Tag Archives: IE News

National Signing Day At ERHS

By Christopher Hilsinger-Pate

Eastvale– Kids around the country dream of becoming professional athletes. They have the vision of becoming the next LeBron James, Peyton Manning, Alex Morgan, or Mike Trout. On Wednesday, February 7, 2018, 27 athletes from Eleanor Roosevelt High School took the next step in accomplishing their athletic ambitions by signing their letters of intent to play at the collegiate level.

The class of 2018 is the largest group of signees Roosevelt has ever seen, it’s expected that several more athletes will sign with colleges before the conclusion of the school year. Athletic director Aaron Shires was ecstatic about the number of student-athletes that committed to continue their athletic careers in college. “Well, it’s awesome. It speaks volumes to the level of effort and work that our coaches put in, our teachers put in, and the student-athletes themselves have put in, most importantly, the home atmosphere and the families.”

Allison Poole, the goalkeeper for the girls’ soccer team, said that, “Sports has helped me so much. It’s been my getaway; I’m able to become someone different when I get on the field, it’s a blessing to be able to play.” Poole will play soccer at California State University of Fullerton next year.

While the accomplishments of Roosevelt’s athletes on the field are impressive, their successes in the classroom are equally as remarkable. A majority of the athletes have maintained above a 3.5 GPA over the course of their high school careers. Florida Tech commit Jordy Araya took to Twitter to encourage underclassmen to focus on their studies “because of the doors a high GPA and SAT” can open.

National Signing Day is a special day across the country when we are reminded of the impact sports can have on young men and women and their families. While sports may not cure all issues, they do have the unique ability to create phenomenal opportunities and well rounded adults. Sports are an outlet that can create a beautiful paradise for athletes and fans alike. Most importantly is the fact that sports brings people together.

The following is the full list of athletes that signed their letter of intent today:

Football: Andy Koch: Utah State; Lionel Masivi: Dixie State; Michael Macdonald: Azusa Pacific University; Jordy Araya: Florida Tech; Chase Williams: USC; Jeremy Moussa: University of Hawaii

Baseball: Adrian Banales: Pomona Pitzer; Aaron De La Torre: University of Sioux Falls; Jack Drury: California Baptist University; Brandon Gutierrez: Cal State San Bernardino

Girls Volleyball: Dejah Dade: University of California Riverside; Hailey Gomez: Arkansas Pine Bluff

Girls Soccer: Delanie McKeon: Austin Peay State University; Allie Poole: Cal State Fullerton; Sydney Studer: Oregon State; Jasmine Walker: Grambling State.

Girls Softball: Madelyn Ruffin: Long Beach State; Amanda Argomaniz: George Mason University; McKenna Batterton: Florida Gulf Coast; Hayley DiMase: University of Redlands; Hannah Tenberge: Mid America Nazarene University; Kristen Lucas: Butler College; Janna Helberg: College of Charleston

Track & Field: Breanna Bernard-Joseph: USC

Cheerleading: Janae Magpale: California Baptist University; Ashley Padilla: California Baptist University

 

 

 

Miguel’s Jr. Hosts Battle for Burritos to Raise Funds for SoCal Schools

City of Eastvale

Corona – Miguel’s Jr. welcomes back the epic Battle for Burritos fundraising competition between five Southern California High Schools now through April 30. This year competition includes Eleanor Roosevelt High School, Santiago High School, Norco High School, Corona High School and Centennial High School and all are competing for free lunch from Miguel’s Jr. plus cash donations to support the winning schools.

Visit any Miguel’s Jr. now through April 30 and mention the preferred participating school mascot when placing an order. The school with the most mascot mentions will receive a free lunch for all students from Miguel’s Jr. plus a $1 donation for each mention up to $500.

The top three participating schools with the most mascot mentions at the end of the month will receive an additional cash donation of $2,500 for 1st place, $1,000 for 2nd place and $500 for 3rd place. The winners will be announced on May 1 via Miguel’s Jr. social media.

“We are thrilled to be hosting our second annual Battle for Burritos to support some of the local high schools. Tapping into each school’s competitive team spirit has been a fun way for us to get involved and show support,” commented Steve Rezner, Miguel’s Jr. Director of Marketing, “We hope to continue the tradition and expand the Battle for Burritos program to include more schools throughout Southern California.”

For more information about Miguel’s Jr. 2nd annual Battle for Burritos, visit miguelsjr.com/battle. Follow the competition and support your favorite high school using #BattleForBurritos and #MiguelsJR.

 

Chino Resident at Illegal Marijuana Site

Staff Reports  marijuana-illegal-WEB

San Bernardino- On August 23, Chino resident, Derek Michael Katata was arrested while a search warrant was served by the Investigators from the Sheriff’s Marijuana Enforcement Team by deputies from the Highland Police Station in the 25470 E. Baseline Street area.

Through investigation, the Enforcement Team found evidence of the location being used to sell, distribute, and produce marijuana and other goods. Katata was present at the location while the warrant was being served and investigators found; over 10 pounds of processed marijuana, Concentrated Cannabis (THC Wax and THC Oil), marijuana edibles, and a large amount of cash was also seized.

The City of Highland’s Code Enforcement Division was present and inspected the property to find several more violations. The tenants/owner(s) of the property may be issued a citation for the violations and ultimately fined if the violations are not corrected. However, they may also face civil and/or criminal charges that would filed at a later date.

According to the San Bernardino Sheriff’s Department, “The investigation is ongoing. Investigators are in the process of identifying other suspects in this case and are in the process of contacting them. The illegal marijuana dispensary was discovered several weeks ago by investigators. A preliminary check into the business shows there were no licenses or permits issued by the city. Additionally, the evidence gathered during the investigation suggests the suspects in charge or working at the location were not I compliance with California medical marijuana laws and local ordinances. The City of Highland has an ordinance prohibiting medical marijuana dispensaries, mobile marijuana dispensaries, delivery services, and cultivation of marijuana within the city limits.”

Once the investigation is done, all suspects who were involved will be charged with Sales of Marijuana. As well as the San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office will be reviewing the case to possibly file any criminal charges against the suspects involved. As a result, Derek Katata had his bail set at $50,000 and was booked at the Central Detention Center for Sales of Marijuana and additional charges may be added at a later time.

Anyone with information regarding this investigation, you are urged to contact the Sheriff’s Gangs/Narcotics Division at (909) 890-4840. If you wish to remain anonymous, you may contact the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or also you may leave information on the We-Tip Hotline at www.wetip.com

 

 

SB County DA Named President

Staff Reports  

Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office

Photo Courtesy: San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office

San Bernardino– On July 18, San Bernardino County released that District Attorney Mike Ramos was sworn in as President of the National District Attorneys Association (NDAA).

This ceremony was held in Boston, Massachusetts and Ramos was honored during the NDAA’s 2016 Summer Conference and National Victim’s Right Summit.

The former NDAA President, Onondaga County District Attorney William Fitzpatrick, administered the oath of office to Ramos and the Massachusetts Governor Charlie Baker was a main speaker for the ceremony and conducted the “Passing of the Gavel.”

As Ramos made his inaugural speech, he states, “I am honored to have earned the support of my colleagues and given the opportunity to represent the thousands of elected District Attorneys across our great nation,” and also stating, “My intent is to work with my fellow District Attorneys and utilitize this position to continue to fight for justice and victims’ rights at a national level.”

According to SB County District Attorney’s office, Ramos also promised to continue working cooperatively with all local, state, and federal partners in the law and justice community and to help further develop the functions and valuable services NDAA has to offer.

His previous leadership roles for the organization have included vice president and current co-chair of NDAA’s Training and Education Committee. He currently is serving his fourth term as District Attorney of SB County and previously served as president of the CA District Attorneys Association, as well as currently one of three members appointed by the Governor to the CA Victim Compensation Board.

Memberships include District Attorneys from across the United States for NDAA, formed in 1950 and represents the interests of prosecutors and influences federal and national policies affecting law enforcement and prosecution across the country, which is based in Arlington, Virginia.

 

IE News: Man Hit by Metro Link Train

Staff Reports

Fontana– A man was hit by a Metro link train on June 6, at approximately 5:00 p.m.

Officers responded to the call in the area of Palmetto and the railroad tracks south of Arrow Blvd; calls reported that a person was hit by the Metro link train.

According to Fontana Police Department, “Witnesses told investigators they observed a 41-year-old male subject calmly walk over to the tracks and lay down on them as a Metro Link train approached.” The man was struck by the train and died from the injuries sustained.

This case is currently under investigation and being treated as a suicide.

Once the family members have been notified, the identity of the man will be released by the San Bernardino County Coroner’s Office.

Suicide Awareness Voices of Education (SAVE) has the following information on knowing what do if you see someone about to commit suicide and possible warning signs:

Know What to Do:

Stigma associated with mental illnesses can prevent people from getting help. Your willingness to talk about mental or emotional issues and suicide with a friend, family member, or co-worker can be the first step in getting those help and preventing suicide.

If You See the Warning Signs of Suicide:

Begin a dialogue by asking questions. Suicidal thoughts are common with some mental illnesses and your willingness to talk about it in a non-judgmental, non-confrontational way can be the help a person needs to seek professional help. Questions okay to ask:

  • “Do you ever feel so badly that you think about suicide?”
  • “Do you have a plan to commit suicide or take your life?”
  • “Have you thought about when you would do it (today, tomorrow, next week)?”
  • “Have you thought about what method you would use?”

Please visit www.save.org to learn more information, however also calling 9-1-1 immediately is a beneficial way to help prevent a tragic suicide.

IE News: Reckless Chase

Staff Reports

Photo Courtesy of Murrieta Police Department

Photo Courtesy of Murrieta Police Department

Murrieta– The California Highway Patrol (CHP) attempted a traffic stop on June 1, observing a silver Nissan Versa traveling southbound on I-215 with speeds of up to 80 mph. The suspect was later identified as David Brown, 25-years-old, and resident of San Bernardino.

As the driver of the Nissan Versa was exiting Murrieta Hot Springs Road, he failed to yield and accelerated, driving erratically and performing several illegal maneuvers in attempt to elude the CHP Sergeant. The driver then started traveling the opposite way on Murrieta Hot Springs Road.

CHP sergeant lost sight of the vehicle after it pulled into a business parking lot on the corner of Murrieta Hot Springs Road and Alta Murrieta Drive.

Together, the CHP and Murrieta Police Department units pursued the Nissan Versa as the driver continued driving in a reckless manner. The suspect entered a dead end area, making a U-turn in attempt to continuing fleeing officers. CHP utilized legal intervention to terminate the pursuit for driving and safety concerns of the community.

The vehicle became disabled, Brown was taken into custody and booked at Southwest Detention Facility for two counts of felony evading, two no bail warrants for possession of a stolen vehicle and violation of probation.

 

IE News: Inmate Missing From SB Camp

Staff Reports

Crestline– AInmate-BWn inmate walked away from a state conservation camp on Tuesday, May 31.

The inmate identified as Chad Ellebracht, 40, was reported missing at around 7:30 a.m. from the Pilot Rock Conservation Camp #15 in the San Bernardino County, officials stated.  Dormitory buildings and the camp perimeter were searched by the camp staff, but were unable to find him. The Camp reported his disappearance to the local law enforcement agencies. He was last seen at a routine inmate count at 5:40 a.m.

Ellebracht has multiple tattoos, including his last name across his upper chest. He weighs about 200 pounds and 5 feet, 11 inches tall. He was finishing a three year sentence, to be released on August 8, for possession of a controlled substance for sale.

If you have any information, please contact California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation officials camp commander at (909) 338-1950 or the Sierra Conservation Center Watch Commander at (209) 984-5291, ext 5439.

IE News: Bus Crash Injures 21

Staff Reports

Highland– On Sunday, May 22, 22 people including the driver were on board a shuttle bus that was involved in a crash on High way 330 in Highland, according to the California Highway Patrol.

This shuttle bus was driving southbound on Highway 330 following a white Nissan versa, in which the bus rear-ended the vehicle, causing the shuttle bus to overturn. Apparently, this shuttle bus was one of many that were transporting women from Iglesia De Cristo Ministerios Llamada Final Church back home in Downey from a weekend women’s retreat in the Big Bear area.

According to CHP, of the 22 people inside the shuttle bus, 21 were treated for injuries and 4 were in critical condition without life threatening injuries. No reports of injury to the Nissan versa driver have been made thus far. The women have been transported to local hospitals, including St Bernardine Medical Center and Arrowhead Regional Medical Center, to be treated for injuries.

Until the area was further investigated and cleaned up, the roads were briefly closed at Live Oak and Highland Ave on Highway 330. No details at this time have been released as to what exactly caused the shuttle bus to overturn. There is speculation that either the breaks weren’t working properly or speed was possibly a factor, but again nothing released as to the exact cause.

Closures On 91 On-Ramp

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Transportation Commission The map shown above is the detour route for eastbound travelers.

Photo courtesy: Riverside County Transportation Commission
The map shown above is the detour route for eastbound travelers.

Staff Reports

Inland Empire-The Riverside County Transportation Commission has announced the reconfiguration of a 91 on-ramp and closure of nearby streets in Corona, beginning on May 16.

“As part of the Riverside County Transportation Commission’s (RCTC) 91 Project, the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp will be reconfigured to run parallel to westbound Pomona Road and enter the 91 just before the Smith Street overpass,” according to a news release. This reconfiguration will start Monday, May 16 at 4 a.m. through the end of 2016. Also, Pomona Road Eastbound will be closed from Industrial Way to just west of the westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp. Pomona Road Westbound will remain open.

“As a detour for eastbound travel, motorists can head north on Smith Avenue and then east on Railroad Street to Lincoln Avenue,” according to Riverside County Transportation Commission.

“The reconfiguration of the on-ramp will allow crews to widen the roadway and the new westbound 91 Lincoln Avenue on-ramp that will connect directly from the Lincoln Avenue bridge,” added the Riverside County Transportation Commission.

In preparation for this reconfiguration, Pomona Road will be closed in both directions to through travel from just west of the Lincoln Avenue on-ramp to Industrial Way, starting Saturday, May 14 at 9 p.m. This new configuration will open Monday, May 16 at 4 a.m. Flaggers will be on site to allow access to local businesses on Saturday night to Monday morning.

Please note that closures may change depending on weather, field conditions or other operational factors.

For questions, please call the helpline or visit www.sr91project.info.

San Bernardino County Jail Prisoners Sue Over Jail Conditions

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO- Two prisoners in the San Bernardino County jails filed a federal class action lawsuit today, claiming that conditions in the jails are unconstitutional. George Topete and Zachary Shovey claim that the jails are depriving them of basic medical and mental health care, and protection from harm.  They also allege that the jails are denying them reasonable accommodations for their disabilities. The prisoners are seeking an order from the court requiring county officials to improve jail conditions in order to comply with constitutional standards.

The suit alleges that prisoners do not have timely access to physicians and mental health clinicians, that they are victims of excessive force and violence from other inmates, and that they do not receive reasonable accommodations for their disabilities.

George Topete, 50, who has been convicted of attempted murder and robbery, alleges that he has difficulty walking and using stairs due to a physical disability.  Topete is alleging that the jail system has refused him access to a cane, which he needs to walk.   Topete is also alleging that the jail gave him a wheelchair, but he is not able to use it because he is not located in a wheelchair-friendly cell block.   As a result, he has fallen and is at risk of falling when trying to access the visiting area, his cell, and the toilet.

Zachary Shovey, a pretrial detainee at the West Valley Detention Center, has no violent criminal record. He does have an extensive psychiatric history that includes multiple suicide attempts, psychiatric medications, and a nine-month stay in a state psychiatric hospital. Shovey is alleging that the jail failed to provide him mental health treatment and psychiatric medications for one year after his arrest despite symptoms including hallucinations, delusions, anxiety, and insomnia.  He is also alleging that the jail has failed to provide him with timely medical treatment for his seizure disorder.

“These people are entirely dependent on the jail for their health care and well-being – they have no other options,” said Kelly Knapp, Staff Attorney at the Prison Law Office.

The lawsuits stem from a lengthy investigation undertaken by the Prison Law Office into conditions in the jails.

“Sheriff John McMahon has been transparent about the conditions in the jails and has cooperated fully with the investigation,” said Donald Specter, Executive Director of the Prison Law Office. “We expect this cooperation to continue during the litigation and hope that the case can be resolved as quickly as possible,” said Specter.

The county denies that conditions in the jails are unlawful and believes that health care provided to inmates is of high quality, that inmates with disabilities are accommodated and that prisoners are housed in a safe and secure environment.

Even so, Sheriff McMahon noted that, “Since realignment, counties, including San Bernardino, have faced significant challenges in housing more inmates for longer periods of time than they have historically.”

The county has devoted significant resources over the last several years to ensuring that conditions in the jails meet all relevant constitutional, statutory and regulatory standards. As part of that ongoing effort, the county has been working cooperatively with the Prison Law Office for more than a year in an effort to address the claims that have been made in the lawsuit.

“We have appreciated the willingness of the Prison Law Office to work constructively with the county on these issues, look forward to continued cooperative discussions, and are optimistic that the case can be resolved amicably” said Sheriff McMahon.

Inland Empire: Mt Baldy Trails Close After Deaths

By Lyn Taylor

MT BALDY– Icy conditions made the U.S. Forest Service shut down popular Mt. Baldy hiking trails after about a dozen injured and stranded hikers had to be airlifted from the trail on Saturday alone, according to aMt. Baldy Fire Department Twitter post. Since Friday, about two dozen people have been flown out of the mountain area due to hiking incidents, officials said. Baldy Bowl, Bear Flats, Icehouse Canyon, the Three Ts, Chapman and Devil’s Backbone trails are closed, according to a Forest Service spokeswoman.

“At one point we had four different helicopters going up here on Saturday,” said Mt Baldy Fire Department Captain Gordon Green. “One came back at least twice.”

During an earlier rescue of five stranded hikers, the sheriff’s department was advised about a married couple, Dong Xing “Tony” Liu and Linda Duan, who were hiking near the Icehouse Canyon Saddle, and who had both slipped on ice. A sheriff’s helicopter was already in the area and started searching the canyon.

Two hikers who were also in the area heard the couple’s cries for help and made their way down the steep terrain to the pair. The good Samaritans kept Duan warm while waiting for the rescue helicopter. The victims were stuck on an icy slope under a fallen tree, and rescuers were able to conduct a night hoist rescue using night vision goggles. Ms. Duan was transported to the hospital, where she was diagnosed with a broken arm.  Mr. Liu sustained fatal injuries as a result of the fall and was pronounced dead at 8:12 p.m.

Liu, 47, was the just the latest person to die on the trails. Only four days earlier, 23-year-old Daniel Nguyen, a Cal State Long Beach graduate, fell to his death while trying to help a friend who had slipped on the Devil’s Backbone Trail.

The trail conditions must be evaluated before they can be reopened, according to MBFD officials.

“Anyone planning a trip up here should check with the U.S. Forest Service first,” Green advised. “Find out about the conditions and if the trails have been opened and always be prepared.”

Inland Empire: Hemet Man Sentenced

Staff Reports

 

HEMET– A man who repeatedly threatened to kill a United States Forest Service Law Enforcement Officer was sentenced today to 18 months in prison. Richard Latka, 57, of Hemet, was found guilty by a federal jury in October of threatening to assault and murder an officer who was investigating Latka of dumping trash in the San Bernardino National Forest.

According to the evidence presented at the trial, the Forest Service Officer went to a residence on Persimmons Lane in Hemet in October 2014 to investigate a large amount of trash that had recently been dumped in the nearby national forest. The officer encountered Latka in the front yard of the residence, and Latka reacted angrily when the officer said he wished to speak to the owner of the home. Latka then ran toward the officer with clenched fists. Believing that Latka intended to hit him, the officer drew his Taser and ordered Latka to stop. Latka stopped running but continued screaming at the officer. The officer tried to diffuse the situation by retreating to his car, but Latka followed the officer, continued to scream at him, and then pounded with both fists on the driver’s side window of the officer’s marked law enforcement vehicle. The officer drove away, but Latka pursued the officer in his own car, screaming that he was going to kill the officer. At one, Latka pulled up beside the officer and yelled, “Next time you’re dead!” Witnesses reported that Latka later returned to the home and screamed to them that he was going to kill the officer.

“This federal law enforcement officer faced serious threats of assault and murder.  The officer did everything he could to de-escalate the situation,” said United States Attorney Eileen M. Decker. “Instead of de-escalating, Mr. Latka made repeated threats to harm the officer, who was acting both lawfully and prudently. As a result of his dangerous conduct, his unwillingness to comply with law enforcement, and his failure to accept responsibility for his crime, Mr. Latka has earned this prison term.”

The case against Latka was the product of an investigation by the United States Forest Service.

Inland Empire: Man Sentenced to 135 Years

Photo courtesy of San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office Edward Thomas Booking Photo

Photo courtesy of San Bernardino District Attorney’s Office
Edward Thomas Booking Photo

Staff Reports

SAN BERNARDINO- After jury deliberations that lasted less than an hour, a Michigan man was found guilty last month on nine counts of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child. Edward Thomas, 53, was sentenced for his crimes at the West Valley Superior Court in Rancho Cucamonga on January 19.

Thomas received 135-years-to-life in state prison for the sexual assaults of his biological daughter that took place over a ten-year period between 1995 and 2005.  Each count carried a 15-year-to-life sentence.

The charges stem from multiple incidents dating back to when the victim, Jane Doe, was approximately 5 years old and living in Fontana. The abuse went on until she was approximately 15 years old, but Jane Doe never told anyone, including her mother, Lucy.

“Due to fears that there could potentially be more victims, Jane Doe was finally able to disclose the terrible abuse she endured for over ten years,” said Deputy District Attorney Morrissa Cardoza, who prosecuted the case.

In 2013, Jane Doe disclosed the abuse to her mother.  Her mother then wrote the defendant a letter confronting him about the allegations.  Thomas responded by apologizing for everything and begging for forgiveness.  The mother, Lucy, then contacted the Fontana Police.

According to DDA Cardoza, the defendant was living in Michigan when the case came to light, so detectives from the Fontana Police Department flew out to interview him, and again, the defendant confessed.   He was arrested in March.

“However, he was unwilling to plead guilty because he was charged with aggravated sexual assaults, and he always maintained that none of the molestation was forcible,” DDA Cardoza said.

The victim, Jane Doe, is now 25 years old and is serving as an active member of the United States Army.

Catholic Church Tagged by Vandal

Photo by: John P

Photo by: John P

Staff Reports

San Bernardino – County Sheriffs are searching for a male suspect after a Catholic church was tagged with graffiti last Friday, Jan. 8.

In black paint, the suspect spray painted offensive symbols including swastikas and pentagrams on the outside walls and front entrance doors.
Last Friday at approximately 2:25 a.m., deputies responded to a report of vandalism in progress at Our Lady of Hope Catholic Church located at 6885 Del Rosa Ave. in the county area of San Bernardino. The suspect fled the location prior to deputy arrival, department officials said.
Witnesses described the suspect as a male Hispanic adult wearing a blue jacket and dark pants, the authorities said in a statement released on Monday.

Church volunteers worked into the evening painting over the graffiti, according to parish officials.
There are no leads as of Monday, Jan. 11. Sheriffs are investigating the incident, and are asking the public to help with any information by contacting the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Office.  Callers wishing to remain anonymous are urged to call the We-Tip Hotline at 1-800-78-CRIME (27463) or the WeTip website at www.wetip.com.

Inland Empire: 91 Project Task Force Seeks Volunteers

Photo Courtesy: RCTC Executive Director Anne Mayer

Photo Courtesy: RCTC
Executive Director Anne Mayer

By Anne Mayer, 91 Project Executive Director

CORONA – Last month, storm damage forced a closure of a lane on the Westbound 91 which made a challenging commute even worse. Although the damage was quickly repaired, the impact it had on the local community was intolerable.
The Riverside County Transportation Commission (RCTC) needs to do a better job communicating directly to those impacted by the construction of the 91 and its traffic impacts. During the last few weeks we have enhanced our efforts to work closely with our partners at the City of Corona to get the facts out and address your concerns. We are committed to improving communication and we need your help.
RCTC is creating a Corona Community Task Force (CCTF) to create a productive forum for citizens to raise their concerns and provide feedback to our team on what works and what doesn’t work. A good two-way conversation starts with facts and information and the task force will be a good place to have that conversation. The primary topic will be on traffic and how to address the impact of the construction work on residents, but we could also cover other issues involving the project which might impact local residents. The task force is expected to begin meeting this fall and continue to meet on a monthly basis. Meetings will be held on a weeknight from approximately 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. If you have an interest in serving, we encourage you to apply. To apply, please email, sr91project@rctc.org, or call, 951-787-7141.  Applications must be submitted by Nov. 16 for the initial CCTF meeting. Late applications will be considered for future meetings. We would like to form this committee quickly and have it in place for the length of the project.

The 91 Project is more than 50 percent complete and great progress is being made on improvements that will benefit commuters and the City of Corona for years to come. We are committed to improving communication and minimizing the impacts where we can. Join us in making this work for your community.

Inland Empire: Traffic Delays on Archibald Avenue

Resurfacing began on Oct. 7

Staff Reports

Eastvale– Road construction on Archibald Avenue north of Limonite Avenue will cause traffic delays over the next couple of weeks.
Traffic delays are expected on both north and southbound lanes on Archibald Avenue.
A developer in City of Ontario is resurfacing Archibald Avenue between Limonite Avenue and north of City limits, say Eastvale Public Works Department officials.
The work will continue until Oct. 15.
Local access to businesses and residences will be maintained throughout all construction activities.
Commuters are encouraged to use alternate routes during resurfacing process.
According to a city-issued news release, flaggers will be provided as needed to assist traffic through the work zone.
Road work will continue through the weekend to minimize weekday traffic congestion.
For additional information, contact the City of Eastvale Public Works Department at 951-703-4470.

Inland Empire: A 5-Year Old Superhero

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis 5-year old Carter Forsyth

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis
5-year old Carter Forsyth

By Sarah Sanchez

Eastvale – Whether it’s Superman flying or Spider-Man swinging, every 5-year old has a superhero. But Carter Forsyth is not like other 5-year olds, because Carter is his own superhero, with his “Papa”, Jerry Davis, following right behind him.

Carter is an Eastvale resident that is one of 300,000 U.S. children suffering from Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA). JIA is an autoimmune, inflammatory joint disease that presents with varying degrees of pain, swelling, stiffness, lethargy and a reduction or loss of mobility. Growth retardation is common in children with JIA, and this symptom is often exacerbated with medications typically used to treat the disease. Muscle weakness or loss, and osteoporosis are also possible conditions associated with JIA.

Carter had been experiencing pain and medical attention from Juvenile Ankylosing Spondylitis since July 2013, but he was diagnosed with JIA on January 6, 2014. Facing a life-long disease as a young boy is tough for Carter and his family, but this superhero doesn’t let his disease get him down.

Carter is a “shining force, radiating happiness and hope that he shares with everyone who touches his life,” according to his family. He has a big heart and a silly personality. He is also a curious boy who constantly seeks knowledge and has an amazing memory. At his recent preschool graduation, Carter told the crowd that he wants to be a scientist and study volcanoes when he grows up.

Carter and his family have high hopes that he will be able to do just that, since the treatment he is currently on has helped give him relief from the everyday pain he was experiencing. According to his grandfather, Jerry Davis, aka “Papa”, Carter is doing much better today than he was at this time last year. His latest treatment still involves a trip to Loma Linda Hospital once a month for an all-day infusion treatment, but Carter has gotten used to them, for the most part, and he hardly complains, according to Davis.

In order to raise funds and awareness of JIA, Davis will be

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis Carter and his “Papa” at last year’s California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure.

Photo Courtesy: Jerry Davis
Carter and his “Papa” at last year’s California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure.

participating in the 15th Annual California Coast Classic 525 Mile Ride For A Cure, hosted by the Arthritis Foundation. Last year, as a first-year individual rider, Davis raised just over $13,000. This year, Davis founded “Team Carter,” which currently has 46 registered riders participating. At press time, Team Carter is the top fundraising team at $90,000.

“Our goal is $125,000, and with three months to go, I’m hoping we can reach that goal,” said Davis.

All funds will be donated to the Arthritis Foundation to further the search for a cure.

Carter’s family also wants to give a big thank you to the Arthritis Foundation for all they have done for him. The foundation helped Carter find his current doctor at Loma Linda Hospital, who was able to find a successful treatment.

Davis says that the Arthritis Foundation also honored Carter as the official “Finish Line Juvenal Arthritis Honoree” of last year’s CCC Ride For A Cure. They are also sending Carter and his whole family to this year’s Juvenile Arthritis Conference, later this month in Florida.

“Our family is very grateful to the Arthritis Foundation and that is another reason why I, as Carter’s grandfather, will be involved in the ride every year for a long time to come. I believe in this organization and I am thankful for what they do,” said Davis.

To donate to Carter’s personal fundraiser, please visit www.525m4Carter.com.  To join Team Carter, visit www.TeamCarter525m4aCure.com. To follow the team and Carter on this journey, LIKE their Facebook at www.facebook.com/525miles4Carter. If you would like more information about this cause, you can email 525m4Carter@gmail.com.

Inland Empire: Sheriff’s HOPE Helps Homeless Mother And Children

Staff Reports

Victorville – On Thurs., June 25, HOPE Team Deputies were contacted by Jeremy George from the Victor Valley Rescue Mission in reference to a woman, Tijuana Franklin, who came to their shower program at the Victorville Fairgrounds. Franklin informed George of her current situation – living in her car with her 11-year old son and 9-month old daughter.  Franklin is a single mother who simply cannot stretch her income over the course of a whole month. She was staying in a hotel up until recently, when her money ran out.
Franklin had been pursuing assistance on her own for several weeks, working with the homeless housing navigator at the Transitional Assistance Department. She was told, however, that this program will not have funding until after July 1. The HOPE team immediately began contacting area service providers, as they could not allow Franklin and her children to live in their car any longer.
HOPE Deputies contacted several organizations that did not have room, but were lucky when Catholic Charities in Apple Valley stepped up and were willing to help. Franklin was extremely appreciative of the help and was guided to their office, where she completed the necessary paperwork to be assisted. Deputies made sure that she had plenty of diapers and formula and was directed to seek help from the Rescue Mission when critical items become needed again. Franklin was reluctant to ask for help and was very thankful for this opportunity she was given.
The HOPE Team is thankful for people like George, who refers the needy to the HOPE Team and truly has the heart for the less fortunate population. A big thank you also goes to Alejandra Diaz at High Desert Catholic Charities, who really came through when nobody else could. Diaz called Deputies to confirm that Franklin will be housed and to thank the Sheriff’s Department for bringing them together.