Tag Archives: City of Eastvale

Driveway Blockers Beware

By Staff Reports

In California, it is illegal to park a car in front of a driveway. According to California Vehicle Code § 22500, “A person shall not stop, park, or leave standing any vehicle… In front of a public or private driveway…” Anyone who decides to park in front of a driveway is subject to towing and citations.

This law may surprise a lot of people who believed that once they purchased a home they could do whatever they want with it. Contrary to popular belief, even in America we are not entitled to do whatever we want. You can park in front of your own driveway but just remember that the police can also write you a citation for doing it.  

 There are safety concerns for both the homeowner/renter as well and the local authorities. If a fire or other disaster were to happen near your home and you had to evacuate but a family member parked in front of your driveway you would lose all of the cars in that driveway. If there is a crime reported, it give the criminal another place to hide from the police when they come to investigate. It is also another obstacle the Fire department would have to negotiate during the chaos of putting out the fire.    

 The most effective solution would be to talk to your neighbors about the safety concerns for the community and the local authorities. If you have a neighborhood watch program in place, they could help you bring awareness to everybody that a citation can be issued for the offense.

  Although it might cause problems for the offending driver, residents are justified in reporting blocked driveways because it is simply against California Vehicle Code.

Non Profit Investigation: 88 Impact

Staff Reports

Eastvale – In our investigative reporting series of local non-profits accountability, we have requested information and tax records for several area non-profits. Our response from 88 Impact Foundation, a local non profit who accepts donations from local residents, businesses, and government agencies, was “we are a private foundation and we do not have to disclose where our money goes out to.”

According to IRS.gov, this is incorrect. According to the IRS, you have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of a tax-exempt organization’s: Annual information returns (e.g., Form 990); Exempt status application materials; and Notice of status under Internal Revenue Code section 527(i).

“All we want to know is where the money goes. We are asking accountability,” said Michael Armijo, Editor of CityofEastvaleNews.com. “Nothing more, just where are you spending the money people and companies are donating. IF they are working with the city, and IF the city is spending money (labor, promotion, direct donations) on the foundation, then they are spending the taxpayers money. If the resident’s are donating, where is resident’s money going? That’s it.”

“As you have stated, 88 IMPACT Foundation is a 501(c)(3) private foundation, and as such is subject IRS regulations on all tax-exempt organizations and nonprofit organizations,” Anthony Chan, a freelance reporter, wrote in a letter to Hari Dihman, listed as the Principal in the 88 IMPACT Foundation.

The demand letter, which included the formality of content required under the Freedom Of Information Act, also stated; “According to the IRS, the following tax documents of all tax-exempt organizations must be available for public inspection and copying: Form 990, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-PF (Return of Private Foundation), Form 990-BL, Form 1065. 501(c)(3) Non-profit organizations must also provide Form 990-T for public inspection and copying.” The 88 IMPACT Foundation office personnel stated the opposite, that they were not required to comply and will not produce any documents regardless of IRS code.

According to their Facebook page; “The 88 iMPACT Foundation was built with the hopes of its founding family to create an impactful family legacy. As of April 22, 2014, the long talked about and anticipated 501(c)(3) Non-Profit 88 iMPACT Foundation has been filed & made active. 88 iMPACT Foundation will serve to further develop, support, educate, and create resources for all Small Business & Public Safety Agencies (i.e. Law Enforcement & Fire Fighters).” Their goal is to support the people that make our communities thrive economically & keep families, homes, and our businesses safe. “Under the California Public Records Act § 6250 et seq., I hereby request to inspect or obtain copies of public records of 88 IMPACT Foundation’s annual tax returns for 2014, 2015, and 2016 including: Form 990, Form 990-EZ, Form 990-PF, Form 990-BL, Form 1065, and Form 990-T,” the letter stated.

“The California Public Records Act requires a response within ten business days.  If access to the records I am requesting will take longer, please contact me with information about when I might expect copies or the ability to inspect the requested records,” Chan wrote. For exemption application materials, a community member is entitled to inspect or receive a copy of the organization’s exemption application (Form 1023, 1024, or other document required to be filed), any papers filed in support of the application and any determination letter issued by the IRS with respect to the application.

Nonprofits are required to file IRS Form 990 must allocate their annual expenses into three categories: 1.program expenses—expenses directly related to carrying out your nonprofit’s mission. 2. administrative expenses—expenses for your nonprofit’s overall operations and management—for example, costs of board of directors’ meetings, general legal services, accounting, insurance, office management, auditing, human resources, and other centralized services, and 3. fundraising expenses—including costs for publicizing and conducting fundraising campaigns, maintaining donor mailing lists, conducting special fundraising events, and any other activities that involve soliciting contributions. The IRS does not require that nonprofits spend any particular portion of their income on each category. It just wants nonprofits to report how they spend their money, according to nolo.com.

Failure to comply with public disclosure requirements can result in “a maximum penalty of $10,000 for each failure to provide a copy of an annual information return.”

Next month we will follow up with the information requested.

Undercover Sting Targets Panhandlers

By Anthony Chan

Eastvale – After receiving numerous complaints about aggressive panhandling at various Eastvale shopping centers, the Eastvale Special Enforcement Team, stationed at the Jurupa Valley substation, launched an undercover operation into the illegal panhandling.

The investigation yielded two illegal panhandlers who were neither Eastvale residents nor were they actually homeless. Both illegal panhandlers were issued citations by the Special Enforcement officers.

“The Eastvale Special Enforcement Team’s mission is to identify and respond to crime trends and investigate quality of life complaints from the citizens of Eastvale.”, according to a recent Special Enforcement Team press release.

Ongoing efforts to curtail aggressive panhandling will continue over the next few weeks.

The Eastvale Special Enforcement Team can be contacted at (951) 955-2600. If you have any concerns related to suspicious or criminal activity, please contact the Sheriff’s Dispatch at (951) 776-1099.

Eastvale Crime Recap

JUNE 2017

 

INCIDENT:           HOMICIDE

WHEN:                 6/4/17 @ 7:56 pm

WHERE:                1400 Block of Pacific Ave., Norco

DETAILS:              Officers from the Norco Police Department responded to a physical altercation between two adult males outside a residence in Norco. Officers arrived within minutes and located a male laying on a driveway and not breathing. Officers began emergency lifesaving procedures for the male until paramedics arrived. The victim, later identified as 57-year-old, Gerald Lee, was transported to Corona Regional Medical Center where he was pronounced deceased. Based on the circumstances, the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit responded to the scene and assumed the investigation. Investigators are currently searching for 55-year-old, Klaus Peter Foster of Norco. Klaus Foster is a white male adult 5’8”/ 200 lbs. with red hair, a beard, and brown eyes.  He was last seen driving a green 2005 GMC Sierra pickup truck, California license plate number 74953F2. Klaus Foster is wanted only for questioning regarding the incident. Anyone with information regarding his whereabouts or this incident can call Investigator Mullins as 951-955-2777.

UPDATE:              Based on information gathered during the ongoing investigation, an arrest warrant was obtained for suspect, Klaus Foster. Additional leads directed investigators to a residence in Big River California near the Colorado river. At the request of the Sheriff’s Central Homicide Unit, San Bernardino Sheriff’s deputies located and arrested Foster in Big River. He was later transferred to the custody of deputies from Riverside Sheriff’s Colorado River Station and booked into the Blythe Jail. Foster’s bail is set at $1,000,000.

 

INCIDENT:           TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

WHEN:                 6/5/2017 from 6:00 am until 12:00 pm

WHERE:                Eastvale

RESULTS:             30 Citations were issued for traffic violations

2 vehicles were impounded for unlicensed/suspended drivers

 

 

INCIDENT:           NARCOTICS INVESTIGATION & ARREST

WHEN:                 6/8/2017 @ 12:30 pm

WHERE:                3100 block of Corona Ave., Norco

DETAILS:              Deputies assigned to the Norco Sheriff’s Special Enforcement Team conducted a narcotics investigation at a Norco residence. During a probation sweep of the residence, deputies located a small amount of heroin & associated paraphernalia. Patrick Page, a 36-year old Norco resident, was arrested at the scene without incident. He was later booked into the Robert Presley Detention Center for felony violation of probation and other associated charges.

 


WHEN:                 6/10/2017 from 7:00 pm until 3:00 amINCIDENT:           DUI TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT OPERATION

WHERE:                Norco

RESULTS:             36 vehicles stopped

8 drivers were given Field Sobriety tests

1 driver arrested for DUI

 

 

INCIDENT:           WARRANT SWEEP

WHEN:                 6/11/2017 from 6:00 am until 12:00 pm

WHERE:                Jurupa Valley

RESULTS:             29 Warrants Attempted

18 Warrants Served

 

INCIDENT:           STOLEN VEHICLE ARREST

WHEN:                 6/12/2017 @ 7:40 am

WHERE:                54th Street & Steve Ave., Jurupa Valley

DETAILS:              Jurupa Valley Police officers received information a pickup truck with a utility trailer was stolen that morning in San Diego.  The owner located the vehicle and followed it through the city of Jurupa Valley.  Officers located the vehicle at 54th Street and Steve Avenue, in the city of Jurupa Valley.  The driver and sole occupant, Juan Villarreal (age 25 of Jurupa Valley), was arrested and booked for vehicle theft, possession of stolen property, possession of burglary tools, and a violation of probation for auto theft.

 

INCIDENT:           VEHICLE THEFT INVESTIGATION & ARREST

WHEN:                 6/14/2017 @ 10:50 am

WHERE:                1700 block of Western Ave., Norco

DETAILS:              Deputies assigned to the Norco Sheriff’s Office contacted the occupant of a suspicious vehicle parked on Western Ave. in Norco. After running the license plate, deputies discovered the vehicle had been reported stolen from a residence in LA County on June 12th. The occupant of the vehicle, George Alberto Anzaldo, a 40- year old Pico Rivera resident, was arrested without incident at the scene. During a search of his person, deputies discovered a burglary tool commonly used in vehicle thefts. He was later booked into the R. Presley Detention Center for possession of a stolen vehicle, possession of burglary tools & committing a felony while on bail.

 

INCIDENT:           COURT STING OPERATION

WHEN:                 6/15/2017 from 7:00 am until 12:00 pm

WHERE:                Jurupa Valley

DETAILS:           On June 15, 2017, between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 12:00 p.m.,  officers from Jurupa Valley Traffic Division conducted an undercover “Court Sting” operation at the Riverside Superior Court targeting suspected DUI drivers whose  licenses where suspended/revoked or who were unlicensed drivers and reside in the city of Jurupa Valley.  Deputies staked out offenders who had been told by a judge not to drive and/or who had been told of their license suspension.  While some offenders complied with the law and had alternate means of transportation, four individuals in court for DUI/suspended licenses proceeded to get behind the wheel and drove away from the court house.  Those who chose to drive were stopped by waiting deputies and cited back into court and their vehicles were impounded: RESULTS- 4 Suspended/Revoked, 4 Vehicles Impounded  Those arrested today could face additional jail time, long driver license suspensions, along with other financial hits including attorney fees, court costs, lost time at work, and the potential loss of job or job prospects. When family, friends and co-workers find out, violators can also face tremendous personal embarrassment and humiliation. DUI Court Sting stakeout operations, along with regularly scheduled high visibility DUI enforcement, serve as a proven deterrent with the goal of keeping impaired drivers from the road and heightening awareness among the public of the dangers of driving under the influence of drugs and alcohol. This special DUI operation was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.  Please help the Jurupa Valley Police Department every day of the week:  Report Drunk Drivers – Call 9-1-1!  The operation was funded by a grant from the California Office of Traffic Safety, through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration.

 

INCIDENT:           WEAPON AND DRUG SALES ARREST OF GANG MEMBER

WHEN:                 6/22/17 @ 2:48 pm

WHERE:                4000 Block of Lindsay Street, Jurupa Valley

DETAILS:         On Thursday, 06/22/17, about 2:48 PM, members of the Riverside County Sheriff Department’s Region 7 Gang Task Force conducted a probation compliance check at a residence in the 4000 Block of Lindsay Street in Jurupa Valley. Task Force officers contacted 37-year old Jurupa Valley resident, David Perez at the residence. Perez was determined to be on supervised probation for weapons violations. Perez was found to be in possession of a loaded handgun and approximately one ounce of methamphetamine along with heroin. Additional items were also located indicative of drug sales. Perez was also identified as being an active participant of a criminal street gang. Perez was arrested and booked into custody at the Robert Presley Detention Center for the following charges: Ex-Felon in possession of a loaded firearm, Ex-Felon in possession of ammunition, Methamphetamine and heroin sales,  Possession of methamphetamine and heroin while armed , Prior drug sale enhancements,  Criminal street gang member in possession of a loaded firearm,  Felony probation violation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Sergeant Frank Lodes from the Riverside County Region 7 Gang Task Force at (951) 955-2734.

Non Profits Under Scrutiny

Staff Reports

Eastvale – Local nonprofits have been under scrutiny and a lawsuit is being filed this week, which has opened a can of worms in compliance and liability. Some non-profits have reportedly experienced mishandlings of their finances, refusals to release tax records, and non-filings of IRS documents. A local Chamber is now being sued and other non profits are being requested to show their finances.

The local Chamber of Commerce is being sued this week as legal documents were completed and were ordered to be filed. The exact amount and the defendants, which are the board of directors for refusing to pay and respond, will be released once the suit has been filed in court. Releasing the names of the board members personally being sued prior to the filing would be considered “third party disclosure.” After the filing all information will be released as it will then become public record, and the lawsuit will lead to subpoenas of their finances.

“The board members are covered under their Directors and Officers (D&O) insurance,” said a local agency who insures non-profits. “They will be fine as long as they have the required insurance. If a non-profit is running without D&O, they can be assuming personal liability.”

Incorporated non-profits are usually not personally liable unless neglect or specific harm is inflicted. But other ways a nonprofit board member might be held liable include:

  • When a board member directly injures someone on purpose
  • When a board member guarantees a loan or other business debt for the nonprofit which then defaults on that loan or debt
  • When a board fails to make sure that the organization deposits payroll and property taxes or files mandated tax returns.
  • When a board member engages in fraudulent activities or does something illegal or just plain reckless that causes harm, or mixes up nonprofit and personal funds.

As long as the nonprofit is incorporated and board members do nothing “bad,” they should be fine, however, serving on the board of an unincorporated nonprofit.

Board members, in that case, are not protected the way they are in an incorporated nonprofit. These types of nonprofits are more common than you might think, so check the organization’s incorporation papers before agreeing to serve on a board. If you are already involved in an unincorporated nonprofit, consider the pros and cons of incorporating.  You and your fellow board members might sleep better if you took the steps to become incorporated.

Just to make sure that no legal actions slip through the cracks of incorporation law, most experts do recommend that nonprofits purchase Directors and Officer (D & O) liability insurance to protect against certain kinds of lawsuits and other types of litigation.

Local non profits are many, and all must have a 501 (c) (3) status granted by the IRS. A specific rule on nonprofits is that the debt follows the entity.

So who is qualified to be a nonprofit? According to the Internal Revenue Service (IRS), the Exempt Organizations Select Check (Publication 78 database) provides a partial listing of organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as eligible to receive tax-deductible contributions. For information on other organizations that have been recognized by the IRS as tax-exempt organizations, you may call IRS Customer Service at 877-829-5500. You can also contact them through any of the other methods described in Publication 557. This information can be found at IRS.gov. A contributor can also check an organization’s exemption letter, which states the Code section that describes the organization and whether contributions made to the organization are deductible.

The IRS sometimes recognizes a group of organizations as tax-exempt if they are affiliated with a central organization. This avoids the need for each of the organizations to apply for exemption individually. For more information, see Publication 4573, Group Exemptions. Subordinate organizations exempt under group rulings are not separately listed in the Select Check (Publication 78 database); see Eligible Donees Generally Not Listed in Publication 78

According to the IRS, you have the right to inspect and obtain a copy of a tax-exempt organization’s:

Annual information returns (e.g., Form 990);

Exempt status application materials; and

Notice of status under Internal Revenue Code section 527(i),

In person at the organization’s principal office, or its regional or district offices, during regular business hours. Unrelated business income tax returns filed by organizations exempt under Code section 501(c)(3) are also available. You may also request copies of such materials in writing. The organization may charge a reasonable fee to cover copying and mailing costs.

You are entitled to inspect or receive a copy of any annual return for three years from the date the return was required to be filed (or, for an amended return, from the date it was filed). For more information, see the IRS’ frequently asked questions on public disclosure, the final regulations, or Disclosure Requirements at IRS.gov.

For exemption application materials, you are entitled to inspect or receive a copy of the organization’s exemption application (Form 1023, 1024, or other document required to be filed), any papers filed in support of the application and any determination letter issued by the IRS with respect to the application.

Stay tuned for our print edition to print the public record and our online version for updates, and an ongoing investigation highlighting local non profits and their compliance to IRS laws.

NonProfitGraph

Adding A Family Member To Your Home

Created by PressFoto – Freepik.com

By Jennifer Williams, 2nd Chances Rescue Norco

So you’re thinking about adding a new family member to your home? One with four legs and fur?? Let’s talk about the things that you should be considering:

  1. How much free time do I have to spend with my new friend?
  2. Do I care if my favorite pair of slippers gets chewed up if I forget and leave them out?
  3. Is there a way for my new friend to get outside and “do his business”??

If after you’ve thought about those three things you’re still thinking it might be a good idea to add a new family member, let’s talk about the decision to get either a puppy or an adult dog. While puppies can be a lot of fun, they also mean you need to potty train, leash train, probably will need to buy a mountain of chew toys and there might be a few other minor changes made in your life.

There are many adult dogs that need homes because their owner could no longer take care of them. These dogs have already probably been housetrained, are mostly done with the chewing phase, and you pretty much know what you’re getting- especially if you get one from a rescue.

What’s your narrow that down, start thinking about the types of breeds that are available. There are small dogs, medium dogs, big dogs, and super sized dogs. There are also low-energy medium energy and high-energy dogs.

For example if your perfect dog is one that wants to just cuddle up on the couch and watch movies till dawn with you, there’s a perfect breed for you! Our next article will be about different types of breeds and what’s the best for you!

City Installs New Signs

Courtesy City of Eastvale

 

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale will be installing 18 new signs at 9 different locations throughout Eastvale to prohibit “Commercial Trailer/Semi Trailer” and “Commercial Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight over 10,000lbs” from parking in the Residential District, under the Eastvale Municipal Code (EMC) 10.20.160.
The following locations are where the new signs will be posted:

Northbound Hamner Avenue between Citrus Street and Schleisman Road

Westbound Limonite Avenue, West of the I-15

Southbound Hamner Avenue, South of Bellgrave Avenue

Westbound of 68th Street, East of Tarah Street

Westbound Bellgrave Avenue, West of I-15

Southbound Archibald Avenue, North of Limonite Avenue

Eastbound Schleisman Road, East of Hellman Avenue

Eastbound Chandler Street, East of Hellman Avenue

Nortbound Archibald Avenue, North of the Santa Ana River Bridg

If you have any questions please call Public Works at (951) 703-4470.

City Installs New Signs

Courtesy City of Eastvale

 

Eastvale – The City of Eastvale will be installing 18 new signs at 9 different locations throughout Eastvale to prohibit “Commercial Trailer/Semi Trailer” and “Commercial Vehicles with Gross Vehicle Weight over 10,000lbs” from parking in the Residential District, under the Eastvale Municipal Code (EMC) 10.20.160.
The following locations are where the new signs will be posted:

Northbound Hamner Avenue between Citrus Street and Schleisman Road

Westbound Limonite Avenue, West of the I-15

Southbound Hamner Avenue, South of Bellgrave Avenue

Westbound of 68th Street, East of Tarah Street

Westbound Bellgrave Avenue, West of I-15

Southbound Archibald Avenue, North of Limonite Avenue

Eastbound Schleisman Road, East of Hellman Avenue

Eastbound Chandler Street, East of Hellman Avenue

Nortbound Archibald Avenue, North of the Santa Ana River Bridg

If you have any questions please call Public Works at (951) 703-4470.

Drowning Prevention: ABC’s of Pool Safety

Courtesy City of Eastvale

It’s hot Eastvale and it’s only going to get hotter this summer season! This calls for more summer time fun at the beaches and in the pools. But are you prepared for accidents that may occur? In 2016 there were 2 fatal child drownings, 7 fatal adult drownings, and 24 non-fatal near drownings. Be aware of the basic ABC’s of Pool Safety to prevent drowning accidents from happening. Drowning-Prevention-Facebook

A – Adult Supervision: Assign a “Water Watcher”

Designate an adult (who can swim) to watch over children that are in and around pool and/or spa areas
NEVER leave children in and/or around a pool unattended
Flotation devices are not to be relied on
B – Barriers

Install and maintain proper fencing around the pool to isolate your swimming area
Use different types of protections for your pool such as safety covers, gate alarms, and door alarms
Make sure all gates are self-closing and self-latching
C – Classes (“CPR”)

Learn CPR, first aid, and rescue techniques
Take qualified instruction classes on how to swim
Keep rescue equipment such as a shepherd’s hook, life-saving ring, and CPR instructions mounted by the pool
Know and understand the proper behavior in and around the water
For immediate emergencies, dial 9-1-1.

For more information about the ABC’s of Pool Safety, please click here.

“The Finish”

By Pastor Dennis Morales

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7

Paul the Apostle is nearing the end of his life. He is contemplating the things God had called him to accomplish. This is his swan song. I am immediately impressed with the confidence with which he is able to say “I finished.” It’s been said that “a wasted life is really nothing more than a collection of wasted days. As God gives us life, each one of us starts the new year with the same number of opportunities—365—that we can choose to either use and invest in eternal things or allow to drift by without taking advantage of the gift we have been given.” I was walking through a cemetery after a funeral service and my eye caught a headstone that read “a life still unfinished.” We would naturally say that about anyone that had passed from this world at a young age, but this was someone who passed at 78! I don’t want to come to the end and think of all the things I should have done or the ways I should have stepped out in faith. Paul calls life a “race.” My favorite races in the Olympics are the sprints. These races are literally over in seconds, but I am always impressed with the amazing speed of the athletes. The race referred to by Paul is likened to a “long distance” run. A long distance run takes faith, endurance, and focus. Jesus “for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame.” (Hebrews 12:2). God calls us to focus and invest in things that matter so that we might finish well.

Calvary Chapel Eastvale meets Sundays 8:30 & 10:30 am, Wednesdays at 7pm at Clara Barton Elementary School (7437 Corona Valley Ave, Eastvale). Visit their website at http://www.calvaryeastvale.org.

Here We Grow Again

By Michael Armijo

Eastvale – There are so many projects in Eastvale, we will highlight a few at a time. Just a recap on what’s going on in the Eastvale Community:

Map ID 1. KB Homes, The Lodge, Residential Development Project No 10-0124. Location: Corner of Limonite Avenue and Scholar Way. 205 detached single-family homes on approximately 40 acres. Planner Malinda Lim. Planning Commission approval on March 18, 2015, to add tempered glass panels along Scholar Way. CURRENT ACTIVITY Under construction as of May 8, 2017. Symmertry model homes now open. Phase 1 completed, Phase 2 under construction.

Map ID 2 Goodman Commerce Center (formerly Lewis Eastvale Commerce Center Project No 11-01271 (se also Project No 15-0551). Location: Hamner Ave between Bellgrave Ave and Cantu-Galleano Ranch Road. General Plan Amendment, Change of Zone, and Specific Plan to provide for mix of warehousing, light industrial, office, and retail uses. Approved by City Council November 11, 2015 Building permits issued for two industrial buildings. CURRENT AVTIVITY: Under construction as of May 8, 2017.

You Can Get A Ticket For Walking In The Street

By Chandler Holloway and Michael Armijo

California – As kids, our parents warned us heavily to never ever walk in the middle of the street. It was viewed as a spot where no one could go. However, looking around today, it is clear to see that the sidewalk has become more of a suggestion than a requirement. More and more people every day are walking just by the curb or close to in the middle of the street. Even though it seems that this is simply just accepted by the law, it is very much illegal and you can get cited.

California Vehicle Code 21956 states, “No pedestrian may walk upon any roadway outside of a business or residence district otherwise than close to his or her left-hand edge of the roadway.”

“Walking in the street is a very citable offense,” said LA County Sheriff Captain Alfred Reyes, “it’s about safety more than anything else.”

The Captain explained that cross walks are in place for a reason, and so are sidewalks.

“It’s definitely not wise for anyone to walk in the street,” Reyes added, “the best practice are utilizing sidewalks for pedestrian traffic, sidewalks are safest, do not place yourself in harms way.”

Runners and walkers can sometimes use bike lanes, and bike lanes may not be always safe for runners or pedestrians, but no lane is definitely not safe. Safest utilize the sidewalk.

At night always wear reflective clothing, joggers and bikers, Captain Reyes recommends. “If you choose to jog in a bike lane there is always the distracted drivers element. It’s amazing how we see sooo many people look at phones, even on the freeway,” he said.

Just a few months ago, Pastor Mark Lee from Vantage Point Church in Eastvale, sister church from Diamond Bar’s E-Free Church, was running in the bike lane at 9 am when he was struck by a passing truck’s right side view mirror. He spend weeks in rehabilitation and is still reluctant to do certain activities. The driver was cited as being at fault. Fortunately he delivered an inspiring sermon on the importance of cherishing your life.

The Sheriff’s Department will cite runners and bikers in the bike lake who do not wear reflective clothing and bikers who do not have reflectors and a headlight. You are required to have lights on yur bike at night.

Many people do not get ticketed for walking in the street and it appears because of priority. In fact, if you are getting stopped, odds are the officer is concerned about your safety. Sure, walking on a roadway might not get you a serious ticket, but it might get you a serious injury, even death.

In Eastvale, California (bordering Chino), a 28 year old woman was killed last month when she was struck by a vehicle. 28 year old Janine Chavez of Eastvale was walking in the roadway, not inside a crosswalk, Eastvale Sheriff’s officials said. The Eastvale death happened about 7:45 p.m., Chavez was hit by a southbound a Honda Accord driven by a 51-year-old Ontario man, sheriff’s officials said in a press release.

Chavez was pronounced dead at the scene.

Sheriff’s officials are asking anyone with information about the crash to contact the Jurupa Valley Station’s Eastvale Traffic Division 951-955-2600. She was walking on Hamner Avenue south of Amberhill Ave, according to the Riverside County sheriff’s department and coroner’s office. It has not yet been determined who’s at fault but the report stated she was not in a sidewalk and appeared to be walking in the road. But details are being gathered.

According to everybodywalk.org, over 4,500 people in America are killed just crossing the street. The website also claims that over 68,000 people are injured every year from crossing the street. This is even worse in crowded cities like New York, where it is estimated that a pedestrian is killed or injured by a vehicle every two hours.

The only one who can prevent such actions taking place is the pedestrian. Using sidewalks and obeying traffic signs will keep you safe and lawful. If you want to know more about other laws in the California Vehicle Code, dmv.ca.gov has the complete Vehicle Code on their website.

Eastvale Holds 13th Annual Picnic In The Park

Photo courtesy: JCSD
Picnic in the Park begins Friday, June 23rd and ends Sunday, June 25th.

Staff Reports

Eastvale – It’s that time of year again when Eastvale and surrounding cities get ready for the 13th annual picnic in the park sponsored by Jurupa Community Services District (JCSD).

“You can expect picnicking, carnival rides, a beer garden, food and retail vendors, a watermelon eating contest, and even a salsa making contest, among other things” said Madison Crask, JCSD Senior Recreational Leader. “We are happy to announce that we’ve expanded the carnival rides area, making it larger than in the past.”

Picnic in the park is a three day event celebrating the Fourth of July, complete with an extravagant firework show. JCSD Parks and Recreation Department has received many awards for various events and activities like this because they know how to a throw party. This pre-Fourth of July celebration will be held at Eastvale Community Park, located at 12750 Citrus St. in Eastvale, near Hamner Ave.

The FREE event opens on Friday, June 23 at 5 pm and closes at 11 pm. Saturday hours are from 2-11 pm, Sunday 3 to 10 pm. There will be many things to do like picnic games, carnival rides, waterslides, bounce houses, and contest with prizes to win. The carnival attractions will be located on the West End of the event and will open at 5 pm. Entertainment on opening night, Friday, will be “Queen Nation,” a “Queen” cover band that will perform at 7 pm.

Parking will be available at the following locations- Eastvale Community Park (FREE UNTIL FILLED), Eleanor Roosevelt High (SMALL FEE TO BENEFIT SCHOOL), and Riverheights Intermediate School (SMALL FEE TO BENEFIT SCHOOL). Both schools are located on Scholar Way.

· Eleanor Roosevelt High School (7447 Scholar Way) – west parking lot and parking lot in front of the performing arts building.

· River Heights Intermediate School (7227 Scholar Way) – Outdoor basketball courts on the west end of campus.

They will be many vendors there selling goodies like kettle corn, Italian ice and much more. On Saturday various performances by Rockstars Of Tomorrow will take place throughout the day followed by the 9 pm firework show. Sunday the park will open at 3 to 10 pm. There will be activities like a salsa making competition from 3 to 6 pm, and in the main courtyard a giant waterslide, mega slip n slide, and mini waterslides for the younger children, so bring your bathing suits. The firework show will begin at 9 pm, but it’s recommended that you come early to reserve your viewing location.

Picnic in the park has become a tradition in many families so feel free to come out and celebrate your Fourth of July and neighborhood pride.

As a reminder, loud noises and flashes of lights from firework displays may be stressful for pets, especially cats and dogs. Please take extra precaution to safeguard your pets during the Picnic in the Park fireworks show on Saturday, June 24th from approximately 9 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. Fourth of July and the days leading up to the holiday are the busiest times of the year for animal control. Pets may flee from their home as a result of fear from fireworks. Keep your pets safe and in a stress-free environment during large fireworks displays.

Connect with us on Social Media @JCSDParks. Share your memories this summer using #PIP2017 or #JCSD2017. If you have any questions, please call the JCSD Parks and Recreation Department at (951) 727-3524 or visit our website.

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition June 2017

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco,  Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2017-06EastvaleNews

Wal-Mart Supercenter Being Built In Eastvale

Eastvale municipality leaders have approved the development of a Walmart supercenter.

By Marissa Mitchell

Eastvale – A new Wal-Mart Supercenter will be built in the city of Eastvale, as ratified by city council members. The Supercenter at large will feature Walmart and other stores, bearing the name “Eastvale Crossings”

On April 26, the project was unanimously approved for building. It will be built on the southeast corner of Limonite and Archibald. In the center covering over 25 acres, the Walmart itself will be approximately 192,000 square feet and include a gas station. Subsequent developments on other parcels of land will be subject to city and Planning Commission review, according to City Manager Michele Nissen.

Per city planning documents, the project will also feature a drive-through pharmacy for Eastvale residents. Time frame for construction, however, has yet to be determined.

Walmart spokeswoman Delia Garcia stated by phone, “The approval is the first step. We’re very early in the process here.”

The planning project is projected to serve not just Eastvale but also the surrounding communities, including Ontario, Chino, Norco, and Jurupa Valley, said officials.

Garcia added, “We know that many of our customers are already shopping at other Wal-Marts in Chino and Corona, and this will be a convenience to our Eastvale customers, but we’ll also serve a broader area.”

This novel Wal-Mart supercenter is expected to garner around $375,000 a year in sales tax revenue for the city, Nissen stated, which will help the city overall in many ways. In general, average sales tax revenue for any Wal-Mart supercenter can range from $250,000 to $900,000 per year, so the estimate is conservative.

“Those dollars go straight into the city’s general fund,” Nissen declared. “Ultimately, it’s up to the City Council and myself to decide how those dollars are spent, but it’s based on the needs of the community.” And, as a rapidly growing community, the needs are many.

Moreover, the new center is anticipated to help ease a challenge for the city, said Brandon Plott:   “For the last six years, we’ve been able to maintain a solvent budget, but it’s been very challenging. The topic of gaining more sales tax revenue comes up and Wal-Mart brings that to the city.”

More revenue generated leads in turn to greater benefits of the community at large. Simply the project in and of itself is expected to create approximately 100 construction jobs and around 300 retail jobs for the city.

The Wal-Mart will include a full grocery department, giving citizens choices and flexibility in food shopping in and around the marketplace of Eastvale.

Plott stated, “It does bring a level of service to the city that the residents want. People can shop for something at a lower price and it brings a level of competition to the city, which is good for our local economy. I think people want to pay lower prices for products.”

Heart 2 Serve: Offering Hope To The Hopeless

Combining Community Outreach with Business Services

By Marissa Mitchell

Chino Hills – For four years now, an organization has existed somewhat under the radar providing services to both individuals and the community at large.

Heart 2 Serve, a privately owned and operated 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, currently assists adult individuals in substance abuse recovery and reintegration as productive members of society through community service and construction businesses offered to the San Bernardino and Los Angeles County areas.

This faith-based (Christian) organization was founded by Brian and Cindy Baughman, with the help of fellow faith members, in 2013. It initially began as a construction company, followed by what was termed an “RV ministry” for transitional living. In 2015, Heart 2 Serve, Inc. became a 501(c)(3) entity, focused entirely on individuals who truly wanted help.

Heart 2 Serve provides all that is necessary to rebuild individual lives that have fallen into hopelessness due to substance addiction through the business built from these humble beginnings. Currently, the organization assists often-stigmatized individuals, including parolees and homeless persons, in their recovery through provision of work, shelter, food, and clothing, so as to reintegrate them as productive members of society.

Heart 2 serve offers a 2-year program that begins with establishing a life-plan of achievable goals designed to measure a client’s progress, rebuild his confidence, and discover newfound hope.

According to its mission statement, Heart 2 Serve Inc. is “the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen.” From the ashes of all the ruins of lives destroyed by addiction, there is birthed a new life amidst despair in the act of serving others. Thus, the name was chosen: Heart 2 Serve.

Among the services required and/or available for a client of the transitional living and reintegration program is participation in the following: substance abuse recovery programs (12 Step meetings), spiritual counseling, safe shelter, employment and skill training (through the construction and moving services training), health and care, food and clothing, legal assistance, education and transportation, and, finally, gainful employment.

The professional contracting and moving services that Heart 2 Serve provides through its nonprofit not only helps fun their ministry, but it also offers an opportunity for individuals in the program to learn new skills and earn an income.

To that end, Heart 2 Serve is a licensed, bonded, and insured general contractor, able to meet every commercial and residential construction and moving needs.

What attracts individuals and businesses to hire Heart 2 Serve over other companies is not just the low pricing, but, as a non-profit, there is also a substantial tax savings provided in using the service, as it is considered a “charitable contribution” on tax forms.
Good cause. Good savings. Rebuilding society from the ground up – literally. Not much else one could desire from a nonprofit, really.
For more information, visit www.h2si.org.

 

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition April 2017

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco,  Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2017-04.Eastvale

Here We Grow: Amazon Fulfillment Center and Costco Building

By Marissa Mitchell

Eastvale – Amazon will soon be opening its new fulfillment center in the Inland Empire, Eastvale, adding at least 1,000 more jobs.

Postings for job positions have been found on local job sites such as Indeed.com for fulfillment managers and employees.

In the city of Eastvale, Amazon employees, will handle and process “small” customer items, including books, electronics, and toys, at a 1 million-square-foot facility built by the Goodman Group.

All over the state, more than 15,000 full-time Amazon employees process and ship customer orders at nine current California fulfillment centers in  in San Bernardino, Eastvale, Redlands, Rialto, Moreno Valley, Tracy and Patterson, in addition to sortation centers in San Bernardino and Newark.

Eastvale City Manager Michele Nissen stated, “This is a really exciting project for us because of the jobs that will be coming.” The jobs will help diversify the economy and community, as well as build revenue.

Because of augmented demand for the Inland Empire Amazon facilities, Nissen declared, “retailers in this position have to expand, otherwise they’re going to lose market share to other competitors.”

Amazon also provides a boost to the economy in the form of education. Amazon’s Career Choice program, offered to Amazon associates who have had at least one year of experience working for the company, pre-pays up to 95 percent of tuition for college courses related to in-demand fields, independent of whether the employee’s skills are relevant to a career at Amazon.

Because of this, more than 9,000 employees have pursued degrees in game design and visual communications, nursing, IT programming and radiology, among other career paths.

Amazon isn’t the only construction happening in Eastvale lately. A new Costco is now in the making – one with the region’s first Costco car wash.

The soon-to-be 158,000 square foot Costco on the east side of Hamner Avenue will showcase a 45-acre retail complex, according to Nissen, who stated, “Assuming there are no additional delays due to weather, we’re hoping Costco will open in late [this year]”.

The Costco will also provide a 30-position gas station.

“Costco has been probably the No. 1 retailer our residents have requested,” Nissen said, “and the sales tax generation from the Costco facility will make a significant difference to the long term sustainability for the city. It’s a conservative estimate that Costco would generate $1 million in sales tax annually to the general fund.”

The proposed retail center will include restaurants and house-shops…up to 14 of them, shaped in an “L.” If approved, Nissen and city planner Eric Norris stated those retailers could open late this year or early 2018.

“We have the Costco coming and we recently announced that we have an additional (Amazon fulfillment center), and between Costco and Amazon, that’s going to bring a substantial amount of employment to Eastvale,” stated Eastvale Councilman Todd Rigby. “And with the employment coming, we know that people that work in an area tend to spend money in the area.”

A Costco spokesperson declined to comment on plans for Eastvale, citing in an email company policy to withhold comment on future Costco locations.

 

Tips From Deputy Myers

Dear Deputy Myers:

How can I become more involved with my community and the Sheriff’s Department?

Did you know the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department has numerous volunteers that assist the department with many different aspects of their day to day operations?  It’s true, and there are hundreds of volunteers department wide that are vital to assisting the department in various ways. Being the volunteer coordinator, as well as many other things, I get to see just how valuable the volunteers are to us every day! I directly supervise the Explorers, Mounted Posse, and Citizen Volunteer Patrol.

Not everyone can be an Explorer (due to age restrictions), and not everyone can be a member of the volunteer Mounted Posse (due to not having interest in horses), but nearly anyone over the age of 18 can be a Citizen Volunteer. The Citizen Volunteer Patrol meets once a month (the fourth Wednesday of every month) at 700pm at the Jurupa Valley Station. They have the opportunity to work hand in hand with deputies on patrol, assist with major incidents, DUI checkpoints, provide an added level of eyes and ears on the streets, logistics, and assist with community events (just to name a few). The station Volunteer Citizen Patrol helps in the contract cities of Eastvale, Jurupa Valley, and the outer lying unincorporated county areas. The Volunteers are a vital part of operations throughout the department.

If being a volunteer sounds like something that may interest you and you have the extra time, please come out to one of our meetings, learn about our program, meet some of our current volunteers, and possibly pick up a background packet to get started in something that can provide you with free training and a sense of community.

Deanna Myers is the Volunteer and Programs Coordinator for the Jurupa Valley Station of the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department that services the Eastvale Police Department.  She has been with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for about nine years, and most recently was assigned to patrol within the City of Eastvale before moving into her current position where she is in charge of the Neighborhood Watch program for the City of Eastvale.

 

Eastvale Community News Complete Edition May 2017

The Eastvale Community News covers local news for Eastvale, Norco,  Corona, and Chino. Click the following link to access the complete issue in pdf format: 2017-5.EastvaleNews