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Listen To Your News		Friday, September 7, 2012		News Archive

WELLS FARGO BANK SENDS WORKERS TO GUT THE WRONG HOUSE
A Twentynine Palms area vacation home is in ruins after a bank sent workers out to gut the wrong home. Early in July, Wells-Fargo sent subcontractors to remove the contents of a home owned by Stephen Janosik, in an unincorporated area north of the city. But while the foreclosure notice had the Janosik name, it had the address of a neighboring home in the 71600 block of Winters Road, owned by Alvin and Patricia Tjosaas. Alvin Tjosaas said the crew broke down the doors to his house and garage, smashed windows, tore down walls, and removed everything inside, including family treasures and heirlooms, tractors, golf carts, tools, his father's World War I uniform and photos, and more. Tjosaas said he had helped his father build the home 50 years ago. To make matters worse, the department of Housing and Urban Development came last week and changed the locks on the doors. HUD had gotten a copy of the same erroneous foreclosure notice. Earlier this week, Wells Fargo released a statement, saying, "We are deeply sorry for the very personal losses the Tjosaas family suffered as a result of their home being mistakenly secured and entered by an outside party hired to address a different nearby property. We are moving quickly to reach out to the Tjosaas family to resolve this unfortunate situation in an attempt to right this wrong." Alvin Tjosaas told Z107.7 News that he and his wife and a lawyer met with a Wells-Fargo representative yesterday, who personally apologized for the mistake. Tjosaas said the bank made a settlement offer, but, he said, "It's a little low." He added his family loves their home in Twentynine Palms and they don't want to give it up. They're willing to start over if Wells-Fargo offers them enough money.

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MOTORCYCLE CRASHES AND BURNS ON THE GRADE YESTERDAY
Very sketchy details on a crash yesterday on the Morongo Grade. According to Captain Nichols of the Morongo Valley Fire Department, about 4 p.m., an unidentified motorcycle rider was going northbound on Highway 62 just north of the Riverside County line when for unknown reasons, the motorcycle crashed into the concrete center divider and caught fire. Because of the location of the crash, responding units from Morongo Valley had to drive all the way to the bottom of the Morongo grade and come back up to reach the accident scene. The motorcycle was fully involved in flames when fire trucks drove by on their way down the grade, by the time the fire trucks arrived, the motorcycle was smoldering. It's believed that bystanders may have helped knock down the fire with fire extinguishers. The unidentified rider was taken by Morongo Basin Ambulance to Desert Hospital in Palm Springs with minor injuries.

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ONAGA ELEMENTARY ADJUSTS DROP OFF AND PICK OFF PROCEDURE
With parents complaining about recent changes in bus stops and schedules, and how it affects pick up and drop off, schools are trying to adjust. Reporter Kristy Lockhart says a new system starts Monday at Onaga Elementary School in Yucca Valley...
Among parents' chief complaints were reduced bus routes, and long lines for student drop off and pickup. Some parents say they have waited in line for over an hour at Onaga Elementary School. School officials say because of budget constraints their hands are tied with bus routes but they are taking action where they can. Onaga Principal Kyle Hannah says starting Monday, September 10, the school is switching car pickup and drop off to the former bus lane, right in front of the school. Mr. Hannah says it's a much bigger area and should help parents and students get in and out quicker. "Parents are asked to stay in their cars and students will be sent to their cars just like before and cars can exit when they have their kids. We'll also have the kids in the multi-purpose room and get them out of the heat, cold and on the rare occasion that it rains we won't have to have the kids out in the weather." Mr. Hannah says student safety is his main concern. Onaga uses a number system to make sure children go home with the right person. If you don't have a number you will have to go to the office and present an ID.

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MORONGO VALLEY FIRE THANKS ITS AUXILIARY
The Morongo Valley Firefighters Auxiliary holds various fundraising events throughout the year to raise money to make the fire station—the firefighters' home away from home—a little more comfortable. The Auxiliary recently bought lounge chairs for the firefighters to relax in while they watch TV, and it's also replaced the flooring and remodeled the fire station's kitchen. As a gesture of appreciation, Fire Chief Jock Johnson, with the help of the entire Morongo Valley fire crew, presented an award to Auxiliary President Glen Shepherd Thursday, to demonstrate the firefighters' thanks and appreciation for the Auxiliary's efforts to provide for the needs of the firefighters. The Morongo Valley Fire Department gets very little funding from the County, and so depends on the Auxiliary to provide things it needs to be a little more comfortable.

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AUDITIONS FOR HOLIDAY MUSICAL AT THEATRE 29 PUT BACK ONE DAY
Auditions for "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol," a musical spoof of Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol." Have been rescheduled one day later than formerly announced. Try-outs will be held Tuesday, September 18, at 6:30 at Theatre 29, 73637 Sullivan Road in Twentynine Palms. Audition "sides" are available on the Theatre 29 website at www.theatre29.org. "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol" is an outrageously funny take-off of the Classic Dickens play. This musical has 18 original songs in several different musical styles. Those trying out are reminded to prepare 16 bars of music to sing, there will be no live accompanist, so bring a backup CD or a tape, you may also bring a song to sing a capella. "A Don't Hug Me Christmas Carol" will run from November 16 through December 15. Tickets are available now online at www.theatre29.org or by calling the theatre 29 box Office at 760-361-4151.

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THIS IS DISASTER PREPAREDNESS MONTH—ARE YOU READY?
The recent earthquake swarm in Imperial County is a good reminder for residents to always be prepared for a disaster. Coincidentally, September marks the ninth annual National Preparedness Month. Reporter Dan Stork offers these reminders...
September has been declared National Preparedness Month, with the intention of urging people to get ready for all sorts of disasters, both natural and man-induced. In our area, the recent Brawley swarm should get us thinking about getting ready for earthquakes. Know the safe spots in each room in your home, under desks and sturdy tables. Learn CPR and first aid. Have a family meet-up plan. Learn how to shut off the water, electricity, and gas if lines are damaged. Secure your water heater. Is your house bolted to its foundation? Secure mirrors, furniture, and anything else that is loose that could cause injuries. Keep hazardous or flammable liquids in a secured cabinet. Practice earthquake drills, and update your disaster kit. For more information, visit www.ready.gov.

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LOCAL DEMOCRATS MEET THIS SUNDAY
The Morongo Basin Democratic Club will meet Sunday from 2 to 4 in the Aztec Mobile Home Park Club House off Church Street in Yucca Valley. Attendees will hear from community activists who aim to defeat Yucca Valley's proposed 1 percent sales tax. Also on Sunday, local Democrats will learn about upcoming candidate Meet and Greet events, and volunteer opportunities. Voter registration may be done at Sunday's meeting. Please park in designated spaces only or on Church Street. Carpooling is encouraged and may be arranged through Jim at 760-272-4361. More information, links and resources are online at MBDems.com.

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CACTUS SEWABLES QUILT GUILD MEETS MONDAY
The general meeting of the Cactus Sew-Ables Quilt Guild will take place on September 10, in the Yucca Room of the Yucca Valley Community Center, 57098 29 Palms Highway. Doors open at 12:30, meeting begins promptly at 1 p.m. September's meeting will be a celebration of the guild's 26th birthday complete with birthday cake. There will be an "over the top" show and share highlighting quilts and other projects completed over the summer. Guests are welcome. A $3 donation is required.

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JOSHUA TREE'S FIRST WASTEWATER TREATMENT PLANT LAUNCHING
A true sign of the approach of civilization, the first Joshua Tree wastewater treatment pant will begin construction next week. Reporter Mike Lipsitz has more...
A Project launch celebrating the Basin's first Municipal Waste Water System will take place in Joshua Tree September 13. A collaborative effort between Joshua Basin Water District and Hi-Desert Memorial Health Care District, construction on the package wastewater treatment plant will break ground near the hospital campus. It will be capable of handling 52,000 plus daily gallons of wastewater flow. The plant will serve the existing HDMC facilities, the Continuing Care Center, and a 23,500 square foot planned facility expansion.

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KITCHEN BUSY AT THE JOSHUA TREE VFW
The Joshua Tree VFW will be holding a fish and shrimp dinner from 4:30 to 6:30 tonight at the post on Veterans Way in Joshua Tree. Sunday breakfast is a pork chop special from 8 to 11. And don't forget Taco Wednesdays from 11 to 1.

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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 to 10 a.m. Used clothing, shoes, coats and blankets are free to those in need as supplies last. The community is invited. The church is located at 6213 East Parkway in the heart of Joshua Tree.

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FREE MEAL AND FELLOWSHIP IN 29 PALMS TOMORROW
Breaking Bread Ministry will serve up free food and fellowship from 3-5 tomorrow afternoon at the Little Church of the Desert Community Hall in Twentynine Palms. Immanuel Prince of Peace volunteers will serve hamburgers and hot dogs.

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TICKETS AVAILABLE FOR "TASTE OF THE MORONGO BASIN"
Get your taste buds ready, next weekend will be the annual "Taste of the Morongo Basin" event put on by the Joshua Tree Rotary Club. The popular charity event usually sells out. Managing Editor Tami Roleff tells you where to get those tickets early...
Will Bruce's Coyote Kitchen be the undisputed king of the Taste of the Morongo Basin? For the past three years, Bruce's catering company has been awarded the People's Choice Award of Best Restaurant in the Annual Taste of the Morongo Basin. This year's tasting extravaganza will be held Friday, September 14, at the Bell Center at Copper Mountain College in Joshua Tree. Eight other local restaurants will be trying to claim bragging rights for themselves. The Taste of the Morongo Basin is sponsored by the Joshua Tree Rotary Club, Z107.7 Radio, and Hi-Desert Publishing. Tickets are a bargain--$15 per person and include all you can eat samples from the participating restaurants. Proceeds go to scholarships for high school graduates, youth leaders, musicians and artists. Get your tickets at Farmer's Insurance in Twentynine Palms; Z107.7 in Joshua Tree; and the Hi-Desert Star in Yucca Valley.

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TWO CAR WASHES TOMORROW, SONIC FUNDRAISER FOR YVHS SOCCER
The second of three car washes to support the Morongo Basin Firefighter Appreciation and Prevention Day Picnic will be held Saturday, September 8, at the Jack in the Box parking lot in Yucca Valley. The car wash will start at 9 a.m. and go until all the cars are washed! Donations are $5 and will help fund the Sixth Annual Firefighter Appreciation Picnic in Morongo Valley on Sunday, October 7 from 10 until 3 in Covington Park.

The Joshua Springs High School Varsity Cheerleaders are having a car wash at Del Taco next to Starbucks on Saturday, September 8, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It is a $5 minimum donation, we are fundraising for this years uniforms and cheerleading equipment.

Yucca Valley High School Trojan Soccer team will hold a fundraiser Sunday at Sonic Drive-In, starting at 11 a.m. A percentage of sales will be donated to the soccer program.

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HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AND SCHEDULES
The Twentynine Palms High School Ladycats Volleyball team defeated the Banning Broncos in 3 sets yesterday. The Ladycats were led by the Brown sisters, senior Jonette had four kills, two ace serves, and two blocks, while junior sister Tusia had four kills on the night. The Lady Cats had 17 ace serves total and senior Sara Lopez had seven aces herself. Jaymee Candelaria had a fantastic passing game as did Rebecca De Guzman. All 14 girls saw playing time and did well. The LadyCats are 3-0 and travel to Cathedral City on Monday and then to the Colton tourney on Saturday.

Twentynine Palms High School Lady Wildcats Tennis Team competed against the visiting Banning High School Broncos yesterday in their second pre-season match-up. The Lady Cats defeated the Broncos 11-7. Coach Larry Battle said Summer Morning was the team stand-out. Summer got her first win as a starting singles player.

In high school sports tonight, Yucca Valley, Twentynine Palms, and Joshua Springs will all send a football team out onto the field. Both the Wildcats and Lightning will host their games at home; Yucca Valley plays Citrus Valley High School from Redlands, and the Joshua Springs Lightning will host the Cate School Rams from Carpinteria. Twentynine Palms will travel away to Aquinas High School in San Bernardino. All games start at 7 p.m.

Tomorrow's sports action includes volleyball and cross country tournaments. The Twentynine Palms cross-country team will participate in the Bronco Invitational at Cal Poly Pomona, starting at 8. Joshua Springs Volleyball will play in the Rock the Dome Tournament at home, with match time to be announced. The Yucca Valley cross-country team will take part in the Fast Back Invitational at Mount San Antonio College, starting at 7:45 a.m. And finally, the volleyball team will take part in the Desert Classic Tournament, starting at 8 a.m.

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