Corona News Press_10/20/2025

MONDAY, OCTOBER 20-OCTOBER 26, 2025

Cabazon child abuser admits killing his months-old son

By City News Service

Aconvicted child abuser from Cabazon who killed his 7-month-old son, after which, prosecutors allege, he conspired with his wife to cover up the crime, pleaded guilty Thursday to murder and other charges.

Jake Mitchell Haro, 32, unexpectedly admitted the murder charge, along with child assault and filing a false police report, during a status hearing at the Riverside Hall of Justice Thursday morning. His spouse, 41-year-old Rebecca Rene Haro, did not join in the plea, which was made straight to the judge, without negotiations between the defense and prosecution.

“In a plea to the court ... the judge in the case determines the sentence a defendant will serve,” according to a District Attorney’s Office statement. “Haro faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison. Because there are still active criminal proceedings involving Rebecca Haro, the D.A.’s office will be making no additional comments regarding the case, or the

In just over eight months, the second Trump administration has made a rapid succession of political hires and policy decisions at the U.S. Department of Education that could spur profound changes in the way schools are operated and children learn.

After years of advocating to expand private and religious education and home-

guilty plea.”

Superior Court Judge Gary Polk scheduled a sentencing hearing for Jake Haro on Nov. 3 at the downtown courthouse. On that same day, a preliminary hearing is set for his wife. That hearing, if it proceeds, will determine whether that are sufficient grounds for a trial on charges of murder and filing a false police report.

Jake Haro is being held without bail at the Smith Correctional Facility in Banning. Rebecca Haro is being held on $1 million bail at the Robert Presley Jail in Riverside.

Baby Emmanuel’s body has not been located.

His parents were arrested on Aug. 22 following a San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department investigation.

“There was forensic data from the crime scene,” San Bernardino County Sheriff Shannon Dicus said during a news briefing in late August.

“That’s how we learned the jurisdiction where this crime occurred (Riverside

County). Forensically, there were a number of things we were able to prove up.”

He did not disclose specifics.

Emmanuel was reported missing in the 34000 block of Yucaipa Boulevard in Yucaipa on the evening of Aug. 14.

Rebecca Haro told deputies she’d been assaulted while standing near her vehicle, changing Emmanuel’s diaper outside a Big 5 store. The defendant suggested she was knocked out, and that the assailant fled with the tot.

On Aug. 18, San Bernardino County sheriff’s detectives served search warrants at the defendants’ Ramona Street property, and “a large amount of surveillance video” was obtained from areas of interest for review, according to the agency.

Jake Haro was arrested and charged last year in Banning with illegal possession of a loaded firearm, as well as probation violations. That case hasn’t been resolved.

Court documents also revealed that Isabel Rebecca Gonzalez, Haro’s former spouse, filed a domestic violence restraining order against him with a request

5 ways the Department of Education is upending public schools

By Megan O’Matz and Jennifer Smith Richards, ProPublica

schooling, using tax dollars, a cadre of conservative activists is in a position to push forward its agenda. Some of its policies are already undermining public schools, which it has denigrated as unsuccessful and out of step with Christian values, a ProPublica investigation found. In many communities, public schools are valued hubs for community life and

services, including meals, socializing and counseling. More than 80% of students are enrolled in traditional public schools, which must serve all children, including those with disabilities. The administration, however, views public schools as a monopoly that should be broken up.

“Millions of young Americans are trapped in failing schools, subjected to radical

anti-American ideology,” Education Department Secretary Linda McMahon claimed immediately after taking office. She and others in the administration believe that progressive activists have led schools to focus too much on “woke” policies rather than on rigorous academic standards.

Agency officials and spokespeople declined to

speak to ProPublica.

Here are five ways the Education Department under McMahon is creating profound change in public schools.

1. Encouraging an exodus McMahon and President Donald Trump want to expand tax-funded school choice options, giving more

to protect the couple’s son, Eli.

Rebecca Haro has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County.

District Attorney Mike Hestrin said Emmanuel’s death was preventable, blaming a failure in the criminal justice system for enabling Jake Haro to remain free on probation after pleading guilty in a child abuse case involving his ex-wife and another infant, Carolina.

In 2023, Haro admitted a child cruelty charge, but again pled directly to the court, avoiding negotiations with prosecutors. Hestrin said the D.A.’s office had wanted prison for the defendant’s extensive abuse of the girl, which resulted in broken ribs, a fractured skull and a brain hemorrhage, leaving her permanently bed-ridden.

“If that judge had done his job, Emmanuel would be

families the financial means to leave public schools. Trump pushed Congress to pass, and signed into law, a new federal tax credit to finance the first national school voucher program, set to open to families on Jan. 1, 2027. The Education Department has also encouraged

County extends fee waivers at animal shelters to encourage adoptions

By City News Service

The current waiver on most pet adoption fees at Riverside County animal shelters will continue until Halloween to encourage residents to take home lost or abandoned pets, it was announced Wednesday.

“We can all play a part in helping county pets find their way out of the shelter and into loving homes,” County Board of Supervisors Chairman Manuel Perez said.

The fee waivers, which were inaugurated at the start of the month as part of the BISSELL Pet Foundation’s “Empty the Shelters” adoption bonanza, entail waiving costs for vaccination, microchipping, spay/neuter and impoundment, or in the case of residents who have lost their pets but show up to reclaim them, no reclamation

fees.

Prospective adopters will only be asked to pay canine licensing fees, which for altered dogs is generally $25 or less. The fees are required and based on where an adopter resides.

The latest adoption campaign coincided with the Department of Animal Services’ change in shelters’ hours of operation.

The county’s Coachella Valley Animal Campus in Thousand Palms, San Jacinto Valley Animal Campus and Western Riverside County Animal Shelter in Jurupa Valley are now open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday to Friday. The shelters’ previous weekday hours of operation were 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

The shelters are always closed on Mondays, but on

Saturdays and Sundays, the facilities operate from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. The Blythe Animal Shelter, which is closed on weekends, has the least capacity and has not been included in the revised scheduling. That shelter continues to be open Monday to Friday, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

As of Wednesday, roughly 1,000 canines and felines were available for adoption at county shelters. Not all of the impounded pets, however, are housed on-site. Some, especially kittens and younger cats, have been placed with “pet fosters” who have agreed to keep them temporarily. The county is always seeking additional fosters to free up space under tight capacity constraints.

More information is available at rcdas.org.

Sheriff’s veteran killed during apparent hunting accident in Idaho

By City News Service

ARiverside County sheriff’s lieutenant killed during an apparent hunting accident in southern Idaho was a 25-year law enforcement veteran, whose loss prompted the sheriff’s department Thursday to extend “heartfelt condolences” to his loved ones.

Lt. Nathan Kaas suffered a mortal gunshot wound early Sunday morning while on a mountain hunt for mule deer in the Caribou-Targhee National Forest, near the Wyoming state line, according to published reports.

It was unclear whether his death was being investigated by the U.S. Forest Service, which has been impacted by the federal government shutdown, or the Bonneville County Sheriff’s Department.

“The Riverside Sheriff’s Office is not investigating this incident and, therefore, cannot provide any details

Palm Springs airport to expand concessions opportunities

By City News Service

PalmSpringsInternational Airport will allow interestedCoachella Valley businesses to submit a proposal to sell concessions at the airport as part of an expansion focusing on smaller retail spaces, it was announced Wednesday.

The Blank Slate program aims to provide high-quality amenities, expand opportunities for disadvantaged busi-

nesses, feature more local and regional brands and grow the airport’s brand, officials said.

Retail, food and beverage concessions locations will be available at Agua Caliente Concourse Courtyard, Agua Caliente Concourse interior and the main courtyard.

A virtual pre-proposal conference will be held at 10 a.m. Oct. 22 for interested businesses to learn about the

requirements, and proposals must be submitted electronically through the city’s PlanetBids website no later than 2 p.m. on Dec. 3.

“These spaces gives us a chance to bring in fresh, innovative concepts that reflect the sense of place that makes Palm Springs so special,” Executive Director of Aviation Harry Barrett Jr. said in a statement. “We’re

especially encouraging local and regional SoCal brands to bring their unique offerings to the millions of travelers who experience PSP each year.”

Interested parties can learn more by contacting Tabitha Richards, procurement and contracting manager for the city of Palm Springs, at tabitha. richards@palmspringsca. gov or 760-322-8368.

regarding the circumstances,” according to an agency statement released Thursday. “We extend our heartfelt condolences to Lt. Nathan Kaas’ family, friends and colleagues as they navigate this difficult time.”

Reports indicated that Kaas was in the federal preserve with a friend for a hunting excursion about 6 a.m. Sunday.

As the off-duty lawman’s friend was reportedly removing his rifle from its sleeve while the two men sat in a vehicle, the long gun discharged directly into one of Kaas’ legs.

The projectile apparently penetrated an artery, causing a significant blood loss before first responders could reach the location and render emergency aid, according to reports.

Kaas died at the scene, leaving behind a wife and

three children, according to the Riverside Sheriffs’ Association, the union that represents deputies.

“Lt. Kaas began his career with the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department in April 2000,” according to the agency. “During his 25-year service, he held the ranks of investigator, sergeant and lieutenant. He was most recently assigned to the Sheriff’s Emergency Response Team.”

During his years as a sergeant, particularly between 2015 and 2020, Kaas handled press releases for several sheriff’s stations, including Moreno Valley and Lake Elsinore.His name was familiar to media outlets throughout the region, appearing in statements concerning everything from carjackings and deadly crashes to murders.

There was no immediate word regarding funeral services for the fallen lawman.

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Public schools

school districts to spend some federal money meant for disadvantaged students on services from private providers and on children from low-income families who live within district boundaries but attend private schools.

Public school leaders say they’ve already watched students transfer out to private and charter schools in recent years — and with them, they’ve lost essential per-pupil funding. They worry that voucher expansion will cause further damage to their budgets and threaten their survival.

Occasionally, McMahon has spoken positively of public schools — for example, praising some for literacy gains. But more often, and more emphatically, she portrays them as unsuccessful, as do her advisers.

EducationDepartment adviser Lindsey Burke came from The Heritage Foundation, where she co-authored the education chapter of Project 2025, the policy playbook for the Trump administration. It calls for tax-funded education accounts so parents can customize their children’s schooling. Years ago, Burke said she hoped that one day “we will marvel at the fact that we once assigned children to government-run schools consigning the poorest to schools that were often failing and sometimes unsafe.”

2. Cutting federal funding

In a move that affects public school students across the country, the department has slashed hundreds

of millions of dollars in grant funding for a variety of programs, including for mental health professionals and for training and supporting new teachers. More cuts are likely.

Theadministration’s proposed education budget for fiscal 2026 calls for combining 18 existing grant programs — including funds for rural schools and homeless students — into a single $2 billion block grant to be allocated to states. That is about $4.5 billion less than if the grants survived alone. Overall, the Trump administration has proposed reducing federal spending on education by 15% in the 2026 budget. Congress has not passed a budget yet, and the government is shut down.

3. Injecting God into the classroom

Departmentofficials have decried what they view as liberal indoctrination in public schools — what one top leader describes as a “Marxist and anti-God and anti-family agenda.” They now are pursuing policies that align with conservative Christian values, including opposing protections for transgender students and restricting materials about sexuality. Early this year, the department notified schools it would follow Trump’s executive order stipulating that there are “two sexes, male and female.”

McMahon has made Meg Kilgannon, who advocates for more Christian leader-

ship in school districts, a top adviser. Kilgannon has decried the removal of spirituality as a topic from classrooms, arguing that “if we’re not going to discuss our identity as Christians,” schools will push “racial identities” and “sexual identities” on students instead.

In a speech on Sept. 8 at the Museum of the Bible in Washington, D.C., Trump announced that the Education Department “will soon issue new guidance protecting the right to prayer in our public schools.”

He said that the Bible is “an important part of the American story” and that he intends to “protect the Judeo-Christian principles of our founding, and we will protect them with vigor.”

4. Promoting curriculum choices

The federal government historically has not dictated curriculum choices, and McMahon has stressed that she thinks what is taught in schools is best left to local communities. Yet the Education Department is prioritizing patriotic education, promoting civics lessons that present American history and the nation’s founding principles in an “inspiring” manner. History should portray an “ennobling characterization” of the country’s past, the department said. Critics contend that the administration’s aim is to present a sanitized version of history, downplaying bitter episodes, including racial

oppression and sexism.

The department has directed states and districts to avoid material that could make white students feel “intrinsic guilt” based on the oppressive acts of past generations.McMahon also supported the rights of parents to pull their children out of classes they find objectionable, such as those involving books with gay characters or themes.

5. Weakening civil rights protections

The department is using its Office for Civil Rights to press public schools to drop programs and policies designed to help Black or Hispanic students. The office has launched investigations against school districts for teaching lessons on systemic racism, hosting empowerment gatherings for students of color and providing remedial help for Black youth, all of which the administration says discriminates against white students. In addition, the department has repeatedly targeted school districts for allowing students who were born male but identify as female to play on girls sports teams and use bathrooms and locker rooms reserved for girls. In some instances, the department has issued or threatened sanctions, including the potential loss of federal funding and referral to the U.S. Department of Justice for further action. Republished with Creative CommonsLicense(CC BY-NC-ND 3.0).

ALL IN for Safe Schools’ addresses immigration, LGBTQ policy

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

This month the ALL IN for Safe Schools coalition is releasing resources for early childhood educators – including preschools and daycare centers, on how to follow the law and create safe spaces for families during this time of increased immigration enforcement.

The one-pager advises providers to update their emergency contacts, so the kids don’t end up with Child Protective Services.

Liza Davis, advocacy director on children and immigrant families with the Children’s Partnership, said it’s also a good idea to update security and privacy protocols.

“Things like which staff member is authorized to speak with an immigration agent should they show up at their center,” said Davis, “how they’re storing and releasing private information about parents, children, and staff.”

The coalition also advises providers to create a plan for communicating urgent information to staff and parents when an ICE action takes place.

Facilities can also establish private spaces within the building that are not open to the public, triggering Fourth Amendment protections, which require a judicial warrant for law enforcement to enter.

Davis said the coalition is working on a second set of guidelines for K-12 schools on how to create a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ and

immigrant students.

“Some of it is gender affirming, like using pronouns and bathrooms,” said Davis, “but then special accommodations, data privacy, so that they’re not outed to family members and or other support people without their consent.”

Providers can get more information at allinforsafeschools.org.

CA governor signs ban on ultraprocessed foods in school lunches

By Suzanne Potter, Producer, Public News Service

Californiahasjust become the first state toregulate “ultraprocessed foods” in school lunches. Gov. Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 1264 this month. The state health department must adopt regulations defining those foods by June 2028.

A year later, public K-12 schools would begin to phase out the most concerning items. According to reporting from KFF Health News, the measure has attracted support from Republicans who have criticized past Democratic efforts to encourage healthier diets.

JamesGallagher, Republican Assemblymember, cosponsored the bill.

“Here in California, we grow some of the safest, healthiest food in the world and yet, in our classrooms, often kids are getting junk food,” he said. “We need to ensure that our kids are eating well. Let’s get the chemicals and the additives out of the food.”

Some 30 states, many in deeply conservative regions, have passed or are considering restrictions on chemicals in food or food packaging, according to the

Environmental Working Group, which co-sponsored the California bill. The term “ultraprocessed” generally refers to food that is industrially manufactured and contains ingredients not typically available in a home kitchen, such as thickeners, gases, emulsifiers, and artificial colors and flavors.

Jack Bobo, executive director of the UCLA Rothman Family Institute for Food Studies, supports the law’s intention but worries that the focus on additives is

a distraction from the more important task of serving foods low in salt, sugar, and unhealthy fats.

“The core challenges are salt, fat, and sugar,” he contended. “So, I think that a focus on those would be easier, less bureaucratic, and more likely to be able to deliver short-term gains and improvements in health and nutrition.”

Studies show close to 75% of Americans are overweight or obese, and childhood obesity is rising quickly.

Report: ‘Clean’ transportation brings big benefits to CA

By Laura Hatch, Public News Service

Cleantransportation projects in California and across the country are paying off, according to a new report.

The research firm Atlas Public Policy analyzed the benefits of the Biden era Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act of 2021 and the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022. The report cited California’s Port of Oakland, which is updating its aging equipment and reducing air pollution with a $322 million grant through the Environmental Protection Agency’s Clean Ports program.

Matt Davis, chief public engagement officer for the Port of Oakland, said the money will fund zero-emissions cargo handling machinery and electric trucks for cargo deliveries.

“This provides local benefits through reduction of pollutants but it also intro-

duces a high degree of technical modernization and reliability,” Davis explained.

“Because some of these pieces of equipment just have a lot less moving parts, frankly, that don’t require as much maintenance.”

Davis pointed out neighboring states will also benefit as the port reduces its greenhouse gas emissions.

Tina Hodges, senior policy analyst for Atlas, pointed to the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructureprogram, funded by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The report showed by the end of last year, nearly 60% of the nation’s busiest highway corridors had fast-charging stations for electric vehicles every 50 miles or more, up from 38% in 2020.

Hodges said it is just one example of the upsides of investments.

“We found large benefits

with cleaner air, new manufacturing jobs and transportation benefits, affordable ways to get around,” Hodges outlined.

The Trump administration paused the program earlier this year, asking states asked to update and resubmit their plans for EV infrastructure by September. The report noted funding for some programs is in doubt, with Congress rescinding more than $2.7 billion this year; money which had been appropriated but not yet committed to a contract. Hodges hopes lawmakers will see the value in what has happened with federal dollars.

“This is a key moment for Congress to decide whether they’ll continue to fund these clean transportation programs, or stop the momentum,” Hodges emphasized.

Newsom announces affordable insulin soon to be available for purchase

By City News Service

California has become the first and only state to make its own affordable insulin, with the medication expected to be available for purchase starting Jan. 1., Gov. Gavin Newsom announced in Los Angeles Thursday.

Through a state-backed deal with Civica Rx, a nonprofit generic drug manufacturer, and Biocon Biologics, California residents will have access to an interchangeable biosimilar insulin glargine pen offered under the CalRx brand and pricing, the governor said. Insulin glargine is a long-acting insulin analog used in the management of diabetes.

The pens will be available to California pharmacies for $45 and to consumers at a suggested retail price of no more than $55 per five-pack of 3ml pens -a substantial reduction from current retail prices, according to the governor’s office.

“California didn’t wait for the pharmaceutical industry to do the right thing -- we took matters into our own hands,” Newsom said in

a statement. “By beginning the process to manufacture our own insulin and pricing it at a maximum cost of $11 a pen in a five-pack, California and Civica are showing the nation what it looks like to put people over profits.

“No Californian should ever have to ration insulin or go into debt to stay alive -- and I won’t stop until health care costs are crushed for everyone,” Newsom added.

The insulin glargine pen agreement with Biocon Biologics complements Civica Rx’s broader insulin development strategy, according to the governor’s office.

“In a moment where inflation is spiking everyday prices for Californians and our health care system is under attack in the form of Medicaid cuts from H.R. 1, a lower cost insulin will bring much needed relief both to California pocketbooks and our state budget,” Chris Noble, Health Access California’s organizing director and member of the CalRx Insulin Patient Advisory Council, said in a statement.

Noble noted that California consumers need relief now.

“As a person dependent on insulin to live and a health care advocate, I’m relieved to see CalRx moving quickly to lower insulin costs for the people of California while continuing to pursue other needed prescription drug cost solutions,” Noble said.

According to the governor’s office, the launch of affordable insulin is part of a broader strategy Newsom led under his first executive order in 2019, which aimed to lower prescription drug costs.

It also builds on the CalRx Naloxone Access Initiative, which makes accessible and affordable life-saving medication to reverse opioid overdoses.

Newsom recently signed SB 40 and SB 41 into law -- capping consumer costsharing for insulin at $35 for a month-long supply and reducing drug prices by regulating the practices of pharmacy benefit managers, respectively.

Glendale City Notices

NOTICE INVITING BIDS

NOTICE is hereby given that the City of Glendale (“City”) will receive sealed bids, until the bid deadline established below for the following work: Fire-Life-Safety Systems Maintenance, Testing, Inspection, Repairs, and Monitoring as Various Facilities for the City of Glendale SPECIFICATIONS NO. 4028

Bid Deadline: Submit before 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 (“the Bid Deadline”).

Bids to be Submitted in Duplicate to: Office of City Clerk, 613 East Broadway #110, Glendale, CA 91206

Bids Opening: 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at the City Council Chambers, 633 E. Broadway, Glendale, CA 91206 NO LATE BIDS WILL BE ACCEPTED.

Bidding Documents Available: (specifications) October 13, 2025, on City of Glendale Website: https://www.glendaleca.gov/government/departments/finance/purchasing/rfp-rfq-bidpage

Mandatory Pre-Bid Job Walk:

Date/Time October 27, 2025 at 7:00AM Location: Facilities Management Office, 633 East Broadway Suite 307

City of Glendale Contact Person: Shea Eccleston-Banwer, Public Works Administrator City of Glendale – Facilities Management 633 East Broadway, Suite 307 Glendale, California 91206 Telephone: (818) 548-3970

Email: seccleston@glendaleca.gov

For Request for Clarification in writing – by letter or email to:

Lala Der-Bedrosian, Sr. P.W. Management Analyst

City of Glendale – Facilities Management

633 East Broadway, Suite 307 Glendale, California 91206

Email: lder-bedrosian@glendaleca.gov

A Bid may be rejected as non-responsive if the Bid fails to document that Bidder meets the essential requirements for qualification. As part of the Bidder’s Statement of Qualifications, each Bid must provide satisfactory evidence that:

Bidder: satisfactorily completed at least SIX ( 6 ) prevailing wage public contracts in California; each comparable in scope and scale to this Project, within FIVE ( 5 ) years prior to the Bid Deadline and with a dollar value equal or in excess of the Bid submitted for this Project. General Scope of Work: Contractor shall furnish labor, materials, equipment, services, and specialized skills to perform work involved in the Project. The Work in the Bid is defined in the Plans and Specifications and will generally include the maintenance, testing, inspection, monitoring and repairs to the Fire-Life-Safety Systems at all city facilities.

1. Bidding Documents: Bids must be made on the Proposal Form contained herein. Bidding Documents may be obtained visiting the City of Glendale s website.

2. Acceptance or Rejection of Bids. The City reserves the right to reject any and all bids, to award all or any individual part/item of the bid, and to waive any informalities, irregularities or technical defects in such bids and determine the lowest responsible bidder, whichever may be in the best interests of the City. No late bids will be accepted, nor will any oral, facsimile or electronic bids be accepted by the City.

3. Pre-Bid conference and Job Walk. A mandatory pre-bid conference and job walk will be held at the Facilities Management Office at 7:00AM on Monday, October 27, 2025 at 633 East Broadway Suite 307.

3. Contractor’s License. At the time of the Bid Deadline and at all times while Contractor performs the Services, including full completion of all corrective work during the Correction Period, the Bidder must possess a California contractor license or licenses, current and active, of the classification required for the Services, in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 9, Division 3, Section 7000 et seq. of California’s Business and Professions Code. In compliance with California Public Contract Code Section 3300, the City has determined that the Bidder must possess the following license(s): “Class C-16, C-10” The successful Bidder will not receive a Contract if the successful Bidder is unlicensed, does not have all of the required licenses, or one or more of the licenses are not current and active. If the City discovers after the Contract’s award that the Contractor is unlicensed, does not have all of the required licenses, or one or more of the licenses are not current and active, the City may cancel the award, reject the Bid, and exercise any one or more of the remedies in the Contract, or this IFB, or both.

4. Bid Forms and Security: Each bid must be made on the bid forms obtainable at the Offices of Facilities Management. Each bid shall be accompanied by a cashier’s check or certified check drawn on a solvent bank, payable to “City of Glendale”, for an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total maximum amount of the bid. Alternatively, a satisfactory corporate surety bid bond for an amount equal to ten percent (10%) of the total maximum amount of the bid may accompany the bid. Said security shall serve as a guarantee that the successful bidder will, within fourteen (14) calendar days from the date of the award of the contract, enter into a valid contract with the City for said Work in accordance with the Contract Documents.

5. Bid Irrevocability. Bids shall remain open and valid for ninety (90) calendar days after the award of the Contract.

6. Prevailing Wages. This Project is subject to the provisions of California Labor Code Section 1720. Contractor awarded this Contract and all Subcontractors of any tier shall not pay less than the minimum prevailing rate of per diem wages for each craft, classification, or type of worker needed to perform the Work. The Director of Industrial Relations of the State of California, pursuant to the California Labor Code, and the United States Secretary of Labor, pursuant to the Davis-Bacon Act, have determined the general prevailing rates of wages in the locality in which the Work is to be performed. The rates determined by the California Director of Industrial Relations are available online at www.dir.ca.gov/DLSR/ PWD/. Davis-Bacon wage rates are included in this Specification and are available online at www.wdol.gov/. To the extent that there are any differences in the federal and state prevailing wage rates for similar classifications of labor, Contractor and its Subcontractors shall pay the highest wage rate. California Department of Industrial Relations ― Public Works Contractor Registration.

Beginning July 1, 2014, under the Public Works Contractor Registration Law (California Senate Bill No. 854 - See Labor Code Section 1725.5), contractors must register and meet requirements using the online application https://efiling.dir.ca.gov/PWCR/ActionServlet?a ction=displayPWCRegistrationForm before bidding on public works contracts in California. The application also provides agencies that administer public works programs with a searchable database of qualified contractors. Application and renewal are completed online with a non-refundable fee of $300. More information is available at the following links: http://www.dir.ca.gov/DLSE/PublicWorks/SB854FactSheet_6.30.14.pdf http://www.dir.ca.gov/Public-Works/PublicWorks.html

Beginning April 1, 2015, the City must award public works projects only to contractors and subcontractors who comply with the Public Works Contractor Registration Law. Notice to Bidders and Subcontractors:

No contractor or subcontractor may be listed on a Bid proposal for a public works project (submitted on or after March 1, 2015) unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5 [with limited exceptions from this requirement for bid purposes only under Labor Code section 1771.1(a)].

No contractor or subcontractor may be awarded a contract for public work on a public works project (awarded on or after April 1, 2015) unless registered with the Department of Industrial Relations pursuant to Labor Code section 1725.5. This Project is subject to compliance monitoring and enforcement by the Department of Industrial Relations.

• The prime contractor must post job site notices prescribed by regulation. (See 8 Calif. Code Reg. Section 16451(d) for the notice that previously was required for projects monitored by the DIR Compliance Monitoring Unit.)

Furnishing of Electronic Certified Payroll Records to Labor Commissioner. For all new projects awarded on or after April 1, 2015, contractors and subcontractors must furnish electronic certified payroll records directly to the Labor Commissioner (aka Division of Labor Standards Enforcement).

7. Substitution of Securities. Pursuant to California Public Contract Code Section 22300, substitution of securities for withheld funds is permitted in accordance therewith.

Dated this 13 day of October 2025, City of Glendale, California

Dr. Suzie Abajian, City Clerk of the City of Glendale

Published October 13, 2025

GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

Formal Public Notice (Newspaper / Legal Posting)

CITY OF GLENDALE – NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD

Substantial Amendment to the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan

The City of Glendale is proposing a substantial amendment to its HOME-ARP Allocation Plan. The original plan, approved by HUD in 2023, allocated nearly all HOME-ARP funding to the development of affordable housing at 426 Piedmont Avenue, with a preference for seniors facing or at risk of homelessness.

Because that project required less funding than anticipated, the City proposes to reallocate $2,100,000 of HOME-ARP funds to support the rehabilitation and expansion of a transitional housing facility in Glendale. The project will create 19 permanent supportive units for women and families affected by domestic violence.

Additionally, HUD identified an administrative error in the City’s original HOME-ARP award. As a result, Glendale’s total allocation has been increased from $5,109,346 to $5,116,976. Consistent with HUD rules, up to 15% of this correction is allocated to Administration & Planning, with the balance added to the domestic violence housing activity. This amendment reflects both the new project activity and the corrected total award.

This amendment qualifies as a substantial amendment under HUD regulations because it adds a new activity and updates the total award amount. The senior preference established for the Piedmont project does not apply to this new activity.

The draft amendment is available for public review at:

- Online: www.glendaleca.gov/affordablehousing

- In person: Community Development Department – Housing Division, 141 N. Glendale Avenue, Suite 202, Glendale, CA 91206

Public Comment Period: October 9, 2025 – October 24, 2025

Written comments may be submitted by email to abrownell@glendaleca.gov or by mail to the address above. All comments received by October 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. will be considered before the amendment is submitted to HUD.

Public Hearing: The Glendale City Council will hold a public hearing on November 18, 2025 to consider adoption of the substantial amendment.

Contact: Aaron Brownell, Senior Housing Project Manager | abrownell@glendaleca.gov | 818-550-4530

Published October 9, 13, 16, 20, 23, 2025 GLENDALE INDEPENDENT

Baldwin Park City Notices

City of Baldwin Park NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN THAT a public hearing to consider the adoption by reference the 2025 CALIFORNIA BUILDING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA RESIDENTIAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA EXISTING BUILDING CODE , 2025 CALIFORNIA MECHANICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA PLUMBING CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA ELECTRICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA GREEN BUILDING STANDARDS CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA ENERGY CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA HISTORICAL CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA REFERENCE STANDARDS CODE, 2025 CALIFORNIA FIRE CODE, AND 2026 LOS ANGELES COUNTY FIRE CODE.. This proposed adoption also includes applicable appendices included with each of the respective Codes noted above.

Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m. by the City Council of the City of Baldwin Park in City Council Chambers, 14403 E. Pacific Avenue, on Wednesday, November 5, 2025. All interested parties may appear and be heard at that time.

All persons interested in providing testimony will be given an opportunity to address the City Council during the hearing. If in the future anyone wishes to challenge a decision of the City Council in court, you may be limited to raising only those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing described above or in written correspondence delivered to the City Council at, or prior to, the public hearing.

If further information is desired on the above case, please contact the Building and Safety Division at (626) 813-5265 and refer to the 2025 Building Code Adoption. If you are aware of someone who would be interested in becoming informed of the contemplated action, please pass this notice along as a community service.

Publish October 20, 27, 2025

BALDWIN PARK PRESS

Pasadena City Notices

Notice of Public Hearing City Council

Notice of Public Hearing for Amendments to Title 17 (Zoning Code) of the Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) and the City’s Specific Plans

PROJECT DESCRIPTION: The Planning and Community Development Department is bringing forward Amendments to Title 17 (the Zoning Code) of the Pasadena Municipal Code (PMC) and the City’s Specific Plans. This includes changes to the following:

1) Predevelopment Plan Reviews (PPRs): to update the thresholds and streamline the review process;

2) Design Review: to update the thresholds, revise the findings for approval and streamline the review process;

3) Signs and Awnings: to provide additional clarity on terms and standards used;

4) Outdoor and Temporary Uses: to update procedures and standards used;

5) Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs): to comply with state requirements;

6) Parking and Transit-Oriented Developments (TODs): to consolidate development standards and streamline the review process;

7) Implementation of New State Legislation: regarding parking for single-family additions, secondhand stores and donation facilities, notices for public hearings, and employee housing; and

8) Other Miscellaneous Updates: including meeting continuances, animal grooming and animal hospital uses, and glossary definitions.

PROJECT LOCATION: Citywide

ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The City Council will consider whether adoption of the proposed Amendments are exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to State CEQA Guidelines Section 15061(b)(3), under the “Common Sense” exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. The Amendments focus on procedural changes to the review process and provide additional clarity on terms and standards used in the Zoning Code. They also revise sections to comply with recent state legislation and implement programs of the 2021-2029 General Plan Housing Element. None increase development levels or intensity or add new uses that would generate impacts.

PLANNING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATION: On August 27, 2025, the Planning Commission considered the proposed Amendments at a publicly noticed hearing and recommended that the City Council approve the environmental determination and the Amendments as presented by staff, with the following changes: 1) For new multifamily projects that are reviewed by the Design Commission, maintain the existing threshold of 10 units; and 2) For buildings greater than 50 years old, do not require parking for additions necessary to meet building, safety or fire requirements.

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City Council will conduct a public hearing and consider the proposed environmental determination and Amendments. The hearing is scheduled for:

Date: Monday, October 27, 2025

Time: 6:00 p.m.

Place: Council Chambers, 100 North Garfield Avenue, Pasadena CA Please refer to the City Council agenda for instructions to view a live stream of the meeting. The meeting agenda will be posted at:http://ww2.cityofpasadena.net/councilagendas/council_agenda.asp

Public Information: All interested persons may submit correspondence to correspondence@cityofpasadena.net prior to the start of the meeting. During the meeting and prior to the close of the public hearing, members of the public may provide live public comment. Please refer to the agenda when posted for instructions on to how to provide live public comment. If you challenge the matter in Court, you may be limited to raising those issues you or someone else raised at the public hearing, or in written correspondence sent to the Council or the case planner at, or prior to, the public hearing.

For more information about the project:

Contact Person: Jason C. Mikaelian, AICP, Deputy Director Phone: (626) 744-7231

E-mail: jmikaelian@cityofpasadena.net

Website: www.cityofpasadena.net/planning

Mailing Address: Pasadena Permit Center

Planning & Community Development Department 175 North Garfield Avenue Pasadena, CA 91101

ADA: To request a disability-related modification or accommodation necessary to facilitate meeting participation, please contact the City Clerk’s Office as soon as possible at (626) 744-4124 or cityclerk@

LEGALS

business as: Levia Jade & Co., 13969 Cameo Drive, Fontana, CA 92337. Mailing Address, 10950 Arrow Route Ste 2362, Rancho Cucamonga, Ca 91729. # of employees 1. Aarica Sanders, 13969 Cameo Dr, Fontana, CA 92337. County of Principal

Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on January 16, 2015. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Aarica Sanders, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on August 21, 2025 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: 20250007947 Pub: 09/18/2025, 09/25/2025, 10/02/2025, 10/09/2025, 10/16/2025, 10/23/2025, 10/30/2025, 11/06/2026 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN20250005813

The following persons are doing business as: CMM Advantage, 14427 Huntridge Drive, Victorville, CA 92394. Mailing Address, 14427 Huntridge Drive, Victorville, CA 92394. #mof Employees 1. Monique

R. Jennings, County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Monique R. Jennings, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on June 18,

2025 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20250005813 Pub: 06/23/2025, 06/30/2025, 07/07/2025, 07/14/2025, 07/21/2025, 07/28/2025, 08/04/2025, 08/11/2025 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20250008581

The following persons are doing business as: Eli’s honey & Bloom, 12980 Ramona Avenue, Chino, CA 91710. Mailing Address, 12980 Ramona Avenue, Chino, CA 91710. # of Employees 1. Elisa Gallardo Hernandez. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on August 27, 2025. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Elisa Gallardo Hernandez, Owner. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on September 11, 2025 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20250008581 Pub: 09/22/2025, 09/29/2025, 10/06/2025, 10/13/2025, 10/20/2025, 10/27/2025, 11/03/2025, 11/10/2025 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as (1). CCP A CRUSHCRUSH PROMOS

COMPANY (2). CRUSHCRUSH PROMOS 79010 Dry Creek Rd La Quinta, CA 92253

Riverside County Cheryl Kalista Eaton, 74923 Hwy 111 #408, I ndian Wells, CA 92210

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on December 5, 2019. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).)

s. Cheryl Kalista Eaton Statement filed with the County of Riverside on July 31, 2025 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office. Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202509482 Pub. 09/01/2025, 09/08/2025, 09/15/2025, 09/22/2025 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT

File No. FBN20250008832

The following persons are doing business as: (1). Cognition Insurance Services (2). Cognition Coffee Consulting (3). Cave and Cognition Clothing , 540 w mesa st, Rialto, CA 92376. Mailing Address, 540 w mesa st, Rialto, CA 92376. Joseph J Valverde,. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Joseph J Valverde. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on September 17,

2025 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20250008832 Pub: 09/29/2025, 10/06/2025, 10/13/2025, 10/20/2025 San Bernardino Press

The following person(s) is (are) doing business as NorJenn Merch Hub 39520 Murrieta Hot Springs Rd. Ste 219 Murrieta, CA 92563

Riverside County Mailing Address, 30479 Fern Gully Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563. Riverside County NorJenn Ventures LLC (CA, 30479 Fern Gully Drive, Murrieta, CA 92563

Riverside County

This business is conducted by: a limited liability company (llc). Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. I declare that all the information in this statement is true and correct. (A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code, that the registrant knows to be false, is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousands dollars ($1000).) s. Norberto Dominix, Member Statement filed with the County of Riverside on September 11, 2025 NOTICE: In accordance with subdivision (a) of section 17920, a fictitious name statement generally expires at the end of the five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the county clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any changes in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 Et Seq., business and professions code). I hereby certify that this copy is a correct copy of the original statement on file in my office.

Peter Aldana, County, Clerk File# R-202511311 Pub. 09/29/2025, 10/06/2025, 10/13/2025, 10/20/2025 Riverside Independent

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20250009082

The following persons are doing

business as: True Purpose Skincare, 7285 Magnolia Place, Fontana, CA 92335. Mailing Address, 7285 Magnolia place, fontana, CA 92336. Nicole V. Keen. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino

This business is conducted by: a individual. Registrant has not yet begun to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct.

A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Nicole V. Keen. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on September 26, 2025 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20250009082 Pub: 10/06/2025, 10/13/2025, 10/20/2025, 10/27/2025 San Bernardino Press

FICTITIOUS BUSINESS NAME STATEMENT File No. FBN20250009050

The following persons are doing business as: (1). CPL Ministries (2). CPL International (3). Changing People’s Lives Ministries (4). Changing People’s Lives International (5). Changing People’s Lives International Ministries , 11340 Mountain View Avenue Suite C, Loma Linda, CA 92354. Mailing Address, PO Box 11888, San Bernardino, CA 92423. Changing People’s Lives Inc. (CA 2524734, 11340 Mountain View Avenue Suite C, Loma Linda, CA 92354; Eliseo Lozano, President. County of Principal Place of Business: San Bernardino This business is conducted by: a corporation. Registrant commenced to transact business under the fictitious business name or names listed herein on September 18, 2003. By signing below, I declare that I have read and understand the reverse side of this form and that all information in this statement is true and correct. A registrant who declares as true any material matter pursuant to Section 17913 of the Business and Professions Code that the registrant knows to be false is guilty of a misdemeanor punishable by a fine not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000). I am also aware that all information on this statement

becomes Public Record upon filing pursuant to the California Public Records Act (Government Code Sections 6250- 6277). /s/ Eliseo Lozano, President. This statement was filed with the County Clerk of San Bernardino on September 25, 2025 Notice- In accordance with subdivision (a) of Section 17920. A Fictitious Name Statement generally expires at the end of five years from the date on which it was filed in the office of the County Clerk, except, as provided in subdivision (b) of Section 17920, where it expires 40 days after any change in the facts set forth in the statement pursuant to Section 17913 other than a change in the residence address of a registered owner. A new Fictitious Business Name Statement must be filed before the expiration. The filing of this statement does not of itself authorize the use in this state of a fictitious business name in violation of the rights of another under federal, state, or common law (see Section 14411 et seq., Business and Professions Code) File#: FBN20250009050 Pub: 10/16/2025,

SB County partners with food bank to support holiday program

By Staff

Th

e 8th annual Human Services Food Drive in San Bernardino County continues throughout October to support the local Community Action Partnership.

The county initiative aims to help fight food insecurity during the holiday season, officials said. The virtual food drive runs through Oct. 31, with all monetary donations supporting the county’s Holiday Basket program that provides food to families.

In 2024, county employees raised $19,532 for the program. This year’s goal is $25,000.

“Every dollar raised through this food drive goes directly to helping families in our community enjoy a warm meal during the holidays,” TransitionalAssistance Department Director James LoCurto said in a statement. “With the support of county

employees and partners, we hope to surpass our goal this year and make the season brighter for thousands of families across San Bernardino County.”

Employeedonations will also fund the Community Action Partnership’s four turkey distribution events across the county in November. Food distribution events this year will provide 2,600 turkeys and 2,600 holiday food boxes to low-income families, officials said.

Turkey giveaways require participants to register at capsbc.org/get-involved to gain access to the events and show that they meet income qualifications. Scheduled giveaway events include: Nov. 12 — not open to the public at Fort Irwin serving active-duty military families with 300 turkeys and food boxes.

Nov. 17, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Joshua Tree Elementary School, 4950 Sunburst Ave. in Joshua Tree — 600 turkeys, pies and holiday food boxes are set to be distributed during this a drive-through event.

Nov. 19, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Adelanto Stadium, 12000 Stadium Way in Adelanto — providing 700 turkeys, pies and holiday food boxes via a drive-through format.

Nov. 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Bernardino Valley College, 701 S. Mount Vernon Ave. in San Bernardino — 1,000 turkeys, pies and holiday food boxes are expected at this walkingoriented event that will also feature nonprofit organizations offering services to event attendees.

The county Transitional Assistance Department, Human Services Depart-

Man accused of gunning down Elsinore resident pleads not guilty

By City News Service

Aman accused of fatally shooting a 38-year-old Lake Elsinore resident pleaded not guilty Thursday to murder and other charges.

Steven Saul Vargas, 33, of Lake Elsinore, was arrested last month following a Riverside County Sheriff’s Department investigation into the

slaying of Brian Rivas.

Along with murder, Vargas is charged with sentenceenhancing gun and great bodily injury allegations.

He was arraigned Thursday before Superior Court Judge Judith Clark, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Nov.

18 at the Southwest Justice Center in Murrieta.

The defendant is being held in lieu of $2 million bail at the Byrd Detention Center.

According to sheriff’s Sgt. Alberto Loureiro, shortly before 8 p.m. on Sept. 14, there was an unspecified confrontation between Vargas

and Rivas at a home in the 28000 block of Wells Fargo Lane, near El Toro Road.

During the argument, the defendant allegedly pulled a handgun and opened fire, killing the victim on the spot, Loureiro said.

It was unclear whether Vargas remained at the scene

or fled. No one was immediately detained for questioning.

The sergeant said the investigation was turned over to Central Homicide Unit detectives, who gathered evidence and statements in the ensuing three days that pointed to the defendant as the alleged shooter.

Vargas was taken into custody without incident on La Sierra Avenue in Riverside on the afternoon of Sept. 17. He has no documented prior felony convictions in Riverside County. However, he has an unresolved drug possession case from January.

Felon accused of trying to shoot deputy, fleeing to Mexico pleads not guilty

By City News Service

A31-year-oldfelon

accused of opening fire on a sheriff’s deputy while fleeing from a traffic stop in Jurupa Valley, then hiding out in Mexico until his whereabouts were uncovered, pleaded not guilty Monday to attempted murder of a peace officer and other offenses.

Martin Perez Jr. was extradited back to the United States last week following his apprehension by Mexican State Police.

Along with the attempted murder count, Perez is charged with felony evading, being a felon in possession of a firearm and a sentenceenhancing gun use allegation.

The defendant is being held without bail at the Byrd Detention Center in Murrieta.

According to the District Attorney’s Office, in the late afternoon hours of May 14, 2024, Perez committed an unspecified traffic violation at the intersection of Limonite and Wineville avenues, prompting a motorcycle deputy to initiate a traffic stop.

Perez, however, refused to pull over, instead steering onto a dirt road paralleling 68th Street, just west of Pats

He was arraigned before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Melissa Hale, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Oct. 22 at the Riverside Hall of Justice.

Ranch Road, in an attempt to evade the lawman, prosecutors alleged.

“Perez ... then began shooting at the pursuing deputy before entering dense foliage near the Santa Ana River bottom,” according to an agency statement. “During the pursuit, Perez abandoned his vehicle and fled on foot in an unknown direction. The initial pursuing deputy did not sustain any injuries during the incident.”

Despite an intense search of the area, the defendant could not be located. His identity was confirmed less than two weeks later, and a warrant was issued for his arrest, though detectives

at the time were uncertain where he was, authorities said.

The D.A.’s Fugitive Apprehension Unit, coordinating with the sheriff’s Gang Impact Team, ultimately discovered that Perez was in Tepic, Mexico, and law enforcement officials south of the border were requested to track him down and take him into custody, which they did on Thursday, prosecutors said.

He was turned over to U.S. Marshals, who in turn delivered him to county law enforcement officials the same day.

Details on the defendant’s prior convictions were unavailable.

Ad exec who allegedly struck, killed Cathedral City woman arraigned

By City News Service

A43-year-old Coachella Valley advertising executive accused of driving drunk and fatally hitting a Cathedral City woman riding her scooter with her small dog pleaded not guilty Wednesday to murder and other charges.

William Frank Rodriguez was arrested and booked into the Benoit Detention Center in Indio Monday after a warrant was served at his Palm Springs residence.

Along with murder, Rodriguez is charged with hit-andrun resulting in great bodily injury and operating a motor vehicle with a suspended or revoked driver’s license stemming from a prior DUI conviction.

Rodriguez was arraigned Wednesday before Riverside County Superior Court Judge Dean Benjamini, who scheduled a felony settlement conference for Oct. 24 at the Larson Justice Center. The defendant’s attorneys also submitted a request for a bail reduction hearing the same day, which the judge granted. Rodriguez is being held without bail.

According to the Cathedral City Police Department, on Thursday night, the defendant, who is founder of Silvercrest Advertising, attended a concert at Acrisure Arena in Palm Desert, where he ordered a bottle of vodka and proceeded to consume it with four or five friends.

In a bail-setting affidavit, investigators described how after the show, Rodriguez headed to Quadaz bar in Palm Springs, “where he consumed an unknown number of alcoholic drinks.”

As the night dragged on, he left Quadaz’s and walked to another bar nearby, Dick’s on Arenas, ordering several additional alcoholic beverages, consuming them, then “stumbling” out of the pub and going to his Porsche Cayenne parked in the immediate area, all of which was captured on security surveillance video cameras, police alleged.

Court papers said that Rodriguez steered a course for home shortly before 1 a.m. Friday, allegedly pushing his sports car up

to 65 mph in a 45 mph zone along East Palm Canyon Drive.

Christina Barrington, 60, of Cathedral City, was riding her scooter, carrying her pet terrier with her, at or below the speed limit on East Palm Canyon when the defendant allegedly swerved out of his lane and into hers, plowing into the victim, who was hurled onto the roadway with her dog, then “dragging the scooter 1,400 feet before making a sudden turn that dislodged” it from the Porsche, according to the affidavit.

Rodriguez went home and parked the car in his driveway, according to police.

Witnesses called 911, and first responders found Barrington unconscious with major injuries near the intersection, her injured dog nearby. The woman was taken to a regional trauma center, where she died the following day.

The canine is recovering under the care of the victim’s relatives, police said.

“Rodriguez never reported this collision, even

San Bernardino council, mayor appoint Telicia

Lopez as city clerk

By Staff

San Bernardino officials on Wednesday appointed Telicia Lopez to the city clerk position.

Mayor Helen Tran and the City Council approved an employment agreement with Lopez, who had been interim city clerk since April.

“Few people know the inner workings of the City Clerk’s office better than Telicia Lopez,” Tran said in a statement. “The Council and I believe she has the knowledge and expertise to effectively lead the Clerk’s office.”

Under San Bernardino’s charter, the city clerk is one of three positions hired directly by the mayor and council. The other two posts are city manager and city attorney.

Lopez has served as chief deputy city clerk since 2021. Her career with the city began in 2003, with the past two decades in the City Clerk’s Office.

“When I first stepped into the City Clerk’s Office 20 years ago, I never imagined that one day I would have the honor of serving as the City Clerk,” Lopez said in a statement. “I

am deeply grateful for this opportunity and humbled to follow in the footsteps of the remarkable clerks who came before me.”

The three divisions of the City Clerk’s Office are Administration, Elections and Records Management.

The office’s responsibilities include processing ordinances and resolutions, coordinating required legal advertisements and preparing all agendas for council meetings. The clerk also serves as the city’s filing officer for statements of economic interest, campaign

|

after police impounded the vehicle, though he reported to a coworker that his vehicle was stolen and wrecked,” the affidavit stated.

The defendant took off for Las Vegas over the weekend, where security surveillance cameras in a casino captured him with “alcoholic drinks ... including a glass of champagne he appeared to be toasting with,” the narrative said.

“Rodriguez has a 2013 DUI conviction out of Los Angeles County,” according to the affidavit. “He was given a Watson Advisement by the court when he was convicted (noting he could face severe penalties for causing injury or death while driving under the influence in the future). His license was suspended. His

privilege to drive a motor vehicle has never been reinstated.”

A no-bail hold was requested by prosecutors because the defendant is known to have “access to large amounts of liquid or near-liquid funds,” documents said, adding that he travels internationally on a regular basis, particularly to Europe and the Middle East.

CSUSB Palm Desert campus awards more than $150K in scholarships

By City News Service

More than 60 students atCalStateSan Bernardino,Palm Desert campus received over $150,000 in scholarships for the 2025-2026 school year, it was announced Thursday.

statements, appeals while also offering passport services.

The San Bernardino City Charter also requires the clerk to keep all books, papers, records and other documents. The official must also attend all meetings of the mayor and City Council and keep minutes of council meetings.

Tran and the council voted 6-1 in favor of approving Lopez’ contract. Councilwoman Treasure Ortiz cast the “no” vote, and Councilwoman Sandra Ibarra was absent.

The various scholarships were awarded to students in several disciplines for academic excellence, community involvement and personal growth, officials said. The scholarships provided the recipients with mentorship opportunities, peer tutoring and career development workshops.

“This scholarship has made a significant differ-

ence in my life by easing the financial strain of educational expenses. As a full-time student who is also balancing family responsibilities, this scholarship allows me to focus on my studies and engage in learning opportunities that are essential for my growth and preparation for graduate school,” Divina Portillo, a psychology major and recipient of the John J. and Sheryl Benoit Endowed Scholarship, said in a statement.

Adriana Banda, a sociology and social work major and recipient of the John Steven Peterson Endowed

Child murder

Scholarship, said, “I hope to continue creating inclusive and safe spaces for those in the LGBTQIA community, especially in the field of social work. Receiving a scholarship has given me a bit more peace of mind financially, and it will help cover anything I will need this upcoming academic year, especially since senior year can be costly with graduation-related costs.”

Officials said the scholarships will help invest in student success and reflects the university’s ongoing commitment to academic excellence and access to high education.

alive today,” he said.

“Prior to any plea to the court in that case, we strongly objected to the proposed sentence,” according to the D.A.’s office. “Our objection was made based on the seriousness of the injuries Mr. Haro inflicted on his then-10-week-old daughter. When the court chose to deviate (from the prosecution’s effort to secure prison) ... it was acutely aware of the heinous and permanent nature of this young victim’s injuries. We believe that granting Haro probation under these circumstances, on these facts, was an inappropriate use of (the court’s) discretion.”