STATE AGENCY APPROVES WAL-MART, HI-DESERT MEDICAL CENTER WASTEWATER PLANTS
Wastewater Treatment plants for both the new Yucca Valley Super Wal-Mart and an expansion of Hi-Desert Medical Center were approved by the state yesterday. The California Regional Water Quality Control Board met yesterday morning in Palm Desert, for a strategic planning workshop. Of local interest were wastewater discharge requirements and proposed treatment plants for the new Super Wal-Mart at Avalon and Highway 62 and the same for the Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. The Wal-Mart plans were uncontested and approved. Joshua Basin Water Agency General Manager Joe Guzzetta said the Hi-Desert Medical Center plans were also approved and the project will probably go to bid in March.

The first show of the Theatre 29 2012 season is running weekends through February 11 at the Morongo Basin premiere live theater venue. Reporter Mike Lipsitz tells you how to get tickets this weekend for the comedy hit, “Jake’s Women”…
When the curtain came down on the opening night of Neil Simon’s “Jake’s Women” at Theatre 29, Director Butch Pelfrey knew he had a hit. “Jake’s Women” is a comedy about a novelist more successful at fiction than real life. He faces a marital crisis by daydreaming of the women in his life. His wildly comic and sometimes moving flashbacks are interrupted by visitations from real women. Pelfrey, directing his seventh show at Theatre 29 speaks highly of the cast which stars K.W. Heckart, as Jake, principals Wendy Costello, as Jake’s sister, Janet Peercy as Jake’s wife, and Cheryl Gillon, as the other woman. Rounding out the cast is Rebekah Douglas, Jeanne Rodick, Kara Dailey and Kayleigh Coughlin. “Jake’s Women” plays through February 11, with Friday and Saturday night performances at 7 p.m., a Thursday night show January 26, and a Sunday matinee February 5. Ticket prices are $8 to $12, available by calling 760-361-4151 or theatre29.org. Theatre 29 is at Sullivan and Adobe roads in Twentynine Palms.

In a Service Review released this month, the County’s Local Agency Formation Commission, or LAFCO, made recommendations impacting the sphere of influence of agencies in the Homestead Valley communities of Landers, Johnson Valley, and Flamingo Heights with particular focus on the areas served by Bighorn Desert-View Water Agency. In the report, LAFCO staff recommends removing almost 14,000 acres of unoccupied public lands from the water agency’s sphere of influence and adding more than 11,000 acres of privately-owned, mostly occupied parcels abutting the Agency’s present boundaries. The areas recommended for the expanded service boundary primarily include properties now served by County Special Districts Service Area 70 W-1, some sparsely populated sections of Johnson Valley, and the parcels occupied by Gubler’s Orchids in Landers. The report went into some detail to explain that as a planning boundary, the sphere of influence does not change the orchid grower’s operation or use of its water which comes from private wells. For property owners who would move from Special Districts to Bighorn, the change, if approved, would represent a reduction in the rates they currently pay.

With spring approaching, the Desert Institute is offering a free class tonight on spring plant and climate change. Reporter Derwood Andrews has details…..
On Friday, January 20, at 7 p.m. a fascinating lecture on Indicators of Spring: Plants and Climate Change, takes place at the Black Rock Visitor Center in Yucca Valley. Sponsored by the Desert Institute, Susan Mazer will describe the wonder of plants and the science of phenology and how you can participate locally in the study. The lecture is FREE, call 760-367-5535 or visit joshuatree.org.

STATE SUPREME COURT TO WEIGH IN ON MARIJUANA REGULATION
The state’s high court will attempt to clarify marijuana’s hazy legal status in California. The California Supreme Court on Wednesday voted unanimously to review how cities and counties regulate marijuana dispensaries. The Town of Yucca Valley has planned a closure of the town’s only medical marijuana dispensary. The court will address whether local governments can bar the pot shops despite voter passage of Proposition 215, which legalized marijuana use with a doctor’s recommendation. The court also will consider the continued conflict between state and federal authorities, who don’t recognize Proposition 215. Under federal law, marijuana is illegal in all forms.

An elderly woman from Pomona trying to visit her husband in a care facility in Upland was found in Pioneertown Wednesday. According to the Sheriff’s Department, a passer-by found Theresa Perry, 82, who said she was lost, near the intersection of Sunnyslope Drive and Pioneertown Road about 8:30 Wednesday night. The Good Samaritan called the Sheriff’s department and followed Perry as she drove down to Highway 62 and westbound on the highway. Perry had been reported missing earlier. The Sheriff’s deputy caught up with Perry just west of Fairway Drive and the highway, and gave Perry a ride halfway home, where they met up with a Pomona policeman who brought Perry home.

Yucca Valley Lady Trojan basketball team traveled to Desert Mirage High School in Thermal last night and came home with a 75-31 victory. The team was led by seniors Whitney Rodriguez with 21 points and Lindsay Sullivan with 12 points. Junior Arlene Rodriguez added 9 points for the local team whose record improved to 3-1 in league play and 11-4 overall with a important game Friday versus 3-1 Big Bear in Trojan Gym at 6 p.m.

The Yucca Valley High School Girls Soccer team traveled to Thermal to take on the Rams of Desert Mirage High School in De Anza League play. The Lady Trojans controlled the game from the beginning and came away victorious with a 9-1 score.

The Yucca Valley High School Trojan wrestling team defeated Big Bear High School in De Anza League dual-meet action on Wednesday night 54-27.

The Yucca Valley High School junior varsity wrestling team also won, winning three of the four matches.

In high school sports today, the Joshua Springs Christian School Lightning basketball teams travel away to Redlands to play the Redlands Adventist Academy. Tip-off for the girls is at 5; boys is at 6:30.

Coming up tomorrow, the Twentynine Palms High School Wildcats basketball teams travel away to Indio to play Shadow Hills High School. The girls’ game starts at 5, boys at 6:30. The Wildcats’ soccer teams also travel away to play Shadow Hills. The girls’ match starts at 3:15, boys at 5. The Yucca Valley High School girls’ soccer team hosts the Big Bear Bears tomorrow at 3:15.

The Twentynine Palms High School Wildcats varsity boys basketball team lost a heartbreaker to Big Bear last night, 58-54. Coach Michael Schneider said they were down by 11 points with three and a half minutes to play in the fourth quarter. The Wildcats went on a 12 – 0 run and took the lead with 26 seconds to play, then Big Bear then hit a three pointer and two free throws to finish the game. League record is now 3 -1, overall record 8 – 10.

The Yucca Valley High School Trojan varsity boys basketball team lost to Desert Mirage 53-45. Coaches say it was a very physical game with three Trojans fouling out in the fourth quarter. Their league record is now 2-2.

The Neil Simon Comedy, “Jake’s Women” opened last weekend for a 5-week run at Theatre 29. Managing Editor Tami Roleff was in the audience and offers this review of the show…
“Reality is a bummer.” These words are from Theatre 29’s newest production, Jake’s Women, a classic Neil Simon comedy directed by Butch Pelfry, in which the title character, Jake, a novelist, escapes from his marital problems by living in a fantasy world with the women in his life. Starring as Jake is K.W. Heckart, who is on stage for the entire play and does a solid job in the role. All of Jake’s women are attractively cast, from the funny funny Wendy Costello as Jake’s sister and equally funny Jeanne Rodick as his therapist, to the idealized but genuinely sweet Rebekah Douglas as his dead first wife, Julie. Jake’s daughter Molly is superbly portrayed at age 12 by Kayleigh Coughlin and at age 21 by Kara Dailey who is also making her Theatre 29 debut. The scene in which the dead Julie meets the grown-up daughter she never knew, is one of the production’s best. As Jake’s second wife Maggie, Janet Peercy has the tough task of creating two distinct characters — Jake’s real wife and the idealized, adoring version in his mind. And Cheryl Gillon is efficient and sympathetic as Sheila, the girlfriend and potential third wife. Some language may be inappropriate for young children. Jake’s Women plays 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays through February 11, a Thursday night show January 26, and a Sunday matinee February 5. Ticket prices are $8 to $12, available by calling 760-361-4151 or theatre29.org. Theatre 29 is at Sullivan and Adobe Roads in Twentynine Palms.

The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce invites you to this month’s mixer to be held at the Chamber of Commerce/Visitor Center located at 73484 Twentynine Palms Hwy on 19 January from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm. Celebrate the New Year amongst friends. Food and raffle prizes will be donated from local businesses. Music will be provided by guitarist/singer Chris Walters. A Chamber spokesperson said it’s a great place for people to network in a social environment and learn more about the chamber. For more information call 760-367-3445.

The Hi-Desert Water District faced a barrage of criticism last night before finally getting down to business. Reporter Derwood Andrews has the details…
The Public Comments came thick, fast and negatively towards most of the Board and leading members of staff to begin last nights meeting, mainly concerns of a linkage between the Water District and Town Council, on an “educational/advocacy” proposal and the one percent sales tax issue. This was followed by a presentation on the rate study for 2012 and a Proposition 218 update. The meeting concluded with a unanimous vote for Judy Corl-Lorono for the ACWA HBA Board of Directors; an emergency request added to the agenda to attend a workshop at the end of January to discuss water resources by Countywide Vision; and two Capitol Replacement projects were approved.

The Wonder Valley Fire, Road, and Park & Recreation Municipal Advisory Commission meet this afternoon at 4:30 at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526½ Amboy Rd. County Special District Regional Manager, Pam Vandervoort will be on hand to hear a series of reports from County Fire, Lt. Rich Boswell of the Sheriff’s Dept., Lt. Commander Tim Tompkins, California Highway Patrol and other presentations.

The Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Council, the MAC, meets this evening at 7 p.m. at the Joshua Tree Community Center. There’ll be a series of community updates from the fire department, Morongo Basin Ambulance, Sheriff’s department, California Highway Patrol, and then a presentation. There’ll also be comments from members of the MAC.

The 2012 Miss Yucca Valley Pageant is set for February 4th at the Joshua Springs Thunderdome. Today, Managing Editor Tami Roleff introduces us to contestant Nina Kieffer…
Today we visit with Ninarae Kieffer, a junior at Yucca Valley High School and a candidate for Miss Yucca Valley. Hi Nina. Tell us, who is the prominent woman interviewed, and what you have learned…
My prominent lady’s name is Natalie Carpenter. She has taught me that no matter what difficulties life throws at you, you can make it through them. Natalie reminds me a lot of my own mom and I hope that one day I can be like them.
What have you learned from your experience with Miss Yucca Valley?
I have learned that confidence is key. There are many people in Yucca Valley that contribute to the community and I am really thankful to have the opportunity to meet with them.
Any final words?
I hope to see everyone on pageant night on February 4 at 6 o’clock at JS in the Thunder Dome, especially upcoming juniors interested in the pageant next year.
Thank you Nina.

A Yucca Valley man arrested Tuesday afternoon for driving under the influence was found to have a prior arrest for DUI and was driving on a suspended license. According Sheriff’s reports, Ed Williams, 42, was weaving in and out of traffic on Highway 62 when he was stopped by a deputy near Linda Lee Drive shortly before 5 p.m. Ed Williams was arrested on a warrant for driving with a suspended license, operating a vehicle with a blood alcohol content greater than .01, and driving under the influence with blood alcohol content of .08 or higher. Ed Williams was booked in the Morongo Basin Jail with his total bail set at $30,000.

After a very controversial firing last week of the popular manager of the Morongo Valley CSD, the Board’s regular scheduled meeting was set for last night and citizens were ready to express their disapproval of the action, some even considering recall. The room was packed, but, in an amazing coincidence, there were not enough Directors in attendance to hold a meeting. Reporter Mike Lipsitz was there and files this report…
Tension was high last night as more than 80 Morongo Valley residents crowded into the Covington Park Multipurpose Room for the Community Service District meeting. They’d come wanting answers in the wake of the board’s controversial vote of “no confidence” and abrupt departure of Meg Foley, the very popular Morongo Valley CSD Manager, but it was not to be. A few minutes after 7 p.m. Board President Chuck Osborne apologetically announced that there was to be no meeting, that for the first time in his 16 years of District business meetings, lack of a quorum meant that no business could be transacted. Osborne and Director Johnny Talbert were the only two of the five-member board in attendance. Director Mike Frances had checked into a Loma Linda Hospital with chest pains earlier in the afternoon; Director Glen Sheppard was vacationing in Mexico; and Director Richard Brewer resigned his post only last week. Osborne promised the disappointed hoard that the meeting would be rescheduled as soon as possible.

Yucca Valley firefighters rescued a horse yesterday that was trapped inside a trailer that came off from its tow hitch and ended up standing upright on its back doors. About 9:30 Wednesday morning, Lynn Follstad of Yucca Valley left her home towing a horse trailer with her horse inside. According to County Fire Captain Wayne Thompson, Follstad forgot to pin the trailer’s tow bar to her truck’s hitch, but according to Follstad, the pin didn’t go all the way through the hole. About a mile from her home, near the intersection of Buena Vista Drive and Warren Vista Avenue, the trailer’s tongue came out of the hitch and the trailer traveled down the road several hundred feet before it hit the berm on the side of the road. The impact made the trailer stand up upright, on its back doors. When firefighters from Yucca Valley and Yucca Mesa arrived, Boomer, the Quarter horse, was standing up inside the trailer with his head out the window, watching the activity. Firefighters had to take off the axles, cut out the metal supports on the bottom of the trailer, and cut off the wood floor from the trailer in order to remove the horse. Boomer was lucky and had only a few scratches from his ordeal.

In high school sports, the Twentynine Palms High School Wildcats basketball teams are at home tonight against the Big Bear Bears. Tip-off for the girls’ game is at 6; boys at 7:30. The Yucca Valley High School Trojan basketball teams travel away to Desert Mirage High School tonight. Girls at 6, boys at 7:30.

The Joshua Basin Water District Board will look at well repair and a wastewater grant tonight. Reporter Mike Lipsitz has details…
The Joshua Basin Water District meets in regular session at 7:00 tonight in district offices on Chollita Road in Joshua Tree. Topping tonight’s agenda is a proposal to inspect, rehabilitate, and repair Well 10 at a cost not to exceed $50,000. Directors are also expected to consider an authorization of a grant proposal to the Bureau of Reclamation for the Groundwater Recharge Project for $3.1 million. Also tonight, the board is expected to establish the fiscal year appropriation limit as required by law. Following those and other actions, reports and public comment, the board will adjourn to closed session to confer with legal counsel.

The Hi-Desert Water District Board faces a light agenda tonight. Reporter Derwood Andrews takes a closer look…
A relatively light agenda tonight at the Hi-Desert Water District meeting begins with a vote for a single candidate for the ACWA Health Benefit Authority Board of Directors. Then, a couple of contracts for a capital replacement project, ending with a water rate study workshop. The meeting is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. at District offices on Highway Twentynine.