When three mature Joshua Trees went missing from a Yucca Valley Park last month, the Sheriff’s Department was notified, and a formal investigation launched. Yucca Valley Town staff had noticed the trees were gone from Remembrance (Triangle) Park about 12:30 p.m. April 10. Witnesses said a tractor with a tree spade was seen and Town staff estimated the cost to replace them at $3,500. It was a mystery; who would commit such a brazen theft in the middle of the town in broad daylight? After a tip to Z107.7 News, the mystery was solved: The Hi-Desert Water District had ordered the removal of the trees for the sewer system. The Water District’s General Manager Ed Muzik was embarrassed and took responsibility for the lack of permit and notice; he admitted he neglected to pull the required Town permit and notify the Town. Muzik said, “It just slipped through the cracks” and vowed the mistake “will never happen again.” The trees are set to be replaced after the sewer construction project is completed.
