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16 OUR YUCAIPA | JUNE 2016 "We are not ignoring the issue," said Bogh. "We are looking into solutions to solve the problems, including frequent clean-outs January through June." Bogh said both Jim Hoover of Hoover farms and Henry Markowitz of Markowitz Inc. are in talks to sign a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the city, agreeing to speed up manure removal efforts. In the memorandum, the city will ask ranchers to agree to not let manure pile up for more than five days. "Sometimes the problem is that there is not a full load for the waste company in five days, so we are asking Hoover and Markowitz to work together," said Yucaipa Director of Development Services Joe Lambert. "If they each add to the truck there should be enough to fill it." Lambert said the city is also pressuring County Vector Control to start fining the ranches for infractions. "As far as we can see it's never been done," said Lambert. In addition to possible fines by the county, the city has its own code enforcement monitoring. City of Yucaipa code enforcement fines are "not greater than $100 for the first offense and not greater than $200 for a second offense," according to the city website. "The third fine shall constitute a misdemeanor and shall be punishable by fines not greater than $1,000." "We have our own code enforcement monitoring it too and the city will certainly fine as well," said Lambert. While the ranches have escaped fines, the county may levy an inspection fee of $245 per hour, especially when the ranch isn't in compliance and multiple visits are required. Markowitz said his farm has 35,000 chickens currently, and Hoover reportedly has around 15,000. Hidden Villa Ranch is an "environmental ranch" with more than 250,000 chickens, but because it is completely covered and manure removed via conveyor belts, it does not need to be part of the MOU. It was discovered at the end of May that all three ranches were operating without a city of Yucaipa license. Hoover was operating under the umbrella of their packing facility on Wildwood, which is not allowed, said Lambert. He owes $51 to apply again. Markowitz hasn't had a license since 2011 and owes $496 in late fees. Hidden Villa also needs to apply for a new license at $51. "But not having a license does not give the city cause to shut down, let alone impact operations," said Lambert. For now, weekly inspections from County Vector Control continue to show non-compliance, citing high fly larval count and excessive wet spots, which encourages maggot breeding. Claudia Doyle, the Public Information Officer of the county's Vector Environmental Health Department, said they are continuing to work with ranchers to "intensively monitor offending sites over the next 30-45 days and then we'll reassess for progress and improvement." She said the department will inspect the farms to verify compliance with the city of Yucaipa's manure management plan ordinance which reads: "The on-site storage of raw, unprocessed manure or other organic waste shall not exceed five days. All unprocessed manure or other organic wastes stockpiled or stored on site shall be kept secure from flies at all times by the use of appropriate coverings or containers." She also said the department will continue to respond to complaints from residents and that they can request spraying around their homes. Carter Street resident Dena Hall said that suggestion blows her mind. "When I called Vector Control in April they asked if I wanted them to spray my property. I don't want to add chemicals to my yard. It's mind-boggling to me! It just seems so simple: take care of it at the root of the problem — at the ranches," she said. Just step out of the car at Hall's property and the flies are there to greet you. They swarm not just by the front door in the shade, but even in the sun by the street curb. Her beautiful backyard looks ready for family barbecues, but of course they never happen because the entire patio area is swarming with clouds of flies. After a frustrating city council meeting in April, Hall started the Facebook Page "Yucaipa North Bench Flies" where neighbors could share information, frustrations, and updates. "In a week and a half we had 300 members and the number is growing every day," said Hall. "We hash tagged ABC 7 News and they came and did a story in three days. It seems people will only listen when a large number of people complain. I feel like we've finally accomplished making officials realize that this actually is a problem. Now for the next part — we need to find a resolution." Hall says her mission with the Facebook page and with the city is not to close the ranches, but to have them follow the rules and laws already in place. "I just want them to be reasonable and not let the flies get out of control, it seems like common sense. It's ridiculous that it takes this much outcry to get it done." Calls to Jim Hoover were not returned, but Henry Markowitz of Markowitz Inc. was eager to talk. "Every year I have worked with vector control and the city of Yucaipa to submit and get approved a manure management program. I have a frequent clean out system that I use to prevent fly larvae reaching the adult stage. It works. There are always little problems but I work to get them fixed as soon as possible," he said. And he wants everyone to know he loves Yucaipa. "I'm 100 percent Yucaipa. I live on the ranch in a house built in 1962. I graduated from Yucaipa High School in 1981 and went to Crafton Hills College. I want Yucaipa to continue to be the place to enjoy the lifestyle that we all love. I will continue working with vector control and the city to manage the fly population." Markowitz added that he sells his Farmer's Market certified eggs at Yucaipa's Friday night market nights and at 12 other markets in southern California. He said his birds are cage free, and fed a vegetable formula for a better taste. "My farm to table fresh eggs are tastier and have richer yolks," he said. Before hanging up the second time he added, "I love Yucaipa and I'll do what I have to do to stay here."

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