Redlands Officials Target Violence in Downtown

In hopes of avoiding the kind of violence that killed a 22-year-old Calimesa man, the Redlands Police and Fire departments offered a conflict resolution training seminar for downtown bars and nightclubs last week. The City sponsored the two-hour conflict resolution training seminar for downtown Redlands entertainment establishments at the Redlands Police Annex.

About 25 people, representing nearly all of the nighttime entertainment venues in the downtown area, attended the voluntary training.

The departments partnered with the State Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control to host the event. Community Policing Officer Elyzabeth Green and Officer Alex Paredes conducted the training.

Trainers focused on steps business owners and their employees can take if conflicts arise at their establishments, according to a news release by police officials.

Kathy Barnes, from Alcoholic Beverage Control, was on hand to answer questions regarding licensing issues. Fire Marshal Philip Gairson provided information on overcrowding.

Officials decided to offer the training following several fights that have occurred in the downtown area

On Nov. 19, three men were shot outside of Charlie Jewell’s. Kruze Levusi Kuaea, 22, of Calimesa, was killed. Two others were seriously injured, but recovered.

The suspected gunman, Randy Ortis, pleaded not guilty in November to charges that he shot and killed Levusi Kuaea.

"The Redlands Police Department's Community Policing Program is committed to working with the various downtown businesses in order to provide a safe and enjoyable environment for patrons to experience,” said Lt. Travis Martinez.  “Hosting the training seminar along with ABC and RFD is just one way in which the Redlands Police Department works to improve the quality of life in our City."