Tag Archives: City of Chino Hills

Canyon Hills Junior High Robotics Club Seeking World Championship

Photo courtesy CVUSD

Photo courtesy CVUSD
State Champion Canyon Hills Robotics Club

Courtesy of Chino Valley Unified School District

CHINO HILLS– Canyon Hills Junior High School’s Robotics Team is planning to compete in the VEX World Championships in Louisville, Kentucky, April 20-23, 2016.
The competition requires students to design, build and compete with VEX EDR robots.
The first-year team has been named 2016 State Champions in VEX robot competition. They have also been named Tournament and Excellence Champions, Programming Champions, Skills Champions, received sportsmanship awards, and an innovation award.
Their advisor, Canyon Hills Junior High science teacher Isaac “Jami” Cabase, started an afterschool robotics club in fall 2014 at the school in Chino Hills.

Golf With Your Local Sheriffs In Chino Hills

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club

CHINO HILLS – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of the sheriff department’s 150 volunteers next month.
The tournament will begin at 11:30 a.m. April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “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.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
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: beverage cart 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 Scroggin 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.

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.

Deputies Looking for Chino Hills Robbery Suspect

Staff Reports
On Saturday, March 19, 2016, at approximately 5:35 a.m., the Circle K Store at 4200 Chino Hills Parkway in Chino Hills was robbed.  The suspect entered the store, placed a pack of gum on the counter and held out a one dollar bill. When the store clerk opened the cash drawer, the suspect reached over the counter, threatened the clerk, and removed the cash drawer. The suspect stole cash and an unknown amount of scratcher lottery tickets. After reviewing video footage, it was determined the suspect was also involved in a robbery in the city of Chino approximately 20 minutes earlier.
The suspect is described as a 25-30 year old Hispanic male adult, approximately 6’0” tall, 190 pounds, with black hair and a medium build.

Anyone with information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.  If you wish to remain anonymous you may call WeTip at (800) 78-CRIME.

Golf with Your Local Sheriffs in Chino Hills

By Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club

 

CHINO HILLS – The Walnut-Diamond Bar Sheriff’s Booster Club will host a golf tournament in honor of the sheriff department’s 150 volunteers next month.
The tournament will begin at 11:30 a.m. April 4 at the Western Hills Country Club, 1800 Carbon Canyon Rd., in Chino Hills. A luncheon will immediately follow the tournament.

“Thousands of hours are donated annually by our department’s volunteers, explorers, reserves and disaster communication specialists,” Captain Jeff Scroggin said.  “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.”
Prizes for the longest drive, closest to the pin and hole-in-one will be awarded during the luncheon. The cost for a single player is $100. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
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: beverage cart 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 Scroggin 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.

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.

Who Wants Bundt Cake?

By Gel Delos Santos, Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce

 

CHINO HILLS-Esther and Charles Cuellar are the new owners of a franchise called Nothing Bundt Cakes. They currently have one location in West Covina, and they will be opening a second location, in Chino Hills, on April 8, 2016.  Esther is an experienced franchiser who has worked in restaurants for 25 years, and she has always been passionate about having a business that has to do with food.  She currently owns two other franchises: Yogurtland and Jersey Mike’s.  There is something about the culture behind the franchise business that she really likes and enjoys.

She is very excited about her new franchise.  When asked why she chose cakes, she said

“Cakes are so easy for people to get hooked on!”  She chose to open a Chino Hills location so that she can be rooted in the Chino Valley, creating relationships that will keep her business open and help her be part of the community for a long time.  Furthermore, giving back to the community is very important to her, so she is partnering with the Let It Be Foundation, which helps families care for their sick children.  When the restaurant opens on April 8, it will be a Benefit Day, which means that 20% of all sales that day will be donated to the Let It Be Foundation.

Come and join the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce for Nothing Bundt Cakes’ ribbon cutting on Friday, April 8, 2016, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  This will be followed by a Grand Opening the next day, Saturday, April 9, when the first 50 customers purchasing a Bundt cake will receive a card for a free Bundtlet every month for a whole year.  Nothing Bundt Cakes will be open every day:  Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce proudly welcomes Nothing Bundt Cakes to the Chino Valley community.

Residents Invited to Legal Aid Workshop

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

 

CHINO HILLS – Residents are invited to attend a free Legal Aid Workshop from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Tuesday, March 22 at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive.

The workshop leaders will not be available during a lunch period from 12 to 1 p.m. The Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino provides legal services to low income residents throughout the County of San Bernardino for a variety of civil cases. Qualified residents may receive free legal consultation on a broad spectrum of legal issues as well as affordable access to the legal system. Residents receive document preparation, step-by-step instructions to facilitate requests for court orders, and help navigating the court system.

The judicial system access provided by Legal Aid will allow residents to secure lawful orders in parental rights, child and family support, custody and visitation, freedom from domestic violence and civil harassment, prevention of elder abuse, guardianship to provide care and access to health care for minors of absent parents, or conservatorship to provide care and access to health care for dependent disabled adults.

Note: the workshop leaders will not be available during a lunch period from 12 to 1 p.m.

For more information, visit the Legal Aid Society of San Bernardino website at http://www.legalaidofsb.org, or call toll-free at (866) 889-7328.

Chino Hills Hosts 24th Annual Easter Egg Hunt

Courtesy of the City of Chino Hills

 

Hop on down the bunny trail and join us for an “Eggstra-Special” day filled with adventures and surprises. Spend time with family and friends and create wonderful spring memories. Participate in a variety of activities including egg hunts, pictures with the Easter Bunny, crafts, musical entertainment, a craft fair, and refreshments to purchase. No outside baskets or bags allowed. The City will provide bags for egg hunts.

When
Saturday, March 26
11:00 am to 2:00 pm

Where
Chino Hills Community Park
3280 Eucalyptus Avenue

Egg Hunt Schedule
11:15 am Infant to 2 years old*
11:45 am 3 to 4 years old*
12:15 pm 5 to 6 years old
12:45 pm 7 to 8 years old
1:15 pm 9 to 12 years old
* Adult assistance, if needed

So Many CIF Championships!

Photo by Jennifer Heyen

Photo by Jennifer Heyen
Over 12,000 people packed the Honda Center on March 5 to watch the Chino Hills Huskies win the CIF-SS Open Division Championship.

By Carol Heyen

Chino Hills – What a great year for basketball!

The Chino Hills Huskies, the Ayala Bulldogs and the Diamond Ranch Panthers boys’ basketball teams all won their respective CIF Southern Section championships.

In front of a Honda Center crowd estimated at 12,000, the #1 team in the nation, the Chino Hills Huskies, took an early and decisive lead against Chatsworth’s Sierra Canyon in the Open Division Championship.  With a first quarter score of 26-8, and a halftime score of 49-26, the Huskies were on their way to their 17th 100-point game, one shy of the state record of 18.   Mc Donald’s All-American Lonzo Ball finished with another triple-double, scoring 20 points, 17 rebounds, 10 assists, four blocked shots and two steals. Younger brother LiAngelo was the Huskies’ high scorer with 31 points and 7 rebounds.  All five starters finished the game in the double digits.

“We’re glad we got the win, but at the end of the day, we still got to get one more,” Lonzo said. “It’s another step. We took that step and now we have to get to the top.”

Chino Hills now advances to the State Championships with a 31-0 record after their 105-83 win.

Ayala’s #1 seeded Bulldogs dominated Edison on Saturday night to win their Division 2A Championship 63-29. The Bulldogs took the lead late in the first quarter and were never threatened again by #2 seed Edison.    John Edgar and Austen Awosika scored 19 points each, and Edgar led the rebound count with nine. Fellow senior Miles President added 13 points.

“I’ve been doing this (coaching) 25 years,” Ayala coach John Mounce said. “It means a lot to me, it means a lot to our school and it means a lot to these kids who have worked so hard.”

Diamond Ranch’s Panthers won their first 3A CIF-SS Championship under the skilled guidance of Head Coach Eric Cooper.  Cooper, who led La Verne Lutheran to two CIF championships and two state titles, was delighted to see his Panthers beat the Chaminade Eagles at Azusa Pacific University on Friday. Diamond Ranch’s constant pressure, and Roman Silva’s 22 points and 12 rebounds helped defeat the Eagles 53-48.

“I thought our guards outplayed their guards,” Cooper said. “When they made a run, we really clamped down and got stops when we needed them.”

The Huskies will take on Immanuel High from Reedly, the Bulldogs will play Bakersfield’s West High School and Diamond Ranch will take on Kern Valley in the first round of the state playoffs.

Chino Hills Resident Arrested For Vehicle Burglaries

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– On March 5, 2016, Noel Serna, a 19-year-old resident of Chino Hills, was observed trying to break into vehicles parked on the street and in driveways in the 15800 block of Zenobia Lane in Chino Hills.  When officers arrived, Serna provided false identifying information and was detained. He was found to be in possession of a black bag, which contained stolen property from the vehicles.  Serna is believed to be responsible for approximately 10 other vehicle burglaries and thefts from vehicles in the city of Chino Hills over the last several weeks. Detectives served a search warrant at his residence in Chino Hills, and are still trying to locate additional stolen property.
Serna was arrested and booked at West Valley Detention Center on charges of Vehicle Burglary, Attempted Vehicle Burglary, and giving false ID to a Peace Officer.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Detective D. Popa, from the Chino Hills Police Department at (909) 364-2000.

Alert Resident Helps Deputies Arrest Two Suspects

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- An observant citizen helped deputies catch two suspected mail thieves on Friday, February 26.  At 3:30 a.m., sheriff’s deputies received a call from a Chino Hills resident who saw two subjects carrying backpacks in the area of Shady View Drive and Mystic Canyon Drive.

After the subjects saw the caller, they attempted to hide by jumping into nearby bushes.  When deputies arrived, they noticed a vehicle driving away with passengers in the rear of the vehicle who were crouching down in an attempt to remain unnoticed.

Samantha Goode, 25, and Theodore Sanchez, 32, both of Bloomington,  used Uber to drop them off and pick them up from the location, where they were attempting to steal mail.  The Uber driver was not involved.  Goode and Sanchez were booked at the West Valley Detention Center on charges of credit card fraud and identity theft.

Anyone with additional information is urged to call the Chino Hills Police Department or WeTip at 1 (800) 78-CRIME.

Chino Hills Police Remind Residents To Retrieve Mail Daily

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS- Sometime between February 26, 2016 and February 29, 2016, several community mailboxes located throughout the city were pried open and an unknown amount of mail was stolen. The suspects targeted both community boxes and single residential boxes.

The Chino Hills Police Department is asking residents to be diligent in retrieving their mail daily. Additionally, please call 911 and report any suspicious activity near community mailboxes or suspicious people or vehicles in your neighborhood.  You can reach them at (909) 465-6837 or office (909) 364-2000.

Avery Centre Helps Clear the Storm in Your Life

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS – How do people deal with difficult events that change their lives? The death of a loved one, loss of a job, serious illness, natural disasters, witnessing a death, and domestic abuse are all examples of challenging and traumatic life experiences. Many people react to such circumstances with a flood of strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty.  A traumatic event may cause mental, emotional, psychological, and physical harm.

At the Avery Centre, our therapists are versed in many types of trauma-related therapeutic approaches. We recognize that everyone has to cope with losing someone or something they love; and for some, this can become a traumatic event, especially if it follows a lifetime of stressful events. We approach our clients with compassion and understanding.

The Avery Centre provides therapy to clients and families that are suffering from grief, loss, trauma, and PTSD.  We offer a comfortable and safe environment, complete with beautiful views of Chino Hills.  We believe that our clients are the experts in their own lives; our therapists are here to inform, empower, and act as partners in the healing process.

Our therapists and interns are specifically trained in the area of trauma and follow a flexible, evidence-based curriculum.  This allows for a greater collaboration and appreciation between client and therapist and improves patient outcome. We have 3 therapists and interns who work at the Avery Centre, with combined experience of nearly 30 years.

All therapists and interns at the Avery Centre have a minimum of a Masters Degree in Counseling Psychology, with a few holding two Masters degrees in a related field. All licensed therapists and registered interns are registered with the state of California Board of Behavioral Sciences.

Avery Centre Founder Lyndee Venosta, M.A., M.S., says she had the idea for opening the Avery Centre after the death of her father.  His death was sudden and traumatic.  “Even though I had studied psychology in school, I had a difficult time processing the traumatic event,” Venosta said.  “I felt as if there needed to be a therapy center just for trauma and loss, where therapists knew how to approach the sensitive material.  After many years of planning, the Avery Centre came to fruition.”

In the event that you may need a therapist after a traumatic event, or if you just want to process your sense of loss, your grief or a past trauma, the Avery Centre is here for you.

At the Avery Centre, we appreciate the unique needs of each client.  If you need an intensive approach to trauma therapy, the Avery Centre can accommodate those needs by creating a specialized treatment plan.  A combination of individual and family psychotherapy, guided meditation, and group sessions may be utilized.

The Avery Centre is located in the Pine Corporate Center right off of the 71 Freeway and Pine Ave.  (After exiting the 71 freeway, make an immediate left into the Pine Corporate Center).

You can reach them at 909-597-2226.

Shooting in Chino Hills Ruled Justified

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO– The fatal officer-involved shooting of Peter John Oien, 47, of Chino Hills, by three San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Deputies on Nov. 18, 2013 was justified Tuesday by the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office.

According to the police report, on Nov. 18, 2013, at approximately 7:52 p.m., Chino Hills Sheriff’s deputies were dispatched to a disturbance call at 157 Tern Street, in the city of Chino Hills. The reporting party, (“RP”) advised dispatch that her boyfriend, Peter John Oien was stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife. She also advised that Oien may be high on methamphetamine.

Upon arriving at the location, deputies contacted RP down the street, and she informed them that Oien was last seen inside their bedroom, and was stabbing himself in the chest with a kitchen knife. RP gave the deputies a key to the residence and gave them verbal permission to enter.

Deputies Hendrix, McChristian and Tobar walked to the front door area of the residence and tried to make contact with Oien, who was believed to still be inside the residence. Deputies called out to Oien that they were there to help him, and that fire department and ambulance personnel were at the scene as well. They instructed Oien to drop the knife and come out of the bedroom without any weapons. McChristian looked down the hallway from the living room and saw Oien standing in a bedroom approximately 12 yards away holding a knife in each hand. Oien was covered with blood from his neck down to his waist. Deputies instructed Oien to drop the knives several times, but Oien instead ran at the deputies while holding a knife in each hand. Deputies again ordered Oien to drop the knives, but Oien raised his hands with the knives while still charging at the deputies and closing the distance on them. In fear for their safety and their lives, and for the safety and lives of their fellow deputies, the deputies fired their weapons at Oien as he continued to run toward them. After being struck by the gunfire, Oien fell to the ground and landed near McChristian’s feet.

The crime scene was secured and Oien was transported to Chino Valley Hospital where he was later pronounced deceased.

According to County D.A. officials, the deputies’ use of force was in response to an immediate threat of great bodily injury or death to themselves and their fellow deputies present at the scene.

Ayala Teacher Named to Wrestling Hall of Fame

Terry Martin

Terry Martin

Courtesy of CVUSD

CHINO HILLS– Ayala High School’s Terry Martin will be inducted this spring into the National Wrestling Hall of Fame, California Chapter, for his Lifetime Service to Wrestling.  The Lifetime Service award is given in recognition of years of dedication to the development of leadership and citizenship in youth through the sport of wrestling.

Martin coached wrestling for more than 30 years, half of that time at Ayala. He began his coaching career at Oklahoma University after wrestling for the Sooners, and is a proud alumnus of the university.  Coach Martin is a member of the Mt. San Antonio College Hall of Fame and has been named L.A. Times Wrestling Coach of the Year once.  He is a member of the CIF Wrestling Advisory Committee, has 1 CIF Championship, been Runner-Up 7 times, has 11 Sierra League Championships, and has coached 16 CIF Individual Champions and 8 CIF State Champions.  Coach Martin continues to teach at the school but stepped away from coaching last year.

The National Wrestling Hall of Fame and Museum, headquartered in Stillwater, Oklahoma, pays tribute to coaches, officials, and contributors who represent “the best qualities the sport of wrestling has to offer and who share those characteristics with young people day in and out,” according to Dan Dierdorff, President of the California Chapter of the National Wrestling Hall of Fame.

This year’s induction ceremony will be held May 21 in Laguna Hills.

 

Lonzo Ball Named Mc Donald’s All American

Lonzo Ball receives his Mc Donald’s All American Jersey Photo credit: Mc Donald’s All American Game

Lonzo Ball receives his Mc Donald’s All American Jersey
Photo credit: Mc Donald’s All American Game

Staff Reports

Chino Hills– The McDonald’s All American Games unveiled the official rosters for the 39th annual boys game and 15th annual girls game during the McDonald’s All American Games Selection Show on January 17.  The final rosters include the top talent from 14 states.  Chino Hills’ own Lonzo Ball made the cut, and will be representing the West team in the game.

Lonzo, a 6’6” senior from Chino Hills, has already committed to UCLA, as have his two younger brothers, junior LiAngelo and freshman LaMelo.

“I want to thank my family and teammates because through the journey we all travel together,” Ball said during the McDonald’s All American Game Hometown Heroes tour presented by American Family Insurance. “Hopefully it doesn’t stop here.”

Lonzo says that the pressure of being a good example doesn’t affect him too much, as he has been out front his whole life as the eldest of the trio.  “I just go out and lead by example, and hopefully they follow.”

The nation’s premier high school basketball All Star event will take place for the sixth consecutive year March 30 at Chicago’s United Center.  The boys’ game starts at 8 p.m. and will be televised on ESPN.

“The future of basketball will again be on full display in Chicago on March 30,” said Douglas Freeland, director of the McDonald’s All American Games. “The McDonald’s All American Game is the one game all high school age and younger, hoops players aspire to reach.”

Since 1978, more than 1,200 players have competed in the McDonald’s All American Games.

They form an elite group of some of the top names in basketball history, including Magic Johnson, Michael Jordan, Kobe Bryant, LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Candace Parker, Maya Moore and Elena Delle Donne. Alumni include current college standouts Ben Simmons of LSU, Melo Trimble of Maryland, and UConn’s Breanna Stewart.

Net proceeds from the Games benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC). Since its inception, the McDonald’s All American Games have raised more than $11 million for the Charity.

How I Almost Became the Chino Hills Powerball Winner

Zeb Welborn

Zeb Welborn

By Zeb Welborn

Growing up in Chino Hills since 1981, I’ve seen the city grow from a cow pasture to a robust suburban town. I’ve personally witnessed a tremendous amount of growth in both Chino and Chino Hills in my lifetime. As the Chairman of the Board for the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce I can see that that success and prosperity will continue.

One of the coolest things that happened as a result of the Powerball win is how it showcased the way our city came together to support something that put our city in the spotlight for at least a few days.

As a child, I’d try to convince my parents to let me ride my bike to the 7-Eleven so I could get some snacks or a Slurpee. I grew up within a bike ride’s distance of the place that sold a winning ticket for the largest-ever lottery prize.  And that’s pretty cool.

The first time I played the lottery was last Saturday, where I bought one ticket for what was then the largest lottery purse in history at $900 million.  On Wednesday, I bought my second for the $1.5 billion jackpot.

In addition, the President of our Sunday Bowling League, Doug, organized a lottery pool and purchased tickets on behalf of our bowling league.

I didn’t watch the lottery live, but I got messages from family and friends not long after telling me to check my tickets. They had heard the news that a winner was sold in Chino Hills.

Instead of a 1 in 275,000,000 chance my odds improved drastically to 1 in Chino Hills.

I carefully checked my ticket.  I didn’t match a single number. Unfortunately, I bought it at the Circle K gas station across the street from that 7-Eleven.

Then I remembered I still had a chance with Doug.

My family (who also bought into the bowling pool) and I waited by the phone hoping Doug would call to tell us the good news, or the more likely scenario, the bad news.  But we didn’t hear from Doug, and so wild speculation began.

As time wore on, it became more and more likely in our minds that we would be declared the winners for various reasons:

  1. The winning 7-Eleven is on the way from the bowling alley to Doug’s house
  2. The winning 7-Eleven is the closest place to Doug’s home to buy lottery tickets
  3. We hadn’t heard from Doug
  4. If Doug did have the winning ticket, we’d assume he’d make sure to consult legal counsel on how to proceed with distributing the winnings to our bowling league
  5. Neither Doug nor any of his family had posted anything on social media.
  6. Everyone in Chino Hills got texts from family and relatives outside of Chino Hills asking if we’d won, so many of us took to social media to let people know we were losers.
  7. What would you do if you won the lottery?  Probably disappear from social media.
  8. As more and more of our Chino Hills family and friends went on to social media to let others know they were losers, the odds went from 1 in Chino Hills to what felt more like 1 in 10 that we were the $1.5 billion lottery winners.

On Sunday, we headed to bowling as we do every Sunday night, only this time we were on the lookout for big news vans and television crews, there to catch our excitement as Doug announced that we were indeed the Powerball winners.

As we entered the bowling alley, Doug, a plumber, was outside making a phone call where he was talking about water heaters and other things a plumber would discuss; clearly a ruse.

Finally, Doug ended his phone call and came inside just before bowling began. I asked him one simple question:

“So Doug, are we millionaires?”

He reached into his pocket and threw down lottery tickets paper-clipped together and said, “You have no idea how hard this week has been. We didn’t win.”

As it turns out, Doug did buy our tickets at the 7-Eleven in Chino Hills as we had suspected, but not the winning ticket. As of now, we didn’t win the Powerball . . . Honestly, we’re still hoping Doug is holding out on us waiting for a more opportune time to tell us that we’re all millionaires!

Chino Hills Man Arrested for Meth

Deputies locate several pounds of methamphetamine in Chino Hills

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS– On January 19, 2016, at about 6:00 p.m., Chino Hills deputies, with the assistance of the San Bernardino County Sheriff Narcotics/Gang Division, executed a search warrant  in the 3300 block of Organdy Lane.  David Selle, 45, was suspected of being involved in the sales of methamphetamine. During the warrant service, deputies located several pounds of suspected methamphetamine, and evidence of possible credit card fraud. Selle was arrested and booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or any criminal activity is urged to call Chino Hills Police Department or if you wish to remain anonymous you can call WeTip at 800 78-CRIME.

Tehachapi Project Construction Update

SCE Power Lines 1 by TRTP EDISON

Photo courtesy: Edison

Staff Reports

CHINO HILLS– The Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project will deliver electricity from new wind farms in the Tehachapi area to SCE customers and the California transmission grid. Consisting of new and upgraded electric transmission lines and substations between eastern Kern County and San Bernardino County, it plays a vital role in meeting California’s renewable energy goal of 33 percent by the year 2020.

 

Construction Activities from January 25th – 31st
During the period January 25 to 31, 2016 construction activities as part of Southern California Edison’s (SCE’s) Tehachapi Renewable Transmission Project (TRTP) will include the following:

  • Surveying, dust control, vegetation, net inspection, soil and material exportation throughout the project route
  • Tower construction east of the East Transition Station at Pipeline Avenue and SR71
  • Mainline trenching which includes trenching and increased truck traffic along adjacent streets at the following locations: west of Pipeline Avenue (south of Yellowstone Circle), and south of Garden Court (east of Lobelia Drive and west of Cork Drive)
  • Vault excavation/installation work south of Eucalyptus Avenue (east and west of Canon Lane, and east of Western Hills Country Club), and west of Pipeline Avenue (south of Yellowstone Circle)
  • Horizontal directional drilling south of Prairieview Circle (west of Lost Trail Drive) and south of Garden Court (west of Cork Drive).  Horizontal Directional Drilling (HDD) is a method of installing underground utilities when trenching work is impractical to perform.  The 500 kV underground project in Chino Hills will require two HDD sites along the route.
  • Grading work south of Eucalyptus Avenue (east and west of Canon Lane), and south of Eucalyptus Avenue and North of Turquoise Circle North (west of Coral Ridge Park)
  • Concrete restoration at Canon Lane
  • Transition station construction at the Eastern Transition Station (Pipeline Avenue north of Chino Hills Pkwy.) and Western Transition Station (southwest of the western end of Eucalyptus Avenue).
  • Wire stringing activities west of the Western Transition Station in Chino Hills to Tonner Canyon in unincorporated Los Angeles County, and east of Pipeline Avenue and continuing across SR71 in Chino to just west of Central Avenue. *A small helicopter will be used to position equipment and personnel.  There will be periods when the helicopter will hover in the project area to perform these activities.
  • Cable pulling activities west of Avenida Cabrillo and just east of Calle Madrid

 

Construction hours are: Chino Hills locations: 7:00 a.m. – 7:00 p.m., Monday – Friday; and 8:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m., Saturday.  Chino locations: 7:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m., Monday – Saturday

Hang Loose at Chino Hills’ Oke Poke

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. www.okepoke.com

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills. Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.okepoke.com

By Monique Valadez

CHINO HILLS – If you’re looking for a quick getaway to the Big Island, why not grab a taste of it at Chino Hills’ newest eatery Oke Poke.
What is Poke? Poke is a raw fish-based dish that originates from Hawaii. Oke Poke shares a similar Hawaiian-style poke cuisine – a rice bowl filled with a variety of fresh fish that have been marinated with special sauces.
“Oke Poke is different because it’s healthy eating, top-notch fish; we don’t charge extra for every topping, and there isn’t anything like it in the area,” Oke Poke Owner Minnie Baral said.
Located in the heart of Chino Hills at Payne Ranch Center, Oke Poke has a steady clientele from millennials and high school students to businessmen and construction crews. With a Subway-like format, you can build your own bowl with heaping spoonfuls of delectable fish including of salmon, ahi tuna, albacore, yellowtail, shrimp, spicy tuna or a combination of different meats. The poke bowl starts with a choice of a base – mixed greens, white or brown rice, or chips. You can choose from a slew of extra toppings, veggies and sides for free including wasabi, seaweed, ginger and masago.
Baral says that the quality of their fish is what brings back customers for more. “I only select wild-caught, top-grade fish.”
Baral, who is a regular fixture at the eatery found chatting with customers, giving taste samples and enjoying fresh Poke in her hometown, takes pride in selecting the freshest ingredients. “Other Poke restaurants select lower grade fish and just look to make just a profit. Not Oke Poke! We’re all about fresh and high-quality fish.”
At first glance you may feel a little overwhelmed with the variety of choices, but don’t let this dismay you. The folks at Oke Poke want you to “hang loose” and enjoy a delicious, healthy meal straight from the Islands. Oke Poke staff is very friendly and ready to help you make a selection that will get you hooked on Poke.
The restaurant also offers specialty bowls made with Oke Poke’s own unique blends of sauces and seasonings. There’s the Crunchy Garlic bowl with honey and garlic sauce, the Bailey bowl with “Oke” chili sauce, the Firecracker bowl featuring a spicy mayo and “Oke” garlic sauce, and the Wasabi Vinaigrette bowl.
For the full Hawaiian vibe, Oke Poke offers Hawaiian shaved ice. To give your sweet tooth some extra loving, ask for it with soft-served ice cream and drizzled sweetened condensed milk on top.
Customer favorites include the Crunchy Garlic bowl, which costs $9.95 for the regular or $11.95 for the large bowl. Regular-sized poke bowls with 3 hefty spoonfuls of fish are $8.95, or you can choose the large size (5 scoops of fish) for $11.95.  The Hawaiian shaved ice costs $3.50. Minnie invited us to taste a few menu items. I started with the popular Crunchy Garlic salmon poke bowl filled with brown rice, fresh cubed dressed salmon tossed with the sesame oil dressing, seaweed salad and some green onion. At first sight, the bowl was bursting with color. After my first mouthful, it was love at first bite – I was hooked! The flavorful bowl made me get up and do the Hokey Pokey Dance. And, the fish – one word: fantastic!

Oke Poke is located at 3277 Grand Ave., Suite L, in the Payne Ranch Center/Albertsons across from The Shoppes at Chino Hills.  Their phone number is (909) 548-7887, and they are open Monday through Sunday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. http://www.okepoke.com

Driver Dies in 71 Freeway Accident

Photo Courtesy of Chino Valley Fire District

Photo Courtesy of Chino Valley Fire District

Staff Reports

 

CHINO HILLS-  A three-car accident tied up the Southbound 71 freeway on Friday, January 15, causing a two-hour long SigAlert and resulting in one death.

Brandon Joseph Tabita, 28, of Corona, was driving his white Ford Focus southbound on the 71 freeway around 7:20 a.m. when he was unable to slow for stopped traffic just past Pine Avenue.  He rear-ended a school bus driven by Riverside resident Irma Reyes, according to the CHP.  The bus was then pushed into a 2011 Hyundai Genesis driven by Joong Hwan Uhm of Los Angeles.

Tabita, who sustained major head injuries, was trapped in his vehicle, which ended up being wedged underneath the bus.  It took firefighters over an hour to extricate him from his vehicle, using the jaws of life.  Once free, he was flown to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, where he underwent surgery.  He was pronounced dead the next day.

There were no children on the school bus at the time of the crash.  Reyes and a school district employee were transported to Chino Medical Hospital for treatment of pain.  Uhm and the passengers in his vehicle declined medical treatment.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation