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Listen To Your News		Friday, January 29, 2010		News Archive

SHERIFF GIVES NO NEW INFORMATION IN TWENTYNINE PALMS SHOOTING
Sheriff’s Homicide detectives are being close-lipped as they investigate a shooting in Twentynine Palms that left one man dead Tuesday night. According to Sheriff’s reports, after a brief struggle in the 71000 block of Samarkand at 8:45, a man later identified as Robbie Winnen, 48, of Rancho Cucamonga, was shot at the scene and died shortly after. An intense investigation is ongoing into the unusual circumstances and possible motives that led to the incident.

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Anna Jeanette James

HUMAN SKULL FOUND IN LANDERS IDENTIFIED AS MISSING WOMAN Authorities on Thursday identified human remains found by a dog in Landers in early December. The dog had brought a human skull to a house on Mitch Lane after playing in the desert. Using dental records, officials have concluded that the skull belonged to Anna Jeanette James, a 30-year-old Landers woman who was reported missing by her parents in October 2008. Sheriff's Sgt. Doug Hubbard said he is unsure of the circumstances surrounding James' disappearance and investigators do not know how she died. Anyone with information on James' disappearance or death is asked to call Hubbard or Detective Mike Smith at 909-387-3589.

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SHERIFF’S BOMB SQUAD CALLED WHEN SUSPICIOUS OBJECT FOUND
The Sheriff’s bomb squad was called out to Twentynine Palms after a homeowner found a suspicious object in her newspaper box. Sheriff Sergeant Steve Wilson said at 6:47 this morning, a woman went to pick up their morning paper from the newspaper box in the 5400 block of Cahuilla Avenue. The resident spied a capped pipe, 6-8 inches long, inside the box, backed away, left the newspaper and called 9-1-1. Sheriff Detective Jim Thornburg responded to the location, but was unable to tell what the object was since the newspaper covered it. The Sheriff’s bomb disposal team was called and using a robot evaluated the object, finding it was just a capped piece of pipe.

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LOCAL REALTORS SAY MARKET SHOWING SIGNS OF REBOUND
Local real estate professionals say our real estate market is showing signs of recovery. Reporter Dan says the figures are encouraging....
The local real estate market showed signs of a rebound in 2009. That’s according to Desert Communities Association of Realtors President Tony Cipolla. He said "In mid-2008, we were at a high of just over 1500 single family homes for sale in the Morongo Basin…Current inventory numbers … are between 525 and 550, which is considered to be the average amount generally seen in our area." Another hopeful trend for Realtors and home sellers is that homes sold locally went from 705 units in 2008 to 937 in 2009, a better than 30% increase. The average price increased a small amount, from $175,500 in 2008 to $179,000 in 2009. But the average number of days on the market before selling increased from 141 days in 2008 to 188 days in 2009. The Association of Realtors also reports that the rate of foreclosures has slowed, and that a demand for foreclosed properties has made it easier for everybody to sell houses.

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COMMUNITIES BRACE FOR INFLUX OF RELEASED PRISONERS
Law enforcement agencies throughout the region are getting ready for thousands of state and county prisoners returning to the streets under a new law aimed at cutting government expenses. More than 130 non-violent County jail inmates have been released since Monday and more than 1,000 others could soon join them. That's in addition to 6,500 non-violent state prison inmates who are slated for early release in the next 12 months. The state's Department of Finance estimates Senate Bill 18 will save anywhere from $400 million to $500 million annually by issuing more time-served credits for good behavior and placing low-risk offenders on unsupervised parole. The new law will only apply to low-risk inmates jailed for non-violent crimes. After release, offenders will still be subject to warrantless search and seizure. The law does not affect sex offenders, gang members, murderers or other violent criminals.

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National Park Service Photo

3.1 MILLION DOLLARS IN STIMULUS FUNDS TO IMPROVE JTNP ROADS 3.1 Million dollars in federal stimulus funds will be going to repair and rebuild roads in Joshua Tree National Park. The National Park Service awarded the contract to Cactus Transport, Inc., based in Tolleson, Arizona. The company will perform a chip seal surface and re-apply traffic markers on numerous park roads throughout Joshua Tree National Park. Certain sections of park roads will receive full-depth patching and crack sealing as well. Approximately 58 miles of the park’s 91 miles of paved roads will receive preservation treatment during the project. The contract also calls for resurfacing 35 parking areas, including parking lot approaches. Park Superintendent Curt Sauer said, "These improvements will extend the life of many park roads and parking areas and preserves the value of our national investment in the park’s infrastructure. In addition to creating jobs, this project improves visitor safety at Joshua Tree and will enhance the park driving experience." Work will begin on Monday and will continue through June.

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TWENTYNINE PALMS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE SUPPORTS DESERT BILL
The Board of Directors of the Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce approved a resolution of support for legislation to protect more of the regions deserts yesterday. Managing Editor Karl Gardner was at the meeting and files this report...
The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce threw its support behind Senator Dianne Feinstein’s proposed Desert Protection Act legislation, a move that would create a new Mojave Trails and Sand To Snow National Monuments. A representative from Feinstein’s office, along with members of the National Park Conservation Association, briefed the chamber leadership Thursday on the proposal, detailing boundaries of the new monuments, as well as removing from the protection, land set aside for commercial renewable energy development that could bring hundreds of jobs to Twentynine Palms. Key features in the Senator’s bill include an economic boon through increase tourism, a Route 66 historic corridor, and assurances that all current recreational activities allowed in the proposed areas will remain in place, such as off-roading and hunting.

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YUCCA VALLEY ROTARY LOOKING FOR 4-WAY SPEECH CONTEST CONTESTANTS
The Rotary Club of Yucca Valley is looking for contestants for their 2010 4-Way Test Speech Contest. Students from Yucca Valley, Joshua Springs and other local high schools are invited to participate in the Club’s 4-Way Test speech contest, being held in the Sanctuary at Joshua Springs Christian School, Thursday evening February 11 at 6:30. Winners will advance to mid-level Competition. For more details or to enter, call Jennifer Collins at 760-365-2420.

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CACTUS SEWABLES QUIT GUILD MEETS IN YUCCA VALLEY MONDAY
Cactus Sewable Quilt Guild will meet this Monday at the Yucca Valley Community Center. The doors open at 12:30 p.m. and the meeting begins at 1:00. The speaker will be Terri Waldron, is a well known Artist who has won awards at the National and International Quilt show. Terri recently retired after spending 43 years as an Art teacher. She will present a combination lecture and trunk show called "The Art of doing it all". If you have an interest in fiber arts, come and join the group. There is a $3.00 fee for non-members. For further information, please call Marilyn DeBord. 760-265-2455.

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CARNIVAL DAYS START MONDAY AT PARADISE PARK
The Town of Yucca Valley Paradise Park Neighborhood Center will host Carnival Dayz February 1 through 25. Enjoy a fun mix of carnival games that include ring toss, duck pond, and balloon stomp, prizes, face painting, crafts, balloon animals, cotton candy, snow cones and so much more. The center is open Monday – Thursday from 3:00 – 5:00 p.m. for children 5 to 16 there is no charge. The Paradise Park Neighborhood Center is located at 58938 Barron Drive For more information call the Town of Yucca Valley Community Services Department at 760-369-7211.

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HEAP AND WEATHERIZATION FOR LO-INCOME AT MONDAY MEETING
Low-income residents looking to take advantage of program offering home energy assistance and weatherization should plan to be at a meeting this Monday. Reporter Dan Stork tells you when and where...
The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino County brings two of its energy-related programs to the Sportsman’s Club, located at 6225 Sunburst in Joshua Tree, on Monday February 1st. The Home Energy Assistance Program, or HEAP, gives qualifying families an annual credit between $213 and $355 to apply to gas, electric, wood, or propane costs. HEAP can also give emergency assistance to those faced with a final call or shutoff notice. Required documentation includes copies of utility bills or invoices, rental agreement or mortgage statement, current picture id and social security cards, and income verifications or unemployment documentation for all adults in a household. In addition, the Community Action Partnership will hold home weatherization clinics at 8 a.m. and 1 p.m., to help low income people save money by improving the energy efficiency of their homes in a variety of ways. For more information about these programs, call 909-723-1500.

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WINS FOR JOSHUA SPRING HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL
Joshua Springs Basketball teams hosted games last night and came out with two wins. First, the Lady Lightning hosted the Riverside Prep Silver Knights of Oro Grande and came away with a 34-26 win. They were led by Hayley Hughes and Kristyn Garrido, with 15 points and 13 points, respectively. The win brings the Lady Lightning to an overall record of 8-9, staying 2-2 in league. Then the boys took the court and came away with an exciting, last second shot win 41-40. Trailing 30-22 entering the 4th quarter, the Lightning came back to win with a tip-in basket by Levi Garrido at the buzzer. Zack Ontiveros led the team with 14 points, and Garrido added 13. The Lightning Boys are now 5-8 overall, and 2-2 in league.

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SLIM LINE-UP TO MUCH FOR YUCCA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL WRESTLERS
A Slim line-up was too big an obstacle for Yucca Valley High School Trojan Wrestlers last night. The Wrestling Team competed in the De Anza League Team Finals last night at the Trojan gym. With Big Bear not able to attend due to last week's snow, the league title was up for grabs. Trojan wrestlers covering only 10 of the 14 weight classes faced an uphill battle forfeiting 12 points and 18 points, respectively, to Desert Mirage and Desert Hot Springs high schools. The obstacle proved to big to overcome as the Trojans lost to Desert Mirage 24 to 45, and then to Desert Hot Springs 21 to 59. Coach Brandon Whitbred said notable performances were given by Wendell Inghram, Logan Sackett, and Leo Munoz.

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TWENTYNINE PALMS AND YUCCA VALLEY HIGH SCHOOLS SOCCER BATTLE TO A TIE
It was a 1-1 tie as the Yucca Valley High School soccer team faced cross-basin rival Twentynine Palms High School in soccer yesterday. Trevor Vallo scored in the 1st half with an assist from Connor Hendricks. Twentynine Palms High School scored in the middle of the second half to tie the game. The Trojans kept possession of the ball for most of the game and had over 40 shots on goal. Yucca Valley High School Coach Tee Vallo said they were just not able to get the ball in the back of the net.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS SCHEDULE
It’s a cross-basin basketball contest today in local high school sports. The Twentynine Palms High School Wildcats battle the Yucca Valley High School Trojans at Twentynine Palms, the ladies tip off at 6, the boys at 7:30. And the Joshua Springs Boys basketball team is at home in Lighting Gym versus the Knights from the Academy for Academic Excellence, that game starts at 6.

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