New City of Chino Hills Statement on CalTrans' Proposed "Improvements" to Carbon Canyon Road

This just in from the City of Chino Hills regarding the proposed "improvements" by CalTrans to Carbon Canyon Road (State Route 142):

 

The City of Chino Hills remains firmly opposed to and is prepared to challenge any decision made by the California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) that would allow large truck traffic to return to State Route 142 (SR-142) and the “S-Curves” on Carbon Canyon Road. Statements made by Caltrans during a June 10 public hearing indicated the agency intends to remove current truck restrictions, regardless of whether roadway safety improvements such as widening of the “S-Curves” are made or not. For more than seven years, the City worked alongside residents, community members, regional partners, and legislative representatives to address the significant safety concerns posed by large truck traffic of vehicles over four axles along Carbon Canyon Road. Those efforts resulted in truck restrictions that took effect in May 2024, which protect public safety and enhance the quality of life for residents. The City remains committed to ensuring those protections remain in place permanently. Caltrans is accepting public comments on the project through June 17, 2026. Residents are encouraged to submit comments to be considered as part of the environmental review process by email at D8.1M780.Comments@dot.ca.gov. The City has requested that Caltrans conduct a follow-up public meeting in person to provide additional opportunities for community engagement. To learn more about about this topic and its history, the June 10 Public Hearing, and how to submit public comments to Caltrans, visit  www.chinohills.org/CarbonCanyon. The City remains committed to advocating for the safety of our community and will continue to provide information related to the project through this website page as it becomes available. View All News

 

Carbon Canyon Road S-Curve Zoom Meeting Summary

Last night, CalTrans District 8, which covers the San Bernardino County portion of Carbon Canyon belatedly held a public Zoom meeting to discuss the project to "improve" the S-curves on Carbon Canyon Road, which is California Highway 142, with around 100 concerned residents gathered at the McCoy Equestrian Center Barn for the gathering.  The confab included a relatively brief, pro-forma recitation by CT officials of an overview, background and timeline of the proposed project, which could take up to four years to complete including environmental review, design and construction, while public comment is taking place this month and in July.

As with other projects like this, there are the build and no-build alternatives, but the claim is that the work to widen the S-curves and install retaining walls and other elements is to improve safety, even as the completion of the project would allow more volume because it was made abundantly clear that the ban of trucks of 5 axles or more, implemented a couple of years ago, with several years of concerted action from the cities of Brea and Chino Hills, would almost certainly be rescinded either way, meaning whether the "improvement" was made or not.

Also striking was the reiteration on several occasions by a CT official that this project came about because of public concerns of trucks crossing the centerline striping at the S-curves and so the claim was that this effort to widen the roadway and other aspects was the only real response the agency could make.  The obvious problem with this from the standpoint of those who spoke during the Q&A, considered informal so not recorded for the public record, and the oral comment portion, which was formalized and recorded, is that this was not the reason for the concerns.  

It should be noted that none of the dozens of persons who asked questions or spoke during the meeting, including a former Chino Hills councilmember and mayor, the current mayor and a city official, voiced support for the project.  So, if CT's contentions about concerns from the public were that this project was warranted, why did the public who expressed current concerns agree en masse that this is not what was intended when complaints were registered with the department?

Another remark by a CT official that raised eyebrows was the statement that the project was not intended to add more trucks to traffic on the state highway, but to more broadly improve traffic flow.  As many speakers pointed out, as often as accidents occur at the S-curves—a property owner with expensive cast-iron fencing and walls has, yet again, had these plowed into by a car within the last couple of weeks, and a section at Carriage Hills Lane has been the site of many crashes that have caused power outages throughout the Canyon—the way this section is constructed actually serves to slow most traffic down.  Yet, CT has insisted on adding so many signs, in the belief that this will somehow deter dangerous driving, when only enforcement can mitigate this, that it is almost comical to see how cluttered the roadway has become, yet the behavior continues.

It was also remarked that, while this work may be viewed by the agency as necessary and effective, the isolation of the S-curves from the rest of the state highway seems more than self-defeating.  For example, there are curves in Sleepy Hollow, principally at the east entrance to Rosemary Lane, where trucks routinely cross the centerline and have, in fact, swipes mailboxes and vehicles, while others routinely honk their horns as a warning, but with very limited sight lines.  There is no way to remediate the highway in that location and this is true at another curve to the west under which Carbon Creek passes, while sections in Brea may well involve the same general issues.

Other questions and comments concerned the absolute bare minimum of public notice, the inadequacy of holding a Zoom meeting so that an in-person gathering was requested, the fact that the documents so far prepared were insufficient, the call for a permanent ban on trucks—which CT personnel said would involve the cities going through a similar process to the current one (meaning years of struggle), and more.  One commenters wanted to know who was behind this project in terms of either the complaints registered that led to the interpretation that this work was the best response or who may be lobbying (a common perception is that Amazon, readying to establish a distribution center just outside the canyon on the 142 [the Valencia Avenue portion] in Brea, is behind this) for the work.

Perhaps the most remarkable claim from CT officials was that the ban instituted in the last couple of years was temporary and was always intended to be so.  While City of Chino Hills officials were clear in saying that this was not the case, the response from the department was that it was in the agreement signed by Chino Hills and Brea.  The obvious question is:  what will be the future communications between the municipalities and Cal Trans about this vital issue?

There will, of course, be more to come, but the salient matter right now is for those concerned about this project—and nothing said by CT staff alleviated any concerns, from what this observer heard and saw—this is the time to comment, during this and next month.  There is also the Hope for the Hills campaign against the project

Chino Hills Historical Society Presentation This Monday: Before Chino Hills State Park

This Monday the 8th at 7 p.m., at the Chino Hills Community Center, 14250 Peyton Drive, across from Ayala High School, the Chino Hills Historical Society hosts a presentation on some history of the area that became Chino Hills State Park, as well as some of the park's history.

If you've been in this amazing local resource and wondered how Rolling M Ranch, the park's headquarters and where there is a great campground, or Telegraph Canyon got their names, you can learn that by attending the talk.

San Bernardino Guardian, 20 September 1873.

If you didn't know that an international airport was proposed for much of the parkland, come on by and hear more about that, as well.

Paul Spitzzeri will discuss some of what the land was used for prior to its preservation and Hills for Everyone President Claire Schlotterbeck, who was deeply involved in the movement for the establishment of the Park, will share some of that story, as well.

Chino Champion, 20 October 1971.

We hope to see you there!

City of Chino Hills Statement on Proposed Carbon Canyon Road (SR 142) Summit Widening

 This just in from the City of Chino Hills--note that there is a page on the City's website on this issue.

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.

Carbon Canyon Road S-Curve Widening and the Reversal of the 5-Axle or More Truck Ban

An article by Marianne Napoles in last Saturday's Chino Valley Champion informed readers of plans by CalTrans to, starting in summer 2028, widen the S-curves at the summit along Carbon Canyon Road, which is State Route 142, and it looks as if the reason for doing this was to set the table for a reversal of the ban on trucks with five axles or more on the highway.

This prohibition was years in the making as the cities of Brea and Chino Hills, as well as citizens in both cities, lobbied persistently to persuade CalTrans to enact the policy for a number of reasons, not the least of which was the safety of other drivers because large trucks were continually crossing center lines and entering opposing traffic lanes.

While there are certainly no shortage of violators now, as enforcement is pretty light, the idea of reversing the ban because one section of the highway is being widened has definitely struck a nerve in Chino Hills, as evidenced by the turnout of concerned residents at Tuesday night's Council meeting, even though there were no agenda items relating to the matter.

This meant that it was during general public comment that Carbon Canyon residents took the opportunity to implore the Council to do whatever it could to fight against CalTrans' purported purpose.  Many reasons were cited, including those related to evacuations in case of a wildfire, something, obviously, paramount in many minds given last weekend's 210-acre blaze on the Brea side of the Canyon, along with safety and others.

Because Amazon is in the process of converting a former Bank of America processing center just outside the Canyon on Highway 142 (Valencia Avenue) in Brea, the speculation, naturally, has been that CalTrans' work on the S-curves is at least partially, if not largely (or completely?), based on this project, dubbed the DJT4 Parcel Delivery Facility (on those initials . . . hmmmm).  This lead to some public comments about this possibility.

It was stated that there is a scheduled meeting on 4 May (next Monday) between officials from CalTrans and the City of Chino Hills, so, of course, it'll be very interesting to see what comes out publicly afterward and then what steps will be taken for public comment.  As another commenter said, CalTrans did not notify many residents about this early stage work because it followed an absolute minimum of 500 foot-distance from the work area for notification, but any reasonable effort at transparency would extend that to a fair distance given the size of the Carriage Hills and Summit Ranch tracts, in or near which council members Ray Marquez and Peter Rogers reside.

A concluding point is that one speaker observed that, even if the S-curves were widened to more easily accommodate larger trucks, this would not be the case for Sleepy Hollow, where any such attempt would have to involve condemnation through eminent domain.  Those of us who live in that community (including those who have a roadside view) know how often trucks cross the centerline, have to honk to warn oncoming vehicles or, on occasion, hit residential property.

Widening the S-curves would change nothing in this part of the Canyon and, therefore, pose unacceptable risks to residents and drivers.  We'll see how all this plays out as the project moves forward, but anyone who drives Carbon Canyon Road on a regular basis, beyond those who live in the Canyon, should be aware and concerned about this and find a way to get engaged.

The Champion article states that a public hearing can be requested by 10 May by emailing CalTrans at: D8.1M780.Comments@dot.ca.gov or writing to CalTrans District 8, Attn: Hannah Duarte, Senior Environmental Scientist, 464 W. Fourth Street, MC-820, San Bernardino, CA 92401-1400.

The Chronicle will try to keep updated on the development of this project and share what it learns.

Carbon Fire Update

Thanks to Watch Duty and CalFire, it was reported a little over four hours ago that the Carbon Fire, burning some 210 acres between Olinda Village and Olinda Ranch in Brea on the north side of Carbon Canyon Road (State Route 142), was 71% contained.

During the day, there were 20 engines from a quartet of three-strike teams, nine hand crews, two dozers, two water tenders, drones and many firefighters engaged in the battle to control the blaze and deal with hot spots, which, as many of us now, can flare up into new fires.

With all evacuation warnings lifted earlier, the Red Cross care and reception center located at the Chino Hills Community Center was also closed today and Carbon Canyon Road opened before 4 p.m.  Those driving through later could see some of the equipment parked along the highway.

A great deal of thanks is owed to all of the agencies and personnel deployed to combat the conflagration, which was fanned by strong winds, though tempered by the light rain which fell last night.  While the investigation continues, it should be noted that many such fires along roadways can be caused by sparks from vehicles—again, this is only a general statement and we'll see if any identification is made as to a cause.

Just 45 minutes or so before the fire burst forth, the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council concluded the first of a pair of Brush Drop Off events on the Chino Hills side of the Canyon.  These events, held for many years, involve the collection of brush and other material culled from properties and two roll-off bins were filled, comprising many thousands of pounds of brush.

 

While these help to mitigate some of the risk of wildfires in the Canyon, the Carbon Fire is yet another reminder that there is no longer a "fire season" and the threat of a blaze is present year-round.  Residents clearing material at their houses, CalTrans keeping dry brush away from the roadway of Carbon Canyon Road, and other property owners limiting the brush on their land are all part of the effort to reduce the possibility of a devastating conflagration like those of 2008, 1990, 1980, 1978 and in the years prior.

Thanks to Matt Eseltine for his remarkable photos of the Carbon Fire!

Carbon Fire Forward Movement Halted

 According to a 1:50 a.m. update by Alert Duty, forward movement on the Carbon Fire, scorching around 200 acres near Olinda Village on the Brea side of Carbon Canyon was halted by firefighting personnel working since the blaze burst out almost exactly 12 hours prior.

Carbon Canyon Road looks to remain closed as work continues on combating the conflagration.  For some remarkable video, check this out from the Orange County Fire Authority.

Much appreciation to all of the agencies and personnel who are working tirelessly to fight this fire and keep it from houses, structures and people!

Thanks to Matt Eseltine for sharing photos taking of the blaze and those fighting it!

Brush Fire Between Olinda Ranch and Olinda Village

Within the last 10 minutes, alerts have been issued of a brush fire in Brea, between Olinda Ranch and Olinda Village. Because of gusty winds, the flames have been moving toward the latter and several acres burned at last report. The fire response includes a variety of equipment and Carbon Canyon Road is closed while the blaze is being battled.

From the Orange County Register:

Firefighters on Saturday afternoon, April 25 were battling a wind-driven vegetation fire that scorched 4 acres in Brea, authorities said.

The blaze, dubbed the Carbon Fire, was reported around 1:45 p.m. on the north side of Carbon Canyon Road, according to Watch Duty, a nonprofit app that tracks wildfires. The fire quickly spread to 4 acres, and was approaching the neighborhood of Olinda Village.

Carbon Canyon Road was closed down between Brea Hill and Ruby, the Brea Police Department announced.

An additional five engines, two tankers and a helicopter were requested by incident command to combat the blaze.

From NBC4 Los Angeles a little before 3:30 p.m.:

Evacuation warnings were issued Saturday afternoon after a brush fire broke out in an unincorporated area of Brea.

The Carbon Fire was reported just after 1:30 p.m. in the area of Carbon Canyon and Olinda Place near Carbon Canyon Regional Park, according to the Orange County Fire Authority.

The blaze, which is currently at about 5 acres, prompted officials to issue an evacuation warning for Hollydale Mobile Home Park and Olinda Village. The public is asked to avoid the area until further notice.

As a result of the firefight, Carbon Canyon Road is closed between Ruby Drive and Break Hills Avenue.

It’s unclear what caused the fire.

Further updates, 6:30 p.m.: The Carbon Fire, involving some 200 acres, burns toward the north, apparently in Chino Hills State Park and other land, away from Olinda Village. Further firefighting resources have been requested in the form of 20 engines, 4 hand crews and 2 dozers. The City of Brea, it is reported, is keeping Carbon Canyon Road closed until tomorrow (Sunday) afternoon.

Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council Brush Drop Off Tomorrow

Tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m., the Carbon Canyon Fire Safe Council, in partnership with Waste Management and the City of Chino Hills is holding one of twice annual Brush Drop Off events on Canon Lane, north of Carbon Canyon Road and just past Fire Station 64.

Carbon Canyon residents are encouraged to bring cut brush for deposit in roll-off bins provided by the disposal company and Fire Safe Council members will be on hand to assist.  The National Weather Service forecasts a slight chance, some 20%, of showers after 11 a.m., but if you get out early to cut or bring your brush over, you can avoid the wet weather, if any.

 

Tres Hermanos Ranch Hike: The Namesake of Tonner Canyon Road

Following the Tres Hermanos Ranch Hike, in which more than 600 persons participated and walked most of the way along Tonner Canyon Road, some history of namesake Patrick C. Tonner can be found in the first part of a post on The Homestead Blog.

Tres Hermanos Ranch Hike on 22 April!

 After a series of guided tours of Tres Hermanos Ranch, the newest event at this roughly 2,500-acre local gem, managed by an authority comprised of the cities of Chino Hills, Diamond Bar and Industry, is a self-guided three-mile hike from Grand Avenue Park in Chino Hills to the ranch headquarters and back. For more information:

https://www.facebook.com/CityofDiamondBarCA/posts/pfbid0v18nQHDFvSdPRsepSXSGtFZ86bZDekC7ChrMjfRnnBRL94SL9Ez8hfPZ1vmw8swul

LA County Fire Dept Prescribed Burn in Tonner Canyon Today

 For those seeing/smelling smoke in our area, please note this from the City of Chino Hills:

Smoke may be visible in the Chino Valley today, March 30, due to a one-day prescribed burn in Tonner Canyon being conducted by Los Angeles County Fire Department. Prescribed burns are effective tools in preventing large, destructive wildfires. These planned burns are carefully managed to reduce smoke impacts and improve wildland health.

More Carbon Canyon Road (SR 142) Work This Week

 The project continues, per the City of Chino Hills: 

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will continue their road maintenance on State Route 142 (Carbon Canyon Road) from Tuesday, March 24, to Thursday, March 26, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Crews will be conducting a survey and routine road repairs that will require one-way traffic control from Carriage Hills Lane to Feldspar Drive. Please watch for signage and remember to reduce your speed in and around work zones. For questions, please contact Caltrans District 8 at (213) 503-0161.

Carbon Canyon Road (State Route 142) Work This Week

This was just sent out about an hour ago from the City of Chino Hills:

The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) will be conducting road maintenance on State Route 142 (Carbon Canyon Road) from Tuesday, March 17, to Thursday, March 19, from 9:00 am to 2:30 pm. Crews will be conducting a survey and routine road repairs that will require one-way traffic control from Carriage Hills Lane to Azurite Drive. Please watch for signage and remember to reduce your speed in and around work zones. For questions, please contact Caltrans District 8 at (213) 503-0161.

The link is to a CalTrans "Commuter Alert" press release.

Soquel Canyon History Presentation Next Monday for Chino Hills Historical Society

Next Monday, 9 February at 7:00 p.m. at the Chino Hills Community Center at 14250 Peyton Drive, the Chino Hills Historical Society holds the first of three meetings for 2026, with the topic for the presentation being some history of Soquel Canyon, which lies adjacent on the south of Carbon Canyon.

Redlands Citrograph, 26 May 1900.

The presentation will cover some 150 years including an early reference to an outlaw's hiding place, the 1880s oil boomtown of Petrolia, the canyon's use as part of long-standing Chino Ranch Ride, and decades as a location of weapons testing by Aerojet Corporation starting during the Cold War years. 

We hope to see you there!

Olinda History Presentation Next Wednesday at Yorba Linda Public Library

A presentation on some of the history of the Olinda Ranch, Olinda Oil Field and the 1880s boomtown of Carlton (near today's Imperial Hwy. and Rose Dr.) will be given next Wednesday, 4 February @ 6 p.m. at the Yorba Linda Public Library Community Room.

Los Angeles Herald, 3 February 1888.

A PowerPoint slide show and display of historic artifacts are included.  Hope to see you there!

Chino Hills Historical Society Talks for 2026

The Chino Hills Historical Society has issued a press release detailing its three meetings for 2026, including the first presentation on Monday, 9 February on some history of Soquel Canyon, which is adjacent on the south to Carbon Canyon and merges with it at Olinda Village in Brea.  The talk will go as far back as the 1850s and also discuss the oil boomtown of Petrolia, the Chino Ranch Ride, and some more modern history.

On Monday, 8 June, there'll some discussion of some of the history of what, in the 1970s and 1980s, became Chino Hills State Park, including its long use for livestock grazing.  Lastly, on Monday, 12 October, the focus will return to Boys Republic, the institution for troubled teens that has been in Chino Hills for nearly 120 years, with rarely seen photos and a focus on Clyde Doyle, who had a long relationship with the facility and served many terms in the House of Representatives.

We hope you can join us for these talks on local history!

Sleepy Hollow 100th Anniversary Presentation Video Now Available

In October 2023, the Chino Hills community of Sleepy Hollow, nestled in the midst of Carbon Canyon adjacent to the border with Brea and Orange County, marked its centennial with a celebration at the Sleepy Hollow Community Center (which is now deemed surplus property and is likely to be sold, not having been used since this event).  

This included a PowerPoint slide presentation and summary of some of the neighborhood's history, reminiscences from long-time residents and descendants of Sleepy Hollow founders Cleve and Elizabeth Purington, a display of photos and artifacts and, despite a car crash along Carbon Canyon Road at the summit (this spot just hit again a few days ago with internet and phone service affected, though not electricity), a generator was quickly secured to power the event.

A Chino Hills Historical Society talk took place the following day at the city's community center and included the illustrated talk, the Purington and long-time resident recollections and displays.  Not only was there no power outage, but the evening was recorded and, along with the St. Joseph's Hill of Hope presentation shared yesterday, is now uploaded to the City of Chino Hills YouTube channel.  

Thanks to everyone involved in the recording and editing of the video, which can be viewed here.

St. Joseph's Hill of Hope Presentation Video Now Available

Last October's presentation for the Chino Hills Historical Society on some of the remarkable and little-known history of the St. Joseph's Hill of Hope community, which has been on more than 400 acres in the hills adjoining Carbon Canyon on the north for more than a half-century, was, unfortunately, unaccompanied by illustrations because of technical issues at the meeting room in the community center.

Thanks to the City of Chino Hills, however, a recording was made in late November at City Hall and has been edited and just recently uploaded on to the City's YouTube channel.  Appreciation is extended to Valerie McClung, who made the arrangements, and Edward Chan, who handled the recording and editing, for their work on the video, as well as to Roberta and Michael Haag of St. Joseph's Hill of Hope for taking part in both the live and recorded presentations.

Check out the video here.

Sleepy Hollow Items in Chino Valley Champion

There are two items in the latest edition of the Chino Valley Champion, our local weekly that has been continuously published since 1887 and deserves the support of all the residents in this area, concerning Sleepy Hollow.

The first is that the City of Chino Hills is mulling options for what to do with the Community Center, which is considered surplus property and has not been used since the 100th anniversary of Sleepy Hollow was celebrated there in October 2023.  It looks as if a sale is being pursued, but the question is what to do with a building not easily convertible to a residence, but may be hard to sell for commercial purposes.  

It has been suggested that it be taken over by non-profits, but maintenance costs will be significant, including the fact that it lacks sewers and septic and has a holding tank instead.  The drainage on both sides of the structure is also natural and there have, in heavy rains, been some issues with that.  As for the 11-space unpaved parking area across from the building, the idea was to include that for disposition, as well, but it appears the sentiment is to keep it for public parking.

So far, the issue has been the subject of City staff study and reporting to the Council and there will next be a Planning Commission hearing at which it will be discussed.  At a recent Council meeting, resident David Miller, who lives adjacent to the building and who was joined by other Sleepy Hollow residents, spoke  about the issues with the building, as reported by Marianne Napoles.

Napoles also wrote about a recent undisclosed settlement between the City and an unnamed owner of property of vacant land adjacent to long-shuttered apartments at the east end of Sleepy Hollow and on the south side of Carbon Canyon Road.  A couple of years ago, residents noted the wholesale removal of trees, including oaks protected by a City ordinance, and the destruction was halted, but not before a significant number of them were either removed or severely cut.  

The City could not provide details to Napoles concerning the agreement reached with the owner, who , apparently, claimed ignorance of the ordinance, but it seems likely that at least part of the settlement was a requirement to replant trees on the lot, which has had a small concrete foundation, though whether a house or other structures are part of a plan for the use of the property is not known.

Happy New Year to our readers!