Home Care In Chino, CA

The Shoppes at Chino Hills is being acquired by Stockdale Capital Partners, a Los Angeles-based real estate investment firm, according to Mike Velez, broker-owner of BLDG Realty and a Chino Hills resident for 28 years.

Mr. Velez, a tenant at The Shoppes, said Stockdale will be the fourth owner of the property since it was completed in May of 2008 by original developer Opus West.

“We have not yet seen anything official from Shoppes management or Stockdale Capital but if what is being reported is true, it could mean big changes coming to this local shopping center,” he said.

Chino Hills Planning Commissioner Mike Stover asked Community Development Director Nick Liguori during Tuesday’s meeting if The Shoppes was in escrow.

Mr. Liguori confirmed the report stating that Stockdale Capital would be the new owner.

“The City of Chino Hills has met with the potential new owners of The Shoppes,” Mr. Liguori said. “They plan to focus on securing tenants for current vacancies and to continue to be involved with the community.”

Mr. Velez speculates that future tenants could include some new national brands, citing the 12,000-square-foot space that was once home to Forever 21. He said The Shoppes was about 80 percent occupied following the closure of the retail store in May 2025.

Other changes might include outdoor dining spaces, landscape and grounds improvements and additional community events, he said.

The original developer was Opus West that completed The Shoppes in May 2008 at a cost of $130 million, then filed for bankruptcy in 2009. A bank group led by Bank of America sold the property in 2010 to MX3 Ventures of Newport Beach, which restored occupancy from roughly 70 percent to 96 percent before selling to Dunhill Partners for $147 million in 2015.

To satisfy state mandates on affordable housing, the city in 2021 designated The Shoppes as a “mixed-used” development that would allow 267 housing units on 5.7 acres to be built on top of retail stores in the southeastern portion of the property.

Also on the development horizon is the eight-acre unused parking lot at City Center Drive, adjacent to the Chino Valley Fire District where 744 units are slated.

This site is designated as “Shoppes II.”

At the time of the approval, Commission Stover said, “That’s a total of 1,011 housing units in The Shoppes vicinity. That’s a significant number.”

Mr. Liguori said there is currently no proposed development for The Shoppes II site and no current interest in the planned housing units at The Shoppes.

Today we’d like to introduce you to Karen Castro.

Hi Karen, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?After spending the last decade interviewing hundreds of people, it’s a little surreal (and honestly kind of fun) to be on the other side of the questions for once.

I’m Karen Castro, the creator behind SoCalBFF—a local lifestyle platform helping people across Orange County, the Inland Empire, Chino Valley, and surrounding areas find the best deals, hidden gems, family-friendly adventures, restaurants, and community events. What started as me casually hunting down parks and little local spots near home turned into something much bigger in less than a year… turns out “just looking for fun things to do” is a full-time job.

With a background in publishing, marketing, and storytelling, I spent years writing for print magazines before shifting that love of storytelling into local discovery—and a slightly overbooked camera roll of places I “had to try.” As a mom of two, I’m always looking for experiences that are memorable without requiring a small loan, and SoCalBFF grew from that real-life mission.

Now it’s become a go-to resource for thousands of people who want to explore, connect, and actually enjoy where they live—while supporting the small businesses that make our communities feel like home. I’m so grateful for how it’s grown… and if my phone storage is any indication, I’m definitely not slowing down anytime soon!

Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?As a mom of two with a full-time career, I’ve learned to squeeze content creation into the in-between moments—usually right after everything else is done and everyone else is asleep. Like a lot of creators, I’ve had my share of late nights, algorithm curveballs, burnout phases, and the ongoing process of figuring out my voice online.

Showing my face on camera is still relatively new for me. I can be introverted and a little shy in new settings, and most of my career has actually been built behind the scenes. But stepping forward in this way has been a stretch that’s pushed me in the best way.

What’s kept me consistent is my love for discovering local businesses, connecting with incredible business owners, building friendships with other creators, and sharing genuinely helpful recommendations. That passion has been the steady part through all the learning curves.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?I graduated from UC Irvine with a degree in Literary Journalism, which really set the foundation for how I see and tell stories today. Early on, I interned at Beckett Media (now Engaged Media), and shortly after stepped into my professional career as a managing editor—writing, copywriting, and overseeing the production of 132-page print publications. Over the years, I grew into the editor role and spent nearly a decade producing hundreds of magazines.

One of my favorite chapters was serving as editor of Flea Market Décor, where I developed a deep appreciation for thrifting and the beauty of giving forgotten pieces a second life. I also edited a range of other publications, including Vintage Style, Geek Out, Perk, Small Spaces Big Ideas, Beauty Store Business, and Yum! Food & Fun for Kids.

In 2019, I transitioned from print publishing into a marketing and influencer talent agency focused on the beauty and health space. Today, I manage and support social media platforms for clients, while also building my own presence—something I only fully stepped into last summer, applying the videography, editing, and photography skills I’ve picked up along the way.

My style leans into relatable, unpolished content that highlights budget-friendly things to do with family. I’m known for uncovering great deals, spotlighting local businesses, and telling each place’s story in a way that’s both concise and engaging. Whether it’s a shaded park for a free summer outing or a $3 latte at a hidden gem you’d otherwise drive right past, I love showing what makes a place worth stopping for through my own perspective.

Any advice for finding a mentor or networking in general?My main platform is Instagram, so most of what’s worked for me comes down to something very simple: sending the message.

If there’s a place I want to feature, I’ll reach out first and ask if I can come film, rather than just showing up unannounced. When a business owner knows I’m coming, it opens the door for a completely different experience—sometimes a behind-the-scenes look at how things are made, a preview of what’s coming soon, or just a more intentional way to tell their story.

Whether it’s a collaboration, a discount, an introduction, or the chance to try something new, a lot of the experiences I’ve had started with a simple ask. The worst thing someone can say is no—but more often than not, asking is what creates the opportunity in the first place.

And while it might sound a little cliché, I’ve also learned there’s real power in “manifesting”—not in the wishful-thinking sense, but in getting clear on what you want, putting it out there, and being ready to take action when the right opportunities show up.

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Suggest a Story: VoyageLA is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know

As Chino residents voiced concerns about a proposed 400-megawatt battery storage facility, the city's planning commission voted to deny the project at its Wednesday night meeting.

Proponents say that the project will help California reach its clean energy goals, but many residents say that the massive facility could cause safety issues in the surrounding community.

The Dirac Energy Storage Project, by Aypa, is proposed to be located next to an existing Southern California Edison substation. According to Aypa's website, lithium iron phosphate, or LFP batteries, would charge from the SCE grid when electricity is abundant, then send it back to the grid for regional use when energy is scarce.

The SCE substation in question is located directly across the street from Ayala Park, where community members often take their dogs to play.

"That's not good. I guess, because it's next to a park," said Sal Villanueva, who lives nearby. "It all depends on how they want to store it with these batteries, because sometimes it doesn't go as planned, and you have to be careful."

It's the proximity to the park that has some residents, including Richard Rodriguez, concerned.

"Well, if it did catch on fire, how long would that shut down the park?" he asked.

The Dirac Project website says that the Chino facility's LFP batteries stay more stable at high temperatures, especially compared to the nickel manganese cobalt batteries that were stored at the Moss Landing Facility, which was the spot of a massive battery storage facility fire along the central coast in January 2025 that forced nearly 1,500 people to evacuate their homes.

Additionally, the website says that the facility will be built outdoors so that first responders have direct access from every approach. Still, residents don't feel entirely safe.

"It does kind of make me a little worried, like, well, how will that be affected by the heat? Is that something that can catch on fire from the heat?" Rodriguez said. "I got pretty big dogs, so to try to find somewhere to take them would be a headache."

Related: Covina residents speak out against proposed battery storage facility

Villanueva said that if officials can prove the project will be safe for his community, especially located next to a park, then they can continue as planned.

CBS LA reached out to Chino city and Chino Fire Department officials for comment on the proposal, but both declined comment on short notice.

A Chino man with an elaborate home garden that has drawn scrutiny from neighbors and city leaders, resulting in fines, says that he is being subjected to more penalties despite adhering to city guidelines.

Michael Sherman, who previously spoke with CBS LA in April about his so-called Food Forest, paid yet another code enforcement fine on Wednesday. He said it's just one of many that he's had to pay for his garden filled with fruits like squash, aloe vera, sunflowers, radishes and more.

"Five hundred dollars now, and then another $500 if I don't comply by the 16th of this month," Sherman said.

He was initially fined $750 for the garden, which they referred to as overgrown vegetation, in April. Since then, he says he's made plenty of changes, like removing some bushes, trimming back overgrowth and cutting trees to match the city's code enforcement guidelines.

"It's so you can see pedestrians walking, and that makes sense. I agree with that," Sherman said.

What doesn't make sense, Sherman says, is another violation that he received last week. A Chino city spokesperson told CBS LA that they are trying to work with him and that, though progress has been made, the violations will continue until he removes or trims remaining overgrown vegetation.

Sherman said he's hopeful he won't have to get rid of more food that he puts on the table for his family.

"It's my way of taking control of my food and my family's food," Sherman said, noting that he wants to keep working with code enforcement to find a solution to the issue. He also plans to appeal the citation.

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Felipe Adan Rodriguez, lovingly known by his friends as “Fox” or “Felipe the Fox” and to his family, he was their cherished “Felipito.” Felipe passed away on July 18, 2026, at the age of 30 in Kealakekua, Hawaii

Born on April 2, 1996, in Pomona, California, Felipe was a lifelong resident of Chino, California. He was the beloved son of Rosalba and Felipe Rodriguez, cherished grandson of Guadalupe Gonzalez, and loving brother to his three sisters, Sheila, Wendy, and Galilea Rodriguez.

Felipe was a devoted husband, father, son, grandson, brother, and friend. He was blessed with two beautiful daughters, Aaliyah and Rosalie Rodriguez, who were the center of his world.

Felipe and his wife, Maria met when they were only 14 years old. Their love grew alongside them, and they shared 14 beautiful years together, including six years of marriage. To his wife, Felipe was her soulmate, the love of her life, and the best husband she could have ever asked for. Their life together was built on love, laughter, family, and countless memories that will forever be treasured.

Felipe was a hardworking and dedicated man. Although he held multiple jobs throughout his life, whatever he did, he did with passion and gave it his all. He was someone who took pride in his work and never hesitated to give his best.

But it was Felipe’s heart and the way he treated others that truly made him unforgettable.

He was one of the most positive, kind, and uplifting people anyone could meet. Felipe never met a stranger. He would greet anyone he saw with a “good morning,” a wave, and a smile. He carried a light with him wherever he went. He was often the loudest and happiest person in the room and truly was the life of the party.

Felipe had an incredible love for music. Music was simply a part of who he was. His family always knew when he was home because his radio was usually the loudest one in the neighborhood. You could hear his music and know that Felipe was there, bringing his energy and happiness with him. And no matter where he was or who he was with, Felipe was almost always the first one to get up and dance. He never needed an invitation or a reason. If there was music playing, Felipe was ready to dance. His joy was contagious, and watching him enjoy himself was enough to make everyone around him smile.

His mornings were filled with the simple things he loved. Grabbing his coffee first thing in the morning, taking his beloved dog Atlas for a walk, and bringing his wife and children donuts to wake up to. These small acts were a reflection of how thoughtful, and attentive Felipe was, and how he was always looking for ways to make the people he loved happy.

He was always paying attention to what his family needed. He made sure they were okay, made sure they were happy, and whenever someone was having a difficult day, Felipe was the person who could always find a way to make them smile. He had a way of bringing comfort and happiness simply by being himself.

Felipe had the biggest heart. He gave so much of himself to the people he loved and always put his family before himself. There was never a day when he didn’t tell or show the people around him how much he loved them. His kindness was genuine, his love was unconditional, and his presence made life brighter.

To his wife, he was her soulmate and the love of her life. To his daughters, he was the best father they could have ever asked for. To his parents, he was a beloved son. To his grandparents, he was a cherished grandson, To his sisters, he was a loving brother. And to his friends, he was someone whose laughter, smile, and unforgettable personality could never be replaced.

Anyone who knew Felipe will miss him deeply. His smile, his laughter, his morning greetings, his loving heart, and the happiness he brought into every room will live on in the hearts of everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

Felipe’s life may have been far too short, but the love he gave was immeasurable. He leaves behind a lifetime of memories and a love that will continue through his wife, his daughters, his family, and all those who were fortunate enough to call him their husband, father, son, brother, or friend.

He will forever be loved.

He will forever be missed.

And he will forever be our dearest Felipito.

Until we meet again, my love.