Faulis was a nurse prior to becoming CEO at two of Desert Care Network’s three area hospitals — JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio and Hi-Desert Medical Center in Joshua Tree. She will talk about how she taps into those clinical skills as an administrator, relating to the needs of professionals and patients. She will talk about the Departments, Medical specialties, services, and staff at our own local hospital. Karen Faulis, the guest on the Z107.7 “Up Close” show this Friday (5/31) at 10:00 AM, here on Z107.7 Radio.
YVHS Girls Soccer raises $5000 in sold-out fundraiser
The Yucca Valley High School Girls Soccer Booster hosted a fundraiser for the Lady Trojans Soccer Team, and they said it was a “sold out” success.
The Boosters held their first Golf Masters Fundraiser Tournament on May 19, with the goal of buying new uniforms for the team.
Coach Samantha Stoker said that the tournament, saw 14 teams compete at Hawks Landing Golf Course in Yucca Valley, bringing in more than $5000 from sponsors, players, and supporters.Stoker thanked the sponsors, and said that the tournament was so successful, it will likely become an annual event.
Neighbor dispute devolves into threats and suspected assault in Twentynine Palms
A man was arrested for investigation into assault after threatening a neighbor with a spike and threatening to kill his dogs.
At around 6:45 p.m. on Wednesday (May 22), County Sheriff’s Deputies received a report that two men were arguing in the 73000 block of Sunnyslope Trail in Twentynine Palms. As part of their investigation into the incident, deputies report that one of the men, identified as Marcus Burrel Jr., a 20 year-old resident of Twentynine Palms, confronted the victim about his dogs. The victim told deputies that Burrel was carrying a large stick with a metal end, and that Burrel shoved the stick into the victims ribs, then threatened to kill the dogs, before fleeing the scene towards Desert Trail.
Deputies attempted to speak with Burrel, but he was not at his residence. They contacted him on Thursday, and he was detained.
Marcus Burrel, Jr. was arrested for investigation into assault with a deadly weapon that was not a firearm, and booked into the West Valley Detention Center on $40,000 bail.
Twentynine Palms City Council discusses budget and community grants
The meeting began with a presentation to the Twentynine Palms High School Basketball Team, rewarding them with a cash reward for participating in the Recycling for Cash program. The Council then swore in the current Youth Council, encouraging the young members to amplify their voices and improve communications in Twentynine Palms.
The Council thanked Twentynine Palms High School for their partnership in the recent International Festival.
Items removed from the Consent Calendar for discussion and public hearing included proposed budget revisions for the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-2025 and inter-fund transfers, including $250,000 for the animal control shelter program. It also included a projected expenditure of $14.1 million, with law enforcement services and salaries/benefits accounting for 70% of the total operating expenses. Inter-fund transfers included $10,000 from the General Fund to the General Capital Project fund for projects, including $250,000 for the new animal shelter, $160,000 for self-funding the fund, and $10,000 for acquiring a code enforcement vehicle. An additional $35,000 was allocated for a street sweeper. The Council will hold a public hearing to review the budget on June 11.
Councilman Daniel Mintz suggested researching new funding sources as operating expenses are rising. The Council approved the proposed budget revisions.
Discussions on Item 11 of the Consent Calendar involved an approved city fee waiver policy for facility rentals, allowing up to three free rental days in a calendar year. Cindy Bernard of the Desert Trumpet asked, “Who is to determine what is Political?” She suggested revising the language for nonprofit events that advise the community of free community forums. The Council approved the current language.
The Council then discussed Community Events Grants and recommended providing $20,000 in funding.
Terence Latimer of Black Cactus, promoting the Dine 29 Food Festival and Restaurant Week event, expanded restaurant partnerships from the last meeting. The original $1,500 funding for the event was approved, with Mayor Pro Temp Joel Klink questioning why Dine 29 Food included pop-ups, food trucks, and small businesses. Latimer explained the funds would serve city restaurants, large and small, by providing advertising and promotion. Councilman Octavious Scott motioned to fund the event with $9,500, but Mayor Steven Bilderain motioned to approve the original $1,500 and discuss raising the budget later. This motion was approved.
Next, the Council considered contributions to several nonprofit agencies. Four organizations submitted applications and presented their funding requests at a mid-February workshop. The Council recommended allotting $30,000 for the Food Pantry and $20,000 for Reach Out Morongo. The proposal was unanimously approved. The $5,000 for Unity Home was tabled for revisitation, stating the importance of their services and being willing to relook at the amount purposed.
Nancy Black and Carrie Williams of Women of Color Global (WOCG) proposed to partner with the Twentynine Palms Council to build a Resilience Center on a vacant lot at the corner of Cactus and Tumbleweed. Council member Mintz questioned liability, insurance, and the vehicle purchase requested. According to the current proposal, expenses would revert to the city after three years. Mayor Bilderain expressed support for the proposal but noted that further discussion was needed because of the complexity of this 10-million-dollar request. Councilman Scott motioned for staff to consider the proposal’s feasibility, which was unanimously approved.
The meeting concluded with active community input on receiving public recommendations and City accountability.
Yucca Valley Planning Commission paved the way for further discussion for food truck vending on sidewalks, private property
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission held a third round of discussions on outdoor sidewalk displays commonly found at secondhand stores in town. The Commission drafted a list of potential regulation recommendations at previous meetings in November and May. Following a presentation by Town Staff, the Commission agreed that outdoor sidewalk displays should have a restriction on maximum footage of displays, and the permitting process should utilize the Exterior Color Change and Commercial Design Review application.
The Commission also considered potential regulations on mobile food vendors. As Town Staff presented, the California Department of Transportation will not issue any vending permit within its right-of-way; in Yucca Valley, no vendor can legally operate on sidewalks on Highways 62 or 247, the main traffic areas. In turn, the Town will not issue a permit for commercial zone vending without sidewalks, which are limited in town.
Kristy Meeler of the Happy Cooker spoke during the public comment period; she noted the challenges posed by trying to operate a mobile food vendor legally in Yucca Valley. The Commission considered her testimony and the staff’s presentation; they ultimately agreed to further the discussion of ways for vendors to operate legally on private and designated public property. One suggestion by Commissioner Henderson was along Elk Trail following its renovation to a public space via the Old Town Beautification and Sustainability Project.
Chair Gerard Noonan spoke to public comments about his owning a restaurant in the unincorporated area of Joshua Tree, as well as how food trucks have enhanced the food scene.
“I have built multiple brick-and-mortar restaurants, but I’ve also been a part of a lot of events that have a lot of food trucks. The food trucks enhanced all the events significantly. There are areas in L.A., where chefs get their start to launch new products at food trucks. The wanting of a designated food truck area in the town has a lot of merit. I know economically it has to make sense; it’s a sensitive subject, and it’s one that’s important to a lot of people.”
Lastly, Town Staff provided the Planning Commission with a demonstration of the new Geographic Information System map. This tool can be used by the public to locate individual land parcels within the Town of Yucca Valley and retrieve information about their zoning and pertinent development codes. Users can search areas by parcel number or address and can also filter by different zoning areas.
Town Staff anticipates the map will be published on a public site later this week.
“Legomation” summer class teaches computer science and engineering
If your kids want to learn computer science and robotics through the use of Lego, the Town of Yucca Valley invites you to sign up for their summer Legomation class this summer.
The Legomation class will be taught by Town instructor and S.T.E.M specialist, Gina Brown, who holds a B.A. in Child Development and an M.A. in Human Development. The sessions will teach kids 5-10 how to build their own motorized LEGO robot, teaching engineering, robotics, and coding. Computers and supplies will be provided, and participants will take their creation home.
Pre-registration is required, and enrollment is $25.00 per class, or $100 for the full series. sign up online at www.yucca-valley.org or at the Yucca Valley Community Center Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Space is limited.
Twentynine Palms Elementary teacher and student honored for excellence by Rotary
A teacher and student from Twentynine Palms Elementary School were honored for excellence by the Twentynine Palms Rotary Club earlier this month.
On May 15, the club named Tiana Bakos teacher of the month. Twentynine Palms Elementary Principal Nicole Trejo said that the kindergarten class taught by Bakos has the highest grades in math and reading.
The club also named 6th grader Kellyn French as student of the month. Principal Trejo said that Kellyn is “socially gifted” and has a high level of participation.
French and Bakos were presented with awards and gift certificates for the honors, The Rotary Club is dedicated to community service and world peace with 1.2 million members in 135 countries.
Man with active warrant attempts to enter Combat Center’s main gate, arrested
A man with an active warrant was arrested while attempting to enter the Marine Base in Twentynine Palms.
On Wednesday (May 22) just before 9 a.m., an unidentified man checked in at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center’s main gate visiting center. The man was found to have an active misdemeanor warrant in Riverside County related to possession of methamphetamine.
Personnel at the gate advised the man that he would be extradited from San Bernardino County to Riverside County on his active warrant.
San Bernardino County Sheriff’s deputies were called, and arrested the man. He was booked into the Morongo Basin Jail for extradition to the Riverside Sheriff’s Department.
Wonder Valley fire claims vacant house Monday night (5/27)
A fire claimed a vacant house in Wonder Valley last night (May 27)
A person dialed 911 to report what they described as “arson” at around 9:35 p.m. The fire was near the intersection of Valle Vista Rd and Wilson Rd in Wonder Valley.
Officials from San Bernardino County Fire say that, when engines arrived, a vacant residential structure was completely involved in fire.
They report that the fire was extinguished with no injuries to civilians or fire fighters. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
Twentynine Palms City Council talks money tonight
Tuesday evening, the Twentynine Palms City Council will gather for a public hearing on revisions to the General Fund, and discuss event grants, contributions to local nonprofits, and a possible partnership.
Tonight’s meeting of the Twentynine Palms City Council will include a public hearing on proposed budget revisions for the General Fund for Fiscal Year 2024-25. The revisions include a cost-of-living adjustment for city employees and a fund transfer for the animal shelter project.
Council will then discuss Community Events Grants and a recommendation to provide $20,000 in funding to the Dine 29 Food Festival + Restaurant Week.
Next, the council will consider contributions to several non-profit agencies. (The city allocates $50,000 annually to support local non-profit organizations.) Four organizations submitted applications and presented their funding requests at a mid-February workshop.
Finally, the council will consider partnering with Women of Color Global (WOCG) in applying for the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Environmental and Climate Justice Program. The meeting takes place on Tuesday, May 28, at 6:00 p.m. at City Hall, 6136 Adobe Road. It can be livestreamed or viewed on-demand via the city’s website, www.29palms.org.
Yucca Valley Planning Commission to consider food trucks, sidewalk sales
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission will host another review on pop-ups on Highway 62. At recent meetings in both November and May, the Planning Commission has considered ways to regulate outdoor sidewalk displays commonly found at secondhand stores throughout town. Town Staff has drafted several recommendations from the past discussions. The Commission will also consider potential regulations on mobile food vendors and trucks as operable at both special events and commercial zones. Yucca Valley doesn’t have any regulations for such vendors outside of special events; they will consider options to allow food vendors to operate on private property. The presentations are two of several considered by both the Planning Commission and the Yucca Valley Town Council related to pop-ups on Highway 62.
Town Staff will also provide the Planning Commission with a demonstration of the town’s Geographic Information System map and the Land Development Update.
Tonight’s meeting is open to the public and begins at 6 p.m. at the Yucca Valley Community Center.
“Dessert Soiree” fundraiser provides sweet new Minivan to Reach Out Morongo Basin
A hi-desert non-profit received an additional service van to assist with providing disabled and senior citizens with rides, as the result of the recent “Dessert Soiree” fundraiser event.
Reach Out Morongo Basin was the recipient of the donated Chrysler Minivan, courtesy of the Yucca Valley Sunset Rotary Club and their fundraising efforts. The van was presented to the club at the Rotary’s meeting Thursday morning (May 23)
The annual Dessert Soiree raised more than $25,000 towards the purchase of the van, which will allow Reach Out Morongo Basin to provide even more rides to those who need to get to doctor’s appointments or grocery stores. The Rotary Club thanked Bob Tenbrook of Yucca Auto Body for negotiating the purchase of the van.
The fundraiser, held in April, raised additional funds beyond the initial goal, and Sunset Rotary Club has dedicated an additional $2500 to the Boys and Girls Club for physical improvements to the facility, scheduled for the fall.
California provides renters with rights against housing discrimination
Under state and federal fair housing laws, tenants are protected against illegal discrimination by housing providers.
Here are the five most common examples of discrimination:
- It is illegal to be denied rental housing or treated differently based on your source of income, including housing subsidies like HUD Housing Choice Vouchers.
- It is illegal to be denied rental housing or treated differently based on race, ethnicity, or the color of your skin.
- It is illegal to be denied rental housing or treated unfavorably based on a physical or mental disability or association with someone who has a disability. Landlords must make reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, such as waiving a no-pets policy for an individual who requires animal assistance.
- It is illegal to be denied rental housing based on sex or gender. For example, a landlord cannot charge a higher rent or deposit because of a person’s sex or gender, nor can they engage in sexual harassment.
- It is illegal to deny rental housing to families with children under the age of 18.
If you believe you are a victim of housing discrimination, you can file a complaint with the California Department of Fair Employment and Housing or the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Legal assistance is available through the National Fair Housing Alliance and LawHelpCA.
Attorney General Bonta is committed to advancing housing access, affordability, and equity in California. Recently, he announced a $3.5 million judgment against Wedgewood, a Los Angeles county-based real estate investment company, for unlawful evictions. Last month, he created a Housing Strike Force within the California Department of Justice.
You can send housing discrimination complaints to [email protected].
The Attorney General has also launched a Housing Portal on the DOJ’s website, providing resources and information for Californian homeowners and tenants.
Joshua Tree VFW is a place for those who returned to remember the ones that did not
I wanted to talk to Veterans about memorial day, so when I contacted the Commander of the Joshua Tree VFW Post 7264 about coming down and talking to them, I pictured the same guys I would see in parades where I grew up… old timers, frankly. I was a little surprised to meet two guys around my age, possibly younger now that I think about it.
John Pellior is the Commander of the VFW Post 7264 – VFW stands for Veterans of Foreign Wars. It’s located right off Hwy. 62 down a small street called Veteran Way. The small building can be easy to miss on the west side of the street – a hand-painted sign above a small brown building and a pair of mirrored doors, one with a piece of paper taped on it that says “Now Open on Tuesday 11 – ?” It was just past noon on Monday, so I knocked on that one.
John met me at the door alongside Ben Lawless, the Jr. Vice Commander of the post. The building holds a classic bar with plenty of stools, and we sit down in an adjacent room that reminds me of a cafe at a racetrack or fairgrounds – plenty of tables with an attached kitchen for fish fries and other food that tastes best out of a basket. It’s small, and spacious and if I were a veteran, I could see myself losing hours down here.
Commander John Pellior: “A lot of people, when they come in here, maybe in the past they might have thought it was just a bunch of old guys sitting around a bar drunk… it’s not like that anymore. That perception has faded with the generational changes. A lot of people, when they come in, they feel at home.
Some people miss that… they miss the camaraderie that they had when they were in the service, they come in here and get in a conversation and they just feel like it’s a home. We call our post home, every member of this, it’s their home. A place where they can come, relax, and just enjoy themselves.”
Those members are veterans of all ages – ranging from those who served in Iraq and Afghanistan to a even few World War 2 vets. I remember growing up and seeing veterans from the VFW handing out small red flowers at parades or outside farmer’s markets.
Ben Lawless: “The poppy you are familiar with is a paper flower with a green wire stem. They’re made by disabled veterans and if you choose to donate – you don’t have to donate, you’re not buying these poppies – they’re handed out free… all of the money goes to disabled veterans supporting widows and orphans and taking care of Veteran homes.
No donation is needed – I want to stress that no donation at all is needed we’re not selling these, but come by knock on the door (of the VFW) someone will be there during business hours and we have poppies for people to wear.”
The buddy poppy is said to have sprung from the churned up fields filled with mortar shells, fallen soldiers and poppy seeds – filling Flanders Field with a now familiar flower and a small and simple reminder of those who went to war but didn’t return.
Hear “In Flanders Field” read by Ben Lawless here.
Now today is memorial day – and those who did return have a place at the VFW if you need it.
Ben: “I’d say come on down to our VFW in Joshua Tree and meet the folks. If you are an active duty service member or a dependent of an active duty service member or you have a VA card or something that shows that you are a veteran… we welcome you and we want you to become part of our family.”
The Joshua Tree VFW currently has over 300 members with about the the same amount in the VFW Auxiliary, made of up family members of Veterans. John Pellior says because of their active recruitment, Joshua Tree VFW 7264 and its Auxiliary has had some of the biggest growth in the state and even the country.
But for today – Memorial Day – they will have a small gathering in front around 1PM where “Taps” will be played as the American flag is lowered and raised in remembrance of those who have fallen.
John and Ben call it a simple ceremony – remembering those who couldn’t return home by friends, family members, and the brothers and sisters in arms that did make it back. They gather to visit, eat, drink and laugh, and to be around others who have shared an experience that most in America have not.
You can find the VFW in Joshua Tree, just knock on the door with the hand-written note and someone will greet you with a smile and a handshake – and if you want – a buddy poppy to wear.
Links:
Joshua Tree VFW on Facebook
The Veterans Crisis Hotline – Dial 988 then press 1
“In Flanders Field” by John McRae, read by Ben Lawless of the Joshua Tree VFW
“In Flanders Fields” is a poem written during the First World War by Canadian physician Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae.
It’s being read here by Ben Lawless of the Joshua Tree VFW Post 7264.
In Flanders fields the poppies blow
Between the crosses, row on row,
That mark our place; and in the sky
The larks, still bravely singing, fly
Scarce heard amid the guns below.
We are the Dead. Short days ago
We lived, felt dawn, saw sunset glow,
Loved and were loved, and now we lie,
In Flanders fields.
Take up our quarrel with the foe:
To you from failing hands we throw
The torch; be yours to hold it high.
If ye break faith with us who die
We shall not sleep, though poppies grow
In Flanders fields.
You can read more about the Buddy Poppy on the VFW’s website.
Memorial Day Ceremony tonight in Twentynine Palms starting at 6PM
The memory of military heroes who fell in the line of duty will be honored today, as part of a Memorial Day Ceremony in Twentynine Palms.
The ceremony is being put on by the City of Twentynine Palms in collaboration with the Twentynine Palms Public Cemetery District. Speakers from the community and the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center will lead the service, which will be followed by a reception.
The ceremony will take place on Monday, May 27, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at the Twentynine Palms Community Center, located at 6547 Freedom Way, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277.
MVCSD meets on Memorial Day for FEMA funding
The Morongo Valley Community Services District Board of Directors will be holding a special 2 PM meeting on Monday, May 22 in Covington Park’s. multipurpose room.
The sole item on the agenda is the “designation of applicant’s agent resolution for non-state agencies.”
For the Morongo Valley Community Services District to receive its long-anticipated payments from FEMA, the authorized agents need to be updated. It is recommended that the Board of Directors review, discuss and approve the Designation of Applicant’s Agent Resolution for Non-State Agencies.
Mil-tree garden growing community, connection, and food at Joshua Tree Retreat Center
Cheryl Montelle, founder, and visionary of Mil-Tree, received an initial grant in October 2023 to build a potting shed designed by Mia Torres, a local artist, in an area of the Historic Retreat Center that was once a self-sustaining farm in the 1940s. Recently, this area was assigned to a folk music school and garden, and the signs along the path still carry that name. The garden remains and grows through the generosity of the Retreat Center and Terry Taylor-Castillo. The current work on the garden is through Mil-Tree and grants from Yucca Valley Measure Y and the City of Twentynine Palms.
The usual day for the community to gather and work is Sunday, but people gathered last Thursday, May 23. It was getting hot by nine, but people were there cleaning up the wicking beds from the spring vegetables and preparing for the summer planting.
Montelle, always seeking ways to foster connections and support among Veterans and the Community, initiated the construction of the shed. With the shed now standing, military veterans and community members have united to further develop the cooperative garden.
The garden group, led by Crystal Wysong and Head Gardener Janet Tucker, convenes every Sunday morning, with adjusted times to combat the summer heat. This inclusive initiative welcomes everyone to participate.
Phase one of the garden was designed to utilize the Wicking Bed principle, where water stored in a reservoir is pulled into the soil by osmosis, ensuring optimal hydration for the plants. Phase One includes 23 Wicking Bed barrels.
Phase Two involves constructing a Raised Bed Garden for larger vegetables using drip irrigation. Tony Walters from the Mojave Water Agency mentors this phase of the garden and also provides guidance through online courses and site visits.
When I was at the site, Mark Grden, a retired Veteran, was working on the raised bed, shoring it up and building a frame out of donated materials to add sailcloth to protect the plants from the extreme desert heat.
The first two composting beds, covered with heavy plastic, were in various stages of decomposition. The third bed will consist of newly composted soil. The gardeners and the Food for Thought Restaurant inside the Retreat Center supply food waste.
Phase Three, beginning in the fall, involves creating and planting the High Desert Food Forest. This permaculture concept involves native and desert-adapted food-producing trees and shrubs, which do not need to be replanted each year and provide lasting food security for the community.
The gardens are a teaching tool for desert gardening and an activity that many can participate in and contribute to. Friendships and connections are created, as well as the absolute joy of getting your hands in the dirt and supporting Mother Earth.
Join the gardening efforts or come for the company. Mil-Tree is also looking for tools, gardening supplies, or money donations.
Directions to the community garden:
From the main entrance to the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, look for signs for the Folk School and follow those. You will begin to see hand-painted wooden signs for the Garden as well. Follow the signs to the west, beyond all the buildings, and curve down the hill to the old farm. Park in the shade along the Tamarisk Trees to the right of the shipping container and you should see the Garden Potting Shed to your left.
There is also a back entrance/exit to the Retreat Center. It is a bit out of the way, depending on which direction you are coming/going, but a safer way to get in/out without having to slow down before pulling out on the highway.
Once you are at the garden, it is easy to find it. You just make a right at the top of the hill when you leave the garden, instead of heading towards the Retreat Center buildings. Follow this dirt road, through the open chain link gate, and this will take you to Yucca Mesa Road, just south of Highway 62.
For more information visit Mil-tree’s website.
Free desert native plants may be hiding in your weeds
If you are like me and have been a little lazy on some of your weeding and you will be using the long weekend to get your yard weed-free, you may want to take a closer look at the grasses and winter annuals that came up. The taller, faster growing weeds can hide baby native plants that have used the wet winter to get established. This year in my backyard, I found dozens of baby creosote bushes popping up, along with tiny cholla and other cacti.
These little “volunteers” are already going to do great where they are at, since mother nature decided to do all the planting for you – you can just encourage their growth with a little water from time to time, and maybe a protective rock ring which can keep them from being trampled.
Native plants are always a great tool to landscape with here in the desert, and I’ll be encouraging the creosote and cacti to naturally spread at my house to hold onto that dirt during the murder winds, and continue to “rewild” my yard and encourage more fauna to hang out in my tiny wildlife corridor.
For native plant lovers, its worth taking an extra look through the weeds before you get wild with the hula hoe.
Links about native gardening:
Desert Gardening, from the Mojave Desert Land Trust
The Water Wise Demonstration Garden at Joshua Basin Water District
Grubstake Days events continue through the weekend
Yucca Valley’s Grubstake Days celebration is in full swing. Here is reporter Adeline J. Wells with more on the fun-filled events to check out this weekend.
The 73rd annual Grubstake Days kicked off yesterday with a Golf Tournament and Mixer at the Elks Lodge. For those who are still looking to join the celebration, there are plenty of events still on the docket for this weekend.
Today from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m, the Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Club will be putting on an event at Brehm Park called “Celebrating Community.” Here is Wanda Stadum of the Chamber of Commerce with more on the family-fun event.
“We’re going to have vendors, food trucks, motorcycles, vendors, and four car clubs on display. There will be adult water slides, a mechanical bull, miniature golf, tug-of-war, and other games; everyone gets participation ribbons. The beard contest and horseshoe contest will also be going on, and we will have camel rides and an exotic petting zoo. Two live bands will also be playing music for the event.”
The Little Miss and Mr. Miner Personality contest will also take place; the winners of the contest will lead Grubstake Days’ first Little Wagon Parade at Brehm Park.
Sunday will be the final day for this year’s celebration. The “Go for the Gold” Grubstake Days Run will start at 8 a.m. at Yucca Valley High School; there are 5k and 10k runs occurring, as well as a 2k walk. Register for the run at yucca-valley.org. The Pony Express Ride will also take place at High Noon in Pioneertown; residents can visit the California Welcome Center for a free postcard and postage to send out via the Pony Express.
“We have worked with the U.S. Postal Service to design a souvenir commemorative cancellation stamp. It has two pony riders and the dates on it. When your postcard goes through the mail at the Pioneertown Post Office it gets stamped with this special stamp. In 30 days that rubber stamp gets destroyed, and your postcard becomes collectible.”
A complete list of Grubstake Days events can be viewed on the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce website at yuccavalley.org.
