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Listen To Your News		Wednesday, January 27, 2010		News Archive

YUCCA VALLEY MAN RAMS TWO SHERIFF’S CARS, ATTEMPTS TO KILL DEPUTY
A Yucca Valley man is in custody today after investigators say he rammed two Sheriff’s Patrol cars and attempted to kill a deputy. According to Detective Sergeant James Porter, deputies responded to a call of a disturbance in the 5500 block of Onaga Trail in Yucca Valley at 11:00 Tuesday morning. Neighbors had reported hearing a family dispute in which a window was broken and yelling was heard including the shouted threat of using a gun. Deputies arrived to find that the suspect in the dispute, Jeremy Quinones, 20, had already left the residence in a white SUV prior to deputies arriving. Quinones was found to be on felony probation due to a prior stolen property conviction. As deputies conducted their investigation, their two patrol cars were parked parallel in front of the house. Quinones returned to the area and, using his vehicle as a weapon, accelerated towards the scene directly at one of the deputies, who jumped out of his path taking cover behind one of the patrol cars. Quinones swerved and rammed the rear end of a parked sheriff’s vehicle. The force of the collision pushed the sheriff’s vehicle into the second sheriff’s vehicle. Quinones’ vehicle continued forward and struck the deputy. Both sheriff’s vehicles sustained major damage. A second deputy on scene immediately took Quinones into custody. The Deputy who was hit, a 19 year veteran of the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, sustained minor injuries and was taken to Hi-Desert Medical Center where he was treated and released, his name was not released. Jeremy Quinones was arrested for investigation of attempted murder of a peace officer and violation of probation. He was booked into West Valley Detention Center and is being held without bail.

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Jim Harris Joel Klink John Cole Steve Flock Steve Spear

TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY COUNCIL PART ONE: THE GREAT VISITORS CENTER SIGN DEBATE Another marathon contentious meeting last night for the Twentynine Palms City Council. Reporter Dan Stork breaks his report into two parts. Today, the great visitor’s center sign debate, tomorrow, the master plan... During the first hour of its regular meeting, the Twentynine Palms City Council moved through a presentation and two public hearings. First, MCAGCC liaison James Ricker and a Southern California Edison representative described a planned upgrade of the power lines going to the Marine Corps Base as part of the Grow the Force construction on the base. The speakers said that the project will also improve the reliability of electric service in the City.

Construction is slated to begin later this year, with full completion expected in 2013. The first public hearing was ostensibly about approval of a trash enclosure and façade design for the Visitor Center, but focused, once again, on the form of Chamber of Commerce signage on the building. Council member Steve Spear voiced his concern that letters attached to the stucco would result in hard-to-repair damage to the surface, following their removal, if the Chamber is no longer a tenant of the building at some future date. Members Joel Klink and Jim Harris joined with Spear in requesting staff to consider alternative sign plans, with Steve Flock and John Cole in opposition. The façade design, trash enclosure, and their funding were approved 4-1, pending resolution of the Chamber of Commerce sign issue, with Cole dissenting. A setback variance for a property on East Court Way was denied, after former Planning Commissioner Jamie Avels made an impassioned denunciation of the unsightliness and admitted code violations at the location, and of the city laxity in permitting non-conforming practices there. The vote was 2-3, with Steve Flock and Jim Harris favoring granting the variance. Then Council took up General Plan update recommendations. We’ll report on that later.

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2 ARRESTED IN JOSHUA TREE FOR DUI AND BURGLARS TOOLS
Two people were arrested in Joshua Tree for DUI and possessing burglary tools. Sheriffs officials said Sunday evening around 6:40, Deputy Brad Heard made a routine traffic stop at El Reposo Street and Oleander Drive in Joshua Tree. During the stop, Eric Hanson, 42 showed signs of being under the influence, and was taken into custody. During a search of the vehicle, Hanson’s passenger, Tamara Cave, 48 was found with burglary tools in her possession. Eric Hanson was booked for investigation of DUI; Tamara Cave for investigation of possessing burglary tools. The pair were later released.

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2 VERSIONS AFTER A DECISION ON MONITORING SUNFAIR WELLS
The Joshua Basin Water District says the case is still open, Robert Ellis, who owns 640 acres in the Sunfair area says the case is closed. Managing Editor Karl Gardner says a recent judge’s decision on access to wells is in the eye of the beholder...
A difference of opinion on a Judges ruling in a dispute between Joshua Basin Water District and a Joshua Tree land owner. The ongoing battle between Joshua Basin Water and Dr. Robert Ellis, started in 2004 when Ellis began developing 640 acres for a golf course, then an organic farm in the Sunfair area of Joshua Tree. Wanting to keep tabs on water levels in the aquifer, the district sought to meter Ellis’ wells, per a district ordinance. After five years of failed negotiations, the district filed suit to gain access and meter the wells. Judge John Vander Feer ruled that the Ordinance was within the District’s powers, but that a U.S. Supreme Court precedent required that the Ellis receive compensation for the intrusion to place meters at district expense. In an Email to Z107.7, Ellis said he won decision, however, the district said the Judge ordered both parties back the negotiating table to agree on an amount of compensation the district would need to pay to gain access to the property. Barring an agreement, the case would go to trial.

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HOSPITAL CEO GAINS PROFESSIONAL RECOGNITION
The CEO/Administrator of the Hi-Desert Medical Center has earned a top healthcare management credential. Lionel "Chad" Chadwick, Ph.D., FACHE, recently became a Fellow of the American College of Healthcare Executives or ACHE, the nation’s leading professional society for healthcare leaders. A spokesman for the organization said, "Because healthcare management ultimately affects the people in our communities, it is critically important to have a standard of excellence promoted by a professional organization, by becoming an ACHE Fellow and simultaneously earning board certification from ACHE, healthcare leaders can show that they are committed to providing high-quality service to their patients and community." To obtain Fellow status, candidates must fulfill multiple requirements. Fellows are also committed to ongoing professional development and undergo recertification every three years.

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YUCCA VALLEY PLANNING COMMISSION HEARS A VOICE OF REASON IN THE YUCCA VALLEY NATIVE PLANT DEBATE
It seems the newest member of the Yucca Valley planning commission is the voice of reason. Reporter Tami Roleff says Tim Humphreyville brought his knowledge to the native plants discussion...
The Yucca Valley Planning Commission spent two hours last night going over a draft version of the Native Plant Protection and Management Ordinance, section by section. One of the main issues of contention was whether to require native plants to be transplanted using a tree spade. Newly appointed commissioner Tim Humphreville told the commissioners he could not get an estimate from four tree companies on how much it would cost to use a tree spade to transplant trees. The commissioners then removed the requirement from the ordinance. Another issue concerned the requirement that the builder provide an annual report on the health of transplanted trees. Humphreville pointed out that for large developments, it would be impossible for the builder to keep track of trees transplanted offsite. The commissioners then changed the requirement requiring a report only for trees transplanted onsite. The Planning Commission will hold a public hearing on the Native Plant Ordinance at its February 23 meeting.

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BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB PLAN SUPERBOWL PARTY FUND-RAISER
The Boys & Girls Club of the Hi Desert is calling all football fans to come enjoy the big game surrounded by friends and family at the club. The SuperBowl fund-raiser is a family event, with children’s activities upstairs and the adult downstairs enjoying the game and other activities. The event is $20.00 per person and includes great food and snacks. A no host bar is available. Children’s activities are $2.00 per child for children over 2 that are potty trained. Reservations for the children must be made in advance. The doors open up at 1:30 on Sunday February 7, 2010 with kickoff anticipated at about 3:30. Fun games will be available for those not wanting to watch the game or before the game and at half time. For your reservation, call the club at 760-365-KIDS or see any board member.

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BIGHORN DESERT VIEW WATER AGENCY SELECTS NEW OFFICERS, REVIEWS BUDGET
The Bighorn Desert View Water Agency board met in regular session last night for reorganization and important updates. Reporter Mike Lipsitz was there and files this report...
The Bighorn-Desert View Water Agency Board of Directors elected Terry Burkhart president and Larry Coulombe vice president at its regular meeting in Landers last night. Under advisement of Agency legal counsel, General Manager Marina West was picked to be treasurer. The elections and committee appointments topped the agenda following a closed session conference. With the reorganization in place outgoing president Mike McBride passed the gavel to Burkhart who presided over the remainder of the meeting. Among the first orders of business was a mid-year review of the agency’s 2009-2010 budget presented by the newly elected Treasurer. The review showed Agency expenses slightly over budget, this offset by revenues well in excess of forecasts. Board member McBride commended the general manager for her part in moving the Agency into the black after years of operating in the red. In other business, the board heard an overview presentation on the Ames Valley Water Basin Agreement, again by General Manager Marina West. West reviewed the history and parameters of the Ames Agreement stressing the importance of looking ahead to the area’s changing water demands, how those demands could necessitate an amendment to the Ames Agreement, and likely role of the Reche Recharge Sub-basin in managing the region’s water requirements.

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TWENTYNINE PALMS WATER DISTRICT MEETS TONIGHT IN ROUTINE SESSION
The Twentynine Palms Water District meets tonight, Managing Editor Karl Gardner checks a routine agenda...
A rather routine agenda faces the Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors, meeting this evening at District Offices on Hatch Road starting at 6. Items of interest on the water docket include approving the purchase of a Sodium Hypochlorite Generator for the Fluoride Removal Plant, selection of a district representative for the County Association of Special Districts and a mid year budget review. In fire business following the water meeting, the board will hear a mid-year budget review of the Fire Department, along with the fire chief’s and finance reports.

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YUCCA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL GIRLS BASKETBALL THROTTLES DESERT HOT SPRINGS
The Yucca Valley Lady Trojan basketball team used a balanced attack to throttle Desert Hot Springs 68-17 last night in a De Anza League contest. Coach Jess Geeson said filling the stat sheet was sophomore Latreya Ross who hit 9 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, passed for 5 assists and had 6 steals while junior Tabitha Vigen added 12 points on a night were she was recognized for getting her 1000th career varsity point. Seniors Sierra Smith and Madison Cardamone added 12 and 10 points respectively for the girls who next travel to Twentynine Palms on Friday for a critical league match. Game time for JV is 3 p.m. with varsity getting underway at 6 p.m.

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WINS FOR JOSHUA SPRINGS BASKETBALL
Joshua Springs Varsity Basketball teams hosted the Bethel Christian Eagles of Lancaster, and both came away with successful wins. Lady Lightning improved to 7-9 overall, including a 2-2 league record with a 36-16 win over the visiting Eagles. Scorers for the Lightning included Kristyn Garrido, with 17, Marcelle Allenbach 8, Hayley Hughes 6, Nicole Barker 4, and Chelsea Stencel added 1 point. The Lightning Boys improved their league record to 2-2 as well as a 4-8 overall record with a 76-24 win over the visiting Eagles. Erik McClay led the way for the Lightning, finishing with team highs in points, 20 and rebounds 11. Also having major contributions were Levi Garrido 10 points, 3 blocks, and Ryan Green coming off the bench to score 14 points for the Lightning.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULES
Basketball leads the way in high school sports today. The Twentynine Palms High School boys’ basketball team is at home versus the Desert Mirage Rams, and the Yucca Valley High School Trojan boys’ basketball team hosts the Desert Hot Springs Golden Eagles in Trojan Gym, both games start at 6:30. The Joshua Springs High School Lighting boys’ basketball team is at home versus the Silver Knights of Riverside Preparatory School, that tip off is at 6. Tomorrow it’s a cross basin battle between the Yucca Valley High School Trojans and Twentynine Palms High School Wildcat soccer teams at Twentynine Palms High School. The girls take the field at 3:15, the boys at 5. And the Joshua Springs Lady Lighting basketball team is at home versus the Silver Knights of Riverside Preparatory School, that game begins at 4:30.

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