Friday, March 30, 2007

Tuesday's Freak Storm

I have a few photos from the freak slush-snow storm on Tuesday on my other blog. Check it out.



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Thursday, March 29, 2007

Yucaipa Nightlife: March 30 - April 5

Here is the musical entertainment you can find in Yucaipa for March 30 - April 5. 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.

Note: all entries subject to change. Call to confirm the bands and cover price.

Friday, March 30
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Thad Foster and the River Ratz
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: live music
  • Hickory Ranch Steakhouse: karaoke
Saturday, March 31
Sunday, April 1
  • no April foolin', it's all quiet
Monday, April 2 - Passover Begins
  • rest up for the week
Tuesday, April 3
  • Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.
Wednesday, April 4
  • Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters, no cover
  • Bailey's: karaoke
Thursday, April 5
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke

Where to find Yucaipa nightlife
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Saturday, March 24, 2007

Weekly News roundup: March 24 Edition

Once again, it's been mostly quiet here in Yucaipa, even though crime rate is up (see below).

City News

March 22, Yucaipa News Mirror, "YC school district is recognized "

The Yucaipa-Calimesa school district was one of 30 California school districts to be recognized by the California Middle Grades Alliance and the California League of Middle Schools for the leadership and support of the YCSD programs for middle-grade students.
The certificate cited the YCSD Board of Education for its leadership in providing time, resources and opportunities for professional development to their middle-level schools, administrators, teacher and students. In his personal letter, Jack O'Connell thanked them for their commitment to education and inspired leadership that empowers middle school principals and teachers “to implement high quality education programs that result in children becoming successful students, highly trained workers and productive citizens.”
March 22, Yucaipa News Mirror, "City approves Seventh Street Park renovations and improvements"

Yucaipa City Council has approved the plans for "Phase II" and "Phase IV" of the renovation of the Seventh Street Park (map).
The primary aspect of Phase II is the redevelopment of the roller hockey rinks, located on the southern edge of the park. The council approved the recommendation of city staff and the Parks and Recreation Commission to convert the larger, unfinished roller hockey rink into covered and lighted basketball courts. The smaller roller hockey rink will be converted into a modular skate board park.
Construction of a dog park is also part of Phase II.
City staff must now formulate budget recommendations for the additional work, as well as for the work in Phase IV, which calls for the demolition of the concrete channel that runs through the park. The stream, Chicken Springs Wash, will be returned to a more natural condition as a grass-lined, “open bottomed” channel with natural rock “energy dissipaters” to maintain the structural integrity of the wash and to provide an enhanced aesthetic appeal.

March 22, Highland Community News, "Highland's crime rate up in '06"

The city of Highland reports a 2% increase in crime in 2006 compared to 2005.
The city of Yucaipa provides a better means of comparison with a population - 50,553 - and size - 27 square miles - similar to Highland. Like Highland, Yucaipa contracts with the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department; San Bernardino operates their own police department.

In 2006 Yucaipa had a 13 percent increase in crime and a larger number of reports than Highland, with 6,902 part one and two crimes.
According to the FBI Uniform Crime Report, based on 2005 statistics, the city of Highland ranked #20 in murder rate for cities with a population of 40,000 to 60,000. Yucaipa ranked #65. Detailed crime statistics are available from RAND California.

Also:

Locals in the News

March 22, Redlands Daily Facts, "Bake sale and car wash planned to help girl with cancer of the eye"

Two-year-old Yucaipa resident Malia Hadley has been diagnosed with retinoblasma, an aggressive tumor of the retina (in the eye). Her parents want to get the word out about the disease and raise money for her care. To that end they held a bake sale yesterday and car wash today (3-6pm) at the Denny's at 1180 Alabama St. in Redlands. (I know, a bit too late for the weekly news roundup). Here is what to look for in your own children:
Symptoms of retinoblastoma include having a white pupil reflex, instead of a normal black pupil or red reflex. Other symptoms are a crossed eye, turning either towards the ear or towards the nose; a painful red eye; poor vision; inflammation of tissue surrounding the eye; an enlarged or dilated pupil; and failure to thrive.
For more information, see the American Cancer Society's detailed guide to retinoblastoma. My heart and good wishes go out to Malia and her family.

March 18, The Press-Enterprise, "Births with midwives on the rise in U.S."

Yucaipa midwife Karen Baker is extensively quoted (and photographed) in this midwife-positive article in the PE.

The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists opposes home birth. Its policy states that birth requires "standards of safety which are provided in the hospital setting and cannot be matched in the home."

Childbirth has become safer in the last 50 years because of improvements in medical technology, according to the group.

Midwife Baker disagrees.

Like other midwives, she comes prepared for emergency, carrying resuscitation equipment and medications to control hemorrhaging, among other supplies.

She said she doesn't hesitate to send clients to the hospital if necessary for such problems as fetal distress or difficulties after birth, which happens in about 3 out of 35 deliveries a year.
For more information, see Karen Baker's profile at Mama Rhythms.

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Thursday, March 22, 2007

Yucaipa Nightlife: March 23-29

Here is the musical entertainment you can find in Yucaipa for March 23-29. 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.

Note: all entries subject to change. Call to confirm the bands and cover price.

Friday, March 23
Saturday, March 24
Sunday, March 25
Monday, March 26
  • rest up for the week
Tuesday, March 27
  • Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.
Wednesday, March 28
  • Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters, no cover
  • Bailey's: karaoke
Thursday, March 29
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke
Where you might find Yucaipa nightlife
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Saturday, March 17, 2007

Weekly News Roundup: March 17 Edition

Of course the big thing on my mind this week is the weather - 90 degrees while it's still winter is just crazy. I'd be enjoying the sunshine a lot more if the air weren't so thick . . .

City News

The March 21 Planning Commission meeting has been canceled.
The March 12 City Council meeting agenda & minutes are available online (pdf).

March 15, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Oak Glen/Live Oak interchange costs are going up"

The headline pretty much says it all - the cost for construction has gone up almost a quarter of a million dollars above the estimate (map of interchange). A major part of that cost is the acquisition of land around the interchange through eminent domain proceedings.
Offers were made in October of last year to eight affected property owners. The city has come to an agreement with two of these owners. With respect to the others, however, the city has decided to pursue eminent domain procedures if the property owners do not accept the city's current offers.

Despite potential litigation to secure rights of way, Public Works Director Ray Casey said that he still expects construction on the interchange to begin this June.
It is estimated that the project will take 18-24 months to complete, and, fortunately, they plan to keep the interchange open during construction.

March 15, Yucaipa News Mirror, Yucaipa Planners recommend zoning change

The Yucaipa Planning commission voted to recommend a zoning change for a lot on the northeastern corner of Holmes and County Line (map) from commercial to 7,200 square foot single family residential lots.

March 15, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Wildwood Park renovation plans approved"
The City Council approved a plan to renovate Wildwood Park (map).
A significant part of the first phase will be to redevelop the equestrian staging area in the east part of the park. There will also be some kind of safety crossing to give riders safe access to the north side of Wildwood Canyon Road, including the nearby state park.
March 15, Fontana Herald News, "Soaring gasoline prices cause pain for local residents"

Apparently gas prices in the Fontana-Rancho Cucamonga area are significantly lower than in Los Angeles - or Yucaipa.
But why the difference in gasoline prices within a city, and from city to city? The oil companies set the price by region, said Whiteman. The Fontana and Rancho Cucamonga area, for example, has lower gasoline prices than the Los Angeles region as well as Yucaipa -- by as much as 13 cents lower per gallon in Yucaipa. And delivery distance to the pumps also affects the price, he said.
The lesson seems to be that if you want save money on gas, don't buy it here!


Locals in the News

March 5, Press Release, "San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Deputy Chief Sheree Stewart Named 31st Senate District 2007 Woman of the Year"
March 14, Yucaipa News-Mirror, "Yucaipa deputy chief is Woman of the Year

Yucaipa Deputy Chief Sheree Stewart was named 2007 Woman of the Year for the 31st California Senate District.
Since 1981, Deputy Chief Stewart has risen steadily through the ranks including becoming the first female captain in the department's history as well as the department's first deputy chief.

She was also the chief of police for the city of Highland, which contracts services the Sheriff's Department for six years prior to her promotion to Deputy Chief.

In her current position, she is responsible for Region 1 Operations for the Sheriff's Department and oversees eight patrol stations.
March 16, San Bernardino Sun, "Community gives support to a Yucaipa 'princess'"
(related stories: February 12, OC Register, "Healing With Heart"; March 7, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Auction raises funds for Cheynne")

This is a nice piece about the community support for 6-year-old Cheyenne Broswell, who was diagnosed with brain stem glioma in December.

Although the family has health insurance, the funds will go toward co-payments for doctor's visits and other treatments that are not covered by insurance, Barone said.

"We want to try treatments the insurance won't pay for," Barone said. "There's a clinical trial in Canada."

And in Cheyenne's fight to beat cancer, she is not alone. She has the support of the community behind her.

"We're letting them know that Yucaipa Elementary is behind her and the community is behind her," said Liz Calbreath, a Yucaipa High School teacher. "This is a great community, it's very giving and very generous."


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Thursday, March 15, 2007

Yucaipa Nightlife: March 16-22

Here is the musical entertainment you can find in Yucaipa for March 16-22. 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.

Note: all entries subject to change. Call to confirm the bands and cover price.

Friday, March 16
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Classic Rock Friday with Undercover, $10, 21+
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: Hit Men
  • Hickory Ranch Steak House: karaoke
Saturday, March 17 - Happy St. Patrick's Day!
Sunday, March 18
  • all quiet
Monday, March 19
  • yup, still quiet
Tuesday, March 20
  • Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.
Wednesday, March 21 (Happy Spring!)
  • Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters, no cover
  • Bailey's: karaoke
Thursday, March 22
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
Where to find Yucaipa nightlife
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Saturday, March 10, 2007

Weekly News Roundup: March 10 Edition

There hasn't been much news over the past week. That's a good thing, I think.

City News

March 7, Press-Enterprise, "Omnitrans adjusts routes, fares" (with podcast)
Omnitrans has finalized route changes that will begin in May.
  • Beginning Monday, May 7, Omnilink service will be discontinued on weekends. It will still run 7AM-6PM Monday through Friday.
  • The Redlands end of Route 8 will be modified, with temporary elimination of service to Citrus Plaza. "A long-term solution is under study".
  • Route 9 will be unaffected.
  • On July 1, fares will go up. Single-rides will be $1.35 and a day pass will be $3.50. Senior and disabled riders will pay 55 cents.

March 8, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Roadwork continues around Yucaipa"

This isn't really news if you actually drive around town, but there is roadwork all over. The good news is that some of it is completed.
  • Work on the 10th St. bridge just south of Yucaipa Blvd is running more than a month behind schedule. Public Works says it will be completed "soon". (map)
  • The work on the 3rd St. Bridge south of Wildwood Canyon Rd. has been completed. Now the city is going to pave 3rd between Wildwood Canyon and County Line. (map)
  • They've started widening Oak Glen Road between Avenue E and Yucaipa Blvd.(map)
  • City Council has accepted a bid to widen the intersection at 5th and Wildwood Canyon, which will also be getting a traffic signal. It's all part of the new fire station project at that intersection. (map)
March 8, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Parks/Rec unenthusiastically approves 'sail' plan"

The Yucaipa Parks and Recreation Commission has approved a "sail"-type shade at the Community Park Amphitheater. There were several concerns, particularly that the sails would not protect performers, or even all of the audience, and that the sail fabric would only last 8 to 10 years. Despite their concerns, the plan was approved. The department is also considering an acoustic "shell" for the stage.

Yucaipans in the news

March 8, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Three-year-old boy rescues mom from burning house"

Three-year-old Jeremiah Conner was a hero last Wednesday, when, waking up in a smoky room he awakened his mother in time for them to get out of the house. Jeremiah's dad was not at home at the time. Fortunately, the entire family (and their dog) got out safely.

March 8, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Curtright discusses mapping, old and new, at museum"

Cartographer Jack Curtright has been helping the Yucaipa Valley Historical Society by revising and creating new maps of Yucaipa and the surrounding area.
Many of his maps will be in the upcoming book “Yucaipa.” He gave a PowerPoint presentation on the GIS system he used. Curtright was able to blend old information onto new maps.
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Thursday, March 08, 2007

Yucaipa Nightlife: March 9-15

Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for March 9-15. 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.

Note: all entries subject to change. Call to confirm the bands and cover price.

Friday, March 9
Saturday, March 10
Sunday, March 11
  • DAYLIGHT SAVINGS TIME BEGINS - Spring Forward!
Monday, March 12
  • I don't like Mondays :-(
Tuesday, March 13
  • Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.
Wednesday, March 14
  • Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters, no cover
  • Bailey's: karaoke
Thursday, March 15
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke
Where to find Yucaipa nightlife
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Saturday, March 03, 2007

Weekly News Roundup: March 3 Edition

Once again, no seriously bad news in Yucaipa this week. Excellent!

City News

March 2, Press-Enterprise, "Yucaipa road projects to improve access" (with podcast and video)

The article covers three road improvements in Yucaipa: 10th Street bridge at Wilson Creek, the 3rd St. bridge at Wildwood Creek and the widening of Oak Glen Road.
The city of Yucaipa has cobbled together federal, state and local funding sources, and is fronting $8.7 million for the $19 million interchange work at Oak Glen and Live Oak Canyon roads to speed up the project. It will recoup about two-thirds of the advance money when the next increment of Measure I gas tax becomes available starting in 2010.

"It's something that needs to be done, so you do what you have to do," Mayor Dick Riddell said by phone.
March 1, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Sewer project to eliminate all septic systems"

The Yucaipa Valley Water District would like to eliminate septic systems in Yucaipa and Calimesa. In Yucaipa, they plan to focus on the 1,500 septic systems in western Yucaipa. While there are plans to construct new sewers along Avenue E, 16th St., 18th St. and Bryant to serve new development in those areas, homeowners that are not immediately adjacent to the sewer system will require the construction of additional mainlines.
“The current regulatory environment has placed this issue on the front burner for the District,” said Joe Zoba, general manager, pointing out that the Basin Plan adopted by the Regional Water Quality Control Board focuses on eliminating the buildup of nitrogen and salt within the Yucaipa area. “With interest rates relatively low, now may be the best time for residents on septic systems to do their share to protect our groundwater supplies,” Zoba added.
[snip]
Zoba pointed out, “At this point, the decision to invest in eliminating septic systems will be up to property owners to decide as a group if they want to connect to sewers. Unfortunately, it may be a matter of time before a regulatory agency steps in and forces the sewer connections to occur.”
March 1, Yucaipa News Mirror, "YCEA files unfair labor charge against school district"
The News Mirror has picked up on the story reported last week by the Press-Enterprise and Sun that the Yucaipa-Calimesa Educators Association (YCEA) has filed unfair labor practice charges against the school district, claiming that the district is bargaining in "bad faith" and charges that the district has used "threats and intimidation against union members", specifically naming Yucaipa High Ninth Grade Campus Principal Sherry Smith.
In an e-mail to the News Mirror, Smith responded, “I was very disappointed to learn that YCEA would make such irresponsible and unprofessional allegations against me. The charges are riddled with inaccuracies and misinformation. Furthermore, in some instances the charges are just outright absurd.”

Smith went on to say, “My professional administrative record speaks for itself. In eleven years as a site administrator I have never received so much as one formal complaint or grievance filed against me. I am confident that this is just a ploy on behalf of YCEA's leadership to distract from the fact that they have their own unfair labor practice charges pending against them that were filed earlier this year by the school district.”
Last December the school district filed charges agains the YCEA, "claiming union leadership did not support the tentative agreement reached by the two sides last June and because of that the union membership did not vote to approve the agreement."

Related: The Yucaipa-Calimesa Teacher blog was highlighted in the February 28th Carnival of Education.

Monday's City Council Meeting (all from the Yucaipa News Mirror)
  • Yucaipa in good shape": Yucaipa is in financially good shape, with almost $10 million in the "Undesignated Balance of the General Fund". Building and Safety revenues are expected to decrease, due to fewer building permits and inspections, but property tax revenues will likely be higher than originally projected. Costs will probably be higher than budgeted to finish the new fire station and City Hall Park.
  • Yucaipa City Council allocates block grant money
    • $12,000 to the Yucaipa Public Library literacy program
    • $6,000 to the City of Yucaipa to fund "scholarship program to for eligible, low income children in Yucaipa to participate in fee-based recreational programs sponsored by the city at no cost."
    • $10,000 to a program for crisis intervention and counseling service for victims of violent crimes (administered by San Bernardino County Sexual Assault Services)
    • $10,000 to Family Service Association for the purchase of kitchen equipment. The Association administers Meals on Wheels in Yucaipa
    • $2,800 remaining will be added to the capital improvements budget
    • Not funded: Audio Vision (ineligible for not providing financial information to HUD), Big Brothers and Sisters of the Inland Empire
  • Yucaipa's Redevelopment Agency approves expansion of façade program": only $18,000 of the alloted $60,000 has been used, so it has been recommended that the program be expanded to include almost all businesses in Yucaipa. "Any business owner interested in applying for up to $5,000 in matching funds to upgrade the façade of the business is encouraged to contact John McMains, director of community development, at 797-2489."
  • Get the February 26 agenda packet and minutes. (pdf) The City Council will eventually post an agenda packet for the next meeting, to be held on March .
March 2, San Bernardino Sun, "First charter school coming to Yucaipa/Calimesa?
The Sun picks up the story about the proposed Inland Leaders Charter School.
"It will be unique with a unique school schedule so students can go home early to be with their families and we require community service from our student and staff," [assistant principal of Wildwood Elementary and Valley Elementary and Charter school supporter] Gordon said.
Does "going home early" that mean the school is only for children who have at least one parent at home in the afternoon? The proposed school would have an admirable focus on community participation.
Gordon said Inland Leaders has a goal to provide a program that teaches students to apply leadership to their everyday activities and to the service of the community at large.

"Each day for half an hour we have a curriculum called Positive Action that students are working through with their teachers and applying it in the classroom and the community," Gordon said.

"Each year, our students and our staff are required to put together a community service project. That project is designed by the students in collaboration with the parents and their teacher to make a positive impact in the community, and it's student designed," Gordon said.
March 1, Yucaipa News Mirror, "School District opts to change election years"
The Yucaipa-Calimesa JUSD has approved a resolution to consolidate election of its members with the statewide general election. This will save $2.50 per voter, and is expected to improve voter turnout. The resolution needs final approval from both the Riverside and San Bernardino County Boards of Supervisors.

Locals in the News

March 1, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Yucaipan produces her second book"
Yucaipan Ann Burke has recently self-published her second book, "To the Last Drop of Our Blood".
In her book, Burke sketches excerpts from the story of the Waldenses, a religious minority who for generations lived under the looming shadow of church-state power. The book was inspired, in part, by a visit with her husband to the Waldensian Valley in northern Italy and on the border with France.
The last 22 pages of the book are an appendix of Burke's research.
Her first book, Light the Lantern, Daughter,” was released 20 years ago, in 1986.

March 1, Yucaipa News Mirror, "Science Fair for elementary school students was terrific"
March 2, San Bernardino Sun, "Pupils explore life's questions at science fair"

The Yucaipa-Calimesa JUSD February 24th Science Fair was a success, with close to 150 students participating. One of the goals was to help kids learn the scientific process.
"The first is they need to ask a question - the intent is to recognize a problem and ask a question about it. Once they've asked the question, their next step is to research the topic and at this point the third step is to form a hypothesis, which is a guessed answer to their question based on the research," Carter said. "The fourth step is to test the hypothesis and this is where the experiments comes to place."

While experimenting with their projects, the third- to sixth-grade students observed and kept a journal of the changes. The fifth step is to organize and analyze their results, Carter said.

Creativity, skills and thoroughness are some of the categories that the students were graded on.
The top ten students (not named in either article) will get to participate in the RIMS (Riverside-Inyo-Mono-San Bernardino) Science and Engineering Fair in April.

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Friday, March 02, 2007

Total Lunar Eclipse Will Be Too Early to See

There will be a total lunar eclipse on the afternoon of March 3.

According to the U.S. Naval Observatory's Lunar Eclipse Calculator the following is true for Yucaipa (Pacific Standard Time):
                                                      Moon's
Azimuth Altitude
h m o o
Moonrise 2007 Mar 03 17:48 82.4 ----
Moon leaves penumbra 2007 Mar 03 18:25.4 87.6 6.8
Moonset 2007 Mar 04 06:34 274.0 ----
To translate: the moon will just be leaving Earth's shadow as it is rising for us. We'll catch the tail end. If you love eclipses, don't despair. We should be able to catch the August 28 total lunar eclipse. The NASA 2007 Eclipse page has more details.

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Yucaipa Nightlife: March 2-8

Here are the nightly goings-on in Yucaipa for the first week in March. 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.

Note: all entries subject to change. Call to confirm the bands and cover price.

Friday, March 2
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Classic Rock Friday with No Surrender and the 2007 USA Songwriters/IAMA Finalist Rich Judd and his band, Judd's Crew, $10 cover, 21+
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: call for details
  • Hickory Ranch Steak House: karaoke
Saturday, March 3
Sunday, March 4
  • VFW: Jam session with Buck Wild, 2-5 p.m.
  • Angel's Roadhouse: afternoon music, call for details
Monday, March 5
  • Rest, stay in.
Tuesday, March 6
  • Angel's Roadhouse: karaoke "2 for Tuesday", with 2 tacos/$2 and domestic draft beer $2.
Wednesday, March 7
  • Angel's Roadhouse: open mic jam hosted by BoXKutters, no cover
  • Bailey's: karaoke
Thursday, March 8
  • Angel's Roadhouse: Karaoke Thursday, $2 domestic draft beers
  • Iggy's Roadhouse: karaoke
Where to find Yucaipa nightlife
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