Weekly News Roundup: February 10 Edition

All the Yucaipa news you need!

February 8, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Paul Cook begins his tenure as 65th Assembly rep"
Our new California Assembly representative, , is settling into his new office in Sacramento. So far he has been appointed to several committees, including the Budget Committee, and has sponsored one bill, to name a section of I-10 near banning after CFD firefighter Chris Kanton.

Cook has stated that his special legislative interests relate to the problem of illegal immigration as well as others with the area's highway system, especially Hwy. 79.

He plans to use the offices of his predecessor, Russ Bogh, on Yucaipa Blvd as a full-time district office.

City News
February 6, Press Enterprise, "Transit agency touts new fare, route plan"

Omnitrans plans to increase fares and change routes, including Route 8 in Yucaipa.
Single-ride fares would increase a dime from $1.25 to $1.35 starting July 1, while a day pass would go from $3 to $3.50. Over the course of five years, single ride fares could go up to $2.25.

See the full plans at Omnitrans.org Check out the map of the proposed East Valley routes (pdf), then tell Omnitrans what you think.

Related: Press Enterprise "'Dial-a-ride' service in Yucaipa faces cutbacks"
There will be a public hearing at 1 p.m. at the Yucaipa Senior Center (12202 First St.)on Monday, February 12 to discuss whether OmniLink Dial-a-Ride will continue to be available in Yucaipa.

Apparently some of the proposed long range changes (pdf) that included elimination of Route 8 service between Redlands Mall and Yucaipa were taken off the table after Omnitrans heard citizens' concerns, so be sure to speak up!

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February 3, Press Enterprise, "Teachers show job seekers the flaws"

Teachers union officials from Yucaipa-Calimesa school district joined those from Rialto and Victor Valley to distribute fliers at a recent job fair at Cal State San Bernardino. The fliers described "low pay, weak morale, and unresponsive management".

We need anybody who's thinking of coming to Yucaipa to know what they're getting into," said Cyndi Holman, president of the Yucaipa-Calimesa Educators Association.

School district representatives appeared unconcerned.

Sherry Kendrick, Yucaipa-Calimesa's assistant superintendent of human resources, said she was aware of the protest but said it wasn't hindering the district's recruitment efforts, describing business as "brisk."

In related news, the YCUSD has announced that kindergarten registration will begin March 1.

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The Pitch a Fit blog notes that Yucaipa police have been ticketing cars that cause traffic jams at the local elementary school. If you are picking up your kids, use common sense and obey the traffic laws!

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Upcoming City Council Meeting (Monday, Feb. 12, 6PM at City Hall)
Some items on the agenda:

• The City Council will discuss installing a fabric shade over the Community Park amphitheater stage at the next city council meeting.
• A proposal to reject all current bids for the Civic Center Park hardscaping and electrical project bids, and reopening the project to bidding.
• A proposal to purchase a quarter acre of property north of WIldwood Canyon Road and west of 5th Street.
• Read the full agenda (pdf).

Local Profiles

February 8, San Bernardino Sun "CHC's Paddock busy being visible"
This is a profile of Ericka Paddock, the new director of Student Life at Crafton Hills College.

Paddock was born with cerebral palsy. She said the neurological disorder affects the way she walks and the movement of her right arm. But the disability did not inhibit Paddock from achieving her goals.

Paddock, who has a Masters degree from the University of Redlands, works to make the campus a friendly and fun place for students. She is also a role model, says Gloria Harrison, president of Crafton Hills College.

"I think she's a very good role model for young women. She's someone who has not let a disability change her goal in life. She's very, very positive with a great deal of energy that she brings to any project and a great deal of professionalism," Harrison said. "We were looking for someone who had some experience in student services and certainly working with students and she has that kind of experience. What she puts in place, it will be in place for the future. Her energy and her ideas seemed to be something we wanted to have for our campus. Students activities are very important for us."

Tags: Yucaipa