|
|
373-8733 |
| |
August 31, 2007 |
|
| |
Fundraiser For Cal City High School A Success |
|
| |
Story by Lt Steve Colerick, California City Police Department |
|
| |
The California City Police Department hosted its 5th Community Night Out (formerly National Night Out), last Monday night, with success towards raising funds for the incoming Freshman Booster Club at the Cal City High School. Special recognition goes to Hyundai-Kia Motors, CCA-California City Correctional Center and Dr. and Mrs. Larry Adams for their generous monetary donations. A sincere thanks also goes to Ace Hardware, Tierra Del Sol Golf Course, Napa Auto Parts, Pizza Factory, Wimpy’s Diner, EDC, Diamond Jim’s Casino, and members of the Police Department, for providing door prizes that generated additional money through opportunity drawings for the school. Lastly, a personal appreciation to the Parks and Rec staff and the Parks Maintenance personnel for their year and year efforts, that continues to make this event a success. |
|
| |
August 27, 2007 |
|
| |
8 Arrests In Connection With Vehicle Burglaries |
|
| |
Story by Sgt Eric Hurtado, California City Police Department |
|
| |
The California City Police Department has arrested eight suspects in connection to several vehicle burglaries that have occurred over the past few weeks. On August 25th at 2:30 AM, officers responded to a call of suspicious noises in the 8000 block of Underwood. Officers John Bishop and Ben Blanton discovered that several subjects had broken into some fenced yards throughout the neighborhood. An alert neighbor was able to give the officers a description of the suspects and their vehicle. The officers spotted the vehicle driving slow a couple of blocks away. The officers stopped the vehicle on Neuralia Road and discovered evidence connecting the five occupants to the crime. All five were arrested for various charges including attempted burglary, attempted vehicle theft, and possession of burglary tools. Arrested were: 18 year-old Augustine Jabbin and 19 year-old Juan Camargo of California City; 21 year-old Jorge Ibarra, 19 year-old Estaben Orozco, and 19 year-old Abelardo Arias from Las Vegas.
These arrests follow the arrests of 3 other suspects who were arrested for other vehicle burglaries on August 14th. Officer Shannon Hayes arrested these 3 suspects in the 8600 block of Manzanita. Officer Hayes investigated a series of vehicle burglaries in the southern part of California City and was able to track down the 3 suspects. During the investigation, Hayes was able to recover some of the stolen property. |
|
| |
August 27, 2007 |
|
| |
Fugitive Arrested In California City |
|
| |
Story by Sgt Eric Hurtado, California City Police Department |
|
| |
On August 27, the United States Marshal’s Office and California City Police Department arrested 42 year old Christopher Moore of Texas. Moore is a convicted felon and escaped from a Federal Prison in Texas, in 1997. Moore was captured at an apartment he rented in the 9800 Block of North Loop Blvd. Moore had moved to California City in 1998 and assumed another person’s identity. He was known locally as Vincent Nickel and had worked for a variety of local contactors. He was booked into the Kern County Jail on a Federal Escape warrant and is awaiting extradition to Texas. Initially, Moore was being held in the Federal Prison on a charge of possession with intent to distribute Methamphetamine. A Deputy U.S. Marshal was able to track Moore to California City, following a fingerprint data base match to an arrest of Moore in California, under his assumed identity.
  |
|
| |
August 27, 2007 |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
August 24, 2007 |
|
| |
Celebration Of Freedom |
|
| |
Story released by NASA
Showcasing a "Celebration of Freedom," through the sacrifices made by the men and women of our military, the joint Edwards and NASA Dryden Women's Equality Day committee is sponsoring a special "Gratitude March" from 7:30a.m. to 8:30 a.m. here Aug. 28.
Tuesday's march is the focal point of a week long celebration of women's rights conveyed by the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, 87 years ago.
Other activities planned for the week long observance include displays at NASA and several locations on Edwards, ending Friday with a display at the base's Desert High School. Each display will also offer a table for voter registration.
Wednesday features what is dubbed "lunch and learn" where interested base residents and employees can view a video about Women's Suffrage and learn about Women's Rights. Thursday the committee is sponsoring a golf putting contest at the Muroc Golf Course starting at 7:30 a.m.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Air Force Flight Test Center Public Affairs
(661) 277-4127 |
|
| |
August 23, 2007 |
|
| |
Lockheed-Martin Donates Supplies To Hacienda Elementary School |
|
| |
Story by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
August 22, 2007 |
|
| |
"In City Officials We Trust" |
|
| |
Story & Photos by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
|
|
| |
The feud between California City Studios
(Russell & Gail Michael, owners) versus City Manager Bill Way is ongoing
and seems far from being resolved. The interesting thing being that the movie
business is not able to wait a long period of time for different permits to
build a movie set that was needed yesterday. In this case, a conditional use
permit (CUP) that was voted not necessary by the Planning Commission a week ago
and vetoed so to speak by the city manager, just a few days later. The main
argument from the floor was that the city does not do everything in their power
to keep the profitable businesses we have and to top it all, do nothing to
attract new ventures in California City. Some citizens say “do nothing period”!
Some citizens representing different organizations showed some serious support
to those allegations. Ed Waldheim, president elect of the California City
Optimist Club, asked why nothing is done with city land and resources to
establish commodities for our increasing number of off roads vehicle riders.
Those visitors might stop and spend money in our community if we build some
kind of attractive need like a motor home park or anything that would give them
a reason to discover our city and who knows, maybe buy one of the 400 or so
vacant new homes. David Stafford, a long time local contractor and a leader of
the clean up effort in Cal City, firmly believe that our officials work for us
and should do what the population want even if it means changing the codes. And
Mr. Stafford does not understand why some contractors work in our city without
proper permits, city license or even a CUP. (O.K. I added the last word…). Mr.
Jim Quiggle, local resident-businessman, Economic Development Corporation
Veteran and Vice President, (Tonight a Mediator) made a simple but apparently
perfect suggestion to both sides of the debate: Give the studios a CUP that
would be sort of ongoing so they don’t have to suffer time delays in the
future. I believe this was the only positive suggestion coming from the floor
or the podium for that matter. Numerous angry citizens used the 3 minutes
available to address the council, by voicing their support to the Michaels and
their intricate situation, or by blaming the city manager and the council for
the lack of interest in existing and new businesses.
The council congratulated an absent
Mr. Sprague for deserving the Kern County Business of the Year Award and Mr. Ed
Fuller, who retired tonight from the Planning Commission, received a plaque and
an accolade from Mayor Evans. The mayor also appointed citizen Emily Sparks to
the Beautification Committee. Southern California Edison gave a presentation on
how they will help the war against Graffiti in our city.
Quote of the Evening:"California City-The Land Of Opportunity, until you (the council) runs us off!" by Gail Michael
Letter from Kern County Board of Trade/Film Commission
|
|
| |
 |
|
| |
August 20, 2007 |
|
| |
Hacienda Elementary...Now A Reality! |
|
| |
Story by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
Saturday, August 18th, 2007 is a date to remember in our California City school system. Hacienda Elementary inaugurated their new facility by a flag raising ceremony and an open house, so parents and the general public could see how far tax dollars can go, when The Mojave Unified School District applies its resources to the betterment of our educational programs and facilities. The event attracted quite a crowd and of course the children, who will use the new school were there to meet their teachers and look at the new improved classrooms.
6th Grader Hannah Kidwell amazed everyone with her beautiful rendition of our national anthem during the flag raising followed by a welcome speech from Mojave Unified School District Superintendant, Mr. Larry Phelps, who thanked all the people involved in the accomplishment of the project, who against all odds met the deadline without a hitch. He also welcomed the parents and students to refreshments in the new cafeteria. Mr. Phelps made a point of noting that without the support from the population, when it is time to vote and voice their opinion, these accomplishments would not be possible. He also reminded people that September 18, 2007 MEASURE “E” needs a YES vote to extend the current Bond for 9 more years, thus providing funds to finish and improve Hacienda Elementary and California City High School as projected in the original concept.
California City Optimist Club, who envision many after curriculum student activities and the (soon to be introduced) Junior Optimist Octagon International (JOOI) program, participated by supplying a giant canopy to protect from the sun in the center courtyard. The tables and benches were borrowed from the parks and recreation maintenance department until the new ones arrive, thanks to the courtesy of Chuck Flores. California City Schools… A need, a concept, a community project… finally!!!
|
|
| |
August 18, 2007 |
|
| |
A Hamburger Tuesday For A Permit Today |
|
| |
Story & Photos by Jean Paul Leblanc |
|
| |
 Finally, Michael and Kathy Sellar are ready to open the doors of one of the most popular diners of the last decade. According to the Sellars, after they made minor corrections, the city is almost ready to give the final approval and a permit necessary to operate. Which according to Michael, should happen in a few days.
A few people were recently invited to a pre-taste dinner. We have good restaurants in this town, but none of them have burgers and hot dogs as delicious as Wimpy's. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
August 17, 2007 |
|
| |
Traffic Collision Ejects Two |
|
| |
Story by Lt Steve Colerick |
|
| |
A Richmond women was driving east bound Highway 58, yesterday morning, when she abruptly veered of the roadway rolling her vehicle several times, 5 miles west of South California City Blvd. According to a witness, Angelica Nardo, 31 years, passed an eighteen wheeler at about 70 MPH, then swerved across both freeway lanes before leaving the roadway in the “Nine Mile” area of SR 58. Nardo and her passenger, Richard Debie, 52 years, and also of Richmond, were both ejected from the vehicle during its multiple roll-overs. Two medivac helicopters and fire personnel from Mojave and California City responded to the collision. Both occupants were airlifted to Kern Medical Center where they are listed in unstable condition at time of this report. Cal City Police Detective Hightower attributed the ejections to the occupants not wearing seat belts. Investigation continuing to the cause of why Nardo veered off the roadway. |
|
| |
August 17, 2007 |
|
| |
Local Voice Billie Jo To Record Demo For "America's Got Talent" |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
Billie Jo, nicknamed Cherokee Gramma, will be at the Old
Cal City Coffee House Co during Friday Night Open Mic to record a demo song or two
that she will send to the popular TV show “America’s Got Talent”. Billie Jo
sang a few weeks ago at the Coffee House and even without accompaniment music, silenced the
crowd with her wonderful voice and was rewarded with a standing ovation. This
has never happened at the Friday Night Open Mic after the first song of a performer.
CaliforniaCity.com and Old Cal City Coffee House Co wish you the best of luck.
"GO GET THEM GIRL!" |
|
| |
Story & Photo by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
August 16, 2007 |
|
| |
Sprague And Sons Construction Received "Business Of The Year" Award |
|
| |
Story & Photos by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
Sprague...Jay Sprague!
A name to recognize to say the least… Assemblyman Bill Maze seems to agree with this statement, since him and his assistant Mark McCollum delivered personally an award to Mr. Sprague of Sprague and Sons Construction, for BUSINESS OF THE YEAR IN KERN COUNTY.
The ceremony occurred at the Sprague Building, California City EDC, 8001 California City Blvd, where numerous dignitaries and citizens came to congratulate Jay and Sylvia Sprague along with members of the family: Uncle Harry and his son Eric, in attendance. Is it a coincidence that the award ceremony was in the very same building that Jay dreamed of and helped in organizing to be built in a weekend? As a businessman, Jay has belonged to many organizations, today he is still 2nd Vice-President of the EDC.
After 43 years (in January) of living in California City, the Sprague's have not only built homes, but they also built a reputation of honest, dedicated, and hard working model citizens. Jay has said many times that the respect of the community is the best reward for hard work and integrity. "Treat people like you would like to be treated" should be (and maybe it is) his motto.
It was a pleasure to see Mayor Evans and his wife Toni, Councilman Edmiston, Rev Dr. Ron Sparks, City Manager Bill Way, Warden DeRosa and assistant Kathy Pluta, and Pat Gorden from the East Kern Historical Museum Society at the awards. Many friends and citizens also attended the event.
CONGRATULATIONS Mr. Sprague…Jay Sprague!
|
|
| |
More Photos |
|
| |
August 16, 2007 |
|
| |
Mojave Unified School District Special Election - September 18 |
|
| |
The Committee for California City Schools & the Committee for Measure E mailed a flyer last week to voters. This flyer has endorsements listed for the Measure. You can also add your endorsement for support by mailing the postcard. There are 2 pictures of the new California City High School. One shows what it looks like now, and the other picture of what it can be when finished. The election will be held on Tuesday, September 18. Measure E will extend the current tax rate for schools for additional 9 years. Your vote counts! Flyer Example |
|
| |
|
|
| |
August 15, 2007 |
|
| |
City Manager Attempts To Silence California City Studios |
|
| |
Story by Gail Michael |
|
| |
On August 14, 2007, the City Manager of California City made a feverish attempt to silence a film studio in California City. He did not make his agenda clear. Why, when runaway production is at an all time high, and Disney Studios is out-sourcing Mickey Mouse to India, would Mr. William Way, City Manager of California City, want to silence any film production in California. This is outrageous.
California City Studios, Inc. fought back inviting the Kern County Film Commissioner and the Commissioner of Board of Trade to help explain to the Planning Commissioners of California City that California City Studios is a recognized film studio, not only with the Kern County Film Commission, but also with the California Film Commission as well. William Way not being impressed, slushed off this comment.
In a scene straight out of a Hollywood movie, the audience responded with great support for the fledgling studio and even erupted in applause, when the four commissioner panel sided with the studio. There was a lot of support for the studio. There was even testimony from a former United States Marine Corp Gunnery Sargeant that flew over Korea and Vietnam and during those conflicts was filming the movement of troops in reconnaissance missions, and later became involved in civilian film production.
The concensus was that the people there that night from California City want filming to stay in California City and the Kern county area.
For more information on this story, please contact Gail Michael At Fremont Valley Museum and Center for the Art, Inc. e-mail gail@fvmca.com or call the office at
760-373-4966 or fax 760-373-8565. |
|
| |
August 15, 2007 |
|
| |
Film Commission Comes To The Rescue |
|
| |
Story by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
Last night, the Planning Commission meeting received a surprise visit from Mr Rick Davis, executive director of the Kern County Board of Trade Film Commission.
At the request of California City Studios, owned and operated by Russell and Gail Michael, Mr. Davis attended the meeting to explain the position of the Film Commission regarding a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) for a movie studio. When the movie industry spends a lot of money on locations, they cannot wait a long period of time to have a set built or wait for a permit to be issued. The average time frame betwen choosing the location and start filming is usually just a few days.
Mr. Davis also mentioned that movied filmed in Kern County are an important source of revenue for local businesses and generate a follow up from the movie industry that is only beneficial for everyone concerned. As an example, the movie "Oceans 13" filmed 5 days in Rosamond, recently, and created approximately $80,000 in local revenues.
Mr. and Mrs. Michael stated why they should be exempt of that extra permit, and also explained that their 1996 and 2002 agreements have not been contested during the building of previous sets. They explained that the set (in this case, a copy of a motorcycle race track) would be used only for filming and would not be available to the general public. When this kind of movie is not popular anymore, the set would be modified or rebuilt into something else more appropriate to the next movie craze.
Concerned citizens voiced their opinions also, and even stated that the city should try to help and encourage local profitable businesses instead of giving them a hard time without a reason or for unknown reasons.
The Planning Commisssion voted unanimously (except one absentee) that the CUP would not be necessary, disregarding the City Manager's arguments. Mr. Bill Way respectfully disagreed with the Commission's decision. |
|
| |
August 13, 2007 |
|
| |
Jay Sprague Receives "Business Of The Year" Award |
|
| |
On Wednesday, August 15th, Assemblyman Bill Maze will present a "Business Of The Year" award to Jay Sprague. The ceremony will be at 10:30am at the Sprague Building, corner of Neuralia Rd and CCB. Congratulations to Jay! |
|
| |
August 13, 2007 |
|
| |
NASA's Teacher In Space |
|
| |
Story by Phil Cowan/Photos Courtesy of NASA |
|
| |
August 5, 2007 |
|
| |
False Alarms Are Better Than The Real Thing |
|
| |
Story & Photo By Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
A little after 8 pm tonight, employees and patrons of the Pizza Factory noticed a strange smell and alerted the Fire Department, who promptly showed up to investigate in full gear and ready for anything. Thankfully, it was a false alarm. But it feels great to know that the Fire Department can react so fast, and so professionally to any situation. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
August 4, 2007 |
|
| |
An Unknown Artist |
|
| |
Story & Photos by Jean Paul LeBlanc |
|
| |
When you think unknown artist, you immediately think: Why is he (she) not known yet? Most of the "incognitos", do not seek publicity. Most of them create their art for their own pleasure first. But one day after numerous comments about how good and special their work is, they prudently decide to show some of their stuff and even sell it.
Paul Owen of California City is no exception. Recently, Paul decided to show and sell metal sculptures that he first built as a hobby, and now as a possible second career. He creates on a giant scale: pendulums, wind chimes, bird nests, and other unusual sculptures. All this is made of heavy metal and a lot of welding and engineering is involved. Paul is starting to attend art shows and is probably one of the rare participants who needs a trailer and carries his own port-a-potty for the fun of it! Paul can be reached at 760-373-4403. |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
August 1, 2007 |
|
| |
California City Man Arrested For Child Molestation |
|
| |
Story by Lt Steve Colerick, California City Police Department |
|
| |
A California City resident was arrested for 12 felony charges, after a search warrant was executed at his home in the 7700 block of Walpole Avenue in California City, yesterday afternoon. Leslie Raymond Allen, 50 years old, was arrested by investigators after the Special Enforcement Team (S.E.T.) served the search warrant without incident.
Investigators discovered numerous computer files depicting unlawful sexual acts with minors. Investigators had previously developed enough information that led to the search warrant, after receiving details of Allens' child exploitive actions from a citizen informant.
Allen was booked into County Jail on the numerous felony charges. His arraignment is pending in Mojave Court. |
|
| |
August 1, 2007 |
|
| |
Motor Home Fire Brings In The Mojave Fire Department |
|
| |
Photos By Steve & Jennifer Wood |
|
| |
On Tuesday, July 31, a motor home caught fire on the property at 20701 California City Blvd. The California City Fire Department responded within one minute with all their might, but requested the Mojave Fire Department respond with one of their engines. Mojave Fire Department was on scene within 18 minutes. The fire was extinguished and Southern California Edison was called to the scene to repair the broken power lines that were heard cracklin' and poppin' caused by the arcing during the fire. The fire is under further investigation. (See More Photos) |
|
| |
 |
|
| |
 |
|
|
