Weekly News Roundup: January 13 Edition

I missed the past few news roundups, so this one will be a bit longer than usual. Free registration is required for the Press-Enterprise.

Murder off Live Oak Canyon Road
December 18: Press-Enterprise, "Deputies find men dead near Christmas tree lot"
December 18: San Bernardino Sun, "Two Men Shot to Death in Yucaipa"
December 19: Press-Enterprise, "Poorly running van a clue"
December 19: NBC4.TV "Gunshot Victims Found Dead on Yucaipa Road"
December 20: Press-Enterprise, "Man held in deaths on Inland roadside
December 22: Press-Enterprise, "Police release man in Yucaipa homicide inquiry"
December 29: San Bernardino Sun, "Second suspect held in deaths"

The bodies of two men, Pedro Sanchez of Los Angeles and Salvador Felix, who had been shot were found just off Live Oak Canyon road. Eraclio Villa of Compton was arrested and released. Alberto "Beto" Oropeza Delgadillo of Lynwood was subsequently arrested and is apparently still in custody.

Winter Storms
December 27: Press-Enterprise, "Inland forecast warns of winds"
January 4: Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, "Storm brings multiple local lightning strikes"
The storms brought us lightning, hail and a bit of snow at higher elevations.

January 5: Press-Enterprise, "Wild Inland winds snap trees and power lines"
January 11: Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, "Winds cause uptown power pole damage"
High winds snapped power lines causing outages here in Yucaipa. Much damage was done just outside the News Mirror's offices.

The sight west down the alley looked like tornado damage, with shattered transformers and snapped utility poles. While calls were being placed to the S. C. Edison emergency services number, the News Mirror crew stood stunned before snapping out of it and grabbing cameras.

For some, the power didn't get turned back on until Saturday afternoon (the 6th).

City News
December 29: San Bernardino Sun, "Mayor Riddell hopes to continue serving community he loves"
Dick Riddell began his ninth consecutive term as Mayor of Yucaipa.

"I haven't been one to support strong growth, I've always pushed for and have been able to keep a general plan that doesn't really encourage dense development," Riddell said. "I tried to maintain the charm of a country city and maintain a rural environment."

"In spite of that, I think all the new residents that come in seem to like the job I've been doing."

Riddell plans to remain as mayor as long as the city will have him and as long as the council supports him.

January 11: San Bernardino Sun, "County adds to roadway wish list"
San Bernardino County is seeking funding for more than $500 million worth of road projects, to be paid for by the transportation bond approved by voters in November. Included in the list is a local project: adding a westbound lane on I-10 between Yucaipa and Redlands.

January 11: Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, "Yucaipa Council authorizes eminent domain"

The Yucaipa City Council has authorized staff to proceed with eminent domain actions with respect to the properties around the I-10 interchange at Oak Glen Road and Live Oak Canyon Road.

The city has to demonstrate that they have the right-of-way before the interchange can be expanded. Local property owners, including the Palmer Corporation and Renee Vicary, owner of Angel's Roadhouse, all indicated that they offer of "just compensation" by the city undervalued their properties. Others have not yet responded. Eminent domain can force the property owners to accept the city's offer.

January 12: Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, "New appointments made to Yucaipa commissions"
During the January 8th city council meeting appointments were made to a number of city commissions, including:

• Trails and Open Spaces Commission: Kristine Mohler, Dottie Potter, Helen Robbins, Kathy Utley were reappointed, and an open seat was given to Galen Shotts.
• Mobilehome Rent Review Commission: Susan Shotts, Tom Potter, , Carolyn Cape and Rene Allison were reappointed, and the vacant seat will be filled by Bonnie Coley.
• Planning Commission: Jerry Cape and Jim Ott ere reappointed unanimously to at-large seats. Dennis Miller, also an incumbent, was reappointed by coucil member Tom Masner,, who also gave a seat up for reappointment to Ken Smith. There is some controversy over former city council candidate Smith's appointment, since he didn't actually apply for the position before the deadline, and "Several applicants were passed over who have extensive experience in these areas," according to the Times-Mirror. Masner didn't comment before press time.

Crime Roundup

December 29: Press-Enterprise, "Youth coach arrested, accused of molestation"
January 4: Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, "Man arrested on molestation charge"
Girl's softball coach, Andrew John Likins, was arrested on suspicion of molesting a 12-year old player in November 2005.

Likins has coached youth baseball and softball in Yucaipa, Redlands and Highland, and he was active up until his arrest, Wagner said. Sheriff's officials suspect there are more victims.
[snip]
Anyone with information is asked to contact the sheriff's Crimes Against Children Detail at 909-387-3615.

January 4: Press-Enterprise, "Two accused of parcel pilferage"
January 11: Yucaipa/Calimesa News Mirror, "Two women arrested for thefts"
Two Yucaipa women, Patricia Lynn English and Deanna Kathleen Kudjer, have been arrested for taking packages delivered during the holidays from peoples' doorsteps.

The pinched merchandise in Yucaipa filled more than three pickups, according to San Bernardino County sheriff's Detective Holly Liepert, who has some of the unclaimed goods piled on and around her desk at the Yucaipa substation. (Press-Enterprise)
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So far, 20 victims were positively identified from shipping labels and the property was returned to the owners. Six more were IDed from shipping labels, but the contents have not been confirmed. Twelve more had not responded to messages as of Friday. So far, $5,900 worth of merchandise has been returned, but there are computer towers, five lap tops, cell phones, three guitars, clothing and toys that never got under the appropriate Christmas tree. (News Mirror)

January 12: San Bernardino Sun, "Law-enforcement sweep leads to cocaine bust"
January 11: Press-Enterprise, "Sweep Nets 55 Pounds of Cocaine, 65 Arrested"

Miller said the sweep is one Yucaipa police -- a division of the Sheriff's Department -- make periodically to check whether parolees and probationers are in compliance with the terms of their sentences.

Locals

The San Bernardino Sun profiles locals in the military, including Army Captain Daniel Poole, and his brother Army Major John Poole. Both are graduates of Yucaipa High School, and are stationed at Fort Hood, Texas.

Tags: Yucaipa