Cactus Thorns

Hi-Desert Water District President Sarann Graham heading to Sacramento to attend a 2 hr Gala Reception at Ella’s Dining Room and Bar located in the downtown district of Sacramento using ratepayer funds! Yucca Valley, Ca.- It must be tough growing old and having missed the opportunity of being an important lobbyist working in Sacramento or Washington. This was never my dream but apparently Hi-Desert Water District President Sarann Graham, a career politician, still dreams of the “Big Top.” A self pro-claimed “Political Junkie,” her words, not mine, she enjoys ...

Some Events at the Hammers

February 2, 2012

By Mike Hawkins

I got this in an email from Betty, President Johnson Valley Improvement Association… The lead-up to the Griffin King of the Hammers 2012 is in full swing. By tomorrow, Hammertown will be complete, safety briefings and technical inspections will have begun, and the multitude of sponsors and vendors of equipment, parts and food will be doing a brisk business under the big top and on Vendor Row. The schedule features the new “Everyman Challenge” with stock and modified stock vehicles on Sunday, Feb. 5, and the KOH Last Chance...

Statement by Assemblyman Cook on California Running Out of Cash

February 2, 2012

By John Sobel

SACRAMENTO- Assemblyman Paul Cook (R-Yucca Valley) expressed alarm regarding the State Controller’s announcement that California is running out of cash. According to Controller John Chiang, the state will run out of money by March 1 if no immediate action is taken to reduce spending. The state has spent $2.6 billion more than allocated in last year’s budget agreement. Chiang stated that without an additional $3.3 billion in revenue, the state will be unable pay its bills come March 1. Without remedy, the state will be forced to issue IOUs...

Celebrate Super Bowl Sunday With Safe and Sober Driving

February 2, 2012

By Officer Eric Brewer

The big game can mean big fun for football fans everywhere; however, rather than waiting until the fourth quarter to designate a driver, have a plan in place before the festivities begin. “We hope everyone can enjoy the fun by designating a driver before the game begins,” said Morongo Basin CHP Area Commander Lieutenant Tim Tompkins. “The safety of your family, friends, and other motorists should be your priority.” Last year on Super Bowl Sunday, CHP officers throughout the state arrested a total of 452 motorists for driving under the influence, and unfortunately, two...

Kwappenberg Nominated for Planning Commission

February 2, 2012

By Joseph Turner

SAN BERNARDINO, CA – Supervisor Neil Derry announced today that he would nominate Theresa Kwappenberg to the Planning Commission for the Feb. 7 board meeting. Kwappenberg is a well-respected and long-time resident of Redlands with extensive experience and knowledge about planning rules and procedures. She previously served as a commissioner from 1997-2006 and also was president of the California County Planning Commissioners Association. “Planning matters have an enormous impact on the future of our communities and their residents,” Kwappenberg said. “I believe in following the rules and documents and...

It’s a Win-Win for Local Schools and Copper Mountain College

February 2, 2012

It’s a Win-Win for Local Schools and Copper Mountain College

The full text accompanying this graph can be found at this pdf Link. Legislative Analyst Report – California 2011-2012 Budget (scroll down 5 pages). The use of property tax increments laundered through the old draconian redevelopment agencies before being euthanized is staggering: 58% went to redevelopment agencies. Now, however, the Legislative Report estimates schools and community colleges will receive over half the revenues with the demise of redevelopment agencies. Legislative Analyst Report – California 2011-2012 Budget (scroll down 4 pages). This just may stave off another local tax increase...

It actually is all about the Children

February 1, 2012

By Cora Heiser & Dan O'Brien

With the report of the temporary closure of Monument High School and the Layoff of 18 teachers by the desert trail reporters Jimmy Biggerstaff and Courtney Vaughn: Budget woes close Monument High School temporarily – The Desert Trail: News: morongo unified school district, education, budget cuts, sky high school, monument high school MORONGO BASIN — Morongo Unified School District is temporarily closing one school and eliminating 18 teaching positions. The school district announced Wednesday afternoon, Feb. 1, it will close Monument, the alternative high school in Twentynine Palms, and...

Arts & Business Roundtable set for Feb. 23, 2012, in Twentynine Palms

February 1, 2012

By Vickie Waite

The Public Arts Advisory Committee (PAAC) of the City of Twentynine Palms and the Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce are teaming up to host a community Arts and Business Roundtable on Thursday, Feb. 23, from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. This free event is open to the public and will be held at the Community Center, 74325 Joe Davis Drive, across from Luckie Park in Twentynine Palms. The purpose of the evening will be to provide an opportunity for individuals, artists, business owners, civic groups, and non-profit organizations interested in...

In LA it was, “Free At Last, Free At Last.”

February 1, 2012

By Tim Cavanaugh

Plaid Revolution: Citizens Celebrate Death of Redevelopment – Hit & Run : Reason Magazine “Free at last!” exclaimed a Los Angeles gadfly as victims of eminent domain flocked into L.A. City Hall to celebrate the abolition of California’s redevelopment agencies. Today is VR day, the date on which the Golden State’s more than 400 redevelopment agencies must dissolve themselves. In Los Angeles, the Community Redevelopment Agency (CRA/LA) will lay off 192 employees, leaving behind nothing but destruction,wasteland, and bad debt. Many cities are in even worse shape than L.A. Today the East...

Sick Bastard Caught with 7 Year old girl in Big Bear

February 1, 2012

By By Tom Lochner, Contra Costa Times

On Friday, January 6, 2012 deputies from the Big Bear Station responded to a report that a seven year old female had been sexually molested on numerous occasions by Jorge Hernandez-Oropeza, 34 in 2010 and 2011 while being babysat by Hernandez’ mother. The Crimes Against Children Detail assumed the investigation. The investigation revealed two other victims who reported being molested by Hernandez in 2001. On Thursday, January 26, 2012 Crimes Against Children detectives arrested Hernandez for PC 288(a) – Lewd and Lascivious Acts with a Child Under 14. He was...

And so the Defaults on Tax Allocation Bonds Begins

February 1, 2012

Hercules defaults on redevelopment bond payment – San Jose Mercury News The Hercules Redevelopment Agency is in default on a $2.4 million bond interest payment due today. “It was inevitable there would be a default because there’s not enough tax increment,” City Manager Steve Duran said late Tuesday after a session in Contra Costa Superior Court in Martinez with the bond insurer, Ambac Assurance Corp. The redevelopment agency’s bond debt obligations have exceeded revenue from property tax increments in recent years, and as of this week, the agency’s non-housing...

Eminent Domain Abuse Comes to an End in California

February 1, 2012

By Christina Walsh

Eminent Domain Abuse Comes to an End in California

Friends: We are sure you’ve heard the exciting news—California’s redevelopment agencies officially closed up shop today! Your advocacy over the years has shined a glaring spotlight on these agencies’ habitual abuse of eminent domain. Redevelopment has threatened thousands of homes, businesses, churches and farms with condemnation, not for roads or post offices, but for politically-connected developers. Some of you receiving this e-mail have been able to defeat the unholy alliance of tax-hungry governments and land-hungry developers. Others of you have lost what you’ve worked so hard to own to...

Federal Workers Overpaid, and CBO Agrees

February 1, 2012

By Mike Brownfield

Here’s some news that federal bureaucrats in Washington — and indeed around the country — don’t want to hear: According to a Congressional Budget Office (CBO) report released this week, federal workers are paid higher than their private-sector counterparts. The “alarming news” hit the national media yesterday, but there’s a funny thing about the report. None of it is really “news” — in fact, The Heritage Foundation long ago uncovered the truth about federal pay. The CBO’s report this week was spurred in part by two years of work on federal compensation conducted by Heritage and...

R.I.P. ….. R. D. A. 1945-2012

February 1, 2012

By Jodi Callahan, Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce

At 12:01 AM February 1st 2012 the switch was turned on California Redevelopment Agencies. After several minutes of smoke and the smell of burning flesh, the RDAs were declared Dead!!

A Foul Attempt to Weaken ‘Three Strikes’

January 31, 2012

By Paul Cook

Some criminals never learn. Neither do those who think the answer to our prison problems is to become lenient on hardened criminals. How? By weakening our landmark “Three Strikes” law. Despite all good sense and statistics, they continue to push changes to undermine it. Assembly Bill 327, which just passed the State Assembly, is the latest attempt to weaken Three Strikes. This terrible piece of legislation states that the third offense must be as heinous as the previous two offenses, a concept as dangerous as it is misguided. Our...

Grand Opening of Whitakers Art Supplies

January 31, 2012

The Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce invites you to attend a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this Saturday, February 4, 2012 for Whitakers Art Supplies. The ceremony will take place at 10:00am at 5684 Historic Plaza in Twentynine Palms. The store offers items for scrapbooking, sewing, beading, painting, drawings, teachers’ supplies, and much more. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, just write it down on the wish list near the door and Dawn, the owner, will try to get it for you. There is even a section for those...

YVRWF Scholarship Application

January 31, 2012

By Vickie Culver

Yucca Valley Republican Women Federated is offering a scholarship contest to assist all graduating high school seniors who can demonstrate their ability to think constructively on matters affecting our government. Public, private or home school students are eligible. The essay topic, “What the US Constitution means to me.” The essay should reflect the applicant’s knowledge of the Constitution and what it means to all US citizens. The winning essay award is $750. The winning essay will then be sent for review for County competition for the Charlotte Mousel Scholarship from...

Brad Mitzelfelt for U.S. Congress

January 31, 2012

By Brad Mitzelfelt

Dear Friend: I am contacting you personally to let you know that I have officially announced my candidacy for the United States Congress in the new 8th District of California. Im running for Congress because our country has fallen on hard times and Washington is in desperate need of reform. As the elected Supervisor of Americas largest county district and Immediate Past President of the transportation commission (SANBAG), Ive successfully fought to bring much-needed infrastructure to our region and set the stage for economic growth. I have also...

The Demise of California’s Redevelopment Agencies: The End of a War Against Ourselves

January 31, 2012

By Mark Paul

SACRAMENTO BLIGHT FLIGHT – The city of Sacramento, my adopted hometown, has always been at war with downtown blight. Do I exaggerate? It will not seem so to most Sacramentans, we who have arrived here, by birth or by choice, since city fathers first rolled out the big guns of redevelopment in 1950. It started in the West End, the neighborhood sandwiched between the State Capitol and the Sacramento River. In old pictures, the West End is a jumble of Victorian houses, brick hotels, bars, eateries, garages, machine shops,...

Come on…. Did you ever hear of Google Maps?

January 31, 2012

On Sunday, January 30, 2012, at about 6:45 PM, officers assigned to the La Quinta Police Department were dispatched to a report of two lost hikers in the area of the Guadalupe Trail, South of the La Quinta Cove. The father and son duo had set out on a day hike, wearing light clothing, and were not properly dressed or equipped for an overnight hike. The hikers became disoriented and lost the trail, when they reached an area where brush had overgrown the trail. The hikers did have a...

Don Kemby Throws in the Towel

January 30, 2012

How can you express ones feelings for the very closest of friends? How can a guy like me show the absolute honor for that friendship. How can a lowly guy like me show just how much I love that old man. My Surrogate father, my mentor, my friend, Mr. Donald Kemby Esq. Friends if you have not been sent this email, I am about to share what can be both the most inspiring and sad news I have heard in many years. A legend in the Legal Profession, Attorney to Los...

Correcting a Report: New Senate Boundary lines to stand

January 30, 2012

It was reported last week here on Cactus Thorns that the Local Senate Boundry was ordered by the State Supreme Court to revert to its existing boundary lines. That Report was inaccurate and we wish to correct the story and apologize to any of our readers who might have been confused. This will mean that we will not have a senate seat representing our area for some period of time. We’re not here to judge if it is fair we just wanted to correct the story. California high court backs panel’s new state...

The Fat Lady Clears Her Throat, Judge says NO WAY RDA!

January 29, 2012

By Peter Hecht

Judge refuses to halt demise of California redevelopment agencies – Sacramento News – Local and Breaking Sacramento News | Sacramento Bee A Sacramento Superior Court judge Friday refused to stave off the elimination of more than 400 local California redevelopment agencies, rejecting arguments that the Legislature violated the state constitution by cutting off their funding. Judge Lloyd G. Connelly’s ruling on two lawsuits by 12 cities means the agencies stand to be dissolved by Wednesday. His refusal to grant a stay in the cases handed another victory to Gov. Jerry Brown, who has counted on the elimination of redevelopment...

(Twentynine Palms City Council) Hey Guys, Thanks For Listening.

January 29, 2012

By Cora Heiser

Admittedly, I haven’t attended the last two city council meetings, but I have read the coverage and results of said city meetings. So I base my right to write this article on the past year of experience with the city council and my fight against Redevelopment Agencies and the bonds they issued. The main issue is who has the City Council been listening to? Not the property owners of the full steam ahead Project Phoenix. Not the citizens that have expressed opposition to the bonds and the expanded Project...

County offers free prescription discount cards for all residents

January 29, 2012

County offers free prescription discount cards for all residents

County offers prescription discount program for residents vvdailypress.com (01-28-12) , Staff Reports SAN BERNARDINO • San Bernardino County residents can now participate in a prescription drug discount program, which the Board of Supervisors recently approved. Residents can print out a free discount card at www.coast2coastrx.com/sbc. Cards will also become available at most local pharmacies, libraries and many county facilities when the program takes full-swing in a month or so, according to a county press release (emphasis added). The Coast2Coast Rx card will allow all county residents to participate, regardless...

Cruising for a bruising February 1st fast approaches

January 29, 2012

Come Wednesday local government as we know it will cease to exist. Redevelopment and the schemes that redevelopment brought will be gone. Things that in our case 29 Palms has brought to the table in since Jan 1, 2011, can and will be contested by those who will set on the Oversight Board, that will as of February 1st be in charge to the Successor Agencies. What about that bond? Those bond issues passed during the period that the State forbid such activity expressly to Launder redevelopment money from potentially the Morongo Unified...

Travelin’ HDWD Directors using our Public Funds!

January 28, 2012

Yucca Valley, Ca.- Opinion. Get out your air sick barf bags because the Hi-Desert Water District Board of Directors wants to jet around from here to there on your dime! At the last meeting there was an “Emergency” item placed on the agenda because Staff just received notification of a conference relating to water issues that would be taking place before the next meeting. This conference was approved, this ONE TIME, to authorize the Directors to attend and be paid $125 daily, meals, mileage, taxi and often hotel accommodations....

Yucca Valley Town Staff- Who’s Next?

January 28, 2012

Yucca Valley, Ca.- Long time employees are being culled from the herd…some disappearing without warning or courtesy notification from Town Manager, Mark Nuaimi. One friendly and hard working employee received a 5 year longevity pin and the following week read the advertisement to hire a replacement for that position. Familiar names like Christine, Jeannie, Peggy, Keith were shown the door in a move to save money for the town. These fine employees did not receive any small token “Award of Appreciation” for their past contributions to our community. ...

Yucca Valley, you shall have a Senator

January 28, 2012

Remember the story posted in December tattling on the newly-drawn redistricting plan whereby Yucca Valley was to be without a Senator for two years? Hard to believe: taxation with representation and its egregious Constitutional encroachment. The California Supreme Court estopped it. “The court’s decision, written by Chief Justice Tani Cantil-Sakauye, was unanimous.” State Supreme Court to leave boundaries intact for Senate races Los Angeles Times (01-27-13) The California Supreme Court, faced with a possible ballot measure to scrap newly drawn election districts, decided Friday to leave the boundaries in place...

FDA seizes nearly 14% of U.S. imported orange juice

January 28, 2012

FDA seizes nearly 14% of U.S. imported orange juice

“ Coca-Cola spokesman Dan Schafer declined to comment Friday except to say, “All our products are safe and wholesome, and consumers can enjoy them with confidence. ” “FDA seized shipments it tested that had a minimum of 10 parts per billion of carbendazim. The agency said the highest level of carbendazim discovered was in a shipment that came from Brazil — it had 52 parts per billion.” FDA seizes nearly 14% of imported orange juice over fungicide By Matt Stevens, Los Angeles Times (01-27-12) Nearly 14% of orange juice imported...

3 Injured in JT chain reaction accident

January 28, 2012

By Officer Eric Brewer

On January 26, 2012 at 2:55 p.m., George Stewart, 66, of Joshua Tree was riding a 2009 Yamaha motorcycle westbound on State Route 62 near White Feather Road. For unknown reasons, Mr. Stewart collided into the rear of an unknown type vehicle causing him to fall over and be ejected onto his left side. Timothy Scott, 45, of Glendora, was approaching the collision scene westbound as well in his 2011 Ford F-150. Mr. Scott attempted to stop his Ford truck in an attempt to avoid the downed motorcyclist and...

Its Opening Wednesday Feb 1

January 28, 2012

Save-A-Lot will be hosting a neighborhood preview on Wednesday February 1 from 4:45-8pm. The United States Marine Corps Color Guard will be in attendance to lead the National Anthem at 4:45. At 4:50 the Twentynine Palms Chamber of Commerce will conduct a ribbon cutting ceremony welcoming Save-A-Lot to Twentynine Palms. The store manager, Alisha Riddle, will then welcome attendees and say a few words about Save-A-Lot and how they are committed to contributing to the local community. Save-A-Lot will be presenting a $2500.00 donation to the 29 Palms Food...

Stolen Vehicle, Stolen Firearm, Felon with a Firearm

January 27, 2012

Stolen Vehicle, Stolen Firearm, Felon with a Firearm

On Thursday, January 26, 2012, at about 10:31 P.M., a deputy from the Cabazon Station was on routine patrol in a vehicle equipped with the Automated License Plate Reader, (ALPR), when he observed a Honda traveling at a high rate of speed through the roundabout intersection of Apache Trail and the I-10. The vehicle stopped near a gas pump of the Morongo Travel Center, located at 49020 Seminole Dr., Cabazon. The deputy’s ALPR notified him that the vehicle had been reported stolen out of Redlands. A high risk traffic...

Desert Star Poll: Should Residents Support an Increase in Sales Tax…

January 27, 2012

Desert Star Poll: Should Residents Support an Increase in Sales Tax…

The Hi-Desert Star is conducting an interesting website POLL. I think the Poll inaccurately reflect that residents do not support the proposed increase in sales tax. Had the right question been asked, I think the Poll would reflect that residents do support the tax increase. Should Yucca Valley residents support a 1 percent sales tax to help pay for the sewer system? 1. Yes: 37 % 2. No: 61% 3. I’m not sure: 2% Although the POLL serves a good purpose, it falls short of the most important query...

Cultural Center & Morongo Basin Rotary Clubs Announce 2012 Music Scholarship & Regional Winners

January 26, 2012

By Hi-Desert Cultural Center

Cultural Center & Morongo Basin Rotary Clubs Announce 2012 Music Scholarship & Regional Winners

JOSHUA TREE, CA – The Hi-Desert Cultural Center’s Desert Music Foundation celebrated the 10th Anniversary of its Scholarship Concerts and Recitals by awarding $800.00 in music scholarships on Saturday, January 21st at the Center’s Blak Box Theater. The first place scholarship award went to vocalist Sasha Reavis from Palm Springs; second place went to violinist Hannah Yaghoubian from Rancho Mirage; and third place went to pianist Alyssa Peacock from 29 Palms. In addition to the three scholarships awarded, twenty-one participants performed in front of a live audience, of which...

Larry? Can you hear that Fat Lady yet?

January 26, 2012

Senate leader shoots down redevelopment extension A bill that would delay the elimination of the 400 community redevelopment agencies in the state does not have sufficient support to pass by the Feb. 1 deadline, the leader of the state Senate said Thursday. “It’s not going to happen,” said Senate President Pro Tem Darrell Steinberg, D-Sacramento. He and Assembly Speaker John Perez, D-Los Angeles, were skeptical about the effort to keep the redevelopment agencies functioning, and Gov. Jerry Brown is against the bill. Leaders of cities had been trying to fashion a compromise with...

Two bond rating agencies rap California’s scramble for dissolution of economic development agencies

January 26, 2012

Two bond rating agencies rap California’s scramble for dissolution of economic development agencies

“The Fontana City Council was also expected Tuesday night to approve its list of all obligations that will flow to the oversight board as part of AB 1X26, the bill that is dissolving city redevelopment agencies.” And what is City Hall doing in 29? The San Bernardino Sun, as viewed in InlandPolitics.com By Jim Steinberg (01/24/2012) The Fontana and Rialto city councils scrambled on Tuesday night to approve measures paving the way for a Feb. 1 deadline for the dissolution of their redevelopment agencies. Meanwhile, because of the complexity...

Judge upholds ACLU lawsuit over charging students certain fees

January 26, 2012