Chino Valley Unified connects arson to cross-town rivalry

By Neil Nisperos

Staff Writer

CHINO--The Chino Valley Unified School District is now repairing arson damage to the Chino High School football field in what officials have described as a prank likely connected to the "cross-town rivalry between schools."

Vandals caused about $1,200 in damage to the newly installed artificial turf at Chino High School Stadium. Police are still investigating the Aug. 18 incident, which came on the day of the annual Milk Can football game between cross-town rivals Don Lugo and Chino High School.

"It was very disheartening," said Chino High School parent Patricia Rodriguez. "The turf was just beautiful and to have that happen was just very sad."

The damage did not pose a threat to the safety of students and the Milk can game proceeded on the field on Aug. 19, with the loss of Chino High School to Don Lugo High School.

"It's likely a prank in connection with the cross town rivalry between the schools that unfortunately, will cost a large sum of money to repair at a time when every expenditure and program in the budget is under scrutiny," said Chino High School spokeswoman Julie Gobin. 

If students are found to be involved with the fire, "disciplinary action would be considered," Gobin said.

If a student were to be found to be involved, the severity of disciplinary action would depend on how much damage is done and whether or not the incident was the student's first offense, said interim Superintendent Wayne Joseph. 

"As far as we know, we don't have any leads right now," Joseph said.

The Chino Valley Independent Fire District came out to extinguish the fire when a nearby resident notice flames from the Chino High School stadium on Friday morning. The arson is currently being investigated by the Chino Fire Department.

"The damage did not pose a threat to the safety of the students therefore the Milk Can game proceeded on the field that evening," Gobin said.

Gobin said the fire was discovered at a time when the stadium was locked and there was no access. 

"There is no overnight security at our schools as there is no funding to cover that," she said.

The synthetic turf was installed this summer and the project was completed in August, she said.

So far, no arrests have been made, though the investigation is ongoing, said Chino Police and city spokeswoman, Michelle Van Der Linden.

neil.nisperos@inlandnewspapers.com

(909) 483-9356