performance, outstanding visual performance, and outstanding general effect. Twenty-one high school marching bands — representing California, Arizona, Nevada, and Texas — competed at the 2015 Bands of America Regional Championship.
In addition, Ayala High Band took first overall in the large band division at a Western Band Association contest on Oct. 10 at Vista Murrieta High in Murrieta. The band also took first place caption awards in general effect, music, visual, and percussion. The band’s color guard took fourth in the auxiliary category.
Chino’s Don Lugo High Band also went home with honors during the Oct. 10 competition. They came in first place in a smaller band division. Don Lugo also took first place caption awards in general effect, music, and auxiliary; second place in visual; and third place in percussion.

Stone said the 235 students in the Ayala BAC have been working hard since June to prepare themselves for their busy marching band season. The band even missed trick or treating on Halloween to perform at a competition at Mission Viejo High School. The Halloween spirit was in full swing with Booster members offering students candy from the trunks of their vehicles and a couple of students in costume.  The students began competing in October and continue this month.
Ayala will compete Saturday, Nov. 7 in the Mira Mesa High School Field Tournament in San Diego. It will also compete Saturday, Nov. 14 at the Riverside City College Big Orange Classic Field Show Tournament in Riverside, and Saturday, Nov. 21 at the Western Band Association Championships in Fresno.

Chino Valley Mail Ballot Drop-Off Locations

Staff Reports

Chino Valley– San Bernardino County’s Registrar of Voters has set up several mail ballot drop-off locations throughout the county including the Chino Valley Fire District, city halls, and libraries. The consolidated general election is Nov. 3.
Some of the Chino Valley drop-off boxes are located at the following locations:
Chino City Hall, 13220 Central Ave., Chino
Chino Hill City Hall, 14000 City Center Dr.
Chino Branch Library, 13180 Central Ave., Chino
Chino Hills Branch Library, 14020 City Center Ave., Chino Hills
Cal Aero Preserve Academy Branch Library, 15850 Main St., Chino
Chino Valley Independent Fire Department, 14011 City Center Dr., Chino Hills
For a complete list of countywide locations, visit http://www.sbcountyelections.com/Voting/MailBallotDropOff/2015/1103.aspx
The public can drop off mail ballots during regular business hours, Monday through Friday between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. The ROV will pick up mail ballots every Tuesday until the election. The last pick-up will take place on Tuesday, November 3, 2015 at 5:00 p.m.
Voters can still sign up to receive a mail ballot by filling out the Mail Ballot Application found on the back cover of their Voter Information Guide, by downloading an application from the Elections Office website, or by calling the Elections Office. Voted mail ballots may be returned via the U.S. Postal Service, in person to any polling place on Election Day, or to one of the 30 mail ballot drop-off locations prior to Election Day. The deadline to apply for a Mail Ballot is seven days prior to Election Day.
Voters can find their polling place assignments at http://www.sbcountyelections.com or by calling (909) 387-8300.