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>>Nonviolent Offenders Released From Inland Jails

(San Bernardino, CA)  --  Riverside and San Bernardino Counties began releasing nonviolent offenders from jail this week, to comply with a new state law.  Inmates who qualify for extra work and behavior credits can serve roughly half of their jail sentences, rather than the usual two-thirds, according to the "Press Enterprise."  The plan is aimed at reducing overcrowding in California prisons.  San Bernardino County public defender Doreen Boxer says, quote, "It's not costing the taxpayer to keep nonviolent, small-time violators in prison."  To be considered for the program, inmates must be first-time offenders, and must not be required to register as a sex offender or arsonist.  More inmates will be freed in the coming weeks.

>>Riverside County Will Likely Lose Hundreds of Jobs

(Riverside, CA)  --  Riverside County's Executive Officer Bill Luna says that as revenue from property taxes shrinks, hundreds of job cuts will be necessary to close a 71-million-dollar shortfall.  At a budget workshop Tuesday, Luna told the Board of Supervisors that the county's principal revenue stream will be down five, rather than three-percent.  That's 20-million-dollars less than previously thought.  The Board approved an early retirement package that would encourage employees aged 50 and over to retire within six-months, despite objections that the deal was a "golden handshake."   Supervisors will begin defining specific cuts at the midyear budget meeting February 9th.

>>Deputy Charged With Assault Brings Gun To Court

(San Bernardino, CA) --  A San Bernardino County sheriff's deputy facing assault charges will be arraigned February 9th for bringing a weapon to court.   Richard Heverly is charged with making criminal threats, assault with a semiautomatic firearm, assault by a public officer, and false imprisonment, for an incident in 2008.   The deputy allegedly held a gun to a tow truck driver's head, as the driver tried to assist a big rig which had caught fire on Interstate 10 near Indio.   Heverly appeared in court January 19th in connection to those charges and brought along his weapon, which is against state law.   Heverly now faces additional charges for possessing a firearm in a state building.

>>Moreno Valley Singer Makes Hollywood on "Idol"

(Moreno Valley, CA)  --  Singer Andrew Garcia from Moreno Valley is headed to Hollywood, on "American Idol."  Judges passed Garcia through to the Hollywood round after his audition Tuesday, where he sang Maroon 5's "Sunday Morning."  Judge Simon Cowell praised Garcia as the only person who came in that day who was quote "a really, really good singer," according to the "Press Enterprise."  Inland fans of the show can cheer one of their own on the upcoming "Hollywood Week" episodes of the singing competition.

>>Jobs Cuts In Riverside Expected

(Riverside, CA)  --  Riverside County's Executive Officer Bill Luna says that as revenue from property taxes shrinks, hundreds of job cuts will be necessary to close a 71-million-dollar shortfall.  At a budget workshop Tuesday, Luna told the board of Supervisors that the county's principal revenue stream will be down five, rather than three-percent.  That's 20-million dollars less than previously thought.  The supervisors approved an early retirement package that would encourage employees aged 50 and over to retire within six months, over objections by Bob Stone, who called the deal a "golden handshake."   Supervisors will begin defining specific cuts at the midyear budget meeting February 9th.

>>Riverside County Turf And Drug War Interrupted

(Riverside, CA)  --  Fifty people, 28 guns and two pet rattlesnakes were rounded up by federal, state and local law enforcement officials in Riverside Wednesday.  The sweep was called Operation Promise, aiming to crackdown on rival street gangs who have been waging a bloody turf war for years.  A total of 650 law enforcement personnel served warrants on the homes of about 100 suspected gang members.  Riverside County District Attorney Rod Pacheco announced the arrests at a news briefing, saying the targets of the operation were the top dogs in the rival Eastside Riva and 1200 Blocc Crips gangs.  Pacheco said the gangs are responsible for many injuries and deaths and that they both deal in narcotics.  The U.S. Attorney's Office says the Eastside Riva's drug trade is largely managed by the Mexican Mafia from behind prison walls.

>>Killing Spurs Reevaluation

(San Bernardino, CA)  --  San Bernardino County officials will decide whether to continue running a state program for mentally ill offenders after one patient reportedly killed another in an Upland home earlier this month.  The county is also seeking changes in state law that would allow it to notify police of locations where such patients are housed.  It is prohibited from doing so now because of patient privacy laws.  According to Upland police, a 33-year-old man was found dead with multiple wounds on January 8th.  The victim, Chava Venegas Barrasa, was one of seven patients living in the house.  Another resident, Javier Robinson, is the main suspect in the killing.  He has been missing since the attack.  Upland Mayor John Pomierski said he's upset that the city was never notified, despite the fact that four county agencies knew of the patients in the house located just a block from an elementary school.

>>Temecula Council Chastises Company For Slow Pace Of Building

(Temecula, CA)  --  The Temecula City Council has chastised Southwest Healthcare System while granting a request for an extension in breaking ground for a new hospital.  Besides denying vitally needed beds for local patients, officials worry Southwest's slow pace could scare off other hospital developers, who want to know with certainty what Southwest's plans are.  Councilman Mike Naggar said three other developers have expressed interest in coming to Temecula.  If Southwest doesn't proceed, he said, quote, "Good riddance and I welcome the next hospital company. We'll get it done."  Council members also rebuked Southwest for not sending anyone to the meeting.

>>Four Separate Violations Of Regulations For Patient Safety

(Riverside, CA)  --  A Riverside County hospital was slapped with fines totaling 100-thousand dollars for failing to comply with regulations tied to patient safety.  The California Department of Public Health has announced that John F. Kennedy Memorial Hospital in Indio received four citations for violations that occurred in 2008.  The assessment for each penalty was 25-thousand dollars.  The hospital was fined for two separate incidents of failing to follow the correct procedures for administering medications, insuring nurse competency and proper patient monitoring.

>>UC Riverside Symposium Will Highlight New Financing Assistance

(Riverside, CA)  --  UC Riverside will host a symposium next month spotlighting how cities and counties can help property owners finance the installation of solar panels.  The February 9th forum will include talks by electrical contractors, utility company representatives and government officials, who will explain a renewable energy measure passed by the Legislature and signed into law by the governor in 2008.  Under the law, local governments can arrange up-front financing to allow property owners to pay for the installation of solar panels or make other improvements related to energy efficiency.  The loans may be paid back over a period of years through annual assessments on a property owner's property tax bills.

>>Trial For Brothers Accused Of Murder Set To Begin Next Week

(Riverside, CA) -- The trial against two brothers who are accused of shooting a man to death at a party last June is expected to begin next week after the jury is selected. According to the Riverside County District Attorney's office, 23-year-old Juan Jose Casillas and 21-year-old Daniel Casillas allegedly shot Chas Lee O'Grady to death at a party on the 13-thousand-block of Helmsdale Avenue. TheCasillas brothers are accused of allegedly starting a fight in the front yard of the home at about 1 a.m.. The fight spilled onto the street when the Casillas brothers, both allegedly armed, opened fire on O'Grady. He died a short time later at a local hospital.

>>Boys Battle Menifee Fire With Garden Hose

(Menifee, CA) -- Two boys who were home alone in Menifee used a garden hose Thursday morning to battle a fire that started in a shed and spread to their house on Melitta Road. Dan Vanderhule told officials he saw the smoke from the blaze while he was at a gas station a half-mile away. He drove to the home and saw the two boys, ages 8 and 14, using the hose to fight the flames. Venderhule called the fire department and he and other neighbors fought the blaze until firefighters arrived, saving the home from major damage. The fire destroyed the shed and a fence, and scorched part of the home's exterior deck. The cause of the fire was not released.

>>Search Underway For Gunman Who Shot Two Men In Palm Springs

(Palm Springs, CA) -- Palm Springs police are searching for a heavy-set gunman who shot two men in broad daylight in Palm Springs Tuesday afternoon, and they're asking the public for help finding him. The shooting occurred near Ramon and Vella Roads about 3 p.m. Witnesses told police the gunman stepped out of a dark colored Lincoln Towne Car and opened fire on a white Cadillac, wounding the driver and a passenger. Both cars were apparently stopped at a traffic light when the shooting took place. The gunman is described as a Latino man with a shaved head, about five-feet-eight-inches tall. The license plate number on the Lincoln Towne Car is 5MMG973. Anyone who sees that vehicle is urged to call Palm Springs police.

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>>Fontana Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Molestations

(Fontana, CA) -- A Fontana teacher pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegations that he inappropriately touched tow young girls at the elementary school where he taught. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports that 43-year-old Clark Mahoney entered his plea at Fontana Superior Court. The Loma Linda man is charged with two counts of lewd acts with a child and two counts of molesting a child. The girls, ages 9 and 10, made the allegations against Mahoney Monday. He has been a teacher at Date Elementary School for more than a decade a,d currently teaches fourth grade. Mahoney is jailed at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

>>Riverside DUI Mobilization Results In 629 Arrests

(Riverside, CA) -- The final numbers are in on the 2009 Winter Holiday DUI Mobilization crackdown by Riverside city, county and state law enforcement. Sobriety checkpoints, special saturation patrols and routine patrols resulted in 629 arrested for driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs, up from 524 from last year. There were no DUI related deaths reported in Riverside county during the AVOID program from December eighteenth through January third.

>>Home Invasion Suspect Arrested In Hemet

(San Jacinto, CA) -- Inland Empire authorities have arrested a 22-year-old Hemet man who's suspected of breaking into a home New Year's Day and attacking an elderly woman. Victor Hernandez was arrested Thursday by the Inland Regional Apprehension Team after eluding authorities for nearly a week. He's accused of breaking a window to commit a burglary in the 13-hundred block of Beringer Drive Friday morning and injuring the 87-year-old woman. She's hospitalized in stable condition. Riverside County Sheriff's Sergeant Dennis Gutierrez said Hernandez was being booked on suspicion of attempted murder, robbery, burglary and probation violation.

>>Two Mountain Lions Killed In Inland Empire

(Yucaipa, CA) -- Hungry mountains lions are keeping residents in rural areas of the Inland Empire on alert, and San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies shot and killed two of the big cats Wednesday. In one case, a homeowner in Yucaipa called for help around 11:40 a.m. after spotting a young mountain lion in the backyard. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports the mountain lion was believed to have eaten several small pets in that 17th Street neighborhood recently. The other mountain lion was first spotted Tuesday near Fifth and F streets in Trona. It is also believed to have eaten at least one pet and residents were concerned it might attack a child. A resident called deputies Wednesday morning to report a cougar was lounging on her porch. When officials responded, the big cat was still there, so they shot and killed it quote, "in the interest of public safety."

>>Hesperia Man Charged With Shooting At Deputies

(Hesperia, CA) -- A Hesperia man who opened fire on San Bernardino County sheriff's deputies responding to a 911 call Monday morning was charged Thursday with seven criminal counts. Thirty-eight-year-old Chad Vasquez was charged with five counts of attempted murder of a peace officer, one count of battery and one count of exhibiting a firearm. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports deputies were called to Vasquez's house on Live Oak Street by his father during a fight involving the two men. Vasquez allegedly started shooting at the deputies as soon as they arrived. The deputies returned fire, and Vasquez was shot in the hand. He was arrested after a foot chase and is scheduled to be arraigned this morning.

>>Fontana Teacher Pleads Not Guilty To Molestations

(Fontana, CA) -- A Fontana teacher pleaded not guilty Thursday to allegations that he inappropriately touched two young girls at the elementary school where he taught. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports that 43-year-old Clark Mahoney entered his plea at Fontana Superior Court. The Loma Linda man is charged with two counts of lewd acts with a child and two counts of molesting a child. The girls, ages nine and ten, made the allegations against Mahoney Monday. He has been a teacher at Date Elementary School for more than a decade and currently teaches fourth grade. Mahoney is jailed at West Valley Detention Center in Rancho Cucamonga.

>>Gas Prices Top Three-Dollars Throughout Southern California

(Los Angeles, CA) -- Gas prices are continuing to soar in Southern California and are now topping the three-dollars per gallon mark everywhere, including the Inland Empire. The Auto Club of Southern California reports the average price for self-serve regular in the Los Angeles area is now three-dollars-and-four-tenths of a cent, which is one-dollar-19-cents higher than last year. The average price in the Riverside-San Bernardino area is three-dollars-two-tenths of a cent, which is six cents more than last week. Auto Club spokeswoman Marie Montgomery said the higher pump prices are the result of higher crude oil prices.

>>Model From Inland Empire Found Dead In Miami

(Los Angeles, CA) -- The body of a 26-year-old former Playboy model who lived in Rancho Cucamonga was discovered in a trash bin in Miami on Sunday. The badly burned body of Paula Sladewski was identified by dental records. Florida authorities say Sladewski arrived in Miami with her boyfriend on New Years eve, and they were staying in a hotel. The boyfriend reported her missing on Monday, telling officials they got separated at a club over the weekend. The boyfriend reportedly is considered a person of interest in the case.

>>Suspected Drug Dealer Pleads Not Guilty In Deadly Shooting

(Indio, CA) -- Not guilty. That's the plea entered by a 19-year-old man suspected of shooting three others, killing one of them in a drug deal gone bad last month in Desert Hot Springs. Christian Andrew Kong faces murder and other felony charges from the December 19th incident. Nineteen-year-old Melvin Thomas Hall was shot and killed when Kong allegedly opened fire on a car carrying Hall and three other people, two of whom were also injured. Kong will be back in court February 5th.

>>Day Eight Of Jury Deliberations Today In Christmas Day Murder

(Riverside, CA) -- An eighth day of jury deliberations gets underway today in the case of a Riverside man accused of fatally shooting an 11-year-old boy on Christmas night 2005. Twenty-three-year old Martin Valdez is charged with first degree murder, attempted murder and assault with a deadly weapon in connection with the death of Max Miranda. Yesterday, the seven-woman, five-man jury asked for witness testimony to be read back and requested clarification on some circumstantial evidence before ending deliberations for the day. Valdez could face the death penalty if he's convicted on all counts. He's accused of shooting into the boy's home on Antioch Avenue, killing him as he stood outside his bedroom. His defense attorney said Valdez was intoxicated on the night of the shooting and is, quote, "very remorseful about what happened."

>>Suspected Cattle Rustler Arrested In Riverside County

(Cabazon, CA) -- Southern California is not considered prime cattle rustling territory, but law enforcement authorities have arrested a Cherry Valley man on suspicion of grand theft cattle. The Riverside County Sheriff's Department said 47-year-old Steven Seick was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of stealing five cows, one bull and three calves from the Morongo Band of Mission Indians and trying to sell them at an auction house in Ontario. Inspectors at the Euclid Stockyard recognized the breed of cattle that belongs to the tribe and notified authorities. Seick was released on five-thousand dollars bail and is tentatively set to be arraigned February second. A juvenile was also detained in the case and later released to his parents.

>>Palm Springs To Get New Animal Shelter

(Palm Springs, CA) -- The Palm Springs City Council has approved plans for a new animal shelter which would be about three times the size of the current shelter. The proposed 20-thousand-730-square-foot shelter would ease overcrowding that plagues the current 50 year old facility. The new animal shelter would be located on the corner of Vella Road and Mesquite Avenue and have 65 walk-in kennels for dogs, compared to 23 at the existing facility. It'll also give cats more space and an open area to exercise, as well as provide an area for the animals to interact with families who want to adopt a pet. City spokeswoman Amy Blasidell said the shelter is expected to be complete as soon as spring 2011. It's estimated to cost seven-point-two million dollars and much of that money has already been set aside or raised.

>>Relatives Of Burning Victims Seek Money For Burial

(Palm Springs, CA) -- While the tragic fire that killed a woman and three of her four children and her boyfriend in Palm Springs continues to be investigated, relatives of the victims were trying to raise money for their burials. Thirty-year-old Rosa Silva, her two daughters, eleven-year-old Pamela, six-year-old Selena and her seven-year-old son Sergio were found dead in the charred remains of their mobile home in the Whitewater area New Years Day. A 32-year-old man, believed to be Rosa's boyfriend was also killed but has not been positively identified by coroners yet. The "Press-Enterprise" reports 13-year-old Ciria Silva was staying overnight at a friend's house when the deadly fire started and is now staying with relatives at the mobile home park. Autopsies are scheduled to be performed on Monday.

>>Brush Fire Briefly Closes 60 Freeway

(Moreno Valley, CA) -- A small brush fire in the hills known as the Badlands between Moreno Valley and Beaumont briefly closed the 60 Freeway Sunday. The fire broke out about 130 p.m. near the summit of the winding hillside stretch of the 60 freeway causing the CHP to lead "round-robin" escorts of vehicles through heavy smoke. The fire itself was contained to about two-acres and was put out after about an hour, according to authorities. Heavy smoke continued however and the CHP reported several near collisions as traffic slowed through the area.

>>Fugitive From Georgia Caught In Inland Empire

(Highgrove, CA) -- Thirty-two-year-old Lionel Dacosta, who was wanted in Georgia on drug and weapons charges was arrested Sunday afternoon after running from police to avoid questioning. The suspect jumped several fences in an effort to escape. Jurupa Valley Sheriff's Deputies set up a perimeter and found Dacosta hiding in a shed. He was taken into custody without further incident.

>>Gas Prices On The Rise Again

(Riverside, CA) -- The average price of a gallon of self-serve regular gas rose in the Inland Empire again Sunday for the eleventh straight day. The price increased four-tenths of a cent to two-988 a gallon. The average price in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties is six-and-a-half cents more than a week ago and six-point-four cents more than last month, according to figures from the Triple-A and Oil Price Information Service. The average price is a-dollar-172 more than at this time last year.

>>Cal Poly Wins Rose Parade Award

(Pasadena, CA) -- A Rose Parade float entered by the two California Polytechnical University campuses has won the Viewers' Choice Award, for the second time in the two years that the award has been given out. The float, titled "Jungle Cuts," showed wild animals getting haircuts and makeovers from monkey barbers performing high above the tree tops. The Tournament of Roses Association says the Cal Poly float got more than 20-thousand votes out of some 50-thousand votes cast by people who watched the parade on TV. Volunteers from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo placed more than 15-thousand roses on the float.

>>Solar Firm To Hire One Thousand Skilled Laborers

(San Bernardino, CA) -- A labor agreement between solar electric plant builders and California labor unions will allow about one-thousand skilled workers from San Bernardino county to be recruited. According to "The Sun," The Bechtel Corporation and BrightSource Energy are involved in building the Ivanpah Solar Electricity Generating System in the Ivanpah dry lake bed east of Interstate 15 near the Nevada border. The 440-megawatt complex scheduled to be completed in 2012 will almost double the amount of the commercial solar electricity produced in the United States. The green energy complex will bring in an estimated 400-million dollars in state and local tax revenues over a 30-year period.

>>Loan Fraud Victims Sought By Law Enforcement In San Jacinto

(Riverside, CA) -- Riverside County Sheriff's Investigators have a phony loan scam suspect, but they need victims of the fraud to come forward to make an arrest stick. Investigators have named David Edwards, Sr. as a prime suspect in an alleged loan fraud scam that may have swept hundreds of thousands of dollars out of victim's bank accounts. Edwards, who ran DJ Strategic Business Solutions, Incorporated in Riverside, allegedly convinced victims to give him approximately 100-thousand dollars each to invest in the business, saying he was responsible for any business debts. Investigators say the alleged victims have had trouble contacting Edwards, who is seemingly avoiding them. Investigators are asking anyone who did business with Edwards to call the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

>>Holiday Crackdown On Drunk Drivers Gets Underway Tonight

(Riverside, CA) -- Beginning tonight, law enforcement agencies in Riverside County will be beefing up patrols to arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs as part of a two week holiday crackdown. The campaign is part of a "Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest" state wide crackdown that will coincide with the California Highway Patrol's maximum enforcement operations during the Christmas and New Year weekends. At that time, 80-percent of CHP officers will hit the streets on the look out for lawbreakers. Three people were killed in alcohol related crashes during the holiday period in Riverside County last year.

>>UC Riverside Plant Scientist Named In Top Ten Researchers

(Riverside, CA) -- Research by a young UC Riverside botanist has been named as one of the top ten breakthroughs of the year by "Science Magazine." According to the University of California at Riverside, Plant Scientist Sean Cutler conducted research that showed how a naturally produced plant stress hormone known as abscisic acid, helps plants survive drought conditions. The research shows the hormone inhibits plant growth, which has proven important in agricultural implications, particularly in areas that where water is a concern or in drought-stricken areas.

>>Hemet Teen Charged With Killing Friend

(Hemet, CA) -- Riverside County prosecutors have filed a murder charge against a 17-year-old boy who's been missing since the charred remains of his friend were found in a Hemet back yard fire pit. A two-million-dollar warrant has been issued for Jose Campos, who also faces a gun allegation. He disappeared the night after a bonfire was spotted at the home on Bluejay Way in November. Authorities are also searching for Campos' girlfriend, Felicia Sharp, who disappeared after being questioned and released. DNA evidence has confirmed the charred remains were of Adrian Rios. Investigators believe the teen was shot before his body was set on fire.

>>Small Plane Crash-Lands Near Corona Airport

(Corona, CA) -- A small plane crash-landed in a field Thursday afternoon shortly after taking off from the Corona Municipal Airport. The FAA says the single-engine Cessna 172 went down four miles west of the airport about 2:45 p.m. The pilot survived the crash, with only minor injuries. No one else was on board the plane. The FAA's Ian Gregor said the pilot reported engine trouble immediately after clearing the airport runway. Corona Deputy Fire Chief John Medina said the plane touched down alongside a dirt road and flipped over.

>>San Jacinto Man Violates Parole By Driving With Loaded Shotgun

(San Jacinto, CA) -- A 22-year-old has been arrested for a parole violation after he was pulled over for expired vehicle registration tags and allegedly having a loaded sawed off shotgun. Riverside County Sheriff's deputies pulled Anthony Vallejo over early Monday evening, for driving a car with expired registration tags. After deputies determined Vallejo was in violation of his parole, they allegedly found a 20-gauge shotgun in his waistband and ammunition in his pockets. Vallejo was arrested and charged with possessing and carrying a loaded firearm in a public place and possession of live ammunition with a prior conviction.

>>Holiday Crackdown On Drunk Drivers Gets Underway Tonight

(Riverside, CA) -- Beginning tonight, law enforcement agencies in Riverside County will be beefing up patrols to arrest drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs as part of a two week holiday crackdown. The campaign is part of a "Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest" state wide crackdown that will coincide with the California Highway Patrol's maximum enforcement operations during the Christmas and New Year weekends. At that time 80-percent of CHP officers will hit the streets on the look out for lawbreakers. Three people were killed in alcohol related crashes during the holiday period in Riverside County last year.

>>UC Riverside Faculty Members Named To Science Fellowships

(Riverside, CA) -- Eight University of California at Riverside science researchers were named fellows of the American Association for the Advancement of Science on Thursday. The new fellows will be presented with their certificate and a blue and gold rosette pin, representing science and engineering, at a ceremony at the annual AAAS meeting on February twentieth. The fellows are elected by their peers and now UCR has 180 AAAS Fellows.

>>New Rules For Medical Marijuana Cooperatives In Palm Springs

(Palm Springs, CA) -- The Palms Springs City Council directed its staff last night to modify proposed regulations for medical marijuana cooperatives, and that includes a ten-percent reduction in the space separating the cooperatives and churches and schools. City spokeswoman Amy Blaisdell said they're also planning to reduce the parking requirements. the revised proposal will be considered by the Planning Commission in early January. Palm Springs' medical marijuana ordinance was approved in March. It allows two nonprofit collectives in compliance with state law, to operate within one of the city's three industrial areas.

>>Name Release Of Truck Driver Shot And Killed In Ontario Hijacking Attempt

(Ontario, CA) -- Ontario Police have released the name of the man driving a big rig who was shot dead during an alleged hijacking attempt in Ontario Tuesday night. According to the San Bernardino County Coroner's Office, fifty-two year old Rafael Ochoa of Madera, California picked up two hitch hikers while driving onto the westbound San Bernardino freeway from the Milliken Avenue on ramp at about 11:30 Tuesday night. One of the suspects allegedly shot Ochoa in the chest. Ochoa did escape but later died of his wounds at Arrowhead Regional Hospital. The truck lost control and rolled down the on ramp embankment. The two suspects were later found and arrested.

>>Riverside County Opens Up Distribution Of H1N1 Flu Vaccine

(Riverside, CA) -- Starting Monday, all Riverside County residents will be able to get the H1N1 flu vaccine at ten county family health care centers. Riverside County public health officials are no longer limiting who can get the swine flu vaccine because vaccine shipments have continued to arrive. Previously, only high risk people including pregnant women, caregivers for infants, health care workers and young people six months to 24 years old were given access to the swine flu vaccine. Officials say nearly 24-hundred cases of H1N1 virus have been reported in Riverside County since April and 27 people have died from complications of the flu.

>>Arrested Made, Another Wanted In Apple Valley Home Invasion Robbery

(Victorville, CA) -- A Victorville man was arrested and another suspect is still wanted for the shooting death of a wheel chair bound woman during a home invasion robbery last October. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, twenty-nine year-old Anthony Gooden of Victorville was arrested in connection with the sooting death of fifty-two year-old Brenda Robinson of Apple Valley on October 8. Robinson was found in the bedroom of her Nisqually Road apartment, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Homicide investigators learned Gooden and another male suspect allegedly went to Robinson's apartment to rob her. Shortly after an argument, neighbors heard gunshots and two black males left the apartment in a light colored SUV. Investigators also determined three children were in the apartment at the time of the shooting.

>>Terminally Ill Five Year-Old Has Wintery Wish Come True

(Loma Linda, CA) -- A five year-old cancer victim got away from a hospital bed and the distractions that come with cancer treatment for an afternoon living his dream of riding a dog sled in the Alaskan Iditarod. According to "The Sun," members of Urban Mushing granted Tristen Crouser's wish by providing a dog sled and twenty-two Siberian Huskies atop two truckloads of snow on a slope at Hilda Crook Park in Loma Linda Wednesday afternoon. It may not have been the Alaskan frozen tundra, but that didn't matter to little Tristen, who was diagnosed in November of 2006 with acute lymphocytic leukemia, which attacks white blood cells. Tristen was too overwhemed to ride the dog sled he talked about so often, although he did played with two Husky puppies. Before Tristen left to go back to Loma Linda University Children's Hospital, he was given a leash, a dog line and a metal clamp for his collection.

>>Fewer Foreclosure Sales In Riverside County

(Riverside, CA) -- Foreclosure sales in Riverside County fell by double digits last month as more financially-strapped homeowners took advantage of government-brokered loan modifications. Real estate tracking firm ForeclosureRadar.com's monthly California foreclosure report shows that two-thousand-123 repossessed properties in Riverside County went on the auction block in November, which was a 13-percent decrease from October. The website said in most cases, lenders took back properties with no bids recorded. The figures show that foreclosure sales in Riverside County were up 22-percent compared to a year ago.

>>Four Suspects Arrested In Adelanto Double Homicide

(Adelanto, CA) -- Three men and a male juvenile from Adelanto were arrested in connection with the apparent gang slayings of a Long Beach man and an Adelanto woman. According to the San Bernardino Sheriff's Department, 22-year-old William Jacobs, 22-old Forrest Taylor and a 15-year-old boy were arrested last Friday, while 21-year-old James Ellis was arrested Wednesday after an intense investigation into the shooting deaths of Ealy Davis, Jr. and Shameka Reliford on November 23rd. Homicide and Gang Investigators learned the 28-year-old Davis of Long Beach and Reliford, a 26-year-old from Adelanto, were allegedly shot by the suspects on Lee Avenue in Adelanto. They were found and driven to the Adelanto Police Department by a person who found the dying Reliford and Davis as he drove by the scene. Davis died on the way to the Police Department, Reliford was pronounced dead at Victor Valley Hospital.

>>Riverside County Opens Up Distribution Of H1N1 Flu Vaccine

(Riverside, CA) -- Starting Monday, all Riverside County residents will be able to get the H1N1 flu vaccine at ten county family health care centers. Riverside County public health officials are no longer limiting who can get the H1N1 vaccine because vaccine shipments have continued to arrive. Previously, only high risk people including pregnant women, caregivers for infants, health care workers and young people six months to 24-years-old were given access to the H1N1 vaccine. Officials say nearly 24-hundred cases of H1N1 virus have been reported in Riverside County since April and 27 people have died from complications of the flu.

>>Arrested Made, Another Wanted In Apple Valley Home Invasion Robbery

(Victorville, CA) -- A Victorville man was arrested and another suspect is still wanted for the shooting death of a wheel chair bound woman during a home invasion robbery last October. According to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department, 29-year-old Anthony Gooden of Victorville was arrested in connection with the sooting death of 52-year-old Brenda Robinson of Apple Valley on October 8th. Robinson was found in the bedroom of her Nisqually Road apartment, suffering from an apparent gunshot wound to the chest. Homicide investigators learned Gooden and another male suspect allegedly went to Robinson's apartment to rob her. Shortly after an argument, neighbors heard gunshots and two black males left the apartment in a light colored SUV. Investigators also determined three children were in the apartment at the time of the shooting.

>>Wild Boar Terrorizes Loma Linda Neighborhood; Is Captured

(Loma Linda, CA) -- It was a wild time in Loma Linda Wednesday when a wild boar reportedly chased people and smashed into a wrought iron fence before it was captured by Fish and Game officials. The boar was spotted roaming a neighborhood about 8 a.m. and Mike McBride with Fish and Game said, quote, "It was 200 pounds of pure muscle." Because of its aggression, McBride said the boar will have to be euthanized. The "Los Angeles Times" reports it took officials several hours to corner the animal and capture it in the backyard of a home not far from Loma Linda University Medical Center.

>>Man Arrested For Allegedly Attacking Moreno Valley Teacher

(Moreno Valley, CA) -- A man was arrested for allegedly attacking a teacher at a school in Moreno Valley. He apparently fled after she screamed loudly. Riverside County Sheriff deputies say 31-year old Demetrius Atkins is facing charges for allegedly trying to kidnap the teacher, whom deputies did not identify. They say he grabbed her on campus at Cloverdale Elementary School on Kitching Street about 7 a.m. Monday. He forced her into an empty classroom and her screams attracted the attention of of school workers who came to her aid. Atkins allegedly fled and was found a short while later hiding in a nearby backyard.

>>Riverside County Firefighters to Collect Toys For Children This Weekend

(Beaumont, CA) -- Firefighters hope to be busy recieving toy donations this Saturday and Sunday at the Wal-Mart in Beaumont. A truck at the store labeled the "Fill the Engine" Christmas toy collection will be waiting for shoppers to drop off new, unwrapped toys, sports equipment and other gifts. It's all part of the "Spark the Love" toy drive now running in its 17th year, sponsored by firefighters across Southern California. Donations last year helped brighten the holidays for 471 families countywide. Donations are also welcome at any fire station in the Banning pass, according to a county spokesperson.

>>Woman's Body Found On Hemet Street With Gunshot Wounds

(Hemet, CA) -- Hemet police have a mystery on their hands after the body of a woman was found in the street by a man going to work early Monday morning. The woman, believed to be in her 20's, was shot several times in her upper body. Investigators believe she was killed elsewhere and dumped. She was located just off the roadway on a dirt shoulder in the 42-thousand block of Rockview Drive about 4:30 a.m.

>>Authorities Identify Teenager Killed In Perris Last Weekend

(Perris, CA) -- The identity of a 16-year old boy shot and killed in Perris over the weekend has been released. Riverside County Sheriff deputies say Jared Aaron Divers was found shortly after 11 p.m. Saturday night in the 14-hundred block of Arrow Creek Road. Deputies say he was shot when a fight broke out during a very large party. Whether the teen was actually involved in the melee is unknown, but he was found dead on lawn in front of the home.

>>Bob Hope Golf Classic Announces January Players

(La Quinta, CA) -- Officials with the Bob Hope Golf Classic announced some of the celebrities that will be playing in the next tournament, come January. Actors Kurt Russell and Dennis Quaid have signed on for the tourney which will be held January 18th through the 24th at the Palmer Private Course at PGA West. Rock star Alice Cooper, Tampa Bay third-baseman Evan Longoria, former baseball and football star Bo Jackson and singers Michael Bolton and Clay Walker are all set to take part. PGA Tour professional Pat Perez will return to defend his Bob Hope Classic title. The five-day event will be broadcast on the Golf Channel.

>> Woman Shot During Narcotics Investigation

(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) -- Authorities say a Fontana woman was shot when she rammed a couple of Fontana police police cars. The two officers were conducting a narcotics investigation on Merrill Avenue. Investigators say Sonja Hawley suffered a gunshot to the arm during the altercation. Police did not say why she decided to ram the police cars. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports Hawley is being held in lieu of one-million dollars bail for attempted murder.

>>Storm Dumps Snow In Coachella Valley

(Coachella Valley, CA) -- The first big storm of the season dumped some snow in Palm Springs and the Coachella Valley. About two inches dusted the ground in the Mount San Jacinto area and brought much needed rain. The potent storm brought chills too, with temperatures down into the 20s and high teens. Rain was steady but has moved on, with the next storm coming at the end of the week. Skiers are rejoicing, the snow level ranges between 55-hundred and six-thousand feet, with eight to ten inches for a base. Flurries are expected as low as two-thousand feet.

>>First Winter Storm Brings Power Loss

(Palm Springs, CA) -- A few thousand residents in Palm Springs and nearby Palm Desert lost power in the storm that hit the region Monday. It has moved on and all customers have electricity again, as most lost it for only a few hours. Around 10 a.m., Southern California Edison reported that just over 11-hundred homes and businesses went dark near Desert Drive and Ironwood Drive. About 1:00 p.m., nearly the same number lost power in the area of Tachevah Drive and Baristo Road. Almost everyone was back on the grid by the late afternoon, with just a few scattered outages left.

>>San Bernardino County Investigators Against New Take Home Vehicle Proposal

(San Bernardino, CA) -- San Bernardino County Supervisors are considering a proposal to eliminate take-home vehicles for nearly 60 district attorney investigators, as a cost-cutting measure. However, the District Attorney's office is calling the idea counterproductive and says that would not save the county money. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports that Supervisor Neil Derry made the proposal targeting D.A.'s investigators, on the grounds that they are not first responders or on-call employees, whom he believes should be the ones to have take home vehicles. Chief investigator for the District Attorney's Office, Mike Donovan says any savings would be lost because such a move would result in more overtime and less productivity.

>>Perris Man Held Without Bail In Wife and Stepdaughters Killings

(Riverside, CA) -- A Perris man accused of killing his wife and a daughter he had thought was his, was ordered held without bail after he was extradited from New Mexico. The Riverside County District Attorney's office say 52-year-old Michael Barbar fled after the murders of his wife, 43-year-old Maysam, and six-year-old stepdaughter, Tamara. Prosecutors say he became angry when he found out that Tamara in fact, was not his daughter. They say both victims were beaten and tortured and their bodies were found in their home just feet from each other, on November 14th.

>>Property Tax Deadline Approaches

(San Bernardino, CA) -- The San Bernardino County Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector is encouraging property owners to pay the first installment of their property taxes before midnight this Thursday. Mailed payments must be postmarked on or before December 10th, and sent to the Assistant Treasurer-Tax Collector/Public Administrator office on West Third Street in San Bernardino. Payments can be made in person Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Payments also can be made online at www.MyTaxCollector.com.

>>Two Women Arrested For Allegedly Robbing The Elderly

(Rancho Cucamonga, CA) -- Two Ontario women have been arrested for allegedly stealing purses from elderly victims. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports that Katherine Flores and Sofia Alvarenga have been booked on suspicion of robbery, willful intent to cause harm or death to an elderly victim and fraudulent use of credit cards. Police say the crimes were committed during the Thanksgiving holiday, the first on Thanksgiving Day in the Vons parking lot on 19th street. The next day another woman was robbed at her home on Haven Avenue when she was followed home from the same Vons. The victims were 75 and 73 years old and their credit cards were immediately used at various stores around Rancho Cucamonga.

A Highland man has pled guilty to murdering a 42-year old woman at a motel in downtown San Bernardino and now faces a lengthy prison term. The "San Bernardino Sun" says in a plea deal, James Allen Tofflemire pleaded guilty to one count of voluntary manslaughter and will return to court January 4th to be sentenced to eleven years in state prison. In February of 2007 Mary Louise Walker was found suffocated with severe head trauma at the Paraside Motel on West Fifth street. An autopsy of the woman revealed that she had a large amount of cocaine in her body when she died, but police determined that a money jar had been used to attack her and kill her.

The CHP is investigating Thursday's accident on Highway 62 that killed a 21-year-old U.S. Marine stationed at Twentynine Palms. The unidentified Marine was a passenger inside a 2007 Saturn that was heading east on the 62 before Desert Willow Trail in Morongo Valley. According to officers, the driver lost control of the vehicle just before 2:30 a.m. The Saturn soon went over the side of the highway, then flipped over. The Marine was pronounced dead at the scene. The condition of the driver is not known.

Riverside County Fire Department investigators are looking into the cause of Thursday's small brush fire in Pedley. Authorities tell the "Inland Valley Daily Bulletin" the blaze was first reported just after 12:30 p.m. near Felspar and 56th Street. Only two acres of brush were charred. No one was injured and no homes were threatened.

In the wake of several fatal wrecks on Inland Empire freeways, the California Highway Patrol is reiterating how dangerous it can be to stall-out on the freeway and how you can avoid dangerous situations. Officer Mario Lopez of the CHP's inland division says if it's possible, exit the freeway, but if not, get your car as far to the right shoulder as possible. He also says you should stay in your car with your seatbelt on and not be outside of your vehicle, especially near or in traffic lanes. He also urgers motorists to phone 911 or the highway patrol as soon as possible so they can help get you to a safe location. Around 2 a.m. on October 17 the "Press Enterprise" says two 19-year old women were killed when their stalled car was hit at high speed from behind on interstate 15 in the Temecula area. Just two days later a man was sitting in his stalled car but not wearing his seatbelt when he was hit from behind and killed on Highway 60 in Northwest Riverside County. Yet another pair of people were killed at night on October 30th when they survived crashing on I-215 but were struck by on-coming traffic when they got out of their car.

The San Bernardino Chamber of Commerce has created a committee to decide whether to support or oppose a new government center on land currently occupied by the Carousel Mall. The "San Bernardino Sun" says if the center were built it would house city and county offices and be one of downtown San Bernardino's most visible buildings. Some in the business community think the land, freeway visible and just east of the 215-freeway between Second and Fouth streets, is too valuable for government offices. Some have likened the planned construction to a "Taj Mahal", and Attorney and member of the Chamber panel Tim Prince says the idea that a new government tower is going to revitalize downtown is bordering on insanity. A consulting firm however is touting the purchase of the land and the government building as a "monumental gateway that will welcome visitors and create a sense of arrival." Yet another group of experts at the Urban Land Institute believe that county offices should stay where they are and be improved while the Carousel Mall is replaced with retail, office and residential complexes.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested Monday morning for allegedly killing a twenty month-old girl in Ripley. According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Blythe deputies responded to 24631 School Road, to find an emergency medical crew performing CPR on baby Sabrina Prieto, who had injuries described as "consistent with abuse." Baby Sabrina was transported to Palo Verde Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 8 a.m.. The baby was in the custody of the teenager, who was arrested on suspicion of murder. The cause of the baby's death or the suspect's relationship to the baby were not released.

>Two San Bernardino Men Arrested After Apparent Revenge Shooting

(San Bernardino, CA) -- Two men were arrested for attempted murder in San Bernardino after what may have been a revenge shooting on November 17. The San Bernardino Police Department says three men were found shot near 40th and Electric streets. One of the victims, 19 year-old Donzell Tate, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered Tate and 26 year-old Charles Russell survived being shot on October 20th. Investigators determined the two surviving victims from the shooting last Tuesday were responsible for the October twentieth assault. Anthony Shannon and Deviandre Davis, both nineteen, are now being held on one-thousand dollars bail at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Hospital Jail Ward, on attempted murder charges.

>>Riverside Police Ask For Public Input

(Riverside, CA) -- Riverside police are asking Riverside residents for suggestions as to how the police department can better serve them in the years ahead. The RPD is in the process of drafting a five-year "strategic plan," and police Sergeant Jaybee Brennnan says public input is needed to help the department prioritize its resources. Residents may fill out an online survey at riversideca.gov/rpd until January 31st. Riverside police will also hold a series of public forums.

>>UC Riverside Professer Wins National Fuel Cell Research Grant

(Riverside, CA) -- A University of California at Riverside chemical and environmental engineering professor is one of 37 people selected for a Department of Energy research grant. According to UCR, Professor Yushan Yan's proposal regarding hydroxide exchange membranes was selected by U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu out of more than three-thousand seven-hundred applicants. Professor Yan's proposal focuses on a new generation of high performance hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells, which would be used to replace internal combustion engines, resulting in highly reduced or zero emissions.

>>UCR Professor Named Autism Taskforce Co-Chair

(Riverside, CA) -- A University of California at Riverside education professor has been named co-chair of the Inland Empire Autism Regional Taskforce, of the state Senate Select Committee on Autism. According to UCR, Professor Jan Blacher is also the founding director of UC Riverside's autism resource center. The IEART focuses on housing, insurance, training and employment issues, as well as early identification and intervention for families affected by autism. The taskforce that Blacher will co-chair will make recommendations to the select committee that is chaired by Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg, and develop related legislation.

A 16-year-old boy was arrested Monday morning for allegedly killing a twenty month-old girl in Ripley. According to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, Blythe deputies responded to 24631 School Road, to find an emergency medical crew performing CPR on baby Sabrina Prieto, who had injuries described as "consistent with abuse." Baby Sabrina was transported to Palo Verde Hospital where she was pronounced dead at 8 a.m.. The baby was in the custody of the teenager, who was arrested on suspicion of murder. The cause of the baby's death or the suspect's relationship to the baby were not released.

>Two San Bernardino Men Arrested After Apparent Revenge Shooting

(San Bernardino, CA) -- Two men were arrested for attempted murder in San Bernardino after what may have been a revenge shooting on November 17. The San Bernardino Police Department says three men were found shot near 40th and Electric streets. One of the victims, 19 year-old Donzell Tate, was pronounced dead at the scene. Investigators discovered Tate and 26 year-old Charles Russell survived being shot on October 20th. Investigators determined the two surviving victims from the shooting last Tuesday were responsible for the October twentieth assault. Anthony Shannon and Deviandre Davis, both nineteen, are now being held on one-thousand dollars bail at the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Hospital Jail Ward, on attempted murder charges.

>>Riverside Police Ask For Public Input

(Riverside, CA) -- Riverside police are asking Riverside residents for suggestions as to how the police department can better serve them in the years ahead. The RPD is in the process of drafting a five-year "strategic plan," and police Sergeant Jaybee Brennnan says public input is needed to help the department prioritize its resources. Residents may fill out an online survey at riversideca.gov/rpd until January 31st. Riverside police will also hold a series of public forums.

>>UC Riverside Professer Wins National Fuel Cell Research Grant

(Riverside, CA) -- A University of California at Riverside chemical and environmental engineering professor is one of 37 people selected for a Department of Energy research grant. According to UCR, Professor Yushan Yan's proposal regarding hydroxide exchange membranes was selected by U.S. Department of Energy Secretary Steven Chu out of more than three-thousand seven-hundred applicants. Professor Yan's proposal focuses on a new generation of high performance hydroxide exchange membrane fuel cells, which would be used to replace internal combustion engines, resulting in highly reduced or zero emissions.

>>UCR Professor Named Autism Taskforce Co-Chair

(Riverside, CA) -- A University of California at Riverside education professor has been named co-chair of the Inland Empire Autism Regional Taskforce, of the state Senate Select Committee on Autism. According to UCR, Professor Jan Blacher is also the founding director of UC Riverside's autism resource center. The IEART focuses on housing, insurance, training and employment issues, as well as early identification and intervention for families affected by autism. The taskforce that Blacher will co-chair will make recommendations to the select committee that is chaired by Senate President Pro-Tem Darrell Steinberg, and develop related legislation.

The owner of the now defunct CannaHelp medical marijuana dispensary in Palm Springs is facing reinstated criminal charges of felony possession of marijuana for sale, transport and sale of marijuana, and keeping a place to sell the drugs. Thirty two-year old Stacy Hochandel and two of her managers James Campbell and John Bednar both 33, were arrested back in December 2006. An appellate court panel overturned an Indio judges dismissal of the case on Tuesday, so it is back on again. Michael Jeandron of the Riverside County District Attorney's office says the case will pick up where it left off. Hochandel was planning to reopen and be one of the two operating dispensaries in Palm Springs.

Hemet residents can now report some misdemeanor crimes online and keep track of crimes in their neighborhoods with a pair of new computer programs. Hemet police say to report a nonviolent crime in Hemet, residents can go to the city of Hemet website,cityofhemet.org and click on "Citizens Online Reporting System." crimes that can be reported online include: burglaries, hit and run accidents, harassing phone calls, lost property, thefts and vandalism. An interactive crime mapping system which allows residents to see what kinds of crimes are occurring in the city and where, is at www.crimereports.com.

A 45-year old Bermuda Dunes man is set for arraignment later today for allegedly cultivating over 350-thousand dollars worth of marijuana plants for sale. Frank Reyes was arrested at his home in the forty one thousand five hundred block of Balaclava Drive around one Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff's Deputy Melissa Nieburger says the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force found eighty nine marijuana plants from four inches tall to over five feet tall inside Reyes' home. Reyes is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside in lieu of twenty five thousand dollars bail.

Fifty roosters alleged to be involved in cockfighting have been seized to be euthanized after an animal service officer went to a Mead Valley property following up on a call about an undernourished horse. Animal Service spokesperson John Welsh says the officer arrived at the property in the twenty thousand six hundred block of Moore Street shortly before noon Thursday. Four horses were found with one of them appearing underfed. The officer called deputies for backup when she heard rooster sounds. The deputies found the fifty roosters and alleged illegal firearms. At least one person was taken into custody and the firearms were confiscated. The residents were ordered to have the horses examined by a veterinarian within twenty four hours.

A 14-year old and a 16-year old boy have been arrested for allegedly breaking into a La Quinta home. The boys, both from Coachella Valley, were arrested around eleven Thursday morning when officers got a call from a resident who saw the teens jump a neighbor's fence in the 44-thousand block of Monticello Avenue near Jefferson Street and Heritage Palms Golf Club. Sergeant Mark Hoyt of the La Quinta Police Department says officers saw a busted window leading into the house and called the boys to come out. Hoyt says investigators believe the boys may be involved in other local home invasions. They were booked into Juvenile Hall in Indio on suspicion of residential burglary.

A Compton pastor was arraigned Thursday for allegedly embezzling hundreds of thousands of dollars from the Double Rock Baptist Church. Pastor Eugene Sims was arrested at his home in Corona Wednesday after a nearly year long investigation that started when church members got suspicious due to his lavish purchases. Sims is accused of stealing over 800-thousand dollars from the church by setting up a private bank account and diverting offerings from church members over eight years. He pleaded not guilty. Investigators say Sims purchased a 100-thousand dollar Mercedes-Benz and an indoor swimming pool for his home. Thursday the judge reduced Sim's bail from one-million dollars to 250-thousand dollars.

Riverside County residents are being reminded that many county buildings will be closed on Fridays as part of cost-saving measures needed as the county faces a 130-million-dollar budget gap this year. Residents who need more information about schedules and closures are encouraged to visit check-here-first.com. The Web site has a search database to help determine which days county buildings are closed because of furloughs and the hours and locations where some services are available when other offices are not open. Residents may also dial 211 anywhere in Riverside County for more information. The 211 Riverside County call center is available to answer questions about closures.

A 45-year-old Bermuda Dunes man is set for arraignment today for allegedly cultivating over 350-thousand dollars worth of marijuana plants for sale. Frank Reyes was arrested at his home in the 41-thousand-500 block of Balaclava Drive around one Wednesday afternoon. Sheriff's Deputy Melissa Nieburger says the Coachella Valley Violent Crime Gang Task Force found 89 marijuana plants from four inches tall to over five feet tall inside Reyes' home. Reyes is being held at the Robert Presley Detention Center in Riverside in lieu of 25-thousand dollars bail.

Fifty alleged cockfighting roosters have been seized to be euthanized after an animal service officer went to a Mead Valley property following up on a call about an undernourished horse. Animal Service spokesperson John Welsh says the officer arrived at the property in the 20-thousand-600 block of Moore Street shortly before noon Thursday. Four horses were found with one of them appearing underfed. The officer called deputies for backup when she heard cocks crowing. The deputies found the fifty roosters and alleged illegal firearms. At least one person was taken into custody and the firearms were confiscated. The residents were ordered to have the horses examined by a veterinarian within 24 hours.

Authorities are seeking civilian help in finding a 70-year-old missing Wildomar man. Sheriff's Senior Investigator Greg Luna says Epitacio Tapio left his residence in the 25-thousand block of Portica Court on foot around 12:30 Wednesday afternoon. The detective says he was spotted by a family member walking on La Estrella road and Salida Del Sol. Tapio speaks only Spanish, he is five-feet-six inches tall and weighs 160 pounds. He has white hair and is in good mental as well as physical health. Anyone with information on Tapio's whereabouts is urged to call detectives at 951-245-3326.

Riverside County health officials have reported the first death in the county related to swine flu. The Department of Public Health disease control director, Barbara Cole said a Riverside County man who suffered from several health problems, died earlier this month while he was out of town. Cole tells the "Press Enterprise" that local health officials were notified and investigated the man's death, confirming that he suffered a swine flu-related death. San Bernardino County health officials had reported one of California's first swine flu deaths in June. Meanwhile, state prison officials said Wednesday that eight state prisons, including three in Riverside and San Bernardino counties, had isolated or limited the movement and visitation privileges of hundreds of inmates because of suspected and confirmed swine flu cases.

A woman was found shot to death in a residential neighborhood in San Bernardino late Wednesday night. Lieutenant Ray King with the San Bernardino Police Department says police responded to the scene in the 1300 block of North Sierra Way shortly before midnight. They found a 26-year-old female in the roadway with multiple gunshot wounds. The San Bernardino resident was pronounced dead at the scene. Witnesses say a black male adult was seen running from the scene after the shooting. The police investigation continues. Anyone with information is asked to call Detective Brett Baumgatner with the San Bernardino Police Department at 909-384-5621 or call the department hotline at 909-384-5656.

More than 160 people packed the Grand Terrace City Council chamber Tuesday night to show their support for embattled councilman Jim Miller. He's accused of voting on 18-thousand dollars worth of advertising contracts that benefited a weekly newspaper that his wife owns. He's scheduled to be arraigned in September on a felony conflict of interest charge. He faces up to three years in prison if he's convicted and would be barred from holding public office. Miller was arrested July 15th. Several residents said they were shocked and will stand by Miller and his wife through this ordeal. Miller apologized to the council, city employees, residents and his wife for what happened.

A Cathedral City food bank has been hard hit by a blaze which consumed the office and some food. Chief Operating Officer of Food in Need of Distribution Joanne Vilardi says the entire office is gone from Tuesday's blaze, which was reported at eleven thirty five p.m. in the 68-thousand-600 block of Perez Road. Vilardi says her staff was resolved to keep up the good work and despite the huge upset they are in operation and giving food out to agencies. FIND serves roughly 120-thousand people meals every month to eighty five agencies between Cabazon and Blythe. Vilardi says if people wish to help they can donate cash. The fire is under investigation.

A Corona aluminum manufacturing firm has been hit with a 36-thousand-500-dollar fine for violating hazardous waste regulations. The Environmental Protection Agency made the announcement Wednesday that Frontier Aluminum's two Corona plants were not in compliance with Resource Conservation & Recovery Act rules. Jeff Scott, Director of the EPA's Pacific Southwest Waste Management Division says strict enforcement of hazardous waste regulations protects the health and environment of local communities, and it also helps level the playing field for all businesses. Frontier was found in violation of failing to have employees properly close containers, the company failed to maintain a leak detection system, workers failed to conduct daily inspections of tanks, the company failed to to hold annual refresher trainings, and the company failed to obtain a hazardous waste storage permit.

A 29-year-old Moreno Valley man is expected to be sentenced August 14th for fatally beating his girlfriend's nine month old daughter so severely that the baby's skull split apart. Robert Finley was convicted of second degree murder and assault on a child resulting in the death of baby Ednanda Young on August 15, 2006. Finley is expected to get a 25-year to life prison sentence. Riverside County Deputy District Attorney Ambrosio Rodriguez says he's proud of the verdict and happy the jury convicted a "monster." Finley was living with the mother Yolanda Young at the time of the murder. He was supposed to be watching the child while Young was at work.

Palm Springs police are discouraging summer hiking in the region, following the deaths of two hikers this past weekend in the desert. Some of the dangers in the Low Desert area include summertime temperatures reaching between 100 and 115 degrees, as well as trails being steep and difficult to follow in many areas. The "Press Enterprise," reports the weekend's search began Saturday when a hiker was reported overdue returning from the Lyken Trail. That hiker, whose name has not been released did not return to his car by 8 p.m., which prompted group members to report him missing. A helicopter crew spotted the first body just after 9 a.m. Sunday. The second body was found two hours later. Neither body has been identified, so police can't confirm whether either is that of the missing man.

A motorcyclist who died shortly after crashing his motorcycle in Lake Elsinore was identified Monday as a 46-year-old Arizona man. Michael Mayer, who lived in Arlington, Arizona, which is southwest of Phoenix, died at Inland Valley Regional Medical Center just after 11 p.m. Sunday night. The cause of the wreck, which occurred in the 300 block of South Main Street, is still under investigation.

A Twentynine Palms-based Marine has been killed in Iraq, the Department of Defense announced. 20-year-old Lance Corporal, Brandon T. Lara, of New Braunfels, Texas, died July 19th while supporting combat operations in Anbar province, Iraq. He as assigned to 3rd Battalion, 4th Marine Regiment, 1st Marine Division, One-Marine Expeditionary Force at Twentynine Palms.

A fire that broke out Monday in Riverside began as a vegetation blaze, but turned out to be a structure fire as well. Three acres of brush went up in the blaze that heavily damaged a two-car garage and two outbuildings. Riverside firefighters were called to the fire in the 66-hundred block of Mountain High Road and then ran into complications when it was determined that ammunition was stored in the garage. The "Press Enterprise," reports the fire did about 90-thousand dollars in damage and that there were no injuries. The cause is under investigation.

Arizona Senator John McCain is scheduled to attend a 23-hundred-dollar per-person fundraising reception in Palm Desert later today, in his first trip to California since becoming the presumptive Republican presidential nominee. McCain will be in the Southland for three days and is also scheduled to attend a campaign fundraising luncheon at a La Jolla hotel and a town hall meeting with military families in Chula Vista. The "Press Enterprise," reports McCain will attend a roundtable for Latino small business owners in Santa Ana and fundraisers in Newport Beach and Bel-Air and is also scheduled to speak to the Los Angeles World Affairs Council in Los Angeles.

A Thermal man who shot one man to death and wounded another during a confrontation in a mobile home park has been sentenced to 87 years to life in prison. Thirty-year-old Ezequiel Espinoza was convicted on May 15th of murder, attempted murder and three counts of shooting at an occupied vehicle. Espinoza was sentenced on Monday. Espinoza killed Jamie Soto and attempted to gun down Israel Moreno on July 20th, 2001. The altercation happened over the breaking of beer bottles outside Espinoza's aunts home in the Oasis Mobile Home Park.

A bus tour called "The Help is Here Express" aiming to help uninsured residents gain access to information about programs providing low cost or free prescription medication will be rolling through Palm Desert this morning. Republican Assemblyman Brian Nestande will be at the tour's first stop in the Coachella Valley at the Palm Desert Civic Center at nine in the morning. Nestande's spokesman Rob Flanigan says the tour is part of the Partnership for Prescription Assistance, which is a nationwide effort by pharmaceutical research companies to raise awareness of patient assistance programs.

Deliberations continue in a teen murder carjacking case in Murrieta. A prosecutor told the court Monday that victim 20-year-old Angela Arias was a good Samaritan, and she was pushed out of her car by Dayana Cordova and Alejandra Salinas who then speed off with the victims baby and left the woman to die. Cordova was 16-years-old and Salinas was 15 at the time of the October 18th, 2007 murder. The teens are being tried by separate juries. Cordova's attorney told the court that Salinas was the one who pulled the trigger. Salina's lawyer told jurors a gang member who met the girls at a park was the murderer. The victims nine-month-old baby was found safe some hours later.

A prosecutor told jurors that a Riverside area gang member may have been killed because gang leaders thought the victim was a police informant. The prosecution also told the court that 33-year-old George Hernandez tried to arrange the murders of witnesses to stop them from testifying against him. Hernandez could face the death penalty if he is convicted of Jorge Ortiz's July 26th, 2004 murder. Deputy District Attorney Michael Hestin says Ortiz was part of the Arlanza 13, which is affiliated with the Mexican Mafia. In Hestrin's opening statement he said Hernandez was ordered by a Mob elder Arturo Estrada to kill Ortiz because he was identified as a rat. Hernandez's attorneys made no opening statement.

After being closed down by government regulators, two Riverside County banks reopened Monday with new owners. David Barr of the Federal Deposit Insurance Group says the 16 offices of Corona based Vineyard Bank are reopening as branches of California Bank & Trust. Temecula Valley's Banks eleven offices are reopening as branches of First Citizens Bank and Trust Company. Barr says the FDIC is paying brokers directly for the amount of their funds in both banks. Customers who placed money with brokers would be wise to contact them directly for information on their deposits.

A 26-year-old Coachella man who killed the mother of his three children in a jealous rage has been convicted of first-degree murder. James Serna was convicted yesterday in the March 12th, 2008 death of his 24 year-old fiance Melinda Larios at their home. Serna pleaded guilty on July 6th to inflicting emotional trauma on one of his daughters. The child had witnessed Serna stab her mother to death, but she did not have to testify. Serna is due to sentenced on September 18th. He faces 26 years to life behind bars.

Foreclosures in the Inland Empire are continuing to go up, as a result of continuing job losses and the failure of high risk mortgages. Michael Frantantoni with the Mortgage Bankers Association tells the "Riverside Press-Enterprise" that, quote, "The number one driving force behind people missing a mortgage payment is that they lost their job." Homeowners continue to lose homes to foreclosure despite efforts by lenders and state and federal programs to help them with foreclosure moratoriums and loan modification programs. An economist with the California Association of Realtors predicts foreclosures will peak in California in the last three months of this year.

A 70-year-old man facing charges of robbing a Palm Desert bank at gunpoint has been found mentally competent to stand trial. Robert Reilly is facing a felony armed robbery charge stemming from the April 1st, 2008 hold up at California Bank and Trust. Reilly's trial will begin on October 19th. Riverside County Superior Court Judge Jorge Hernandez suspended pretrial proceedings last month for a competency trial requested by Reilly's lawyer. Reilly is suspected of walking into the bank and demanding cash from a teller while brandishing a gun. There was no gunfire or known injuries. The robber left with an undisclosed amount of cash, but a witness tipped deputies off on the getaway sedan leaving the bank. Deputies followed the sedan and arrested Reilly twenty minutes later. Reilly is behind bars in lieu of 75-thousand-dollars bail.

Opening statements are planned for Monday in the trial of two men suspected in the gang-related fatal shooting of two siblings in Riverside nearly three years ago. Twenty-two year-old Ralph Rojas and 24 year-old Daniel Ruvalcaba are charged with the first-degree murders of 24 year-old Michael Benge and 19 year-old Denaya Shanks on December 8th, 2006. Rojas and Ruvalcaba also face allegations of gang activity and the use of firearms. If convicted, they couldboth face life in prison without the possibility of parole. A third man involved, 20 year-old Vincent Solorio of Riverside was convicted of both murders last month. He faces life in prison without parole at his sentencing sometime next month.


The Palm Springs Council voted Thursday night to take no action with regard to levying assessments for the Business Improvement District, which aims to drawn more customers to uptown and downtown businesses through coordinated marketing efforts. The Council decision allows for business owners to voluntarily pay assessments and for the district to be renewed some time in the future. The council will hear staff recommendations on boundaries and assessments on December 1st. The city saw 175 protests from participants in the Business Improvement District.

Riverside County workers plan to make a human chain today to protest efforts to cut their pay and benefits. The Service Employees International Union, representing a variety of public employees in the county, remains at odds with the county on a new three-year contract as a county-imposed deadline on negotiations approaches. The county wants 10-percent cuts in pay and benefits to prevent further gaps in the county's over 50-million-dollar structural budget gap. Union members have said that the county has refused all attempts at compromise in spite of what the union contends are proposals that could save the county nine-million-dollars. The 100-member human chain will encircle the Riverside County administrative center.

With wildfire season here, the Inland Empire has a weapon based at Lake Elsinore that U.S. Forest officials say is a boon for the area. A huge World War II-era seaplane will be stationed there all summer. The four engine Martin Mars plane can hold 72-hundred gallons. It doesn't carry Foschek, the bright red sticky fire retardant, but instead uses a water gel mixture designed to be dropped right on top of flames. From its base, officials say it's within half an hour of any fire in the San Bernardino, Cleveland or Angeles National Forests.

Authorities say a single-engine airplane lost power near Lake Elsinore yesterday, struck a tree, clipped a house on the way down and crashed. The FAA says there were two people in the plane and the passenger was injured. The house that was hit was evacuated because of a fuel spill from the plane. Agency spokesman Alan Kenitzer says the plane, an Aircoupe, had taken off from Flabob Airport in Riverside, before losing power near Elsinore around 12:20 p.m. FAA records show the registered owner of the plane to be Jack Fleisher of Manhasset, New York.

A motorcycle driver killed when he hit a dirt berm at a high rate of speed Saturday has been identified. Temecula police say 55-year-old Michael Strong of Murrieta was pronounced dead just after 6:00 p.m. at Rancho Springs Medical Center, less than an hour after the crash. Investigators say Strong was eastbound on Solano Way when he ran into the T-junction with Del Rey Road. No other vehicles were involved in the crash.

A 23-year-old drowning victim found floating face down in the Colorado River Saturday evening has been identified. Authorities say David Kerber of Moreno Valley was involved in a crash while boating alone. The incident occurred when Kerber's boat tried to pass another craft southbound on the river. He collided with a northbound boat and was thrown overboard. There was no word on any injuries in the other boat. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department is investigating the crash.

Four men believed to be white supremacists have been ordered to stand trial on felony charges for allegedly beating an eighteen year old Latino man at a Hemet trailer park. The victim was comatose for months as a result of the beating. He is now recovering from brain injuries and is in therapy. Twenty-one-year-old Justin Hayes, 23-old Shane O'Brien and 23-year-old Scott Siewert, all of Hemet, are charged with attempted murder as well as active participation in a criminal street gang. If convicted of all charges, they face 18 years to life in prison. Seventeen-year-old Mark Wisler has been charged with assault and membership in a criminal street gang. Wisler faces eight years in prison if convicted. The four are suspected of attacking the man on November 18th at Jackson Mobile Home Park on Elk Street.

The Riverside County Fire Department says a 100 acre brush fire that forced the closure of the Moreno Valley [[60]] Freeway west of Beaumont Wednesday was caused by a damaged power line. The blaze that erupted near Jack Rabbit Trail near the freeway prompted the CHP to close the 60 between Jack Rabbit Trail and Gilman Springs, snarling traffic for hours. Investigators said Thursday the fire was started when a faulty power line threw sparks. The fire was contained Wednesday evening, but fire crews remained at the scene watching for hot spots most of the day Thursday.

An Indio couple has been arrested for allegedly smoking crack in front of their two young children in their home. Rafael Cortez and his common law wife Johanna Valenzuela, both twenty nine years old, and a friend, thirty one year old Monia Ochoa were allegedly doing the drugs when officers arrived to serve a search warrant at a quarter after nine Wednesday night at the couple's home in the 83-thousand block of Avenue 44. Cortez is a suspect in a recent La Quinta Esplanade neighborhood home burglary. During the search, officers seized alleged methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and property believed to have been stolen during the home burglary. The couple is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday. Ochoa is expected in court on September 16th. The children, who are both under five years old, are with Child Protective Services.

The Hyatt Regency in downtown Palm Springs is getting a face lift. The city announced Thursday that a 15-million-dollar renovation is expected to be finished in mid-October. This renovation will allow the 194-room hotel on Palm Canyon Drive to take part in the city's Hotel Incentive Program. The program allows hotels to receive a rebate of up to 50-percent off any new transient occupancy tax generated following a renovation. Hotel Manager David Hill says when the renovation is complete, downtown Palm Springs will have a spectacularly upgraded destination hotel with a reconfigured lobby, pool area with luxury cabanas, additional meeting space and newly renovated suites.

The city of Fontana is closing its budget deficit through funds saved by the early retirement of city employees. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports the Fontana City Council has approved 19 "golden handshake" retirements that will save the city one-point-42 million dollars. In exchange for retiring early, the employees will get enhancements to their retirement packages. The city approved a fiscal year 2009 to 2010 budget last month that included a one-million dollar deficit. That deficit will be closed by eliminating 17 of the positions vacated through early retirements.

An Indio couple has been arrested for allegedly smoking crack in front of their two young children in their home. Rafael Cortez and his common law wife, Johanna Valenzuela, both 29-years-old, and a friend, 31-year-old Monia Ochoa, were allegedly doing the drugs when officers arrived to serve a search warrant at a quarter after nine Wednesday night at the couple's home in the 83-thousand block of Avenue 44. Cortez is a suspect in a recent La Quinta Esplanade neighborhood home burglary. During the search, officers seized alleged methamphetamine, marijuana, drug paraphernalia and property believed to have been stolen during the home burglary. The couple is scheduled to be arraigned on Friday. Ochoa is expected in court on September 16th. The children, who are both under five-years-old, are with Child Protective Services.

A 26-year-old father standing trial on a first-degree murder charge of the 24-year-old mother of his children, has been video recorded while re-enacting his actions of fatally stabbing the woman. James Serna is on trial for stabbing Melinda Larios to death on March 12th, 2008 in front of their daughter. The child's age has not been released. She will not have to testify against her father. Jurors are expected to see the video later today. The couple was engaged, and had been together for about eight years. They have three children who are physically safe and in Child Protective Custody. Larios was found stabbed 30 times with a fractured skull. Serna is being held at the Indio County Jail on one-million dollars bail. Deputy Public Defender Joe Forth asked the jury to consider Serna's frame of mind during sentencing, in what he called a crime of jealous passion.

With only 17-thousand-500 Michael Jackson fans winning tickets to attend Jackson's memorial service in Los Angeles tomorrow, the owner of Elvis Presley's former home in Palm Springs says he's inviting one-hundred fans to watch the televised memorial at his house. The owner of the 55-hundred square-foot "Graceland West," 56 year-old Reno Fontana says, quote, "It just seems fitting -- pay respects to the King of Pop at the home of the King of Rock and Roll." Anyone who would like to be invited should write a one-hundred-word essay explaining why and e-mail it to pselvis1@yahoo.com.

The Inland Empire Utility Agency will be able increase its recycled-water capacity by about ten-million- gallons per day, thanks to two new grants. The "Inland Valley Daily Bulletin" reports the agency is getting 14-million-dollars in federal stimulus money and 35-million-dollars from the state Water Resources Control Board to expand its water recycling plant. The plan is to make the Inland Empire less dependent on imported water. The recycled water will be used for business and construction, with water deliveries set to start by fall 2010 in Rancho Cucamonga and Fontana.

The 336 Cedar Glen homeowners who were burned out in the 2003 Old Fire have one month to clear their properties of debris. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports if they don't, San Bernardino County officials will do it for them and send them the bill. Rebuilding efforts have lagged in Cedar Glen, a mountain town near Lake Arrowhead, because of an antiquated water system, narrow roads and tiny lots that don't meet modern building codes. San Bernadino County officials want to get the lots cleared of dead chimneys, old foundations and other debris before the first snows fall in October.

A U.S. Forest Service plan to reduce the threat of wildfires in Southern California forests has been put on a hold by a San Francisco federal judge. The "Riverside Press-Enterprise" reports U.S. District Judge Marilyn Hall Patel ruled the plan to thin dead and dying trees and brush in the Angeles, Cleveland, Los Padres and San Bernardino national forests does not specify how the use of off-road vehicles and equipment might affect threatened wildlife or senstive habitat. The ruling came in a lawsuit filed by the Center for Biological Diversity and other environmental groups. Both sides have until August 5th to file proposed solutions.

A proposed train route between the Los Angeles area and Las Vegas has been designated a federal high-speed rail corridor. In an announcment, the U.S. Transportation Department says the federal, California and Nevada governments have agreed to add a Vegas route to the California High Speed Rail Corridor, which already includes the coast and the Central Valley. Transit planners say high speed train would ease the load on Interstate 15 in the High Desert between Vegas and L.A., which often becomes jammed, especially on holiday weekends.

In an effort to avoid traffic back ups following Palm Springs July 4th fireworks show, traffic signals around Palm Springs Stadium will be specially timed. The Palm Springs Power baseball game against the California Mariners starts at 6:05, Saturday evening followed by free fireworks scheduled for 9:15. Motorists heading to Cathedral City and the eastern Coachella Valley cities are encouraged to head south on Sunrise Way and then east on Ramon Road. Rancho Mirage and Southern Cathedral City travelers are asked to go south on Sunrise Way and east on East Palm Canyon Drive.

An autopsy of a 26-year-old old woman found dead at a nursery in Murrieta has ruled out foul play. The cause of the death is pending toxicology test results. Kristin Davidson was found by a Murrieta Oaks Inc. worker at 35-thousand block of Antelope Road around 6:15 a.m. Monday morning. Murrieta Sergeant Jim Ganley says Davidson had been seen walking around the nursery Sunday. It was up to 105 degrees that day. A friend who lives in Menifee told police Davidson had spent Saturday night at his place and left on foot around noon Sunday. She was found face down between rows of plants. Ganley says the gate to the nursery was unlocked and Davidson would not have been visible from the street.

This Fourth of July, weekend law enforcement throughout Riverside County is cracking down on drunk and drug impaired drivers. The "Avoid the 30" campaign starts on Friday and wraps up early Monday morning. The California Highway Patrol will have 80-percent of it's officers looking for DUI suspects, speeders and seatbelt violators. Riverside spokeswoman Karen Haverkamp directs the campaign. Seventeen people died and 382 people were injured in alcohol related crashes during last year's July 4th weekend. Haverkamp says too many people still don't understand that alcohol and driving don't mix.

A 27-year-old San Jacinto man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of a 20-year-old San Jacinto man. Ray Salazar faces additional charges of having a firearm while being a convicted felon. Salazar was arrested by a sheriff's Gang Task Force Friday for allegedly shooting Raymundo Lopez to death on May 17th and injuring another man at 12:20 a.m. in an alley near the six-hundred block of Mistletoe Avenue.

A 39-year-old Indio mother has been arrested on suspicion of homicide and assault of a child resulting in death. Yolanda Pena was taken into custody Tuesday. Pena's three-year-old daughter, Delilah Urrutia, was found dead with first and second-degree burns on much of her body at her home around 10:15 the night of June 15th. Pena told investigators the toddler had accidentally tipped a pot of extremely hot water which was on the kitchen counter. Investigators say Pena failed to find any medical treatment for her daughter after the accident, and that she confined the girl to her room for misbehaving. Pena called police when she found Delilah was not breathing. Sheriff's Sergeant David Barton says an autopsy on Monday revealed older injuries showing continuous physical abuse over a period of time. Pena's bail has been set at one million dollars and she is scheduled to be arraigned Monday.

A Corona couple found guilty of fatally beating their eleven-year-old nephew to death on Christmas Day may be handed the death penalty on Friday. Forty-two-year-old Raul Sarinana and his estranged wife, 32-year-old Cathy Sarinana, were convicted in March of first degree murder. The couple tortured and murdered Ricky Morales. In a Randle Washington mobile home, Raul Sarinana killed Ricky's 14-year-old brother, Conrad. The boys were sent to live with the Sarinana's after their father was deported to Mexico and their mother was arrested.

Its creditors say Valley Health System will run out of money by spring 2010 if its board of directors doesn't take steps now to sell off the hospital district's assets. The "Press Enterprise" reports that despite 18 months of U.S. Bankruptcy Court protection, the hospital district which owns Hemet Valley Medical Center and Menifee Valley Medical Center, is losing money. The creditors want Valley Health System sold. They estimate the sale could take as long as ten months to complete. U.S. Bankruptcy Court Judge Peter Carol is scheduled to consider the situation during a hearing next week.

A mistrial has been declared in the Soboba Indian Reservation murder trial. A six man, six woman jury deadlock on deciding Joseph Resvaloso's fate Wednesday ended in the mistrial ruling. The case stems from a truck to truck shooting on the reservation. Resvaloso was accused of shooting forty one year old Mark Walker to death on January 1st, 2003. Both men were tribal members living in San Jacinto. Having family on the reservation, they were frequent visitors. Prosecutors say they will be seeking to retry Resvalso on the first degree murder charge. The defendant is due back in court for a readiness trial on August 3rd.

The death penalty will not be sought for four out the five men accused of killing a 74-year-old Palm Springs man while attempting to steal his financial assets. The District Attorney made that announcement Wednesday. San Francisco attorney David Replogle, alleged con-man Kaushal Niroula, Daniel Garcia and Miguel Bustamante are accused of the first degree murder of Clifford Lambert on December 6th. If convicted, the four could face life imprisonment without the possibility of parole. A warrant is out for the arrest of 67-year-old Russell Manning. He is the fifth suspect. Manning is a San Francisco art dealer and believed to be in Mexico. District Attorney spokesman Michael Jeandron says a decision on whether to seek the death penalty for Manning will be decided later.

Los Angeles Dodgers manager Joe Torre announced Wednesday afternoon that Manny Ramirez will play Saturday for the Inland Empire 66ers at Lake Elsinore. Ramirez was scheduled to play his second game with the Albuquerque Isotopes Wednesday night, then fly back to Los Angeles. After taking Thursday off, he's scheduled to play in Lake Elsinore Saturday. Ramirez can return to the Dodgers from his 50-game suspension on July 3rd. The "Press Enterprise" reports the Dodgers play at San Diego on July 3rd.

A forty seven year old Riverside High School agricultural teacher has been accused of animal cruelty. Tracy Putnam pleaded not guilty to three felony counts of allegedly mistreating the animals in her classrooms. Putnam also teaches at Norte Vista High School. Alvord Unified School District assistant superintendent Craig Wells came to Putnam's defense in court saying the district investigated and found the charges unwarranted. John Welsh of Animal Services says the investigation began in May of 2006 when his department was tipped off that a lamb being used in one of Putnam's programs appeared injured, and that the animal was not being appropriately cared for. Welsh says when an animal control officer went to investigate the lamb was found euthanized with an improper drug. Five months later animal control learned of a sick goat not being treated. Putnam is due in court on August 7th for a felony settlement conference.

An Indio chiropractor pleads not guilty to allegedly sexually assaulting several patients. Fifty eight year old Dr. Stuart Greenwood has been released on one-hundred-thousand dollars bail. He has been charged with one count of sexual penetration and three counts sexual battery under unlawful restraint. Deputy District Attorney Brijida Rodarte told Superior Court Judge Thomas Douglas Wednesday, that in the past four month since the case was filed several alleged victims have stepped forward. This amends the charge to a seven count complaint. Greenwood's attorney John Jiminez says his client did nothing improper in any of the cases that have been alleged. The doctor was arrested from his office in the eighty one thousand block of Doctor Carreon Boulevard on February 18th. Greenwood also practices at his home in Apple Valley. The California State Board of Chiropractic Examiners is seeking to revoke Greenwood's license because of the trial. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for August 4th

As part of the California State Bar's speaker series on elder abuse, a Palm Springs attorney is delivering a presentation on how to identify and stop elder abuse at the Mizell Senior Center on Sunrise Way. The presentation will begin ten a.m. this morning. Attorney Laura O'Kane is focusing on helping families recognize identity scams and con artists. Questions will be fielded after the presentation and listed resources for victims of elder abuse will be made available.

A Realtor checking up on a bank owned property in the gated community of Shadow Hills in Indio happened upon an marijuana growing operation that was apparently abandoned. Indio police say she called Tuesday afternoon about strong fumes coming from the home but didn't enter it. Cal Fire showed up and said it appears a "hot house" had been set up for growing pot and hadn't been used for some time. The smell of the rotting pot was a bit overwhelming and an investigation into who may have set up the operation is underway. How many plants were found and the street value wasn't released and no arrests were made.

A twelve-year-old Irvine girl missing since Friday was spotted walking in a Riverside shopping mall. Irvine Police spokesperson Lieutenant John Hare says Clarissa Zahedtalab was spotted at the Tyler Mall by witnesses. They told police she was in good condition. Family members told authorities that Clarissa left home at around 6 p.m. without telling her family where she was going. She was reported missing to police at 11 p.m. that night. Clarissa moved to Irvine from Riverside about a month ago and still has friends in the area.

Inland Empire deputies are hunting a parolee accused of kidnapping and threatening to kill four women, and hitting one with a hammer when she tried to get away in a Crestline home late Monday. The "San Bernardino Sun" says 41-year-old Thomas Murphy is an ex-con who went looking for his ex-girlfriend at her friend's house and found her. The say he was very upset and angry, but it's unclear why. One of the women managed to get out of the home and call for help and Murphy was gone when deputies arrived. Murphy is six feet tall with green eyes and brown hair weighing 230 pounds with three tattoos. A swastika on his neck, the number "13" on his forearm, and the number "69" on his wrist.

A 57-year old Desert Hot Springs man has been convicted of first degree murder in the shooting death of his roommate. Michael Grodio faces 50 years to life in prison for shooting 56-year old David Tarlow on September 9, 2007 in their mobile home park trailer on Langlois Road. Grodio killed Tarlow by shooting him in the back after he ordered him to do the dishes and turn the air conditioner down. Grodio is due back in court for sentencing on September 11th.

An Ontario man who works for the Chino Valley Unified School District as a maintenance man has plead not guilty to inappropriately touching two of his daughters young friends. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports 57-year-old Jack Andrews confessed that he committed the act at his Mountain View apartment. Police say also admitted to additional acts, but told them none of his victims were students in the Chino district. Police say over a 12-year span, Andrews said he molested five girls, the most recent the day before he was taken into custody. Two of them have confirmed his story with police. Andrews remains behind bars with bail set at 75-thousand dollars. He will be back in court next Monday.

At least three small earthquakes jostled Southern California, Sunday. The first, a magnitude three-point-three quake, hit San Bernardino at 7:29 a.m. The U.S. Geologicial Survey says it was felt as far south as Oceanside and as far to the northwest as Palmdale. A two-point-oh magnitude struck eight miles southeast of Redlands at 10:39 a.m. And, a two-point-one magnitude earthquake rattled the Malibu area at 11:06, last night. No significant injuries or damage were reported from any of the quakes.

A U.S. Border Patrol agent has been arrested on suspicion of raping a woman, quote, "under the color of authority." Riverside County sheriff's deputies say 41 year-old Luis Hermosillo kidnapped and sexually assaulted a 26 year-old woman on Saturday, June 13th. Sheriff's Sergeant Dennis Gutierrez says Hermosillo was arrested Friday, and is being held in the Indio jail on one-million-dollars bail. Hermosillo is a Border Patrol agent assigned to the Indio sector.

Riverside County Sheriff's deputies were searching an area on the outskirts of Perris, looking for an illegal chop-shop. Instead, they found more than 50 roosters kept for fighting and paraphanalia connected with cockfighting. The raid occurred Friday night just west of Perris and north of Highway 74. The man deputies were looking for was not home and no arrests were made. County Animal Services officers said 57 roosters were "humanely euthanized" and ten of the birds were tested for West Nile Virus and other illnesses.

A four-year-old Riverside boy is recovering, after being attacked by a neighbor's dog. The boy suffered several puncture wounds to his face while playing at a neighbor's home Friday night. Riverside County Animal Services officers say it's possible the boy accidentally stepped on the dog's tail. The dog is a two-year-old female golden retreiver-collie mix and is being held in quarantine for a mandatory ten-day period following the attack. Officials say the boy and other children may have been playing with the dog without adult supervision.

There was good and bad news from the Automobile Club of Southern California, this week. On the bright side, regular self-serve gas in the Inland Empire this week was nearly a dollar-60 less then the record high of a year ago. On the down, side gas prices continue to rise and the price at the pump is now three dollars and two cents in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties. That's another three-point-nine cents more then a week ago and 45-point-one cents more then a month ago. The 49-day streak of rising prices ended Friday, when the price went unchanged.

Opening arguments are set to start today in the trial of two former employees accused of robbing the Soboba Indian Casino of one-and-half-million-dollars at gunpoint. Riverside County prosecutors say 27 year-old video surveillance technician Rolando Ramos disabled the security system, entered the vaults and tied up casino workers with duct tape. Twenty-four year-old Eric Aguilera allegedly drove the getaway car. Each man will have his own jury. Both are charged with robbery, kidnapping, using pepper spray and false imprisonment.

San Bernardino County would charge one-hundred-and-66 dollars for medical marijuana patient identification cards, under a proposal to be taken up tomorrow by the Board of Supervisors. The "San Bernardino Sun" reports caregivers would pay the same for their I.D. cards, but Medi-Cal patients would pay just 83-dollars each. San Bernardino County officials fought in court to avoid issuing medicinal marijuana I.D. cards, but lost. The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear their appeal last month.

The Riverside County Sheriff's department says one man was killed and another man arrested yesterday, in a fatal stabbing west of Perris in rural Mead Valley. Sheriff's Sergeant Greg Miller says the stabbing took place around 5:30 a.m., in a home on Cajalco Road west of Interstate 215. Miller says 32 year-old Jacob Knight of Mead Valley was arrested on suspicion of murder. The victim was dead at the scene. He has not been identified.

The city of Ontario would lose five-million-dollars in gasoline tax funds over the next two years, if the state decides to borrow money from local governments to balance its own budget. Ontario public works officials tell the "Inland Valley Daily Bulletin" that would make it nearly impossible to do much road repair work. Deputy City Manager Al Boling says the city usually fixes six-point-five million feet of streets per year. Ontario and 66 other cities are working with the League of California Cities to block the proposed state raid on local coffers

Two men were arrested yesterday on suspicion of using a crowbar to break into a car in Cabazon and steal a woman's purse. The car was parked in the lot at the Cabazon outlet mall. Witnesses told Riverside County Sheriff's deputies the two suspects fled the scene in a red Ford Focus. Another deputy spotted the car at a gas station. Officials say 20 year-old Anthony Berlanga of Ontario and 18 yearold Tyson Huff of Claremont were arrested.

Police in Irvine area asking for the public's help in finding a missing twelve-year-old girl who could be in the Riverside area. Family members told police that Clarissa Zahedtalab left home just before 6 p.m. Friday evening without telling anyone where she was going. Clarissa moved to Irvine from Riverside about a month ago. Clarissa has friends in Riverside and may be frequent that area. She is five-foot-seven-inches tall, 120 pounds with brown hair and brown eyes. Clarissa was last seen wearing a black long sleeved shirt, blue jeans, white and purple earring studs and gray sneakers. She was carrying a white purse with a gold design on it. Anyone with information is asked to call the Irvine Police Department.

A second jury has been impaneled for the trial of the alleged getaway driver in the one-point-five-million dollar Soboba Indian Casino heist. Twenty-four-year-old Eric Aguilera's jury was impaneled on Thursday. Twenty-seven-year-old Roland Ramos is the alleged mastermind in the heist. His jury was impaneled on Wednesday for the August 2nd, 2007 caper. Ramos was a surveillance camera technician at the casino. He is accused of tampering with the security system before duct taping employees and heading off to the vaults. Aguilera was also a casino employee. He allegedly was waiting in a car for Ramos. Authorities arrested Auguilera after finding 500-thousand dollars in his apartment. Los Angeles police uncovered close to thirty thousand dollars off of Ramos before he was taken into custody. It is not clear weather authorities found Ramos personally carrying the money, or if they found it in his apartment or vehicle.

A Palm Springs police officer driving his squad car crashed into another vehicle injuring himself and two others. Sgt. Mitch Spike says the officer was responding to a call at about 22-to-two Thursday afternoon on Indian Canyon Drive. As he went through the heavily congested intersection at Racquet Club Drive, his car hit another car in the intersection. The two people in the other car were transported to a local hospital. The officer sustained only minor injuries, which he was treated for at the scene. The California Highway Patrol is conducting an investigation.

A 26-year-old Indio gang member has been found guilty of first degree murder. Jose Ocampo opened fire on two rival gang members on August 3rd, 2003 at an apartment building on Gemini Street. Ovidio Colorado was only sixteen when he lost his life to Ocampo. He was shot twice in the head and once in the chest. Ocampo was also found guilty in the attempted murder of then 19-year-old Daniel De La Paz who is paralyzed by a bullet that lodged in his spine. Ocampo will be sentenced on August 13th. He could face up to 75 years to life in prison.

The price of a gallon of regular unleaded gas coninued its upward trend this week, gaining nine cents in Riverside and San Bernardino counties and passing the the three-dollar mark. The Auto Club of Southern California's Weekend Gas Watch found the average price at three-dollars and two cents. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach area it gained eight and half cents to three dollars and two cents. In Orange County, the price rose eight-point-six cents to climb to three-dollars and a penny. In Ventura County, the price settled at three dollars and two cents after gaining seven point eight cents this week.

Coachella Valley is expected to be in triple digit temperatures over the next three days. The Riverside County Health Department has issued a heat warning. Snacks and water will be made available to residents at cool centers throughout the county. Locals need to stay hydrated, keep indoors with the blinds down and use air conditioning. The county is recommending avoiding direct sunlight during peak hours. Children, elderly, disabled or pets should not be left inside vehicles. To find a list of cool centers call 888-636-8676.

Parking meters will be installed in downtown Riverside this weekend that have more user friendly features, including the option of adding more time via mobile phone. The city's Department of Parking Services says three dozen LUKE multi-space parking kiosks are expected to be in service on ten Riverside streets by Monday. The LUKE kiosks were chosen by residents through an on-line poll last year. Residents were allowed to choose between LUKE and another system that were both on display at Riverside City Hall. The LUKE kiosks require users to select a stall number and pay to reserve the space for a certain amount of time. Motorists will be able to use a credit card and reset the meter with a mobile phone.

The San Bernardino County District Attorney's Office and prosecutors across the state have joined together in a lawsuit alleging that Target Corporation regularly dumped hazardous waste into the environment. The civil lawsuit filed in Alameda County against Target, alleges that over the course of eight years some 200 Target stores throughout the state improperly handled and disposed of hazardous wastes including bleaches, pesticides, paints, aerosols and other flammable and corrosive material. State Attorney General Jerry Brown says "If successful, this lawsuit would force Target to comply with state laws governing the lawful handling and disposal of toxic and corrosive waste."

Hold on to your wallet. Gas prices continue shooting skyward, with the average price for a gallon of regular gas in Riverside and San Bernardino Counties rising another penny to reach two-dollars-99-cents. The latest figures from the Lundberg survey indicate the national pump price is up 17 cents in the past two weeks to two-dollars-66-cents, despite demand being down. Pump prices have hit three-dollars a gallon in the Los Angeles area. That's more than 50 cents higher than a month ago. Analyst Trilby Lundberg attributes the recent spike in crude oil prices to fears of inflation driven by government spending and global uncertainty about the stability of the dollar. She noted she does not expect crude oil prices to continue to rise much beyond the 70-dollar-per-barrel range where they currently are.

A Riverside County woman woke up Saturday to find a real-life David versus Goliath situation unfolding in her garage. Ana Lee Spray went to see why her three toy chihuahuas, which weigh about three pounds apiece, were barking so loudly. She was shocked to find the pint-size pooches facing down an adult female mountain lion in the garage at her home in rural Sage, east of Temecula. Spray's dogs kept barking at the big cat until two deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department arrived at her home. California Department of Fish and Game officers also came out and a warden fatally shot the mountain lion with a shotgun when it started to advance toward him.

The Board of Supervisors is gearing up to direct the county's Washington lobbyists to begin actively encouraging Congress to recommend trade agreements with Columbia and Panama. County officials say the agreements will directly benefit the Inland Empire. It will allow virtually duty free exploration of sixty percent or more of Riverside County manufacturers products into Columbia and Panama. The U.S. International Trade Commission estimates a potential growth to U.S. exports of one-point-one-billion-dollars. Colombia to the U.S. imports could increase by 487-million-dollars. The downside, is that trade restrictions protecting the U.S. sugar producers would be dropped which could lead to job losses.

A thirty four-year old woman has plead guilty to manslaughter in Cathedral City. Gina Garcia was sentenced to fifteen years in state prison on Monday. Garcia's husband is an investigator with the District Attorney's office. Garcia was driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol when she struck and killed eighteen year old Danica Denton and her unborn child on February 11th. The victim was one week away from her due date. The accident happened on East Palm Canyon Drive at Van Fleet Avenue around nine thirty in the evening. Garcia had a prior DUI conviction from thirteen years ago. The victim's family was outraged that the charges against Garcia were not steeper.

Riverside County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid contracting the swine flu. The Tolerance Education Center has extra patrols after the D.C. Holocaust Museum shooting. Deliberations are underway in a trial involving a man charged with a vehicle to vehicle shooting death of another man on the Soboba Indian Reservation. A renewable energy facility opened Thursday in Bloomington. Foreclosures are falling in Riverside County. And, parts of the I-10 and State Route 111 in Palm Springs will be down for part of the upcoming work week due to a massive vehicle transport of oversized loads traveling between Long Beach and the Arizona border. In the wake of the announcement Thursday by the World Health Organization that swine flu is now a worldwide pandemic, Riverside County health officials are reminding residents to take precautions to avoid contracting the virus. County Health Officer Dr. Eric Frykman said, "The county will remain vigilant in its response to the virus." Riverside County has recorded 70 confirmed cases of swine flu. The county declared a local state of emergency in April, after four cases of swine flu were reported. There have been no fatal cases of the swine flu in Riverside County. The WHO says 73 countries are reporting citizens infected with swine flu.

The Tolerance Education Center in Rancho Mirage saw extra patrol officers Thursday as a precaution following the shooting death of a security guard inside the Holocaust Museum in Washington D.C. Wednesday. Sheriff's Deputy Herlinda Valenzuela says the facility will see heightened patrolling for the next two weeks. Holocaust survivor Earl Greif founded the center which opened on May 15th. Grief says there is still bigotry and we have to educate tolerance. When he was ten, Grief and his brother hid in an oven in Poland while Nazis shot and buried the rest of his family. He says he began to speak about the horrors when he became aware that some people in the United States believed the Holocaust never happened. In addition to information about the Holocaust, the center houses data about acts of intolerance around the world.

Deliberations are underway in a trial involving a 24-year-old man charged with a vehicle to vehicle shooting death of a 41-year-old man on the Soboba Indian Reservation. Joseph Resvalso is charged with the first degree murder of Mark Walker on New Year's Day 2003. Both men had relatives on the reservation they visited frequently. The prosecution is saying the men, both driving pick up trucks had a chase and that Walker was taunting Resvalso to follow him. In a recorded testimony heard by the court Thursday Resvalso told a homicide detective that if he had not fired, Walker likely would have shot him. Deputy District Attorney Blain Hopp told the court Resvalso ran Walker off the road and shot him multiple times.

A renewable energy facility opened Thursday in Bloomington, an unincorporated area near Rialto. Enertech CEO Kevin Bolin says the Rialto Slurry Carb Facility on the 500 block of Eastwill turn 270-thousand tons of processed sewage sludge a year into fuel for Southern California cement kilns as a substitute for fossil fuels. The facility offers a local alternative to trucking the processed waste to landfills hundreds of miles away. Enertech worked with the cities of Rialto, Riverside, San Bernardino along with the Orange County Sanitation District and the Los Angeles County Sanitation District to build the facility. Rialto Mayor Pro Tem Joe Baca and Riverside Mayor Ronald O. Loveridge were on hand for the opening ceremonies.

A real estate tracking firm reports the number of Riverside County homes that fell into foreclosure declined but it remained higher than a year ago. In May there was a one point three percent drop from April. Since May 2008 there has been a seventeen percent increase. RealtyTrac out of Irvine ranked California the highest nationwide in overall foreclosure filings at one in every 144 households. Nevada had the lowest rate with one in every 64 homes.

Parts of the I-10 and State Route 111 in Palm Springs will be down for part of the upcoming work week due to a massive vehicle transport of oversized loads traveling between Long Beach and the Arizona border. California Highway Patrol will be enforcing closures between six Tuesday evening and six Wednesday morning. CHP officers will escort the transporter for safety purposes. Due to the weight and height of the load, the vehicle will travel down the wrong side of the I-10 just west of State Route 111 eastbound on ramp. Traffic will be rerouted around the closure

Rancho Mirage locals are now able to view council meetings online. City spokeswoman Beth Williams says video footage will be posted on the city's Web site at www.ci.Rancho-Mirage.ca.us by the weekend. The announcement came Thursday. Council meetings are the first and third Thursdays of each month. The meetings will also continue to air on Time Warner Cable Channel 17 at 10 a.m and 7 p.m. Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays.

San Bernardino County Supervisors will meet behind closed doors tomorrow for the second straight week, to go over proposed guidelines for county-issued identification cards for medicinal marijuana patients. The "Inland Valley Daily Bulletin" reports San Bernardino County will have to comply with California's medical marijuana law, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has refused to take up the county's case. San Bernardino and San Diego counties had sued in federal court to avoid complying with the state law, arguing that it was pre-empted by federal law which bans all marijuana use. They lost.

Subsidized school lunch programs end this week and advocates for poor children in the Coachella Valley fear many children will get less to eat this summer. A majority of Coachella Valley school age children live in low-income homes that qualify for free and reduced price meals. The "Palm Springs Desert Sun" reports that child hunger is worst in the southeast valley where nine out of ten low income students qualify for reduced price meals. The FIND food bank in Cathedral City expects to feed 30-thousand children this summer.

Jurors in Murrieta will deliberate for a third day today, weighing whether a man convicted of murdering another man with a hammer is mentally retarded. If that is the case, 46 year-old Tony Yonko would be ineligible for the death penalty. Yonko was found guilty of first-degree murder in the hammer killing of 42 year-old Paul Ngo in October, 2002. The jury that found Yonko guilty also recommended that he be put to death, but then deadlocked on the question of whether he is mentally retarded. The second trial regarding Yonko's mental status began two weeks ago, with jurors deliberating for the first time, Thursday.

Riverside County Sheriff's deputies say five people were arrested over the weekend -- one of them twice -- during a crackdown on methamphetamine sales in Blythe. Sheriff's Sergeant Johnny Rodriguez says 27 year-old Sergio Duran was arrested Thursday, posted bail, and was arrested again Saturday. Other suspects nabbed by the Blythe Narcotic Enforcement Team include 43 year-old Shannon Jones, 32 year-old Santiago Levias, 30 year-old Jose Cebreros and 44 year-old Dale Llamas.

Authorities say a 63 year-old Big Bear woman who'd been missing since Saturday has been found safe in the Van Dusen Canyon area of Big Bear City. The "San Bernardino Sun" quotes San Bernardino County Sheriff's deputies saying Willow Gold appeared to be suffering from mild dehydration and possible exposure. She was taken to the hospital for medical evaluation. Gold disappeared around 2 p.m. Saturday, after leaving her vehicle on Panamint Road in Big Bear.

A man suspected of trying to kill a rival gang member was arrested in Hemet during a parole and probation sweep. Eighteen-year-old Joseph Barreto was taken into custody shortly before 5 p.m. Friday, and was booked in the Southwest Detention Center. The "Riverside Press-Enterprise" reports Barreto and 19-year-old Louis Garcia were named as suspects in the May 22nd shooting at Ramona Plaza. No one was hit by the bullet, but the shooting caused the driver of a Nissan Pickup to crash. Garcia remains at large.

Gasoline prices continue to rise in the Inland Empire. Gas prices rose yesterday, for the 38th straight day, reaching two-dollars-and-87-point-four-cents per gallon for self-serve regular gas in Riverside and San Bernardino counties. That figure is 14-point-eight cents more than a week ago and 51-point-three cents higher than last month. The average price is at its highest point since October 31st of last year.

A Murrieta woman who was being raped bit off the tongue off her attacker, who then fled her apartment. Murrieta police say they arrested 32-year-old Ronald McGowan of West Covina while he was being treated at Rancho Springs Medical Center Friday. Officers say McGown's tongue was found in the woman's apartment following the alleged attack, but doctors were not able to reattach it. McGowan is a registered sex offender with three prior convictions. Police say they believe he specifically targeted his victim. McGowan was charged with almost half-a-dozen felonies.

Police are looking for a hit-and-run driver who hit a bicyclist east of Hemet and kept on going, Sunday. An ambulance was dispatched to the scene, although the extent of the bicyclist's injuries were not immediately known. The incident took place on Highway 74 in the Valle Vista area, just after 12:30. Authorities say they're looking for a red sedan.

The man who started the 2006 Esperanza fire near Cabazon has been sentenced to death by a Riverside judge. Raymond Lee Oyler was convicted in March on murder and arson charges for setting fires throughout the region. Five U.S. Forest Service firefighters were killed fighting the 41-thousand-acre Esperanza blaze. Thirty-four homes were destroyed. The five firefighters died while trying to save a house in the San Jacinto Mountains. Oyler's trial lasted more than a month before he was found guilty on 42 charges.

Granite Construction has been approved to go ahead with its application to dig a quarry in the community of Rainbow, in southwest Temecula. By a vote of five to two, Riverside county's Local Agency Formation Commission last night approved the annexation of 5000 acres of land for the quarry. This follows weeks of contention between the City of Temecula and some of its residents and company interests. According to "The Californian," the quarry application is under consideration by the county. Opponents of the quarry want to preserve the open space and fear added air pollution. Proponents say it will bring jobs and revenue to the area.

Fontana police arrested a kidnapping suspect Thursday after they flushed him out of a car trunk using tear gas. The "San Bernardino County Sun" reports that 38-year-old David Chapple was being sought in connection with a kidnapping in Long Beach. Fontana police received a tip early Thursday morning that a man armed with a gun and hiding in the trunk was being driven around the Southridge area by his girlfriend. Police located the vehicle and pulled it over near the corner of Beach Avenue and Village Drive at about 6 a.m. A woman and her baby immediately got out of the car and ran. Police then used tear gas. After a couple of hours, Chapple emerged from the trunk, choked by the gas. He was arrested and taken to a local hospital for treatment.

A San Bernardino Superior Court judge is ordering two brothers held over for trial in connection with the beating death of a 72-year-old Colton man. Prosecutors tell the "San Bernardino Sun" 31-year-old Jonathan Ramirez and his 28-year-old brother Omar are charged with kicking and punching Enrique Bermudez inside the La Veranda Family Restaurant. Police say Bermudez was attacked after he asked the brothers to be quiet and stop using foul language after the Ramirezes allegedly drank beer and tequila during the early morning hours of May 13th, 2006. A Colton Police Sergeant later testified the brothers continued to assault Bermudez after he fell to the ground. Bermudez later died at Arrowhead Regional Medical Center.

A parolee and a woman in his company have been booked into county jail on a suspected drug deal. Twenty seven year old Raudel Perez of Hemet was taken to county on a parole violation. Twenty six year old Reanna McCaskey was jailed on suspicion of drug possession. McCaskey is being held without bail. Perez's bail was set at twenty five thousand. Hemet police Sgt. James Anderson says a drug sniffing dog helped detectives find a half ounce of crystal methamphetamine.

Redlands residents are being warned about mountain lions roaming in the area after a big cat was spotted Thursday in the backyard of a home. Redlands Police and Animal Control officers arrived at the Puesta [[ P'WAY-stah ]] del Sol residence, but did not find the feline. A city spokesman tells the "San Bernardino Sun" the lion wasn't threatening and soon disappeared into some bushes. Despite the fact there have several big cat sightings in Redlands the past several years, there have been no reports of lion attacks on humans in San Bernardino County.

A twenty seven year old Palm Springs firefighter has been given the title "Firefighter of the Year." Mark Hunter has been chosen by his peers for saving a woman by performing the Heimlich maneuver at a local resteraunt while off duty. Fellow firefighter Bob Yturrald says Mark is a very humble guy and no one would have even know about it, but Hunter's girlfriend told him about it.

Inland Empire map on the right.

Thirty-eight-year-old Raymond Oyler is expected to be sentenced to death today for starting the Esperanza wildfire on October 26th, 2006 that killed five firefighters. Oyler is a serial arsonist also convicted of 30 counts of arson and possessing destructive devices. He's been convicted of the murder of fire Captain Mark Loutzenhiser, firefighters Daniel Hoover-Najera, Pablao Cerda, Jason McKay and Jess McLean.

A 43-year-old Banning Agua Caliente Casino employee pled not guilty on charges of embezzling cash from the Rancho Mirage club by using the identities of casino patrons. Karl Walton was put behind bars on March 26th and released on 60-thousand dollars bail the following day. Investigators evidence indicates Walton used his job as a cash cage supervisor to embezzle large amounts of cash under assumed identities of various casino guests. Walton entered his plea Thursday.

Police in Coachella [[ ko-CHELL-uh ]] are looking for a Latino man wanted in connection with Wednesday's stabbing of an 18-year-old boy at a local apartment complex. Authorities say the suspect and victim were drinking for several hours before getting into a fight just before 10:30 a.m. at the 85-thousand block of Cairo Avenue. The teenager was reportedly stabbed several times, then taken to a hospital with non-life threatening injuries. The suspect is in his mid-20s, is five-feet seven-inches tall and has a medium build.

Layoffs may be on the horizon for the Corona-Norco Unified School District. The "Riverside Press-Enterprise" reports about 16-million-dollars of ongoing cuts takes effect for the 2009-2010 school year. Additional reductions of nearly 18-million-dollars were proposed for the same time period. However, previous cutbacks will prevent layoffs for that year. During a special board meeting held Wednesday at a local elementary school, the assistant superintendent for business services for the school district said employees may lose their jobs during the 2010-2011 school year "if all the budget cuts we've been told to expect" actually happen.