• RSO Press Release: Robbery by Force

"On Thursday, October 3, 2019, investigators located Jarbi Recinos in the area of Clinton Keith Road and Interstate 15 in the city of Wildomar."

Press Release: Robbery by Force or Fear Agency: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Station Area: Lake Elsinore Written Date: October 8, 2019 Time: 11:00AM Incident Date: February 4, 2018 Time: 4:30PM Incident Location: Shoreline & Grand Avenue, Lake Elsinore Reporting Officer: Sergeant Ray Ricken File Number(s): L180360037 Details: Jarbi Recinos During the past year, Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station deputies investigated several complaints of theft stemming from an individual offering to sell a vehicle.  The suspect would meet the victims at a location and take their cash offer, through force or fear, without turning over the vehicle.  The Lake Elsinore Station Detective Bureau identified additional victims during the investigation from the cities of Moreno Valley, Perris, Riverside, and San Diego, along with the suspect, Jarbi Recinos , a 23-year-old resident of Eastvale.  On Thursday, October 3, 2019, investigators located Recinos in the area of Clinton Keith Road and Interstate 15 in the city of Wildomar.   Recinos was arrested without incident and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center for robbery. The investigation is on-going and anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Esteban Carranza from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 245-3300.

This was a couple of days ago, but I'm just now seeing it... thought you'd want to see it too.

• City Council Meeting October 2019

The key takeaways from this meeting include shade structures at two of our parks, and the tabling of changing Wildomar Road's name to Old Wildomar Road, but let's begin by highlighting the presentations.

Proclamation: David Lower’s 100th Birthday. He's lived in Wildomar since 1987, and is both a WWII and Korean War veteran.

R to L: Joseph Morabito, Marsha Swanson, David Lower, Ben Benoit, David Lower's daughter, Dustin Nigg and Bridgette Moore. 

Photo courtesy city of Wildomar's facebook page. Original caption: Tonight, we celebrated Mr. David Lower’s 100th birthday. He served in both WWII and the Korean War. Happy birthday, young man... and thank you for your service!

Mr. Valdez gave a presentation of happenings at William Collier Elementary School.

Link to William Collier Elementary School's website.

There was also mention of a Community Candlelight Tribute (19th annual ceremony is set for November 30th, sorry not sure of the details) and an Acknowledgement that Wildomar is a Purple Heart City.

Items 3.1 and 3.2 were GPIPs (General Plan Initiation Proposal). I love every chance I get to dust off my old Mario and Peach cartoon to illustrate what a GPIP is... so here goes.

I see a GPIP as asking if you can ask, because if you were actually asking in the first place, you'd go directly with the GPA (General Plan Amendment).

In the end, both applicants were given the green light to position themselves for a full GPA (General Plan Amendment) in the future. 

One GPIP asked if they could change an old approved plan of 108 single family homes to 288 apartments. 

The key concern from the council was the traffic impacts.

The other GPIP dealt with a 3+ acre property on Grand that asked to be subdivided into four lots, all greater than half an acre. 

Neither were given unanimous attaboys, but enough encouragement to reach for the next level. I don't anticipate seeing either project come back for at least six months, more likely a year.

3.3 First Quarter Budget Report
The important news from this item involves the sidewalk project along Mission Trail in the Sedco Hills part of the city.

Councilmember Ben Benoit asked if this will finish the sidewalk project all the way to Malaga Park, and that was confirmed.

I had asked in an email what the estimated start/finish dates are and the answer I received was: Estimated start date is January 6th and the estimated completion date is February 7th. 

3.4 Award of Construction Contract – Installation of Park Shade Structures at Wildomar Parks Project
This was approved by unanimous vote, but not without discussion. What started out in 2018 as a $50,000 project, morphed into $157K. 

Artist's rendition of Marna O'Brien park's play area.

Reminder/Disclaimer
Being a member of the city council makes being a blogger difficult in situations like this. I want to tell you how I saw it, but I'm not here to "throw shade" in any direction. I want to maintain a good working relationship with all that are part of the city machine. So, out of an abundance of caution and respect for others that don't have their own blog to give you their "side", I won't be getting into specifics here. If you'd like to see the video below at the 1:28:30 mark for this item. 

The good news is that there will be shade structures at both Marna O'Brien and Windsong parks before next Summer.

3.5 Santa Rosa Plateau Special Event
There was an agreement to hold the SRPNEF brewfest event at Marna O'Brien park for the next two years. It was also reiterated that Santa Rosa Plateau is CLOSED for all uses... so please don't even go up there if you don't live in one of those communities.

3.6 2020 Parks Special Events Calendar
Below is the tentative 2020 city event calendar. I asked if we could add an Earth Day event/recognition, and Mayor Pro-Tem Dustin Nigg suggested the same thing during future agenda items.

Might as well mark your calendars now... I have. ☺

3.7 Resolution to Change the Name of Wildomar Road to Old Wildomar Road

Remember that green box up above with the reminder? Yep, it sort of applies here too. In the end, this item was tabled.

As for me, I was against changing the name of Wildomar Road to Old Wildomar Road without direct input from the residents on that street. 

Councilmember Ben Benoit, who represents the district that Wildomar Road is in, also wasn't in favor of this the way it was presented, and he motioned that we put this off for a month to get more information. 

3.8 Business Registration Program Amendment
This was supposed to be an easy item, but I didn't like the way part of it read. The part I didn't like was removing the exemption for some home based businesses.

Since I have a home based business that got the exemption, I spoke with the city attorney before the meeting to see if there was a conflict of interest for me to be part of this item. It was determined not to be a problem so I played my part.

If you watch the video, you'll see that I was primarily concerned with very small home based businesses. Businesses that don't have employees, customers, inventory etc. Imagine a house cleaner that lives in Wildomar but works in other cities, or someone that sells crafts on Etsy. To me, it would be better to offer business registration at a reduced rate, than have them skip it because they'd rather save the $75 or $50.

I compared other public things, like RTA, where the fare they charge does NOT cover their overhead. The same applies to parks too. They cost us, but are a benefit to the community. 

I was trying to suggest that keeping track of smaller home based businesses, through a low cost registration for those that qualify, would be a good way to keep track of such businesses. My suggestion continued that by removing the exemption, we were disincentivizing very small home based businesses from participating.

I'm not the most articulate person when doing public speaking, and it showed as I failed at conveying that point.

•                •                •

The last bit of news came during the future agenda items portion of the meeting.

I asked for a future agenda item where the city council can discuss citywide clean up days where volunteers can help keep the city clean. That seemed to get a majority of the council to give a head nod.

I then asked for a future agenda item where the city council could discuss the merits of using the city's email and social media to advertise/promote local, approved, nonprofits and their events. Three of us agreed, and it should be coming to a future city council agenda.

The last news nugget came when Councilmember Bridgette Moore asked that there be a special meeting to discuss commercial cannabis. I quickly agreed, but there wasn't a third member that wanted to see it happen.

Green box reminder time again... I'm going to try and give an opinion, but I'll be pulling punches and going with kid gloves here.

I'm still new to being on city council, and I'm still somewhat of an idealist when it comes to my approach to the job. For me, if one of my colleagues were to ask for a future agenda item that I didn't get, or did get but didn't support, I'd STILL approve it to be on a future agenda.

Again, perhaps I'm being idealistic, but there should always be room for more discussion. Discussion doesn't equate to support.

Note: the meeting doesn't start until about the 4:30 mark of the video.

•                •                •

"Consider the postage stamp, son. It secures success through its ability to stick to one thing till it gets there."
– Josh Billings

Wildomar Rap has always been delivered without postage of any kind.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• RSO Press Release: Illegal Grow House in Wildomar

The second time in about a week Wildomar has seen an illegal grow-house busted that had been set up in a local neighborhood.

Below is a verbatim Facebook post by the Lake Elsinore Station. Not quite an official press release, but still from a reliable source.

WILDOMAR — This morning, deputies served a search warrant in the 21000 block of Front Street, city of Wildomar. There was 35 pounds of bud and over 1300 plants recovered. One suspect was arrested.

Another one down.
Photo courtesy Lake Elsinore Police Station

Marijuana is a victimless crime? The suspect stole over $30,000 worth of electricity and the home was marked uninhabitable by code enforcement due to mold, illegal wiring and water damage.

No room to tinkle in this bathroom.
Photo courtesy Lake Elsinore Police Station

The home needs to be gutted before it can be lived in, costing the homeowner or bank (if the owner forecloses) tens of thousands of dollars.

Captain Lujan leading by example and working with deputies to make the community better.
Photo courtesy Lake Elsinore Police Station

Unfortunately, the electric company, banks, and landlords are in business to make money so the costs of the stolen electricity and repairs ultimately get passed on to you and everyone else.

Doesn't really look like the inside of a house anymore.
Photo courtesy Lake Elsinore Police Station

If you have any information on illegal activity, please contact Sgt, Warrington at (951) 245-3300.

Link to FaceBook page.

UPDATED TO INCLUDE OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE

There was no booking photo included

=====

	Release Booking Photo(s)?         Yes  RIVERSIDE COUNTY SHERIFF’S DEPARTMENT
	Sheriff Chad Bianco
	Station Lake Elsinore Station Agency Riverside County Sheriff’s Department
	Press Release:

Type of Incident:	Illegal Marijuana Grow and Theft of Electricity
Date Written:	October 4, 2019	Time Written:	2:00 P.M.
Date of Incident:	October 4, 2019	Time of Incident:	8:00 A.M.
Location of Incident:	21700 Block of Front Street in the city of Wildomar
Reporting Deputy:	Sergeant Glenn Warrington #2506
File Number:	WI192690047

Details:

In September 2019, Deputy Carlson, the Wildomar Community Service Deputy received complaints regarding a possible illegal in-home marijuana cultivation operation in a residential neighborhood.  On October 4, 2019, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station and investigators from the Sheriff’s Marijuana Eradication Team served a search warrant in the 21700 block of Front Street, in the city of Wildomar. There was approximately 35 pounds of processed marijuana and 1300 marijuana plants in various stages of growth collected from the residence.

In addition, the electrical supply to the residence was illegally altered allowing for the theft of electrical services.  The amount of electricity stolen is estimated to be $32,000 dollars.  Most of the home was damaged due to illegal modifications and water damage.  The home was deemed uninhabitable and red tagged by Wildomar Code Enforcement.

There was one suspect located at the residence.  The suspect, Quinghua Yang, a 43-year-old resident of Temple City, was arrested and booked into Cois Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta for illegal marijuana cultivation, theft of utilities, possession for sales of marijuana, and maintaining a drug house. 

=====

Wildomar Rap opinion time.

I've heard some people actually complain about this kind of bust. They'll say, "But weed is no big deal, go after the meth dealers instead."

A couple of things on that. 

First, this type of police action is NOT about cannabis use, it's about a criminal enterprise in a residential neighborhood, also it's an illegal, hazardous, unregulated manufacturing business. Please tell me you can see the difference before posting ignorant statements on Facebook.

Second, the police are most certainly looking for the meth cookers/dealers too. It's not a one or the other proposition.

Editor's note: The original post used "inhabitable" and I corrected it above to say "uninhabitable".

• RSO Volunteer Meeting Recap

It was a very well attended volunteer meeting at the Lake Elsinore Station (home of Wildomar Police), I'd say about 50 were there. 
 

Link to past blog encouraging participation in this program

It was standing room only, with a few late comers peering in from outside.
Photo courtesy of Natasha Johnson.

It was asked how many were from Lake Elsinore, Wildomar and the county areas. All were represented with about a dozen coming from Wildomar. 

We heard from Captain Lujan, Lieutenant Kent, Deputy Salcido and volunteer coordinator David Vawter  as they explained the volunteer program in greater detail.

Captain Mike Lujan, who serves as both Wildomar's and Lake Elsinore's police chief, answers questions. Deputy Salcedo looks on (left side of photo) as does David Vawter.

Though there was a volunteer program in the past for Lake Elsinore, this is essentially a new program for the station, and a first in Wildomar.

From the RSO website: LINK

Citizen Volunteers

• Citizen volunteers do not require the special law enforcement training of a Reserve Deputy Sheriff.

• Volunteers do not carry a weapon or make arrests. They do act as essential "eyes and ears" in service to the community while working with Sheriff's staff.

• Volunteers may work in a myriad of assignments including within their own neighborhood, at a correctional facility, in patrol operations, clerical support, investigations, accounting, computer entry and many more.

There are two levels of volunteers

Level 2 clearance isn't enough for patrolling, but is enough for work around the station, including helping with paperwork.

Level 1, where volunteers will be allowed to drive around in pairs, comes only after a thorough background check, and 40 hours in a volunteers academy (five consecutive Saturdays of eight hour classes). 

Both levels are expected to put in a minimum of 12 volunteer hours a month. 

Link to Lake Elsinore Station facebook page.

There are 29 questions in the pre-investigation questionnaire. Suffice to say, RSO isn't interested in having the criminal element in the volunteer program.

First question(s) in the initial application
1. Have you ever committed any of the following acts?
a. Arson, b. Burglary, c. Robbery, d. Homicide, e. Forgery, g. Kidnapping, h. Extortion, i. Embezzlement, j. Rape, k. Any other forcible sex act, l. Any violent assault, m. Wife beating.

They get easier from there, but after those, I'd sure hope that'd be the case. ☺

There was a bit of confusion among some of the attendees when it came to the point of the program. Yes, the volunteers can "patrol" their own neighborhoods, but many seemed to have no interest in any other duties.

Wildomar's "police station" is better known as the Lake Elsinore Station... since that's where it's at.

Lake Elsinore City Councilwoman Natasha Johnson was in attendance and she responded to those that were only interested in their own neighborhoods. 

She mentioned that one of the biggest concerns that she hears from her constituents is police response times. She tried to make the point that if a volunteer is available to help with traffic control at an accident site, for example, that frees up a sworn officer that can then respond to calls... possibly in the neighborhood of the volunteer.

I got the point, but there were a few that seemed only interested in cruising around their neighborhoods in a volunteer patrol car... which currently, there is only one for the entire service area. 

They really were just interested in an amplified version of Neighborhood Watch. This program is for those that would like to volunteer to assist our local police. Which does allow for patrols in your own neighborhood, but how long would that really take?

About two-thirds through the meeting, Wildomar resident Kenny Mayes asked a pretty important question: paraphrasing "If I were to sign up, would I have to get a haircut?"

The group had a good laugh at that, but the answer came back that all volunteers would have to comply with the department's grooming standards... which would ace me out too since I have a beard.

If you have interest in citizen volunteer patrols, or helping at the station, please call the non emergency phone number and ask for more information. (951) 245-3300

•                •                •

The less we know, the more we suspect. 
– Josh Billings, American Humorist

Wildomar Rap suspects none of us actually knows all that much.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.

• Press Release: Wildomar Planning Commission to Discuss Draft Ordinances for Cannabis Businesses

 WILDOMAR, CA – The City of Wildomar will hold a Planning Commission Study session on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 at 6:30 pm to discuss the Draft Ordinances for the Wildomar Cannabis Code Amendment (ZOA No. 19-04) that proposes to establish licensing and zoning regulations for medicinal and adult-use cannabis businesses in the City of Wildomar as defined by the Medicinal and Adult-Use Cannabis Regulation and Safety Act (MAUCRSA).

Link to agenda packet/draft ordinance

The Planning Commission will hear recommendations from the Council Ad-Hoc Subcommittee formed on June 1, 2019, to assist and provide direction to staff in this effort.  The Planning Commission will also hear comments, discussion and input from the general public.

23873 Clinton Keith Rd

The Council ad-hoc subcommittee, consisting of Mayor Pro Tem Dustin Nigg, Councilmember Bridgette Moore and staff, have met numerous times over the past months discussing research completed by staff and ideas on how best to regulate cannabis businesses in the City of Wildomar.  The committee reviewed cannabis ordinances as part of this effort, including ordinances from the cities of Cathedral City, Lake Elsinore, Perris and County of Riverside.  From this effort, the subcommittee and staff have completed the initial draft ordinances now available for public review.

The Planning Commission will meet on this matter in City Council Chambers located at 23873 Clinton Keith Road, #106, Wildomar, CA 92595, on Tuesday, October 8, 2019 beginning at 6:30 pm.

• RSO Press Release: Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor

What started Thursday, September 26th, with the arrest of a 71 year old former scout leader, ended at 4:01pm Monday, September 30th when Kip Yotter ended his own life in the Windsong Valley neighborhood in Wildomar.

This was being played out on local facebook groups as residents reported what they were seeing. One neighbor, name not being used here, kept people up to speed as she'd shared that she heard gunshots, then saw a man exit the house, hide behind a vehicle and pled for someone to call 9-11.

Below is the official press release from RSO

Press Release: Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Minor Agency: Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Station Area: Lake Elsinore Written Date: September 26, 2019 Time: 1:45 PM Incident Date: December 2018 Time: N/A Incident Location: 35000 block of Momat Avenue, Wildomar Reporting Officer: Sergeant Ray Ricken File Number(s): WI191640034 Update 10-1-2019: On Monday, September 30, 2019, at 4:31PM, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station responded to the 35000 block of Momat Avenue reference an attempt suicide.  Deputies arrived and located Charles Kip Yotter deceased inside the location.  The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Geoff Stites from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 245-3300.   Details: Charles Kip Yotter In June 2019, the Lake Elsinore Station Investigations Bureau received information regarding a past sexual assault, which initiated in December 2018 between an adult male and a 16-year-old male juvenile.  During an extensive investigation, the suspect was identified as Charles Kip Yotter , a 71-year-old resident of Wildomar. On Thursday, September 26, 2019, Lake Elsinore Station investigators along with the Problem Oriented Policing Team executed a search warrant in the 35000 block of Momat Avenue in the city of Wildomar.  Charles Yotter was taken into custody.  Yotter will be booked at the Robert Presley Detention Center in the city of Riverside for the crimes of oral copulation with a minor, forced oral copulation of a minor, and forcible penetration with a foreign object. The investigation is on-going and anyone with further information on this case is encouraged to contact Investigator Geoff Stites from the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station by calling (951) 245-3300.

Kip Yotter was quoted in a Wildomar Rap log last year. It was part of a write up on an Eagle Scout project that was done at Donald Graham Elementary. Link to blog.

• Volunteer Orientation Meeting

This isn't for everyone, but if you're so inclined as to volunteer with our local police (yes, Wildomar Police are actually Riverside Sheriff's Department) this is your chance to take that step.

If you qualify, you could be driving a car like this.

The meeting will be at the station in Lake Elsinore Wednesday evening (Oct 2, 2019) at 6:30pm 

From the FaceBook event page:

The Lake Elsinore Station is actively recruiting volunteers to assist with everything from front office paperwork to citizens on patrol. This is a great way to make a positive impact on the area you live and love. If you would like to serve the cities of Lake Elsinore, Wildomar or the surrounding county areas.

We will be having a volunteer orientation at the Lake Elsinore Station on Oct 2 at 6:30 pm to discuss all volunteer programs including Volunteers, Explorers, and Posse.

If your interest is more geared to the paperwork side of it, that type of service would be at the station. If you think you'd like to be a volunteer out in the community, citizens on patrol, your territory would be in the area of your choice.

In other words, if you're from Wildomar, you won't be "assigned" to another service area.

Keep in mind that they don't turn over the keys to just anyone. There are qualifications and protocols to adhere to, all of which will be gone over at the meeting.

So, if you've thought that you'd like to be a volunteer with citizens on patrol, I highly encourage you to attend this meeting to see if you make the grade.

Also...
Volunteering is opened to young people from ages 14 to 21 under the Explorers Program... this program will be addressed at the meeting too. This is a great first step for kids that think they'd like a career in law enforcement.

From a recent Lake Elsinore Station FaceBook post:
Do you know someone between the ages of 14 and 21 who is interested in law enforcement or giving back to the community? 

A look at the brochure.

If so, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Explorer Post is the place to be. Please contact CSO Brown at 951-245-3300 for more information.

One more nudge of encouragement from me on this

Many people aren't in a position to donate time, and that's understandable... we live in a busy world. But if you have the time, the desire and the aptitude to volunteer, the community would be grateful for your efforts.

Community policing can go a long way in curbing some of the quality of life issues our area faces. Hope to see you there.

If you are a FaceBook user, please go to the event page to RSVP (though that isn't necessary). If not, please contact Sergeant Garcia at (951) 245-3300 (leave a message if you're sent to voicemail).

To follow Lake Elsinore Station on FaceBook, click the photo below. They post many updates, and often with a bit of humor too. ☺

Link to FaceBook page.

•                •                •

We were all taught to respect authority even when we think that authority might be wrong. For isn't it obedience what holds a society together? 
– E.G. Marshall (CBSRMT)

Wildomar Rap respects authority, even if I've just been pulled over and think I've done nothing wrong.

This blog was produced for viewing on a desktop or a laptop. Though it's been optimized for smartphones, the formatting can look odd on a smartphone or if you get this delivered through email (such as missing video links). Link to proper format.