A sprawling, 11,000-home development perched on the southern boundary of the San Jacinto Wildlife Area is on the verge of being approved by the Riverside County Board of Supervisors. While the board on Tuesday deferred a final decision until late January, it was merely a formality and a way to avoid angry people in the audience at a meeting when no public testimony or comment will be accepted.
     The handwriting is on the wall.
     This is the same board that approved another massive development on the north boundary of the wildlife area a few years ago without really considering its impact to the wildlife area, the region, or wants of area residents. That development sits idle and the developer is now considering a revision of the master plan to make it into a massive warehouse complex because there isn’t the demand for new homes in this area and isn’t likely to be for two decades or more. The economic crush and massive overdevelopment over the past two decades has left the region glutted with available homes.
     That development is a mere parking lot compared to the Lewis’ Homes Villages of Lakeview development, a new 35,000-person community in some of the last open space in Western Riverside County.
     This development would turn a relatively pristine and unique wildlife area, and all the surrounding rural landscape, into an city bigger than Banning-Beaumont. San Jacinto Wildlife Area would be effectively turned into urban park with all the associated problems of trash, feral cats, and vandalism.
     A trip now to the San Jacinto Wildlife Area is like stepping back in time 50 or 100 years and traveling hundreds of miles away from suburbia -- and yet it’s only a few miles from Southern California’s major metropolitan areas. It is one of the few places so close to so many people where hunting is allowed. That would likely end when residents started worrying about the gunfire they would hear during hunting season.
     None of the Department of Fish and Game’s serious concerns over the development were addressed in the environmental document or management plan, and then suddenly the DFG was absent at Tuesday’s public hearing. It’s almost as though the state agency gave its blessing for a project that would effectively destroy one of the region’s premier wildlife area.
     Riverside County supervisors likes to tout themselves as environmentally enlightened, with habitat conservation plans and an enlightened master plan, but the certain approval of this Lewis’ Homes catastrophe -- just like the last one -- proves it’s all a shell game. Or is it “shill” game?

     2010 FISHING LICENSES FINALLY AVAILABLE: A popular Christmas presents, new 2010 fishing licenses were finally shipped to license vendors this week, barely in time for holiday shopping. Bass Pro Shops in Rancho Cucamonga received it licenses on Wednesday, and Turner’s Outdoorsman expected its shipment on Friday (with the licenses sent out to its 13 stores no later than early next week), as did most smaller tackle stores in the region.
     “Usually by now we’ve sold 200 licenses -- no, closer to 250 licenses,” said Clay Rutledge, at Bob’s Bait in Bakersfield. “They’re at least a month late this year. Normally we have them before Thanksgiving.”
     The DFG says it had a problem with the vendor that supplied the licenses this year.

     SAN BERNARDINO COUNTY PARKS NEWS: The first of the five San Bernardino County Regional Parks’ trout derbies was held this past Saturday at Cucamonga-Guasti Park and it took an 11-pound, 11-ounce rainbow caught by Mike Nguyen, Rancho Cucamonga, to win the top prize, a $500 Turner’s Outdoorsman gift certificate, and the biggest fish caught during last year’s derby series was a 19 1/2 pounder. Upcoming derby dates and the park hosting the event are as following: Yucaipa, January 9; Prado, February 6; Mojave Narrows, March 20; and Glen Helen, April 10. All derbies are from 7 a.m. to 1 p.m. and registration is $15 per angler, in addition to the $10 vehicle entry fee. For information, call 909-387-2757 or visit www.county-parks.com.
     In addition to being planted with trophy trout before each derby this year, San Bernardino County parks will also get plants of trophy rainbows topping 10 pounds throughout the trout season, which that runs through early April, 2010. While increases in trout costs forced the county to cut back on its stocking schedule slightly, plants will be weekly from now through the end of the season with the exception of the last week in February. That week will be skipped. However, on Dec. 30, all the county parks will get trophy rainbows as part of their weekly trout plant for New Year’s weekend anglers. (Don’t forget to get your 2010 license -- now that they’re available.)
     Lastly, there are also going to be four junior fishing workshops to teach youngsters from five to 11 the fundamentals of fishing. Each workshop is from 8 to 11:30 a.m. and each child will be provided loaner fishing tackle after getting basic training in casting, knot-typing, and baits. Since each class is limited to the first 100 participants, pre-registration is recommended by calling 909-387-2461. Cost is just $5 per child, in addition to the $10 vehicle fee to enter the park. The events will be starting this Saturday, Dec. 19 at Yucaipa, Dec. 23 at Glen Helen, Feb. 13 at Mojave Narrows, and back at Yucaipa again, Mar. 6. For additional information, call 909-387-2461.

     DIAMOND VALLEY LAUNCH RAMP REOPENS SUNDAY: The launch ramp at Diamond Valley Lake, closed since mid-October, 2008, will reopen to private boat launches this Sunday, two full months ahead of schedule. Due to lower water conditions than ever expected, the ramp was completely out of the water since last fall. Three lanes of the 11-lane launch have been extended by 228 feet. Boat launch fees have increased to help pay for the extension. Visitor entrance fee is still $7 per vehicle and the $3 per person fishing fee is the same, but the launch fee has jumped from $6 to $12. All watercraft must be inspected and registered before launching. For more information, visit www.dvlake.com or call the marina office at 951-926-7201 or 800-590-5253.

OUTDOOR CALENDAR

     DECEMBER 19-20 BASS PRO SHOPS HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES: Bass Pro Shops is now having hunter safety classes four days per month on the first and third full weekends, with classes on Saturday and Sunday of each weekend. The classes are all one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety classes. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $10 per person. Sign-ups are taken at Bass Pro and class size is limited. For information, call 909-922-5500. A pre-class study course is available at www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/.
     JANUARY 2-3 ONTARIO GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Ontario Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Ontario Convention Center, Ontario. Admission is $10. The next Ontario Gun Shows will be held May 15-16 and July 31-Aug. 1. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.
     JANUARY 9 NORCO HUNTER SAFETY CLASS: A one-day, 10-hour certified hunter safety class will be held at Mike Raahauge's Shooting Enterprises, Norco. Classes are required for all first-time California hunters before a hunting license can be purchased. Cost is $35 per person. The 2010 class dates are Feb. 13, Mar. 6, April 13, May 8, June 12, July 10, Aug. 14, 21, 28, Sept. 11, and Oct. 2, 9. Sign-ups are taken at all Turner's Outdoorsman stores. Contact Raahauge's at 951-735-7981.
     JANUARY 9-10 VENTURA GUN SHOW: The McMann’s Roadrunner Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at Seaside Park, Ventura. Admission is $9. The next Ventura gun shows will be Mar. 13-14, June 5-6, Sept. 11-12, and Nov. 13-14. Information, directions, and $1 off coupons available at www.mcmannsroadrunner.com.
     JANUARY 30-31 COSTA MESA GUN SHOW: The Crossroads of the West Costa Mesa Gun Show will be held 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, at the Orange County Fair and Event Center (Orange County Fairgrounds), Costa Mesa. Admission is $10. The next Costa Mesa shows are scheduled for Jan. 30-31, Mar. 27-28, June 5-6, and Aug. 28-29. Information, directions, tickets, and $1 off coupons available at www.crossroadsgunshows.com.

CALENDAR RESOURCES

     For a complete list of HUNTER SAFETY CLASSES held throughout the state, including times, dates, and locations, go to the Department of Fish and Game’s web site at this address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/huntered/classes.aspx.
     For the rules and regulations on GRUNION RUNS, along with a complete schedule and the expected times of the runs, go to this web site address: http://www.dfg.ca.gov/marine/gruschd.asp

CLUBS AND ORGANIZATIONS

     The following is a list of hunting, shooting, and fishing clubs and organizations in Southern California with contact information and regular meeting dates:
     976-TUNA ROD AND REEL CLUB: The 976-Tuna Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the first Thursday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, Rancho Cucamonga. At the December meeting a free trip to Palmas de Cortez in Baja will be given away. Contact Phil Friedman at 310-328-8426.
     CALIFORNIA STATE VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The California State Varmint Callers Association meets 7 p.m. the second Tuesday of each month at the Denny's just north of the 210 freeway at Irwindale Ave., Irwindale. Contact Steven Childs at 626-407-8826 or steve@sdchilds.com. Web site: www.csvca.com.
     CANYON OAKS SPORTSMAN’S CLUB: The Canyon Oaks Sportsman’s Club meets the first Tuesday of every month at it’s clubhouse in Lakeview Terrace-Sylmar. The club has regular trap, skeet, smallbore, big bore, handgun, and Cowboy Action shooting events. Contact Gary White at 818-998-7240, Mike Totta at 818-362-2181 or Mike Nickoloff via e-mail at idpamike@yahoo.com.
     CERRITOS ROD & GUN CLUB: The Cerritos Rod & Gun Club meets the second Wednesday of each month at Heritage Park in Cerritos. Contact Charles Sharp at 714-317-8290 or fish_90605@yahoo.com.
     CLUB FISH: Club Fish, a 20-year-old fishing club, meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse, Santa Ana. The clubhouse is located at the entrance to Riverview Gold Course. Contact Mike Cross at 949-854-5258 or m_r_cross@yahoo.com.
     DEEP CREEK FLY-FISHERS: Deep Creek Fly-Fishers meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League clubhouse in Fairmont Park, in Riverside. Go to www.deepcreekflyfishers.org to download a map to the club house. Contact Brett Browning at 909-793-8912.
     GOLDEN STATE FLYCASTERS: The Golden State Flycasters and Trout Unlimited Chapter 920 meets 6 to 9 p.m. Monday before the third Thursday of each month at Tio Leo’s Restaurant, Del Mar. Information at www.goldenstateflycasters.org.
     HIGH DESERT FLY-FISHERS: The High Desert Fly-Fishers holds its monthly meetings on the second Tuesday of each month at The Apple Valley Fire Conference Center, 19235 Yucca Loma, Apple Valley. Contact John Rose at 760-247-5966.
     HIGHLAND PARK SPORTSMEN'S CLUB: The Highland Park Sportsmen's Club meets at 8 p.m. the first and third Wednesday of each month at 2035 Colorado Blvd., Los Angeles. Contact Mauro Garcia at 323-254-0763 or incareal@juno.com.
     NATIONAL VARMINT HUNTERS: The National Varmint Hunters meets 7:30 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Veterans of Foreign Wars club located on Grand Avenue, just west of 17th Street, Santa Ana. Contact Mark Harris at 714-655-6954 or mhitis1@yahoo.com or Terry Mathers at 714-299-9938 or coyote@jps.net.
     NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (INLAND EMPIRE CHAPTER): The Inland Empire Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6:30 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at Bass Pro Shops, 7777 Victoria Gardens Lane, Rancho Cucamonga. Contact David Halbrook at 760-694-1191 or nrajrc@msn.com.
     NATIONAL WILD TURKEY FEDERATION (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at The Firing Line, 17921 Jamestown Lane, Huntington Beach. Contact Pat Ryan at 714-373-3688 or Casey Rasmussen at 714-377-5859.
     ORANCO BOWMEN: The ORANCO Bowmen meet the second Tuesday of each month at the club range, 17504 Pomona Rincon Rd., Chino (Euclid Avenue one block north of the 71 freeway). The range is open to the public on Sundays 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Call 909-597-7582. Web site: www.oranco.org.
     ORANGE COUNTY BASS CLUB: The Orange County Bass Club meets 7 p.m. the third Monday of each month at the Garden Grove Elk's Lodge. Contact Steve Pendergast at 949-651-8172 or prendergasts@netzero.com.
     PLUNGE CREEK COWBOYS: The Plunge Creek Cowboys, a new Cowboy Action Shooting club in the Inland Empire, has shoots the third Saturday of each month at the Inland Fish and Game range on Orange Street in East Highlands. Authentic or replica firearms and garb required. Information: www.plungecreekcowboys.com.
     PREDATOR CALLERS OF ORANGE COUNTY: The Predator Callers of Orange County meet 7 p.m. on the first Tuesday of the month at the Denny's restaurant, 7490 Edinger Ave., Huntington Beach. Contact Rickey Macy via e-mail at rickmacey@juno.com.
     QUAIL UNLIMITED (HIGH DESERT CHAPTER): The High Desert Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the third Tuesday of each month at the Apple Valley Gun Club. Contact Cruz Garcia at 760-949-6334 or fathercruz@verizon.net.
     QUAIL UNLIMITED (ORANGE COUNTY CHAPTER): The Orange County Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the first Tuesday of each month at the Izaak Walton League Clubhouse (located at the entrance to Riverview Golf Course) in Santa Ana. Contact Craig Riedel at 714-282-1194 or criedel@mflex.com.
     QUAIL UNLIMITED (RIVERSIDE CHAPTER): The Riverside Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month at Hunny’s Restaurant, Main Street and 4th Street, Corona. Contact Ron Gibbons at 909-902-9814 or gibbent@gte.net. Web site: www.quriverside.com.
     QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN DIEGO CHAPTER): The San Diego Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6:30 p.m. the third Thursday of each month at DFG Headquarters at 4949 Viewridge Rd., San Diego. Contact David Preddy at davidpreddy@cox.net or visit www.sdqu.org.
     QUAIL UNLIMITED (SAN GABRIEL VALLEY CHAPTER): The San Gabriel Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited meets 6 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Triple B Clays in El Monte. Contact Tim Bovard at 866-206-9070, ext. 6715 or sgvqu@onebox.com.
     REDONDO ROD & GUN CLUB: The Redondo Rod & Gun Club meets 8 p.m. every Thursday of every month at its own clubhouse. The club has promoted hunting, fishing, sport shooting and the outdoors since 1948. The clubhouse is located at 2023 Vanderbilt Lane, Redondo Beach. Contact 310-379-7772.
     RIVERSIDE VARMINT CALLERS: The Riverside Varmint Callers meet 7 p.m. the last Saturday of each month at Flo's Country Kitchen, Riverside. Contact Lance Cochrane at 909-919-4309 or Ray Gauthier at 951-785-4986. Web site:www.californiavarmintcallers.com/chapters.html/.
     SAN DIEGO SPORTING DOG CLUB: The San Diego Sporting Dog Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at the Animal Medical Center, 600 Broadway, El Cajon. Contact Steve Sarmiento at 619-659-9393 or sssarmi@sbcglobal.net.
     SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA VARMINT CALLERS ASSOCIATION: The Southern California Varmint Callers Association meets 8 p.m. the first Wednesday of each month at the Denny's Restaurant at Pioneer Blvd and Imperial Highway in Norwalk. Contact Granville Crow at 310-548-6221 or crowshot1@cox.net or Skip Gildner at 562-900-9020 or mtnhigh5@excite.com.
     TEMPLE CITY SPORTSMEN: The Temple City Sportsmen meet the first Thursday of each month at the Temple City Civic Center in Temple City. Contact Jim White at 626-201-7782 or TCSPresident2006@yahoo.com. The club’s web site is www.tcsportsmen.org.
     TURNER'S OUTDOORSMAN ROD AND REEL CLUB: The Turner's Outdoorsman Rod and Reel Club meets 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of each month at Marie Calendar’s Restaurant, 2300 Foothill, Pasadena. Contact Richard Crowe at 626-960-9610.

[Want your event or club listed here? Send the information to Jim Matthews, Outdoor News Service, P.O. Box 9007, San Bernardino, CA 92427-0007 or e-mail it to odwriter@verizon.net. Following the style used above for events and clubs makes our life easier and increases the likelihood of it being included here.]

The news package is copyrighted and any use or reposting of the report, or portions of the report, is prohibited without written permission. Posting of links to the fish report on the Outdoor News Service web site is allowed.