Riverside Report - News for Riverside County, CA

On Saturday, 7/23/06, a multi-agency California State Rural Crime Task Force conducted an investigation into the illegal sales of alcohol, the illegal manufacturing and sales of dairy products, and the illegal sales of music C.D's and movie D.V.D's at a residential property in the 3000 block of Campbell St. in the unincorporated area of Riverside.

During the investigation, officers detained five subjects: Maria Lazcano (age 55 of Riverside), Maria Gonzalez (age 53 of Riverside), Omar Acosta (age 27 of Glen Avon), Francisco Trinidad (age 33 of Mira Loma) & Leonardo Mendez (age 27 of Los Angeles) who were involved with the illegal activities.

The investigation focused on the illegal sales of an alcoholic beverage called "Parajetes". This drink is illegally sold at fiestas, and consists of warm milk drawn directly from a hobbled Dairy cow, which is then mixed with alcohol, Cocoa, and sugar.

In addition, the investigation revealed the manufacturing and selling of unlawful milk products on the premises and the illegal sales of pirated recorded music and movie industry CD's and DVD's.

Lazcane, Gonzalez, Acosta, and Trinidad were issued misdemeanor citations for the State Business & Profession Code 23300 - Unlawful Sale of Alcohol in addition to State Food and Agriculture Code sections 32901 - Selling Unlawful Milk Product, 32906 - Impure/Adulterated Product, 32907 - Unsanitary Condition, and 35011 - Unlicensed Sale of Milk Product. Mendez was issued a separate misdemeanor citation for California Penal Code 653w(a) - Failure to Disclose Origin of Recording.

Agents from Riverside County Animal Control and Environmental Health officers conducted collateral investigations at the location with Animal Control issuing one misdemeanor citation for a dog license violation and Environmental Health issuing six misdemeanor citations for the illegal food sales.

Of note, seizures from the location included several hundred pounds of illegal food products along with food preparation items and utensils, multiple bottles of illegally imported alcohol from Tijuana, 321 pirated music CD's, 12 pirated movie DVD's, & $588 in U.S. currency.

This investigation was conducted by officers from the California Department of Food and Agriculture - Milk and Dairy Food Safety Branch & Bureau of Livestock Identification, Investigators from the Motion Picture Industry of America and Recording Industry Association of America Investigation Unit, Officers from the County of Riverside Animal Control, Code Enforcement, and Environmental Health, an officer from the Ontario P.D. Community Orientated Policing (C.O.P.S.) unit , the Rural Crime Deputy from the Lake Elsinore station of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department, and Deputies from the Jurupa station of the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

Cal ISO Warns of Rotating Power Outages

2006-07-23T20:08:00.000-07:00

The electricity demand experienced within the California Independent System Operator (California ISO) control area Friday and Saturday demonstrates tremendous growth in the demand for electricity – the amount of growth forecasted to appear five years from now. Friday’s peak of 49,036 megawatts set a new record for electricity usage for the state, breaking the old record by 2,500 MWs.

Thus far, the California ISO has served this record demand, but it has been with some difficulty and challenges. The amount of conservation received during the peak periods has been making a tremendous difference and the ISO wants to express its appreciation. However additional conservation is critical for Monday if the ISO and the state’s utilities are to continue service.

If Californians do not step up their conservation efforts tomorrow (Monday) considerably, rotating outages are possible.

CHP officer busted in child sex sting linked to previous molestation

2006-06-28T12:08:00.000-07:00

Former CHP officer Stephen Deck, busted during a child sex sting operation in Laguna Beach earlier this year and facing charges of attempted lewd acts with a child, has been charged with the molestation of another child.

According to the Orange County District Attorney's office, a search warrant stemming from the first arrest uncovered evidence that Deck was involved in the 2003 molestation of a then 10-year-old girl.

Stephen Deck is currently free on $100,000 bail and has retired from the CHP.

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Men caught in Dateline / Perverted Justice / Riverside County Sheriff's Department Sex Sting Appear in Court

2006-06-23T17:00:00.000-07:00

Daniel Allen, 49, of Arcadia, is one of the notorious 'Riverside 50' busted during the Dateline NBC / Perverted Justice / Riverside County Sheriff's Department sting operation in January.

Allen plead guilty to the charges of attempted lewd act with a child under 14 on February 16th of this year.

This morning Riverside Superior Court Judge Bernard J. Schwartz sentenced Allen to 3 years in prison.

WARNING - GRAPHIC CONTENT

Click here to read his chat transcript on Perverted-Justice.com

Hoi Dick Chan, aka Eddie Chan, 28, who was charged with attempted lewd acts with a child under 14 and using the Internet to attempt to seduce a minor, changed his previous not guilty plea to guilty this morning.

Chan is due to be sentenced on August 11th.

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Jet Fuel Fire Engulfs Passing Cars near Palm Springs

2006-06-20T09:26:00.000-07:00

A tanker truck carrying jet fuel rolled over and caught fire on the Hwy. 62 off ramp north of Palm Springs this morning. The jet fuel leaked out and caught fire.

Two vehicles, a U-Haul and a Jeep tried go around the burning truck and became stuck in the nearby sand causing both vehicles to become engulfed in flames. The occupants of the U-Haul and the Jeep were not injured.

Due to safety and environmental reasons firefighters decided to let the jet fuel burn off. About one acre of vegetation burned.

Click on any photo to enlarge

Man caught in Dateline / Riverside County Sheriff's Department / Perverted Justice sting sentenced to prison

2006-06-16T11:07:00.000-07:00

Roberto Forte, 55, Tustin, appeared before Superior Court Judge Bernard J. Schwartz today to be sentenced for his previous guilty pleas of an attempted lewd act on a child under 14 and of attempted sodomy of a child under 14, both felonies.

Forte was one of the notorious 'Riverside 50', a group of men caught during an Internet sting operation conducted in January of this year by Dateline NBC, the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the watchdog group Perverted-Justice.

Forte asked for leniency and probation, saying he had lost everything including his child and job.

Judge Schwartz reminded Forte he had been caught at the Mira Loma home of the sting operation with beer, condoms and sexual lubricant to have sex with who he thought was a 13-year-old boy.

California law allows for a maximum of four years for each charge but Judge Schwartz, noting that Forte had no previous convictions, sentenced him to 2 1/2 years in state prison.

Forte, who had been out on bail, was then shackled and taken away to begin serving his sentence.

'Stop the Invasion' Billboard Appears in California

2006-06-09T09:38:00.000-07:00

A massive new billboard encouraging the public to call Senator Barbara Boxer, (D)-CA, and ask her to support legislation to stop illegal immigration has gone up in Duarte, CA.

The billboard is next to the 210 Freeway. It was paid for by donations to the group grassfire.org.

"This is an invasion that American citizens have brought upon themselves by not demanding that our laws be enforced and not demanding that our borders be secured," said Steve Elliott, the groups President. "I'm the son of a Jamaican immigrant. We don't blame anybody who's coming here. This is a problem that the American people have created. We're now asking our leaders in Congress to solve this problem by securing our borders and enforcing our laws."

"This is an invasion that American citizens have brought upon themselves by not demanding that our laws be enforced and not demanding that our borders be secured," - Steve Elliot

Grassfire.org has plans for a similar billboard in San Diego with the telephone number of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, (D)-CA.

Other billboards have already been erected in Atlanta, Dallas, Miami, Phoenix and West Virginia.

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2006-06-09T08:45:00.000-07:00

LA to Pay $1.5 Million in Police Slaying of Teen

Head on collision involves 6 vehicles on Van Buren Blvd.

Registered Sex Offender Linked by DNA to Killing of College Student

Canada terror plot was to behead Prime Minister

Larry Flynt Sued For Sexual Harassment... Again

Schwarzenegger launches campaign with statewide bus tour

Governor Signs Border Guard Deal

VIDEO: Motorcycle rider crashes while being chased by CHP

Motorist dies in car chase

Carnival Operator Arrested For Fondling Kids On Rides

Jurupa High School Student Sues Claiming School District Took Pro Illegal Immigration Stance To Far

Armed Men Attempt To Rob McDonald's In Corona

Human remains found above Palm Springs may be missing hiker whose supplies saved others

Feds raid Riverside, Oxnard and LA, break up massive illegal alien smuggling operation

California jury awards $61 million for harassment

Garcia's non-vote on illegal immigration raises questions

Hollingsworth Resolution Asks Mexico To Provide Immigrants Basic Human Rights

Riverside County unveils new program targeting sex offenders

Study shows Lawmakers took millions in free trips

Senate bill could allow between 28 million to 280 million new immigrants

Millions of illegal aliens overstayed visas

Sellers of fake social securiy, driver's license ID's laugh at 'tamperproof' push

Cameras will allow web users to patrol border for illegal crossers

Robot spyplanes to guard Europe's borders against illegal immigration and terrorism

Pilot Lands Before Dying of Heart Attack

Students dragged from vehicles, "executed" in Iraq

Bush circles the wagons as approval ratings slip

Teenager spikes competitor's drink with Clorox

Soldiers cleared in town killings

Iraq Veteran Sues Michael Moore Over 9/11 Film

Sex offenders' location upsets Solano officials

Cops: Sex predator gave Mercedes-Benz to 16-year-old victim

Convicted killer wants state to pay for sex change operation

Head on collision involves 6 vehicles on Van Buren Blvd.

2006-06-07T11:08:00.000-07:00

County and Riverside City firefighters responded to a 6 car traffic collision just after 11 am on Van Buren Blvd., in the Arnold Heights area near Riverside Memorial Cemetary.

Many of the accident victims were pulled from their vehicles by passing motorist before firefighters arrived.

The driver of a pick-up truck and the driver of the small sedan both suffered from severe to critical injuries.

The severity of the accident caused a 45 minute road block in both directions of traffic on the blvd.

Man tries to kidnap 11-year-old girl in Perris

2006-06-02T12:21:00.000-07:00

Yesterday at about 3:30 PM, in the area of Avalon Pkwy and Bradley Rd in the City of Perris, an 11-year-old female was walking home from Sierra Vista Elementary School when an unknown male attempted to kidnap her.

The suspect exited a late model, silver 4-door vehicle, possibly a Toyota Corolla, and approached the victim from behind. He grabbed the victim by the arms and attempted to cover her mouth.

The victim fought the suspect and was able to kick him in the groin area. The suspect got back into the passenger seat of the vehicle and fled the area. The victim was not injured during the incident.

The suspect is described as a male, possibly Hispanic, 25-30 years, 5'10, blond hair with black spiked tips, green eyes, "plugs" (large earrings), a tattoo of sculls and flames on his right arm, and a scar on his right forearm.

No information is available on the driver.

Anyone with questions or information regarding this incident is asked to contact the Perris Police Department at (951) 940-6200 or (951) 955-1099.

Wanted Sex Offender Arrested in Hemet

2006-06-01T22:27:00.000-07:00

On April 9, 2006, members of the Hemet Station's Registration Enforcement Team began a search for convicted sex offender John Michael Mahoney (60 years). The investigation was conducted as a result of Mahoney moving from his place of residence in the Anza area without notifying authorities, which is a violation of Penal Code Section 290.

Today, information was developed by Officers of the San Jacinto Police Department that Mahoney was at the Department of Motor Vehicles on State St., in Hemet.

Deputies from Hemet Station, the Registration Enforcement Team and Officers from the San Jacinto Police Department responded to the DMV Office. Mahoney was found inside his vehicle and taken into custody without incident.

Mahoney was booked at the Southwest Detention Center for 290(f)(1) PC Failure to De-Register; 2909(g)(2) PC Violation of Registration Laws; 667(c) PC Prior Felony Conviction; 667.5(b) PC Prison Prior within 5 years and 667(E)(2)(A) PC Two or More Prior Felony Convictions.

Mahoney is being held on $85,000 bail.

Woman charged in massive cockfighting operation to appear in court

2006-06-01T15:26:00.000-07:00

Elida Rivera, 37, is scheduled to appear in courton June 15th on 5 charges of animal cruelty and cockfighting.

Rivera was arrested on Sunday, April 9th after Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department responded to a cruelty to animals call regarding cockfighting.

Upon their arrival at the property, on Juniper Springs road in Homeland, Deputies located an extensive cockfighting enterprise, complete with mobile food carts, arenas, portable cages and lighting.

Approximately 150 subjects began to flee from the area and hid in the nearby hillside. Deputies were able to apprehend several suspects and contacted the US Border Patrol.

Agents from the Border Patrol responded to the location and interviewed the subjects. They were taken into custody by the US Border Patrol on suspicion of being in the country illegally.

During a search of the extensive property, about 120 fighting roosters were located along with paraphernalia including fighting blades, which are attached to the birds feet to make the fighting even more bloody. Many of the birds were suffering from severe wounds.

A Riverside County Animal Control Officer responded to the location and took possession of the birds. Sadly due to the condition of the birds they were euthanized at the scene.

Cockfighting has been identified as a probable source of Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) which has devastated the California poultry industry. Senate Bill 732, co-authored by Assemblyman John Benoit and signed into law by Governor Gray Davis in 2003, increased the penalties for cockfighting to a maximum of 1 year in county jail and/or up to a $5,000 fine for a first offense.

Rivera has been charged with PC 597(A) Cruelty to animals, PC 597B(B) animal Cruelty, PC M597C(B) own/train etc. cock/bird w/int to engage exhibition of fight, PC 597I(A) manufacture/sell/possess gaff or slashers for fighting bird and PC 597J(A) own, possess, train bird or animal w/intent to use for fighting. The Cruelty to animals charge is a felony while the other charges are misdemeanors.

Rivera has pled not guilty to the charges and is using the services of a public defender.

Assembly Approves Benoit Illegal Street Racing Measure

2006-05-30T22:21:00.000-07:00

SACRAMENTO – By a vote of 77 to 1, the Assembly today approved legislation by Assemblyman John J. Benoit (R-Palm Desert) that would increase the penalties for reckless driving and motor vehicle speed contests.

“I’m delighted by the Assembly’s strong action today,” said Assemblyman Benoit. “I have seen firsthand the tragedy these races cause when a car loses control and injures or kills somebody. From my 31 years of experience in law enforcement, I know that stiffer penalties are crucial to curbing this very dangerous problem. Illegal street racing puts drivers and others at risk of serious injury and death and creates a severe drain on local law enforcement resources.”

“I have seen firsthand the tragedy these races cause when a car loses control and injures or kills somebody. From my 31 years of experience in law enforcement, I know that stiffer penalties are crucial to curbing this very dangerous problem. Illegal street racing puts drivers and others at risk of serious injury and death and creates a severe drain on local law enforcement resources.” - Assemblyman Benoit

Each year, hundreds of people are injured or killed while engaging in this rapidly growing and very dangerous pastime. According to the California Department of Motor Vehicles, 7,640 drivers were convicted for engaging in a motor vehicle speed contest in 2005 alone – a 9% increase from 2004.

Currently, if a driver is engaged in illegal street racing and causes great bodily injury to another person, that driver can only be charged with a misdemeanor. Under AB 2190, that driver could be charged with either a misdemeanor or a felony.

AB 2190 is sponsored by the California District Attorneys Association and supported by the California State Sheriffs Association, Peace Officers Research Association of California, the Riverside County Sheriff, and the police departments of Ontario, Riverside, and San Diego.

Wanted dynamite suspect captured by Riverside County Sheriff's Deputies

2006-05-26T23:15:00.000-07:00

Joshua Lee Gawn, 33, of Moreno Valley, wanted in the theft of more than 500 pounds of explosives from a Big Bear mining company, was arrested today by the Riverside County Sheriff's Department.

At about 7:00 p.m., Deputies located a stolen silver Honda in the area of Mountain Avenue and Menifee Road, in the unincorporated county area known as Nuevo.

The vehicle fled from the Deputies and a pursuit ensued. The pursuit ended in the area of Menifee Road and McCall, and the unidentified driver fled on foot into a residential neighborhood.

The suspect was eventually located, hiding in the attic, of a residence on the 29000 block of Light Sail. The suspect was taken into custody and refused to provide his name and date of birth.

The suspect was booked into the Southwest Detention Center, for the vehicle theft, and was fingerprinted. Several hours later the suspect was identified, by his fingerprints, as Gawn.

Gawn had several warrants issued for his arrest including a warrant for the stolen dynamite that was taken from the Big Bear area recently.

An informant led ATF agents to Gawn's apartment on May 15th. His wife gave them permission to search. A dog alerted agents to the scent of explosives in several items and Gawn was taken into custody.

While in custody, Gawn admitted he stole explosives, adding "There is no else. I did it," according to the ATF. He also told agents the remaining sticks of dynamite were destroyed.

Gawn was arrested on suspicion of a probation violation but he was released the next day on $25,000 bail.

Gawn has felony convictions for attempted burglary, possession of stolen property and possession of a stolen vehicle, according to Riverside County Court records.

He faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted.

All but 39 of the stolen sticks have been recovered.

Russ Bogh signs letter decrying Vicente Fox's statements criticizing the U.S.

2006-05-24T16:51:00.000-07:00

Sacramento - Assemblyman Russ Bogh (R-Beaumont) has signed a letter to Vicente Fox urging him to respect our sovereign laws and right to protect our borders.

The letter, sent by Assemblyman Chuck Devore (R-Irvine) and signed by Bogh, states in part, "President Fox, we call upon you to deal with Mexico's immigration issues before you deign to tell us how to reform our own laws."

Vicente Fox is addressing a joint session of the California Legislature on Thursday evening. President Fox has been an outspoken critic of attempts by the United States to defend our borders and enforce immigration laws. Ironically, Mexico's illegal immigration laws are far harsher than any proposed by the U.S.

"He (Vicente Fox) has continually criticized the policies of our country, advocated for the violation of our laws, and harbored and protected cop killers and other fugitives who have terrorized our communities." - Assemblyman Bogh

"If the United States instituted similar rules and restrictions on illegal immigrants that Mexico has I'm sure President Fox would be the first to criticize us. Vicente Fox has openly encouraged his citizens to cross our borders illegally, even as he militarizes the southern borders of Mexico," stated Bogh. "He has continually criticized the policies of our country, advocated for the violation of our laws, and harbored and protected cop killers and other fugitives who have terrorized our communities."

'Dirty Car' bill working though California Legislature

2006-05-23T13:47:00.000-07:00

Assembly Bill 2791, introduced by Assemblyman Ira Ruskin (D), would require car dealers to charge new car buyers up to an additional $2,500 if the vehicle they purchase is considered by the State of California to not qualify as a low emissions vehicle.

Buyers of low emissions vehicles could receive discounts of up to $2,500.

Legislative analysis of the bill says the annual cost for the state to manage the program will be in the millions of dollars and that 40% of new car buyers will have to pay the additional fee.

The bill is currently in the state assembly appropriations committee.

$50,000 worth of stolen vehicles, drugs, high powered weapons found on Soboba Reservation

2006-05-20T17:05:00.000-07:00

Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department and the department's Emergency Services Team served a high risk search warrant today at a residence along the 24300 block of Soboba Road on the Soboba Indian Reservation.

During a search of the residence and surrounding property, six stolen vehicles were recovered, over $50,000.00 worth of ATC's and other off road vehicles, 1.5 grams of methamphetamine, and $500.00 in illegal fireworks.

In addition to the above, over 60 illegal high powered weapons were seized and confiscated from the location along with thousands of rounds of ammunition.

Close inspection of the weapons showed many were modified with high powered optical sighting scopes and had extended, large capacity magazines containing high velocity bullets. Many of the weapons had the serial numbers partially or completely removed. Several rifles were modified by having the stock removed and the barrel shortened in order to be easier to conceal.

Several of the recovered stolen vehicles were initially reported stolen from outlying cities such as Corona, Riverside and Redlands. They were hidden throughout the property, intermixed with other broken down vehicles.

Donald Resvaloso, age 46 and a resident of the Soboba Reservation, was arrested at the location. He is being charged with possession of methamphetamine, possession of illegal weaponry, possession of stolen vehicles, as well as numerous additional felony charges.

Resvaloso was transported and booked at the Southwest Detention Center for the above listed charges. Bail has been set at $25,000.

Bogh bill increasing local control over Parolee homes Passes Assembly

2006-05-18T15:25:00.000-07:00

Sacramento - Assembly Bill 2184, authored by Assemblyman Russ Bogh (R-Beaumont), passed the Assembly Floor today and now heads to the Senate.

AB 2184 will provide local control to cities who wish to regulate parolee homes.

"This bill will allow our cities to regulate those homes that the state has refused to take charge of," stated Bogh. "For too long the state has ignored the problems associated with parolee homes in our communities. The cities are willing and able to do the job that the state has refused to do and we ought to let them do it."

AB 2184, sponsored by the City of Riverside, will make clear the rights of cities to pass local ordinances regulating the health and safety of residential homes and facilities not regulated by the state. Recent high profile cases have highlighted the need for oversight of residential facilities. David Allyn Dokich, a high risk sex offender twice convicted of forcible rape of a minor, was paroled to an unlicensed facility in 2005. Such facilities often slip through the cracks and escape scrutiny while violated health and building codes and placing communities at risk.

"What Mr. Bogh has done today is a huge victory for cities who are eager to regulate parolee homes," said Steve Adams, Riverside Councilmember who testified in support of the bill in Sacramento. "Parolee homes, if left unregulated can create substantial problems to the quality of live for our neighborhoods. The City of Riverside has been very aggressive in addressing this issue and Mr. Bogh's efforts in Sacramento go a long way towards making clear our rights to do so."

Assemblyman Bogh represents the 65th Assembly District, which includes portions of Riverside and San Bernardino counties.

'Sex Offender Santa' bill passes one committee

2006-05-17T22:04:00.000-07:00

(Sacramento) - Assembly bill 2263 by Assemblyman Todd Spitzer passed out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee today.

This bill will require registered sex offenders to disclose their status as a sex offender if he or she is working in an accompanied setting with minor children and the offender’s work would require him or her to touch minor children on more than an incidental and occasional basis.

Under current law, a registered sex offender does not have to disclose his or her status to an employer if he or she will be working in an accompanied setting with children.

"While parents and supervisors may be nearby, the possibility of a child being molested is unacceptable. Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees and have an absolute right to be informed if a prospective employee is a registered sex offender," said Spitzer.

"While parents and supervisors may be nearby, the possibility of a child being molested is unacceptable. Employers are responsible for the actions of their employees and have an absolute right to be informed if a prospective employee is a registered sex offender," Assemblyman Todd Spitzer

Recent news headlines, including a convicted sex offender employed at Nickelodeon Animation Studios who was arrested for child molestation and an investigative report by CBS 2 News reporter David Goldstein underscore the pressing need for this legislation.

"Clearly, a convicted sex offender should not be hired for a job that allows him or her to work so closely with children. Allowing child predators to work in an environment with their prime target area is a recipe for disaster. These convicted sex offenders should not be allowed to work alongside their would-be prey," concluded Spitzer.

Related: VIDEO: Could There Be A Sex Offender Beneath The Costume

Man trapped after being broadsided on 215 near Perris

2006-05-17T16:42:00.000-07:00

Just after 2:30 PM today on the south bound 215 near Ramona Expressway and the city of Perris a small passenger vehicle was broadsided on the driver's side door, causing the driver to become trapped inside of the vehicle.

Firefighters used hydraulic spreaders to remove the door off of the male patient and the car, without difficulties.

Firefighters prepared the man (he appeared to be in his early 40s) for transportation to an area hospital.

The driver of the other vehicle involved reported that he had no injuries.

Crash in Lake Elsinore leaves 2 injured

2006-05-17T16:26:00.000-07:00

A car and small SUV collided just after 2 PM today on Highway 74 near Spring St.

A man in his 40's was trapped inside of his vehicle, but firefighters using hydraulic spreaders were able to quickly open the door of the car and rescue the man from his vehicle. The man suffered from severe injuries throughout his body and was taken to the Riverside County Regional hospital.

The second victim a woman in her 20s did not need extrication. The woman suffered from a moderate leg injury to her leg. She was taken to Inland Valley hospital.

'Quadjacking' suspect arrested in Mead Valley

2006-05-15T14:35:00.000-07:00

On Saturday, May 13, 2006, Deputies from the Perris Sheriff's Station "Riverside County Off-Highway Vehicle Enforcement" (ROVE) team were deployed on Sheriff's off-highway vehicles (quads) in the area of Rider and Brown St. in the Mead Valley area.

Deputies conducted an enforcement stop on a dirt bike, regarding illegal off-highway riding.

The dirt bike was a reported stolen vehicle and the driver, Henry James Robinson (31) was arrested without incident. Robinson is being held at the Southwest Detention Center. County records show he is on probation for a spousal abuse conviction last year.

The passenger on the dirt bike was a 16 year old male juvenile, who was wanted for a previous carjacking of a quad in the Mead Valley area. He was subsequently arrested without incident and later booked into Juvenile Hall (file PC06122070).

The Perris Station ROVE team ensures compliance with off-highway vehicle and disturbance laws.

Massive cockfighting operation broken up in Homeland

2006-04-09T23:11:00.000-07:00

On Sunday, April 9th at about 12:30 pm, Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff's Department responded to a a cruelty to animals call regarding cockfighting.

Upon their arrival at the property, on Juniper Springs road in Homeland, Deputies located an extensive cockfighting enterprise, complete with mobile food carts, arenas, portable cages and lighting.

Approximately 150 subjects began to flee from the area and hid in the nearby hillside. Deputies were able to apprehend several suspects and contacted the US Border Patrol.

Agents from the Border Patrol responded to the location and interviewed the subjects. They were taken into custody by the US Border Patrol on suspicion of being in the country illegally.

During a search of the extensive property, about 120 fighting roosters were located along with paraphernalia including fighting blades, which are attached to the birds feet to make the fighting even more bloody. Many of the birds were suffering from severe wounds.

A Riverside County Animal Control Officer responded to the location and took possession of the birds. Sadly due to the condition of the birds they were euthanized at the scene.

Elida Rivera, 37, was taken into custody and booked into Southwest Detention Center on charges of animal cruelty.

Cockfighting has been identified as a probable source of Exotic Newcastle Disease (END) which has devastated the California poultry industry. Senate Bill 732, co-authored by Assemblyman John Benoit and signed into law by Governor Gray Davis in 2003, increased the penalties for cockfighting to a maximum of 1 year in county jail and/or up to a $5,000 fine for a first offense.

At this time, the investigation is continuing. Anyone with information pertinent to this incident is encouraged to contact the Hemet Sheriff's Station at (951) 791-3400.

Hollingsworth Bill To Crack Down On Illegal Immigration "Safe Havens"

2006-03-31T10:41:00.000-08:00

Bill Would Prevent State Aid From Going To Cities, Counties, That Declare "Safe Haven" For Illegal Immigrants

SACRAMENTO ---- State Senator Dennis Hollingsworth (R-Murrieta) today announced his bill, SB 1767, will be heard by the Senate Public Safety Committee on April 4th. The bill aims to combat amnesty, or "Safe Haven" declarations, by denying any state aid to the cities, counties, and law enforcement agencies that practice the protection of illegal immigrants and violate federal immigration law.

California currently has more than 2.3 million illegal immigrants, according to the 2000 U.S. Census. These illegal immigrants place a financial strain on California's State budget at a time when state resources are already over-burdened and SB 1767 aims to reduce that financial burden and lessen the flood of illegal immigration into California.

"This thumbing of their nose at the law by cities and others declaring safe haven for illegal activity has to stop," - Senator Hollingsworth

Some cities or other localities have declared themselves "Safe Havens" for illegal immigrants and adopted ordinances or special orders that prohibit its law enforcement officers from enforcing immigration law or cooperating with federal immigration officers. Some have even barred employers from inquiring about an individual's immigration status.

This flagrant violation of federal law has contributed to the mass infusion of illegal immigrants to California, straining infrastructure, schools and the health care systems' ability to cope. Estimates run as high as $10 billion for the cost of illegal immigration to the state's taxpayers. Hollingsworth pointed out that this cost is in the face of a $6 billion ongoing structural budget deficit.

The prison system reflects but one aspect of this costly problem. California taxpayers currently pay $743.3 million annually to house, feed, and provide medical care to an estimated 18,000 criminal illegal immigrants, as well as to provide parole services to an additional 5,700 individuals. The federal government only compensates the state for about 12 percent of the cost to house these criminal illegal immigrants in California's prisons.

"This thumbing of their nose at the law by cities and others declaring safe haven for illegal activity has to stop," Hollingsworth said. "With our state's taxpayers footing the bill for illegal immigration to the tune of $10 billion annually, those local governments that wish to exacerbate this problem that way can at least do it on their own taxpayers' dime; the state ought not to be assisting them financially."