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History of Chino Hills
The landscape of Chino Hills has always been a place of great beauty and serenity, appealing to those who desire a peaceful city in the attractive Southern California area. Chino Hills provides a place that is not far from large cities such as down town Los Angeles; however, it is tucked away in the rolling hills for a tranquil living experience. Historically, this city has remained unchanged for centuries and was only inhabited by a few ranchers and homesteaders, along with various species of red tail hawks, deer, squirrels, mountain lions, rabbits, and coyotes.
There are a variety of special historical landmarks that have served to develop this prospering city of Chino Hills. In the 1920´s, a quiet weekend getaway called Sleepy Hollow emerged to allow travelers to escape the fast paced world of big cities. This summer resort consisted of around 90 cabins, some of which are still used today. Los Serranos Golf and Country Club, founded in 1925, was a favorite place of recreation to the city´s inhabitants. Today the golf course is owned by Jack Kramer, a tennis legend, and still supplies one of Chino Hills´ favorite public attractions. Chino Hills State Park became the largest California State Park located in an urban setting when 12,500 acres of land was preserved in the early 1900´s. A grass roots organization named Hills for Everyone was the guiding force responsible for the conservation of this natural beauty of Chino Hills. As years passed this unspoiled site became more desirable for year around family living; residents appreciated the aesthetic beauty of the green hills while still being located within an easy drive of down town. Realizing the crucial importance of providing future development and safeguarding environmentally sensitive areas, residents began seeking ways to become more involved in shaping the community´s future. San Bernardino County initiated the Chino Hills Specific Plan in 1979 that called for the eventual development of 18,000 acres. With development pressures moving towards Chino Hills, The Specific Plan allowed for clustered residential development that protected as much open space as possible. By 1982 the plan was enacted; there were approximately 4,000 homes and 12,000 residents in the flourishing city of Chino Hills.
Why Choose Chino Hills
Chino Hills was featured on the list of 87 of America´s hottest towns in January 2004 issue of Money Magazine. It is ranked 8th on a list of the "best places in the west with a population under 100,000." All of these recognitions stem from the fact that Chino Hills is a community with above average population growth, income, and quality of life. It ranks as the 13th safest place to live in the United States based on June 2008 FBI statistics. According to the 2007 American Community Survey conducted by the US Census Bureau, Chino Hills ranked 6th highest median household income in the nation averaging $100,371. All of these factors make this city very attractive to commercial developers and prominent retailers, such as Trader Joe´s, who chose to locate in Chino Hills.
Recreation
Chino Hills is a recreation destination for adventure goers, families, and sports enthusiasts. Chino Hills State Park is unique in that it provides refuge for both biodiversity and solitude to the visitors who enjoy their outdoor experiences. There is no other location in the LA Basin were people can drive a short distance and be swept away with scenic vistas, hike, bike or ride a horse on over 65 miles of trails. At 14,102 acres, the park is managed as an open space habitat where all plant and animal life are protected.
The Big League Dreams Chino Hills Sports Park is a multi-use facility that holds sports tournaments, welcomes visitors, and even holds corporate events. This 34 acre arena houses batting cages, tot lots, sand volleyball courts, and has two stadium restaurants overlooking the playing fields.
Chino Hills is also home to public and private membership golf courses. Everyone is able to enjoy eighteen holes at the Los Serranos Golf and Country Club or the Green River Golf Course. Membership is required at the Western Hills Golf and Country Club and at the Vellano Golf Country Club.
Excellent Schools
Chino Valley Unified School District schools are very prestigious in that they lead the County in API scores. In the city of Chino Hills there are 11 elementary schools, 2 middle schools, and 2 high schools. The districts academic rigor is exemplified in its various accomplishments. Four Chino Hills elementary schools have scored above 900 in API for 2007 and 2008. Country Springs Elementary School was named a California Distinguished School in 2006. Five elementary schools and both of the middle schools have scored above 800 in API for 2007.
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