A Twentynine Palms man, on early release from prison, was arrested after drugs and suspected narcotics sales proceeds were found in his car. According to Sheriff’s Deputy Jimmy Delgado, Monday (December 14) at about 12:42 a.m., deputies on routine patrol spotted a car at Sunnyslope and Rose Ellen Drives in Twentynine Palms with a vehicle infraction and conducted a traffic stop. The driver, Joseph Gonzales, 30, was currently on Post Release Community Supervision. During a compliance search, methamphetamine and heroin—packaged for sales—and apparent illicit narcotics proceeds were located. Joseph Gonzales was arrested for investigation of transportation of narcotics and a controlled substance and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail where he is being held on no bail. Anyone with information is urged to contact Deputy Delgado at 760-366-4175.
All posts by Sara Snyder
JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK PREPARING FOR CROWDS OF VISITORS
Tourist season is upon us and despite the COVID-19 shutdown—and maybe even because of it—locals can expect an influx of visitors to the Morongo Basin and particularly Joshua Tree National Park. Reporter Heather Clisby has tips on dealing with the crowds…
Unlike most other national parks, winter is one of the busiest times for Joshua Tree National Park. And with many coastal residents tired of isolating at home, we can expect crowded conditions here in town and in the park. That means limited parking, full campgrounds, and long lines at park entrances.
To avoid these headaches, visit the park Monday through Thursday. Buy a digital pass in advance at recreation.gov to streamline your park entry. Also, try to avoid entering the park between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m., and avoid leaving at sunset.
Park rangers note that the most crowded days in the park will be Christmas Day and New Year’s Day, the days around them, and other holidays like Martin Luther King Jr. Day (January18), and President’s Day, February 15, as well as every weekend in the spring.
As car traffic becomes a problem, be flexible and consider changing your hiking plans to include wherever you find parking. Do not drive over a curb to create a new parking space.
Reservations can be made for one of the 350 campsites in the park at receation.gov, or check out private campsites adjacent to the park.
https://www.nps.gov/jotr/planyourvisit/camping-outside-of-the-park.htm
FREE DIVERSITY WORKSHOP FOR COUNTY NON-PROFITS
A free two-part workshop sponsored by Reach Out will help non-profit boards become more aware of diversity, equity, and inclusion. Ernest Figueroa has more information…
“Boards Need Equity Too: A Roadmap to Helping Your Board Understand Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging” is a free, two-part workshop to help non-profits build equity in their organizations. The workshop will give executive directors, senior staff and board chairs the tools they need to help their boards become more aware of, and grounding their decisions in diversity, equity, and inclusion. The workshops will be offered on December 8 and 15 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. each day; participants must commit to both dates. Seats are limited to 25 organizations. Visit the link below to register.
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZ0kf-mhqTktHN24glUprYRULGsXKtZ_-HNy
“WAR COMES HOME” TO BE BROADCAST ON Z107.7 SATURDAY MORNINGS
The Hi-Desert Nature Museum has launched its newest virtual exhibit Saturday, “War Comes Home: The Legacy” in conjunction with “Letters from the Archives – War Edition.” As part of the online exhibit, Z107.7 will broadcast a letter—read by a volunteer—every Saturday morning at 8:25. Managing editor Tami Roleff has more information…
“My dearest darling.”
“War Comes Home” focuses on private correspondence from almost every major conflict in U.S. history, and offers insight into the thoughts and emotions of veterans and their families.
“My darling man, in case you are interested, you are officially in the doghouse.”
These intimate perspectives – from the Civil War era through the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq – reveal how war can shape a life, a family, and a community.
“January 18, 1992. On this one-year anniversary of my capture as a prisoner of war, Cindy and I would like to thank you for the time you took to support us during our time of need.”
The historic letters are read by local volunteers; a featured “letter of the week” will be broadcast on Z107.7 FM at 8:25 a.m. each Saturday morning. The letters can also be viewed and listened to on the Hi-Desert Nature Museum website.
“But it would be sweet of you to remember that your letters are all the contact I have with civilization.”
“Letters from the Archive – War Edition” is a collaboration between the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, the Palm Springs Air Museum and Morongo Basin residents.
DON’T BLOW IT THIS WEEKEND
San Bernardino County has made great strides in improving our COVID-19 numbers since the Memorial Day-Fourth of July-related spikes, and the county is trending closer and closer to meeting the state’s metrics for moving into the next tier, which would allow schools, restaurants, gyms, nail salons, and places of worship to open for limited indoor operations. Managing editor Tami Roleff says the county’s health officials have a message for residents…
The unanimous message from county health officials is “Let’s not blow it this Labor Day weekend.” The need to avoid congregating with those outside one’s immediate household is particularly urgent during this holiday weekend.
“We get it: people will want to get together with friends and others to enjoy this Labor Day weekend,” said County Public Health Director Corwin Porter. “But the data are clear. These gatherings are the primary culprit in spreading the disease in San Bernardino County.”
The County is urging all residents to remember the big picture and consider those at risk for serious illness. Remember that almost 750 county residents have already died from this disease. The more cautious and responsible we all are, the fewer people will suffer — and the more quickly we can reopen churches, schools, restaurants, bars, and other businesses.
