State Assemblyman Paul Cook, a former Town Council member and Mayor of the Town of Yucca Valley, is exploring a run for U.S. Congress. In an interview with Z107.7 news, Cook said he is considering running for the newly created 8th Congresssional District, which includes our entire Morongo Basin, parts of San Bernardino, Highlands, Yucaipa, the Victor Valley, Inyo and Mono Counties, and Needles. Cook said his final decision will be largely based on what long-time Congressman Jerry Lewis does.…

In this new year, the Desert Institute has a full lineup of courses that will enrich your knowledge of our surroundings. Ranger Pat Pilcher has an overview... The Desert Institute at Joshua Tree National Park is the educational branch of the nonprofit Joshua Tree National Park Association. This spring, the Association is offering outdoor classes in science, history and the arts. Classes are held in the park and adjacent Mojave Desert. Classes began on February 18 and run nearly every weekend…

Lifestream will be conducting two community blood drives locally this week. Donations will be taken on Tuesday, July 10, in Twentynine Palms at the Senior Center, 6539 Adobe Road, from 9 to 1. In Yucca Valley, the date and time are Wednesday the 11 from 2 to 6 p.m., and the place is the Von's parking lot. Healthy individuals at least 15 years old may donate blood. All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pound, and not be at risk for AIDS or…

The Jack V. Rice Post 761 of the American Legion meets tomorrow, Monday July 9, at the Fraternal Order of Eagles, 67330 Twentynine Palms Highway, in Twentynine Palms. The officers' meeting starts at 6:15 pm, and the general meeting starts at 7 pm. For more information, call 760 362 4112.

Bees need water. Bees live in Joshua Tree National Park. Ranger Pat Pilcher says that if you're in the Park this summer, you need to bee aware of this... As the temperature rises and natural water sources dry up, many desert animals suffer from dehydration. Some creatures, such as the tortoise, will retreat to their underground home for a long siesta. Insects, however, including bees, require water and may become bothersome. While camping and picnicking in Joshua Tree National Park, keep…

A recent mishap in Victorville is an object lesson for staying alert to emergency vehicles while driving. On July 1, San Bernardino County firefighters were stopped with emergency lights and sirens on, awaiting the clearance of an intersection when a unit was struck by a truck. When the driver of the truck came upon another vehicle stopped at the light, the driver overcorrected, flipping the truck on its side, and then striking the driver side of the fire unit. The driver stated he was not…

What do harassment and bullying in schools, tattoo artists, health insurance, and food stamps have in common? They are all the subjects of California laws that took effect on July 1. Schools must update their anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies and programs to include sexual orientation and gender identity, as well as race, ethnicity, nationality, gender, disability and religion. School employees will get training in the prevention of bullying, while victims get priority for…

Learn all about fear next week during a special program at the Hi-Desert Nature museum. Assignment reporter Corrisa Evans has details... On Thursday July 12 the Hi-Desert Nature Museum Crystal Mason, Museum Educator, will present a lecture on fear at as part of their Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series. She will describe the most common of all fears and the odder fears that we have. Crystal will explain the biological reaction in the brain that causes fear, how a person is conditioned to feel fear…

Sunday breakfast at the Joshua Tree Veterans of Foreign Wars features chicken-fried steak from 8 to 11. And don't forget Taco Wednesday from 11 to 1. The VFW is located at 6402 Veterans Way in downtown Joshua Tree.

Tonight, the sound of pirate music will be coming from the stage behind the Yucca Valley Community Center? Reporter Lenore Roberts tells us who's walking the planks... Would you like to hear pirate inspired songs and sea shanties? Then come on out July 7 to listen to There Be Pirates, the next band to play in the Town of Yucca Valley's Summer Music Festival. There Be Pirates molds traditional sea and pirate music into fresh new songs that range from smoky New Orleans blues to reggae,…