By Monique Valadez

Courtesy of Planes of Fame Museum
Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, the third most produced fighter plane of WWII.
Photo of P-40

Chino – On January 2 look up to the skies for a special flyover by a vintage Curtiss P-40 Warhawk in honor of the 75^th Anniversary of the Flying Tigers, the 1^st American Volunteer Group.

But the action starts inside the Planes of Fame Air Museum with a speaker’s panel discussion featuring aviation historians, impressive displays, and a rare movie screening on Saturday.

As part of the museum’s monthly Living History Flying Day, this year the P-40, the most advanced fighter in the US arsenal at the outbreak of WWII and of which over 13,000 would be produced by war’s end experts say, will be on display and perform a flight demonstration. The shark-faced nose art of the Flying Tigers remains among the most recognizable image of any individual combat aircraft or combat unit of World War II.

Starting at 10 a.m., distinguished aviation experts, historians and veterans will make up the speaker’s panel. Aviation Historian Kevin Thompson will moderate the discussion. The museum’s Founder Edward Maloney will also bring his expertise to the presentation and help moderate.

Author and Aviation Historian Mark Carlson will discuss his latest book, Flying On Film: A Century of Aviation in the Movies. The book will be available for purchase at the event.

Guests will also be treated to “Ways of the Warhawk” movie showing. The 35-minute black and white film was produced in 1940 by the Curtiss-Wright Corporation and provides an up-close look at the mighty P-40 aircraft.  According to museum officials, the film puts you in the cockpit to learn the controls and features of the P-40. Two screenings will be held at 12:45 p.m. and 1:30 p.m.

The Planes of Fame Air Museum is located at the Chino Airport, 7000 Merrill Avenue #17. The event is open to the public. The museum opens at 9 a.m.

Photo Courtesy of San Bernardino County District Attorney
Kristopher Bland

Courtesy of San Bernardino County District Attorney

Chino – A Chino cheerleading coach was sentenced Friday to 18 years in state prison for molesting girls on his Pop Warner cheerleading squad.
Kristofer Bland, 34, of Chino pleaded “no contest” to 13 felony counts, including one count of sexual penetration on a minor age 14 and 12 counts of lewd act on a minor aged 14 or 15. The 13 charges involved three girls on his squad.
Bland was a cheer coach with the Chino Pop Warner league, a non-profit football and cheering organization for children ages 5-15.
“The defendant is a true predator,” said Deputy District Attorney Karen Schmauss, who prosecuted the case. “He used his position as a cheerleading coach to win the trust and compliance of the girls under his care. His influence was so strong that some of the children whom he molested continue to defend him, because they love him so much.”
The mother of one of the girls called Chino police in Feb. 2014 after overhearing her discussing part of what Bland had done to her. The 14-year-old told police that Bland had committed acts of molestation on her while giving her a ride home from cheer practice. He had also told her that he had molested two other girls on the squad.
Bland admitted to police that he molested the 14-year-old. He also admitted to molesting two 15-year-olds on the squad. The crimes were committed over a span of five months between Aug. 2013 and Jan. 2014.
During the investigation, Bland was charged with molesting six additional girls on the team, aged 12 and 13. However, those charges were dismissed as part of a plea agreement.
At the time of his arrest, Bland was a private first class of the California Army National Guard in Azusa, working in intelligence analysis. His security clearance was pulled at the time of his arrest, and he will now receive a general discharge, other than honorable, according to his commanding officer.
The courtroom was packed with victims and their friends and family members, along with family members and supporters of the defendant.
The mother of the 14-year-old spoke at the hearing, stating, “I do not believe that he is sorry. I believe he is just sorry he got caught. Kristofer Bland is a sexual predator and threat to our community. I don’t know what the future holds for my daughter but I do know that as of today she will no longer be a victim of Kristofer Bland but a survivor of Kristofer Bland. She is the strongest and bravest person I know. I know she will not let this destroy her.”

Staff Reports

CHINO– Social media helped Chino Police catch an accused burglar on Tuesday, Dec. 15.
Yvess Emmanuel Ibarra-Vega, 20, of Pomona, was arrested and charged in a series of robberies – including two that occurred at Doublz restaurant in Chino.
On Nov. 11 and Dec. 3, Doublz restaurant, located at 4750 Riverside Drive, was robbed by an unknown male armed with a handgun.
On Dec. 14, Chino Police posted surveillance footage of the suspect on Facebook in hopes of getting the word out about a robbery that occurred at Doublz.

Pomona police officers contacted Ibarra-Vega on Dec. 15 based on several leads related to a string of seven armed robberies in Pomona. According to detectives, information was received that the suspect was possibly linked to the Chino robberies. The information provided to Pomona police officers was the Chino police department’s Facebook post requesting assistance in identifying the suspect.

While in custody, Ibarra-Vega confessed to the Doublz robberies in Chino. Ibarra-Vega is in custody at a Los Angeles County jail facility on multiple robbery charges.

Photo by: Monique Valadez
Chino High School Marching Band brings holiday cheer to Chino’s Youth Christmas Parade.

By Monique Valadez

CHINO – Thousands of early risers lined the city streets to celebrate the official arrival of Christmas in Chino with the annual youth Christmas parade Saturday, complete with school marching bands, hot rods carrying elected officials, decked-out floats and Santa Claus. More than 90 floats and hundreds of festive walkers and troops joined in the annual “A Christmas in Toyland” themed parade, which travels from along Riverside Drive and then right on Central Avenue to end at City Hall.

Local youth sports volunteer Dawn Jerry served as this year’s grand marshal and was recognized by the city council as the 2015 Chino Sports Legends Award recipient earlier this month.

“I’ve walked and participated in Chino’s parade for many years and now to be honored at the parade is the cherry on top,” Jerry said. “I have had the honor and privilege to coach a lot of kids in Chino.”

“It’s people like Dawn that make Chino so special and unique,” said Mayor Dennis Yates. “Her tireless work with our kids solidifies why Chino has received the “100 Best Communities for Young People” multiple times.”

Also in the parade were representatives from the church community, including Our Lady of Guadalupe Church.
“We felt it was important for us to join in the parade since our church was one of the first churches in Chino. The parade just brings the whole community together,” Rev. Edmund Gomez of Chino’s Our Lady of Guadalupe Church said. “It’s a longstanding tradition in Chino even the church community participates in the parade.”

Photo by: Monique Valadez
Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez cruises in a Ford Model T at Chino’s Christmas Parade.

Rounding out the field of entries were units and representatives from dance schools and activity centers, local businesses, nonprofits, civic groups and community organizations.

Politicians, including Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, San Bernardino County Supervisor Curt Hagman and Senator Connie Leyva, cruised in the parade as well.

“It’s a good way to spread good cheer throughout the community,” said Pomona’s Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, as he hopped inside the vintage Ford car to roll down the parade route.

The parade was followed by the annual craft fair at the city’s civic center plaza. The fair included carnival rides, community performances, a vendor area, food, children activities and of course, a special visit from Santa.

Photo By: Monique Valadez
Ben Midlik and Adam Valadez from Pack #205 get ready to march.

Staff Reports

CHINO – A Chino motor officer suffered serious but non-life-threatening injuries in a collision Monday (Nov. 30) afternoon, authorities said.
The officer collided with a Chevrolet Silverado on Central Avenue near the westbound off-ramp to the 60 freeway while responding to an emergency call at approximately 2:01 p.m., a police statement says. The officer — identified as Nicholas Mutrux, is a 10 year veteran of the Chino police department.
Police officials said that Mutrux suffered serious injuries and was airlifted to a local hospital. He is in stable condition and is expected to make a full recovery. The solo occupant of the Chevrolet Silverado, did not suffer any injuries.
The police report said that the California Highway Patrol is leading the investigation into the traffic collision.
“The level of support from the community has truly been amazing,” Chino Chief Karen Comstock said. “Our personnel are like family; when one experiences tragedy, we are all impacted greatly. Knowing we have the prayers and support of the community and fellow agencies truly keeps us strong moving forward.”

Courtesy of Senator Connie Leyva District 20
Leyva provides turkey dinner to over 175 local families on Nov. 24.

Staff Reports

CHINO – Hundreds of local needy families enjoyed a delicious turkey dinner on Thanksgiving Day thanks to Senator Connie M. Leyva (D-Chino).
On Tuesday, Nov. 24, Leyva, in partnership with the Stater Bros. Markets and Fontana Water Company, hosted her inaugural Operation Gobble turkey giveaway at her district offices in Chino and Fontana.
Leyva understands that buying the traditional bird and all the fixings can be a burden for many families.
“Times are still tough for too many families in the Inland Empire, so I am pleased that we are able to provide these turkeys, canned goods and other Thanksgiving fixings as we kick off this holiday season. I thank my community partners for sharing in the spirit of giving to ensure that 175 more families will have a home-cooked meal on Thanksgiving Day.”
Leyva provided plump turkeys and meals to over 175 local families and non-profit organizations that assist individuals.
Additionally, Leyva provided holiday meals to local nonprofits including Isaiah’s Rock in Chino and Time for Change Foundation in Rialto/San Bernardino that provide meals throughout the year to homeless and underserved individuals and families in the her district.
“I am very excited to collaborate with the Fontana Water Company and Stater Bros. Markets on this opportunity to lend a helping hand to families in my district who are struggling to make ends meet,” Leyva added.

Photo by: Monique Valadez

Staff Reports

CHINO –The holiday lights are glistening once again along Central Avenue and city hall in preparation for Chino’s annual Youth Christmas Parade on Saturday, Dec.12. This year’s theme is “A Christmas in Toyland” featuring dozens of community floats, classic cars, horse-drawn carriages, school bands, drill teams, elected officials and local youth organizations. But the prettiest sight to see will be jolly St. Nicolas at the tail end of the parade.

The parade steps off at 9 a.m. on the corner of Monte Vista Avenue. It continues east on Riverside Drive then continues south on Central Avenue, ending near city hall.

Some of the best spots are located near the announcement stages, one on Sixth Street and Central and the other on Central Avenue and D Street. But every spot along the parade route offers excellent views and entertainment.

City officials encourage parade goers to grab their spots early. Commuters are also advised of the street closures taking places on the morning of the parade. See map in this article.

Following the parade, the community is welcome to hang out at the civic center until 3 p.m. for live family entertainment, carnival rides, food vendors and a craft fair offering handmade gifts and other items.

The mayor will announce the parade float winners at noon during the festivities at the civic center.

Nearby the Chino Youth Museum will offer visitors free entry into their Santa’s Village from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. in conjunction with the annual parade and fair. This year, Santa will make a pit stop at the museum on the corner of Sixth Street and D Street, so photos are recommended to capture this special guest.

Photo courtesy: City of Chino

Staff Reports

CHINO – Chino is one of only two Southern California cities listed in America’s 50 best cities to live in, according to a study released by 24/7 Wall Street, a financial news and opinion operation.
The city of just over 84,700 people landed at No. 26 on the list. Temecula, just south of Chino, was listed at No. 31.
“For years, the City Council and I were proud of being distinguished as one of the 100 Best Communities for Young People and now we are just as proud to be distinguished as one of America’s Best Cities to Live,” Mayor Dennis Yates said. “These accolades are a true testament to the wonderful community we have in Chino. The residents, businesses, organizations, they really do take care of each other and strive to be the best.”
According to 24/7 Wall Street, they reviewed data on 500 U.S. cities areas with populations of 65,000 or more and factored in a wide range of variables to compile the list, including crime rates, employment growth, access to restaurants and attractions, educational attainment and housing affordability.
Chino received high marks for its low poverty rate, one of the lowest rates in the country. The city also scored well for its employment growth.
The site said, “Chino has one of the fastest-growing economies in the country, with a 6.3 percent employment growth between 2012 and 2014. The city also has a poverty rate of 9.4 percent, much lower than the national rate of 15.5 percent.”

Photo courtesy: Gustavo Miranda
Walmart and Sam’s Club presented 20 Walnut Avenue Elementary teachers with $50 gift cards for school supplies on Nov. 17.

By Monique Valadez

CHINO– Twenty teachers from Walnut Avenue Elementary received $50 gift cards to purchase supplies for their classrooms thanks to Walmart’s annual Teacher Rewards Program.

These funds come at a critical time, as many teachers will spend an estimated $1,000 of their own money to ensure their students have the supplies they need to learn throughout the school year, Walmart officials stated in a press release.

“I am thrilled that our Walnut teachers have this wonderful opportunity to win gift cards to purchase classroom supplies for their students,” Walnut Avenue Elementary School Principal Karen Morales said. “Thank you Walmart and Sam’s Club for your generous contribution to our school.”

This year, local Sam’s Club employees selected Walnut Avenue Elementary School to receive $1,000 in gift cards to be awarded to teachers. The school was selected from among 35 schools in Chino Valley district because of the school’s need and dedicated staff, officials said.

“The [Walnut Avenue Elementary] teachers are amazing as is the principal,” said Sam’s Club Marketing Leader Gustavo Miranda, who presented the 20 teacher’s with gift cards on Nov. 17 in the school’s library. “As soon as they heard me say that we wanted to give them gift cards for their classroom supplies, their jaws dropped. It was an emotional presentation with one teacher almost in tears. We know we made the right choice.”

For the past six years, Walmart has donated over $4.5 million in reward cards to approximately 90,000 teachers across the United States to help offset the cost of classroom expenses.

“We are proud to honor our community’s teachers, who give time and often their own money to ensure our students have everything they need to be successful throughout the school year,” Miranda said.

More than 5,000 U.S. Walmart stores, Distribution Centers and Sam’s Club locations are eligible to select one local public school, grades K-8, and provide reward cards to 20 teachers from each selected school. Winning teachers can use the funds to purchase essential items for their classrooms such as paper, folders, binders, pencils, crayons and markers.

“At Walmart, we are dedicated to supporting our nation’s teachers by providing support and resources needed to continue educating the future leaders of our community,” Miranda added.

The Teacher Rewards program is an extension of Walmart’s ongoing support of local initiatives that help students, teachers and families better prepare for their future including programs like Breakfast in the Classroom, Fill the Bus and Farm to School.

Staff Reports

CHINO – The benefits of gardening are endless. Whether if you want to find a new hobby, enrich a healthy lifestyle or just want to start growing vegetables for your family table, then head over to Chino’s garden workshops held at the city’s community garden located on the northeast corner of 5^th Street and D Street.
The free gardening workshops cover a variety of topics including growing fruits and vegetables, harvesting, pruning, composting, and more. Workshops are presented by the City of Chino’s Healthy Chino and Green Chino Initiatives in partnership with the UCCE Master Gardeners of San Bernardino County, Kaiser Permanente and 4th District Supervisor Curt Hagman. Advance registration is encouraged due to limited space.
The next workshop titled, “The Basics”, will be held on Saturday, Nov. 21 from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. This workshop teaches participants the basics about efficient irrigation systems, soils, design practices, fertilizers and water-wise plants.
Gardening is a family affair so parents are encouraged to bring their children to participate in the Children’s Discovery Workshop that run in conjunction with the garden workshops.  Visit discovery.healthychino.com or call, 909-334-3478 for more information and details.