In the Neighborhood: Leslie Lopez gives tour of hometown Chino Hills

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Tuesday, July 17, 2018
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Leslie Lopez showcases her hometown of Chino Hills, California.

CHINO HILLS, Calif. (KABC) -- In 1991, Leslie Lopez's mom and dad decided to move their family to a small town called Chino Hills. Tuesday, she decided to take a trip down memory lane with a visit to her elementary school.

The memories came flooding back as Lopez pointed out the door to her fifth grade classroom at Litel Elementary School.

"It still smells the same - bizarre," she recalled. "The school is full of wonderful parents, kids and really wonderful teachers."

Lopez said it was easy to find things to do after school - from recreational sports like soccer to hours of golf training at Los Serrano Country Club.

"I'm still no good," she joked.

Her parents always found a way to keep her busy and out of trouble. Across the street from Lopez's former high school is McCoy Equestrian and Recreation Center, a constant in the fast-growing community, and still a favorite among youth.

"In the late 1990s I noticed the city's growth exploding. Fortunately, the hills that offered so much adventure as a kid, and to this day create a gorgeous backdrop to the city, have remained mostly untouched," Lopez said.

PHOTOS: Leslie Lopez shares photos from her childhood

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Leslie Lopez takes a trip down memory lane with a visit to her hometown of Chino Hills.

The hills provide Lopez and her family a great place to walk - something they look forward to every day.

What makes this town a special place? The people, according to Lopez.

"You can easily find a warm morning greeting from a cheerful neighbor," she said.

Chino Hills is a place where Lopez has turned elementary school friends into lifelong best friends.

"Cheers to Chino Hills!"

Leslie Lopez will be live on ABC7 at the Shoppes at Chino Hills Wednesday from 4:30 until 7:00 a.m. to us what makes Chino Hills so special. Join her for some food and fun!