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	<title>Cactus Thorns &#187; Dan OBrien</title>
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	<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog</link>
	<description>Irreverent Barbs on Desert Politics</description>
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		<title>Are they really a good neighbor?</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32461?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=are-they-really-a-good-neighbor</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32461#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:47:29 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32461</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I am often amused at how we in 29 palms are told that MCAGCC is a &#8220;National Asset,&#8221; and how it is eager to promote growth in its host city and county. Is the base is a good neighbor and our friend? Really? What is an asset? as·set   [as-et] noun a useful and desirable thing or quality: Organizational abilityis an asset.  a single item of ownership having exchange value. assets, a. items of ownership convertible into cash; total resources of a person or business, as cash, notes and accounts receivable, securities, inventories, goodwill,fixtures, machinery, or real estate ( opposed toliabilities). b. Accounting . the items detailed on a balance sheet,especially in relation to liabilities and capital. c. all property available for the payment of debts,especially of a bankrupt or insolvent firm or person. d. Law . property in the hands of an heir, executor, or administrator, that is sufficient to pay the debts or legacies of a deceased person. Well in our case, the tail wags the dog. The base is a regular commercial paradise. Every kind of store and facility you can imagine, The place is bustling and money goes right into the hands of  Marine Corps Community Services (MCCS). All the while the majority of those who live in the basin are denied access to those commercial services. MCCS is like a velvet gloved Mafia that controls all commerce and community service activities on base in a manner that can only be considered as a government approved monopoly. While the lack of commercial competition and opportunity is one problem, an even more sinister activity is the successful control of local government and economic activity outside the gate of MCAGCC. I recently posted a letter concerning hawking and peddling by the base, which raised a few eyebrows. We have a new letter.  A [...]
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		<slash:comments>38</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>It was a good night for our side.</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32447?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=it-was-a-good-night-for-our-side</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32447#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 08 Feb 2012 06:56:25 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[29 Palms]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32447</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Ok&#8230; It was like this big &#8221;Roseanne Roseannadanna&#8221; moment for me this evening, as The Ricker guy assured me that the letter was not directed to me. It was more like a blanket form letter to those swarthy like guys who sell Phoney Ran Bans and do surveillance on the main gate so they can slip the odd IED through and plant it on the General&#8217;s Parade Ground. OK the way he explained it is far far better than the way they wrote it in the letter. What a great showing for a Planning Commission Meeting. Good crowd for three good discussions. While I&#8217;ve never considered much of what Greg Mendoza has ever pondered all that&#8230;, Tho&#8230;.he did come up with a brilliant solution to the continuing problem with the parking Ordinance  and the old downtown&#8230;..  Simple&#8230;. exempt the area. Duh!! Brilliant. So they approved a church in the old 99cent store by the &#8220;Visitor Center.&#8221; Seem like all that attended from the church were a good group of folks. A fine group of Baptists. Two fellows appear to be the pastors, really well spoken and they even gave me a prayer or two, and we all know how much I need all the prayers I can get sent that way. [...]
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		<slash:comments>19</slash:comments>
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		<title>Bagley Jumps in to 3rd District Race&#8230;.. Spits GOP</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32387?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=bagley-jumps-in-to-3rd-district-race-spits-gop</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32387#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 07 Feb 2012 04:09:21 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Bernardino Co]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32387</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Former mayor enters supervisors’ race &#124; public, race, mayor &#8211; Desert Dispatch A former three-term mayor of Twentynine Palms has entered the race to unseat County Supervisor Neil Derry in the June elections. Jim Bagley, chairman of the San Bernardino County Airport Commission, said that his broad experience in government makes him the only candidate who can effectively secure state and federal funding for the district. Bagley said that his years of public service showed that he could restore the public’s trust in government. Bagley served on the Twentynine Palms City Council from 1992 to 2004 and was elected mayor in 1995, 2000 and 2003. Bagley said he understands the issues Barstow faces because he has served as the chair of the Desert Mountain Division of the California League of Cities and represented a district containing Barstow on the Bureau of Land Management’s Desert District Advisory Board. He also has served on the Local Agency Formation Commission and San Bernardino County Associated Governments. No related posts.
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		<slash:comments>3</slash:comments>
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		<title>A History of Street Vending</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32369?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=a-history-of-street-vending</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32369#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 20:21:35 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32369</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[History of Street Vending – DC StreetVendor The history of food concessions may seem to be short but if you look at street vending through the ages you may find that it is older than you think. Street vending began with early entrepreneurs. These street venders profited from those milling around in the public markets purchasing other things. It was very popular and began to become quite common. Venders in current times have much the same philosophy as those from ancient times: take advantage of large gatherings of hungry people.One of the most influential times of history on the street vending business is that of Ancient Rome. During those times, there were many ways people had become aware of public entertainment. One of the ways that people entertained each other and themselves was during popular gatherings of the Roman Coliseum. Spectators would come to see different contests and competitions such as chariot races, sports, and circuses. While some visitors managed to bring their own goodies to eat, others didn’t. This was noticed and before long, tables were set up during competitions to feed and refresh those who were willing to pay. Breads and wines were often offered to those with an empty belly [...]
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<title>Who the hell is this Ricker Dude?</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32362?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=who-the-hell-is-this-ricker-dude</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32362#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 06 Feb 2012 16:58:10 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[29 Palms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32362</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[I was reviewing the Planning Commission agenda and came across this letter purporting to represent the United States Marine Corp and its desire to involve itself into both Local Civilian Government and a desire to limit the Free Enterprise System outside the boundaries of the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center. I don&#8217;t know who this J.M. Ricker is but I&#8217;ll tell you one thing the guy is some kind of anti business, anti-free market socialist of the first order. Who does he think he is to demand in the name of the United States Marine Corps that the City of Twentynine Palms create out of broadcloth a new Commercial Zone that excludes up to 1,000 feet from and Marine Corps Property some business people? When was the last time you heard of an exploding hot dog you dick? Now I am going to tell you something. we have a problem if the Base is going to bully local government and interfere with local commerce. Some one needs to put their foot down. I&#8217;ve been jerked around by the Base before. I&#8217;ve gotten the raw end of the deal working with MCCS and now I have to put up with this crap? Using ICE is like pissing in the wind. The City and Town [...]
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		<wfw:commentRss>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32362/feed</wfw:commentRss>
		<slash:comments>27</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>It actually is all about the Children</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32241?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=it-actually-is-all-about-the-children</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32241#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 05:33:04 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Cora Heiser & Dan O'Brien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[29 Palms]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[San Bernardino Co]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Yucca Valley]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32241</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 &#8211; 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 move students, faculty and staff to Sky High in Yucca Valley. District administrators will deliver layoff notices to 11 elementary teachers, two high school teachers and about five special education teachers. Additionally, the school district is eliminating management and classified positions at the district office and at unspecified schools. The changes should begin to take place in the next school year, Sky High School principal Ron Cox said. Superintendent Jim Majchrzak cited declining enrollment and state funding cuts to public education as reasons for the changes. In a time when it really is all about the Children, the City of Twentynine is still stuck in 2011 and trying to promote a [...]
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		<slash:comments>32</slash:comments>
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		<title>Sick Bastard Caught with 7 Year old girl in Big Bear</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32225?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=sick-bastard-caught-with-7-year-old-girl-in-big-bear</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32225#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Thu, 02 Feb 2012 03:38:18 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Big Bear]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32225</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 booked at the Big Bear Jail and is being held in lieu of $250,000 bail. Additionally, Hernandez is an illegal alien and is also being held on a no bail Title 18 Immigration Hold. Investigators believe there may be additional victims. Anyone with information is urged to contact Sergeant Roberto Lomeli of the Crimes Against Children Detail (909) 387-3615. Refer: Sergeant Roberto Lomeli Station: Specialized Investigations Division Crimes Against Children Detail Phone No. (909) 387-3615 No related posts.
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		<slash:comments>4</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>R.I.P. &#8230;.. R. D. A. 1945-2012</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32161?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=r-i-p-r-d-a</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32161#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 01 Feb 2012 08:01:55 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[General Posts]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32161</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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!!

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		<slash:comments>9</slash:comments>
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		<title>The Demise of California’s Redevelopment Agencies: The End of a War Against Ourselves</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32178?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=the-demise-of-californias-redevelopment-agencies-the-end-of-a-war-against-ourselves</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32178#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 16:31:17 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Mark Paul</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Opinion]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32178</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[SACRAMENTO BLIGHT FLIGHT &#8211; 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, groceries, clothiers, and barber shops with dentist offices and apartments above. Down the streets—canopied by the trees settlers planted to block the Valley sun—rattle trolleys, whose rails crisscrossed the area and connected it to the rest of the city. The West End was where those who did Sacramento’s rough work—picking and packing the fruit, overhauling locomotives in the nearby railyards, loading the boxcars, sweeping the floors ceased to be just needed labor and became, inconveniently, people: hungry, thirsty, horny, rowdy, lonely, sometimes lost. In civic lore, the West End is remembered, in a phrase repeated with boosterish pride, as home to “the worst skid row west of Chicago.” By 1950, the [...]
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		<slash:comments>0</slash:comments>
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		<item>
		<title>Come on&#8230;. Did you ever hear of Google Maps?</title>
		<link>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32174?utm_source=rss&#038;utm_medium=rss&#038;utm_campaign=come-on-did-you-ever-here-of-google-maps</link>
		<comments>http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/archives/32174#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Tue, 31 Jan 2012 15:35:42 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>Dan OBrien</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[News]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.vote29.com/newmyblog/?p=32174</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[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 cellular phone in their possession and were able to call Riverside County Sheriff&#8217;s Dispatch and request assistance. Based on the information provided, members of the Desert Search and Rescue Unit along with members of the Riverside Mountain Unit were activated and began a ground search. In addition, a helicopter crew from the Riverside County Sheriff&#8217;s Aviation Unit was called in to assist in the search for the missing subjects. At about 11:57 PM, the aviation unit spotted the lost hikers near the 4200 elevation point of the trail, but was unable to land. Rescuers had to be flown to the area to assist in loading the subjects onto the helicopter. Both [...]
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		<slash:comments>11</slash:comments>
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