MAN FORGETS: WHEN HE GOT BEHIND THE WHEEL HE CANNOT REFUSE THE FIELD SOBRIETY TEST; WELL, YOU CAN, ACTUALLY BUT THEN YOUR TRAVEL PLANS DO CHANGE
A driver refused the Field Sobriety Test in Twentynine Palms. Karl Gardner reports, that in no way hindered the Sheriff’s standard op------
A fender bender in Twentynine Palms saw one driver arrested for refusing to do a field sobriety test. Sheriff Sergeant Steve Wilson said around 7:50 Thursday evening, two cars collided at the intersection of Amboy and Adobe Roads. Arriving deputies found the two cars blocking traffic on Adobe. During the investigation, the driver of one of the cars, Douglas Distefano, 29, became uncooperative and refused to submit to a field sobriety test. Distefano, who’s Mitsubishi is registered at an address in Blythe, was arrested for investigation of driving under the influence and booked into the Morongo Basin Jail. The driver of the second vehicle, Ralph Severns 22, was not held.

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STATE SENATOR ASHBORN CRAFTS LEGISLATION FOR HIGH-TECH JOB CREATION
18^th District State Senator Roy Ashburn, representing Twentynine Palms is introducing major bills to tackle state’s economic problems and operating excesses. Ashburn, alarmed at the current unemployment rate of over 10% wants his bill SB 444 to encourage major high tech manufacturers to innovate and thus generate jobs. Regarding reform: Ashcroft says, "If there is a way out of the radical Sacramento mess, it is by completely remaking the Legislature. I will be introducing a Senate Constitution Amendment this year that will produce a unicameral, non-partisan legislature." Ashcroft’s Bill 745 would bring budget negotiations back into the sunlight and mandate public and legislative input. Ashcroft knows he has his work cut out for him. "It’s going to be a busy year," he told Z107.7.

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STATE SENATOR DUTTON LOOKS TO EXPAND HOME BUYER OPPORTUNITIES
Senator Robert Dutton, represents Yucca Valley in Sacramento, is trying to expand home buyer opportunities by allowing more home buyers to take advantage of a state tax credit to purchase a new single family home. Dutton says, his amended version of SB49 would remove a funding cap on already-existing tax credit formulas. "It’s clear to us that these tax credits are working," Dutton told Z107.7, "providing a boost for those who would like to purchase a new home and help the slumping hosing market. SB 49 will let more people in on this opportunity."

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TOMORROW THE LOW-INCOME FOOD BANK WILL BE OPEN AT MULTIPLE SITES
The low-income food bank opens its collective pantry tomorrow. Dan Stork knows when and where------
The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino will distribute surplus food to low-income residents of the county during April. Monday, April 20th is the only day on which distributions will be made at sites in the Morongo Basin, in the morning at

• The Church of the Lighted Cross, at 11518 Elbow Lane in Morongo Valley, from 8 to 10
• Belfield Hall, 58380 Reche Road in Landers, 8:30 to 10:30
• The Community Center in Yucca Valley, 8:30 to 10:30
• Copper Mountain Mesa Foundation, 65336 Winter Road in Copper Mountain area, 9 to 11
• The Community Center in Joshua Tree, 9 to 11
• Sunset Village Apartments, 6036 Sunset Road in Joshua Tree, 9:30 to 11:30
• The fire station in Wonder Valley, 10:30 to 11:30, and
• The Senior Center at 6539 Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms, from 10 to noon.

Proof of income and address may be provided in a variety of ways, including self-certification on a form that will be available at each site. Recipients are requested to bring their own paper or plastic bags.

The Community Action Partnership of San Bernardino is a private, non-profit organization that seeks to serve the low-income families, elderly, disadvantaged and homeless of the county. For more information, call 909-723-1580.

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