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Listen To Your News		Monday, March 8, 2010		News Archive

JOSHUA TREE MAN KILLED IN ROLLOVER CRASH LAST NIGHT
A single vehicle rollover crash killed a Joshua Tree man last night. The Country Coroner said around 9 Sunday Kevin Alan Korcha, 44 of Joshua Tree was driving north on Joshua Lane from Navajo Trail in Yucca Valley, in a 1998 Dodge truck. Korcha lost control of the truck and it overturned. County Firefighters responded and had to cut Krocha out of the Pick-up using the Jaws of Live. No other vehicles involved. Kevin Korcha was pronounced dead at the scene. The San Bernardino Sheriff's Department is investigating.

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IT'S OVER, YUCCA VALLEY SUPER WAL-MART GETS THE GREEN LIGHT
A green light has been given by environmental groups to build the Super-WalMart in Yucca Valley. An agreement between several environmental groups and the giant retailer has been reached, that could allow plans for the new Super center to go forward 2 years after the Town Council approved plans for the new store. A letter to Yucca Valley Officials from the Center for Biological Diversity, that sued the Town over its Environmental Impact Report in 2008, says they have reached a negotiated settlement. As part of the settlement WalMart has agreed to install rooftop solar panels, incorporate high efficiency and sustainability measures into the building design, design hybrid air handling and evaporative cooling systems, use LED lighting where possible, and institute a comprehensive recycling program. In addition, WalMart agreed to contribute $120,000 to the Mojave Desert Land Trust, and retain a consultant to prepare a Retail Strategies Report to assess the Town’s retail sector and measures to preserve economic vitality. Lastly, the agreement allows the environmental groups the right to endorse initiatives that restricts or prohibits new discount superstores in the town. Town officials were not available for comment.

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17 YEAR OLD BLOWS HIS HAND OFF WITH HOMEMADE BOMB
A Yucca Valley boy blew a hand off playing with home made explosives Sunday afternoon. Sheriffs’ officials said around 1:40, 9-1-1 dispatchers received a call from the Desert View Conservation area in Joshua Tree, from a teenage boy reporting he had just blown his hand off. He was having trouble breathing while communicating with 9-1-1- dispatchers, Deputies along with county fire responded to a make shift campsite on Onaga Trail about 2 miles East of Quail Spring Road. 4 juveniles at the scene told deputies they had some home made bombs using ammonium oxide, one of the devices exploded causing massive hand injuries to the 17-year-old. The unnamed boy was treated at the scene then flow to Desert Hospital in Palms Springs. Witnesses said the explosive devices emitted a strong and unusual odor. The sheriffs’ Arson and Bomb squad was called in to investigate.

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SUSPICIOUS FIRE DESTROYS GARAGE AND CARS IN 29 PALMS
A suspicious fire destroyed a garage and two cars in Twentynine Palms last night. Twentynine Palms Fire Chief Jim Thompson said around 11:23 the Twentynine Palms Fire Department responded to a fire at a home in the 6100 block of Baileya Avenue. Arriving firefighters found the attached garage fully involved in flames, two vehicles in the driveway burning and threatening the rest of house. Quick work by Twentynine Palms firefighters, with help from Combat Center and Wonder Valley firefighters, had the inferno under control in 30 minutes preventing the flames from causing major damage to the rest of the house. A single resident, at the home escaped unharmed. Damage to the home, contents, and a vehicle was estimated to be $70,000. The cause of the fire is being called suspicious. Sheriff’s Arson and Bomb detectives are investigating.

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ARE YOU READY TO SURVIVE THE NEXT EARTHQUAKE?
The recent tragic, catastrophic earthquakes in Haiti and Chile should be a serious wake-up call to those of us here in earthquake country. In part 1 of a 2-part story. Managing Editor Karl Gardner asks if you are ready to survive an earthquake...
It sometimes takes something drastic to make us take notice. The Recent earthquakes in Haiti and Chili, and smaller temblors locally underscore the importance of individual preparedness. While California’s Emergency Management System is the envy of the country and volunteer Community Emergency Response Teams are in place to provide assistance after a major earthquake, County fire officials say it’s up to each and every person living in quake prone areas to make sure you are ready. Yes California is the leader in developing and using seismic building codes. However, earthquakes will happen and damage will occur. There is no such thing as "earthquake proof". If you are ready for the next major earthquake, you’ll not only help yourself and family, you’ll be a resource to your community. Tomorrow, we will go over a few items that will help you get ready before the next major shake.

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CHP TO SERVE WARRANTS TO DUI FAILURE TO APPEARS
California Highway Patrol officers will seek out and serve warrants to people who have been charged with driving under the influence but failed to appear in court. Morongo basin CHP Public Information officer Rob McCloud said in an effort to encourage traffic safety and hold drunken drivers accountable, warrants will be issued by the court for an arrest. Those with outstanding DUI felony and misdemeanor arrest warrants will be sought by designated teams of CHP officers. Officials are expecting to serve more than 6,000 warrants statewide by September 30. Anyone who has an outstanding DUI warrant has the option to turn themselves in as well, officials said.

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Jebidiah Stipe

TWENTYNINE PALMS MARINE DENIES HE ARRANGED RAPE A marine from the Twentynine Palms Base has pleaded not guilty to arranging the rape of an ex-girlfriend over the Internet. Jebidiah Stipe faced 5 felony counts in a Wyoming courtroom, this week. Prosecutors say Stipe posted an ad on Craigslist, claiming to be a Wyoming woman looking to carry out an aggressive sexual fantasy. When Ty McDowell responded, Stipe gave him his ex-girlfriend's address. McDowell also pleaded not guilty to rape charges. The Marine Corps says Stipe was in the process of being discharged at the time of his arrest.

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PUBLIC SHOWS CONCERN WITH BURRTEC MOVE AND EXPANSION
Yucca Valley area citizens, especially those near Skyline Ranch Road are showing concern about a move and expansion for the Burrtec waste facility. Reporter Tami Roleff was at a recent Development Review meeting and files this report...
About a dozen residents showed up at a Development Review Committee meeting to express their concerns about Burrtec’s plan to move its office, maintenance and recycling center to a new facility on Skyline Ranch Road in Yucca Valley. At Tuesday’s meeting, Burrtec explained that the yard would be at the most northern part of the 7½-acre site, and would be screened by fencing and vegetation. Some residents expressed concerns about a school bus stop being near the trucks’ turn-off road. Town staff said they would address the issue with the School District and Burrtec said its drivers are very cognizant of schoolchildren. Questions were also raised about night lighting ruining the dark skies. Burrtec assured those present that its lighting would comply with Yucca Valley’s lighting standards. Once Burrtec submits all the required studies, plans, and permits to the Development Review Committee, it will go before the Planning Commission. The Planning Commission, not the DRC, will ultimately decide if the project goes forward.

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JOSHUA TREE MAC CONCERNED WISH SECTION 33
The Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Council the MAC, met in a special session last Thursday to discuss what to do about section 33, a square mile bordered by Alta Loma, the highway, La Contenta, and the cemetery. While the property had been being developed into 2700 homes, it is now in foreclosure. On Friday reporter Dan Stork talked about trying to buy it, today he reports about concerns with illegal grading and dumping...
In addition to a multifaceted discussion on the status of the soon-to-be auctioned Section 33, the Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Council touched on several other issues of strong local interest. These include recent instances of illegal grading. MAC member David Fick focused on a case where a large water storage tank owned by the Joshua Basin Water District is in danger of being undermined. He urged the county to greatly increase fines as a deterrent. 3rd District Field Representative Alan Rasmussen said that the replacement of court actions with administrative fines is helping County Code Enforcement to reduce its backlog of cases. Incoming MAC chairman Steve Whitman described extensive illegal dumping in Section 33. Whitman spoke sorrowfully and emotionally, ""We’ve got people living here that just – treat the desert like – well, like dirt". Community members urged the use of the next MAC meeting as a forum for the airing of views stakeholders on all sides of the Off Highway Vehicle issue before the Board of Supervisors take up revision of the current OHV ordinance. Caltrans was lambasted for the current dangerous condition of the pavement of Route 62 between Joshua Tree and Twentynine Palms. All of these issues can be expected to turn up for further scrutiny at future MAC meetings.

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ART RECEPTION FOR PAT FLYNN AT TWENTYNINE PALMS CITY HALL TOMORROW
Twentynine Palms Art in Public Places at City Hall features an exhibit of spring wildflowers and cactus blooms by Twentynine Palms artist Pat Flynn for March-April 2010. The public is invited to meet the artist and view the show at a reception in her honor on Tuesday, March 9, from 5 to 6 p.m., preceding the City Council meeting at Twentynine Palms City Hall. Flynn, is known locally for her floral paintings and greeting cards. Flynn specializes in desert wildflowers, flowering cacti, desert animals and hummingbirds, and works primarily in watercolor, pastel, and colored pencil. She has exhibited at the Twentynine Palms Art Gallery and The Gallery in Big Bear Lake, is a past president of Action Council for 29 Palms, and chaired the first "Mural in a Day" project for the city in 2002. The Art in Public Places exhibit is sponsored by the City’s Public Arts Advisory Committee and is on display through April 29. The show is available for viewing at Twentynine Palms City Hall, Monday through Thursday, 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.

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BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB SEEKING BOARD MEMBERS
The Boys & Girls Club of the Hi Desert have three openings on their board of directors. Board members work with the staff of the club to oversee the fiscal and programming procedures and interested persons should have an interest in community service, youth services and an ability to give of time and talents. A willingness to help fundraise and work on committees is preferred. Applicants can contact Executive Director Kari Grimes, by March 18 and apply. For information call the club at 760-365-5437.

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TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR MARCH 20TH FIREFIGHTERS AWARDS DINNER
Ten Firefighters from 10 Different local, county, state and federal fire agencies will be honored by two of the area Rotary Clubs this month. Reporter Mike Lipsitz says tickets to the prestigious award ceremony are available right here at the Z107.7 studios...
You’re invited to show your support for area firefighters at the Annual Firefighters Awards Dinner at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center, Saturday, March 20 at 6 p.m. Continuing a longtime tradition, the Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley Rotary Clubs team up to host this prestigious event to honor the best firefighters from ten area stations. Distinctive trophies and resolutions including "Firefighter of the Year," will be awarded from Federal, state, County, and local jurisdictions followed by dinner and a dance. Your $25 donation will help defray expenses for the celebration which the Rotary Clubs provide firefighters at no charge. The event is not a fund-raiser. Excess funds, if any, will go to area Fire Explorer programs. Get your tickets, available in advance only, here at Z107.7 studios across from the Post Office in Joshua Tree, or call the station at 760-366-8471.

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TWENTYNINE PALMS HIGH SCHOOL BASKETBALL GET DE ANZA LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP NODS
The 2010 All De Anza basketball league Champions have been announced and players from the Varsity Twentynine Palms High School basketball team are getting high honors. De Anza League Champions include League MVP Junior Juwan Rice, 1st team Senior Robert Caldwell, Junior Jarin Rice and Sophomore Chris Fui Fui. Named the 2nd team was Senior Aaron Anderson and Honorable mention went to Senior Osbaldo Chavez. Coach Larry Bowden said "Congratulations to all for a good season."

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS ACTION
The Twentynine Palms High School Wildcat boys’ baseball team will be in action all this week, traveling away to Calimesa competing in the Mesa Grande Tournament through Friday.

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