Politics, Government and Business in Southern California's Inland Empire
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 04/16/2012 09:19:36 AM PDT
CHINO – Council members are expected tonight to sign off on an environmental impact report that may allow a new recreational vehicle storage facility to open.
Opposition from McBride’s RV storage facility said they are against the development because of safety issues as well as a violation of state law regarding outdoor storage facilities.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 03/23/2012 09:03:11 PM PDT
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified School District officials have approved a budget report that states the district is $2 million in the red.
As a result, they will be back in May with another report, with possible changes, that will reflect its fiscal outcome through 2013-14.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 03/18/2012 03:36:06 PM PDT
Related story: Lawmakers react to CalPERS struggles
Local officials say funding for services are expected to take another hit with the California Public Employee’s Retirement System lowering investment return forecasts last week.
CalPERS, the nation’s largest public pension fund, has requested state, local government and school districts increase contribution rates.
Return projections were lowered from 7.75 percent to 7.5 percent.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 02/17/2012 03:14:12 PM PST
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified School District board members Thursday night approved sending 105 preliminary layoff notices to certificated employees.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 02/03/2012 01:29:27 PM PST
CHINO – As tears were shed and pleas were made, Chino Valley Unified School District board members approved $19.6 million in budget reductions.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 01/27/2012 09:31:09 AM PST
CHINO – The Chino Valley Unified School District has about two weeks to find $20 million to cut from its budget for next year.
That’s the bad news coming from last week’s Board of Education budget study session.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 01/26/2012 11:32:13 AM PST
CHINO – This city, like many others across the Golden State, will bid farewell to its redevelopment agency come Wednesday.
As a result of a state Supreme Court ruling last month, which upheld a law eliminating about 400 redevelopment agencies in California, Chino City Council members agreed to name the city as the successor to its agency.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 01/23/2012 10:37:37 AM PST
CHINO – City Council members agreed last week to hire an outside agency to find candidates to replace City Manager Patrick Glover, who will retire next month.
The agency – Bob Murray and Associates – will conduct a search for an outside candidate.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 01/04/2012 02:53:37 PM PST
Chino’s city manager announced today he will retire at the end of his contract’s term on Feb. 27.
After 13 years of directing and coordinating all city services, Patrick Glover will hang up his hat as the city’s top administrator.
By Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 01/04/2012 04:46:26 PM PST
CHINO – Another tough year is expected for Chino Valley Unified School District as officials anticipate cutting millions from its budget.
Come January, district officials said they will revisit a 33-item list of possible reductions presented to the school board two months ago by its superintendent – a list that includes elimination or cutbacks of nurses, elementary music programs, librarians and several assistant principals.
Canan Tasci, Inland Valley Daily Bulletin
Created: 12/19/2011 09:14:29 AM PST
CHINO – Although it’s months away, the city’s mayor and two councilmen have their eyes set on the prize – being re-elected to the City Council in the November elections.
Chino’s Mayor Dennis Yates – who will be entering his 20th year on the council – said the elections this year will be significant.
Lance Williams, Stephen K. Doig,Christina Jewett, California Watch
Monday, November 28, 2011
For three years, a small hospital east of Los Angeles has billed Medicare for the costs of confronting what appears to be a cardiac crisis of unprecedented dimension.
By Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 11/14/2011 04:58:05 PM PST
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified School District board members will meet Thursday night continuing an all-too-frequent ordeal for the district: considering budget cuts.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 11/11/2011 04:35:38 PM PST
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified School District board members will interview 18 candidates next week to fill a vacant seat.
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Created: 10/14/2011 12:12:00 PM PDT
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified School District officials worry the state’s financial crisis may soon change the district’s current education system.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 07/21/2011 05:31:24 PM PDT
CHINO – In the face of the development slump of the past few years, city officials expressed renewed hope with the expected arrival of a new 52-acre luxury apartment project by the Upland-based Lewis Group of Companies at The Preserve.
Employees will pay into system
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 07/13/2011 05:18:18 PM PDT
CHINO – San Bernardino Public Employees Association members working here have joined a growing list of city employees who have agreed to new pension terms.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 06/25/2011 10:23:53 PM PDT
CHINO – City officials expect to see savings in the new fiscal year by enacting a two-tier pension reform system, paying off pension costs and leaving jobs vacant.
Chino Hills upset over proposed new district
Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer
Created: 06/21/2011 09:04:41 PM PDT
CHINO HILLS – City officials say their suggestions to Citizens Redistricting Commission have fallen on deaf ears after the draft maps released this month divided the city between two congressional districts – one that includes Chino and Ontario and another that includes Diamond Bar and Rowland Heights.
Local agencies vie for a piece of the MWD action
Mediha Fejzagic DiMartino, Staff Writer
Posted: 06/18/2011 10:12:16 PM PDT
When it rains, it pours.
Now that California’s drought is officially over, local cities are scrambling to find money to buy part of 225,000 acre-feet of water unexpectedly up for sale by the Metropolitan Water District.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 06/01/2011 05:46:46 PM PDT
CHINO – City Attorney Jimmy Gutierrez’s recent arrest will figure into his upcoming performance review and whether he will continue to be employed by the city.
New construction may provide lift
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 05/31/2011 08:40:01 PM PDT
CHINO – After continued operational cutbacks, economic sluggishness and the execution of a year-long centennial celebration, the theme of “Challenges” seemed apt for Tuesday’s State of the City.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 05/29/2011 06:54:16 PM PDT
CHINO – City officials announced somewhat mixed budget projections for the upcoming fiscal year last week with revenue increases, rising pension costs, a significant reserve dip and the spectre of losing redevelopment agency funds.
Redistricting
Similar demographics often cross county lines
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 05/28/2011 09:32:56 PM PDT
Chino and Chino Hills share a Fire Department, a school district, a chamber of commerce and a freeway.
But all that sharing aside, the two San Bernardino County cities have deep differences. One is working-class, the other well-to-do. One is a century old, the other isn’t quite 20. One is home mostly to Latinos, the other has a large Asian population.
Man gets probation for reckless driving
Will Bigham, Staff Writer
Created: 05/23/2011 06:58:33 PM PDT
WEST COVINA – Chino and Rialto’s city attorney pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor count of reckless driving Monday in a case stemming from his arrest on suspicion of drunken driving.
Reckless-driving charge added
Will Bigham, Staff Writer
Created: 05/22/2011 08:47:53 PM PDT
WEST COVINA – Chino’s longtime city attorney may admit to a criminal charge today in his case for allegedly driving drunk, his attorney told a judge last week.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 05/21/2011 07:07:44 AM PDT
CHINO – Teachers union officials are asking Chino Valley Unified to adhere to contract language that returns excess state revenue back to members in light of concessions made last year to help balance the budget.
$66.5M by ’13 now possible
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 04/26/2011 10:36:33 PM PDT
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified may face a nightmarish $66.5 million deficit in three years, according to a possible scenario presented to school board members at a recent budget meeting.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 04/25/2011 05:16:27 PM PDT
CHINO – Officials are evaluating whether to stay with the city’s longtime trash hauler or open up the contract to bid.
With tax extension talks off, area educators worried
Canan Tasci, Staff Writer
Posted: 04/02/2011 07:06:34 AM PDT
Gov. Jerry Brown’s promise not to cut school budgets will soon be broken.
The governor’s budget proposal earlier this year to close a $25 billion budget gap without cutting funding to K-12 schools was contingent upon voters approving a five-year extension of temporary taxes in a special election in June.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 03/26/2011 07:06:52 AM PDT
CHINO – The City Council last week viewed cost-saving options in reducing pension contributions for all new employees or having employees pay all their pension share.
R.C., Fontana spurred growth
James Rufus Koren, Staff Writer
Created: 03/12/2011 11:09:52 PM PST
Growth in those areas and across the Inland Empire came largely because of affordable homes sold in the first half of the decade, said Brad Kemp, director of regional research at Beacon Economics.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 03/05/2011 09:51:36 PM PST
CHINO – The Chino Valley Unified school board on Thursday approved an interim budget that puts it in the black for the current and following school years, but projects a shortfall by the beginning of the 2012-13 school year.
The district projects a $2.3 million shortfall by then, which may grow to as much as $19 million in the 2013-14 school year.
By Will Bigham Staff Writer
Created: 02/24/2011 08:13:30 PM PST
WEST COVINA – Chino City Attorney Jimmy Gutierrez pleaded not guilty this week to two misdemeanor drunken driving charges.
Blaming state regulations, Bing takes Florida’s offer
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 02/21/2011 08:41:31 PM PST
CHINO – A high-tech company that originated in this city expects to employ hundreds of people in a bid to create a new kind of energy.
Unfortunately, Bing Energy has opted to do business in Florida rather than the Inland Valley.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 02/18/2011 06:37:50 PM PST
CHINO – The Chino Valley Unified school board on Thursday night approved temporary layoff notices for about 95 teachers as well as an elementary assistant principal, a special education coordinator and a program specialist.
Reduction in force – or temporary layoff notices – must be sent out by March 15 to teachers.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 02/11/2011 04:36:52 PM PST
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified board members Thursday night explored new ways to make further reductions of the potential $28 million deficit the district will face by 2013.
In recent weeks, the school board has already approved cuts amounting to $23.3 million in savings from that deficit.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 02/04/2011 09:04:33 PM PST
CHINO – The Chino Valley Unified school board Thursday approved $8.6 million over three years in further position and pay cuts, while deciding to delay other cost-shaving proposals for further consideration.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 01/21/2011 08:55:54 PM PST
CHINO HILLS – The Chino Valley Unified school board on Thursday made $14 million in cuts, which included employee layoffs and pay cuts.
But the board of education decided to delay taking action on an additional $8.7 million in cuts recommended by Superintendent Wayne Joseph.
By Neil Nisperos Staff Writer
Created: 01/14/2011 06:33:15 PM PST
CHINO – School officials at Chino Valley Unified on Thursday identified an additional $12.5 million in cuts to help reduce a potential $31.5 million deficit.
The potential cuts, which are likely to result in employee layoffs, are part of a $26 million reduction package the school board will consider at its regular board meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday at Woodcrest Junior High School, 2725 S. Campus Ave., Ontario.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 01/08/2011 07:07:29 AM PST
The Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office has charged the city attorney of Chino and Rialto with two misdemeanor counts of driving under the influence of alcohol.
Jimmy Gutierrez is expected to be arraigned at 8:30 a.m. Thursday in the Los Angeles Superior Court in West Covina.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 01/05/2011 08:17:17 PM PST
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified board members will be asked tonight to make $12.5 million in cuts to deal with its dire budget situation.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 12/23/2010 04:18:16 PM PST
CHINO – The state has agreed to significantly reduce a $7.5 million penalty for the Chino Valley Unified School District over missed instructional minutes at two schools.
Under an agreement with education officials, and brokered by Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, the penalty will be reduced to $1.5 million and paid over 8 years at $187,500 annually, starting next school year.
Neil Nisperos and Josh Dulaney, Staff Writers
Created: 10/26/2010 06:14:13 PM PDT
CHINO – The city attorney of Chino and Rialto was arrested early Saturday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.
California Highway Patrol officers from the Santa Fe Springs station arrested Jimmy Gutierrez at 1:52 a.m. on Fairway Avenue, just south of the 60 Freeway, in the City of Industry, officials said.
Nelson
10:58 PM PDT on Monday, October 4, 2010
By JEFF HORSEMAN
The Press-Enterprise
Just five city managers in California — and only one in the Inland area — earned more than Temecula City Manager Shawn Nelson in 2009, according to a survey.
Nelson, 51, earned $336,288 last year, an amount that includes his base salary, deferred compensation and other payouts, according to the survey released last month by the League of California Cities, an advocacy group for cities and towns. Nelson’s base pay is $291,571 a year, according to Temecula.
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 09/19/2010 07:03:01 AM PDT
In the Chino Valley, several debates have been scheduled by the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce. On Thursday, candidates for the Chino Hills City Council race will tout their qualifications. There are eight candidates running for three seats. A similar forum for the Chino Valley Unified school board is planned for Sept. 30; the Chino City Council debate is planned for Oct. 6.
Elrod
Lori Consalvo, Staff Writer
Created: 07/21/2010 05:38:41 PM PDT
CHINO – The public comment session at Tuesday evening’s City Council meeting drew no mention from residents of Councilman Earl Elrod’s misdemeanor hit-and-run conviction in June.
But an Orange County developer who is in a fight with the city and a representative of Mothers Against Drunk Driving brought attention to Elrod’s case.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 07/02/2010 06:13:58 PM PDT
CHINO – School district board members have authorized the superintendent to begin work on substantial future budget cuts to deal with a major deficit expected in two years.
Chino Valley Unified officials project a $30 million deficit in the 2012-2013 school year, as expenditures have begun to outpace revenues and massive reductions to state education coffers continue. The board must determine a fiscal plan to deal with the shortfall by its first interim budget report to the county on Nov. 20.
Elrod
Councilman makes no-contest plea
Lori Consalvo, Staff Writer
Created: 06/30/2010 09:12:53 PM PDT
CHINO – Councilman Earl Elrod on Wednesday pleaded no contest to a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge and received probation and a fine.
Elrod was not present in Chino Superior Court for the arraignment, but attorney David Goldstein made the plea on the councilman’s behalf.
Elrod
Wendy Leung, Staff Writer
Created: 06/20/2010 07:02:35 AM PDT
Chino Councilman Earl Elrod is expected to be arraigned Wednesday in Chino Superior Court in connection with his alleged involvement hit-and-run accident this year.
The San Bernardino County District Attorney’s Office filed a misdemeanor hit-and-run charge against Elrod after a Feb. 14 accident at C and 10th streets in Chino. A Lexus driven by Elrod was hit by a bicyclist heading west on C Street. The councilman drove off without identifying himself, according to authorities.
Officers went to home after crash but did not enter
Lori Consalvo, Staff Writer
Created: 06/20/2010 07:02:25 AM PDT
CHINO – Why didn’t California Highway Patrol officers knock down the door to Councilman Earl Elrod’s house the night of his suspected hit-and-run?
The short answer – they’re not allowed to.
Created: 06/19/2010 07:08:16 AM PDT
CHINO – The Chino Council last week approved a $44.1 million budget for the new fiscal year – a nearly 10 percent spending decrease from last year.
A projected $4.2 million deficit for the 2010-11 fiscal year, beginning July 1, was blamed on declines in revenue from sales and property taxes, as well as a major slowdown in construction.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 06/18/2010 05:36:20 PM PDT
CHINO – Chino Valley Unified boardmembers on Thursday approved about $2.5 million in spending cuts to athletic directors, librarians, intervention counselors, athletic transportation, and its International Baccalaureate program.
The cuts come a time when the district is facing a projected $17 million deficit next year, and a $30 million shortfall in two years. School officials characterized the cuts as “agonizing” but necessary.
Elrod
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 06/16/2010 06:15:12 PM PDT
CHINO – Councilman Earl Elrod will be arraigned next week for his involvement in a hit-and-run incident that led to a standoff with police at his house.
Elrod was arrested for driving under the influence related to the Feb. 14 incident at C and 10th streets, but he was able to escape that charge because California Highway Patrol officers could not show evidence of it.
Schools face ax
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 06/09/2010 05:59:06 PM PDT
CHINO – Dread over new budget cuts hangs over the Chino Valley Unified School District as officials face a potential $30 million deficit in the next two years.
Officials warned the district’s projected shortfall of $17 million next year could grow to more than $30 million in 2013 if a deficit spending trend remains unchecked.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Posted: 05/12/2010 05:55:01 PM PDT
CHINO – A bill making its way through Sacramento would allow unused state land around California Institution for Men to be used for commercial and industrial development.
Assemblyman Curt Hagman, R-Chino Hills, is sponsoring the bill that could also provide for upgrades to the state prison.
Created: 03/22/2010 05:33:19 PM PDT
When the economy began to decline in 2008, investments through the California Public Employees’ Retirement System took a hit.
As a result, cities in the Inland Empire have been juggling losses in revenue while making sure they meet employees’ retirement obligations.
This is the status of pension obligations of some Inland Empire cities:
COLTON
CONTRIBUTION: $5.75 million in 2008-09
PENSION OBLIGATION BOND: $31.14 million
EMPLOYER CONTRIBUTION RATE: 19.498 percent fire, 20.052 percent police, 7.060 percent misc.
EMPLOYEE CONTRIBUTION RATE: 9 percent fire, 9 percent police – paid by city. 8 percent misc. – city pays 4 percent.
Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer
Posted: 03/19/2010 07:36:00 PM PDT
COLTON – Pricey pension packages, budget breakdowns and deep deficits have reduced or jeopardized the reserves some cities have amassed over recent years.
Both Colton and San Bernardino are struggling with dwindling incomes that have burned cash reserves to dangerously low levels.
Rialto is struggling with higher pension costs set to start July 1, which a top official has said will deplete a sizeable $31 million reserve within three years if employees don’t agree to concessions.
Michael J. Sorba, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/18/2010 07:18:42 PM PST
Established as a national holiday in 1983 and first formally observed in 1986, Martin Luther King Jr. Day is one day where many government workers across the nation don’t need to work.
State offices close in honor of the civil-rights icon, and so do many county and city jurisdictions. But some local governments don’t close for the holiday.
Highland and Chino in San Bernardino County, along with Diamond Bar in Los Angeles County, are three cities that remain open the third Monday of January.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Posted: 01/17/2010 06:02:35 AM PST
CHINO – State corrections officials are expected to release a master plan this spring for converting the Heman G. Stark youth prison into a major expansion of adult housing operations.
The transition of Stark into an adult facility is moving forward with the public environmental review process. A public meeting to introduce the plan is likely in the spring, said Bob Sleppy, deputy environmental services director for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation.
Neil Nisperos, Staff Writer
Created: 01/09/2010 06:07:13 AM PST
CHINO – Councilman Art Bennett on Tuesday is expected to ask the council to relieve Roman Nava of his duties as parks and recreation commissioner because of his plans to run for a council seat.
Bennett said Nava’s campaign to fill one of three open council seats in November is a vote of no-confidence in the people – Councilmen Peter Rogers and Ed Graham as well as Mayor Bill Kruger – who currently have those seats.
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