– Little League building fire Rancho Cucamonga
– Burglary at Little League facility Rancho Cucamonga.
Accident – Death – Obituary News :
RANCHO CUCAMONGA, California (KCAL) — An Inland Empire Little League is facing a devastating setback after their snack bar and storage building were set on fire during a burglary at Red Hill Community Park.
The incident occurred on May 3, when two individuals were spotted running from the Citrus Little League building as a fire broke out. The suspects, identified as two teenage boys aged 14 and 16, were apprehended by Rancho Cucamonga police and charged with burglary and arson. They are currently in custody of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.
The Little League officials are now seeking support from the community to help rebuild the structure, which was left severely damaged and red-tagged. A GoFundMe campaign has been launched to raise funds for the restoration process, with estimates suggesting that repairs could cost between £50,000 and £70,000.
Along with the physical damage to the building, valuable memorabilia and equipment belonging to the league were also lost in the fire. Items such as the original Citrus Little League banner, a letter from the White House, and historical artefacts dating back to the league’s inception in the 1980s were destroyed.
Despite the devastation, the vice president of Citrus Little League, Gary Mendoza, expressed a message of inclusivity and community spirit. He extended an invitation to the individuals responsible for the fire, urging them to join the league as a way to stay out of trouble and contribute positively to the community.
“Come and be a part of our league. We welcome all kids and are here to support and guide them in a positive direction,” Mendoza said. “Little League is about fostering a sense of community and providing a safe space for young people to engage in sports and activities.”
The Citrus Little League building, although situated on Red Hill Park property, is entirely maintained and operated by league volunteers. The loss of the building has not only impacted the physical infrastructure but also the sense of history and community that the league represents.
As the league works towards rebuilding and recovering from this setback, they are counting on the support of the public to help them restore a vital hub for the community’s youth sports activities.
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Little League building torched during burglary
Rancho Cucamonga Little League building torched during burglary.
