Presentations

Past Meetings:

March 2023 – Zeb Welborn, President of the Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce presented information on the topic of Upskilling Chino Valley.  He gave us a great overview of the impressive things the Chamber of Commerce does for Chino Valley and our community and the numerous events they have going on.  Zeb gave us some tips for seniors having a small business.

Zeb Welborn can be reached at his email: zwelborn@chinovalleychamber.com

 

October 2022 – James Hill, Warden at California Institution for Men (CIM) and Jennifer Core, Acting Warden at California Institution for Women (CIW).

      

It was a pleasure hearing about the various programs at both institutions that provide the inmates with educational opportunities to encourage a productive lifestyle.

Captain James Hill began his career at the Arizona Department of Corrections. He was appointed Warden at CIM in March 2022. He has been assigned to several institutions throughout the state and has experience working with both male and female members of the incarcerated population. In addition to Warden Hill’s knowledge and experience at CDCR, he is a veteran, having served four years in the United States Navy.

Jennifer Core began her career with the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) in January of 2000. She moved up in the ranks to become the Acting Warden at CIW in March of 2022. Warden Core served in the United States Marine Corps for eight years and was honorably discharged from the Marines in 1996 at the rank of Sergeant.

Both wardens are pleased that an emphasis on rehabilitation has been stressed in recent years. Inmates are offered educational courses, rehab programs, virtual visiting, religious programs, etc.  We learned that all inmates must attend school or have a job. They also have a Senior Center!

Those who are interested in volunteering are welcome to contact: CIM Community Resources Manager at 909-597-1821 extn. 7152. Or CIW Community Resources Manager at 909-597-1771 extn. 6534.

September 2022 – Chino Hills Mayor Ray Marquez

Our first guest speaker at our September General Meeting was Chino Hills Mayor Ray Marquez.  He introduced himself at the meeting and discussed the history of his career in Chino Hills. He also gave updates on ongoing and future City issues.  City Councilman Art Bennet was also in attendance.

 

Ray can always be reached on his cell phone if you have a city issue you’d like him to know about.

 

 

September 2022 – David Harrison from Paws 4 Success

The second speaker was David Harrison, Director of “Paws for Success” in Chino Hills, who discussed the functions and objectives of the organization. He elaborated on the group’s work and success with service and therapy dogs for vets and children. Anthony Ramirez, a former police officer with PTSD and a volunteer with “Paws for Success”, introduced his dog, Rosa, and explained how her companionship has improved his life. Additional members elaborated on the goals of the organization, the partnerships that have been created with local businesses, and the social events that are held. David Harrison mentioned that the cost to train the dogs is from $35,000 to $50,000 per dog. Donations are always appreciated.

August 2022 – Chino Valley Fire Chief Dave Williams

Chino Valley Fire Chief, Dave Williams has 25 years of experience. Chino Valley Fire District is the only 1 of 55 districts to qualify in the State for Platinum District of Distinction.  During Covid, the district set up the SOS program to pick up food and medications for Senior Citizens. The Board of Directors approved an emergency declaration allowing the set up mobile morgue services and an approved purchase of an ambulance which provides 24/7 backup service. CVFD is looking at working with a different agency that will allow them more flexibility. The Heart Safe program has as survival rate 3 times higher than the County rate and 2 times higher than the national rate. The ECNS Emergency Communication Nurse System has added a nurse triage system in 911 resource centers to help identify whether a true emergency vs. those that don’t require hospitalization. The new fire station 68 will contain 2 Battalion chiefs, 2 new mechanics, and 12 additional firefighter paramedics.

 

July 2022 – Supervisor Curt Hagman

Supervisor, Curt Hagman, shared the following areas of interest with the membership:
–  The County of San Bernardino is in excellent fiscal condition.
– Mask-wearing to curtail the spread of Covid is not currently required by the County of San Bernardino.
– The County is investing in additional infrastructure.
– Plans are underway at Prado Park for upgrading camping sites, restrooms, adding cabins, and making repairs to the main gate structure. A well is also being drilled to water and improve the dry landscape.
– Chino Airport is re-lining landing sites, installing a fence and having old buildings removed,
– Topgolf has been added in Ontario and a surf park is being planned for Guasti Park.  Completion is expected by 2028.
– Ontario Airport continues to grow with more national and international flights being added.
– Additional traffic lights are being synchronized to help alleviate traffic on the roads.
– A San Bernardino County kiosk has been installed at the Chino Hills Library where residents can manage tasks that were previously only feasible in person.
– Programs for Aging Adult Services are being expanded and improved upon.

 

June 2022 – Dr. Jonathan Grein

We had a wonderful guest speaker at our June meeting!  Dr. Jonathan Grein provided his perspective of the pandemic, gave us insight on what their team was doing about it in January 2020 and shared hospital challenges in the face of the pandemic.

In summary, he believes COVID-19 is with us to stay, so we need to
determine the best way to manage our personal risk by:
– Wearing masks in appropriate settings
– Staying up to date with vaccinations
– Having access to prompt testing and treatment
– Treat mis-information as a serious public health threat

 

May 2022 – Veterans Group presented two check donations

$4,000 donation to Front Sight Military Outreach

 

$4,000 donated to Habitat for Humanity

 

 

April 2022 – City Manager Ben Montgomery

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

March 2022 – Shakespeare boring?  You don’t know Shakespeare!  Given by our club member, Susanne Anderson

Click here for details of this exciting topic!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

January 2022 – Our club member, Patrick Montagne, a retired chemist, specialized in water-soluble dyes.  He spoke about the interesting colors in the textile industry, as found in fabric, clothing and carpet.  He explained the difference in direct dyes vs. reactive dyes and some fashion industries use a less expensive dye that have a shorter life span.  He shared his knowledge and expertise of fashion trends and fads in Southern California.  His presentation was enlightening and entertaining.

 

 

December 2021 – Captain Garth Goodell, Chief of Police for the Chino Hills Police Department, shared ideas on community engagement, crime suppression and how to stay safe.  We all had many questions for him that he answered so graciously.

 

 

 

October 2021 – KC Ollila, Center Operations and Program Manager for the Bob Hope USO, Inland Empire. Her organization helps many veterans; both past and current find a successful transition back to civilian life.  She showed a video of the organization’s 2021 80^th birthday.

The USO has 250 locations through the Central California area. This area covers from San Luis Obispo to San Diego and currently has around 750 volunteers available for consultations.  While closed briefly for the COVID-19 pandemic, they primarily focused on social unrest and National Guard. They are fully re-opened now. The local location is at the old terminal at the Ontario Airport. The hours open are from 6:00 a.m. to 10 p.m. most days. Donations may be accepted there.

Ways to Support the USO include:

• Volunteering at the USO.org. (Register at: BobHopeuso.org/events)
• For volunteers you can work 2-4 hours shift. To get involved go to: www.volunteers.uso.org.
• Get your company involved and spread the word
• To sponsor or donate for cause, go to website:  uso.org/donate/bobhope.

The club thanks  KC her informational and enjoyable presentation!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2021 – Nancy Annotti, Branch Manager of the James S. Thalman Chino Hills Library, San Bernardino County, gave a presentation to the club.
The library strives to serve the community with 32 county branches, programs for seniors 55+, volunteer opportunities, adult book club, mature drivers education, book sales and donation opportunities through Friends of the Library, and two veterans resource groups. Nancy directed club members to review the website at www.sbcounty.gov.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2021 – Our second guest speaker was Christine Charland, Executive Director from the Pomona Valley chapter of Habitat for Humanity.  California is served by 30 chapters throughout the state. The local chapter has built 40 homes and will be building two more for veterans soon. In addition, they also provide maintenance and projects through their Brush of Kindness group for older and lower income recipients. People can contribute or sponsor at several levels. Building materials left over and donated items can be bought from a resale store/Home Improvement Thrift Store in Montclair. Volunteers are welcome.

At the end of Christine’s presentation, George DeFrank, representing the Veterans group of the club, presented a check for $1500 to Christine for the local chapter of Habitat for Humanity.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

June 2021 (Zoom Meeting) – Chino Hills City Council Member Peter Rogers who has been on the city council since 2006 and resides in District 2.  Peter is actively involved in our Water District and various Boards.  He provided an overview of the history of Chino Hills water on how we obtained our various water sources.  Chino Hills inherited our water conservation system from San Bernardino. In total, we have five water systems now supporting the Chino Hills area.

• WFA – Water Facilities Authority in Upland, Ca
• Monte Vista Water District in Montclair, Ca
• CDA-Chino Desalter Authority (Chino 1 and Jurupa)
• Ground water wells
• Inland Empire Utilities Agency (IEUA) for reclaimed water

In summary, Peter noted that our city was in pretty good shape for water.  A new plant is to be installed near Boy’s Republic at a budget of $6 million. Drought is going to be an issue this year due to lack of rainfall, etc.  Peter noted that solutions for this are in work and will be implemented by the City this year.  He told us that Chino Hills received an award for one of the most proactive cities in the past drought.

Peter can be reached on his cell phone at: 909-342-3824.

 

April 2021 (Zoom Meeting) – Chino Hills City Council Member Ray Marquez answered our questions on the state law relating to high density housing in Chino Hills.  He said there have been various housing workshops held by the city to hear the views from the residents on this matter.  There were some questions on traffic on Carbon Canyon Road that will get worse if more housing is built.  Ray explained that Carbon Canyon Road (Highway 142) is a state highway that is under Cal Trans jurisdiction.  Even though we provide police monitoring of the highway, Cal Trans is still responsible for the road. There have been traffic studies done resulting in possible traffic signals to be installed.  We appreciate Ray taking time to join our meeting and discuss issues with us.

Ray can be reached on his cell phone: 909-226-6538.

 

 

March 2021 (Zoom Meeting) – Jose Hernandez of OmniTrans/OmniRide gave us some wonderful tips and he answered some great questions from our members.

• OmniRide is reservation-based, on-demand, shared transit service (like Uber or Lyft), providing local service in Chino Hills
• This is not like the typical bus service. It is demand-response and has to be booked via the app (OmniRide On-Demand) or by calling in to reserve your ride
• Rides are $4 each way, and include an Omnitrans day pass for connections to the fixed-route bus system. Discounts are available for those 65+, disabled/Medicare/veteran.
• Wheel chair vans can pick you up at your house
• Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, 6am-8pm
• Social distancing is followed.
• Tipping is not accepted.
• Reservations can be made by calling (909) 383-1680 or through the OmniRide app.
• Payments can be made by credit card through the app or with exact cash at the vehicle.
• More information can be obtained on the website: https://omnitrans.org/omniride

 

January 2021 (Zoom Meeting) – Mayor Brian Johsz of Chino Hills City Council presented information on communications offered by the city, such as “Notify Me” program.  Click here to view and sign up for ‘Notify Me”.  Brian expressed his gratitude for our clubs’ activities. He noted how important these groups are to the community.

After providing his background information, he advised that the City of Chino Hills had just received funding for the Federal Cares Act. This funding will be used to help small businesses in the community keep their doors open during this pandemic.

COVID-19 testing is continuing at McCoy’s Equestrian Center.  The vaccine delivery will be available shortly, but seems to be slower than expected.  Brian is also participating in a program titled “Masks for Mayors”.  This program provides free masks for those in need.  If interested, please contact Brian at the Chino Hills Community website provided during the meeting.

Chino Hills 30^th Birthday is coming shortly. The city is looking for ways to promote the city to our residents.  Please contact Brian with your ideas!

Brian Johsz, Chino Hills Mayor

Email:  BJohsz@chinohills.org

Phone: (909) 364-2620

Fax: (909) 364-2695

 

 

November 2020 (Zoom Meeting) – Massiel De Guevara of the Chino Valley Fire District Massiel presented information on a new tool called “Community Connect”.  Residents can share household information on line with Chino Valley Fire Department and other essential workers in order to facilitate prompt resolution of dangerous issues. A presentation was provided including its use. The information collected by this program is completely confidential and limited to only those first responders with a need to know. It can be utilized either by phone or computer. Users are able to enter specific household information such as family members, access points, emergency numbers, etc., which could enable preventive measures for community members facing emergency issues.

Community Connect is available at:  www.communityconnect.io/info/ca-chino and also on the Chino City and Chino Hills City
websites. This is a free service to residents.  Community Connect utilizes a dashboard in which participants can create their
profile; create an account and incorporate any pertinent information about their household they are comfortable sharing. This data will then be shared with first responders in the event of an emergency. We were encouraged to sign up. The
Security level is to the level of on-line banking and is very secure.

Contact information:                                   

Massiel De Guevara

Public Information Officer

Community Risk Reduction

Chino Valley Fire District

14011 City Center Drive

Chino Hills, CA 91709

909-315-8816

mdeguevara@chofire.org

 

October 2020 (Zoom Meeting) – Eric Gavin, Founder of Open Door Community Partners, spoke on ending homelessness in our community.  He gave an informative Power Point presentation that can be found here:  EndingHomelessnessLWV

Contact information: Eric R. Gavin, phone: 909- two-five-seven-5208, Email:  egavin@opendoorcp.com

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

September 2020 (Zoom Meeting) – Sergeant Laura Addy from Chino Hills Police Department gave us information on scams targeting seniors.  Here is a link to see elder fraud information including the video she presented of a former FBI Director that was targeted on the phone: https://www.fbi.gov/scams-and-safety/common-scams-and-crimes/elder-fraud

Here’s an example of an online scam to be aware of… Someone claiming to be from Microsoft convinced the victim to give them remote access to their computer so they could “help fix a problem” (click here): Online Scams

These are more helpful tips on common elder fraud schemes and how to protect yourself, including how to file a complaint: https://www.ic3.gov/media/2019/190919.aspx

Don’t give out personal information on the phone and know that your bank, the IRS and the Social Security Office will never call you asking for your passwords or personal information.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

August 2020 (Zoom Meeting)  –  Stacey Hernandez from the Department of Aging & Adult Services, Senior Information and Assistance Program.

Stacey presented an overview of the multiple confidential programs that her department offers to support our aging and disabled adults (for those over 60 years old):

• Insurance counseling – medical issues
• In home support services – caregivers can be chosen or supplied
• Long Term Care Ombudsman – support
• Adult Social Services – Complaints investigation and support

Structured to help keep seniors in their home

• Stay in Home care – nursing assistance
• Office of the Public Guardian – to help disabled to obtain conservatorship
• General Senior Information and Support
• Family caregiver program- to assist families in need
• Emergency utilities help (once a year)

Click here for the brochure: Understanding Aging and Adult Programs and Services including department phone numbers. In Stacey’s role, she can assist in meetings and offer presentations as required.  The club truly appreciated Stacy’s presentation and thanks her and her Department for their support.

Stacey Hernandez

Department of Aging & Adult Services

Senior Information and Assistance Program

Website: hss.sbcounty.gov/daas/

Phone 909 948-6234  |  Fax 909 948-6201

Email:  Stacey.Hernandez@hss.sbcounty.gov

Our job is to create a county in which those who reside and invest can prosper and achieve well-being.

 

 

September 2019 – Mayor Cynthia Moran gave us some helpful tips on how to stay connected with the City of Chino Hills:

– How to follow the City of Chino Hills on social media (Click here for website:  www.chinohills.org)
– How to watch the council meetings on Cable TV (Spectrum – Channel 3 or Frontier – Channel 41) or by video streaming (Click here:: www.chinohills.org/VideoStreaming)
– How to sign up to receive an email or text message from the city if there is an emergency in the city ( click here: www.chinohills.org/NotifyMe)
– Code Enforcement is reactive (not proactive) so if you see a code violation, call the city’s Code Enforcement Department at (909) 364-2600
– Citizen’s On Patrol is a good way to volunteer for the city: Click here for more information.

 

 

September 2018 – Mitch McAlpine from ClearCaptions gave us a demonstration of the free phone equipment that is available for those who struggle with hearing loss.  With this phone display, you can see the callers’ words on a large color screen and your last 50 messages will be saved in the log.  Mitch is a Title IV ADA Specialist and will install the phone equipment in your home for those who qualify.  For more information, see these links:

ClearCaptions Information

ClearCaptions Form

https://www.clearcaptions.com/

 

August 2018 – The theme of the meeting was Dog Days and members were asked to submit photos of their dogs.  Here is the power point presentation that showcased our wonderful pets:  DOG DAYS 8.24.2018

 

 

June 2018 – Eloise Coopersmith, actress and playwright, conducted an activity on self-awareness.  We learned how the creative brain makes us understand others better to be able to communicate more effectively.  Our brain assessment proved a paradigm shift where we’re so sure something is one way but more information changes that thought. As a playwright, Eloise uses this concept as she develops her characters.

 

May 2018 – Robert Ralston, ambassador for OneLegacy organ and tissue organization, presented information about the importance of being an organ donor.  Mr. Ralston waited for a liver transplant for four years after contracting a staph infection from hernia surgery.  For more information, visit these websites:

http://www.onelegacy.org/about/mission.html

https://unos.org/donation/facts/

https://unos.org/data/

 

April 2018 – Brian Johsz from the Chino Hills City Council presented information on reducing crime and keeping our city safe by discussing Taking Back Our Community (see Photo Gallery).  There is a coalition of crime victims, law enforcement, business owners and public safety leaders working to pass the “Reducing Crime and Keeping California Safe Act of 2018.”  The initiative will reclassify currently “non-violent” crimes like rape of an unconscious person, sex trafficking of a child and 14 other serious crimes as “violent” — to prevent the early release of inmates convicted of these crimes.  The initiative will also reform the parole system to stop the early release of violent felons, expand parolee oversight, and strengthen penalties for parole violations, reform theft laws to restore accountability for serial thieves and organized theft gangs and expand DNA collection to include those convicted of drug, theft, domestic violence and other serious crimes to help solve rape, murder and other violent crimes — and to exonerate those wrongly accused.  For more information, visit:  www.keepcalsafe.org.

 

October 2017 – Bill Taylor is involved with the Chino Hills Kiwanis Club, Chino Hills Parks and Recreation Commission and was voted the Chino Hills Community Hero in September 2017 for the Los Angeles County Fair.  He presented ideas that have been proposed to the Parks and Rec Commission regarding a Community Garden and told us about the Veterans Essay Contest held this month and Chino Hills Boat Parade (December 15, 2017 at 7:00 p.m.).  The 55+ Club members at the meeting had a chance to give their feedback on what types of programs, activities or events we’d like to see offered and also what type of recreational facilities we’d like to see in Chino Hills (see photo gallery).

Also at this meeting, Jane DeFrank gave us ideas to be prepared for an emergency, such as a wild fire, in “Ready Set Go!”  More details to follow, and a link to her presentation.

 

September 2017 – Officer Dulce Stone, Sheriff’s Service Specialist with the Chino Hills Police Department, presented valuable information on five most common phone scams targeting seniors (grandparent scam, jury duty, lottery, IRS and utility scams), see Photo Gallary.  She suggests requesting free credit reports once a year.  The phone number for Chino Hills Police Non-Emergency Dispatch is 909-465-6837.

 

May 2017 – Chris and Dave Master gave a presentation on “The Benefits of Walking-Exercise for Older Adults“. They also provided tips for how to protect ourselves and our animals if confronted with wildlife in the Chino Hills area (see Photo Gallery).

April 2017 – Nancy Kidd, Public Education Specialist from the Chino Valley Fire District and Kasey Powderly, Director of Chino Valley YMCA gave a presentation on “Remembering When…Helping Older Adults Live Safely at Home” (see Photo Gallery) and these links: How to Prevent Falls and How to Prevent Fires

 

March 2017 – Dr. Steven Soong from Bright Vision Optometry (see Photo Gallery)

August 2016 – Michael Jackson Tribute – Hunter Felde and 55+ Club Line Dancers (see Photo Gallery)

and Hawaiian Luau theme – 55+ Club Line Dancers  (see Photo Gallery)

May 2016 –  Captain Darren Goodman, Chino Hills Police Department (see minutes from May meeting for a recap:   5.27.16-GM-Minutes

March 2016 – Lynette Brown from Priceless Pets

June 2015 – Wayne Joseph, Superintendent of Chino Valley School Districts

May 2015 – Douglass Shaw, Department of Aging and Adult Services (http://hss.sbcounty.gov/daas/)

April 2015 – Marie Russo, Certified Life Coach (www.MarieKRusso.com)

March 2015 – Anshul Varshney, M.D., Board Certified Ophthalmologist with Chino Hills Eye & Laser Center

Massiel DeGuevara, Public Information Officer, Chino Valley Fire District

Sandee Hayden, Visiting Nurse Association, “Twenty-five Documents Everyone Should Have in Place”