San Jacinto: Suspected DUI driver takes police on short pursuit resulting in crash and arrest

San Jacinto CA - On Wednesday, January 20, 2021, at approximately 4:48pm, deputies assigned to the San Jacinto Sheriff Station initiated a vehicle pursuit on a suspected impaired driver. The driver and sole occupant, later identified as Daniel George Hardesty (27 year-old Colorado resident) fled from law enforcement and drove in a reckless manner, including running stop signs and driving into oncoming traffic. 

Hardesty crashed into a street sign in the 900 block of East Florida Avenue, in the City of Hemet and was immediately taken into custody. Hardesty was later transported to and booked into the Larry Smith Correctional Facility for felony evading and driving under the influence.

The investigation is currently on-going. Anyone with information on this case is encouraged to contact Deputy Curtis Cox at the San Jacinto Sheriff Station by calling (951) 766-2400.

Riverside County: COVID-19 vaccine distribution update

Participants must register and have an appointment to get vaccinated

Riverside County received 26,000 doses of Pfizer vaccine this week to distribute among community partners. Of this week’s allocation, 3,900 doses will be used for six additional county-run vaccine clinics. Supply of vaccine continues to be limited and demand for vaccine high.

Registration will be available Thursday (Jan. 21) at noon for six upcoming COVID-19 vaccine clinics in Lake Elsinore, Perris and Indio planned for people in Phase 1A (all tiers), 1B (tier 1), which includes individuals 65 and older.

Murrieta: December home invasion robbery shootout results in two deaths and two arrests

Murrieta CA - On December 26, 2020, at about 4:01am, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station were dispatched to a report of a shooting at a residence in the 37000 block of Calle de Lobo, in the La Cresta area west of the Murrieta city limits. 

Upon arrival, deputies made contact with two uninjured male residents. They were directed inside where deputies found four males with gunshot wounds. Two males had succumbed to their wounds, and two males were transported to a local hospital, also suffering from gunshot wounds. Deputies secured the area as a crime scene and investigators from the Lake Elsinore Station responded. The Central Homicide Unit also responded and assumed the investigation.

San Jacinto Area: UPDATE - Gilman Springs Rd four vehicle accident requires extraction of multiple victims, results in 1 death

**UPDATE**

Sadly, the adult injured in this crash has succumbed to her injuries. She has been identified as Lucretia Garland, 31 years old, of San Jacinto.

----------

Riverside County CA - A four vehicle car wreck reported at 6:59am required the extraction of one adult and 3 children from a vehicle this morning. The accident occurred near the intersection of Gilman Springs Rd and Alessandro. As of 7:30am, all four patients have been transported to local hospitals by ambulance. 

The one adult patient is in serious condition. No further information is available at this time. If further info becomes available, we will update this article.

Lake Elsinore and Wildomar: Community Policing event results in 4 people receiving homelessness assistance and 15 arrests

Lake Elsinore CA - On January 19, 2021, about 7:00 AM, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station Special Enforcement Team conducted a zero tolerance/quality of life operation in the cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar. The team concentrated on areas frequently described as "problem areas," throughout the cities of Lake Elsinore and Wildomar.

In a collaborative effort with the city's code enforcement, numerous subjects were contacted and arrested for various crimes related to quality of life. The Lake Elsinore Station continuously strives to ensure the citizens of Lake Elsinore live/function comfortably and are able to enjoy the activities of daily living unimpeded.

Murrieta: High winds are creating a mess across the valley

courtesy FB.com / Sandy Lord-Hunt

Murrieta CA - High winds have been blowing over trees, fences, spreading trash and of course rolling many tumbleweeds all over the valley today. 

Please take extra care while driving this evening. If you are a resident of Murrieta, the police department is here to help!

From the Murrieta Police Department:

"It's a bit windy today! We're getting reports of trees being blown over and yard decorations being blown into neighbors yards, so be careful out there.  

If you see any kind of hazard created by the wind, please be sure to call our dispatch center at 951-696-3615 and let them know so they can get the appropriate resources out to clean up the mess." 

San Jacinto: State St vehicle vs pedestrian collision results in death

San Jacinto CA - On Monday, January 18, at 3:16 a.m., deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, San Jacinto Station, arrived at North State Street and Village at San Jacinto, regarding a traffic collision between a vehicle and pedestrian. Deputies located a person lying in the roadway suffering from major injuries, along with a vehicle and its driver. 

Cal-Fire and American Medical Response (AMR) were already on-scene and attempted lifesaving measures, but the pedestrian was pronounced deceased at the scene.

The preliminary investigation revealed a black Toyota sedan was traveling northbound on State Street when it struck a pedestrian lying down in the middle of the roadway. The driver of the vehicle immediately pulled over and waited at the scene. 

California: CHP on tactical alert during Inauguration week

SACRAMENTO, CA – California Highway Patrol (CHP) Commissioner Amanda Ray today issued the following statement announcing the CHP would go on tactical alert ahead of the upcoming Presidential Inauguration:

“For many months, the CHP has worked closely with local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies to ensure the outcome of the election will be respected and that any protests which may occur are free from violence.  The CHP maintains strong relationships with our security and intelligence partners around the country and is continually evaluating possible emerging threats to the state.  As such, the CHP is prepared to respond to any potential threats which may arise statewide.

“The protection of California highways and state buildings, including the Capitol, are the primary responsibility and jurisdiction of the CHP.

COVID-19: Public Health clinics in Riverside County not impacted by ‘pause’ in Moderna vaccine

Suspect lot of Moderna doses not part of vaccine to be used at clinics in Corona, Menifee, Beaumont and Indio

Riverside County CA - The four county-operated COVID-19 vaccination sites, on all four scheduled days

this week, will not be impacted by the “pause” being requested by the state’s epidemiologist for some doses of the Moderna vaccine.

More than 330,000 doses from the affected lot have been distributed to 287 providers across the state, officials said. The shipments arrived in California between Jan. 5 and 12. The state has not been notified of any other cluster or individual events related to this lot (Lot 041L20A).

RIVCO: HIGH WIND WARNING IN EFFECT FROM 1 AM TUESDAY TO 10 PM PST WEDNESDAY

Temecula CA - There is a high wind warning in effect tonight through Wednesday night. Here are further details on how to prepare:

* WHAT...East winds 15 to 25 mph with gusts to 50 mph expected.

* AREA: Orange County Coastal; Orange County Inland; San Bernardino and Riverside County Valleys-The Inland Empire; Santa Ana Mountains and Foothills

* WHEN...From 1 AM Tuesday to 10 PM PST Wednesday.

* IMPACTS...Damaging winds will blow down trees and power lines,
and any unsecured objects. Power outages are possible. Travel
will be difficult, especially for high profile vehicles.

* ADDITIONAL DETAILS...Highest gusts expected Tuesday morning
then again Tuesday night. Please report any severe damage to
NWS San Diego.

**Recommended actions**

People should avoid being outside in forested areas and around trees and branches. If possible, remain in the lower levels of your home during the windstorm, and avoid windows. Use caution if you must drive.

67th Assembly District: Kelly Seyarto's statement on MLK day of Service

Martin Luther King Jr

Murrieta CA - The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service acknowledges the hard work and sacrifice that it takes to give back to your community. MLK was a true leader and on this day, we follow his example to make our world a better place.

It is not always easy to find ways to volunteer, especially this year, but there are many creative things you and your family can do to serve our community including:

• Pick up trash at a nearby park

• Offer to pick up groceries for an elderly neighbor

• Send military care packages to deployed troops overseas

Anza Area: Person with injuries needs rescue in forest

San Bernardino National Forest CA - According to reports, CalFire responded to a call of a mountain biker with a lower extremity injury at 10:54am today. The biker was located 6-8 miles up a hiking trail that was inaccessible to vehicles. 

Due the the accessibility issue, CHP helicopter H60 was called in to assist. No further information about the condition of the injured person is available at this time. If more information becomes available, we will update this article.

Menifee: HWY 74 traffic collision results in death of bicyclist

Menifee CA - On Saturday January 16 at approximately 1045pm Menifee Officers responded to a call of a man down in the eastbound lanes of HWY 74 in Menifee, just west of Briggs Rd. After reaching the man in the roadway, he was pronounced deceased. He was later identified as 43 year old Alex Herrera of Lake Elsinore.

The driver of a white trunk was on scene and cooperated with officers as they investigated the situation. He stated that he believed he had hit someone, however was unsure due to darkness. Further investigation revealed that the cyclist, Mr Herrera, had crossed lanes where the westbound driver of the white truck has struck him resulting in him being thrown into the eastbound lanes; where he was subsequently hit by another vehicle. 

Hemet: Police Department gets a K-9 bloodhound

Hemet CA - Today is truly an exciting day for the Hemet Police Department. They are proud to announce the start of the Hemet Police Department K-9 Unit’s Bloodhound Team. As many residents know, the Hemet Police Department and Murrieta Police Department has had a long standing partnership that goes back well over two decades and frequently share resources. 

The Murrieta Police Department decided to restructure their K-9 Program, thus giving Hemet PD the opportunity to expand the K-9 unit with the addition of a bloodhound. Thank You Murrieta PD. Although the Hemet Police Department K-9 Unit has been in place for over 30 years, the addition of the bloodhound team will be the first in its history.

Temecula Valley Music: Help raise funds for local restaurants and free meals for healthcare workers

Temecula CA - Local entertainment guru Tim Moyer is producing another amazing streaming show coming up this Tuesday 1/19/21. Event starts at 6pm. 

This event is raising funds to buy meals from local Temecula Valley restaurants to be delivered to local frontline healthcare workers with the help of these generous artists: Jason Adamo, Scott Gates, Don Alder and the one and only Tim Moyer.

Tune in online at 6pm pacific time at: https://www.facebook.com/groups/ToGive2

Donate online via Venmo or PayPal at these links: 

https://venmo.com/code?user_id=2267153113808896970

https://www.paypal.me/MEGInc

Business accelerator, coworking space Hera Hub Temecula announces virtual Business Acceleration Expo

Expo to support businesses in revamping, rethinking, refocusing, relaunching for a successful 2021

Temecula CA – Hera Hub, the first international female-focused coworking space and business accelerator, will host a two-day Business Acceleration Expo this month, Wednesday, January 27, and

Thursday, January 28, 2021.

This free, virtual, two-day event includes two parts — Wednesday’s Learning Day, which comprises six, back-to-back, 30-minute educational workshops designed to help businesses thrive in 2021, and Thursday’s Featured Guru Day, where more than a dozen experts are available to meet with participants one-on-one regarding their businesses. 

Both event components feature dynamic industry experts and business leaders, including Hera Hub Temecula’s own Darlene Hawley whose Client Attraction Marketing Made Easy – 5×5 Formula workshop and Online Marketing GURU session are sure to provide businesses with the insight they need to simplify and bolster their online/client attraction marketing strategies.

COVID-19 VACCINE UPDATE: Additional locations and appointments available for vaccines

Riverside County CA - Registration is now open for several COVID-19 vaccine clinics planned for those in Phase 1A (all tiers), and 1B (tier 1), which includes individuals 65 and older.

There will be more than 11,000 additional appointments available across all RUHS-Public Health clinics from Jan. 19 – Jan. 22. Appointments are available on a first-come, first-serve basis within the current tiers. More appointments will be available as additional vaccine is received.

“We continue to expand our county vaccine clinics, so that more people can get the vaccine and be protected from the virus,” said Board Chair Karen Spiegel, Second District Supervisor. “Our residents want this vaccine as quickly as possible and these clinics will help get it out to the community.”

Homeland: chop shop raided, multiple stolen vehicles recovered

Homeland CA - On January 14, 2021 at 11:00am, deputies from the Perris Station served a search warrant at 32567 State Highway 74 in the unincorporated county area of Homeland. This search warrant was part of on ongoing burglary and vehicle theft investigation from the areas of Hemet, Murrieta, and Perris.

During a search of the location, six stolen vehicles were recovered. These vehicles included a Dodge Ram truck, a Chevy Corvette, a Suzuki street bike, a box trailer, and two quads. 

In addition to the vehicles, numerous items of stolen property were recovered.  These items were identified as items stolen in previous burglaries in the area.

Idyllwild: *UPDATE* Bonita fire burns 600 acres, evacuation ordered for Mountain Center area

UPDATE #2 - 1:30pm - The Evacuation Order has been lifted for all residents West of Highways 74 and 243. An Evacuation Order remains in place for residents East of Highways 74 and 243 from Keenwild Fire Station to the north and Keen Camp Rd. to the south. Please use caution returning to the area as fire crews continue to work.

UPDATE #1 - 12:30pm - All road closures in the area of the Bonita Fire have been lifted, with the exception of Highway 74 from Mountain Center to Lake Hemet. This area will be reduced to one lane with law enforcement escorts. CAL FIRE/Riverside County Fire Department is in Unified Command with Riverside County Sheriff's Office and San Bernardino National Forest.

Idyllwild CA - A fire that was reported at 1:16am on 1/15/2021 has now burned 600 acres and is only 5% contained as of 6:35am. The fire started in the 28000 block of Bonita Vista Drive. There are 265 firefighters, 4 air tankers and 3 helicopters fighting the blaze. 

An evacuation order is in effect for the residents of Mountain Center. Residents are asked to use Highway 243 towards Banning and Highway 74 towards the desert to leave the area. Evacuation center: Banning Community Center 789 N. San Gorgonio Ave. Large Animal Evacuations: San Jacinto Animal Campus (581 S. Grand Avenue, San Jacinto).

Please stay away from the area to allow fire personnel to work. The following road closures are in effect:

Highway 74 at Morris Ranch Rd.

Highway 74 at Strawberry Creek

Highway 243 at Saunders Meadow

Here is a link to a map of the fire area: https://www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1pXVPyqjsxRsqqvqi_yaZaRSeo_TDRCdv&ll=33.77395919142745%2C-116.75301355&z=10

Wildomar: DUI checkpoint planned for Friday January 22

Wildomar, CA - The Riverside County Sheriff’s Department Lake Elsinore Station/Wildomar will hold a Driving Under the Influence (DUI) and Driver’s License Checkpoint on Friday, January 22, 2021 from 8:00 pm to 2:00 am at an undisclosed location within the city of Wildomar.

Checkpoint locations are chosen based on a history of DUI crashes and arrests. The primary purpose of checkpoints is not to make arrests, but to promote public safety by deterring drivers from driving impaired.

During the checkpoint, deputies will look for signs that drivers are under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs. The safety of our community is and always will be our mission. Driving under the influence is dangerous and puts a further strain on critical resources.

Lake Elsinore: search warrant nets over 5 pound of meth seized, one arrested

Edwardo Cortez

Lake Elsinore CA - On January 13, 2021, deputies assigned to the Lake Elsinore Station POP team served a search warrant at a residence in the 400 block of Adobe Street, in the city of Lake Elsinore, in reference to an ongoing narcotics investigation.

During the service of the search warrant, 5.5 pounds of methamphetamine, one rifle, a large sum of U.S. currency and other indications of narcotics sales were located. Eduardo Cortez (27 years of age) a resident of the city of Lake Elsinore, was arrested.

Riverside County: COVID-19 roll out of vaccines begin - with links for appointments

Riverside County CA - Important information regarding vaccine distribution from the Riverside County Public Health System: 

A safe and effective COVID-19 vaccine will be one of the most important tools to end the COVID-19 pandemic. California is planning to distribute and administer vaccines as quickly as possible. 

Anza: five marijuana farms raided, 2 guns found, 6 arrests made

Anza CA - On January 13, 2021, personnel from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Riverside
County Code Enforcement, California Department of Fish and Wildlife and California Department of Food and Agriculture served five marijuana cultivation related search warrants in the unincorporated county areas of Anza and Aguanga. 

During the service, approximately 6795 plants were eradicated, and 2244 pounds of processed marijuana was collected, for a total combined weight of approximately two and a half tons. Two firearms, (one assault rifle and one handgun), were collected for evidence.

Lake Elsinore: Homicide suspects arrested in death of 19 year old Blake Paine of Wildomar

Joshua Emanuel Navarro

Lake Elsinore CA -  On November 8th, 2020, deputies from the Lake Elsinore Station responded to the 100 block of Riley Street to investigate a report of a shooting. 

When deputies arrived, they located an adult male who appeared to have been shot. The victim was transported to a local hospital where he died from his injuries. The victim was identified as Blake Paine, a 19-year old male from Wildomar.

On November 9th, 2020, at 1:00 pm, Joshua Emanuel Navarro, an 18 year old male from Lake Elsinore, was arrested for his involvement in the murder of Mr Paine.

Lake Elsinore: Community Policing results in 2 people getting help with homelessness and 10 arrests

Lake Elsinore, CA -  January 11, 2021, about 7:00 AM, the Lake Elsinore Sheriff Station's Problem Oriented Policing Team conducted a zero tolerance/quality of life operation in the City of Lake Elsinore. The team concentrated on areas frequently described as "problem areas,"; throughout the City of Lake Elsinore.

In a collaborative effort with the city's code enforcement, thirty individuals were contacted and two stated they would like assistance with ending their homelessness. The Lake Elsinore Station continuously strives to ensure the citizens of Lake Elsinore live/function comfortably and are able to enjoy the activities of daily living unimpeded.

A total of ten individuals were arrested for crimes related to quality to life. All ten individuals have had, and will continue to have, access to resources which will assist them in ending their endless cycle of homelessness.

As a reminder, "Community Policing" involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff's Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.

Supervisor Washington helps to add Sheriff's Deputies to Mountain Communities of Riverside County

Riverside County CA - At the direction of Sheriff Chad Bianco, and with the support of County Supervisor Chuck Washington, on Thursday, December 3, 2020, the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department, Hemet Station / Lake Hemet substation began consistently staffing Sergeants, Deputies and a Community Service Officer to serve our Mountain Communities. 

These personnel are in addition to the marijuana enforcement and other resources already deployed and available to the citizens residing in the Mountain Communities. On Tuesday, December 7, 2020, Sheriff Bianco, members of his Administration, Captain Purvis and members of the Hemet Station / Lake Hemet substation, Supervisor Jeff Hewitt, and members of the community met (outdoors with social distancing) at the Lake Hemet substation to formally introduce Sheriff’s personnel and to announce the substation opening and subsequent service to the public.

Lake Elsinore Carjacking - arrest made

Lake Elsinore CA - On January 8, 2021, at about 11:00 PM, patrol Deputies responded to a report of a Carjacking on the 29000 Block of Lupine Hills Drive, in the City of Lake Elsinore. The Victim reported her car taken at gunpoint, the suspect was later identified as Carlos Venegas. The 25 year old suspect and resident of Lake Elsinore was taken into custody after a short vehicle pursuit. A weapon was located in the vehicle, along with the Victim’s personal property.

This is an ongoing investigation. Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact Deputy Jimenez at the Lake Elsinore Sheriff’s Station (951) 245-3300.

As a reminder, "Community Policing" involves partnerships between law enforcement and community members. Business owners and residents are encouraged to report criminal activity directly to law enforcement by calling Sheriff's Dispatch at (951) 776-1099, or by calling 911 if the matter is an emergency.