The Yucca Valley woman who shot her boyfriend last Wednesday was formally charged with his murder Friday. Jeanne Rosser, 63, pled Not Guilty to the murder of David Wenzel, 52. Z107.7 has learned that Wenzel, who was 6-foot-1-inches tall and 230 pounds, had been convicted twice of beating up Rosser, who is 5-feet-3 inches tall and weighs 120 pounds. In 2004, Wenzel was charged with four felony counts related to felony domestic violence that was plea bargained to a single charge of spousal abuse with a 3-year state prison term. In 2009, Wenzel was again convicted of felony domestic violence against Rosser and was sentenced to another three years in prison. Wenzel, recently released from prison, pled guilty in November to a drunk-and-disorderly charge from October.

HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS
In local high school sports, The Yucca Valley High School Girls Soccer team traveled to Ontario for the Ontario Christian Christmas Classic and returned with a 2-2 record. The Lady Trojans fought hard against the CIF 4th ranked Ontario Christian and Division 4 Calvary Chapel Santa Ana and came away with victories against Division 4 members Wilson and Whittier Christian high schools respectively. The highlight of the tournament was the girls strong play against Whittier Christian gaining the win. Whittier Christian was coming off a tie against CIF 5th ranked Palm Springs High School and looked to get an easy win against Yucca Valley. However, they were frustrated as the Lady Trojans dominated possession in the physical game. Whittier Christian attempted many times to break through but were unsuccessful and never really threatened Sophomore goalie, Lizzye Bushong. Junior captain, Chaylin Couzens, received All-Tournament honors as she scored the game winning goals in both wins. The Lady Trojans finished their preseason play with a 5-5-1 record and look to begin De Anza League competition as they travel to Desert Hot Springs to take on the Golden Eagles on Friday, January 6th. The game starts at 3:15pm with the boy’s varsity game to follow. In upcoming action, the Joshua Springs Christian School basketball teams travel away to Mesa Grande tomorrow. The girls’ game starts at 6; boys’ at 7:30.

The southern side of Joshua Tree National Park offers a dramatic contrast to our Mojave Desert setting. Ranger Pat Pilcher opens our eyes to the gateway to that area…
Years ago, Cottonwood Spring was an important rest stop for travelers. For miles around this was the only dependable water source, and was a welcome sight to those passing through the desert. Though underground fault movement has decreased the water table, this southern portion of Joshua Tree National Park is still a wondrous place to visit. As part of the Colorado Desert, this area provides great opportunities for exploration. Due to rain damage in September, the campground and Cottonwood Spring trails and trailheads remain closed. However, alternative hiking trails will give you a glimpse into the past, as you walk by rock formations, remains of historic structures and sweeping views of valleys. During the spring season, this open expansive area commonly has the best wildflower display of any other area in the Park. For additional information, check the park website at www.nps.gov.

A new California law that has been widely reported is one that requires that the contributions of gays and lesbians be taught in public schools. Not so well known is a list of other new laws that collectively normalize the position in society of LGBT individuals. These include:
The California Gay Bullying Law (or Seth’s Law) which requires school districts to have a uniform process for dealing with gay bullying complaints, and mandates that school personnel intervene if they witness gay bullying. Law effective July 1, 2012. LGBT Equality and Equal Access in Higher Education Law directs State universities and colleges to create and enforce campus policies protecting LGBTs from harassment and appoint employee contact persons to address on-campus LGBT matters. Domestic Partnership Equality Law adjusts inequalities between domestic partnerships and heterosexual marriages, including domestic partner health benefits sharing. Protection of Parent-Child Relationships Law allows courts to consider the relationship between a child and a non-biological parent when considering child rights cases involving birth parents, adoptive parents, and gay or lesbian guardians. The Transgender Non-Discrimination Law provides public accommodation and protection in education, housing and employment for gender identity and expression. The Transgender Vital Statistics Law makes it easier for transgender Californians to get a court petition to change their gender on official documents. LGBT Equal Benefits Law requires an employer with a state contract worth more than $100,000 to have non-discrimination policies in place for LGBT workers and their partners. The Judicial Applicant and Appointment Demographics Inclusion Law includes gender identity and sexual orientation of potential judges into the state’s Judicial Applicant Data Report to ensure that state courts are diverse. The Gay Divorce Law provides that if a gay couple got married in California but lives in a state that won’t grant them a divorce, the California court will have jurisdiction to grant them a legal divorce.

The Soroptimist International Club of Twentynine Palms is sponsoring the opening night of the Neil Simon Play “Jake’s Women” at Theater 29 on Friday, January 13. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the play starting at 7 p.m. There’ll be a silent auction and heavy hors d’oeuvres, with wine and champagne from 6 p.m. until 7 p.m., with desserts and coffee during intermission. All proceeds will benefit our scholarships and charities. Tickets are $25 per person and can be purchased through members of the Soroptimist Club of Twentynine Palms or at Napa Auto Parts, the Flower Garden, Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce, and the Desert Trail. For more information, call 760-668-4594.

With all the recent fatal collisions on area highways, the Start Smart class offered by the California Highway Patrol, is especially important for teens and new drivers. The next Start Smart class will be Tuesday, January 3, from 6:30 to 8 at its Morongo Basin office, 63683 29 Palms Highway in Joshua Tree. California has the second highest fatality rate involving teen drivers. Start Smart speaks directly to the teen drivers and their parents/guardians. This program provides classroom instruction on collision avoidance techniques, collision causing elements, and driver responsibilities. The class is free, but reservations are required by calling the Morongo Basin California Highway Patrol Area office at 760-366-3707.