The Hi-Desert Medical Center is offering free seminar on how to avoid the dangers of mixing medications. Reporter Mike Lipsitz says the seminar is free, but you do have to sign up ahead of time…
A recent study of adults in the U.S. showed that more than 90 percent of people age 65 and above use at least one medication per week. More than 40 percent use five or more medications. Obviously, the more medications you take, the more likely you are to be taking two that don’t mix. Even those just occasionally taking medications for a cold, headache or infection could be at risk for adverse medical reactions. Join Hi-Desert Medical Center Psychiatric Nurse Sylvia Warren and Pharmacist Ram Malhotra as they outline how to stay safe in a multiple-prescription world. Bring your medications in a brown bag and bring your questions to this seminar, Thursday, January 26, at noon in the Helen Gray Education Center on the hospital campus in Joshua Tree. Lunch will be provided. The seminar is FREE but reservations are required by calling 760-366-0808 or by logging on to hdmc.org.

A powerful state agency will be taking a close look at two wastewater projects in our Morongo Basin. Reporter Derwood Andrews says the meeting is open to the public…
On Thursday, January 19, at 9 in the morning, the California Regional Water Quality Control Board meets for a strategic planning workshop, at 73-720 Fred Waring Drive Suite 100, down in Palm Desert. Items of local interest are the wastewater discharge requirements and proposed treatment plants for the new Super Wal-Mart at Avalon and Highway 62 in Yucca Valley, and the same for the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. Get information and have your say regarding these important local additions to our community. Call 760-346-7491 for more information.

The Morongo Basin Conservation Association, MBCA, invites you to their annual meeting from 9 a.m. to noon this Saturday in the Joshua Tree Community Center. A highlight of the meeting will be a special presentation by members of the Morongo Basin Dark Skies Alliance, an alliance of representatives from eleven area groups and agencies focused on promoting energy-saving lighting, and improving the San Bernardino County lighting ordinance. Before the meeting and during a program break, local astronomer, Tom O’Key, will be demonstrating his solar telescope. MBCA directors will share the accomplishments of 2011 and what’s in store for 2012. MBCA is a 501(c)4 non-profit, community-based, all-volunteer organization dedicated to preserving the economic and environmental welfare of the Morongo Basin since 1969. For more information on MBCA go towww.mbconservation.org.

The Yucca Valley Town Council meets in a busy session tonight, Managing Editor Tami Roleff says the Council will take action related to the state dissolution of Redevelopment agencies, a splash park contract, and look at hiring a consultant for a 1 percent sales tax campaign…
After a month off, the Yucca Valley Town Council meets for the first time in 2012 tonight. The meeting starts off with a closed session at 5 p.m. in the Town Hall Conference Room to discuss potential litigation and to negotiate for two lots on Church Street, one just north of Joshua Drive and the other on the southeast corner of Church and Onaga Trail. After the closed session, the Town’s Redevelopment Agency will meet at 5:30 in the Yucca Room. On the agenda is an updated list of obligations owed by the RDA. The regular Town Council meeting begins at 6 in the Yucca Room of the community center. Among the items on the consent agenda are the second reading of the underground utility ordinance, and the awarding of a contract for a splash park at the community center, highway and street improvements. Among the items on the action agenda are the selection of a bank for Town business; the appointment of a Council Member to the Mojave Desert Air Quality Management District, and the awarding of a contract for public outreach services for a November election to implement a 1 percent sales tax in the Town. Finally, the Council will be asked to vote on naming the Town as the successor to the Redevelopment Agency.

Our two Morongo Basin municipalities, the City of Twentynine Palms and the Town of Yucca valley, are sharing honors as a California Strong City, Strong State. Reporter Dan Stork has the kudos…
The Town of Yucca Valley has joined the City of Twentynine Palms among the dozens of California cities that are featured on the Strong Cities | Strong State web site. The web site is part of an ongoing campaign that promotes City success stories alongside profiles of the elected officials and city managers, showing them working together to build and maintain a high quality of life for California city and town residents. For Yucca Valley, the success stories include an account of community events, the arts and culture environment, collaboration with other agencies, and sustainable community strategies. In addition to the “success stories” is a set of testimonials from officials of other governmental and private agencies, such as the Hi-Desert Water District and Basin-Wide Foundation, that have collaborated with the Town, and from developers of commercial and housing projects. For Twentynine Palms, the success stories highlight Theatre 29, recreation, redevelopment projects, new lodging, and art in public places, while the testimonials come from business people in the city, and National Park and Marine Corps representatives. The Strong Cities | Strong State campaign will continue for the next 18 months, with more cities being added every day. The web site is www.strongcitiesstrongstate.com.

In the wake of the controversial firing of Morongo Valley Community Services District Manager Meg Foley, a group of citizens are meeting to organize a recall of three of the five Morongo Valley CSD Board members. According to Spokesman Bear Zeller, the group is organizing to learn the legal steps needed to begin a formal recall effort against Board members Michael Francis, Glen Sheppard, and Johnny Talbert. The Citizens group held their first organizational meeting last night. Zeller told Z107.7 News that Foley’s firing was sparked when she fired three members of the Morongo Valley Fire Department, an agency that is under her supervision as the CSD Manager. When the Board demanded their time cards, Foley was advised by counsel that would violate their personnel privacy and she refused. Zeller says she was fired by the CSD Board in retaliation. A CSD is the step right below incorporation; the law allows residents of an unincorporated area to initiate the formation of a community services district, CSD, authorized to provide a wide variety of services, including, among others, fire protection, public recreation, street lighting, and library services. Foley’s firing was done at a 4 ½ hour closed session meeting Monday, January 9.. A large contingent of Morongo Valley citizens upset with Foley’s firing are expected to be at a meeting of the Morongo Valley CSD this Wednesday night at 7:00 pm at the Covington Park meeting room.

The Trojan boys basketball team beat the Shadow Hills Knights in overtime by the score of 78-74. Dutch DeMeo hit a three pointer at the end of regulation to send the game into overtime where the Trojans took control. Tanner Littrell lead the team with 28 points and 13 rebounds. Dutch DeMeo had 27 points and 8 assists. This brings the Trojans record to 2-1 in league play, 8-9 overall. Next week the boys travel to desert mirage high school on Wednesday and play Big Bear at home Friday night.

The YVHS JV Trojan Wrestling Team hosted its annual Trojan War tournament Saturday at Trojan Gym. The fans got to see two teams of Trojans (the “Black” and the “Yellow” teams) compete against squads from Brawley, Banning, Lucerne Valley, and a compilation team. The “Black Team,” dominated when they bested Brawley by a score of 54-22. The “Yellow Team” fought hard, as well, winning against the compilation team and tying Lucerne Valley before losing on criteria. Success came from individual efforts from Tylar Clifton, Jaden Derry, Cameron Merritt, Reymundo Zepeda, Jacob Montejano, Victor Martinez, Alex Corbin, and Dakota Brickey all earning first place honors at their respective weight classes. Second place honors went to Josh Goddard, Forrest Cowley, Nick Solorio, and Martin Kennedy. And third place honors went to Gavin Rompf, Mike Lazarescu, Christian Van Dyke, Mato Tatu, and Jerry Von Toman.

Tuesday at 6:00-7:30PM the wrestling team will hold a spaghetti dinner and prize drawing open to the public at the YVHS MPR.

Theatre 29 is looking for backstage volunteers. A backstage recruitment will be held tonight during auditions for Lost in Yonkers.” Reporter Mike Lipsitz says everything from set builders and painters to costumers and assistants are being sought…
Theatre 29 will hold a special open house event for anyone who would like to join the backstage production crew building sets and props, costuming, helping with scenery transitions, running sound and lights, and more. Theatre 29 has an ambitious nine show schedule for 2012. Anyone wishing to help the all volunteer community theater organization should meet at the theater located on the corner of Adobe and Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms at 6 pm on Monday, January 16th. All ages are welcome. Auditions for “Lost in Yonkers” are also being held that same evening in another area of the theater. Experienced backstage crew members, lighting and sound techs, set builders, and directors will hold an orientation for those unfamiliar with backstage traditions and practices. If you’ve ever thought it might be fun to paint scenery, build sets or help during shows, unseen by the audience, this is a great opportunity.

Cal fire is suspending burning permits on all state responsibility lands within Inyo, Mono and San Bernardino counties. This is being done because of the continued extreme weather conditions and the acute dryness of the vegetation due to the lack of rain, which creates a high potential for wildland fire. The burn suspension took effect Friday, January 13, and is effective except in incorporated cities. Also, the use of campfires is restricted to campfire facilities located within established campgrounds that are open to the public. Homeowner’s responsibility is the key to fire safety. For ideas on hardening your homes and property by making them fire resistive go to Readyforwildfire.org.

The Department of Defense is seeking to dramatically reduced it’s 4 billion dollar a year energy bill and make it’s bases less dependant on the commercial electricity grid. Reporter Dan Stork says a recent story in the Desert Sun newspaper outlined some of the plans that will affect our own 29 Palms Marine Base…
The Department of Defense (DoD) could generate 7,000 megawatts of solar energy¬equivalent to the output of seven nuclear power plants¬on four military bases located in the California desert, according to a study released Friday. The study finds that, even though 96 percent of the surface area of the nine bases studied in California and Nevada is unsuited for solar development because of military use, endangered species and other factors, the solar-compatible area is nevertheless large enough to generate more than 30 times the electricity consumed by the California bases, or about 25 percent of the renewable energy that the State of California is requiring utilities to use by 2015.

Of the estimated 50,000 acres that are deemed suitable or even “questionably suitable” for solar development at Edwards Air Force Base, China Lake, Fort Irwin, and the Marine Corps Ground Air Combat Center in Twentynine Palms, only 553 acres are at MCGACC. Jim Ricker, assistant chief of staff at MCAGCC’s Community Plans Liaison Office, as quoted in the Desert Sun, said, “We are looking to do a private-party venture for a photovoltaic solar field in the near future”.

A Twentynine Palms man is behind bars today, accused of transporting a controlled substance. A traffic stop about 10:30 Thursday morning near the intersection of Sunnyslope Drive and Mesquite Springs Road in Twentynine Palms ended in the arrest of Charles Newland, 25. Charles Newland was arrested for investigation of transporting a controlled substance, booked into the Morongo Basin Jail with his bail set at $100,000.

Eight people were injured Sunday morning in a two-car collision on Highway 62 at Dillon Road in North Palm Springs. The crash occurred at about 11:05 a.m. Emergency crews had to cut one victim from a car, said Riverside County Fire Department spokeswoman Cheri Patterson. Eight people were taken to a hospital, two including a pediatric patient in critical condition, two with moderate injuries and four with minor injuries, said Patterson. The northbound lanes of Highway 62 were blocked briefly. The crash is under investigation. Names of the injured were not released.

A domestic dispute resulted in the arrest of a Twentynine Palms man. According to the Sheriff’s department, Dion Bell, 34, didn’t want his wife driving her car, so he rear ended her car several times with his car to get her to stop. Inside the car with his wife were his three children. Dion Bell was arrested for assault with a weapon and cite released.

With six homes signed on for the upcoming Parade of Homes officials at Reach Out Morongo Basin are looking forward to the best event ever! As the largest fundraiser of the year for the Neighbors Helping Neighbors program all proceeds go to help senior and disabled persons throughout the Morongo Basin. Tickets are $25 and include tours of each home and a lunch stop at the Park Rock Cafe with live music by Ramblin’ George. Homes to be featured in Twentynine palms include the estate of Liz Hatch Meyer on Sunrise Road south of Two Mile Road, the Singing Sands Adobe owned by Bud and Nicki Camp of 29 Palm. Yucca Valley will be represented by Casa de Cielo owned by Shelley Currie and Forest C. Dobson, Rancho del Vida Dulce designed and owned by George and Nancy Huntington. representing Joshua Tree on the tour is the Rockin’ Rennie Ranch Tickets will be available for sale at Reach Out Morongo Basin offices in the Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley senior centers, Yucca Valley and Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce offices, Windemere Realty in Yucca Valley, Z107.7 studios in Joshua Tree and at the Desert Trail offices in 29 Palms. For more information, go online to www.reachoutmb.org or call the Reach Out Morongo Basin offices at (760) 361-1410 or (760)369-8671.

Coming up in high school sports tomorrow, the Twentynine Palms High School boys basketball team will participate in the annual Martin Luther King Day Classic one-day basketball tournament hosted by Los Osos High School in Rancho Cucamonga. The Wildcats will be playing Miller High School at 11 a.m.

As part of its informative and educational program on “The ABCs of Water”, the Mojave Water Agency is having a session on Stormwater pollution: What is it? How does it affect you and if so how? How can you prevent it? The seminar is on Tuesday January 24th from 5:30 to 7 pm, at Mojave Water Agency, 13846 Conference Center Dr., in Apple Valley. If you have questions or to register to attend, please call Gloria Golike at (760) 946-7001, or email her at [email protected]. The deadline to RSVP is January 23.

The adult book group will meet at the Yucca Valley Library on Tuesday at 5:30 to discuss the novel The Story of Beautiful Girl by Rachel Simon. There may be copies left to check out before the group meets. For more information call 760-228-5455.

Ouch! Look, but don’t touch! Ranger Pat Pilcher invites you to carefully enjoy the Cholla Garden…
Winter is a good time to visit the low desert, Pinto Basin area of Joshua Tree National Park. Cool daytime temperatures make January an attractive time for exploring this remote area.

The Cholla Cactus Garden Trail offers a great opportunity to discover some of the park’s distinctive plant life. The most dominant plant in the garden is the teddy bear cholla cactus, which, from a distance, seems covered with soft, silvery bristles. As tempting as it looks, please resist the urge to “hug the Teddy Bear.” Each of the bristles is actually a needle sharp spine. If you venture too close and actually touch them, the spine may imbed itself in your skin. Despite evidence to the contrary, the cholla cannot jump but if you get too close – you will! Remember, the Cholla Cactus Garden trail is rated “PG” – parental guidance advised, especially with small children.

Lifestream will be holding a blood drive tomorrow, Monday January 16th, at Stater Brothers in 29 Palms, from 2 to 6 pm. Donors receive Gift of Life Donor Loyalty Points that may be redeemed in the online store at www.LStream.org. You may also register for Be The Match bone marrow screening at all donor locations free of charge or go to bethematch.org and use the promo code 92408. Healthy individuals at least 15 years of age may donate blood. (Those 15 and 16 years of age must provide LifeStream with written parental consent. Parent consent forms are available at any donor center, community blood drive or at www.LStream.org.) All prospective donors should be free of infections or illness, weigh at least 110 pounds, and not be at risk for AIDS or hepatitis. Donors receive a free mini-physical as part of the donation process. Donating blood takes about an hour, yet gives someone a lifetime. For more information, call 1-800-TRY GIVING.

Lifestream recently merged with Community Blood Services under the name Desert Blood Services, in a cost-reduction move. LifeStream will handle Desert Blood Service’s day-to-day operations and maintain its name outside of the Coachella Valley.

Tomorrow the birthday of civil rights leader Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. will be celebrated across the United States. Managing Editor Tami Roleff tells how the date will be marked in Twentynine Palms…
The celebrated civil rights leader, the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., is probably best known for his unforgettable speech at the foot of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington D.C., in 1964. “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up, live out the true meaning of its creed, that ‘ALL men are created equal.'” Commemorating Dr. King’s birthday, which is celebrated Monday, January 16, the Twentynine Palms Bible Baptist Church will hold its 12th annual march. The 1-mile march starts at 8 a.m. at Little Church of the Desert, 6079 Adobe Road and ends at Palms Southern Baptist Church, 5285 Adobe Road. Following the march will be a program with local speakers and Mayor John Cole, and then lunch. The public is invited to join in the march and attend the program.