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March 17, 2009 |
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BLM Investigates California City Studios |
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California City Studios is being investigated by BLM today for environmental violation issues and Federal land use violations. "We did nothing wrong," stated Russell Michael, owner of California City Studios. "We are cooperating with BLM and hope to resolve these issues as soon as possible," said Michael. "We have a lot on our plate dealing with this city and we hope to resolve all of it by end of summer," stated Michael. "Kern County Film Industry is hoping. We have penciled in a lot of new deals, not for California City, but for other assets we have recently acquired. We hope to keep a steady flow of filming this year and right through the winter. This is shaping up to be the best year yet for us. We are in production on our own shows and have several top producers we are negotiating with, one who owns property as well here in Ridgecrest and is very familiar with the area. It also helps that he has been producing a show for ABC for 35 years. We just have to complete some water, land use issues, and other matters here at this studio in California City. We know they will take time, but we are doing our best to fast track them," said Michael. |
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Press Release by ASNBC.Com |
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March 11, 2009 |
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Studio To Move To Ridegcrest |
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Press Release by ASNBC.Com |
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California City Studios in negotiations to open a vocational film school and movie studio in Ridgecrest California. "The long battle to stay in California City is taking its toll on all our resources," says Gail Michael head of the studios. "We just feel we need another outlet,"said Gail. Even though it is much further from Los Angeles than we would like to be. Our film season is upon us and we have had 2 bad seasons here in California City due to conflicts with this city. Ridgecrest has a lot of film resources we can tap into as well.
Our efforts have help put Kern County well over the closest competitors last year, those being Palmdale and Lancaster. Kern County did 25 million and both Lancaster and Palmdale together only did 16 million, in economical impact. We feel we have a lot to offer Ridgecrest. Along with the film school, we have a great working relationship with other film friendly states that we can tap for students. There is a lot of business for stimulus money to retrain Americans coming from the Obama camp. "We would like to get in that line," said Gail.
"We have always had a wonderful relationship with the Film Commission in Kern County as well as Los Angeles." "They have always been behind us and felt our pain, when we have struggled here California City." "I believe will be able to serve the county better as well, once some of this pressure is off and we'll be able to get a regular uninterrupted flow going," said Gail.
"We also feel we'll get the cooperation we need there to move forward." "Russell will continue to let this property out for filming, but most of our efforts will be concentrated there," said Gail Michael. "We need the film school." "It has always been part of our 5 year plan." "That is well into nine years now." "Russell and I love it here, but I don't want to waste anymore time," said Gail. |
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March 10, 2009 |
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Local Student Wins Optimist Club Essay Contest |
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Press Release by California City Optimist Club |
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California City – Daniel Fritz, an 8th Grade Student at California City Middle School, recently won the Optimist Club of California City’s essay contest based on a theme of “The Power of Youth.”
Fritz was awarded the California City Optimist's First Place Medallion and a $100 savings bond for the honor. In addition, the essay will be sent to the district level to be judged along with winners from other Optimist Clubs in the district. The winner of the district competition will be sent to the international level contest. College scholarships are available for top winners at the district and international levels. “Daniel Fritz did a wonderful job of articulating this year’s theme. He expressed himself well through the essay and deserved the honor of first place,” Club President Ed Waldheim said. The second place winner was Kiri Fledderjohn. She received the California City Optimist’s Second Place Medallion and a $50 savings bond. The third place winner was Marie Soledad Watschke. She received the California City Optimist’s Third Place Medallion and a $50 savings bond.
The Optimist Club of California City has been participating in the Optimist Essay Contest for two years and has been active in the community since 2001. Other programs and service projects that the Club is involved in include the California City Optimist Club Scholarship Program, Optimist International Oritorical Contest, Books for Schools, and the Annual Christmas Tree Auction at Hacienda Elementry School. Optimist International is one of the world’s largest service club organizations with 120,000 adult and youth members in 3,800 clubs in the United States, Canada, the Caribbean, Mexico, and throughout the world. Carrying the motto “Bringing Out the Best in Kids,” Optimists conduct positive service projects that reach more than million young people each year. To learn more about Optimist International, please call (314) 371-6000 or visit the organization’s website at www.optimist.org. |
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March 4, 2009 |
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Ohv'ers Attend California City Council Meeting |
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Story by Lou Peralta |
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In a terrific display of support and cohesiveness, over fifty OHV’ers showed up impromptu to give their input, why California City should maintain its OHV trails and California City OHV License programs. Supporters of the OHV programs put an ad-hoc group together in a very short time, and although the subject was not on the City Council’s agenda for the night, Lou Peralta apologize for taking the extraordinary time of the Council’s meeting to present the hundreds of e-mails he had received and the people, whose input he felt would give the Council members, the Mayor, and City Manager an excellent opportunity to know who are the people supporting the OHV programs, and why they think it’s important to continue such programs. Peralta had scheduled four individuals, some who traveled over 200 miles to get to the meeting, to make their statement in one minute or less. Most kept their statements under three minutes, but then a plethora of others, who had just arrived, stepped up to present their statements. Among the twenty or so, there were two or three detractors, who also grabbed the opportunity to state their case. One gentleman in particular, Wally Melendez, said that "Lou brought his army, so we must bring our army to keep off-roaders out."
In all, it was a very exciting, provocative, and informative meeting that the City Council thought was significant as the time approaches to vote whether to extend the programs or not. They thanked everyone and continued on other city business. Outside the council room, many gathered to congratulate each other and promised support for the California City OHV programs. Noteworthy, was that during the meeting, former Mayor, David Evans presented information regarding SB-615 sponsored by State Senator Ashburn, which would give cities the power to work with the OHV community and in certain cases, open streets for licensed OHV’ers. City Manager asked Lou Peralta if he could gather a similar group of supporters to go to Sacramento, when the time comes to vote for the OHV Bill (SB-615). "Of course," said Peralta.
The City of California City is pro OHV use, more so than it has ever been before. However, they, too, are very cautious not to loosen the reins. Their main concern is the quality of life for those who reside and are retired in the community, and don’t necessarily care about OHV’ers. Those present understood and agreed that they should leave as little impact on the community as possible. In fact, several speakers pointed out that they own homes or are in the process of purchasing homes and establishing businesses in California City because of the proximity of the desert and being able to ride and camp out. Many pointed out that since the California City OHV trails were initiated, they don’t have to bring all their food and drinks with them. The access to the city allows them to purchase locally and take advantage of the restaurants and local businesses. Many of the speakers spoke about better signage, so that people don’t make the mistake of not following the signed trail. Peralta introduced larger arrows that will point riders to the correct path. Ed Waldheim, who has already done incredible amount of work on the trails along with Wayne Nosala and others, has already initiated and is resigning many of the trails with larger placards and markers. Jim Woods, President of CORVA spoke eloquently about the enforcement of the rules by local authorities. Police Chief, Steve Colerick, an avid off-roader, agreed that they have already started clamping down on violators, especially those who ride the streets where they are not supposed to.
In all, it was a terrific first meeting between the City of California City and OHV’ers. They all felt that the real work is about to begin: to inform, educate, and enforce the rules. We will announce in plenty of time when the matter becomes part of the City Council’s agenda, which will be in the next couple of months and also when we’ll have to travel to Sacramento to push for SB615. |
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February 24, 2009 |
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City Will Make A Decision On OHV Trail Program |
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OHV'ers are being invited to attend the City Council meeting March 3rd. According to supporters of the OHV program, this is a very important meeting as the City needs to have the input whether the California City OHV Trail program is to remain in force, extended or cancelled. California City has local detractors to the program, who have complained about OHV’ers riding on streets where they are not supposed to. The city is aware that many of these infractions are caused by local California City riders and is doing something about it, such as citations and confiscation of equipment. However, some California City residents just say that the city is creating an "attractive nuisance." As a result, many in the community feel that the OHV Trail program should not be renewed, citing horrible experiences, some of which may be a bit overblown, while others are not. On the other end of the argument, certain businesses in town, especially those around the IMC Business Center and Aspen Mall, freely admit that had it not been for the OHV Trail program, some may have gone out of business by now. Moreover, for the first time, California City has collected well over $150,000 from the California City OHV Licenses to help defer the costs and maintenance for emergency services, when thousands of people come to the city to ride. As a result a coalition of OHV supporters has invited OHV’ers to attend the next City Council meeting, Tuesday, March 3rd. It is anticipated that not everyone will have the opportunity to speak, although the city is being asked to set aside some time for as many people to be able to speak. Supporters of the program are asking OHV’ers to address certain subjects, such as:
1. What do you think of the OHV Trail program?
2. What are you doing to educate those who come with you about responsibly riding and using the desert?
3. What do you think of the Cal City OHV License? Are you satisfied what is being done with that money? Have you seen the improvements in Borax Bill Park, the dumping areas, the signage, the D.I.R.T Team, Fire and Police?
4. What should the City do to those who do not stay on the designated trails into the City?
5. How can you help our City maintain this program for many years?
6. How do you feel about Cal City basically being the only city in the Western States, who welcomes OHV'ers with open arms? Should it remain as such?
7. And any other comment(s) you think important to the cause.
8. Are you against the entire program and why?
While many other counties such as San Bernardino, Riverside, Santa Barbara, Stockton, San Diego, Los Angeles and Orange Counties have closed to any type of OHV use for the most part, California City still remains open where a person can legally ride, as long as they obey the rules and regulations posted. To further accentuate the immediate need for input, OHV’ers are asked to get behind the OHV program in California City, with the fervent commitment that every user must police themselves; and that everyone must make the promise not to give detractors excuses to complaint, undermine or abolish the program. The City Council will soon begin discussions whether the program has been effective or not, so immediate input is needed. Those who wish to attend can contact editor@calcitynews.com and provide name, city, telephone number(s) and if you would like time to speak to the City Council. In the alternative, people can send comments to: editor@calcitynews.com and they'll make sure the city and City Council gets them. |
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Story by Lou Peralta |
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February 19, 2009 |
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EDC Breakfast Hears Perez’s Future Plans as County Supervisor |
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Story by Lou Peralta |
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California City, CA – 2/19/09 – At a breakfast meeting of the Economic Development Corporation (EDC), Steve Perez, former County Supervisor, was the scheduled guest speaker. Mr. Perez, well known by many in California City for having served two terms as County Supervisor, was graciously welcomed by all attendees. Mr. Perez outlined various positions to members of the EDC in the hopes that he will obtain the support, when he once again runs for County Supervisor. Among his visions and ideas was the resounding support for the various OHV projects currently in the works by the city, which he hopes will include a recreation and sporting park. Steve Perez also indicated support for the city to be a bit more creative and make it easier for companies trying to relocate in the area as well as builders/contractors who wish to build in the community. He hinted, "That sometimes, just the permitting process discourages builders. California City ought to look to stay within the boundaries of good business decisions, but try to facilitate people interested in investing in this community, with a fast-track to start construction and/or operating a business."
Several questions were posed to Mr. Perez. Among them, Lou Peralta asked that if he would be in support to make California City a “destination location,” for not only OHV’ers but also for people who enjoy the outdoors, sports, entertainment, and recreation activities. Steve Perez answered by saying, "California City is a great place for such activities". And that he would be in support for such projects.
Michael Sellers also asked his position on alternative energy and more specifically regarding the solar project in Cantil. Mr. Perez was admittedly excited for such project and would facilitate its developments. His main concern, however, is the “extortion” applied by Fish and Game and other environmental agencies, which demand for every acre used for a project, they want up five-times more acreage which they would then close and designate as environmentally impacted area. Peralta was heard saying, “Yes, it’s extortion with white gloves.”
Local builder, Jay Sprague brought the EDC group up-to-date on the Joint Powers Water Project in Cantil that would include Boron, Mojave, Rosamond, and California City as equal partners, in order to establish our own water district. There are more details that Mr. Sprague hopes to have shortly, but Sprague noted that there’s plenty of water in the ground that the Joint Powers cities could take advantage for many years without being dependent on other sources. “The future can be ours”, Mr. Sprague had said earlier.
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February 3, 2009 |
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Web Site Sold To City |
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CaliforniaCity.Com has a new owner, the California City Redevelopment Agency. At the January 20 meeting, the agency voted to purchase the web site and promote California City. The web site was established, owned, and operated in 1997 by Van Pray. Webmaster Dan Fivehouse starting working on CaliforniaCity.Com in December 2005. He has redesigned, maintained, and added information to the web site to make it what it is today.
Before then, there were only a few hits a day. Now CaliforniaCity.Com receives an average of 12,000 hits a day. The web site gets attention from all over the world and is on a high level with search engines. This will provide the city with a large resource to reach out to every possible destination on the information highway.
Dan Fivehouse will continue to maintain the site and redesign it as necessary for the city. In the near future, city council meetings will be web cast live on CaliforniaCity.Com. |
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February 3, 2009 |
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Explosion Rocks California City |
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Story & Photos by Russell Michael, California City Studios, Inc |
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The explosion that rocked California City, Sunday wasn't a sonic boom, earthquake, or an explosion from mining in Mojave. It was a house being blown to bits at California City Studios for a Pink Music Video. The rocker was there making a video for her up coming new Music Video "Fun House". She sure rocked our world here in California City. Reports of the mushroom cloud seen for miles are still coming in. Pictures of the explosion, California City Fire Fighters with the pyro crew, and last picture of "Pink" Performing are shown.
For more information or pictures, contact Russell Michael @ 213-820-2477 or russell@californiacitystudios.com |
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January 31, 2009 |
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4.4 Earthquake 8 Miles Westnorthwest Of Randsburg |
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A light earthquake of 4.4 on the richter scale struck an area 15 miles southsouthwest of Ridgecrest and 8 miles westnorthwest of Randsburg today at 1:09 pm. No damage has been reported. The US Geological Survey Earthquake Center recorded the epic center at 35.417°N, 117.786°W at a depth of 4.7 miles. Did You Feel It? For more information go to the US Geological Survey website. |
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January 26, 2009 |
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Girl Scouts Rally At California City Middle School |
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Story and Photo by Pam Williams, Girl Scout Leader |
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On January 24, 2009, 98 Girl Scouts and 17 Girl Scout Leaders from all over the Antelope Valley converged at California City Middle School for a Girl Scout cookie rally. The event offered the girls an opportunity to learn how to sell a product and socialize with girls from other communities. This year’s Girl Scout cookie sale began January 24 and goes through March 29. |
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January 3, 2009 |
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No Holidays For California City PD |
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Story by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
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California City cops do not stop working for the holidays as these new arrests demonstrate.
On 12/31/08 the California City Police Department Narcotics Unit conducted a probation search on Theodoric White, age 49, who lives at 21641 Randsburg Mojave Rd. White lives in a duplex in which a recent narcotics search warrant was served resulting in the arrest of Gene Allen for possession of rock cocaine for sale. Allen and White are associates. During the search, White was found to be in possession of rock cocaine and was arrested. White was booked and transported to Kern County Sheriff Bakersfield.
And on 01/02/09 at about 8:45 P.M., Cpl. Hightower and his K-9 Kajo were patrolling the area of Greenwood Ave and Medio St looking for a person involved with an arson that had occurred in the area. A trash can had been set on fire and thrown into a residence. While in the area, he attempted to contact a subject on Greenwood Ave. The subject ran north through a vacant lot after seeing the patrol car. Cpl. Hightower caught up to the subject later identified as Tyrus Coleman, age 39, as he was attempting to jump a wooden fence.
K-9 Kajo was deployed and Coleman was taken into custody. Coleman was booked for possession of a dangerous weapon (large concealed knife); obstructing an officer, interfering with a police animal for fighting with the K-9, and bringing drugs into the jail facility. Who said our Police Officers take it easy during the Holidays? |
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Theodoric White |
Tyrus Coleman |
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Photos provided by California City Police Department |
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January 2, 2009 |
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OHV Trail And Parking Area Is Success |
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Story & Photos by Lou Peralta |
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Another excellent weekend for the folks at IMC Business Cente,r and also for the businesses at Aspen Mall. One of the photos shows the great success the OHV parking area is enjoying. The other, are folks walking across the street to Aspen Mall. Everybody wins thanks to California City’s OHV Trails into the City. Support the City with new ideas to bring in outside business into our community and bring that “Happy Money” we’d like to have. |
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