Carbon Canyon Road S-Curve Widening Zoom Mtg on 10 June

A virtual public meeting set up by CalTrans District 8 for the "State Route 142 S-Curve Project," proposing widening at this section along the summit on Carbon Canyon Road in Chino Hills and which would, many are concerned, allow for the rescinding of the large truck ban just recently enacted, has been scheduled on Zoom for Wednesday, 10 June at 5:30 p.m.

You can request to register by contacting: e&pengagement@icf.com.

For anyone living in Carbon Canyon or who regularly uses the state highway, this is a very important part of public input, so please consider joining and expressing concerns because there is no question that this project will be especially invasive if it involved allowing larger trucks again.  This road should not be used as a large truck route, but one wonders if there is pressure to make it one no matter how detrimental it would be to our communities in Brea and Chino Hills, as well as to the Canyon.

If there is such a plan, what is obviously needed is a coordinated response like Hope for the Hills undertook to fight back against the Southern California Edison TRTP transmission lines some 15 years ago.  That movement was successful and it would take the same type of effort to push back against what might be unreasonable and unwarranted project that serves narrow, though deep pocketed, interests at the expense of broader community concerns.

This post was edited following a comment on the Chronicle Facebook page rightly calling for attention to the facts—we would add, as we know them now, pending further revelations.  In the meantime, the CEQA Initial Study may be worth reviewing before the meeting on the 10th.

And, just found this Chino Valley Champion article, as well, note the statement by a CalTrans spokesperson that the ban may be rescinded once the widening project is complete

Chino Hills Historical Society Presentation: Before Chino Hills State Park

On Monday, 8 June at 7 p.m. at the Chino Hills Community Center at 14250 Peyton Drive across from Ayala High School, the Chino Hills Historical Society presents a free talk on the some history of the area that became Chino Hills State Park.  

The discussion will include uses of the land by ranchers like Fenton Slaughter, Frank Pellissier and Christopher Hendra and his Rolling M Ranch, while Claire Schlotterbeck, president of Hills for Everyone and a key figure in the preservation of the property in the face of a proposed airport that led to its purchase and creation as a state park, will discuss how that all came together and its ongoing history.

We hope to see you there!

Grand Fire Burning Near Tres Hermanos Ranch in Chino Hills

Breaking out about an hour ago, the Grand Fire, consuming about 20 acres, is burning on both sides of Grand Avenue, west of Grand Avenue Park and in the vicinity of Tres Hermanos Ranch.  Mapping looks to show the fire mostly on the north side of the thoroughfare and heading northeast through some hills towards some Chino Hills residences accessed from Chino Hills Parkway north of Grand.

Some of the flames look to have been on the south side of Grand, but whether the spread is of any significant there, as opposed to the other side of the road, is not clear.  Incident command stated about 40 minutes ago that "the fire poses an imminent threat to structures and has a potential for 100 to 200 acres."  We'll provide updates as they are released.

UPDATE, 8:37 P.M.  The Grand Fire is now about 30 acres and, some 25 minutes or so ago, Level 3 evacuation orders were issued for 4 streets west of Chino Hills Parkway, north of Grand Avenue.  Chino Hills Parkway is closed at Falling Star and Country Walk lanes.  An evacuation center is in place at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive.

UPDATE, 9:10 P.M.  Another 9 streets in the affected area are under a Level 2 evacuation within the last 20 or so minutes, while acreage remains about 30 acres.  A helitanker did water drops, but it and the other copters were released.

UPDATE, 10:20 P.M.  According to Chino Hills council member Peter Rogers, the Grand Fire was caused by a Tesla that overturned on Grand Avenue.  No further information to report on the blaze.

UPDATE, 10:22 P.M.  Spoke too soon!  Here is a just received notification from the City of Chino Hills:

GRAND FIRE UPDATE - EVACUATION ORDERS LIFTED As of Wednesday, May 13 at 10:00 pm, all EVACUATION ORDERS related to the Grand Fire have been lifted. The road closures at Chino Hills Parkway and Falling Star Lane, and Chino Hills Parkway and Country Walk are being reopened. Grand Avenue is closed from Grand Avenue Park to the City limit, and is expected to remain closed overnight. The fire is holding at approximately 30 acres with 0% containment. Crews are making good progress, with decreased fire activity due to cooler temperatures and increased humidity. Firefighters will continue operations through the night. The Emergency Evacuation Center located at the Chino Hills Community Center (14250 Peyton Drive) will remain open as needed to support displaced residents as they re-enter.  Thank you to the coordinated efforts from our first responders from Chino Valley Fire District, Chino Hills Police Department, City staff, and all partner agencies from outside of the area that supported the effort and a quick response. Thank you to our community for your patience and cooperation. This is the final update unless conditions change requiring further emergency action.