YERMO — Ron Bredelis has seen a lot of changes in this bedroom community of about 1,300 residents during his 27 years in business.His Thrift N More store, which is located directly across the street from the post office, is often a meeting place for folks who want to discuss recent events. Lately, Bredelis says the discussions have focused on the Yermo Community Service District Board of Directors and the water company."They are all upset," Bredelis said of residents who stop by his shop. "We used to have a lot more things going on in this community."Bredelis said he remembers when the community had cleanup days and get-togethers. Now he says personal agendas are prioritized ahead of community needs.
Across the street, Scott Walker was picking up his mail. He is a former CSD director and firefighter."I'm not too proud of the board lately," Walker said.In September, three directors — including President Bob Smith — were served with recall petitions. On the same night, Smith and Director Sean Cloughen announced their resignations. Cloughen tendered his resignation immediately, but Smith made his effective Dec. 31. Smith, Clougen and Vice President Geoff Berner are targeted by the recall.At the same time, a resident claimed that Cloughen's voter registration lists him as having a Barstow address — which would bar him from serving on the Yermo board.Smith has not returned multiple phone calls from the Desert Dispatch, so there's no official word yet on how Cloughen's director's seat will be filled. Director David Jensen said he believes the newdirector should be appointed by the board after they accept applications. Berner supported that opinion but he says the process will probably drag out to the end of the year.
Director Gary Yearsley said he believes Smith will accept applications, interview the applicants and then present the the candidates to the board. In the past, Yearsley said Smith didn't allow the board to review the applications or interview the applicants, and he feels that was wrong.The Community Service District also is facing two lawsuits. One is a wrongful death suit, and the second alleges two wrongful terminations from the Fire Department. Smith is a defendant in all of the lawsuits. Cloughen, who is also serving as fire chief, is a defendant in the wrongful death suit.Meanwhile, the district office has been closed for weeks. General Manager Melissa Martin says she's dealing with health issues and is unable to work. According to Berner, he and Smith are the only ones who have keys to the office besides Martin.The one recent change that possibly could be a positive involves the water company, which has been taken over by Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company. Ranchos has announced slight rate increases but pledges to upgrade the aging water infrastructure.While checking for their mail at the post office, James Penland and Ron Baca both said the jury is out on Apple Valley Ranchos."They have treated me OK, but it didn't take them long to raise prices," Penland said. "It's not a great increase, so I guess we have no gripe. So far, so good. Water is flowing."Baca remains suspicious."I'm not comfortable with the water company," he said. "I'm not a happy camper, but I'm waiting to see if our bills are going to go up."Penland, meanwhile, says he won't sign the recall petitions."I think it's just a few people with a gripe in their heart. They don't like (Smith) ... (they'rejealous," he said. "I know Bob Smith. ... He's a politician, but he was interested in the community. My only concern is who will replace him."
Walker disagrees. He said he was forced out of the Fire Department by Smith.
"I used to be on the board," Walker said. "He came on the board and had some good plans. I was a firefighter. I had more experience than him. But he wanted to be chief. He ran all the other people out who were running it (Fire Department)."
Yearsley has had his battles with Smith as well. He was also fired from the Fire Department prior to becoming a CSD director. He has filed a wrongful termination lawsuit against Smith and the Community Service District. He is also a witness in the wrongful death lawsuit filed against Smith, the Fire Department and the district.
"I really didn't want to be on the board," Yearsley said. "But I don't believe in bullies. The stuff he has done has to be turned around. All the people he wronged, there has to be fixes. This community is not for Bob Smith. It's for the people of this community."
Jensen says he's frustrated and looking forward to when the "black cloud of frivolous and baseless lawsuits and recalls are removed from our landscape."
"I am growing increasingly impatient with a lack of progress on the real issues that affect our community because of a few who insist on creating turmoil where there is none," Jensen said. "I am glad the water issue is resolved and hope that Apple Valley Ranchos Water Company provides great customer service to our residents and businesses. But I am concerned that they are not testing hydrants or upgrading deteriorating water infrastructure.
"I think it is only fair to the citizens of the community, with the recent resignation of Board President Bob Smith and Director Cloughen that once the two seats are filled, that Mr. Yearsley drop his frivolous claim against the board and the Fire Department so we can begin the process of healing and positive growth and productivity on the board and in the community."
Berner says new directors won't change anything.
"People get on the board and have agendas," he said. "My answer is what's best for the community, not what's best for me."