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Listen To Your News		Friday, June 3, 2011		News Archive

COURT RULES FOR JOSHUA BASIN WATER DISTRICT IN LONG DISPUTE AGAINST DR. ROBERT ELLIS
The Joshua Basin Water District has won a long-running legal dispute against Dr. Robert Ellis of Earthwise Farms, who owns 640 acres in the Sunfair area, over their right to monitor his wells. Judge Frank Gafkowski, Jr., handed down a "Statement of Decision" Thursday clarifying the steps required for Ellis to drill and maintain private wells. Ellis accesses Joshua Tree's aquifer through four of his five wells. Based on an ordinance and state law, Ellis must obtain permits for each of his four operational wells from the Joshua Basin Water District; allow meters to be attached to his wells; allow monitoring of the water meters; allow the District take routine water samples; and allow the water district to have unhampered access to the wells during business hours. The Judge said "This is not a case of eminent domain but an effort to impose a permissible restriction on development." Ellis first challenged the District's authority to monitor his wells in 2004. They came to the District's attention when Ellis announced plans to develop a golf course resort on Sunfair Road in Joshua Tree. The four completed wells would have the capacity to pump as much water as is used by the entire Joshua Basin Water District. The District does not restrict the amount of water that can be "beneficially used" by Ellis on his property but needs to know how much water is pumped out of the aquifer so they can plan accordingly.

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CHP REMINDING LOCAL DRIVERS TO KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS
It is a driving rule that most of us seemed to have forgotten. Managing Editor Tami Roleff says the local CHP is reminding motorists to keep right except to pass. Due to the high volume of complaints, the California Highway Patrol is reminding motorists to drive in the right-hand or slow lane unless preparing for a left turn or overtaking a vehicle traveling in the same direction. Too often, motorists drive in the left-hand or fast lane alongside another vehicle at the same speed for a considerable distance with no intention of passing or turning, thus creating a moving road block. This impedes traffic and has been identified as not only a traffic congestion problem but as a potential road rage issue as well. CalTrans is also aware of the traffic complaints and associated traffic issues. The Morongo Basin Area CHP has requested CalTrans to place signs along State Route 62 which read KEEP RIGHT EXCEPT TO PASS to remind motorists of the law.

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HOUSE FIRE IN YUCCA VALLEY LAST NIGHT
Fast work by Yucca Valley firefighters put out a house fire in last night. Fire officials said about 10:30 last night they were called to the 57300 block of Encelia Drive where they found the house fully involved in flames. While the fire was put out within 30 minutes, the home was completely destroyed. One firefighter suffered minor injuries. The cause of the fire is suspicious and is under investigation.

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YUCCA VALLEY TRAFFIC STOP RESULTS IN DRUG POSSESSION ARREST
A traffic stop Wednesday in Yucca Valley resulted in an arrest for possession of methamphetamine. Sheriff's spokeswoman Arden Wiltshire said about 10:50 Wednesday morning, a Sheriff's deputy pulled over a maroon Saturn near the intersection of Bannock Trail and Santa Fe Trail in Yucca Valley. Wiltshire said during a search of the car and the occupants, Tara Brown, 30, of Yucca Valley, was found to be in possession of methamphetamine. Tara Brown, who has been convicted multiple times for illegal drug use, was arrested for investigation of felony possession of narcotics, booked in to the Morongo Basin jail, with bail set at $25,000.

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SMALL EARTHQUAKE RATTLES REGION YESTERDAY AFTERNOON
A small earthquake rattled our region yesterday afternoon. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the 3.2 magnitude temblor hit at 4:39, 20 miles north northwest of Yucca valley. There were no reports of damage or injuries.

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ALZHEIMER'S SUPPORT GROUP FORMING
An Alzheimer's support group is forming locally. Reporter Mike Lipsitz tells you how to get involved. The Hi-Desert Home Health Services Alzheimer's Support Group has information on caring for people with dementia and the resources available to help. A family consultant from the Inland Caregiver Resource Center will cover the topic at the June 10th meeting which begins at 11 a.m. at the Hospice of Morongo Basin on the Highway between Hillview and Sunset in Joshua Tree. For more information, contact Peggy Kennedy at 366-6424.

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LAST DAY TO FILE FOR TWENTYNINE PALMS WATER DISTRICT BOARD
Today is the last day to file for a seat on the Twentynine Palms Water District Board of Directors. Following a successful mail-in ballot election two years ago, that saved the district $17,000 in election costs, the district is again conducting a mail-in ballot election for 2011. Two seats are opening up on the board, belonging to Directors Nick Bourikas and Sam Moore. The filing period for Twentynine Palms Water District candidate closes today, June 3. District officials said the Ballots will be mailed out between August 1 and 20, and need to be returned by August 30. For more information on filing, call the district at 760-367-7546.

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COOK BILL TO DISQUALIFY INDICTED OFFICIALS APPROVED BY SANBAG
A bill by Assemblyman Paul Cook of Yucca Valley, to disqualify elected officials indicted in criminal corruption probes from regional boards gained the support of the San Bernardino Associated Governments this week. The law AB 309, would require those officials to step down from appointed boards or commissions following their indictment. Boards or commissions that have members under indictment risk being barred from receiving federal funds, this includes the San Bernardino Association of Governments (SANBAG). The bill would affect County Supervisor Neil Derry, who represents Yucca Valley and Joshua Tree. Derry faces felony and misdemeanor charges for allegedly failing to report a $5,000.00 campaign contribution that prosecutors believe was laundered through a political action committee controlled by disgraced former Supervisor Bill Postmus. Derry has recused himself from Sanbag decisions, leaving our area underrepresented. Under current law, there is no mechanism to allow a board or commission to remove indicted members who refuse to step down.

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DMV NOTICES A VICTIM OF STATE BUDGET GRIDLOCK
DMV registration notices are falling victim to the state's budget gridlock. California drivers whose registration and vehicle license fees are up for renewal starting in July may have noticed they didn't get the usual mailed reminder from the Department of Motor Vehicles. That's because state lawmakers have yet to decide how much to charge for those renewals. The eventual rate hinges on whether state legislators let voters approve proposed tax extensions. California drivers pay an annual licensing fee equal to 1.15 percent of their vehicle's value under the current, increased tax rate. If those tax extensions expire, the fee will fall back to 0.65 percent starting in July. Drivers whose registration must be renewed in July will have until the end of August to pay without a late fee.

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RIVETING REPTILES AT HI-DESERT NATURE MUSEUM NEXT WEEK
A great opportunity to find out more about our reptile neighbors in our corner of the California desert. Reporter Derwood Andrews says a special talk will be offered next week at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum in Yucca Valley. Reptiles are all around us here in the desert. From scurrying lizards, to scary snakes and wise old tortoise. On Thursday June 9th at the Hi-Desert Nature Museum, biologist Stefanie Ritter gives a FREE entertaining and informative talk on the awe-inspiring world of reptiles. Starting at noon, this is the first of the 2011 Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series that continues every second and fourth Thursday, June through August. Call 760-369-7212 or visit Facebook for details.

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BREAKFAST AT COPPER MOUNTAIN MESA TOMORROW
Tomorrow morning is the First Saturday Breakfast at the Copper Mountain Mesa Community Center, 65336 Winters Road in North Joshua Tree; from 8 am to 11 am. Coffee, juice, eggs your way, potatoes, pancakes, sausage, bacon, biscuits and gravy can be had for $4.50 fro adults, $2.00 for children under 10. This will be the last breakfast until September.

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BAKE, TAILGATE, AND PLANT SALE IN LANDERS TOMORROW
A Bake, Tailgate and Plant Sale at the Landers Association tomorrow from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. at Belfield Hall. This social event features a bake sale with tasty candy, cookies and cakes. Local tail-gaters are selling their unneeded items at bargain prices. Green and healthy plants acclimated to the area will be sold by the Hi-Desert Garden Club as a fund raising event. Activities are happening in air-conditioned comfort inside the building or the fresh-air outdoor parking lot. For information, to drop off donations or reserve a space, call the Landers Thrift Store at 760-364-2676. Belfield Hall is located one block east of the Post Office in Landers on Reche Road.

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CACTUS SEWABLES MEET MONDAY
This Monday, Cactus Sewables Quilt Guild will celebrate Spring/Summer with a picnic honoring those members who have served our country. Meeting will be in the Yucca Room at Yucca Valley Community Center. Doors open at 12:30, meeting begins at 1 p.m. There will be a display of Patriotic Quilts and other Red, White and Blue items. Come join in the fun and dress to match. A $3 donation is requested of guests.

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SURF CAMP OFFERED THIS SUMMER IN SAN DIEGO
An opportunity to learn a new sport and have some fun this summer…. ROP Broadcast student Aubrey Vitro says, how about Surf Camp?. Are you looking for a fun summer activity? How about surf camp? San Diego surf school's day camp is fun, safe, and educational. San Diego Surf Camp teaches kids ages 6 to 17 of any skill level. San Diego Surf School Day Camp teaches ocean safety and environmental awareness as well. So, if you're interested in improving your surf skills or learning how to surf, please visit www.sandiegosurflesson.com

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FREE BREAKFAST IN JOSHUA TREE TOMORROW
Joshua Tree Community United Methodist Church will provide "God's Gift of Love" FREE Community Breakfast Buffet EVERY Saturday morning 9-10 a.m. Children's activities are provided during the breakfast. The community is invited. The church is located at 6213 E. Parkway in the heart of Joshua Tree.

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CAR WASH TO BENEFIT TWENTYNINE PALMS PALMS BIBLE BAPTISTS YOUTH
Twentynine Palms Bible Baptist youth will hold a car wash tomorrow from 8:00am to noon at Little Caesar Pizza on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms.

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