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| December 8, 2010 - Bags4kids Entered In Contest For $100,000 |
| One of our local charitys, Bags4kids, has entered The Life Improvement Project sponsored by Ikea. $100,000 will be given to the winner. As it stands now, Bags4kids is in the top 5. Winning will benefit Bags4kids, the children here and in the surrounding area. Let's put California City on the map along with helping our children. Please go to The Life Improvement Project website and vote for Bags4kids. |
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| November 22, 2010 - Tickets On Sale Now |
| The California City 45th Anniversary Committee officially started selling tickets for the December 11th dinner/dance. SATURDAY, DECEMBER 11, 2010 at 6:00PM in the STRATA SPORTS CENTER , 10441 HEATHER AVE.(Central Park) $40.00 PER COUPLE includes dinner for two, commemorative DVD, Puzzle and two event engraved wine glasses $30.00 PER PERSON includes dinner for one, commemorative DVD, Puzzle and one event engraved wine glass Festivities will include Live Music and Cash-Bar. "Dinner only" will be $ 10.00 at the door. Long time resident and pioneer Ted Sutherland is shown buying from Mary Ann LeBlanc (Economic Development Corporation) the first ticket sold for the dinner/dance. Tickets are on sale at the Sprague (Chamber/EDC) Building at 8001 California City Blvd. (760-977-8064 for info) |
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| November 5, 2010 - Police Arrest Suspect In Cactus Minimart Robbery |
The California City Police Department arrested a robbery suspect who held up a liquor store in California City on Friday afternoon. Officers responded to the “Cactus Mini-Market” located in the 7000 block of California City Blvd at 2:00 PM after receiving calls of a masked gunman seen inside the store. Several customers were inside the store, when the gunman entered and ordered the cashier to open a cash register. The Police Department received cell phone calls from customers inside the store reporting the ongoing robbery. The gunman took an undisclosed amount of cash, then ran out the store and into an awaiting getaway vehicle. The vehicle sped away and fled into a nearby neighborhood. Police contacted several people in the nearby neighborhoods who were able to give detailed descriptions of the vehicle as it sped by their homes. With the help of several witnesses, police located the getaway vehicle approximately 3 miles away where it was parked in the 8700 block of Eucalyptus Ave.
Officers contacted a subject outside the home where the vehicle was parked. Officers arrested 22 year-old Jack Jeffus of California City after witnesses identified him as the gunman in the robbery. Police, armed with a search warrant, were able to recover the handgun and mask used in the robbery inside Jeffus’ home. Jeffus was booked into the Kern County jail where he is being held in lieu of $50,000 bail.The Police Department commends several witnesses who were willing to come forward and speak to police, which led to the quick apprehension of Jeffus. |
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| Jack Jeffus being led away by Police after being arrested at his home for armed robbery |
| Press Release by Lt Eric Hurtado |
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| October 18, 2010 - CCPD Arrest ATM Thieves |
| Early last Saturday morning, an alert California City resident noticed suspicious activity at the ATM for AltaOne FCU on California City Blvd. The citizen immediately flagged down a passing patrol car. Officers were told by the resident that two men at the credit union were acting suspiciously and kept going back and forth from the ATM to their vehicle that was parked in the credit union’s parking lot. Officers later found the suspect vehicle, leaving the city after having learned the ATM had been physically tampered with. Upon inspection of the ATM, it was discovered a device had been installed to the ATM’s card skimming module for future capture of bank information. Arrested were Sam Yesayan, 39 years, of Panorama City and Dan Contantinescu, 30 years, of Van Nuys for multiple fraud crimes. Two search warrants were written and executed at the homes of the two suspects. Evidence seized at these locations revealed the suspects are part of an ethnic based crime group. Allied agencies, local and federal, were notified of the evidence. It appears that the fraud at AltaOne was contained to just one victim due to the alert citizen and law enforcement intervention. Any questions or concerns by AltaOne FCU customers about their account integrity should be made to the financial institution itself. Yesayan and Contantinescu were booked into County Jail with arraignments in Superior Court pending. |
| Press Release by Police Chief Steve Colerick |
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| October 9, 2010 - California City Dedicates Scout Island |
| It was a fantastic day at Central Park with the dedication of the new Scout Island by our Scout Troops and groundbreaking for Inspiration Walk, an 1/8 mile walking track for our seniors, and dedication of our flagpole relocated from the Community Center. |
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Boy Scouts posting the colors at Scout Island |
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Groundbreaking for Inspiration Walk, an 1/8 mile walking path for our seniors. In picture are Mayor Adams, Ted and Dee Sutherland, City Manager Tom Weil and Police Chief Colerick.
Photos by Jean paul LeBlanc |
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| October 2, 2010 - California City Police K9 Dies |
| We regret to announce the passing of our Police K9, Rondo. End of Watch: October 2, 2010. And to his handler Officer Jack Craig, never a loyal friend and partner to the very end, than he. |
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| September 18, 2010 - California City Man Arrested For Airman's Murder |
| At 5:30pm late this afternoon, police officers from the California City Police Department responded to the 8900 block of Walpole Avenue to a report of a gunshot victim, and that the suspect had fled the area in a vehicle. Officers found Brian Carragher, 29 years, bleeding severely in the street. He was med-e vac by Mercy Air to Antelope Valley Hospital, where he was pronounced deceased. Carragher was active duty Air Force stationed at Edwards AFB. Information was soon developed that the suspect’s vehicle was located at a residence in the 20300 block of 87th Street. Officers responded to the area and found Timothy Atkins, 26 years, of California City. He was arrested without incident. The murder weapon, a 9mm semi-auto, was recovered. Motive for the shooting is still under investigation. This is the fourth homicide in California City, in the past ten months. Press release by Chief of Police Steve Colerick. |
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| September 9, 2010 - Jamesha Terry’s Murderer Sentenced To Life |
| Phillip Ellison was found guilty today in Bakersfield Superior Court of the 2007 murder of 14 year old Jamesha Terry. The Kern County jury agreed with the Deputy District Attorney Mellissa Allen’s prosecution of charges against Ellison for first degree murder with special circumstances during the commission of rape, and attempted rape. Ellison faces a formal sentence of life in prison without the possibility of parole. The jury deliberations lasted two days. Press Release by Chief of Police Steve Colerick. |
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| August 30, 2010 - Some Prayers Needed For Our Firefighters |
| This is a letter from Captain Marcus Martinov, California City Fire Department, See Letter |
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| August 14, 2010 - A Published LA Times Story About "A Desert City That Didn't Fan Out" |
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| August 4, 2010 - A Water Main Break In Town |
| Here is a recent water main break in the city recorded for your viewing. |
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| May 26, 2010 - Desert Rose Garden Club Awards Winners Of Spring Garden Tour |
The Desert Rose Garden Club awarded prizes to the winners of the Spring Garden Tour. The first place winner is Alexia Svejda, who won a gift certificate to Ace Hardware. Second place winner, Betty Platero, won a gift certificate to La Conquista Mexican & Seafood Restaurant, and the third place winners are Don and Susan Flakes with a container cactus garden. All prizes were courtesy of the Desert Rose Garden Club. Congratulations to the winners, and a thank you to the California City Parks Commission for doing the judging. The Desert Rose Garden Club, as part of a public awareness project, sponsors The Spring Garden Tour annually to promote pride in living in California City and in gardening.
We wish to thank all those whose gardens were on public display for this Tour.
The DRGC is a non-profit organization, and a member of National Council of State Garden Clubs, Inc., The Pacific Region California Garden Clubs, Inc., and The Desert Empire District. We are dedicated to promoting an interest in gardening, to cooperate with other organizations in the beautification of California City, and to encourage conservation practices.
We meet the Second & Fourth Tuesday at 1 PM in Chuck’s Pizza meeting room, 1701 California City Blvd., California City and we welcome all who care to join us. |
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Back Row-Karen Sanders, Helen Dennis
Front Row-Cecile Campbell, Don and Susan Flakes, Alexia Svejda
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| May 14, 2010 - Tiny Tee Ball League Meets With Lancaster Jet Hawks |
| California City Parks & Recreation Tiny Tee Ball League recently enjoyed a night out in Lancaster at the Jet Hawks Stadium . The children enjoyed being a "Dug Out " team where they were invited to visit with the players, get autographs, and take the field with the Jet Hawk players for our National Anthem. The evening was concluded with "Friday Night Fireworks." Photo and story by Brenda Daverin |
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| May 7, 2010 - California City Census Update |
As of May 7, 2010, 73% of California City residents have returned their US Census packets back to the US Census Bureau. The percentage is slightly higher than the US average of 72% for returns. Official US Census takers will be visiting households who have not returned their US Census packets. The deadline to return your census packets was April 16th. Those who returned their packets after the deadline, may still receive a visit from census takers.
US Census takers will have official picture identification on them. No personal information, such as social security numbers, will be asked for by the census takers. If you question the authenticity of anyone showing up at your home, you can call your local law enforcement agency, California City Police Department (760) 373-8606. |
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| May 4, 2010 - City Manager & Mayor Presents Proclamations To Our Heroes |
| Our City Manager, Tom Weil and Mayor Larry Adams presented several proclamations to members of our local Police and Fire Department for their heroic efforts; saving one of California City’s youngest residents….you guys are awesome! |
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| From left to right; Reserve Firefighter Brandon White, Firefighter/Paramedic David Orr, Engineer/Paramedic Robert Marx, Captain Marcus Martinov (Fire Department) Mayor Larry Adams, and Police Lieutenant Eric Hurtado….great job guys…we are proud to have such a great Police and Fire Department! |
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| May 4, 2010 - Chief Bob Paris Accepts Grant |
| Also on May 4th, 2010 at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting, Division Chief Bob Paris accepts a grant in the amount of $5,739. The funds were granted to our local California City Fire Department from United Agencies to purchase much needed life saving equipment….great job guys! |
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| From left to right, Division Chief Bob Paris, Joe Gieson, VP United Agencies, Mayor Larry Adams. |
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| May 4, 2010 - Citizens Presented With Plaques |
| Bea Fairchild, Exiting Housing Board Member was presented with a plaque, along with the three exiting Planning Commissioners, on May 4th, 2010. |
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| Exiting Planning Commissioners, from left to right: Diana Ballestero, Al Greer and Andrew Piuma, also pictured Mayor Larry Adams (third from left) |
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| May 4, 2010 - New Planning Commissioners Sworn In |
| The City of California City welcomed into the Planning Commission, three new members on May 4th, 2010, the City Clerk, Denise Hilliker swore the new members in at the regularly scheduled Council Meeting. Our new Planning Commissioners are, from left to right: Rick Warren, Pastor Samuel A. L. Pope, Sr. & Don Trumble. Also pictured are: Mayor Larry Adams (Right) and City Clerk Denise Hilliker (Left)…The three new Planning Commissioners will take the seats of exiting Planning Commissioners; Al Greer, Andrew Piuma and Diana Ballestero. We wish the retired Planning Commissioners good luck with their future endeavors and are grateful for their time served on the Commission. |
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| April 16, 2010 - California City Census Update |
As of April 15th, only 64% of California City residents have returned their US CENSUS forms back to the CENSUS BUREAU. Those who have not sent in their packets by April 16th will be visited by US CENSUS takers in May. Only those who have not returned their US CENSUS packet will be visited.
The Census questionaires help allocate money to local schools, medical services, streets, and police services. Government funds in these areas are frequently allocated by the official population count according the the current US CENSUS. The funding for the next 10 years will be based on the 2010 US Census.
The US Census returns in California City of 64% is lower than the national average to date of 70%. Homeowners, renters, and children are all counted in the US Census. |
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| March 8, 2010 - Senator Ashburn Admits He's Gay |
| Republican state Senator Roy Ashburn of Bakersfield says he is gay. The conservative lawmaker came out Monday on KERN radio in Bakersfield, saying he felt compelled to address rumors that he had visited a gay nightclub near the Capitol before his arrest last week on suspicion of driving under the influence. |
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| March 3, 2010 - Senator Ashburn Arrested For DUI |
| State Senator Roy Ashburn was arrested Wednesday morning on charges of driving under the influence in Sacramento County. Senator Ashburn was stopped by the California Highway Patrol next to the Capitol Building. He was released with a citation. |
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| March 3, 2010 - Joshua Leon Stars In Music Video At California City Studios |
California City Studios hosted a music video this past week for a film student from the New York Film Academy, a video featuring Afghanistan's own "Queen of Music". The title of the video is "Mastam Kharabam". What makes this video unique is the fact that our own student film maker Joshua Leon got the staring role as Akbar. Joshua was at the right place at the right time. This was a real Hollywood moment, when we found out the star backed out and our own Josh Leon was a perfect match. There was no need to recast. We had a student of California City Studios Film school ready and on hand to fill the job. This was a great opportunity for Joshua, who by all accounts filled the roll perfectly and won the praise of the producer, directors, and all the film crew on hand. Josh is the grandson of Air Force Lt. Colonel Bill Tucker, a long time resident of California City. Colonel Tucker sits on the board of directors for the California City Economic Development Corporation. Josh is from Fort Washington, Maryland just outside of Washington, DC. Josh moved here to be a part of California City Studios Film School.
California City Studios and Cerro Coso College have just entered into an agreement to create a partnership to run a film school out of California City Studios. "This partnership is great for our studio that has struggled the last 9 years to establish its self in this region. With the additional help from Cerro Coso, we'll be able to build a workforce that will be well trained in the film industry", said Gail Russell, CEO of California City Studios. |
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| February 9, 2010 - New OHV Trail Is A Cool Ride |
An email received by Police Chief Steve Colerick.
Thank You sooo much for letting us ride in your City of California City! The new trail into town is so cool, we can ride in and get lunch! I have been riding out there for 32 years and it's still a great place to ride. Thanks Again! Martin Gomez |
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| January 28, 2010 - Tiny Tots Classes Start At The Strata Sports Center |
| California City Parks & Recreation is offering a Tiny Tots class for ages 2 1/2-4 1/2 yrs old on Tuesdays & Thursdays in the Strata Sports Center. For more info, call Brenda Daverin, Park & Recreation Supervisor at (760) 373-3530 |
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Photo by Michelle Hornback |
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| January 28, 2010 - Basketball Clinic Starts At The Strata Sports Center |
California City Parks & Recreation Basketball Clinic
is held in the Strata Sports Center on Mondays & Wednesdays for more info call (760) 373-3530. |
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Photo by Brenda Daverin, Parks & Recreation Asst |
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