Home Care In Chino Hills, CA

BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KABC) -- What was supposed to be a weekend getaway turned tragic for a Chino Hills man who went missing after jumping into the Kern River Saturday evening.

James Ashley Bawayan, 36, was with family and friends at a familiar camping spot they've returned to for the past four years, according to his cousin Karla Bacayan.

"This has been a spot they've been coming to yearly," said Bacayan. "They have a designated area they always go to."

Around 8 p.m. on Saturday, Bawayan jumped from a rock into the river near Black Gulch, something several others had done just before him. But unlike previous times, he leapt closer to the current to avoid the people already in the water below.

"He has done this multiple times, and the current always took him back to the campsite lagoon," Bacayan said. "Unfortunately, this time the current took him under."

Bawayan did not resurface.

The Kern County Sheriff's Office initially launched a search-and-rescue operation. As days passed with no sign of Bawayan, the effort has now shifted to a recovery mission.

Family, friends and even co-workers have traveled to the area to assist in the search.

"He has the biggest personality," said one family member. "It matches the amount of support we are receiving."

It's been nearly a week since Bawayan went missing. His family is now calling for additional help from professionals.

"Things that we need that can really, really help us in our search are experienced divers," Bacayan said. "And to see if the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers can reduce the output from the Isabella Dam to lower the water level of the river."

The family hopes that by lowering the water level, crews may be able to locate and recover Bawayan's body.

Bawayan worked as a surgical technician at Kaiser Permanente in Riverside. He had just attended a cousin's wedding the day before the trip to the river.

The family is posting updates on an Instagram and Facebook pages dedicated to finding Bawayan.

A fast-moving brush fire erupted in Chino Hills Wednesday afternoon, forcing authorities to completely shut down a major Southern California highway as firefighters scrambled to contain flames threatening the Prado Dam area.

The Euclid Fire, which ignited on a steep hillside near the intersection of Highway 71 and Euclid Avenue, burned through 119 acres before crews managed to halt its spread just before 6 p.m., according to Cal Fire officials. Despite the progress, the blaze remains completely uncontained, creating ongoing concerns for residents and commuters in the region.

California Highway Patrol officers closed both directions of the Corona Expressway (Highway 71) at Euclid Avenue as the San Bernardino County Fire Department mobilized resources to battle the aggressive flames. The closure created a domino effect of traffic disruptions throughout the area, with thousands of evening commuters forced to seek alternative routes.

Motorists attempting to access northbound Highway 71 from the Riverside Freeway (Highway 91) in Corona found themselves turned away at connector ramps, adding to the transportation chaos. The critical 91 Freeway connector also remained shuttered as smoke and emergency vehicles dominated the area.

A SigAlert remained in effect for both directions of Highway 71, with no immediate timeline provided for when normal traffic flow might resume. The highway closure occurred during peak evening rush hour, compounding the impact on regional transportation networks.

Initial estimates from Cal Fire placed the blaze between 100 and 150 acres, with flames pushing dangerously close to the Prado Dam, a crucial flood control structure that protects downstream communities in Orange and Riverside counties. The dam’s proximity to the fire zone elevated concerns about potential infrastructure damage and public safety risks.

Firefighting aircraft were initially deployed to combat the flames from above, dropping water and fire retardant on the burning hillside. However, crews were able to pull aircraft from active firefighting duties once ground teams successfully stopped the fire’s forward progress.

The San Bernardino County Fire Department coordinated the response, working alongside Cal Fire personnel to establish containment lines around the perimeter. Despite stopping the spread, the 0% containment figure indicates significant work remains to fully secure the fire area.

Fire officials initially warned the Euclid Fire had the potential to expand to 500 acres under adverse conditions, making the successful halt of its progression a critical victory for firefighting teams. The quick response prevented what could have become a major threat to nearby residential areas and critical infrastructure.

The brush fire’s location on steep terrain presented additional challenges for ground crews, who had to navigate difficult topography while establishing firebreaks and deploying suppression equipment. Dry vegetation and afternoon heat contributed to the fire’s initial rapid spread before conditions allowed firefighters to gain the upper hand.

The highway closure and fire activity disrupted daily life for thousands of residents in Chino Hills and surrounding communities. Local businesses experienced reduced foot traffic as potential customers avoided the area, while emergency services remained on heightened alert throughout the afternoon and evening.

Schools in the vicinity monitored air quality conditions, though no evacuations or shelter-in-place orders were issued during the incident. The fire’s proximity to residential neighborhoods kept local authorities on standby to implement protective measures if conditions deteriorated.

While firefighters successfully halted the Euclid Fire’s spread, the complete lack of containment means crews will continue working through the night to establish secure perimeters and eliminate hot spots. Temperature drops and reduced wind speeds typically favor firefighting efforts during overnight hours.

The cause of the fire remains under investigation, with officials yet to determine whether human activity or natural factors sparked the blaze. Cal Fire investigators will examine the origin point once the area is deemed safe for detailed examination.

Highway 71 represents a vital transportation corridor connecting the Inland Empire to Orange County, making its closure a significant regional concern. Transportation officials continue monitoring conditions to determine when safe reopening might be possible, likely dependent on fire suppression progress and smoke clearance.

The Euclid Fire serves as another reminder of California’s ongoing wildfire challenges, particularly during the state’s traditional fire season when dry conditions and hot weather create ideal circumstances for rapid flame spread across the region’s characteristic brush-covered hillsides.

Toastique’s Chino Hills location will be led by first-time franchisees and husband-and-wife duo Rabih and Salma Raydan, who share a passion for wellness, entrepreneurship, and community. As they searched for a new business venture that aligned with their healthy lifestyle and long-term goals, they discovered Toastique and were immediately drawn to the brand’s mission and values. After firming the deal with Toastique, the Raydans visited the Balboa Island location with their children to experience it firsthand—and were thrilled to find that it exceeded their expectations! From high-quality ingredients to vibrant, nutrient-rich menu items, Toastique stood out as the perfect fit for Chino Hills—a community they felt was ready for a fresh, health-forward dining experience.

“Eating healthy has always been a priority for my family, and we felt there was a need for more fresh, wholesome options in Chino Hills,” said Rabih Raydan, co-owner and franchisee of Toastique Chino Hills. “Starting a franchise and building something of our own has been a longtime dream. After learning about Toastique, visiting a location, and trying the food with our kids, we knew this was exactly the kind of concept our community was missing. Now, we’re excited to serve menu items we truly believe in—and are proud to share with our neighbors.”

Highlights of the health-conscious menu include the PB Crunch Toast (honey roasted peanut butter, bananas, strawberries, blueberries, berry jam, granola, peanuts, honey drizzle and mint on walnut raisin toast), Spicy Crab Toast (lump crab, melted swiss and fontina, sriracha aioli, tomato, bibb lettuce, jalapeno, microgreens, and a lemon twist on rustico toast, and Tuscan Tuna Toast (tuna dressed with sundried tomatoes, capers, scallions, herb vinaigrette, balsamic glaze, kalamata olives, tomato, bibb lettuce, and lemon on rustico toast). The concept offers a variety of bowls, including the popular Mango Tango Bowl (blend of mango, pineapple, lime, agave, and coconut water topped with pineapple, strawberry, coconut, dried mango, lime wedge, granola, and a drizzle of honey). Guests can also enjoy freshly blended smoothies, such as the GingerBerry Smoothie (pitaya, mango, strawberry, lime juice, ginger, agave, and coconut water). Toastique offers a variety of coffee options such as a Nitro Cold Brew, Macchiato, and Iced Collagen Lattes. The brand is also known for its cold-pressed juices, made on-site each morning with fresh ingredients and nutrients, with no added sugars or preservatives; popular juices include the Recharge Cold-Pressed Juice (beet, carrot, apple, orange, and ginger) and Metabolize Pressed Juice (cucumber, jalapeno, pineapple, apple, and mint).

“As a mother and someone who’s always been passionate about mindful eating, I was drawn to Toastique’s commitment to quality and transparency,” said Salma Raydan, co-owner and franchisee of Toastique Chino Hills. “It’s not just about offering healthy food—it’s about making wellness accessible and enjoyable for the whole family. We wanted to create a space where people can feel good about what they’re eating, whether they’re grabbing breakfast on the go or enjoying a weekend outing with their kids. Toastique allows us to bring that vision to life in a way that truly serves our community.”

SOURCE Toastique