20TH ANNUAL HEALTHY HEARTS RUN, FAMILY WALK SET FOR FEBRUARY 11
Personal health and fitness are the theme of the 20th annual Healthy Hearts 5K Run and Family Health Walk scheduled for Saturday, February 11. The event will start at 8 a.m. sharp, rain or shine. With moderate elevation changes, the 3.1 mile course offers a challenging trek through the neighborhoods and open areas of Yucca Valley’s scenic Sky Harbor area. The event begins and ends at Machris Park, on Santa Barbara Driver. Race information and a map are available at the Recreation Office in the Yucca Valley Community Center. The Healthy Hearts 5K Run and 1.5-mile Health Walk are open to participants of all ages and fitness levels. Those uncertain about their ability to complete the run are encouraged to participate at a comfortable pace in the Family Health Walk. Awards will be presented to overall male and female winners in the 5K run as well as to top finishers in each age division. Participation certificates will be presented to those who complete the non-competitive health walk. You can register in advance at the Recreation Office or online at www.yucca-valley.org. Registration fees ($20 for adults and $18 for seniors and runners 12 and under) include souvenir race T-shirt. For more information, contact the Community Services office Monday through Thursday, 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at 760-369-7211. The event is organized by the Town’s Recreation Department, with support by Bruce Jones Dentistry and media sponsors Hi-Desert Publishing Company and Z107.7 FM Radio.

COOK BILL WOULD TO RESTORE COUNTY JAIL FUNDING
State Assemblyman Paul Cook, the former Mayor of Yucca Valley, has introduced a bill to restore jail funding to the County. Reporter Dan Stork takes a closer look at the legislation…
Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) has introduced AB 1556 to restore $16 million in jail funding to San Bernardino County by the end of 2012. Previously, legislation was passed that required counties that had received state construction funding for jails to give it up, and reapply under a different program that would require the county to put up 10% of the cost. According to a press release from Cook’s office, the Adelanto Detention Center expansion project was the only jail construction project in the state affected by this change. In line with this unique treatment, AB 1556 doesn’t mention San Bernardino County by name, but simply gives $16 million to “any qualified county.” Cook’s press release berates the state for its unfair treatment of the county. The jail project has been touted as a job-creator for the Adelanto area. Adelanto is not within the 65th Assembly district currently represented by Cook. But as a result of re-districting, it does lie within the congressional district for whose seat he is campaigning.

FREE FOOD DISTRIBUTION IN YUCCA VALLEY TOMORROW
The Santa Fe Clubhouse in Yucca Valley will be holding their monthly food distribution tomorrow, Wednesday, February 1st, at 3 p.m. It is first come first served. They will be distributing the food at the back of the building where there is adequate parking. They suggest that you bring water and dress according to the weather. Please take in consideration that there are no public bathrooms. The food distribution is for any individual or family living in the Morongo Basin area who need free supplemental food due to low or no income. For more information call 760-369-4057 and ask for Maxine or Phebe.

A PROGRESS REPORT ON Y.V. SUPER WAL-MART & DOLLAR GENERAL
Just what is going on with the Yucca Valley Super Wal-mart and Dollar General stores? Funny you should ask, Managing Editor Tami Roleff said the town just got an update…
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission was given a progress report on the Super Walmart and Dollar General stores at its meeting Tuesday night. According to Deputy Town Manager Shane Stueckle, the Super Walmart has submitted its grading and off-site improvement plans, and it’s expected that the plans will be approved in February. The Dollar General store, which is to be built on the corner of Hopi Trail and the Highway, received an unexpected—and unpleasant—surprise recently when CalTrans informed the company that it was required to build raised medians in the highway in front of the store. Stueckle said Town staff is working with the discount store so that CalTrans’ request doesn’t impede the progress in bringing the store to Yucca Valley.

OVER 15,000 AFFECTED BY LOCAL POWER OUTAGE LAST NIGHT
Thousands of Morongo Basin residents were without power for about an hour yesterday evening. Southern California Edison reports that at 6:42 p.m. Monday, about 7,200 homes and businesses—over 15,000 people—from Morongo Valley to Wonder Valley and some parts of Landers, were without power until 7:35 p.m. Some isolated areas were without power longer. The Morongo Valley Fire Department reports that a transfer switch at Canyon House Road and Elbow blew, knocking out power throughout the Morongo Basin. It’s not known at this time if the power outage is related to the planned power outage on the Combat Center. The Combat Center was to have been without power from 8:30 Monday evening until 6:30 this morning.

LANTERN STARTS FIRE DURING POWER OUTAGE
And in a related story, during last night’s power outage, a resident on Sunflower in the Sunfair area of Joshua Tree, brought a gas lantern into the house about 7 p.m. Shortly after, the vapors from the lantern caught fire. The resident managed to bring the lantern over to the kitchen sink, at which time the overhead sprinklers in the kitchen started going off. Due to the sprinklers, the fire was out by the time that Joshua Tree firefighters arrived on the scene. There were no injuries. Captain Steve Lasiter reminds residents that gas- and kerosene powered lanterns are meant for outdoor use only, because, as this story illustrates, their fumes will catch fire when confined inside a structure. And, he added, “Sprinklers save lives.”

MAN WITH HISTORY OF VIOLENCE HELD FOR DOMESTIC BATTERY
A Joshua Tree man who was allegedly discharged from the military due to problems with violence was arrested Sunday for domestic battery. According to a Sheriff’s report, Richard Beard, 35, was arguing with his wife at their home in the 61800 block of Belmont Street when he choked her and she called for help. The deputy noted bruising on his wife’s arms and legs, but she did not require medical attention. According to the report, the wife told the Sheriff’s department that Beard suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Richard Beard was arrested for investigation of domestic battery and the firearms in the house were taken for safe-keeping. Beard was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail with his bail set at $25,000.

TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL BEATS YUCCA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL IN BOYS BASKETBALL FRIDAY NIGHT
It was Yucca Valley High School versus Twentynine Palms on Boys Varsity basketball in Twentynine Palms Friday night. Twentynine Palms High School Coach Michael Schneider said Wildcat gymnasium was packed with fans supporting both sides, and the atmosphere was electric. The Trojans and the Wildcats battled defensively throughout the first half. The score was 18-to-13 in favor of the Wildcats at the break. Offenses loosened up a bit in the second, with the ‘Cats extending their lead to as many as nine points midway through the fourth quarter. Chris Fui Fui came through for the ‘Cats late by hitting 3 three-pointers in the fourth. Yucca Valley pushed the full court defensive pressure on, and the Twentynine Palms’ boys answered with a 50-to-45 point victory. This brings the Twentynine Palms High School Boys’ Varsity record to 11-and-10, 6-and-1 in the De Anza league. Top scorers were Michaiah Russell, 16 points, 12 rebounds; Ramon Smith, 10 points, 5 rebounds; and Chris Fui Fui 10 points. Twentynine Palms High School’s next opponent is Desert Hot Springs away on Wednesday night. The game starts at 7:30.

WE MEET MISS YUCCA VALLEY CONTESTANT MARGOT CLYDE
As the February 4th Miss Yucca Valley pageant approaches, we are meeting the 12 candidates. Today, Managing Editor Tami Roleff introduces us to Margot Clyde…
Today we visit with Margot Clyde, a junior at Joshua Springs High school and a candidate for Miss Yucca Valley. Hi, Margot. Tell us, who is the prominent woman interviewed, and what you have learned…
My prominent lady is Debbie Gubler, the owner of Tease-Shirts. She has taught me the definition of success.She has helped me come to the realization that success does not only apply to your job but you can also achieve success in your family life and in the things you participate in, such as making jerseys for sports teams, which is how Mrs. Gubler started out.
What have you learned from your experience with Miss Yucca Valley?
From my experience, I have learned that communication plays a key role in everything that you do and being calm and confident will help during stressful situations.
Any final words?
I would recommend that up-and-coming junior girls would come see the Miss Yucca Valley pageant and try it out next year.
Thank you, Margot.

LANDERS MAN HELD AFTER STEALING TOOLS
A Landers man was arrested Saturday morning on drug charges after he was seen trying to steal tools from a backyard patio in Yucca Valley. According to the Sheriff’s department, a resident in the 6900 block of Airway Drive saw Floyd Montoya, 29, in his backyard, attempting to steal some tools. The resident confronted Montoya, who ran off toward Old Woman Springs Road. During an area check, a deputy found Montoya near Old Woman Springs Road and Highway 62. Floyd Montoya was arrested on suspicion of attempted burglary. During a search at the Morongo Basin Jail, a deputy found heroin in Montoya’s pants. Montoya was then arrested for investigation of possession of heroin for sale. His bail is set at $25,000.

“DESERT STORM” SHOW CONTINUES AT TWENTYNINE PALMS VISITOR CENTER
The Twentynine Palms Visitors Center Art Gallery is featuring our desert in its extremes. Reporter Mike Lipsitz urges you do see the “Desert Storms” display…
“Desert Storms” features 15 desert artists at the Twentynine Palms Visitor Center and Chamber of Commerce. The exhibit runs through February 29; the Visitor Center is open every day. Featured in the show are more than two dozen paintings representing various moods of desert storms in oil, acrylic, watercolor and mixed media. Photography of desert storms, from a blinding sandstorm to dramatic night time lightning, is also featured in the show. The Twentynine Palms Visitor Center and Gallery and Chamber office is at 73484 Highway 62. For more information, call 760-367-6197 or visit www.visit29.org.

MORE INFORMATION ON THURSDAY CHAIN-REACTION CRASH
We have updated information about the chain-reaction crash Thursday afternoon that blocked lanes of Highway 62 for more than an hour. According to the California Highway Patrol, George Stewart, 66, of Joshua Tree, was riding his 2009 Yamaha motorcycle westbound on the highway near White Feather Road, when he collided into the rear of another vehicle, believed to be a big rig trailer. The collision caused the motorcycle to fall over and Stewart was thrown onto his left side. Timothy Scott, 45, of Glendora, was driving his white Ford pick-up behind Stewart and braked sharply to avoid hitting him. Scott was then rear-ended by Casondra Dreger, 19, of Joshua Tree, who was driving a blue Chevy truck. Stewart was taken to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs with moderate injuries. Scott was taken to Hi-Desert Medical Center with complaints of pain. Dreger received minor injuries and was treated at the scene.

YUCCA VALLEY MAN HELD FOR FELONY CHILD CRUELTY
A Yucca Valley man is behind bars after a neighbor heard him beating a child. About 11:45 Friday morning, a neighbor called the Sheriff’s department to report that Travis Dyott, 32, of the 58600 block of Barron Drive, was beating a child. According to the Sheriff’s report, the neighbor stated the child is beat all the time but this time it sounded really bad. The deputy’s report states that Dyott hit and choked the child, causing redness to the face and a scratch on the neck. Travis Dyott was arrested for investigation of felony child cruelty causing possible injury or death. Travis Dyott was booked at the Morongo Basin Jail with his bail set at $100,000.

JOSHUA TREE AND LANDERS WOMEN ARRESTED FOR PUNCHING THEIR PARTNERS
A Joshua Tree woman is behind bar for punching her husband. According to the Sheriff’s department, about 11 p.m. Thursday night, Deanna Bazzle, 41, was fighting with her husband in the 7000 block of Sage Avenue in Yucca Valley when she punched him in the mouth, causing a small cut. Deanna Bazzle was arrested for investigation of felony spouse abuse and booked into the West Valley Detention Center. Her bail is set at $50,000.

A Landers woman was arrested Friday after her ex-boyfriend said she punched him in the face. According to a Sheriff’s report, Stephanie Brown, 30, was arguing with her ex-boyfriend about 12:45 a.m. Friday morning in the 9400 block of Piedras Trail in Morongo Valley. Brown’s ex-boyfriend said she punched him with a closed fist on the left side of his face, although the deputy could find no signs of injuries. Stephanie Brown was arrested for domestic battery and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail with her bail set at $25,000.

PLANNED POWER OUTAGE ON MARINE BASE TONIGHT
The Combat Center will have another power outage Monday. The power outage will begin at 8:30 Monday night and is scheduled to last until 6:30 a.m Tuesday. However, Southern California Edison warns that its work may not be completed by 6:30 a.m., and so all base personnel and residents on the base should be prepared to be without power for more than 10 hours. Power to non-essential areas of the base between 1st and 9th Streets will start to be shut down starting at 3 p.m. as crews prepare for the power outage. For more information, call 830-6100 or 830-3718.

The Combat Center will have another power outage Monday. The power outage will begin at 8:30 Monday night and is scheduled to last until 6:30 a.m Tuesday. However, Southern California Edison warns that its work may not be completed by 6:30 a.m., and so all base personnel and residents on the base should be prepared to be without power for more than 10 hours. Power to non-essential areas of the base between 1st and 9th Streets will start to be shut down starting at 3 p.m. as crews prepare for the power outage. For more information, call 760-830-6100 or 760-830-3718.

KING OF THE HAMMERS
One of the major off-road events in the country, “The King of the Hammers,” will be held in the nearby Landers area-Johnson Valley Off-Road area next weekend. Reporter Derwood Andrews tells you how to get tickets…
The sixth running of the King of the Hammers desert race, takes place from Friday 3rd to Friday 10th of February, at Means Dry Lake in Johnson Valley. The biggest Hammertown yet includes additional entertainment, an expanded vendor show as well as improved spectator areas. If you’re into four wheeling, this is the ultimate desert race. Tickets are $20 for the full week access and can be purchased at the lake. More information can be found at the event web site ultra4racing.com.

NEW SCHAUPPNER BOOK AVAILABLE ON KINDLE
The latest book by local author Kurt Schauppner is available as a Kindle e-book. Royalties from The Ghosts of Ide County will go to Reach Out Morongo Basin, the Neighbors Helping Neighbors organization, whose goal is helping people maintain healthy, independent lives as long as possible.
The Ghosts of Ide County tells the story of a small Northern California farming community and how people there are affected by the disappearance of a beloved 12-year-old boy. In describing his book, Schauppner said “I wanted to talk about how single events can change whole lives”. Desert Trail editor Schauppner is also a playwright, whose latest play, “The Memory Jar”, will be produced at Theatre 29 later this year. To purchase and download The Ghosts of Ide County for your Kindle or any Kindle-reading device you might have, go to the Kindle Store at amazon.com. The price of the book is $5.

SAT PREP COURSE IN PALM DESERT
A special preparation course for the Scholastic Aptitude Test will be offered on April 7 and 14 at Cal State San Bernardino’s Palm Desert Campus. The course is geared for high school juniors and seniors planning to take the SAT offered on or after May 5. All question types on the test will be covered and a number of short-form tests will be given to provide practice in actual testing conditions. The two-session course will be held at the CSUSB Palm Desert Campus, 37-500 Cook St., on consecutive Saturdays and costs $155. The official SAT study guide is included with the registration fee. For more information, contact Jerdy Sterling at the university’s College of Extended Learning office at (760) 341-2883, ext. 78121, jsterlin@csusb.edu, or visit the CEL website at http://cel.csusb.edu.

STARGAZING IN JOSHUA TREE NATIONAL PARK
It’s hard to find a better place for looking at the night sky than Joshua Tree National Park. Ranger Pam Tripp tells us what to look for…
Star gazers know that crucial elements for viewing are a clear night and a dark location. Joshua Tree National Park has both.So be sure to pack the binoculars on your next camping trip or evening drive through the park. At this time of year you can see the brightest object in the sky, the planet Jupiter, while before sunset you can also spot the planet Venus. The constellation Orion is also prominent in the night sky, with its three star belt and sword, which contains the Orion Nebula. Above the Constellation Orion, you can see the Pleiades, an open cluster of about 500 stars, found within the constellation Taurus. It is known in Greek mythology as the Seven Sisters, and its Japanese name is Subaru, which is seen in the logo of some vehicles. For more information on the park’s night sky programs or daytime solar astronomy viewing, call the Park at 760-367-5500. Happy stargazing!