3 Burned in Wind-Driven Fire That's Growing in San Bernardino County, Officials Say - LA Times

12/6/2017 3 burned in wind-driven fire that's growing in San Bernardino County, officials say - LA Times

3 burned in wind-driven fire that's growing in San Bernardino County, officials say

A fire that broke out Tuesday in San Bernardino has grown to 100 acres and burned three people, officials said. (Los Angeles Times)

By Joseph Serna and Alejandra Reyes-Velarde

DECEMBER 5, 2017, 7:55 PM

fire that broke out in San Bernardino County on Tuesday afternoon burned three people and triggered mandatory evacuations, authorities A said. The wind-driven Little Mountain fire has burned at least 100 acres, according to the San Bernardino County Fire Department. By Tuesday night, all evacuations were lifted, but Little Mountain was still closed to traffic, authorities said.

The blaze was initially reported as a vegetation fire near University Parkway and Varsity Avenue about 12:30 p.m.

Three people were taken to a hospital with burns, officials said. Mandatory evacuations were ordered about 1:45 p.m. for residents east of Little Mountain Drive and north of West Edgehill Road, the department said. An evacuation center was set up at Marshall Elementary School in San Bernardino.

The fire forced an eight-mile stretch of the 215 Freeway between the 210 and 15 freeways to close Tuesday afternoon, the California Highway Patrol said. The blaze is among several that burned across Southern California on Tuesday amid powerful Santa Ana winds.

Times staff writer Alejandra Reyes-Velarde contributed to this report. [email protected]

Twitter: @JosephSerna

UPDATES:

7:55 p.m.: This article was updated to note evacuations have been lifted. http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-little-mountain-fire-20171205-story.html 1/3 2 hurt in Little Mountain Fire in San Bernardino, Brown declares State of Emergency due to wildfires

Jenny Ung, The Desert Sun Published 3:51 p.m. PT Dec. 5, 2017 | Updated 11:34 p.m. PT Dec. 5, 2017

Two people were hospitalized in critical condition Tuesday night after suffering burns as a result of the Little Mountain Fire, San Bernardino fire officials said.

The blaze, which scorched 100 acres, closed part of Interstate 215 and initially prompted evacuations in San Bernardino, was 60 percent contained by 9 p.m. Tuesday.

(Photo: San Bernardino County Fire District) A cause has not yet been determined and firefighters expected it would take as long as a few more days before reaching full containment, according to San Bernardino County Fire Battalion Chief Dan Wooters.

Numerous evacuations were ordered for those living near the Little Mountain Fire and an evacuation center was opened Tuesday at Marshall Elementary School, 3288 N. G. St.

But, by 6:30 p.m., all evacuations were lifted and residents were allowed to return to their homes, according to San Bernardino police. Celebrate Together This Season This wind-driven blaze began at about 12:30 p.m. Tuesday at University$10/MONTH Parkway and West Varsity Avenue near Interstate 215, according to Eric Sherwin, a spokesman for the San Bernardino County Fire Department. The blaze threatened structures and closed the Palm/Kendall and University Street off ramps, officials said on Twitter. SUBSCRIBE (HTTP://OFFERS.DESERTSUN.COM/SPECIALOFFER? ADVERTISEMENT GPS- SOURCE=BENB{MONTH_ABBREVIATED}&UTM_MEDIUM=NANOBAR&UTM_SOURCE=BOUNC EXCHANGE&UTM_CAMPAIGN=HOLIDAY17)

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Smoke and embers from the blaze also forced officials to close the 215 Freeway between the 210 Freeway and Interstate 15. Shortly after the fire began, there were concerns that the blaze would destroy structures, but by late Tuesday the fire had only successfully burned several garages of an evacuated apartment complex.

No residences were destroyed, officials added.

More: Thomas Fire continues destruction in Ventura (/videos/news/local/2017/12/05/thomas-fire-continues-destruction-ventura/108339938/)

More: Multiple wildfires destroy homes in Los Angeles County (/story/news/2017/12/05/multiple-wildfires-destroy-homes-los-angeles-county/924233001/)

San Bernardino officials requested ambulances for two burn victims, according to tweets from emergency personnel working the fire. The wounded were rushed to Arrowhead Regional Medical Center in critical condition. Exactly how the two people were wounded was not immediately available.

No firefighters were injured in the blaze.

The Little Mountain Fire was one of several blazes burning Tuesday in Southern California.

By 6 p.m., in Ventura County, the Thomas Fire had scorched more than 50,000 acres and destroyed at least 150 structures.

Strong Santa Ana winds, with gusts as fast as 60 mph, helped feed the fire, which spread overnight Monday from Santa Paula to Ventura.

It was first reported shortly before 6:30 p.m. Monday and spread so fast that scores of police and firefighters scrambled to evacuate thousands of residents in the fire's path.

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In Los Angeles County, by Tuesday night, the Rye Fire had burned 5,000 acres and forced the evacuation of 1,300 homes. And the Creek Fire had scorched about 11,300 acres, destroyed 30 homes and reportedly forced the evacuations of more than 100,000 people.

Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said evacuation orders were affecting about 150,000 residents, but a Los Angeles Fire Department spokeswoman put the number at around 120,000.

The Creek Fire was reported shortly after 3:30 a.m.Tuesday.

The Rye Fire was reported at about 9:30 a.m. Tuesday in Santa Clarita. It quickly spread and temporarily forced the closure of Interstate 5.

As of 7 p.m., officials said the Rye Fire was 5 percent contained.

The spread of the two blazes also interfered with numerous television shows that were being filmed in the affected areas Tuesday.

By 8:30 p.m., production of HBO’s “Westworld” was halted.

HBO said in a statement that the sci-fi drama was filming its second season in an area near the Rye and Creek fires, but producers decided to shut down and avoid any danger to actors or crew members.

The statement said “Westworld” will resume filming when it is safe.

Filming on the CBS show “S.W.A.T.” was also suspended. 12/6/2017 Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino is 50 percent contained; firefighters fear tonight’s winds – Daily Bulletin

LOCAL NEWS Little Mountain re in San Bernardino is 50 percent contained; reghters fear tonight’s winds

By BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA | [email protected] | San Bernardino Sun PUBLISHED: December 6, 2017 at 6:16 am | UPDATED: December 6, 2017 at 8:16 am



The Little Mountain Fire was 50 percent contained Wednesday morning and San Bernardino County reghters are hoping to get a better handle on the 100-acre re before the Santa Ana winds pick up again Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, ofcials said.

According to National Weather Service ofcials, 25- to 35-mph wind gusts are forecast to return to the Southland on Wednesday night through Thursday. However, wind-prone places like the nearby Cajon Pass could get isolated gusts of 65 to 90 mph, according to a high-wind warning.

There were still active areas in the re Wednesday morning, said Eric Sherwin, spokesman for the re department; however, the dark smoke visible most of Tuesday is gone.

After several white-knuckle moments of ames coming uncomfortably close to homes in the Little Mountain neighborhood of San Bernardino on Tuesday, reghters managed to push back the re Tuesday evening and overnight.

The latest numbers show the Little Mountain re scorched 100 acres near University Parkway and Varsity Avenue.

The re was reported at 12:28 p.m. and quickly grew due to the strong winds, San Bernardino County re ofcials said. Two people were taken to the hospital with critical burns, but authorities had little information on who those people were or how they were burned.

Fireghters were able to get into areas that had previously been too hot to enter, and use hoses and bulldozers to try to get the ames contained, ofcials said.

Tags: Top Stories Breeze, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories LADN, Top Stories LBPT, Top Stories OCR, Top Stories PE, Top Stories PSN, Top Stories RDF, Top Stories SGVT, Top Stories Sun, Top Stories WDN, wildres

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beatriz- valenzuela Beatriz E. Valenzuela Beatriz E. Valenzuela is an award-winning journalist who’s covered breaking news in Southern California since 2006 and has been on the front lines of several national and international news events. She’s worked for media outlets serving Southern California readers covering education, local government, entertainment and all things nerd including comic book culture and video games. She’s an amateur obstacle course racer, constant fact-checker, mother of three and lover of all things adorable.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/06/firefighters-hope-to-increase-containment-on-little-mountain-fire-in-san-bernardino-before-winds-pick… 1/3 12/6/2017 Firefighters hope to increase containment on Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino before winds pick up again – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS Firefighters hope to increase containment on Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino before winds pick up again

By BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA | [email protected] | San Bernardino Sun PUBLISHED: December 6, 2017 at 6:16 am | UPDATED: December 6, 2017 at 7:22 am



San Bernardino County reghters are hoping to get a better handle on the 100- acre Little Mountain re before the Santa Ana winds pick up again Wednesday evening into Thursday morning, ofcials said.

Aer several white-knuckle moments of ames coming uncomfortably close to homes in the Little Mountain neighborhood of San Bernardino on Tuesday, reghters managed to push back the re Tuesday evening and overnight.

The latest numbers show the Little Mountain re scorched 100 acres near University Parkway and Varsity Avenue. As of 8 p.m., there was no containment, but that number is expected to jump Wednesday morning.

http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/06/firefighters-hope-to-increase-containment-on-little-mountain-fire-in-san-bernardino-before-winds-pick-up-a… 1/3 12/6/2017 Firefighters hope to increase containment on Little Mountain fire in San Bernardino before winds pick up again – San Bernardino Sun The re was rst reported at 12:28 p.m. and quickly grew due to the strong winds, San Bernardino County re ofcials said. Two people were taken to the hospital with critical burns, but authorities had little information on who those people were or how they were burned.

Fireghters were able to get into areas that had previously been too hot to enter, and use hoses and bulldozers to try to get the ames contained, ofcials said.

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http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/06/firefighters-hope-to-increase-containment-on-little-mountain-fire-in-san-bernardino-before-winds-pick-up-a… 2/3 12/6/2017 50-acre Meyers fire erupts in Devore area; no evacuations ordered – Press Enterprise

LOCAL NEWS 50-acre Meyers fire erupts in Devore area; no evacuations ordered

A plane drops fire retardant on the Meyers fire in the Verdemont neighborhood in far northern San Bernardino near Devore on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. (Photo by Brian Whitehead, The Sun/SCNG)

By STEPHEN RAMIREZ | [email protected] and BRIAN WHITEHEAD | [email protected] | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin PUBLISHED: December 5, 2017 at 4:00 pm | UPDATED: December 5, 2017 at 5:28 pm



A re started by a downed power line in the Devore area north of San Bernardino burned 50 acres Tuesday before its forward progress was stopped, re ofcials say.

Cal Fire San Bernardino said reghters will “babysit” the blaze Tuesday night to make sure it doesn’t rekindle.

The Meyers re started about 2 p.m. at West Meyers and Martin Ranch roads, according to a U.S. Forest Service ofcial and a California Highway Patrol incident log. That’s in the Verdemont neighborhood, just east of the 215 Freeway before it meets the 15 at the base of the Cajon Pass.

No evacuation orders were announced, according to Cal Fire San Bernardino, which also said via Twitter at 2:50 p.m. that crews and air tankers were making good progress.

Dan Durst, principal at North Verdemont Elementary, said the re promoted some parents to pick their children up from school early.

Durst, seen on the corner at about 1:45 p.m. communicating with staffers via walkie-talkie, said students had been following inclement weather protocol all day.

“Vicious,” he called the winds.

http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/50-acre-meyers-fire-erupts-in-devore-area-no-evacuations-ordered/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 1/4 12/6/2017 50-acre Meyers fire erupts in Devore area; no evacuations ordered – Press Enterprise

Closer to the blaze, Suzanne Hedeman waited for her husband in her car while following an emergency email chain for residents of the neighborhood buzzing with updates.

The Hedemans built a re safe house years ago and at times have gone several days without power, Suzanne Hedeman said. If there were ever a family prepared for such circumstances.

While unfazed by the re, Hedeman — like many of her neighbors, she said — wanted to get home to her dogs and horses.

The Meyers re was burning just north of the Little Mountain re in San Bernardino. A truck is also on re on the shoulder on the southbound 15 just past Glen Helen Parkway, according to Caltrans. The res had prompted Caltrans to close a number of freeways in that area:

The northbound 215 at Highway 210 The southbound 15 at the 15/215 interchange The connector from the eastbound 210 to the northbound 215 The connector from the westbound 210 to northbound 215 The connector from the northbound 15 to southbound 215

Caltrans announced just before 4:30 p.m that the northbound 215 at University Parkway was open. But the southbound side at University was still closed. Caltrans also said that the No. 1 lane on the 15 Freeway south of Glen Helen Parkway was now open.

The Meyers re was burning near, but just outside, the San Bernardino National Forest, a forest service spokesman said.

Cal Fire San Bernardino is leading the ght against the Meyers Fire, with assistance from the San Bernardino National Forest and the San Bernardino County Fire Department.

Brian Whitehead @bwhitehead3

A plane drops fire retardant on this fire in the Verdemont neighborhood in San Bernardino. Talked to a resident who can’t get home due to the downed power line. Said her home is fire safe but wants to get back to her dogs and horses. @sbsun 2:47 PM - Dec 5, 2017

Brian Whitehead @bwhitehead3 http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/50-acre-meyers-fire-erupts-in-devore-area-no-evacuations-ordered/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 2/4 12/6/2017 50-acre Meyers fire erupts in Devore area; no evacuations ordered – Press Enterprise Was told by a U.S. Forest Service responder that this fire started about half an hour ago due to a downed power line. Can see where it started and how far it has spread. @sbsun 2:30 PM - Dec 5, 2017 10 5

CAL FIRE BDU @CALFIREBDU

#calfirebdu working #meyersfire veg Fire with @SBCOUNTYFIRE in unified command. Currently 50 acres w/ROS, crews and air tankers making good progress. No current structure threat and no evacuations, also assisting is @SanBernardinoNF 2:50 PM - Dec 5, 2017 · Rialto, CA 1 16 18

Tags: fire, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories PE, Top Stories RDF, Top Stories Sun, wildfires

Stephen Ramirez Steve Ramirez writes about public safety issues including criminal justice and res in Inland Southern California. He previously covered high schools, college football and motor sports for the San Gabriel Valley Tribune since 1989. He's a big fan of Buddy Holly and loves World War II movies.  Follow Stephen Ramirez @SteveRRamirez Associate mug of Brian Whitehead Brian Brian Whitehead covers San Bernardino for The Sun. Bred in Grand Terrace, he graduated from Riverside Notre Dame Whitehead, High and Cal State Fullerton. For seven years, he covered high school and college sports for The Orange County Register. Trainee Before landing at The Sun, he was the city beat reporter for Buena Park, Fullerton and La Palma. Anaheim. Date shot: 12/31/2012 . Photo by KATE LUCAS / ORANGE COUNTY REGISTER  Follow Brian Whitehead @bwhitehead3

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LOCAL NEWS Truck re sends ‘aming balls of paper’ into vegetation off 15 Freeway in Devore

Firefighters work to clean up a mound of burned cardboard from the side of the southbound 15 Freeway near the Glen Helen Parkway exit in Devore on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. A flatbed trailer loaded with bundled cardboard caught fire Tuesday afternoon, sending flaming paper rolling downhill that ended up burning a couple of acres of vegetation. (Photo courtesy of San Bernardino National Forest)

By GAIL WESSON | [email protected] | The Press-Enterprise PUBLISHED: December 5, 2017 at 5:12 pm | UPDATED: December 5, 2017 at 9:44 pm



A tractor-trailer atbed loaded with bundled cardboard caught re on the southbound 15 Freeway in Devore on Tuesday afternoon, sending “aming balls of paper” rolling downhill and into vegetation, a re ofcial said.

It was one of three res burning in the northwest San Bernardino/Devore area, fueled by gusty Santa Ana winds. Between the Paper re, the Little Mountain re and the Meyers re, portions of the 215 and 15 freeways and several connectors were closed down Tuesday.

http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/05/truck-fire-sends-flaming-balls-of-paper-into-vegetation-off-15-freeway-in-devore/?utm_source=dlvr.it… 1/3 12/6/2017 Truck fire sends ‘flaming balls of paper’ into vegetation off 15 Freeway in Devore – Daily Bulletin

Fireghters work to clean up a mound of burned cardboard from the side of the southbound 15 Freeway near the Glen Helen Parkway exit in Devore on Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2017. A atbed trailer loaded with bundled cardboard caught re Tuesday afternoon, sending aming paper rolling downhill that ended up burning a couple of acres of vegetation. (Photo courtesy of San Bernardin

A soggy mountain of burned cardboard remained piled on the right side of the southbound 15 near the Glen Helen Parkway exit on Tuesday night. The offramp remained closed so tow trucks could use it to haul the mess off the freeway, according to a California Highway Patrol incident log.

As of 9 p.m., three southbound lanes of the 15 were open. All northbound lanes were open.

How the tractor-trailer’s load caught re about 2:20 p.m. isn’t clear, but the truck may have just driven through the area where the other two res were burning, said Eric Sherwin, San Bernardino County Fire Department spokesman.

The driver was able to detach the trailer from the cab, but the ames spread to the ties that kept the load secure, Sherwin said. http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/05/truck-fire-sends-flaming-balls-of-paper-into-vegetation-off-15-freeway-in-devore/?utm_source=dlvr.it… 2/3 12/6/2017 Truck fire sends ‘flaming balls of paper’ into vegetation off 15 Freeway in Devore – Daily Bulletin

The bundles of cardboard that rolled loose ended up burning about 2.5 acres of vegetation, according to Zach Behrens, spokesman for the San Bernardino National Forest.

When the re would be contained was going to depend on when the rig could be removed from the scene, Behrens said. Fireghters were expected to remain on the scene mopping up overnight.

The county re department was working in conjunction with U.S. Forest Service on the Paper re.

Tags: 15 Freeway, re, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories PE, Top Stories RDF, Top Stories Sun, wildres

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Gail Wesson Gail Wesson has covered news for The Press-Enterprise for decades, mostly in Riverside County, with occasional forays across the county line. Datelines on her stories span the county – from the state agricultural inspection station in Blythe, to the Circle in Corona, the Stringfellow Acid Pits in Mira Loma, Temecula before there were trafc signals and to the highest point in the county, Mount San Jacinto. Most of her time has been spent covering local governments or how county, state or federal government affects communities. Breaking news, from oods to wild land res and the consequences of disasters, watchdog reporting, criminal courts coverage and environmental explainers on water rights/supply issues and why bald eagles and San Bernardino kangaroo rats should be saved are icing on her news cake.  Follow Gail Wesson @PE_GailWesson

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If you see comments that you find offensive, please use the “Flag as Inappropriate” feature by hovering over the right side of the post, and pulling down on the arrow that appears. Or, contact our editors by emailing [email protected].

http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/05/truck-fire-sends-flaming-balls-of-paper-into-vegetation-off-15-freeway-in-devore/?utm_source=dlvr.it… 3/3 12/6/2017 Red flag warnings extended as fire danger persists in Southern California – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS Red flag warnings extended as fire danger persists in Southern California

By CITY NEWS SERVICE | PUBLISHED: December 6, 2017 at 5:55 am | UPDATED: December 6, 2017 at 7:31 am



LOS ANGELES — Large sections of Southern California today remained under red ag warnings, signifying a high risk of wildres because of powerful Santa Ana winds and low humidity levels.

The warnings were initially scheduled to expire Thursday night but were extended Tuesday and are now scheduled to be in force until Friday night.

The National Weather Service said the wind would weaken by 10 to 20 miles per hour today but would regain strength tonight. Aer that, gusts of 45 to 65 mph will be common.

“These winds will then gradually weaken Thursday night through the weekend,” according to the NWS. But humidity levels of only 6 to 15 percent will linger through at least early next week.

Isolated gusts up to 90 mph likely late Wednesday night through Thursday in remote canyon and foothill locations like the Cajon Pass in San Bernardino County, according to the NWS.

Both a high wind and red ag warning will remain in place for San Bernardino County until Friday, according to the NWS.

As of this morning, red ag warnings were scheduled to remain in effect until 8 p.m. Friday in the Santa Monica Mountain Recreational Area, the San Gabriel Mountains, the Angeles National Forest, the San Fernando, Santa Clarita and San Gabriel valleys, beach cities, metropolitan L.A., Downtown Los Angeles and the Hollywood Hills. No red ag warning was in force in the Antelope Valley.

A red ag warning was also in effect until 8 p.m. Friday in all of Orange County.

The wind in the red ag areas is expected to blow at between 15 and 35 mph with gusts of up to 50 mph in urban areas and up to 75 mph in the mountain, forecasters said.

The NWS forecast sunny skies in L.A. County today and highs of 60 on Mount Wilson; 63 in Palmdale and Lancaster; 69 in Saugus; 71 in Avalon; 75 in Woodland Hills; 76 in Pasadena, Northridge and Van Nuys; 77 in downtown L.A., North Hollywood, San Gabriel and at LAX; 78 in Torrance, San Pedro and West Covina; and 79 in Long Beach and Whittier.

Sunny skies were also forecast in Orange counties, along with highs of 71 in Laguna Beach; 72 in San Clemente; 74 in Newport Beach; 76 in Yorba Linda; 77 in Mission Viejo; and 78 in Fullerton, Anaheim and Irvine.

In San Bernardino County today, it will be 47 in Big Bear; 72 in San Bernardino; 74 in Redlands; and 75 in Ontario and Rancho Cucamonga.

Tags: Top Stories Breeze, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories LADN, Top Stories LBPT, Top Stories OCR, Top Stories PSN, Top Stories RDF, Top Stories SGVT, Top Stories Sun, Top Stories WDN, weather, wildfires

SPONSORED CONTENT http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/06/red-flag-warnings-extended-as-fire-danger-persists-in-southern-california/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_mediu… 1/3 12/6/2017 While Southern California battles its wildfires, we have to start preparing for our hotter, drier future - LA Times

Editorial While Southern California battles its wildfires, we have to start preparing for our hotter, drier future

Two firefighters confront flames along Kagel Canyon Street in Lakeview Terrace. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times)

By The Times Editorial Board

DECEMBER 6, 2017, 6:00 AM

ildfires have been a part of the California ecosystem since long before modern settlement, let alone the exurban sprawl that brings housing and development into fire-prone areas. We tend to W deal with the possibility of raging firestorms abstractly — local governments do a little planning, fire departments offer advice on clearing brush and other flammables from property, insurers sell policies to cover our losses if a fire actually burns our homes and businesses to the ground. But those steps don’t prepare us for the violent reality.

The fire currently raging in Ventura County (the Thomas fire) and the one in foothill neighborhoods around Sylmar in the San Fernando Valley (the Creek fire) are breathtaking in two ways: the sheer power of wind- driven wildfire to devour landscape, whether it hold scrub brush or mansions, and the fragility of human life in the face of it. Forecasts predict this current round of Santa Ana winds will run with varying intensity through most of the week, which means these two major fires — moving too fast to be contained — have only just begun http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-ventura-sylmar-wildfires-20171205-story.html 1/2 12/6/2017 While Southern California battles its wildfires, we have to start preparing for our hotter, drier future - LA Times to destroy property and upend lives. And it means, too, that additional dangerous fires are likely to crop up. The Riverdale fire already is burning in Riverside County, though firefighters at the moment seem to have that 50% contained. And late Tuesday morning, Los Angeles County firefighters were trying to halt yet another fire — the Rye fire — near Santa Clarita, which grew quickly and forced the closure of the 5 Freeway.

There will be time for assessments after these firestorms subside. Were they natural or human-caused? Would better zoning limit exposure? Do we have sufficient capacity to fight so many fires at once? Are there better building materials we should be using to limit fire damage? For the time being, we must focus on evacuating where prudent, getting firefighters the support they need to protect as much property as possible without endangering themselves needlessly, and hope that the destruction we’ve already seen stands as the peak of this outbreak, and not just the opening act. October’s wine country fires, which killed 44 people, turned Santa Rosa neighborhoods to ash and damaged or destroyed more than $3 billion in property, serve as a sober warning of how bad this can get.

What should make Southern California fearful is that climate change could mean a future of more frequent and more intense wildfires. Today’s fires will end, and what we do afterward — assessing how to better prepare, and how and whether to rebuild — will influence the damage from the fires next time.

Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook

This article is related to: Wildfires

http://www.latimes.com/opinion/editorials/la-ed-ventura-sylmar-wildfires-20171205-story.html 2/2 12/6/2017 Wind is the culprit in 2017's horrific wildfire season - LA Times

Wind is the culprit in 2017's horrific wildfire season

By Bettina Boxall

DECEMBER 6, 2017, 6:00 AM

hen Forest Service meteorologist Tom Rolinski heard that a wildfire had broken out Monday evening in Ventura County, he knew it was W going to be a problem. The Thomas fire started in a known wind corridor on the first day of dry Santa Ana winds that are expected to buffet Southern California for nearly a week. What’s more, it has been a good eight months since a decent rainfall soaked the chaparral hillsides.

“Fires will spread very rapidly in these conditions and basically will be uncontrollable,” Rolinski said.

The blaze was the latest in a series of wildfires that are searing 2017 into the state’s record books. They all have had one thing in common — winds that quickly turn a fire into an inferno.

More than drought or heat, winds can determine whether California burns or doesn’t.

October’s devastating Northern California wildfires exploded on a night when Diablo winds raged across parts of eight counties, tossing embers into Santa Rosa and ultimately claiming 44 lives.

Southern California managed to escape major wildfires during the final years of the state’s big drought because the Santa Anas didn’t blow much.

But this year is different. Fire meteorologists predicted an above-average number of Santa Ana wind days this fall and winter.

There were 14 Santa Ana days — more than twice the norm — in October, when the Canyon 2 fire in Orange County burned dozens of buildings. December typically brings 10 Santa Ana days. By the end of the week, the region will already have been hit by six of them.

The fire danger is expected to be greatest on Thursday, when the online Santa Ana Wildfire Threat Index forecasts an extreme fire threat all the way from Ventura County to the Mexican border. http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-fire-santa-ana-wind-20171206-story.html 1/2 12/6/2017 Wind is the culprit in 2017's horrific wildfire season - LA Times

Southern Californians need to be prepared, said Rolinski, who helped develop the index: Plan an escape route; know where family members are; make sure cell phones are charged.

“We’ve seen this over and over again. When that [online map] lights up and we get a fire in a wind prone area, it’s going to be very difficult to control.”

Indeed, firefighters don’t even try. They concentrate on defending structures and people.

It’s too dangerous to fly retardant- or water-dropping aircraft in high winds, which are also likely to blow any such drops off target.

Though fire officials often say wildfires are tougher to fight in dense scrublands that haven’t burned in decades, wind-driven fires ignore the boundaries of old burns.

Researchers who studied the big 2007 Southern California fires found they blackened more than 50,000 acres that had burned a mere four years earlier during the region’s hellish 2003 fire season.

As for why this Santa Ana season is ramping up after several years of calm, Rolinski says the answer lies in sea surface temperatures in the equatorial Pacific Ocean. In the past six months, that part of the sea has cooled, influencing weather patterns conducive to Santa Anas.

The cooler sea temperatures can cause high pressure systems that push storms to the north and then down into the Great Basin east of California.

The air in the higher-elevation interior is colder than at the coast, creating a pressure gradient that pulls air masses west. As they blow downslope to the coastal areas, they pick up speed, dry out and sometimes heat up.

This week’s winds are cool — about the only good thing you can say about them.

The current prolonged Santa Ana event is a function of the high pressure ridge that is sitting over California, said atmospheric scientist Scott Capps, the principal of Atmospheric Data Solutions.

The fact that the winds started in Ventura County and are working their way south is typical, he added.

Wind strength can vary dramatically depending on the local topography. Tuesday morning, a weather station in the Santa Ana Mountains in Orange County, near Capps’ home, recorded gusts of 80 mph.

They tore off the roof of his backyard chicken coop — but the chickens were safe.

As for whether climate change will diminish or strengthen Santa Ana seasons by affecting the temperature gradients between interior and coastal regions, there is conflicting research.

“It’s a tough question,” said Capps. “I could see it going either way.”

This article is related to: Wildfires

http://www.latimes.com/business/la-me-fire-santa-ana-wind-20171206-story.html 2/2 12/6/2017 Residents, pets saved after fire in Phelan home quickly doused

Residents, pets saved after re in Phelan home quickly doused By Paola Baker Staff Writer Posted Dec 5, 2017 at 4:23 PM Updated Dec 5, 2017 at 4:24 PM PHELAN — Firefighters contained a blaze that burned through an attic here Tuesday afternoon, saving the home’s residents and pets from injury.

Reported at noon Tuesday, San Bernardino County Fire Department personnel responded to reports of a fire alarm at a home in the 4600 block of Shady Drive, near Monte Vista and Palmdale roads.

The first responding units arrived and found a fire blazing in the home’s attic, according to County Fire Battalion Chief Dave Wetzel.

Fire crews aggressively battled the flames while making sure the home’s four residents and eight dogs were safe. The fire was under control at 12:53 p.m., Wetzel said.

Several County Fire resources, including five engines, a fire investigator and a battalion chief, were dispatched to battle the blaze. A unit from CalFire was also on hand for assistance. The family was displaced due to the fire, Wetzel said, but were able to find a place to stay for the night.

It’s believed the blaze was sparked by a lit candle left inside the room, according to the County Fire investigator on scene, but the blaze remains under investigation. No injuries were reported.

Paola Baker may be reached at 760-955-5332 or [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter at @DP_PaolaBaker.

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20171205/residents-pets-saved-after-fire-in-phelan-home-quickly-doused 1/2 12/6/2017 Colonies Partners co-managing partner asks San Bernardino County supervisors to resolve legal fee issue – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS Colonies Partners co-managing partner asks San Bernardino County supervisors to resolve legal fee issue

Dan Richards.

By JOE NELSON | [email protected] | San Bernardino Sun December 5, 2017 at 7:05 pm

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Colonies Partners co-managing partner Dan Richards told the San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday that it’s time to “get down to business” and cover Colonies’ legal fees for failed civil and criminal litigation stemming from a $102 million settlement between the county and the developer in 2006.

Richards’ address to the board on Tuesday followed that of attorney Stephen Larson, who on Nov. 14 gave the board a demand letter and binders with summaries, supporting legal documents and a breakdown of costs totaling $45.2 million. Larson claims the county, in its November 2006 legal settlement with Colonies, agreed to indemnify Colonies Partners and any of its agents in the event of any future legal challenges to the settlement, including the criminal case.

Larson, who represented developer and Colonies co-managing partner Jeff Burum in the criminal case, said the Board of Supervisors met in closed session prior to Tuesday’s board meeting to discuss his demands. County spokesman David Wert would neither conrm nor deny whether the board discussed the matter in closed session Tuesday.

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Prosecutors alleged the 2006 settlement was the product of bribery and conspiracy. A judge threw out the most serious charges, including the conspiracy charge, early in the case, and a jury acquitted Burum and two other defendants in August. Charges were dismissed aer the jury hung in the case of a fourth defendant, former supervisorial chief of staff Jim Erwin, who also served as an agent for Colonies during the settlement negotiations.

The settlement ended years of legal battles over who should pay for ood-control improvements on the Colonies property in Upland. Colonies had prevailed in the trial court in a case that spanned from March 2002 to the time of the settlement in November 2006, with a judge blasting the county in a tentative ruling, accusing it of acting in bad faith, playing “hide the ball” with Colonies and endangering the public by thwarting efforts by Colonies to promptly address the ood basin issue.

In August, a jury acquitted Burum and two other defendants, former county Supervisor Paul Biane and Mark Kirk, former chief of staff to former county Supervisor Gary Ovitt, following a marathon eight-month trial. A month later, San Bernardino Superior Court Judge Michael A. Smith dismissed all charges against Erwin, aer his jury announced it was “hopelessly deadlocked.” Deputy District Attorney Lewis Cope told Smith neither his ofce nor the state Attorney General’s Ofce, which jointly prosecuted the case with the District Attorney’s Ofce, desired to retry Erwin due to “unresolvable witness problems.”

Richards told the board on Tuesday he was there “to put a Colonies face to this demand, not a legal face.”

“Your motivation to settle this once and for all, and our desires, are aligned. Our lawyers and yours can drag this out for years, spend untold millions more, and it will not get us any closer to a resolution,” Richards said. “I respectfully ask you that you engage with us to settle this claim and keep this from becoming one more time-consuming and costly lawsuit. It doesn’t have to be that way.”

A clause in the November 2006 settlement agreement between the county and Colonies Partners states the county Flood Control District will hold Colonies Partners harmless from a list of possible legal actions including claims, demands and damages, and defend the developer with counsel.

Subsequent to Larson appearing before the Board of Supervisors on Nov. 14, county spokesman David Wert issued the following statement:

“Neither party to the settlement agreement intended for the county and its taxpayers to pay for Jeff Burum’s legal fees in the event he was prosecuted criminally for allegedly aiding and abetting a bribe. Moreover, the county has other strong substantive and procedural defenses to Mr. Burum’s most recent claims. Ultimately, it is up to the Board of Supervisors to meet and then determine the county’s ofcial position regarding Mr. Burum’s new claims.”

Richards, addressing the board Tuesday, said that 20 years ago, he and Burum presented a three-ring binder to then-county Supervisor Jon Mikels outlining the issues involving the ood control basin that was in dispute. He said Colonies Partners agreed to pay $12.5 million for the basin project and provide the land to the county to build it.

“Imagine how good that could have been,” Richards said. “Sadly, Supervisor Mikels told us to stick our binder where the sun doesn’t shine.”

The indemnity clause was a key reason Colonies signed the 2006 agreement and gave up chasing up to $300 million in damages, according to Richards and the documents given to county supervisors.

Last month, Erwin led a $25 million malicious prosecution claim against the county. The county has not taken any action yet on the claim, Wert said.

“The ball’s in your court. Let’s not waste any more time or money. Let’s get down to business and end this,” Richards said.

Larson accompanied Richards to Tuesday’s board meeting.

“We’re hopeful that the Board of Supervisors does the right thing and engages with us on a resolution of this matter,” Larson said outside board chambers. “We’re looking to resolve this once and for all.”

http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/colonies-partners-co-managing-partner-asks-san-bernardino-county-supervisors-to-resolve-legal-fee-issue/ 2/4 12/6/2017 Colonies Partners co-managing partner asks San Bernardino County supervisors to resolve legal fee issue – San Bernardino Sun

Richards added, “And we’re trying desperately to not make it another legal boondoggle. It’s ridiculous, and it won’t solve anything, it won’t change the numbers, and it’s a disservice to the citizens of the county. At some point in time, there’s got to be leadership that says, ‘resolve this.'”

Larson said he has received no ofcial feedback from the county since he addressed the board last month.

Tags: Colonies corruption trial, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories PE, Top Stories RDF, Top Stories Sun

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NELSON_JOEJoe Nelson Joe Nelson is an award-winning investigative reporter who has worked for The Sun since November 1999. He started as a crime reporter and went on to cover a variety of beats including courts and the cities of Colton, Highland and Grand Terrace. He has covered San Bernardino County since 2009. Nelson is a graduate of California State University Fullerton. In 2014, he completed a fellowship at Loyola Law School's Journalist Law School program.  Follow Joe Nelson @SBCountyNow

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http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/colonies-partners-co-managing-partner-asks-san-bernardino-county-supervisors-to-resolve-legal-fee-issue/ 3/4 12/6/2017 San Bernardino leaders celebrate debut of new passenger rail from Santa Fe Depot to city transit center – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS San Bernardino leaders celebrate debut of new passenger rail from Santa Fe Depot to city transit center

San Bernardino leaders and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority officials gathered Tuesday at the city’s downtown transit center to mark the extension of Metrolink services from the transportation hub to the nearby Santa Fe Depot. File photo.

By BRIAN WHITEHEAD | [email protected] | San Bernardino Sun December 5, 2017 at 7:46 pm

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The new Downtown San Bernardino Passenger Rail is expected to provide a cost-effective, alternate travel option for families in eastern San Bernardino Valley while improving transit mobility, travel times and safety around town.

Tuesday, city leaders and San Bernardino County Transportation Authority ofcials gathered at the city’s transit center to mark the extension of Metrolink services from the transportation hub to the nearby Santa Fe Depot.

The $123 million project bridges the mile between the two facilities. Now, eastern San Bernardino Valley commuters can link up with the city’s sbX rapid transit line, Metrolink locomotives and Omnitrans buses.

“We’re excited that this project is bringing the rail together with our hub at the San Bernardino Transit Center,” said Wendy Williams, an Omnitrans spokeswoman. “It’s really going to help customers by providing more seamless travel between modes of transportation.” http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/san-bernardino-leaders-celebrate-debut-of-new-passenger-rail-from-santa-fe-depot-to-city-transit-center/ 1/3 12/6/2017 San Bernardino leaders celebrate debut of new passenger rail from Santa Fe Depot to city transit center – San Bernardino Sun

Nydia Gonzalez, an SBCTA spokeswoman, said the extension paves the way for a future commuter rail to Redlands. Ofcials expect that system to be completed in 2020.

Connecting the Santa Fe Depot and the San Bernardino Transit Center should also make public transportation from here to Los Angeles and other Southern California cities easier, Gonzalez added.

The new rail ofcially opens Monday, Dec. 18, with test runs planned for Dec. 16 and 17.

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Brian Whitehead Brian Whitehead covers San Bernardino for The Sun. Bred in Grand Terrace, he graduated from Riverside Notre Dame High and Cal State Fullerton. For seven years, he covered high school and college sports for The Orange County Register. Before landing at The Sun, he was the city beat reporter for Buena Park, Fullerton and La Palma.  Follow Brian Whitehead @bwhitehead3

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We invite you to use our commenting platform to engage in insightful conversations about issues in our community. Although we do not pre-screen comments, we reserve the right at all times to remove any information or materials that are unlawful, threatening, abusive, libelous, defamatory, obscene, vulgar, pornographic, profane, indecent or otherwise objectionable to us, and to disclose any information necessary to satisfy the law, regulation, or government request. We might permanently block any user who abuses these conditions.

http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/san-bernardino-leaders-celebrate-debut-of-new-passenger-rail-from-santa-fe-depot-to-city-transit-center/ 2/3 12/6/2017 Doors, windows to be boarded up at San Bernardino’s shuttered Carousel Mall – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS Doors, windows to be boarded up at San Bernardino’s shuttered Carousel Mall

San Bernardino’s Carousel Mall, seen here on Friday, January 16, 2015, is up for sale. (Photo by Micah Escamilla/The Sun)

By BRIAN WHITEHEAD | [email protected] | San Bernardino Sun PUBLISHED: December 5, 2017 at 5:34 pm | UPDATED: December 5, 2017 at 10:56 pm

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http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/doors-windows-to-be-boarded-up-at-san-bernardinos-shuttered-carousel-mall/ 1/4 12/6/2017 Doors, windows to be boarded up at San Bernardino’s shuttered Carousel Mall – San Bernardino Sun Entrances that for years welcomed Inland Empire shoppers into the Carousel Mall will soon be boarded up to keep vandals and transients from entering the shuttered shopping center.

The city of San Bernardino on Wednesday, Dec. 6, is expected to approve an agreement with Epsilon Engineering to board up the mall’s doors and windows – one of many anticipated projects associated with its closure.

The job will cost the city $66,000.

“It’s bittersweet for me because it was a brand new mall when I was growing up, during my teenage years,” 1st Ward Councilwoman Virginia Marquez said in a phone interview Tuesday. “The Central City Mall it was called at that time. The place to be, the place to go.

“Fast forward to 2017 and it’s going to be boarded up. Kind of sad.”

Marquez said in recent weeks she has seen transients try to enter the 43-acre downtown mall, which locked its doors for good earlier this year.

Completely closing the mall will cost the city roughly $1 million, city staffers say. Work is to include securing the parking lot, signage removal and business relocation expenses.

Fourteen mall entrances will be boarded up, a staff report says – 10 will have exterior and interior barricades.

Four Montgomery Ward truck docks and the old auto center also will be secured, as will ofce doors and windows elsewhere. A patio will be fenced in.

“The sooner the better,” Marquez said.

Boarding up the JCPenney building, recently acquired by the city in a land swap with the San Manuel Band of Mission Indians, will be addressed when the transfer is complete, a staff report says.

The city owns most of the shuttered mall, which local leaders hope to redevelop. The Harris building, which housed Gottschalks, is owned by El Corte Ingles, a department store retailer based in Spain.

Tags: echo code, Top Stories PE, Top Stories Sun

http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/doors-windows-to-be-boarded-up-at-san-bernardinos-shuttered-carousel-mall/ 2/4 12/6/2017 A 103-year-old historic home was on the move overnight in Upland – Daily Bulletin

LOCAL NEWS A 103-year-old historic home was on the move overnight in Upland

Crews work to relocate the historic 103-year old home it turns onto Euclid Avenue in Upland, CA., Tuesday, December 5, 2017. Crews worked overnight to relocate the 103-year old home from the northwest corner of Euclid Avenue and 8th Street to a vacant city property on the south side of Washington Boulevard, between 5th and 6th avenues. (Photo by James Carbone for the Inland Valley Daily Bulletin/SCNG)

By LISET MARQUEZ | [email protected] | Inland Valley Daily Bulletin PUBLISHED: December 5, 2017 at 11:16 am | UPDATED: December 5, 2017 at 4:48 pm

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UPLAND >> Crews worked early Tuesday morning to relocate a 103-year-old home from the northeast corner of Euclid Avenue and 8th Street in Upland.

The move to the home’s permanent spot, about a mile away, began shortly after 12:30 am Tuesday morning. To prepare for the journey, the eaves of the boarded up and neglected 1914 craftsman bungalow were removed.

Crews move historic home in Upland SCNG  

http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/05/a-103-year-old-historic-home-was-on-the-move-overnight-in-upland/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_mediu… 1/4 12/6/2017 A 103-year-old historic home was on the move overnight in Upland – Daily Bulletin

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Once the home was pulled off the lot, crews had to wait more than 20 minutes while a streetlight post was turned to the sidewalk to provide a clear path for the home. The home then turned off Eighth Street onto Euclid Avenue and headed north with virtually no issues.

There were a few close calls as the home continued its way onto A Street. Crews stopped just short of striking the home with a diamond- shaped stop sign, prompting one of the three-man crew members, walking alongside the home, to bend the sign sideways to clear the path.

Preparations for the move began weeks ago, said Giovanni Arellano, housing programs consultant for Upland.

“There’s a lot of different pieces that had to come together,” said Arellano, moments before the move began.

The work also included getting permits from the city re and police department and bids from contractors to relocate the home, he said.

“The route was selected mostly because of the size of the house, the width of the street and the utility lines,” Arellano said. “That one had the least utility lines and Public Works went out there about two weeks ago to trim out the trees.”

Because the home crossed the train tracks on Euclid Avenue, the city had to get permits from all the agencies that use the railroad “to make sure they’re not sending a train while we’re there.”

From A Street, the home traveled through a parking lot and then onto 5th Street.

The home was expected to reach its nal destination by 4:30 a.m. It will be on vacant city property on the south side of Washington Boulevard, between 5th and 6th avenues.

The age of this house ts nicely with the age of the homes in that neighborhood,” he said.

Just a few months ago, the craftsman bungalow near downtown was set to be demolished as part of a plan to build retail and apartments. A pact was created between the city and a developer not only to save the historic listing but help get it renovated for a future owner.

Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity had already sent Upland a letter of intent regarding the project. Upland will enter into a partnership with the nonprot now that the home has been moved. There to watch the move was Jody Gmeiner, president/CEO of Pomona Valley Habitat for Humanity.

The City Council agreed to relocate the 103-year-old home to help make way for the 61-unit multi-story apartment complex known as Tierras Alta.

There was a handful of onlookers who braved the temperatures, which dipped in the low 50s, to snap photos and videos from their cell phones.

Among them was Ben Vagnozzi, who managed to keep warm and stay entertained by waiting at Pacic Wine Merchants where he works.

“You see it on TV all the time and I gured I should see it in person,” he said. “I could do without a couple of hours of sleep.”

Vagnozzi said he had been waiting since 7 p.m. with four other friends but said two decided to leave about 20 minutes before the home passed them.

He said he took a couple of peeks out to Euclid Avenue to see how the move was doing. When the home nally come in front of his ofce, Vagnozzi said he took a six-minute video.

“I did not expect it to expand the entire size of the street,” he said, referring to A Street. “You don’t really realize how big it is until it’s on the trailer. (The move) was impressive.”

Tags: local history, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories PE, Top Stories Sun

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http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/05/a-103-year-old-historic-home-was-on-the-move-overnight-in-upland/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_mediu… 2/4 12/6/2017 Historic Cucamonga Service Station raising money with calendar – Daily Bulletin

LOCAL NEWS Historic Cucamonga Service Station raising money with calendar

The nonprofit Route 66 Inland Empire California Association is raising money with a calendar to rebuild part of the historic Cucamonga Service Station in Rancho Cucamonga. (Photos courtesy of Route 66 Inland Empire California Association)

By STAFF REPORT | | December 5, 2017 at 6:11 pm

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The nonprot Route 66 Inland Empire California Association is raising money with a calendar to rebuild part of the historic Cucamonga Service Station in Rancho Cucamonga.

The association’s goal is to rebuild the missing rear garage that will house an expanded museum, displays and meeting rooms.

The calendar features the winners of the group’s annual car show fundraiser held the last Saturday in June.

Through an all-volunteer effort and the support of the city of Rancho Cucamonga, the station was restored and reopened to the public as a visitor’s center and museum in October 2015.

The station, originally a Richeld gas station, is at 9670 Foothill Blvd., Rancho Cucamonga. The calendar is available at route66ieca.org.

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SPONSORED CONTENT Auto Enthusiasts: All Tires Are Not Created Equal  http://www.dailybulletin.com/2017/12/05/cucamonga-service-station-raising-money-with-calendar/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 1/3 12/6/2017 Joshua Tree National Park now requires service dogs to have a permit – Press Enterprise

LOCAL NEWS Joshua Tree National Park now requires service dogs to have a permit

The Joshua Tree National Park visitor center. (File photo by Suzanne Hurt, The Press- Enterprise/SCNG)

By STAFF REPORT | Press-Enterprise December 5, 2017 at 12:35 pm

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http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/joshua-tree-national-park-now-requires-service-dogs-to-have-a-permit/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twit… 1/3 12/6/2017 Joshua Tree National Park now requires service dogs to have a permit – Press Enterprise Due to the large number of visitors to Joshua Tree National Park, ofcials will now require dogs that are legitimate service animals to have a permit.

JTNP ofcials made the announcement Tuesday in a news release.

Service dogs with permits are allowed on the front country trails and back country areas, but they must be leashed or harnessed, under control and attended at all times.

Service animals are not allowed in highly sensitive areas, which includes 49 Palms Canyon, Barker Dam, Lost Palms Oasis, Munsen Canyon, Smith Water Canyon, Stubbe Springs and Rattlesnake Canyon, according to the release.

Animals that are not trained to aid disabled persons, including those that provide comfort or emotional support, are considered pets. Service animals in training and pets are subject to park regulations and not allowed on trails or more than 100 feet from a road, picnic area or campground.

JTNP ofcials warned that falsely claiming a pet is a service animal is fraud and subject to federal prosecution.

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http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/joshua-tree-national-park-now-requires-service-dogs-to-have-a-permit/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twit… 2/3 12/6/2017 Joshua Tree woman found dead was prolific TV actress - Hi-Desert Star: News Joshua Tree woman found dead was prolific TV actress By Stacy Moore, Hi-Desert Star | Posted: Thursday, November 30, 2017 11:14 am

FLAMINGO HEIGHTS — Carol Vogel, 75, who once acted in TV series such as “Wonder Woman” and “CHiPs” was found dead in a dirt field behind a house on Luna Vista Lane Saturday.

Vogel’s family reported her missing at 12:08 p.m. Nov. 22, Sheriff’s Department spokeswoman Cynthia Bachman said. Family members told a deputy that Vogel left her Joshua Tree home in her black truck and needed to take medication.

An off-road rider spotted Vogel’s truck disabled in a field about 100 yards north of the 57000 block of Luna Vista Lane Saturday. The resident of a nearby home called the Sheriff’s Department at 12:23 p.m. Saturday and said the truck, which she could barely see from her house, was still there, and a deputy responded. Vogel’s body was found around 50-100 yards away from the truck, according to the Sheriff’s Department. “There were no obvious signs of trauma or foul play,” Bachman said. “The coroner responded and took possession of the body and they’ll have to conduct an autopsy.” Homicide investigators were not called to the scene. Bachman said the investigation is being handled by the Morongo Basin sheriff’s station. An autopsy will probably be conducted next week, according to the coroner’s office. Vogel’s first credited film appearances were in two unrated films: “Depraved!” in 1967 and “The Ghastly Ones” in 1968. She went on to appear in episodes of some of the most famous TV series of the 1970s and ’80s, including “Gunsmoke,” “The Rockford Files,” “Hawaii Five-O,” “Serpico,” “Barnaby Jones,” “CHiPs,” “Wonder Woman,” “How the West was Won,” “Hotel,” “Highway to Heaven,” “Newhart” and “Starman,” according to the Internet Movie Database. She also acted in TV movies, including “Homeward Bound” in 1980.

On June 19, 2012, Vogel found her good friend and fellow actor Richard Lynch dead in his Yucca Valley home.

http://www.hidesertstar.com/news/article_b500d382-d602-11e7-bd27-af40d9c2b45d.html?mode=print 1/1 12/6/2017 Protesters fear tax package will lead to safety-net cutbacks

Protesters fear tax package will lead to safety- net cutbacks By Shea Johnson Staff Writer Posted Dec 5, 2017 at 5:05 PM Updated Dec 5, 2017 at 5:20 PM “You’re creating a deficit,” one woman bemoaned, “so you have to cut everything.”

APPLE VALLEY — A self-described grassroots coalition of union members and community activists rallied outside Rep. Paul Cook’s office Tuesday morning seeking to press the Republican lawmaker to change his tune on major party-line tax legislation they said would likely lead to cutbacks to invaluable social programs.

Senate and House lawmakers voted Monday night to begin a conference to work out existing differences between Senate and House versions of the legislation. Each version would cut taxes by about $1.5 trillion over the next decade, but add about $1.4 trillion to the deficit by 2027 when rates must be reauthorized, according to the Congressional Budget Office’s analysis.

Opponents fear the increased deficit will later be used by Republicans to justify reducing funding for critical safety-net programs like Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security.

“You’re creating a deficit,” one woman bemoaned, “so you have to cut everything.”

Dakota Higgins, the deputy district director for Cook’s office, rejected that notion outside Apple Valley Town Hall, where organizers staged their protest. Higgins came outside to hear myriad concerns and then subsequently bore the brunt of impassioned and fiery pleas.

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20171205/protesters-fear-tax-package-will-lead-to-safety-net-cutbacks 1/4 12/6/2017 Protesters fear tax package will lead to safety-net cutbacks

“I challenge everyone in this crowd,” Higgins said, carrying a copy of the House legislation and speaking to the roughly 100 protesters who descended to Town Hall, “show me in this bill where it makes one reference to Medicare, Social Security or Medicaid.”

Steve Schmidt, an Apple Valley resident, brushed that off and cited the CBO’s analysis as a harbinger that slashes to programs affecting vulnerable populations would be inevitable.

“My thinking is that the bulk of people who have reviewed that plan and the current plan have been pretty negative,” he said, “in terms of what might come down the road for not only the people but for the country in general.”

Opponents of the massive tax reform package, suggesting the GOP plan recalled a let-them-eat-cake theme, said the tax cuts favored the wealthy. One sign read, “Tax the 1% not the hard working class,” and another, “Steals from the poor, gives to the rich.”

“Sixty-five percent of Congressman Cook’s district takes the standard deduction right now,” Higgins responded. “Our legislation doubles the standard deduction. That goes from $12,700 for a married couple filing jointly to $24,400.”

Higgins also addressed a mother’s concerns that her son — who’s pursuing a graduate degree — would be unduly burdened under the tax plan by saying that combined educational credit included in the plan was “leveling the playing field for everyone.”

But protesters were hardly convinced the legislation seemed fair.

Ernie Powell, a consultant affiliated with Social Security Works, a national group advocating for protection of Social Security, called the GOP tax plan tantamount to “absolutely a war on the people, a war on seniors.”

Higgins refuted each claim as they cycled toward him, one by one, suggesting that protesters were simply ill-informed.

“You mentioned that you wanted us to hear your voice,” he said. “Well, we absolutely hear your voice and I’m afraid that some of you folks are operating under misinformation.”

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20171205/protesters-fear-tax-package-will-lead-to-safety-net-cutbacks 2/4 12/6/2017 Protesters fear tax package will lead to safety-net cutbacks

The insinuation only galvanized a harder pushback from protesters, however, who pledged to continue to apply pressure to the Congressman in the days and weeks ahead.

“People are hungry. People are angry. You can tell by the constituents,” said Hector Saldivar, the Southern California field director for the California Labor Federation, who noted that protests have targeted statewide GOP lawmakers in recent weeks. “Obviously our goal is for them to vote no, but if they vote yes, we want to hold them accountable, you know, after that but also at the elections.”

Meanwhile, Republican leaders have been confident that the differences in House and Senate legislation were not insurmountable to overcome as they’re ironed out in conference. The Senate cleared its plan Saturday; the House, last month.

“In terms of the tax bill, he supports the House plan,” Higgins said about Cook. “How far, how much that differs in conference, you know, we’ll see. He doesn’t have a position on what hypothetically comes out of a conference committee that he does not sit on and does not have a vote on.”

The Senate measure, which has been described as similar to the House legislation, focuses its tax reductions on businesses and higher-earning individuals, gives more modest breaks to others and offers the boldest rewrite of the nation’s tax system since 1986.

Republicans said the package would benefit people of all incomes and ignite the economy. Even an official projection of a $1 trillion, 10-year flood of deeper budget deficits couldn’t dissuade GOP senators from rallying behind the bill.

Democrats dismissed the bill as a gift to its wealthy and business backers at the expense of lower-earning people. They played up the fact that the bill would permanently reduce corporate tax rates, from 35 percent to 20 percent, while offering only temporary tax cuts to individuals, lasting until 2026.

Congress’ nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation has said the bill’s reductions for many families would be modest and by 2027, families earning under $75,000 would on average face higher, not lower, taxes.

— The Associated Press contributed to this report.

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20171205/protesters-fear-tax-package-will-lead-to-safety-net-cutbacks 3/4 12/6/2017 Report shows how the fed tax plan will affect California economy – Press Enterprise

BUSINESS Report shows how the fed tax plan will affect California economy

Report shows how the fed tax plan will affect California economy

By KEVIN SMITH | [email protected] | San Gabriel Valley Tribune PUBLISHED: December 6, 2017 at 1:01 am | UPDATED: December 6, 2017 at 1:06 am

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California’s economy is slowing as a result of tight labor markets and a limited supply of housing, and the tax proposals Congress is considering could slow the region’s momentum even more.

That’s the upshot of the latest UCLA Anderson Forecast, released Wednesday.

A damper on housing http://www.pe.com/2017/12/06/report-shows-how-the-fed-tax-plan-will-affect-california-economy/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 1/5 12/6/2017 Report shows how the fed tax plan will affect California economy – Press Enterprise UCLA Anderson Forecast Director Jerry Nickelsburg said the proposed tax law could dampen the housing market, which would blunt the state’s economic growth.

“As of the time of this writing, tax-exempt municipal bonds for the purpose of constructing affordable units are poised to lose their tax exemption,” Nickelsburg said in the report, adding that there is also a proposal to eliminate state income tax deductions and possibly property tax deductions on federal income tax returns.

“This will lower disposable income in the state thereby reducing the demand for housing,” he said. “As a result, we have shaded, slightly, the new home construction forecast from 125,000 units to 121,000 units in 2019.”

Home prices will remain high

Reduced demand would lower housing prices somewhat, but they would still be high in comparison to other regions of the country. And they’re likely to remain that way, according to Nickelsburg.

The number of building permits for home construction has climbed to about 119,000 units per year, and that’s expected to increase slightly due to state initiatives on affordable housing and the rebuilding of homes lost in wildres earlier this year. But that won’t be enough sufciently lower home prices in California.

Recent gures from industry price tracker CoreLogic show that many Southland markets are still experiencing signicant year-over-year price gains.

The median price for a single-family home in Diamond Bar was $748,000 in October, for example, up 6.8 percent from a year earlier. The 90813 ZIP code of Long Beach saw a far bigger increase. It’s median price for October was $399,000, up nearly 21 percent from the same time a year ago.

Bad news for retirees

Mel Wilson, broker and owner of Mel Wilson & Associates Realtors in Northridge, said the proposed tax plans on both the House and Senate side would be bad news for middle-income Californians.

http://www.pe.com/2017/12/06/report-shows-how-the-fed-tax-plan-will-affect-california-economy/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 2/5 12/6/2017 Report shows how the fed tax plan will affect California economy – Press Enterprise Under the state’s current tax law, a family that wants to downsize by selling their primary residence and moving into a secondary home can receive a $500,000 tax exclusion aer living in the new home for two years. But under the new proposals, they would have to remain in the new home for ve years before they could receive the exclusion.

“In this current climate with 10,000 baby boomers retiring each day for the next seven years, this could really mess up someone’s retirement plan,” Wilson said. “This tax reform bill will be bad for middle-income workers. They are the ones who will really take the hit.”

An employment snapshot

On the job front, the Anderson Forecast predicts that California will see employment growth of 1.2 percent this year, 1.5 percent next year and 1.1 percent in 2019.

Construction, education, health care and social services, and leisure and hospitality posted the biggest year-over-year job gains in October, the report said, while manufacturing and mining and logging continue shed jobs.

The forecast also notes a slowdown in cargo shipments through some of California’s regional airports — Lindberg Field, Ontario International Airport, Oakland International, San Jose Mineta, Sacramento International and Mather Field.

“These airports were chosen because they turn out to be the preferred airports by package carriers for the transport of package goods in and out of the state,” Nickelsburg said. “An acceleration of online purchases this holiday season could boost all of these, but that would be at the expense of brick and mortar retail.”

Tags: economy, housing, jobs, Top Stories IVDB, Top Stories OCR, Top Stories PE, Top Stories RDF, Top Stories Sun

Kevin Smith Kevin Smith handles business news and editing for the Southern California News Group, which includes 11 newspapers, websites and social media channels. He covers everything from employment, technology and housing to retail, corporate http://www.pe.com/2017/12/06/report-shows-how-the-fed-tax-plan-will-affect-california-economy/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium=twitter 3/5 12/6/2017 RedPak unveils its 'technological wonder' in Hesperia

RedPak unveils its ‘technological wonder’ in Hesperia By Rene Ray De La Cruz Staff Writer Posted Dec 5, 2017 at 2:57 PM Updated Dec 5, 2017 at 2:57 PM HESPERIA — Aemerge RedPak officials said Christmas came early as they unveiled their “technological wonder” to the High Desert in the form of the first medical waste treatment facility permitted in California.

The ribbon cutting ceremony Tuesday was attended by company, city, state and regional leaders who heralded the new 37,700-square-foot plant in Hesperia as the location where “cutting edge” green technology will be used to safely treat medical waste and put people to work.

RedPak’s patented “Carbonizer” turns organic waste into “syngas” capable of being used for production of clean energy and carbon-based co-products, said RedPak President/CEO Adam Seger, who was at the ceremony on Tuesday along with his family and several investors.

More than 95 percent of the waste processed on the 4.75-acre facility will be landfill diverted and, as a result, significant greenhouse gas emissions associated with waste hauling will be eliminated, Hesperia Economic Development Management Analyst Lisa LaMere said.

“Besides being the only facility in the state permitted to treat all types of medical waste as regulated by the California Department of Public Health, RedPak will have also created 30 new jobs within the community at full ramp-up,” said LaMere, who added that RedPak is “truly” the first major industrial project in the city.

The city remained a “strategic partner” with Seger and his RedPak team as they worked through site selection, pre-development meetings, planning, permitting, construction and the grand opening, LaMere told the Daily Press.

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20171205/redpak-unveils-its-technological-wonder-in-hesperia 1/3 12/6/2017 RedPak unveils its 'technological wonder' in Hesperia

Mayor Pro Tem Russ Blewett praised the Indiana-based company for choosing to locate to Hesperia. He also thanked the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development and the California Pollution Control Financing Authority for their support of the project.

“I want to congratulate the state of California because, on a regular basis, I criticize them. But I want to congratulate you for getting this one right,” said Blewett, as members of the Governor’s office laughed.

Senior Business Development Specialist Diane Banchero, with the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development, said Redpak contacted the state in 2015 in an effort to introduce its patented technology for the treatment and elimination of medical waste for which a significant portion cannot, by law, be treated in California.

“Over the past two years, the Treasurer’s Office has been able to provide over $40 million worth of tax-exempt financing to help construct this facility and to build the carbonizers that are so integral and central to this project,” said Deputy State Treasurer Steve Juarez. “We are very proud of the work that we’ve been able to do with Adam and with RedPak over the those two years.”

LaMere said since 2002 she’s been a part of a few “legacy projects” in the city, which have included the Super Target, the Walmart Supercenter and the G Avenue Lead rail track project. But she called the RedPak project something that is “near and dear” to her heart because of its job creation and the impact it will have in the High Desert, state and country.

“Although Hesperia has been particularly successful targeting retail in our economic development attraction efforts, manufacturing remains a top priority for us,” Economic Development Manager Rod Yahnke said. “We are very pleased to see Aemerge RedPak, a green technology manufacturing company, locate in Hesperia.”

For more information on Aemerge RedPak, visit www.aemergeredpak.com.

Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at 760-951-6227, RDeLa [email protected], Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz and Instagram @reneraydelacruz

http://www.vvdailypress.com/news/20171205/redpak-unveils-its-technological-wonder-in-hesperia 2/3 12/6/2017 Wastewater pact ends lawsuits, promises $8 million saved annually – San Bernardino Sun

LOCAL NEWS Wastewater pact ends lawsuits, promises $8 million saved annually

By JIM STEINBERG | [email protected] | San Bernardino Sun December 5, 2017 at 4:17 pm

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Lawsuits have evaporated and San Bernardino Valley water providers say they are approaching future wastewater treatment plans in a cooperative, not competitive, spirit.

Put to rest are two lawsuits the city of San Bernardino led in an effort to block a large wastewater treatment plant proposed by Highland- based East Valley Water District. The divisiveness led the state to pass over East Valley’s application for $15 million in recycling funding, said John Mura, the agency’s general manager/CEO.

But now Mura and others say they are looking forward to a new era of cooperation among the region’s water providers, following an agreement, signed late last month, that terminates the lawsuits and encourages cooperation and mutual support.

The result of that agreement: 3 billion gallons of water — worth $8 million — that leave the region in the Santa Ana River annually will instead be recovered to help replenish an underground water basin that serves nearly 700,000 people.

Finding common ground

About three months ago, with the prospect of a hearing before a state district court judge looming this month, administrative and engineering leadership from the San Bernardino Valley Municipal Water District, City of San Bernardino and its water department, and East Valley began to sit down and talk.

Andrea Miller, San Bernardino city manager, said the talks were driven by the realization that aer litigation “these will always be our neighbors.”

Susan Longville, president of San Bernardino Valley district’s board, agreed.

“We thought it would be better for us to decide how to work things out than have a judge in San Diego tell us what to do,” she said.

And with those talks behind the three agencies, the region now has “a drought-proof source of water” in the form of recycled water, Longville added.

San Bernardino Valley district is the water wholesaler for the cities and communities of San Bernardino, Colton, Loma Linda, Redlands, Rialto, Bloomington, Highland, East Highland, Mentone, Grand Terrace and Yucaipa.

It had been named in the city of San Bernardino’s lawsuits seeking to block East Valley Water District’s proposed $128 million Sterling Natural Resource Center, which would discharge about 6 million gallons per day of treated wastewater into the Bunker Hill groundwater basin.

Mitigating concerns

San Bernardino objected to the Sterling project out of concern that its water department would lose $4.5 million annually for 20 years, ofcials there said.

San Bernardino has provided wastewater treatment and disposal services for the East Valley district under a Joint Powers Authority Agreement created in 1958.

When the Sterling plant comes online, which could happen as early as 2021, East Valley would no longer need San Bernadino’s services.

http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/wastewater-pact-ends-lawsuits-promises-8-million-saved-annually/ 1/3 12/6/2017 Wastewater pact ends lawsuits, promises $8 million saved annually – San Bernardino Sun

To help compensate for the revenue loss, San Bernardino Valley district will deliver 3,000 acre feet of state water project water annually to San Bernardino for a period of 10 years, said Doug Headrick, the district’s general manager and chief engineer.

The 10-year cost for this transfer is between $450,00 and $600,000, Headrick said.

As part of the settlement agreement, East Valley will transfer ownership of 22 acres it owns at the intersection of Sterling and Third streets, near the San Bernardino International Airport, to the city of San Bernardino.

“They can develop it better than we could,” Mura said.

Mura said East Valley purchased the land years ago for a new corporate headquarters, but ultimately opted to build that project at 31111 Greenspot Road in Highland.

In return for transferring the 22 acres to San Bernardino, East Valley will receive $8 million from the city. This money was collected from East Valley’s customers, under the JPA, for the future expansion of a large sewer line, as development in East Valley’s territory warranted.

Meanwhile, San Bernardino’s previous objections that the Sterling project usurped its plan to build the Clean Water Factory, a wastewater recycling plant project that also would recharge the Bunker Hill Basin, has been resolved. Under the agreement, all parties will support one another’s projects.

Miller said the footprint of the Clean Water Factory will be revisited to be “scalable” so that the plant can be expanded as growth occurs.

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STEINBERG_JIMJim Steinberg Jim Steinberg is a national-award winning environmental writer. He also covers medical and healthcare issues, drones and aviation, military and the cities of Fontana and Rialto.  Follow Jim Steinberg @JamesDSteinberg

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http://www.sbsun.com/2017/12/05/wastewater-pact-ends-lawsuits-promises-8-million-saved-annually/ 2/3 12/6/2017 Young man and woman die in head-on crash in Landers - Hi-Desert Star: News Young man and woman die in head-on crash in Landers By Stacy Moore, Hi-Desert Star | Posted: Monday, December 4, 2017 12:05 pm

LANDERS — Natalie Craddock 19, and Krüe Karnbach, 22, died when a Dodge Durango crashed into their Chevrolet Cavalier on Old Woman Springs Road Friday. The Durango’s 24-year-old driver suffered major injuries.

The CHP reports that around 5:30 p.m., Michael Daugherty, 24, of Big Bear, was driving a 2009 Durango north on the highway, north of Linn Road, going about 55 mph. Daugherty pulled into the southbound lane to pass a tractor-trailer in front of him. He didn’t see the Cavalier approaching from the opposite direction, driven by Karnbach with Craddock in the passenger seat.

When the two drivers saw each other in the same lane coming from opposite directions, they both swerved to try to avoid the crash, the CHP report states. Daugherty swerved to the left and Karnbach swerved to the right, and both vehicles crashed head-on on the westbound shoulder. The car and the SUV both overturned and came to rest on the shoulder. Karnbach and Craddock were pronounced dead on the scene. Paramedics from Morongo Basin Ambulance took Daugherty and his 1-year-old daughter, Nevaeh Daugherty, to Desert Regional Medical Center in Palm Springs. Michael Daugherty suffered major injuries, while Nevaeh, who was restrained in a child safety seat, suffered minor injuries. Officer J. McNutt is investigating the collision. Craddock’s older sister, Briana Jones, said she and Karnbach were a young couple just starting out, living with their two cats in a trailer on her parents’ Landers property. “I’m just reeling from the loss,” Jones said Monday. She couldn’t bring herself to talk about her sister in the past tense as she described the young woman, who would have turned 20 years old on Tuesday.

“She’s so talented. She loves arts and crafts and she loves to paint, she loves to crochet,” Jones said.

“She had never crocheted before and Krue went out and bought her a crochet kit with instructions and the next thing you know, this girl has crocheted everything under the sun — bralettes, cat clothes … gladiator sandals.”

Craddock had started to sell her creations on Facebook, while Karnbach had a job at the Dollar Tree. According to his Facebook page, his dream was to be a singer and frontman for a band. “They were a very young, in-love couple,” Jones said. “My mom told me anytime he would leave for work, she would get up at 430 a.m. to open the gate and they would wave at each other until they couldn’t see each other any more. http://www.hidesertstar.com/news/article_7fe75c6e-d92e-11e7-b7f6-df9693296469.html?mode=print 1/2 12/6/2017 Young man and woman die in head-on crash in Landers - Hi-Desert Star: News “They did everything together.”

A friend of the family has set up a GoFundMe page for funeral expenses. To donate, visit https://www.gofundme.com/natalie-craddock-memorial-fund.

http://www.hidesertstar.com/news/article_7fe75c6e-d92e-11e7-b7f6-df9693296469.html?mode=print 2/2 12/6/2017 Sentence is 22 years for fatal shooting in Twentynine Palms - Hi-Desert Star: News Sentence is 22 years for fatal shooting in Twentynine Palms By Stacy Moore Hi-Desert Star | Posted: Friday, December 1, 2017 3:36 pm

JOSHUA TREE — Raymond Burney tried to plead guilty to murder three days after shooting 55-year-old Wayne Basil Kerr in Twentynine Palms in 2014. The judge would not accept the plea; Burney had not talked to a lawyer or heard the evidence against him, his rights under due process of the law. More than three years later, Burney was sentenced to 22 years in state prison for Kerr’s death after pleading guilty to voluntary manslaughter and assault with a firearm.

Judge Bert Swift on Tuesday morning sentenced Burney to 11 years for manslaughter, one year for assault with a firearm and 20 years for using a firearm in the commission of a crime. Burney will get credit for 1,613 days already served in the county jail. The 55-year-old will be delievered to the Chino California Institute of Men. Burney was on supervised probation in the early-release program on a conviction for cocaine possession when he shot Kerr. The two men, who both lived in Twentynine Palms, were arguing before witnesses reported the shooting at 9:43 p.m. Jan. 27, 2014, on Palmview Avenue. Deputies found Kerr suffering from a gunshot wound and medical personnel pronounced him dead at the scene. Deputies arrested Burney at the scene. Tuesday’s sentencing hearing was brief and businesslike. There were no statements from Kerr’s family and no one appeared to be in the courtroom seats for either the victim or Burney. “Good morning, Mr. Burney,” the judge began. “Good morning, your honor,” the prisoner replied. He stood in the jury box wearing orange prison scrubs and his hands were in cuffs locked to a chain around his waist.

Swift ordered payment of a $300 victim restitution fee, to be collected by the Department of Corrections and asked Burney if he wanted to be present in court at any future restitution hearings. Burney replied that he would waive his right to appear. His public defender, Elizabeth Crabtree, will represent him.

After reading out Burney’s sentence, Swift dismissed the rest of the complaints against Burney, including discharging a firearm causing great bodily injury, under a plea bargain reached with the district attorney’s office. “Good luck, Mr. Burney,” Swift said, and Burney walked out through the door adjacent to the jury box, to be taken back to West Valley Detention Center.

http://www.hidesertstar.com/news/article_81c21d5c-d6f0-11e7-a60f-43202e6186d7.html?mode=print 1/1 12/6/2017 Villages of Lakeview project — and its 8,725 houses — wins Riverside County’s OK – Press Enterprise

LOCAL NEWS Villages of Lakeview project — and its 8,725 houses — wins Riverside County’s OK

Photo by David Downey, staff Riverside County Supervisors listen as a man speaks in opposition to the Villages of Lakeview project on Tuesday, Dec. 6.

By DAVID DOWNEY | [email protected] | The Press-Enterprise PUBLISHED: December 5, 2017 at 6:10 pm | UPDATED: December 5, 2017 at 7:33 pm

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http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/villages-at-lakeview-project-and-its-8725-houses-wins-riverside-countys-ok/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium… 1/5 12/6/2017 Villages of Lakeview project — and its 8,725 houses — wins Riverside County’s OK – Press Enterprise In a decision that sets the stage for a new “city” to sprout next to a wildlife refuge, Riverside County Supervisors on Tuesday, Dec. 5, approved a scaled-down version of the controversial Villages of Lakeview plan for a rural area between Perris and San Jacinto.

The Board of Supervisors voted 3-1 to adopt the plan and OK related documents for the project. That means as many as 8,725 houses and condominiums could be built, along with some commercial development, on nearly 2,800 acres.

The number of homes is well under the previously proposed maximum of 11,350, and the change erased a residential component in a narrow strip along the north side of Ramona Expressway that borders the San Jacinto Wildlife Area. The vote followed a lengthy board hearing last month in which there was no decision.

In moving to approve the plan, Supervisor Marion Ashley said the developer had made major efforts to improve the project, including setting aside more than 1,000 acres of open space.

Ashley said the project has several cutting-edge components, such as preserving farmland, establishing a shuttle service from the community to Metrolink’s Perris Valley Line, and creating an environmental stewardship program to emphasize the importance of the wildlife refuge.

He said Villages of Lakeview also would help ll a regional housing shortage.

“We all know that we need housing,” said Supervisor Kevin Jeffries, the lone dissenter.

http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/villages-at-lakeview-project-and-its-8725-houses-wins-riverside-countys-ok/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium… 2/5 12/6/2017 Villages of Lakeview project — and its 8,725 houses — wins Riverside County’s OK – Press Enterprise

But he warned the project would create a city bigger than some existing Riverside County towns, eliminate a longstanding rural community and spill huge amounts of trafc onto the congested 215 Freeway and other arteries.

http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/villages-at-lakeview-project-and-its-8725-houses-wins-riverside-countys-ok/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium… 3/5 12/6/2017 Villages of Lakeview project — and its 8,725 houses — wins Riverside County’s OK – Press Enterprise “The fundamental question today is the quantity, and the impact that quantity will have on our quality of life,” Jeffries said.

The vote disappointed dozens who traveled from rural Nuevo and Lakeview, and surrounding communities, to show their opposition to and, in some cases, speak against the project. Many wore bright red T-shirts that read: “Keep Nuevo Rural.”

They weren’t impressed by the reduction in homes. David Goodward, of the San Bernardino Valley Audubon Society, suggested that change didn’t alter the nature of the project.

The bottom line, said Margaret Strachan, a teacher who lives in Nuevo, “the scope of this project is absolutely massive. It’s just massive, mega, high-density development. It’s absolutely not acceptable.”

Moreno Valley resident Kathleen Dale said the location was the wrong place for such a big housing project.

But Dave Shepardson, pastor of Calvary Chapel Nuevo, said the developer made the project better.

“There have actually been huge changes in this plan to mitigate concerns,” Shepardson said.

The plan has exibility. At least 660 homes are likely to be single-family houses, while another 1,540 dwelling units could be either single-family or condominium- style shared-wall homes, according to Russell Brady, a county planner.

The blueprint also calls for 3,750 dwelling units in a high-density residential area and 2,775 in a mixed-use zone. All are likely to be condominium-style homes, Brady said.

Randall Lewis, one of the principals for the Upland-based Lewis Group of Companies, the developer, said in a phone interview earlier that the new city people are anticipating won’t sprout overnight.

“This could be a 20-year project or longer,” Lewis said. “And we’re not sure when it will start.”

Lewis said he believes the project will prove benecial and create jobs during construction and aer the community is completed. And, he said, there will be a robust buffer between the community and wildlife area.

http://www.pe.com/2017/12/05/villages-at-lakeview-project-and-its-8725-houses-wins-riverside-countys-ok/?utm_source=dlvr.it&utm_medium… 4/5 POLITICS

Supervisors order review of LA County's sexual harassment policies

The Kenneth Hahn Hall of Administration in downtown Los Angeles houses the County Equity Oversight Panel, which handles complaints from county employees regarding sexual harassment. SUSANICA TAM FOR KPCC Mary Plummer | December 5, 2017

Four of the five Los Angeles County supervisors are female and their awareness of sexual harassment in the workplace emerged during a discussion Tuesday of how the county can improve procedures for its own employees filing complaints of inappropriate behavior.

Supervisor Sheila Kuehl, in her first meeting as board chair, recounted unwanted hugs during her time in the state Legislature. Supervisor Janice Hahn, who spent over five years in the U.S. House, said the procedures for reporting sexual harassment claims in Congress are "horrible." And Supervisor Kathryn Barger supported a "self-review" to see how the county can do better.

After a short discussion, the board voted unanimously to back a proposal from Kuehl and Supervisor Hilda Solis to order a speedy review of the county’s sexual harassment policies. The board action requires the Executive Office, County Counsel staff and the Department of Human Resources "to provide a report next week on the County's reporting process, including a description of current practices and a detailed opinion on whether any improvements should be considered."

Solis said the county has long had a strong program to address sexual harassment and other forms of inappropriate behavior in the workplace. “However, I do believe it’s important for us at this time to review Los Angeles County’s reporting process to determine its effectiveness and applicability during these times,” she said.

Vickey Bane, the executive director of the county's Equity Oversight Panel, told KPCC last week no improvements or changes are needed to the county's policies.

But Bane also said her department has seen an uptick in the filing of sexual harassment complaints since recent high-profile sexual allegations surfaced nationwide.

Hero cop of Pulse shooting is terminated from force

Christal Hayes, USA TODAY Published 9:47 p.m. ET Dec. 5, 2017 | Updated 6:50 a.m. ET Dec. 6, 2017

An officer hailed as a hero after the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Fla. and says he suffers from post- traumatic stress disorder from the carnage of the massacre is being let go — just six months before he’d become vested in his pension.

Omar Delgado, 45, a corporal at the Eatonville Police Department, was one of the first officers at club in the early hours of June 12, 2016 after a gunman opened fire and left 49 dead and dozens more injured in what is now the second-deadliest mass shooting in U.S. history.

He scoured through bodies that littered the ground and helped survivors get out. One of the club-goers he helped save was Angel Colon, who’d been shot six times. The pair’s story of survival and their growing friendship gained attention across the globe and was covered nationally in The New York Times, USA Today and CNN. (Photo: Daymon Gardner, Dear World) But the police department is letting him go at the end of the month, Eatonville council members confirmed at a Tuesday evening meeting. His last day on his $38,500-a-year job is scheduled for Dec. 31. ADVERTISEMENT

Eatonville Mayor Eddie Cole said the situation is complex but added he hopes to start a conversation about helping law enforcement officers after a tragedy. He said he couldn’t specifically talk about Delgado’s situation.

Officials at the city’s police department also did not comment on Delgado’s termination.

Delgado has mainly been on desk duty since the attack. He tried coming back to work about a month after the shooting, on the Fourth of July, but the loud bursts of fireworks gave him flashbacks to gunfire. Colon, the man he helped save during the shooting, said he is shocked to hear about Delgado's situation.

“He was my hero. He saved my life and for them to just do what they’re doing to him in front of my face is a slap to my face as well,” Colon told WFTV (https://www.facebook.com/KarlaRayTV/videos/970425279778740/), a local ABC affiliate. “He did his job that night on June 12 so they should have his back 100 percent totally and just be there for whatever he needs.” Images of Pulse survivors send powerful message one year later (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/2017/06/09/pulse-orlando-shooting- terrorism-isis/102681536/)

Delgado said he hoped for a better outcome to his employment.

“It’s a small town and we’re like a family,” the officer said. “You don’t just throw a family member to the street. They’re acting like a Fortune 500 company and saying since you can’t do your job, we’re going to replace you. Even if the world saw me as a hero, that was yesterday.”

PTSD is more common in law enforcement than in the general public — but still is somewhat rare.

Between 7 to 19 percent of police officers show symptoms of PTSD, compared to about 3.5% of the rest of the population, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (https://www.nami.org/Law-Enforcement-and-Mental-Health/Strengthening-Officer-Resilience#_edn4).

NAMI also says 1 in 4 officers will have thoughts of suicide because of the stresses they face on the job. Compared to the national average, the number of officer suicides catapult in smaller departments like Eatonville, a small town of 2,200 just outside the city of Orlando.

Delgado says the department told him they needed to replace him because of his PTSD and because they need an additional officer on patrol, a job he can no longer do.

He said he’s ready to leave the department and concentrate on his mental health but asked his superiors to wait an additional six months so he can mark 10 years at the department and become vested in his pension.

“Just let me get vested and I will be more than happy to pack up my troubles and leave,” he said. “This is the thing I’ve been working toward for 10 years and to be six months shy then be fired, it’s like ‘wow!’”

The extra six months would have allowed him to receive 64% of his salary with benefits for life, the Orlando Sentinel reported, adding if he’s terminated before making it to 10 years he’ll receive 42% of his earnings.

Delgado said he partially blames his termination on his decision to speak up about his mental state, adding he did get help and regularly sees a psychologist.

But he says it hasn’t helped much.

For more than a year and a half, Delgado has woken up to the same nightmare every night. It always starts the same: He’s working to get survivors out of the LGBT nightclub when gunman Omar Mateen starts firing his rifle.

He and other officers drop to the ground. They don’t know where the gunshots are coming from or where they’re aimed. Pulse shooting: Florida strengthens oversight on security-related licenses (https://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation-now/2017/06/11/fla-boosts- oversight-security-related-licenses-after-pulse-rampage/387908001/)

Delgado wakes up screaming and sweaty. He can never go back to sleep.

“I never thought I would have gotten to this point. I thought I’d shake it off and everything would be fine,” he said. “But that hasn’t happened. Nothing has been right since that day.”

Delgado said he plans to apply for disability but until he’s approved, it’s going to be an uphill battle financially for him, his wife and their three kids.

“This Christmas is going to be a really sad one,” he said. “There’s simply not enough money to make it.”

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Pulse Nightclub portraits: survivors, first responders and loved ones