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City of Chino Hills
—  City  —
Seal
Location of Chino Hills within Southwestern San Bernardino County, California.
Coordinates: 33°58′31″N 117°43′23″W / 33.97528°N 117.72306°W / 33.97528; -117.72306Coordinates: 33°58′31″N 117°43′23″W / 33.97528°N 117.72306°W / 33.97528; -117.72306
Country	United States
State	California
County	San Bernardino
Incorporated	December 1, 1991
Government
- Type	Council-Manager
- Mayor	Peter Rogers
- City Manager
Area
- Total	44.9 sq mi (116.2 km2)
- Land	44.8 sq mi (116.0 km2)
- Water	0.1 sq mi (.2 km2)
Elevation	1,070 ft (365 m)
Population (2005)[1]
- Total	80,897 (city proper)
- Density	455.6/sq mi (175.9/km2)
Time zone	PST (UTC-8)
- Summer (DST)	PDT (UTC-7)
ZIP code	91709
Area code(s)	657/714 & 909
FIPS code	06-13214
GNIS feature ID	1668255
Website	www.chinohills.org

Chino Hills is a suburb located in the southwestern corner of San Bernardino County, California, United States. The city borders Los Angeles County on its northwest side, Orange County to its south, and Riverside County to its southeast. The city had a total population of 80,897 as of 2005.^[1]

Chino Hills was ranked 68th in Money Magazine's "Best places to live 2005."^[2] It is also the 6th highest income place in the United States (with population 65,000 to 250,000)^[3] and was ranked as the 13th safest city in the United States by the FBI.^[4] Chino Hills is generally considered a part of the Chino Valley.

Chino Hills’ reputation is known in the national arena as well, as it was featured on the list of 87 of America’s hottest towns in the January 2004 issue of Money magazine. Chino Hills was ranked 8th on the list of “best places in the west with a population under 100,000.” The magazine reviewed a decade of data for communities with above average population growth, income, and home prices “to see where people were most willing to devote a high multiple of their annual income to live happily ever after.”

History

Pre-development

After the Spanish founded Mission San Gabriel in 1771, the Chino Hills were used extensively for grazing by mission cattle. During the Mexican Republic era, the hills were used as spillover grazing from such surrounding Mexican ranchos as Santa Ana del Chino and Rancho La Sierra (Yorba). After Mexico ceded California to the United States in 1848, the land was still used primarily for grazing. Except for the area of Prado Dam which was, and still is, a swamp and subject to flooding annually. Most historical dwellings were demolished in the rush to build. A local state monument is present in the grass lawn area of the local fire department, if one looks closely. Casa Colina, a well-known rehabilitation center now situated in Pomona California, began as a tubercular clinic in the Los Serranos sector. Similarly, the well known hospital, Loma Linda Hospital, also had its beginnings as a tubercular clinic. Sadly, most patients admitted for tuberculosis, succumbed to the illness because of the ineffectiveness of pre-antibotic treatments.

This land was sold to Richard Gird, the founder of nearby Chino subdivision and from which the town of Chino sprung in 1910Chino.^[5] With the building of the Carbon Canyon Mineral Springs in the modern-day Sleepy Hollow region of the city and the new Los Serranos Country Club in Los Serranos, Chino Hills, California, the area became a destination for both Los Angeles tourists and bootleggers during the prohibition because of its isolation. For the same reason, Sleepy Hollow became a destination for hippies and artists during the 60s.^[6] During the late 1980s, an incorporation effort began and in 1991, the city was incorporated with a population of 42,000.^[7]

Development

Due to its topography of rolling hills, Chino Hills was primarily rural prior to the mid 1970s; most land was utilized for equestrian purposes and for dairies, except for the multi-use purposes of the State of California, promoting jobs for your community through day labor from the Chino Institute for Men on Central Avenue. Rapid and extensive housing developments followed throughout the 1980s and early 1990s, only slowing down in recent years. Most neighborhoods are arranged in a village-type format with strategically placed shopping centers and parks designed to be within walking distance of nearby homes, primarily because of a lack of gasoline stations and other amenities and the town center is only a short 5 mile hike to the neighboring community of Diamond Bar which has amenities.^[6]

Chino Hills is home to the Vellano Country Club, a private golf course and housing development designed by golf champion Greg Norman, his first project in the Greater Los Angeles area. With home prices expected to exceed $2 million, Vellano was touted (as of 2005) as the most expensive housing development in the Inland Empire,^[8] a region considered a bastion of affordable housing in the Greater Los Angeles area.

Chino Hills also includes the tiny and ill developed golf course development neighborhood of Los Serranos. Other large master-planned subdivisions without amenities include Woodview/Village Crossing, Gordon Ranch, LaBand Village, Butterfield Ranch, Rolling Ridge, Fairfield Ranch, and Payne Ranch.

Chino Hills is also the location of The Shoppes at Chino Hills. The mall features over 65 upscale stores and restaurants, including San Bernardino County's first H&M. The Shoppes is designed to be "Main Street Chino Hills" featuring the Chino Hills Government Center and Library in addition to retail outlets.

Chino Hills is also the home of the B.A.P.S. Hindu Temple. As of November 2009, the Temple complex was open for use with primary worship facilities. The Reception Building includes intricate hand-carved wood interior and exterior elements based on traditional Indian religious symbols and architecture. The complex also includes a main Hall for religious assembly, Sunday school, and monastery. The main Temple building itself was under construction as of November 2009, and will feature intricate hand-carved stone exterior, and traditional Indian religious architecture.

Chino Hills earthquake

On July 29, 2008, a 5.4 magnitude earthquake occurred at approximately 11:42:15 am PDT (18:42:15 UTC). It was the largest earthquake to affect the urbanized portion of Southern California since the 2004 Parkfield-San Bernardino earthquake. Some incidents of damage were reported, but no fatalities or severe injuries occurred as a result.

Government

Local

Chino Hills follows the Council-Manager model of government.^[9] The city is governed by a city council which establishes all city ordinances, approves plans, adopts budgets, etc. The council appoints the city manager who enforces laws and, in essence, runs the city's day-to-day operations.^[10]

City council

The city council is elected by city residents and, within the council, rotates the position of mayor. Once elected, the city council members serve a four-year term. The five city council members meet on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month,^[9] with opportunity for residents to voice their opinion during the open forum. The meetings are broadcasted via the city's television station and streaming via the city's website.

Police and fire

Chino Hills does not have its own police department, but it does have its own Police Chief Captain Tom Neely at the Chino Hills Police & Sheriff’s Station.

 | url = http://www.chinohills.org/index.aspx?nid=162

Rather, it somewhat incongruously asserts that it only contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Chino Hills station, and does not have 'police.'.^[11] The Chino Hills station also serves the unincorporated area between Montclair and Chino,^[12] which includes an area known as Narod.

The city contracts with the Chino Valley Independent Fire District. The department has three stations located throughout Chino Hills.^[13]

State and Federal

In the state legislature Chino Hills is located in the 29th Senate District, represented by Republican Bob Huff, and in the 60th Assembly District, represented by Republican Curt Hagman. Federally, Chino Hills is located in California's 42nd congressional district, which has a Cook PVI of R +10^[14] and is represented by Republican Gary Miller.

Geography

• San Bernardino is 39 miles (63 km) to the east.
• Anaheim is 24 miles (39 km) to the southwest.
• Los Angeles is 30 miles (48 km) to the west.
• Riverside, 25 miles (40 km) to the east.
• Santa Ana, 27 miles (43 km) to the southwest.

Physical geography

Chino Hills is located at 33°58′31″N 117°43′23″W / 33.975267°N 117.723054°W / 33.975267; -117.723054.^[15]

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 44.9 square miles (116.2 km²), much of which is undeveloped rolling hills, including the Chino Hills State Park. 44.8 square miles (116.1 km²) of it is land and 0.1 square miles (0.2 km²) of it (0.16%) is water.

City layout

The city of Chino Hills is bounded by the Los Angeles County cities of Pomona and Diamond Bar to the north and to the northwest, the San Bernardino County city of Chino to the east, unincorporated Riverside County near Corona to the south and southeast, and the Orange County cities of Brea and Yorba Linda to the west and southwest, respectively.

The eastern border of Chino Hills roughly follows the Chino Valley Freeway (SR 71), which offers access to the Pomona Freeway (SR 60) to the north and the Riverside Freeway (SR 91) to the south. Undeveloped hills form the western border, which also serves as the San Bernardino – Orange County line. Because this area is mostly undeveloped, there is only one road directly connecting Chino Hills and Orange County, Carbon Canyon Road (SR 142), which is long, winding, and prone to landslides.^[16][17]

Chino Hills' main arterial roads are:

• Grand Avenue, which runs from the Chino Valley Freeway at the city's eastern end to well past its western end into Diamond Bar.
• Chino Hills Parkway, which begins in Chino and terminates in the Pomona community of Phillips Ranch. It is signed as State Route 142 between Carbon Canyon Road and the Chino Valley Freeway.
• Peyton Drive, which begins in the residential areas of south Chino Hills and bisects Chino Hills Parkway and Grand Avenue and turns into Riverside Drive as it passes under the Chino Valley Freeway. Payne Ranch, a notable gated community, is located off Peyton Dr. opposite Ruben S. Ayala High School.
• Soquel Canyon Parkway, which starts near southwest Chino Hills and turns into Central Avenue at the Chino / Chino Hills border.
• Pipeline Avenue, which runs from the beginning of Soquel Canyon and runs all the way through Chino.
• Butterfield Ranch Road, which starts at the southernmost part of the developed portions of Chino Hills by the 71 freeway and Euclid Avenue and runs northwest, somewhat parallel to the 71 until it hits Soquel Canyon Parkway.

Most of the city is residential, and the few commercial areas are at the intersections of the arterial streets. These commercial areas are usually small community centers, anchored by supermarkets and restaurants.

Destinations from Chino Hills

	Diamond Bar Brea	Pomona	Chino
	Yorba Linda Brea		Chino
		Chino Hills
	Yorba Linda	Corona	Unincorporated Riverside County

Demographics

As of the American Community Survey of 2006,^[1] there were 80,897 people, 22,146 households, and 19,246 families residing in the city. The population density was 1,490.6 people per square mile (575.5/km²). There were 20,414 housing units at an average density of 455.6/sq mi (175.9/km²). The racial makeup of the city was 45.21% White, 2.75% African American, 0.001% Native American, 39.37% Asian, 10.14% from other races, and 2.04% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 22.97% of the population.

Vellano Country Club Estates, a neighborhood consisting of multi-million dollar homes

There were 22,146 households out of which 52.47% have children under the age of 18 living with them, 75.93% were married couples living together, 8.1% had a female householder with no husband present, and 13.1% were non-families. 10.16% of all households were made up of individuals and 14.6% had someone living alone who was 65 years of age or older. The average household size was 3.65 and the average family size was 3.91.

In the city, the population was spread out with 32.9% under the age of 18, 7.4% from 18 to 24, 35.6% from 25 to 44, 19.9% from 45 to 64, and 4.2% who were 65 years of age or older. The median age was 32 years. For every 100 females there were 98.9 males. For every 100 females age 18 and over, there were 95.1 males.

According to a 2007 estimate, the median income for a household in the city is $96,733, and the average family income in the city is $110,225.^[18] Males had a median income of $67,201 versus $48,906 for females. The per capita income for the city was $30,574. About 3.7% of families and 5.1% of the population were below the poverty line, including 5.7% of those under age 18 and 4.9% of those age 65 or over.

Chino Hills has a $760,000 median home value.^[19]

Demographic history

• 1990.....27,608 (Z)
• 2000.....66,787^[20]
• 2002.....72,500
• 2005.....80,897^[1]

(Z): Population figure was taken prior to incorporation

Education

Chino Hills is served by the Chino Valley Unified School District

Elementary Schools

• Rolling Ridge
• Hidden Trails - a California Distinguished School
• Country Springs - a California Distinguished School and a National Blue Ribbon School
• Eagle Canyon - a California Distinguished School
• Oak Ridge- a California Distinguished School
• Butterfield Ranch- a California Distinguished School
• Michael G. Wickman - California Distinguished School
• Chaparral
• Gerald Litel
• Glenmeade

Junior High Schools

• Canyon Hills Junior High - a California Distinguished School
• Townsend Junior High - a California Distinguished School

High Schools

Chino Hills High School

• Ruben S. Ayala High School
• Chino Hills High School
• Boys Republic High School - a treatment center for troubled boys ages from 12 - 18.^[21]

Independent Schools

• Loving Savior of the Hills
• Chino Hills Christian School
• Chino Hills Montessori School
• Montessori Academy of Yorba Linda

Colleges

• Biola University (Satellite Campus)

Places of Worship

Christian

Chino Valley Commuinity Church Calvary Chapel Chino Hills

Roman Catholicism

• Saint Paul the Apostle Roman Catholic Church - The largest church in the Roman Catholic Diocese of San Bernardino

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

• The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints at 3354 Eucalyptus Avenue in Chino Hills.

Buddhism

• Buddhist Temple of Chino Hills

Hinduism

• B.A.P.S Hindu Temple

Lutheranism

• Loving Savior of the Hills Lutheran Church

Notable natives and residents

• Them Jackals-Rock n Roll band
• Eva Longoria Parker - actress, plays Gabrielle Solis in ABC's Desperate Housewives
• Leah O'Brien-Amico, U.S. Olympic softball group gold-medalist[1]
• Mat Mladin, AMA Superbike Champion
• Ron Roenicke, Anaheim Angels baseball coach
• A Static Lullaby, musical group
• A Thorn for Every Heart, musical group
• Rickey Minor, American Idol Music Director
• Mike Randolph, Los Angeles Galaxy Soccer Player
• Tim Woods III, NASCAR driver [2]
• Tony Pedregon, current NHRA Funny Car Champion [3]
• Del Worsham, NHRA Funny Car Driver [4]
• The Prison City Derby Dames, Chino Valley's first flat track roller derby league
• Seth Thomas Roedl - United States Coast Guard Hero. Renowned for his heroic achievements in Search and Rescue.

Transportation

Highways in or near Chino Hills

• State Route 60
• State Route 71
• State Route 91
• State Route 142

Public transportation

Chino Hills is served by Omnitrans' OmniLink demand-response service open to the general public. For $2.50 one way, one can travel throughout the city and transfer for free to the Omnitrans public bus at the Chino Hills Marketplace and the Chino Hills Civic Center. The dial-a-ride service operates five days a week, mostly during daytime hours.^[22]

Media

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin - Daily newspaper serving the Valley areas of San Bernardino County

• Chino Hills Champion - Weekly newspaper serving Chino and Chino Hills, California.
• Chino Hills.com - Private company serving news in the Chino Hills area.
• ChinoHillsProfessionals.com - A group of professionals who live or work in the community share ideas about how to promote business in the city.

Events

• Old-Fashioned Fourth of July Picnic - Hosted every year, the city recreation department puts on a fun and free event for the community to come out and enjoy on the Fourth of July. Crafts, inflatables, food, etc.
• Chino Hills Boat Parade - The Chino Hills Boat Parade is a unique event held each year around the holidays. Organized by the local Kiwanis, residents decorate and drive their boats through the neighborhoods over a period of two days.
• Concerts in the Park - The city sponsors a group of concerts each summer, including local entertainment from all genres. Generally there are at least 8 events held in the evenings each summer, with thousands of residents in attendance.
• Movies in the Park - During the summer various movies are shown at night. Movies are family-friendly and free.

References

External links

Inland Empire portal

• City of Chino Hills Web site
• Chino Valley Chamber of Commerce
• Chino Hills Community / News Web Site

Municipalities and communities of San Bernardino County, California County seat: San Bernardino Cities and towns Adelanto | Apple Valley | Barstow | Big Bear Lake | Chino | Chino Hills | Colton | Fontana | Grand Terrace | Hesperia | Highland | Loma Linda | Montclair | Needles | Ontario | Rancho Cucamonga | Redlands | Rialto | San Bernardino | Twentynine Palms | Upland | Victorville | Yucaipa | Yucca Valley CDPs Big Bear City | Big River | Bloomington | Bluewater | Crestline | Havasu Lake | Joshua Tree | Lake Arrowhead | Lenwood | Mentone | Morongo Valley | Mountain View Acres | Muscoy | Nebo Center | Running Springs | San Antonio Heights | Searles Valley | Twentynine Palms Base | Wrightwood Unincorporated communities Amboy | Angelus Oaks | Arrowbear Lake | Baker | Baldy Mesa | Blue Jay | Bryn Mawr | Cedar Glen | Cima | Crafton | Daggett | Declezville | Del Rosa | Devore | Earp | Essex | Fawnskin | Forest Falls | Fort Irwin | Goffs | Green Valley Lake | Guasti | Halloran Springs | Helendale | Hinkley | Kelso | Landers | Lucerne Valley | Ludlow | Lytle Creek | Mount Baldy | Mountain Pass | Newberry Springs | Nipton | Oak Hills | Oak Glen | Oro Grande | Parker Dam | Phelan | Pinon Hills | Pioneertown | Red Mountain | Sleepy Hollow | Sugarloaf | Sunfair | Sunfair Heights | Trona | Vidal | Vidal Junction | Yermo | Yucca Mesa | Zzyzx Ghost towns Bagdad | Belleville | Cadiz | Calico | Chambless | Cucamonga | Ragtown | Rice | Siberia | Silver Lake

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