• Fatal Shooting at Renaissance Plaza

***UPDATE***

On June 3, 2018, at about 3:23 p.m., officers assigned to the Wildomar Police Department were dispatched to a report of shots fired in a shopping center in the 32200 block of Clinton Keith Rd. Upon arrival, officers detained the suspect described by reporting parties.  A male suffering from several gunshot wounds was found deceased in a vehicle. The crime scene was secured, and Lake Elsinore Station investigators responded to interview witnesses in the shopping center. The Central Homicide Unit responded and assumed the investigation.

The victim was identified as 35 year-old, Mark Corona, of Menifee. The suspect, Paul Stoeppler, 34 years, of Murrieta, was arrested for murder and booked at the Cois Byrd Detention Center.
The investigation is currently on-going and no further information will be released at this time. If anyone has information regarding this investigation, they are encouraged to call Investigator Argandona with the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station at 951-245-3300 or Investigator Manjarrez with the Central Homicide Unit at 951-955-2777.

There is a GoFundMe page set up to help pay for the funeral costs. If you'd like to contribute to it, please follow this LINK.

On June 3rd our family suffered a terrible loss, a son, brother, uncle, and friend was taken too soon. Please help us give him the proper service that he deserves. Anyone that knew Mark knew what a wonderful person he was he was so full of life. He was caring and loving and so generous. Anywhere he went he made friends, he had no enemies. His presence changed so many lives. This evil tragedy has changed our family forever, our gentle giant was taken from us, our big teddy bear. He was so loved by his family and his friends.  

ORIGINAL BLOG STARTS BELOW:
Reports of a shooting started circulating some time after 4pm on Sunday, June 3rd. 

The area around Renaissance Plaza (where Barons, Yellow Basket and Stadium Pizza are located) was taped off, and most of the stores that were opened, closed for the day. 

Yellow tape marks the crime scene.

One account claimed that four shots were fired into a car as the victim shouted "no". 

It was further claimed that the shooter then walked away for a moment, but returned to fire two more shots into the car. This was said to have happened in front of Stadium Pizza around 3:00pm.

From the Riverside County Sheriff's Office Twitter feed.

A pistol and a magazine, along with personal effects like a cell phone, wallet and sunglasses were on the ground in the parking lot. It was heard over a Sheriff's radio call that the suspect had put the gun down after the shooting.

The suspect was taken into custody without further incident.

The identity of the those involved haven't been named, while family members are being directed to Inland Valley Medical Center for more detailed information at this time.

Many people that were in the area at the time of the shooting are being asked to stay on the scene until their statements can be taken.

Mayor Ben Benoit and City Councilmember Bridgette Moore have been on the scene since a little before 5:00pm and anticipate it being a long night. 

This is an active story, so any updates will be added as they come in.

• Planning Commission Meeting October 2017

Nothing earth shattering came out of this meeting, mostly just requests for extensions of time on already approved projects. However, item 3.2 was the most interesting and I'll detail it further down in the blog.

Recapping the notables.

Public  Comments on non agenda items.

• Ken Mayes reprised his request for city meetings to be live streamed, but of course, being reasonable is never enough with him, so he added in the following to keep his rep at the high caliber (cough) that we've all become inured to with the following quote.

"I'd like to sit at home with a nice, big, fat doobie watching the meetings."

Hmmm... live streaming of city meetings is all it'll take to keep Ol' Kenny A-Mayes-ing at home? 

Something to give some serious consideration to. 

Though, we all know he'd never actually stay home, giving up his regular opportunity to pontificate to a captive audience... still, it's worth a shot.

Item 2.1 Change of Zone 

If you know the area, this is a no brainer if ever there was one. 

The house sits on 1 ¾ acres right on Clinton Keith.

The house in question was built in the 1970's and the owner wanted to change the zoning to fit the General Plan. 

It's been designated as commercial retail for as long as the GP has existed. Let's be real for a sec, few people would want to live that close to businesses and right on the busiest street in the city anyway. 

A look at the house from Google Maps. 

The problem with an agenda item that is normally a "no-brainer", when Miss Miller is around, is that sparks are likely to fly anyway. 

I've included the video of her off topic rant as a cautionary tale to those that might feel the urge to spout off about something that they're completely unprepared for.

Miss Miller, this was just a request to change the zoning to match the general plan. No one is seeking to do anything more with it at this time, and it is ACROSS THE STREET from Renaissance Plaza, not in it.

Item 3.2
This was a GPIP. 

What's a GPIP you're asking?
It's asking for input on the suggestion of a request for a General Plan Amendment. (Dizzying, I know.) 

A couple of years back I made a 4 panel cartoon trying to illustrate it. Allow me to dust it off and use it here.

Key: Mario represents the developer in this example.
In my experience, a GPIP is generally only done when the developer knows he's begging.

I'll add the video, though it really has no lasting value. I've seen a lot of people go through the process over the years with nothing to show for it.

I wasn't all that impressed with the developer's presentation or his way of trying to convince the people of Wildomar that this was in our best interest.

Not only was the project a horrible suggestion, adding another 364 apartments to an area that is already waterlogged with apartments, but his approach came off as if he was the only smart guy in the room. Though delivered in low key manner.

This graphic shows where there are already 1600 apartments in 1800 foot radius of the site.
Either already built, or already approved.

The highlights of this item included:
Public Comments

• Ken Mayes talked about the benefits of local business parks and the impacts on traffic with the addition of 364 Apartments and concern about how the fire department would deal with a fire if they were to be three story units. (his part begins at 11:30)
• Joseph Morabito reminded the commissioners that at least one of the city council members frowns on this kind of GPA, as attested to by her comments during the City Council meeting where the Camelia Townhouse project was hammered out. (His part picks up at the 13:00 minute mark)
• Miss Miller went bonkers discussing how everyone she talks to at shopping centers tell her that they're moving out of town. She invoked burrowing owls and the Stephens Kangaroo Rat, but lost me when she jumped over to sinkholes, earthquakes, birth control and a countdown to disaster. (Her part begins at the 16:30 mark of the video)

The commission discussion lead off with Chair John Lloyd going over why he's not in favor of converting more business park land to apartments, and Vice Chair Michele Thomas agreed with him.

Commissioner Veronica Langworthy hearkened back to a comment she'd made back in November 2013 (link to that blog) when she discussed her fondness for multi-use projects.

"We do want to encourage business in our area, if we don't have the land available for it and the development that occurs for it, it'll be done elsewhere.

I had mentioned a few years ago about mixed use [projects]. I'm a strong proponent of, kind of like, Little House on the Prairie where you have the Olsen's store downstairs and the people living upstairs."

Her comment in 2013 inspired me to create one of my earliest WR photoshop specials.

To each his own, but I don't see how such complexes, with owners living above their stores, works in practice in a place like 21st century Wildomar. 

Also, even if everyone was down with it, there would STILL need to be a General Plan Amendment because neither apartments, nor commercial retail (like the Olsen's store) are supposed to go into a business park, and that is what the General Plan Land Use Map calls for.

There were several comments from the developer that could be made into pull quotes, but why bother.

Like I said in my public comment, "if the council is as good as its word, as of just a few short months ago, it'll fly about as well as a dead cat bounces."

If this dead cat actually bounces back to life, then we can spend time itemizing the developer's comments. Until then, they are in the video below.

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Personally, I'm always ready to learn, although I do not always like being taught.
– Winston Chruchill

Wildomar Rap is always ready to teach, even when you don't want to be taught.

• New Turn Arrows For Hidden Springs/Clinton Keith Intersection

Christmas comes early for Windsong Valley.

Anyone that has had to deal with the light at Hidden Springs and Clinton Keith know how frustrating it can be turn left headed for the freeway. Or should I say... used to be. 

There are now dedicated signals for turning left. Both heading south and heading north at this intersection.

This improvement had been on the drawing board for awhile, but now the new turn arrow is in, and the guessing game of will a car heading north broadside me as I turn left or not is in the past. It wasn't much safer to cross from the south side of Clinton Keith on Hidden Springs Rd either.

The topography of the intersection made for poor visibility on the brightest days... due to the fact that Hidden Springs Rd slopes down from Clinton Keith Rd on both sides.

Thanks goes to Public Works Director/City Engineer Dan York for seeing this to completion.

Check out those arrows. I'm guessing it's going to make the morning commute a bit safer now.

But that's not the only present from Santa Windsong got this year.

There is now a new shortcut from Windsong to Renaissance Plaza, where Barons, Natalie's Rascals and Stadium Pizza are. Watch the brief video for step by step directions.

I tried it out a few times a couple of months ago, but it was still predominately a construction zone then. Now the barricades are down, and though I doubt there'll be any ribbon cuttings for this, the short cut is up and running. Thanks Lennar Homes... just what we wanted. ☺

For those that prefer to read, or hate Super Mario music, here is the rundown. From Catt Rd, turn south on Arnett Rd, left on Crystal Way, right on Stable Lanes Way, right onto Clinton Keith Rd.

To get back to Windsong, just reverse the order... pretty basic really.

You've just saved yourself three minutes, and the hassle of the light at Hidden Springs Rd and Clinton Keith Rd (even if it is now improved or not).

Some people may think it's not very nice —using a new neighborhood as a shortcut. Too bad, welcome to what many people in Windsong have been dealing with on a daily basis for the last 20 years. (Try living on Cervera or near the park... not to mention Frederick, Charles or Catt).

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Fortune is like glass, the brighter the glitter, the more easily broken. ― Publilius Syrus

Wildomar Rap tip of the day: If you have a temperamental uncle, that hates Christmas, just smile and keep your good cheer. He may just get a visit from three ghosts during the night and be a new man in the morning.

• Two New Wildomar Businesses Victims of Smash and Grab

I was just here yesterday, and again this morning to drop my dog off at Natalie's Rascals for a grooming, when I saw the Wildomar police car parked across several parking spaces.

I thought to myself, "Hey, that's not the way to park a car."

But then noticed that the officer was in the process of investing a crime.

China One and Yogurt Valley storefronts on the morning of the burglary.

At first I saw the broken glass at Yogurt Valley. Then I saw the same had happened to the China One. I looked to Stadium Pizza's doors and windows and they appeared to have been spared. As were the other nearby businesses in the Renaissance Plaza center.

Far left: China One's glass door is completely shattered. Near right: Yogurt Valley's door is only smashed at the bottom.

China One still has it's grand opening sign up. 

Closer look at the exterior damage done to China One.

I can't imagine what would be valued by a burglar in either establishment. Stealing some woks or some m&m toppings perhaps?

Actually, the cash registers, from both establishments, were taken. Not sure of the take from China One, but Yogurt Valley had a busy Friday, and most of the money was in the till at the 5:30am break in.

I asked the officer what was up, and at that time it was just a smash and grab with no leads. If you hear of anything, or know something about it, be sure to call the police at (951) 245-3300.

If you're out and about maybe you can head over to those businesses and show your support for them by getting a meal or a yogurt. 'Tis the Season... after all.

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I've always hated criminals and crime. Life is hard enough without someone walking into your life on purpose and making it worse. 

— Pauley Perrette

Wildomar Rap tip of the day: There is little difference between smash and grab, white color crime and other intentional swindles of other people's assets.

• When Is Yellow Basket Opening?

You may remember back in early August that I told you that Yellow Basket was on it's way to town. It's at the front of the parking lot where Barons Market and Stadium Pizza are.

In the same blog I mentioned Natalie's Rascals (Pet Spa), and China One restaurant too. Today my shih tzu Vinny has a date with Natalie.

Well, both of those establishments have been up and running for quite awhile now, but Yellow Basket is still more than a month away.

As the Yellow Basket site looked in early August 2015

In fact, in the time between the August blog (link) and now, El Pollo Loco has managed to open its doors in the same center. Granted, they didn't need to construct a building from the ground up, but still... they're there. Also a new yogurt place has taken over the old White Lime Frozen Yogurt spot, called Yogurt Valley, is opened for business.

Looking good from the outside, but the inside appears to have no upgrades in it yet.

I asked the super at the Yellow Basket construction office if they had an opening date in sight yet. He looked a bit beleaguered (perhaps it was the time of day) and said, "February" with a bit of hesitation.

When I asked back in August the guesstimate was mid October.

The outside is nearing completion. It'll be good once the entire parking lot is available again.

I didn't want to take too much of his time on a Friday afternoon, so I wished him good luck, and hoped they could finish ahead of the promised El Niño rains. He agreed, especially because they have a large open trench at the moment.

This trench was easily approaching five feet deep.

I'm not a big fast food guy, but I look forward to trying this place out when they open. I've checked out their online menu and they a staggering variety to choose from. (Link to their menu)

If you've ever eaten at a Yellow Basket, let me know what you thought of it.

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With work and two kids, nothing interesting's gonna happen to us for a long, long time. 

—Pam Beesly (The Office)

Wildomar Rap tip of the day: There are several ways to keep up with this blog. You can check the site from time to time, subscribe by email, follow it from a Google Plus account, but the easiest is to go to the Facebook page.

New Businesses Coming to Wildomar

Two eateries and a Pet Spa coming soon.
Yellow Basket has had a sign up for quite sometime on the empty pad in front of Barons, but they have finally broken ground and the foundation is about to be poured. I asked one of the workers if they had an end date in mind and the estimate was about 2 and a half months, or sometime in October they should be opening.

A look at the early progress before the foundation is even poured.

I've seen the Yellow Basket in Temecula for years, but have never eaten there. I went over to their website and took a look at the menu.

They have a pretty extensive breakfast menu; a basic "Mexican food" menu; a complete hamburger-hot dog menu; a dinner menu that includes NY Steak, Fish, Pork Chops, Fried Chicken and more; and a dessert line-up too. They didn't post prices so I have no idea if they are reasonably priced or not.

Front windows of the new Pet Spa that is coming.

Also opening soon is Natalie's Rascals. There is an official Grand Opening ribbon cutting coming Saturday, August 22nd. It is next door to Baron's to the east (the left side if you're looking at Barons).

I also noticed that there will be a new eating house in the same plaza. It's called China One and it's going into the old Poblano's slot next to Stadium Pizza. I didn't see any proposed dates of opening posted.

I wonder what will be on the menu here.

The scuttlebutt is that a Steak 'n Shake was angling to go into the vacant KFC building but lease details couldn't be agreed upon.

Now that Sycamore Academy has moved out of Renaissance Plaza (they're moving into their new campus on Palomar this school year) that is opening up a ton of opportunities for even more new business to open here. The old gates are down and they are getting the former school rooms prepped for new occupants. Can't wait to see what comes next.

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Update

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It was just brought to my attention that the new Subway on Bundy Canyon just opened today. I had been wondering when it was going to open up. 

Thanks to Mayor Ben Benoit for sending me some pics that I could use.

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When acute, the sufferer often denies his ailment. 

—  EG Marshall, CBS Radio Mystery Theater

Wildomar Rap cautions you against counting your eggs before they hatch... especially if they've been in the fridge for long.