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Listen To Your News		Friday, June 22, 2012		News Archive

WATER QUALITY BOARD SAYS JOSHUA TREE IS NEXT FOR SEPTIC CONCERNS
There weren't any surprises about the Yucca Valley sewer system requirement at yesterday's meeting of the Colorado River Basin Regional Water Quality Control Board, held in Yucca Valley. Hi-Desert Water District Board President Sarann Graham and Town Manager Mark Nuaimi both addressed the board and asked for help in getting low-interest loans and grants for the project, as well as assistance in retaining the Town's RDA funds to help pay for the wastewater treatment facility. The Board also heard a presentation about the Joshua Basin Water District, in which it was described as being "pro-active" and "ahead of the curve" in studying the effects of septic systems on its water supply. Nitrates are beginning to show up in the downtown Joshua Tree area, where the density is highest, but it's expected that recharging the aquifer would dilute the nitrate concentration so that it doesn't pose a health threat. The Joshua Basin Water District has hired the US Geological Survey to identify areas where individual septic systems can be installed – perhaps with restrictions on housing density -- and areas where such systems would present a threat to water quality. The Joshua Basin Water District expects to receive the report within a year.

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JOSHUA TREE MAC HEARS CONCERNS ABOUT PROPOSED CASINO
A full house last night at the meeting of the Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Commission, the MAC. Reporter Dan Stork says that after some routine business and recognition, speaker after speaker repeated strong community objections to a proposed Indian Casino...
Following recognition of Joshua Clean Team members and sponsors-- including Caltrans, San Bernardino County, Joshua Tree Outfitters, Park Rock Café, and Z107.7 -- and status reports by Council members and fire, police, and ambulance services, the well-attended meeting of the Joshua Tree Municipal Advisory Council was devoted to "public input on the appropriateness of a casino in Joshua Tree."

No one who addressed the issue felt that the proposed casino would be appropriate. Speakers brought up the specters of traffic, crime, loss of wildlife corridors, ground water pollution, and gambling addiction. Added to those fears is that of local aquifer exploitation, citing as a model the large Arrowhead Water Bottling plant that has operated on the Morongo Indian reservation since 2003. Speakers said that if the 130 acres in Joshua Tree, that the 29 Palms band of Mission Indians wishes to use, achieves trust status, then no jurisdiction – county, state, or federal – will be able to regulate what the tribe does with the land. Local business person and community activist Celeste Doyle urged attendees to write to officials, particularly decision-maker Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar, with many short, focused letters or emails about the negative community impacts of trust status. More than 2,100 signatures have been gathered on a petition opposing a casino. Suggestions for early dialog with the tribe were greeted largely with skepticism.

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COUNTY FIRE REMINDS US THAT FIREWORKS ARE ILLEGAL
The San Bernardino County Fire Department reminds residents that possession of any type of fireworks, including so called "safe and sane" fireworks, is against the law. On a typical 4th of July, fireworks cause more fires than any other cause. With San Bernardino County facing a dangerous wildfire season, county fire departments are increasing their vigilance in enforcing state and county fireworks laws to protect public health and safety. In the event that a fire occurs due to fireworks, those responsible for the fireworks are likely to face criminal charges and be held liable for damages. Fire officials will be issuing citations for the illegal use of fireworks, with fines up to $1,250 for the first offense, and property owners may be cited for allowing fireworks to be stored or used on their property.

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CALFIRE HAS SOME OUTDOOR GRILLING SAFETY TIPS
It is summer and that means backyard barbecues and get-togethers. Reporter Sara Snyder says CalFire has some grilling safety tips...
Now that summer is here, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection offers the following tips for outdoor grilling safety. Almost 3800 Americans are injured each year by gas or charcoal grill fires. Use your grills only outside, positioned well away from the side of the house, railings, and out from under eaves or overhanging branches. Keep children and pets away from the grill area. Periodically clean off the grease and fat build-up on the grills so it can't be ignited by the fire. If you use a charcoal grill, never add starter fluid after the fire has already been started.

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YUCCA VALLEY FIREWORKS TO BE A COMMUNITY FAIR
The Yucca Valley Fourth of July celebration will include not only be Yucca Valley's biggest ever fireworks display, but also a community fair with vendor booths. Some of the booths will include craft and artist booths, food vendors, kids' activities including face painting, games, and more. The Fourth of July celebration, co-sponsored by Z107.7, kicks off at the Yucca Valley High School football field at 5 p.m. this year, with live entertainment beginning at 6 p.m. and the fireworks at 9 p.m. Z107.7's Sam Smith will emcee the event. Bring a blanket and chairs and enjoy the show. For more information call 760-365-1988 extension 221.

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AUDITIONS FOR ANNE OF GREEN GABLES MUSICAL AT THEATRE 29
With the Blockbuster Broadway Musical "Seussical" set to open next week, the hard-working volunteers at Theatre 29 are already looking to their next production. The Morongo Basin's premiere Community Theatre has announced auditions for the musical version of "Anne of Green Gables"...
Theatre 29 and director Kathryn Ferguson have announced that auditions for the heart-warming new musical, "Anne of Green Gables," will be held 6 p.m. tonight. Thirteen singer/actors are needed for the musical; five girls between the ages of 10 and 14; one boy of the same age; three men, ranging from 20s to 60s; and four women, in their 40s and 50s. Actors should come to the audition at the theater prepared to sing, dance, and read from pre-selected sides. "Anne of Green Gables" will run for five weekends beginning August 24 through September 22. For more information, contact Ferguson at theatre29programs@msn.com, or call 760-361-4151.

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YUCCA VALLEY WATER LINE WORK WILL DISRUPT SOME TRAFFIC NEXT WEEK
Hi-Desert Water District crews will be replacing water mains on Joshua Drive between Church and Acoma starting the week of June 24 through mid July. Those vehicles using this route may experience traffic delays on Acoma and Joshua Drive. If you can, please take an alternate route, and slow down in construction zones. For more information call 760-365-8333.

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YUCCA VALLEY SUMMER CONCERT FEATURES REGGAE TOMORROW EVENING
The Yucca Valley Summer Concert Series kicks off tomorrow night. Reporter Dan Stork says the reggae sounds of "Upstream," a big crowd pleaser, starts at 7:00 pm...
Be prepared to stand up and dance Saturday night to the reggae music of the dynamic group Upstream, as they kick off this year's Yucca Valley Summer Music Festival, presented by the Town of Yucca Valley. The free show starts at 7 p.m. at the Yucca Valley Community Center ball field. The band began in the Republic of Trinidad & Tobago in 1989, and has been based in southern California since the early '90s. Reviewers have praised their harmonies, showmanship, musicianship, the danceability of their music, and the sheer fun they generate in their shows. To get a tiny taste of the treat you'll be in for, visit upstreammusic.com. You can bring your own food – but NO ALCOHOL, PLEASE -- and there will be food vendors, too. You can even bring pets, just so long as you stay with them on the upper ballfield. Media sponsors for the series include Hi-Desert Publishing and Z107.7.

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TURKEY TONIGHT, BREAKFAST SUNDAY, TACO WEDNESDAY AT JOSHUA TREE VFW
The Joshua Tree Veterans of Foreign Wars Post will be serving up a turkey dinner tonight at the post on Veterans Way from 4:30 to 6:30 for a $6 donation. Sunday breakfast will be all-you-can-eat pancakes, breakfast burritos and SOS from 8 to 11. And don't forget Taco Wednesday from 11 to 1.

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FREE MEAL AND FELLOWSHIP IN TWENTYNINE PALMS TOMORROW
Breaking Bread Ministries and Godwin Christian Fellowship will be serving up food and fellowship at the Little Church of the Desert Community Hall on Adobe Road in Twentynine Palms tomorrow from 3 to 5. On the menu is spaghetti and meatballs.

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FREE BREAKFAST IN JOSHUA TREE TOMORROW
Joshua Tree Community United Methodist Church will provide a free Community Breakfast Buffet Saturday morning 9-10 a.m. Used clothing, shoes, coats & blankets are free to those in need as supplies last. The community is invited. The church is located at 6213 East Parkway.

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