Yucaipa Nightlife: December 1 - 7

(Sorry about the crappy details, I'm down with a vicious bug. I'll try to update more tomorrow.)
Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for December 1-7. If you know of any other events, feel free to leave a comment. You can find more information in the links at the the end of the post. For theater and family activities, see the Yucaipa entertainment calendar.

Friday, December 1

• Riley's Farm: Christmas Carol at the Old Packing Shed - dinner, carol singing , dancing. See web site for details.
• Riley's Farm: Christmas in the Colonies - dinner, carol singing, 18th century dancing, live music and games. See website for details (5-9 PM)
  
• Fraternal Order of Eagles: Dave Ambrose (7pm-11pm)
• Angel's Roadhouse: call for details
• Iggy's Roadhouse: call for details
• Bailey's: call for details

Saturday, December 2

• Riley's Farm: Christmas Carol at the Old Packing Shed - dinner, carol singing , dancing. See web site for details (6-9 PM).
• Riley's Farm: Christmas in the Colonies - dinner, carol singing, 18th century dancing, live music and games. See website for details (5-9 PM)
• Angel's Roadhouse: 25th Anniversary Show, sponsored by KCAL 96.7 with LA Guns (all original members), Bullet Boys, Siva, Shameless, Rifemachine, Black Atlantic, Michael Thomas
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke
• Bailey's: call for details

Sunday, December 3

• Eagles Aerie: 2-7pm open mic jam with Flat Out Country
  
• Angel's Roadhouse: live music, followed by Sunday night football

Monday, December 4

• Angel's Roadhouse: Monday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: Monday night football.

Tuesday, December 5

• Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.

Wednesday, December 6

• Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters

Thursday, December 7

• Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Where to find Yucaipa nightlife

• Angel's Roadhouse:32464 Dunlap Blvd.web site, MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Bailey's (14th St. Grill & Lounge): 12131 14th St., MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Crafton Hills College Music Department: Events Schedule
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: 32971 Yucaipa Blvd., web site,SoCal Rocks
• Iggy's Roadhouse: 34536 Yuciapa Blvd., SoCal Rocks
• The White Rabbit: 35256 Yucaipa Blvd.
• Yucaipa Fraternal Order of Eagles: 12015 Fourth St., web site
• VFW: 12235 California St., web site

Tags: Yucaipa, nightlife, music, Angel's Roadhouse, Bailey's, Hickory Ranch Steakhouse, Iggy's Roadhouse, White Rabbit Coffeehouse

Weekly News Roundup: November 25

Yucaipa news from the past week. (Note: if the news site requires a free login, try bugmenot):

• Congratulations to Rick LeVan, pre-algebra and life science teacher at Canyon Middle School, who has been named a California Teacher of the Year 2007. There have been several articles about his award:

• Nov. 16, Press-Enterprise, "Middle-school teacher surprised by honor"
• Nov. 17, San Bernardino Sun, "Area teacher joins exclusive quintet"
• Nov. 24, News Mirror, "Yucaipa's Rick LeVan is a State Teacher of the Year"
• Nov. 24, San Bernardino Sun, "Yucaipa teacher earns top honor" OUR VIEW: Middle-school teacher sets the standard for how to keep math, science interesting"

According to the News Mirror, "And as a testament to his innovative teaching style, as dignitaries were lining up for pictures LeVan had the students sing a song he uses to teach them about genetics." What song was that? Inquiring minds (or at least I) want to know.

• Nov. 18, San Bernardino Sun "Tribal members teachers for day"

"Friday, several Mentone fourth-graders gathered at the campus to attend "California's First Cultures: A Celebration at Crafton Hills (Waat)."

The event gave the young students a chance to learn more about Southern California's indigenous people.

The fourth-graders who took part in Friday's activities listened to - and sang - traditional songs, took in a history lesson and learned about basket-making techniques. "

• I link to several news articles in my post about the Jefferson Fire. It is now 100% contained. We should all be thankful for the 100s of firefighters that risked themselves (and worked over the holidays) to get the fire under control, and that there were no injuries. Here are a couple of updated articles:

• Nov. 22, Press-Enterprise "Lost hiker sparks wildfire" (with some great photos)
  
• Nov. 22, Press-Enterprise "Yucaipa fire close to being contained"
  

  A hiker in the San Bernardino National Forest was planning to meet up with four friends around 7 p.m. He was late and tried to find them.
  After searching for his friends for three hours, the man decided to set a signal fire, Miller said.
  It is possible the man, whose name was not released, could face fines or criminal changes because fires of any kind are not permitted in this area, Miller said.

• Nov. 23, San Bernardino Sun "Blaze sparked by lost camper"
• Nov. 23, Los Angeles Times "Lost camper starts fire near Yucaipa"
  
• Nov. 24, Redlands Daily Facts "Yucaipa fire 100 percent contained."
• Nov. 24, News Mirror, "Jefferson Fire 100% contained. Residents express thanks on Thanksgiving"
  

• Lance Flett, a young "human directional" helping draw prospective home buyers into Chapman Heights' "The Links" development had his 10 seconds of fame (and photograph) in the New York Times!

Article: Nov. 19, New York Times,
"The Signs of a Cooling Market in California"

They also talked to sign twirler Sierra Butler:

“It’s pretty good hours, good pay,” said Sierra Butler, 15, a sign twirler in Yucaipa. “It’s a really easy job to start the working experience. That’s why I did it.”

Apparently the practice has been banned in a number of local cities, including Riverside and El Cajon for distracting traffic and "creating blight". The article points out that the the boom in twirlers may be a sign of a cooling local housing market.

As the housing market cools here in the exurbs of Los Angeles and elsewhere, builders are relying on the frantic motion of these young workers to catch the attention of a dwindling number of buyers.

Good news if you are buying, rather than selling.

Tags: Yucaipa, news, Rick LeVan, Jefferson fire, Chapman Heights

Yucaipa Nightlife: November 24-30

I hope everyone is enjoying their Thanksgiving holiday! Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for November 24-30. If you know of any other events, feel free to leave a comment. You can find more information in the links at the the end of the post. For theater and family activities, see the Yucaipa entertainment calendar.

Friday, November 24

• Angel's Roadhouse: Three Bad Jacks , BBQ Kings, Inland Empire Derby Divas (not singing, I assume)
• Bailey's: Buxx Band
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: karaoke
• Iggy's Roadhouse: call for details

Saturday, November 25

• Angel's Roadhouse: call for details
• Bailey's: Buxx Band
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Sunday, November 26

• Angel's Roadhouse: live music, followed by Sunday night football

Monday, November 27

• Angel's Roadhouse: Monday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: Monday night football.

Tuesday, November 28

• Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.

Wednesday, November 29

• Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters

Thursday, November 30

• The White Rabbit: Chris Thayer (all ages, acoustic), 6-8pm
  
• Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Where to find Yucaipa nightlife

• Angel's Roadhouse:32464 Dunlap Blvd.web site, MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Bailey's (14th St. Grill & Lounge): 12131 14th St., MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Crafton Hills College Music Department: Events Schedule
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: 32971 Yucaipa Blvd., web site,SoCal Rocks
• Iggy's Roadhouse: 34536 Yuciapa Blvd., SoCal Rocks
• The White Rabbit: 35256 Yucaipa Blvd.
• Yucaipa Fraternal Order of Eagles: 12015 Fourth St., web site
• VFW: 12235 California St., web site

Tags: Yucaipa, nightlife, music, Angel's Roadhouse, Bailey's, Hickory Ranch Steakhouse, Iggy's Roadhouse, White Rabbit Coffeehouse

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving to all you readers out there in Yucaipa (and even those of you who aren't)! Here are some local Thanksgiving-related goings-on this weekend:

• Set Free Church is serving a Turkey dinner, 11AM-4PM at the church (13700 Calimesa Blvd.)

Transportation will be provided for those who decide they need it and call 446-0033. A van will make pickups throughout the day.

From the San Bernardino Sun:

The event is open to anyone interested, not only those in need of a Thanksgiving meal but anyone who will be away from their family for the holiday.

"A lot of people have families back East or don't have families," Overstreet said. "I think it's a really great thing to see people acting like family, hanging out, talking."

Members of the Set Free Church will also be in attendance, volunteering wherever needed.

• Riley's at Los Rios Rancho: Apple Butter Festival & Hoedown
Friday-Saturday-Sunday festival 10AM-5PM, hoedown 6-9PM

"Join us for a hands-on demonstration of apple butter making the old-time way, outdoor pioneer games, music, carriage rides, and more. An old-fashioned hoedown (tickets required) Saturday night will feature music by the Riley's Mountaineer Band."

Saturday night at dusk is the "Lighting of the Ranch" to "officially welcome the Christmas season".

• Riley's Farm: Christmas Trees and Hayrides
Friday - Saturday (and M-Sa until Dec. 23)

• Live Oak Canyon Tree Farm
November 25-December 21 open until 8pm
Not just trees for sale, but a petting zoo, hay rides and quad rides.

Tags: Yucaipa, Thanksgiving

Another Day, Another Fire

According to the San Bernardino Sun:

YUCAIPA -- A 3- to 4-acre fire visible from Interstate 10 is burning tonight in the Spoor Canyon area but is not threatening homes, U.S. Forest Service officials said.

It is not known what sparked the blaze. Crews were called to area of Ivy Avenue and Jefferson Street at 10:18 p.m. The fire's glow has been visible from neighboring cities and the freeway.

It's actually very pretty looking at the moment, with a streak of orange snaking it's way up the mountainside. Unfortunately, it was basically uncapturable with my camera (you can see my best attempt above).

Google Map of area.

Update 11/22 AM: The fire area isn't quite so lovely in the daylight. There is a giant scar on the mountainside where vegetation used to be.

(click for larger image)

The Sun is now reporting that the fire is at least 100 acres and "has a potential to grow to 1,500 to 2,000 acres". Fortunately it's dead calm outside - there are no Santa Ana winds to spread this fire.

It's pretty cool to watch the firefighting effort, at least from a distance. There are several helicopters that appear to be dumping water on the fire, then circling down to the lake to scoop up more water.

There is also a large plane that slowly circles around and dumps bright orange fire-retardant along the edges of the burned area.
Hopefully it will be completely contained soon.

Update 11/22 PM:
This is now called the Jefferson Fire, it is listed as having a "human cause", and, as of 1:45 PM was only 15% contained.

I went out at lunch time to watch the helicopters a bit. It looks like they are actually taking water out of Yucaipa Reservoir, not the lake (duh, I guess). Here are a couple more firefighting helicopter photos:

Update 11/22 PM later:
The News-Mirror is now reporting that the fire may have been started by a hiker:

Fire officials say that the fire was apparently started by a hiker who had been trying to connect with four other hikers Wednesday night in an area above Bryant Street and Ivy Avenue. U.S. Forest Service spokesman John Miller said that the hiker set a signal fire when he couldn't locate them after two hours. The hiker, whose named has not be released, is cooperating with authorities. It is not clear whether he will face criminal charges.

Tags: Yucaipa, Jefferson fire

When will fall be here?

For some reason, the weather just seems wrong for the end of November . . .


(According to the Press-Enterprise, the record temperature for the inland area on this date was 88° in 1932 - we're definitely pushing that.)

Tags: Yucaipa, weather

Oak Glen in Autumn

My parents were in town a couple of weeks ago, and we took a trip up into Oak Glen. The weather was lovely, the leaves were changing color, and we tasted some wonderful apples. Oak Glen has been known for its apples for more than a century. In 1914 a publication from the Southern California Panama Expositions Commission described it as follows:

Oak Glen is a thriving community in this horticultural district with good school facilities, church and store, and is especially noted for its fine apples. (You can download the whole book via Google book search. Yucaipa and Oak Glen are on pp.193-194.).

This is a repost from my other blog:
In autumn deciduous trees lose their leaves. Some varieties produce red and yellow pigments as the green chlorophyll fades, producing colorful leaves. The biological purpose of the colors is still unclear. Really beautiful fall foliage requires very cold nights, which we don't really get here in SoCal - at least not the same kind of cold that makes Vermont and New Hampshire Columbus Day weekend destinations. We do get some fall color, though.

My parents were in town visiting the past week, and we took a short trip up into the apple growing area of Oak Glen. It was a bit hazy, but the air was fresh and the scenery was lovely. Some of the trees, such as the liquidambars, had beautiful red leaves, while the oak leaves were simply turning brown. The apple tree leaves were still green and there were a few apples still left on the trees. Lovely! (And the apples were good too.)

Oak Glen actually gets some snow in the winter, and the local woodpeckers were preparing by stuffing the telephone poles full of acorns. It's a clever storage location (no pesky branches in the way), but probably not so good for the poles.

Speaking of storage for the winter, if you are ever in Oak Glen, try the apple cider donuts fresh from the fryer at Snow-Line Orchards. They are delicious!

Tags: Oak Glen, fall foliage, apples

Weekly News Roundup: November 17 Edition

This week's Yucaipa news:

"Group pushing for unification", San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 13

A citizens group will fight for community unification tonight at public hearings that will decide the educational fate of 33 students.

The 11 members of One School District for All Calimesa Kids have struggled for nearly two years to bring all Calimesa students into the Yucaipa- Calimesa Joint Unified School District.

There are 33 students who live in Calimesa and attend Beaumont schools.

Updated stories:
"Public hearings held on district boundaries", Press-Enterprise, Nov. 13
"Calimesa parents plead case, San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 14


"Southern California Company Lands Top International Food Award, PR Web, Nov.13

Results of the 2007 Scovie Awards, which recognizes top fiery foods products from around the globe, are in, and for the second consecutive year, Nanny’s Jamaican Kitchen, Inc. of Yucaipa, California, which manufactures authentic, organic Jamaican marinades and sauces, was selected as a winner in one of the world’s most competitive gourmet food competitions.
[snip]
Nanny’s mild Jamaican Jerk Marinade took third place in the Jerk Seasoning, Cook It Up Division.

School nominated for blue ribbon", Press-Enterprise, No.v 15, 2006
Calimesa Elementary School in Yucaipa was one of only two Inland Empire schools nominated for the No Child Left Behind-Blue Ribbon Schools Program. Only 35 of the more than 9,300 California public schools were nominated.

Calimesa Elementary gained 30 points in the latest state Academic Performance Index, second only to Yucaipa High School's 47-point rise among district schools. Calimesa's 798 API score is the third-highest in the district and the school met its growth target both schoolwide and for subgroups such as Hispanic and poor students.

Army as another career option, San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 15, 2006
Last Tuesday Army recruiters held a special program at Yucaipa High School, including a UH60 Blackhawk helicopter that landed on the soccer field. The article points out that today's Army Recruiters see themselves as "career counselors".

"The youth, they're our future. I just want to make sure they're doing something with their life," Bledsoe said, waving to a group of ROTC students. "Even if I talk to someone and they don't join, I'm glad I was able to educate them on the Army."

Yucaipa gives green light to red light cameras", News Mirror, Nov. 16, 2006
The Yucaipa City Council has authorized its staff to develop a proposal to install red light cameras. The only dissenting vote was recently re-elected coucil member Tom Masner:

“First of all,” Masner said. “a feasibility study of this kind of system was done in 2002, which concluded that red light cameras did not stop people from running red lights.”

“Let's recognize the real purpose of this proposal,” Masner added. “It's a revenue generating device.”

Finally, Masner argued that red light cameras are just one more way that government infringes on the personal liberty of individuals.

The City Council has also approved permits for the Lions Club winter holiday parade and the Yuouth Soccer Organization awards ceremony on city property, and accepted contracts for several projects around the city.

Tags: Yucaipa, news

Yucaipa Nightlife: November 17-23

Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for November 17-23. If you know of any other events, feel free to leave a comment. You can find more information in the links at the the end of the post. For theater and family activities, see the Yucaipa entertainment calendar.

Friday, November 17

• Angel's Roadhouse: Chechnya, Avner, Dionysos, Waxy, Jinx Remover
• Bailey's: Fast Forward
• Iggy's Roadhouse: The Johnson Project
  
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: karaoke

Saturday, November 18

• Angel's Roadhouse: Down 15, Straight Sixxx, Chaos Device, Funky Ja Punkys, and special guest.
• Bailey's: Fast Forward
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Sunday, November 19

• Angel's Roadhouse: 2-6 PM Summit
• Green Valley Christian Church: "A Night of Thanksgiving" with guitarist and storyteller Larry Hover. 7-8pm.

Monday, November 20

• Angel's Roadhouse: Monday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: Monday night football.

Tuesday, November 21

• Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.

Wednesday, November 22

• Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters

Thursday, November 23 - Thanksgiving

• The White Rabbit: Chris Thayer (all ages, acoustic), 6-8pm
  
• Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Where to find Yucaipa nightlife

• Angel's Roadhouse:32464 Dunlap Blvd.web site, MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Bailey's (14th St. Grill & Lounge): 12131 14th St., MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Crafton Hills College Music Department: Events Schedule
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: 32971 Yucaipa Blvd., web site,SoCal Rocks
• Iggy's Roadhouse: 34536 Yuciapa Blvd., SoCal Rocks
• The White Rabbit: 35256 Yucaipa Blvd.

Tags: Yucaipa, nightlife, music, Angel's Roadhouse, Bailey's, Hickory Ranch Steakhouse, Iggy's Roadhouse, White Rabbit Coffeehouse

Independent Designers Holiday Boutique

There is an "Indie Holiday Boutique in Yucaipa on Friday, November 17th.

Featured companies:

• TruLuv Babywear (a local Yucaipa company!) - apparel, blankets, bibs, pouch slings, nursing covers and more. You can order online if you can't make the boutique.
• Too Too Cuties : hair accessories for little girls
• Gold Canyon Candle Company
• Modbe Clothing - "Modern and Modest"

Get all the details on the Baby Drama blog, Tru Luv Babywear Myspace blog or Myspace events page.

Tags: Yucaipa, shopping

Yucaipa History: Bible Reading Record

In 1925, the members of the First Methodist church in Yucaipa made the news by reading the entire Bible aloud in one continuous sitting. In reporting on the church's plan to attempt the feat, the newspapers expressed puzzlement as to the purpose of the stunt :

In fact, the congregation is to assist at the strange ceremony by relieving the minister of the reading from time to time. Just what is to be accomplished aside from a record is not clear. Rev. E. D. Raley of this church at Yucaipa says the continuous reading of the Bible aloud has never been accomplished in a church pulpit. Doubtless they never even though of doing it back in the days when long church services nearly all day Sunday were the rule or they certainly would have adopted this plan to stretch out the service. Score one for this generation.

In June 1926, they repeated the feat, and set a new time record for Bible reading.

Bible Read in Record Time
YUCAIPA, Calif, June 21 -- (AP)-- Cutting four minutes from the record of a year ago, the people of Yucaipa valley last night completed the feat of reading the Bible aloud at a continuous service under way at the First Methodist church since midnight Thursday. The total time consumed was 69 hours and 16 minutes.
Approximately 300 persons took part in the reading which never halted except for a prayer and a song at the completion of the Old Testament. The reading is an annual custom to encourage interest in the Bible.

I'm not sure if the First Methodist in the article is the same as the United Methodist Church of Yucaipa which was founded in 1913.

Today there is an annual Bible reading marathon on the steps of the Capitol building in Washington, D.C. However, they take a leisurely 90 hours - not even close to the Yucaipa record.

If you have a newspaper subscription at Ancestry.com, you can read the original articles in the May 25, 1925 Oakland Tribune and Monday, June 21, 1926 Iowa City Press Citizen.

Tags: Yucaipa, history, religion

Do you have an olive tree?

The following ad was posted Thursday on Craigslist:

WANTED: Olive trees/ fresh olives in Yucaipa/Calimesa
[contact information deleted]
I hate to see so many olives wasted on the ground in Calimesa and Yucaipa because so few people know how to cure the bitter fruit. The problem is, I can't "rescue" this Mediterranian gold because most of the trees I have seen in our area are on private property.

The proposal: I would love to come to your house and pick the olives from your trees (preferrably the ripe, black ones!) with your permission, and I will recompense your generosity with a few large jars of home-cured, beautiful olives from your very own tree.

Let me know. Your olives are likely spoiling on the ground. Don't let them go to waste! We will all benefit from this one. :-) Peace.

If I had an olive tree with fruit, I'd definitely respond. Visit the original craigslist ad for contact information. (via GrandTerraceNews Support blog)

Tags: Yucaipa, craigslist

Yucaipa Links

I've started collecting Yucaipa-related links on del.icio.us.

Here is a sample of what I have collected so far:

tagged hiking
tagged entertainment
tagged restaurants
tagged history

Obviously this is a work in progress. If you have a del.icio.us account, you can tag links for:yucaipa for me to look at.

Tags: Yucaipa

More on the Election

According to yesterday;s News Mirror, not everyone in Yucaipa voted with the same ease I had. In fact, even though the "final" election votes were posted, there were (or are) still paper votes to be counted. Despite being almost 250 votes behind incumbent city council members Tom Masner and Alan Drusys, candidate Ken Smith has not conceded (at least at the time the article was written).

“We still have a horse race and I'm not conceding yet,” said Yucaipa City Council Candidate Ken Smith Wednesday morning as he referred to the outstanding paper ballots as local polling places ran out of paper for the voting machines and turned to hand-marked ballots.

“We can't call it done just yet because the number of uncounted ballots exceeds the vote spread,” Smith reiterated.

The next update from the San Bernardino County Registrar's Office will be Monday at 5pm.

---

In other election-related news, among the projects expected to be funded by Proposition 1B:
"Interstate 10, Yucaipa, Redlands: new westbound lane from Live Oak Canyon Road to Ford Street; $36 million." (San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 9, 2006, Bond passage spells boon for road projects")

Tags: Yucaipa, election

Weekly News Roundup: November 10 Edition

All the news that's fit to link!

November 3: Congratulations to new Yucaipa Sheriffs's Department Citizens Patrol members Edward Gallardo, Therma Hutton, Jim Krynicki, James Mills, Douglas Offenstein, Bradford Page and John Simpson. There is also a profile of current volunteer and former Marine combat illustrator Perry Wahe. (San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 3, 2006, "Seven sworn in to Yucaipa citizens patrol" and "Sheriff's department volunteer quick to the draw")

November 5: The war re-enactments on Riley's Farm in Oak Glen are a continuing point of controversey, even between brothers Jim and Dennis Riley. (San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 5, 2006 "The shots heard around Oak Glen")

November 6: Crafton Hills College Associated Student Body President Dennis Partain is a super achiever. He studies music and international business, has a perfect grade point average, started a student newsletter, has received several scholarships, and has served as the college's student trustee. (Press Enterprise, Nov. 6, 2006, "Crafton Hills student on one fast track", also News Mirror, Nov. 9, 2006 "Yucaipan is the CHC AS President" )

November 9: The Sun profiles the Inland Empire Derby Divas, including Yucaipan Sheryl "Mama Gore" Smith, the oldest member of the squad at 48. There are lots of extras with the article, including slide shows, video and roller derby terms and rules. (San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 9, 2006 "Sisters in Skates")

November 9: Live Oak Canyon Farm has been owned and operated by the Palmer family for 23 years. They are currently shifting from selling pumpkins to selling Christmas trees. Read the article to learn more about the farm and the other attractions they offer. (San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 9, 2006 "Pumpking[sic] patch transforms into forest of Christmas trees.

November 9: Jim Hoover of Hoover Ranch has been granted a continuance to "revisit and perhaps revise his application for a new development agreement" by the Yucaipa Planning Commission. "Under the new agreement proposal, Hoover would build some new chicken houses and convert some of the existing ones to contain cage free chickens. He proposed to accomplish this in stages over a 10-year period." The Commission generally agreed, but preferred a 5-year, rather than 10-year time frame. (News Mirror, Nov. 9, 2006 "Planners grant Hoover Ranch application a continuance")

Tags: Yucaipa, news

Yucaipa Nightlife: November 10-16

Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for November 10-16. If you know of any other events, feel free to leave a comment. You can find more information in the links at the the end of the post. For theater and family activities, see the Yucaipa entertainment calendar.

Friday, November 10

• Angel's Roadhouse: The Last Real Deal, Shameless, Lucius Guardian, Drop 8
• Bailey's: Summit
  
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: karaoke
  
• Iggy's Roadhouse: probably no live music this week (the bartender on 11/9 didn't know of any)
  

Saturday, November 11

• Angel's Roadhouse: Minus Vince, Shameless, with Lit (??? apparent not this Lit)
  
• Bailey's: Summit
  
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke
• Riley's Farm: Swing Dance at the Old Packing Shed, with dinner,dancing with Bill's Little Big Band, hayride, and WWII-era costume contest.

Sunday, November 12

• Angel's Roadhouse: Live music, then Sunday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.

Monday, November 13

• Angel's Roadhouse: Monday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: Monday night football.

Tuesday, November 14

• Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.

Wednesday, November 15

• Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters

Thursday, November 16

• The White Rabbit: Chris Thayer (all ages, acoustic), 6-8pm
  
• Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Where to find Yucaipa nightlife

• Angel's Roadhouse:32464 Dunlap Blvd.web site, MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Bailey's (14th St. Grill & Lounge): 12131 14th St., MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Crafton Hills College Music Department: Events Schedule
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: 32971 Yucaipa Blvd., web site,SoCal Rocks
• Iggy's Roadhouse: 34536 Yuciapa Blvd., SoCal Rocks
• The White Rabbit: 35256 Yucaipa Blvd.

Tags: Yucaipa, nightlife, music, Angel's Roadhouse, Bailey's, Hickory Ranch Steakhouse, Iggy's Roadhouse, White Rabbit Coffeehouse

Can You Say Gerrymander?

Looking at the election results, I couldn't help but notice the bizarre shape of the 63rd State Assembly District. Just take a look (pdf):
A bit of Upland, skirting along the foothills, Grand Terrace, Moreno Valley, Redlands and just a nip of Yucaipa. It looks like a district only a politician could love. If you look more closely at the Yucaipa portion of the 63rd district, the ridiculousness of the boundaries are even clearer:

(click for larger version)

Apparently the newer areas of Yucaipa, such as Chapman Heights, have been grouped with Redlands and Grand Terrace in the 63rd District, and the older areas are grouped with Yucca Valley, and 29 Palms in the 65th District. Can you say gerrymander?

Tags: Yucaipa, 63rd California Assembly District, gerrymander

Election Results

This was my first election in San Bernardino County, so I wasn't sure what to expect. Our polling place had touch screen voting, and I was pleasantly surprised that there was a paper record of my vote as well. There have been too many stories about the hackability of electronic voting machines to make me trust them.

Here are the results:

• Press Enterprise San Bernardino County Results
• San Bernardino Sun San Bernardino County Results
* San Bernardino County Registrar of Voters: Local Election Results, State Election Results
• The Onion sums it up best: "Politicians Sweep Midterm Elections: Resounding Victories In All States, Counties, Cities, Towns"

As of 10AM 10/8: 276,454 total votes
Vote breakdown: 82,300 absentee, 194,154 precinct, 36.78% turnout so far
All precincts have reported.
Note: There were errors on the county web site last night.

Yucaipa City Council (25 of 25 precincts reporting)

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Masner	4602	33.78
Drusys	4615	33.87
Smith	4361	32.01
write in	46	0.34

Precinct Detail Map

California Assembly, 63rd District (279 of 279 Precincts)

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Emmerson	45,871	59.32
Westwood	31,355	40.55
write in	99	0.13

Precinct Detail Map

California Assembly, 65th District (71 of 71 Precincts)

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Cook	15,461	65.98
Ramirez-Dean	7,194	30.70
Taleb	744	3.17
write in	35	0.15

Precinct Detail Map

House of Representatives, 41st District (372 of 372 Precincts Reporting)

Candidate	Votes	Percentage
Lewis	70,209	67.63
Contreras	33,332	32.11
write in	270	0.26

Precinct Detail Map

Other Winners
Director - Yucaipa Valley Water District Div 3 : Jay S. Bogh

Tags: Yucaipa, election

Either Blogger is Stupid, or I Am

OK, it's me. I thought I was posting via email, but I had the settings wrong, so the posts were just saved as drafts. Grrrrr, stupid!

I'll be posting the posts I meant to post last week, today.

Where Do You Vote?

Not sure where to vote? Check the San Bernardino polling place database.

Now go do it!!!

Tags: Yucaipa, election

City Council Election News Update

Here are a few news stories about the upcoming elections:

Press-Enterprise, October 26, "Yucaipa-council issues include country image"
Ken Smith:

Smith, a 22-year Yucaipa resident, who ran unsuccessfully for state Assembly in June, says the lack of retail shopping drives residents, and their sales tax dollars, to surrounding cities such as Redlands and Beaumont.

"We need to put the infrastructure in here that benefits Yucaipa," Smith said.
[SNIP]
Smith envisions a trendy, high-end shopping center impressive enough to draw Inland motorists off the freeway at Oak Glen and Live Oak Canyon roads. Think of a scaled-down version of Victoria Gardens in Rancho Cucamonga or The River in Palm Springs, Smith said.

Alan Drusys:

The 57-year-old voted to build city parks and ball fields and orchestrated the $750,000 purchase of a stainless-steel swimming pool used during time trials for the 2004 Olympics. Construction on a site for the pool will begin at Crafton Hills College next spring.

As for the freeway corridor, Drusys offered the idea of keeping recreational amenities. A movie theater -- lacking in the town -- and a network of horse, hiking and mountain biking trails would be a wonderful addition, he said.

"I have a hard time understanding the vision that captures sales tax revenue at any and all cost," said Drusys, who advocates balancing the city's budget through property taxes. "We are financially stable the way we are."

Tom Masner:

Masner, an eight-year council veteran, felt that adding retail shopping would lead to less traffic down the road.
[SNIP]
Masner also wants to add police and bring a commercial-size ice rink to Yucaipa, with an arena large enough to warrant a minor league hockey team.

---

News Mirror, October 26, "Election 2006 - Yucaipa City Council (two seats)"
The News Mirror asked the City Council candidates the following questions:

"Do you support the mobile home rent control ordinance and, if so, do you recommend any changes in it?"
Short answers:
- Masner: "generally supports"the ordinance
- Drusys: "wholeheartedly supports" the ordinance
- Smith: "supports fundamentally" the ordinance

"What do you think about the current draft of a specific plan for the freeway corridor? Would you like to see changes in it?"
Short answers:
- Masner: whould like two changes, more high density housing, and doesn't believe in the Hillside ordinance
- Drusys: the corridor should have "both stores and trees", "both homes and hillsides"
- Smith: generation of sales tax revenue should be the top priority

"What if anything can and should be done about the high electricity bills many residents of the city experienced last summer?"
Short answers:
- Masner: pressure the CPUC to revise the current zoning system
- Drusys: city council should look into it
- Smith: pressure the state Assembly to force the CPUC to change their system

"Would you support an application by Wal-Mart to build a super-store in Yucaipa? How about a Target store?"
Short answers:
- Masner: no to Wal-Mart, yes to Target
- Drusys: would judge each application on its merits
- Smith: doesn't think Yucaipa is big enough to support a superstore, but wouldn't stop one from coming here

"Do you believe the current ordinance that bans smoking in all city parks is a good policy?"
Short answers:
- Masner: no, and voted against it
- Drusys: yes, and voted for it
- Smith: no

" Each December the city council elects one of its members as mayor. If you are a member of the council in December, will you support Dick Riddell for another term as mayor, assuming he still wants to be mayor?"
Short answers:
- Masner: would not nominate Riddell, but would support a majority decision
- Drusys: yes
- Smith: not sure at this time

"What are the three most important things the city council needs to do in the coming year?"
Short answers:
- Masner: expand the sales tax base, provide affordable housing, add more police officers
- Drusys: finish the specific plan for the freeway corridor, review code enforcement services for mobile home parks, look into utility rates
- Smith: bring stores and businesses into town, look to area south of Yucaipa Blvd, b ring activities for kids (movie theater, skating rink, etc)

Read the whole article for details.

Tags: Yucaipa, election, City Council

November Election: 41st District House of Representatives

On Tuesday, our representative in Congress, Jerry Lewis, is up for re-election. He holds the powerful position of chair of the House Appropriations Committee. However, he has recently come under fire for his close ties to lobbyists and distribution of "earmark" funds. Unfortunately, his opponent, Louie Contreras, looks like a no-show in this campaign, so there isn't any real race to speak of.

Official Web Sites

• Jerry Lewis
• Louie Contreras

Additional Information

• Jerry Lewis entry on Congresspedia
• San Bernardino Sun article "Lewis Rival a Man With No Name"
  

  Louie Contreras wants to be a giant slayer.
  
  The Hesperia unknown is taking on Rep. Jerry Lewis, the Republican powerhouse from Redlands whose chairmanship of the House Appropriations Committee makes him one of the most influential lawmakers in Washington.
  
  Despite the enormity of unseating a popular congressman, Contreras until recently didn't have a working phone line to his campaign. He has promoted himself in the quietest, least noticeable of ways.

• Down With Tyranny Blog: JERRY LEWIS vs LOUIE CONTRERAS-- DRAGGED INTO THE SUNLIGHT... SORT OF
  

  Whether Jerry Lewis bought off Contreras or not-- and Contreras assured me he did not-- it doesn't look like Lewis has anything to worry about from Louie or the Democrats.

• PBS show NOW on Lawmakers or Lawbreakers?
  

  Of all the candidates facing ethical questions in the upcoming election, Rep. Jerry Lewis appears to be one of the least concerned about his fate.
  
  Lewis, who is chair of the powerful House Appropriations Committee, and overseas nearly a trillion dollars in federal spending, is running for reelection this fall against Democratic challenger Louie Contreras. Lewis appears confident that he will keep his seat even though he is under investigation by federal prosecutors.

• Press-Enterprise article: Lewis pays $750,000 for legal costs of probe
  

  Inland Rep. Jerry Lewis has paid $750,000 to a prominent Los Angeles-based law firm to handle aspects of an ongoing federal investigation into his relationship with an embattled Washington lobbying firm, newly released campaign finance records show.

• The Press-Enterprise Housewatch site has lots more on Jerry Lewis and his tangled relationships with lobbyists, PACs and more.
• Congress.org gives Jerry Lewis a power ranking of #4 in the House and #4 in the Republican Party
  
• The Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America give Jerry Lewis a "C" grade
• The Disabled American Veterans summarizes Lewis' votes on legislation they endorse
• The ACLU gives Lewis' a 11% rating
• The Family Research Council Vote Scorecard gives Lewis a score of 71%
  

Endorsements
Press-Enterprise: Jerry Lewis
San Bernardino Sun: None for this seat!

Tags: Yucaipa, election, , Jerry Lewis, Louie Contreras

November Election: 63rd and 65th State Assembly Seats

Yucaipa is represented by the 63rd (map) and 65th (map) State Assembly Districts.

63rd Assembly District

Candidate: Bill Emmerson (incumbent, Republican)
Official Web Site: 63rd California Assembly District
Occupation: Served in the Assembly since 2004, practicing orthodontist in Hemet 1982-2004.

Candidate: Mark Westwood (Democrat)
Official Candidate Statement (pdf)
Official Web Site: Westwood4aBetterWay.com
Occupation: Mark currently lives in Yucaipa, and is full time Market Night Manager for the cities of Yucaipa and Highland.

Additional Information
List of campaign donors and articles
Redlands Daily Facts: "Democrat Takes on Freshman Incumbent"

Emmerson:
Emmerson said he hopes to help implement bonds that he hopes will pass in the Nov. 7 election . The bonds will "hopefully cover highway improvement projects to relieve congestion," he said. He added that he hopes to "improve the movement of goods that come to our ports" and then move through the Inland Empire. Doing so will help reduce congestion on the highways as well, he said.

Emmerson said there are 7 million Californians who are uninsured, and the solution is to work on a plan that doesn't penalize employers and try to get everybody some type of universal coverage. "We need to increase the number of individuals covered by insurance," Emmerson said.

Westwood:
"The answer is to have mass transportation and we need to, as a state, become a leader in doing that," he said. "The longer a parent has to commute is less time they can spend with their children."

"No child should ever have to worry about whether they have good health care and no senior citizen should have to choose between their sustenance and their medication," Westwood said. "I want to continue to work to get a comprehensive health care insurance reform act passed."

Endorsements
San Bernardino Sun: Bill Emmerson
Press-Enterprise: Bill Emmerson
Daily Bulletin: Bill Emmerson

65th Assembly District
Incumbent Assemblyman Russ Bogh is not running for re-election.

Candidate : Paul Cook (Republican)
Official Candidate Statement (pdf)
Official Web Site: JoinPaulCook.com
Occupation: Retired Marine Colonel, Mayor of Yucca Valley

Candidate: Rita Ramirez-Dean (Democrat)
Official Campaign Statement
Official Web Site: RitaRamirezDean.com
Occupation: "For the last thirty-two years, she has taught as a community college professor at Copper Mountain College, Joshua Tree. and at College of the Desert, Palm Desert."

Candidate: John Taleb (Peace and Freedom)
Campaign Statement: none
Official Web Site: none
Occupation: Teacher

Additional Information
List of campaign donors and related articles

Endorsements
Press-Enterprise: Paul Cook
Hi-Desert Star: Paul Cook

Tags: Yucaipa, election, assembly

Weekly News Roundup: November 3 Edition

Yucaipa news this week:

October 27: Thousands of students rallied at Crafton Hills College in support of Proposition 86, which would add a $2.60 tax per cigarette pack. (San Bernardino Sun, Oct. 27, "Rally urges passage of cigarette tax hike")

October 29: Article about efforts to get specific trees into the California Register of Big Trees, including a more-than-century-old chestnut at Snow-Line Orchard in Oak Glen. (Press-Enterprise, Oct. 29 "Group checks if tree measures up")

October 31: Yucaipa-Calimesa school district has posted information about their negotiations with the Teacher's Union online. (Press Enterprise, Oct. 31, 2006 "District takes offer to Web") Links: Yucaipa-Calimesa Joint Unified School District, Yucaipa-Calimesa Educators Association.

November 1: Crafton Hills College professor Chris Biffle gives seminars on his "power teaching" method. (San Bernardino Sun, Nov. 1, "Power to the Teachers")

Tags: Yucaipa, news

Yucaipa Nightlife: November 3 - 9

Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for November 3-9. If you know of any other events, feel free to leave a comment. You can find more information in the links at the the end of the post. For theater and family activities, see the Yucaipa entertainment calendar.

Friday, November 3

• Yucaipa First Assembly of God: Southern Gospel Concert with headliners the Weatherfords, and Salt and Light, LoveLight, Johnson Family Quartet
• Angel's Roadhouse: Rokken (a hard driving tribute to Dokken)
  
• Bailey's: Dragonfly
  
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: karaoke
• Iggy's Roadhouse: Hit Men
  

Saturday, November 4

• Angel's Roadhouse: Midnight Rider (tribute to the Allman Brothers)
  
• Bailey's: Dragonfly
  
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Sunday, November 5

• Angel's Roadhouse: Live music, then Sunday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.

Monday, November 6

• Angel's Roadhouse: Monday night football. Buy one pitcher of beer, get your second for $1 (domestic) or $2 (import) during the game. Giveaways and free buffet.
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: Monday night football.

Tuesday, November 7

• Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.

Wednesday, November 8

• Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters

Thursday, November 9

• The White Rabbit: Chris Thayer (all ages, acoustic), 6-8pm
  
• Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
• Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke
  

Where to find Yucaipa nightlife

• Angel's Roadhouse:32464 Dunlap Blvd.web site, MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Bailey's (14th St. Grill & Lounge): 12131 14th St., MySpace, SoCal Rocks Listings
• Crafton Hills College Music Department: Events Schedule
• Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: 32971 Yucaipa Blvd., web site,SoCal Rocks
• Iggy's Roadhouse: 34536 Yuciapa Blvd., SoCal Rocks
• The White Rabbit: 35256 Yucaipa Blvd.
• Yucaipa Fraternal Order of Eagles: 12015 Fourth St., web site
• VFW: 12235 California St., web site

Tags: Yucaipa, nightlife, music, Angel's Roadhouse, Bailey's, Hickory Ranch Steakhouse, Iggy's Roadhouse, White Rabbit Coffeehouse