Saturday, April 27, 2019

MAC Meeting, May 13.

Our new Third District Supervisor Dawn Rowe has reconstituted a Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council (MAC). The new members have been approved by the SBC Board of Supervisors, and their first meeting will be Monday, May 13, at 5:30 p.m. at the Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst Street in Joshua Tree.

Steve Reyes is the new MAC delegate from Wonder Valley, replacing Teresa Sitz who served almost 4 years. Prior to Ms. Sitz the MAC delegate was Max Rossi, of Godwin Christian Fellowship.

Please attend the MAC Meeting and show support and meet our delegate, Steve Reyes.

WVCC May Schedule.


The Wonder Valley Community Center will be closed from Saturday, May 4 through Tuesday, May 14.  The  WVCC will reopen on Wednesday, May 14. The schedule for May 2019 follows:

Saturday, May 18, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Living with Snakes, with Jane Fawk

Tuesday, May 21, 9 a.m. to noon
USDA Food Distribution

Wednesday, May 22, 11 a.m. until the food runs out
Salvation Army Food Distribution

Wednesday, May 22, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.
Mobile Medical Unit, Morongo Basin Healthcare District

Shootout on Blower Road.

From Sheriff's Calls, Hi-Desert Star, Saturday, April 27, 2019

Wonder Valley
Attempted Murder, 3500 block of Blower Road, 7:06 p.m.
"Two groups of people were arguing and it became physical. Men from one group threw bottles at the other group, one of whom took a gun from the  back of a silver vehicle and fired four shots. He accidentally shot one of his friends. Both groups got into their vehicls and fled, wtih the shooter and victim in the same vehicle. Deputies checked local hospitals but they had not gotten any patients with gunshot wounds."

Local reports are that the people were young -- late teens or early 20s, and that the altercation may have been due to a fender bender that escalated. Five sheriff's vehicles responded, along with a helicopter, that searched for the men in the neighborhood.

Thursday, April 25, 2019

High Desert Soundings.


Starts 11 a.m. on May 10, through 11:59 p.m. on May 11, 2019.
The Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley, California 92277

Hosted by High Desert Soundings

TICKETS ON SALE NOW! ALL TICKETS INCLUDE CAMPING PASS!
https://highdesertsoundings2019.bpt.me
https://www.gofundme.com/high-desert-soundings-2019

High Desert Soundings is a unique music festival dedicated to bringing together musicians, performers and sound artists from across the spectrum of experimental sound practices. Featured artists draw from styles including but not limited to new and contemporary concert music, free jazz and improvisation, noise, drone and outsider ‘pop’ music. The festival takes place outside of the Joshua Tree region of the Mojave Desert in California, and thus provides a unique space for artists and audiences to experience the often demanding and immersive works we present.

High Desert Soundings 2019 will take place on May 10th and 11th and will feature exciting artists like Wolf Eyes, Sarah Hennies, David Dunn, and Palberta.  Most performances will be at the Palms Bar and Restaurant in Wonder Valley, where an outdoor stage, cheap drinks, delicious food, and free on-site camping provide the setting for mesmerizing performances. There will also be a special offsite event featuring performances from David Dunn and Jeph Jerman which will offer the audience the opportunity to engage with the landscape of the High Desert. Our goal is to present the kinds of artists we believe to be representative of a continuously expanding and complexly interwoven contemporary musical landscape. 
https://www.highdesertsoundings.us/
2019 Artists:

Wolf  Eyes
Sarah  Hennies
David  Dunn
Palberta
Happy  Valley  Band
Vinny  Golia
Carolyn Chen
Jeph  Jerman
Zachary  James  Watkins + Russ Peacock
Erik  Carlson
Less  Bells
Merz + Victoria Williams
William  Roper + Danny  Frankel
Les  Temps  Barberes
Hidhawk
Casey  Anderson
Kevin  Good  playing  Matt  Sargent's  'Ghost  Music'

Improv at The Palms.


Improv comedy workshop at The Palms!
Hosted by Kevin Bone and Heather Clisby
Class size is limited! Please RSVP by e-mail to palmsliveevents@gmail.com.
Cost: donation. Suggested $5 - $15. Whatever you're comfortable with.

This is the second workshop of hopefully many, taught by Heather Clisby, who has worked with people of all ages and experience (or lack of it!). We guarantee that you're going to have fun at this. Please RSVP and join us!!

Noon to 3 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2019

Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley, California 92277

Caregiver Peer Support Group.

Are you a caregiver caring for a loved one at home? Do you need help coping or need advice on how to make life a little easier? Reach Out Morongo Basin is for interested participants to attend a group in Twentynine Palms.

Caregiving can be a tough and isolating experience but caregiver support groups are filled with people in similar situations that get what you’re going through. These informal groups are a great place to ask for advice, find out about useful resources or just vent about your frustrations. Nobody will judge you because everyone is going through the same struggles.

There is no instruction manual for being a caregiver and being forced to learn everything by trial and error is hard. Our caregiver support group will give you an informal place to learn techniques from someone else’s experience.

If you are interested in participating in please call Reach Out Morongo Basin at (760) 361-1410 or (760) 369-8671.

Learn to ID common desert snakes.

Photo from last year's event.
Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and participate in the event:
LIVING WITH SNAKES, with retired park ranger Jane Fawke
11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, May 18, 2019
Wonder Valley Community Center
80526-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277

LIVING WITH SNAKES
Retired Park Ranger Jane Fawke will present on Living with Snakes. She will talk about identifying local venomous and non-venomous snakes, creating habitat, and will leave lots of time for Q&A. You will leave this event with a better ability to identify local snakes, and knowledge of how to safely co-exist with them.

Ms. Fawke will be bringing live, non-venomous snakes for you to see, and to help you learn to better identify them. She will be bringing a:
  • California Kingsnake
  • California Mountain kingsnake (which often gets confused with a Coral snake which are in AZ, not CA)
  • Rosy boa
  • Gopher snake
  • Long nosed snake
  • Glossy snake
  • and a special GUEST STAR!!!
All snakes will be displayed in secured, heavy-duty, plastic containers. There will be no handling of snakes by anyone. Snakes will not be removed from their containers, which will remain closed throughout the visit.

Jane Fawke volunteers as a hike leader for the Wildlands Conservancy, and gives outreach presentations for the Mojave Desert Land Trust. She is very familiar with CA fish & game laws which she will also discuss.

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and participate.

Arroyo Rogers CD Release.


Arroyo Rogers CD Release
7:30 – 11 p.m.
Saturday, April 27, 2019
Palms Restaurant
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley, California 92277

SINGLE WIDE is out. 
Come hear us play it live along with 
olde country favorites and cool originals by Kip and Lisa. 
Let us give you something to drink about!
We'll have a good time, with CDs and T-Shirts for sale 
so bring your dancing shoes and your dollar bills.
Opener added: 
Paul Cullum, tall tale singer from down Dallas way. 

5th Annual All Summer's Eve Desert Rendezvous, 2019

5th Annual All Summer's Eve Desert Rendezvous!!!!
Come join us at 
The Palms
83131 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA! 

May 3, 4, 5 - we're doing two nights again this year!

Doors are at 5pm on Friday, the 3rd

$15 TICKETS for one night, $30 for both nights // $25 pre-sale tix available on our website:
https://www.allsummersevedesertrendezvous.com/


Work/trade available for the actual willing who are as cheap as we are and don't want to fork over bucks.
Donations! gladly accepted from you generous souls who can swing it and who want to support local and traveling musicians and artists while at the same time helping to keep the door price chill so that those on a tighter budget can still afford a good time. you can donate on our website or at the door. your contributions in any amount are greatly appreciated.

FREE CAMPING!

NO OTHER STORES/RESTURANTS FOR AS FAR AS THE EYES CAN SEE. BRING CASH. BRING WATER. BRING YOUR TENTS AND PJS.

The Palms serves dinner as well as an amazing brunch on Sunday morning starting at 9:00 am. - and just for us they're going to do brunch on Saturday too!

Sarah Harris AKA - MC PETRA FRIED will be back on the mic as the most host of the evening. 
Back too is - DJ HEARTBREAK USA!!! keeping the air alive and well between sets.
- also back by popular demand is BEYOND HOPE KARAOKE!!!
- AND this year projections with GLEN STEFANI!!!

We got the WAY WAY Stage again too! Generator powered flat-bed monster truck in the back-back!

RAFFLE! to help increase funds to the bands and keep the door fee mellow. Tix will be $5 and prizes will be from a handful of awesome purveyors of cool stuff!

ASEDR V, 2019 SCHEDULE OF PERFORMANCES

* after the names in following schedule is a letter in parenthesis indicating the stage aka the location of that performance.  

P = The Palms Stage / inside    
S = Sunburst Stage / outside the Palms    
W = Way Way Stage / outside/out back - truck stage 
F = The Far Out Stage / outside/out back-back - power hook up at trailer 

Friday, May 3rd - doors at 5:00 pm, 

1.  5:00 Other Desert Radio // Grant Earl Lavalley w/intro/national anthem - 60 mins.  (S)
2.  6:00 AT & The Fantasy Suites - 30 mins. (S)
3.  6:45 Hush Arbors - 30 mins. (W)
4.  7:30 The Sibleys - 45 mins. (P)
5.  8:30 The Blank Tapes - 45 mins. (S)
6.  9:15 Spirits of Dawn - 30 mins. (W)
7.  10:00 Earth Girl Helen Brown - 45 mins. (S)
8. 11:00 Clarke and the Himselfs - 30 mins. (P)
9. 11:30 BATT - 30 mins. (W)
10. 12:00 General Baby - 60 mins. (S)
11. 1:00 Z Band - 30 mins. (S)
12. 1:30 DJ Dance Party w/ Other Desert Radio - ?? mins. (S)


Saturday, May 4th - doors at 9:00 am

1.  10:00 MTN GRL - 60 mins. (W)
2.  11:00 The Clouds - 60 mins.  (P)
3.  12:00 Mia Valentini - 60 mins. (W)
4.  1:00  Cheverolet Pile - 60 mins. (P)
5.  2:00 I Wonder What This Sounds Like - 60 mins. (W)
6.  2-5:00 Beyond Hope Karaoke - 3hrs. (P)  
7.  4:00 Joseph Kenneth Digs A Hole - 45 mins. (F)
8.  5:00 Derek Monypeny - 45 mins.  (W)
9.  6:00 Throttle Experience w/Linda Sibio and Chiara Giovando - 30 mins. (P)
10. 6:30 Young Celery - 30 mins. (W or F)
11. 7:00 Teton - 45 mins. (S)
12. 8:00 TJO/JMY - 30 mins. (F)
13.  8:30 Wildlife Freeway - 35 mins. (P)
14.  9:15 Flying Hair - 45 mins. (S)
15.  10:00 Golden Slipper - 30 mins (F)
16.  10:30 MERZ - 30 mins. (P)
17.  11:00 Amenta Abioto - 45 mins. (S)
18.  12:00 Libra Divas - 30 mins.  (W or P)
19.  12:30 Downstairs Mixup - 30 mins. (S)
20.  1:00 Fyne Artist // Bby Shamu // Pop Star Nima - 90 mins. (S)
21. 2:30 DJ Dance Party w/ Other Desert Radio - ?? mins. (S)

Glass Outhouse Art Gallery, May 4, 2019.


Art Dialogue Art Group
Bonnie Brady, Janis Commentz, Dian Shay Diehl, Anane Levinson, Hiroko Momi, Suzanne Ross, and Ester Shaw
Art Exhibit opening from 5 - 8 p.m., on May 4th
at The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery
77575 Highway 62 at Thunder Road
Wonder Valley, CA, 92277





Another World
an exhibit of the works of
Paula Long and Douglas O. Smith
Opening reception from 5 - 9 p.m., May 4th
at The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery
77575 Highway 62 at Thunder Road
Wonder Valley, CA, 92277


Salvation Army Food Distribution.

The Salvation Army Food Distribution takes place starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, May 22, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277. The Community Center is located between the Fire Station and the palm tree cell tower.

The distribution is first come first served, and ends when there is no more food. The distribution is open to Wonder Valley residents, who self-certify on site. No documentation is required, though you will need to fill out a form the first time you attend.

The distribution will be “shopping style.” You will take what you like from a selection of food from Trader Joe’s. Please be mindful that people behind you need food, as well, and only take what you need. There may also be a selection of fresh fruits and vegetables.

We're sorry, but picking up for other people is not allowed.

USDA Food Distribution, MAY 21, 2019.


The USDA Food Distribution will begin at 9:00 a.m. on TUESDAY, May 21, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277. The Community Center is next to the Fire Station.

Low income Wonder Valley residents self-certify on site. No ID or other documentation is required. You may pick up a box for one neighbor, or they may pick up a box for you, IF you present a signed pick up form. One pick up per person. Pick up forms are available online at http://tinyurl.com/wv-pickup-form. They are also available at the WVCC on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., and at the information kiosk at the WVCC the week before the event.

For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9880.

The text below is required.

Nondiscrimination StatementIn accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA.

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English.

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by:

(1) mail: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights
1400 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410;

(2) fax:
(202) 690-7442; or

(3) email:
program.intake@usda.gov.

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Desert Trail Column - April 25, 2019

Morongo Basin Healthcare District’s Lift Transportation Services provides free, non-emergency transportation to and from medical appointments. For further information, call 760-820-9229 or 760-366-5438.
Wonder Valley’s new Morongo Basin Advisory Council delegate is Steve Reyes, a former police officer with the Los Angeles Police Department. Steve is very conscientious and will do a great job.
Donna and Pappy Parsons celebrate all their years together this week. Happy anniversary, Pappy and Donna!

Karen’s Commentary: According to Susan Doggett, local biologist and licensed wildlife rehabilitator, all wild birds except for English house sparrows and European starlings are protected by state and federal law. The Migratory Bird Treaty Act of 1972 prohibits individuals from possessing wild birds (including bird parts, feathers and eggs) without special permits. It is also unlawful to harass or deliberately destroy the nests of protected species. The State of California Department of Fish and Game and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service are the law enforcement agencies responsible for enforcing this law. The current fine for intentionally harming or possessing a protected bird is $1000! So think twice before picking up those feathers and/or eggs to show everyone – that may be a costly act.
Darlene’s Commentary: Last Friday I tuned in to a local radio station for the Up Close show with Gary Daigneault. He was talking about people painting and defacing Giant Rock in Landers. It is the world’s largest boulder, and is a desert treasure. Giant Rock is apparently on BLM land, with no patrols or supervision. It should be protected from vandals. I wish someone could purchase the land around Giant Rock and construct a building that would house a souvenir and gift shop plus a meeting room. Sales of postcards, maps, desert books, etc could fund ongoing maintenance for Giant Rock, and a group of volunteers called Giant Rock Rangers could educate visitors about this desert and its wonders. What do you think?
Food for Life Ministries prepares and serves delicious hot meals free of charge every Saturday from 3 to 5 p.m. at Church of the Nazarene, 72603 Juanita Drive in Twentynine Palms. If you are unable to get into town for these meals, Reach Out Morongo Basin may deliver these hot meals to your residence. Call 760-361-1410 for further information.


Handy Hint: Inspect for leaks at windows and doors with a lighted incense stick. Sealing those leaks could cut your heating and cooling bills by one-fifth!
Today’s Thought: “My heroes are Larry Bird, Admiral Byrd, Lady Bird, Sheryl Crow, Chick Corea, the inventor of birdseed, and anyone who reads to you even if she’s tired.” – Big Bird

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Wednesday, April 24, 2019

Refer Madness.

The Salvation Army came to the Wonder Valley Community Center today with their NEW refridgerated truck -- we were its premiere voyage. All the food from Trader Joe's was at the right temperature, and it was a bonanza day. We served 45 people, and I even got to have a lemon pasta salad for lunch that no one else wanted.

Thanks to all who helped out -- Ken Sitz, Elliott Gonzalo Sitz, Karen Molina, Jill Reinig, Gary Tufel, Sunny Steven Downer, and Wyona Hipple! Many thanks to Liz from SA who makes sure WV stays on the service list.

And it was wonderful seeing all our friends and neighbors. What a wonderful place we live in!


Thursday, April 18, 2019

Desert Trail Column - April 18, 2019

Yoga at The Palms with Lorelei Vox Greene will take place on Saturday, April 20 from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. These classes are donation-based, and all levels of skill are welcome. Call 760-361-2810 for further information.
Also at The Palms on April 20 will be the Hi-Desert Hukilau starting at 4 p.m. Get ready for eight hours of live music on two stages. For information, call 310-920-4804.
 On Wednesday, April 24 the MBHD Medical Van will be at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road at Blower Road, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. A Nurse Practitioner will provide primary medical care and screenings, refer for lab tests and write prescription refills. Some immunizations may be available, and most insurances are accepted. Care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay. Walk-ins will be accepted as time permits, but appointments are encouraged. Call 760-365-9305.
Also at our community center on April 24 will be the Salvation Army Food Distribution starting at 11 a.m. Food is from Trader Joe’s and usually includes fresh produce and meat.
For any additional information about any of the above events, call our WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880.
 This week marks our seventh anniversary of writing this column! We are two of the three daughters of Louise Borquez who wrote this column for 18 years. Karen has lived in Wonder Valley since 1981, Darlene has lived here since 1991, and third sister Donna is a former Wonder Valley resident now living in Yucca Valley. Our mom loved writing this column and so do we. Thank you for reading it!
Darlene’s Commentary: At the corner of Amboy and Blower Roads two buildings sit silently waiting, but for what? We’re hopeful their (and our) waiting will end with the return of our firefighters.

Karen’s Commentary: Thanks go out to Bob and Joe for coupons that were sent to US Marine, Army, Navy and Air Force bases in Japan, Guam, Belgium and Italy.
The Animal Action League will spay or neuter pets living in Wonder Valley at a very low cost. They also give vaccinations, trim nails and implant microchips, all at reduced costs. AAL is located at 62762 29 Palms Highway, just west of the dinosaurs, in Joshua Tree. For costs and information call 760-366-1100.

Handy Hint: According to the Marketing Science Institute, when we shop with someone else, as much as 65 percent of what we buy is unplanned.

Today’s Thought: The average payout from a visit by the tooth fairy in 2017 ranged from $4 to $6. (I wonder what dentures are going for!)
Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Monday, April 15, 2019

Illegal Dumping.

Dumped: Two couches, a chair, a flat screen TV, a pet carrier, and a tricycle, all dumped at the Dog Wash today on Shelton between Amboy and 62. If any of this is yours, please pick it up and take it to the dump.

Please, NEVER pay someone to haul your trash without getting a dump receipt. THIS is where it ends up. This will go NOWHERE until private citizens move it.

PS - if you're going to pick up the tricycle, please, at LEAST take ONE couch to the dump.

We have a new MAC Delegate!


The MAC is the Morongo Basin Municipal Advisory Council, and it was created by our Third District County Supervisor Dawn Rowe, to advise her on the state of the nine unincorporated communities in the MB.

Teresa Sitz was the delegate from March 2015 until last November when our then Third District Supervisor James Ramos resigned. Before her, Max Rossi, from the Godwin Christian Fellowship, served as MAC Delegate.

The news just came across today that Wonder Valley resident Steve Reyes has been appointed as our next MAC delegate. Steve is a former LAPD police officer, and has spoken at WV Community Meetings on security issues. He also just finished a two-day course on grantwriting sponsored by the Basin Wide Foundation. Steve is a great guy who I am certain will do an excellent job.

Many thanks to others who applied for the position. Thank you for your commitment to Wonder Valley, and for stepping up to serve. If you'd still like to volunteer, please feel free to sign up at the Wonder Valley Community Center. We can always use good people.

Thursday, April 11, 2019

Desert Trail Column - April 11, 2019

The USDA Food Distribution will take place at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road at Blower Road, on Tuesday, April 16, starting at 9:30 a.m. As we wrote last week, you will be surprised at the fast, new method of distribution.

Also on April 16, the Morongo Basin Healthcare District’s mobile medical van will be at our community center at 10 a.m.
Mark your calendar for the upcoming Hi-Des Hukilau at The Palms on April 20.
For additional information about any of the above events, call our WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880.
We send out Rainbows-of-Diamonds-and-Sweetpeas to Penny Root who turns 53 this week. Happy birthday, Penny!
Others celebrating birthdays this week include Shannen Doherty (48), Andy Garcia (63), Al Green (73), Rick Schroder (49), Paul Sorvino (80) and Anthony Michael Hall (51).
Fifty-one years ago this week the Civil Rights Act of 1968 was signed into law by President Lyndon B. Johnson. This act protected civil rights workers, expanded the rights of Native Americans and prevented antidiscrimination measures in housing.
Sixty-four years ago this week the first McDonald’s opened in Des Plaines IL. Owner Ray Croc got the idea from a hamburger joint in San Bernardino run by the McDonald brothers. On opening day, a hamburger was 15 cents. The Big Mac was introduced in 1968 for 49 cents and the Quarter Pounder in 1971 for 53 cents.
And eighty-five years ago this week the highest-velocity natural wind ever recorded occurred at the Mount Washington NH observatory. Three weather observers observed and recorded the phenomenon in which gusts reached 231 mph – the strongest natural wind ever recorded on the earth’s surface.

The Wonder Valley Community Church, 82575 Amboy Road at Kuhns Road, holds regular services every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. On April 21, there will be an Easter potluck; on April 27, there will be an Arbor Day/Memorial tree planting; and on May 18, there will be a movie matinee featuring the movie “Do You Believe.” Pastor Lonnie Casper invites everyone to join him in a walk around Luckie Park every Monday at 9 a.m. For further information, call 760-391-0480.
Handy Hint: If you use liquid soap, you can save 50 per cent of the cost by buying a gallon bottle for refilling those small pump bottles instead of replacing them. (The biggest variety of the large Softsoap refill bottles we’ve seen are at Walmart.)

Today’s Thought: The song “Girls Just Want to Have Fun” was written by a boy! Philadelphia singer Robert Hazard wrote and recorded the original version four years before Cyndi Lauper made it a hit.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Monday, April 8, 2019

Mobile Medical Unit in Wonder Valley


The Morongo Basin Healthcare District Mobile Medical Unit will be at the Wonder Valley Community Center from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., on Wednesday, April 16 and 24 , 2019. The WVCC is at 80526-1/2 Amboy Road, in Wonder Valley -- next to the old fire station.

This coincides with the USDA Food Distribution (9:30 a.m. - Noon, April 16), and Salvation Army Food Distribution (11 a.m., April 24).

A Nurse Practitioner will be on board, providing primary medical care and screenings, and if necessary, prescribing lab tests and refilling prescriptions. Some immunizations are available.

Medi-Cal, IEHP and most insurances are accepted. A discounted fee-for-service is available for those without insurance. Care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

Appointments are encouraged. To schedule an appointment, call 760-365-9305.

Walk-ins will be accepted as time permits.

Morongo Basin Healthcare District seeks to improve the health and wellness of residents who live within its designated boundaries. Services of the healthcare district include the Morongo Basin Community Health Center with offices in Twentynine Palms and Yucca Valley; and LIFT Transportation Services, providing free, non-emergency transportation to medical appointments. Business offices of the Morongo Basin Healthcare District are located at 6530 La Contenta Road, Suite 100 Yucca Valley | 760.820.9229 | http://www.MBHDistrict.org
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Felons foiled again!


While at the Palms on Sunday, a local resident told me that they had called the Sheriff's Department the previous day on two squatters that were robbing one of their properties. Within 15 minutes three sheriff's department vehicles descended on the residence, immediately handcuffing the two miscreants -- one man and one woman. They were initially charged with burglary, but these charges may have been expanded to reflect the pile of meth, the pile of cash, and the scales found on the premises. The sheriff's department also impounded and towed two vehicles.

The resident was pleased, said the SD did a great job, and were very polite.

USDA Food Distribution -- April 16, 2019.


The USDA Food Distribution will begin at 9:30 a.m. and end at noon on Tuesday, April 16th, at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526-½ Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277. The Community Center is next to the Fire Station.


Low income Wonder Valley residents self-certify on site. No ID or other documentation is required. You may pick up ONE (1) box for a neighbor, or they may pick up ONE (1) box for you, IF a signed pick up form is presented. One pick up per person. Pick up forms are available online at http://tinyurl.com/wv-pickup-form. They are also available at the WVCC on Mondays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays from 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., and at the kiosk outside the WVCC the week before the event.

For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9880.

The text below is required.

Nondiscrimination Statement
In accordance with Federal civil rights law and U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) civil rights regulations and policies, the USDA, its Agencies, offices, and employees, and institutions participating in or administering USDA programs are prohibited from discriminating based on race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, or reprisal or retaliation for prior civil rights activity in any program or activity conducted or funded by USDA. 

Persons with disabilities who require alternative means of communication for program information (e.g. Braille, large print, audiotape, American Sign Language, etc.), should contact the Agency (State or local) where they applied for benefits. Individuals who are deaf, hard of hearing or have speech disabilities may contact USDA through the Federal Relay Service at (800) 877-8339. Additionally, program information may be made available in languages other than English. 

To file a program complaint of discrimination, complete the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form, (AD-3027) found online at: http://www.ascr.usda.gov/complaint_filing_cust.html, and at any USDA office, or write a letter addressed to USDA and provide in the letter all of the information requested in the form. To request a copy of the complaint form, call (866) 632-9992. Submit your completed form or letter to USDA by: 

(1) mail:
U.S. Department of Agriculture 
Office of the Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights 
1400 Independence Avenue, SW 
Washington, D.C. 20250-9410; 

(2) fax: (202) 690-7442; or 


This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Thursday, April 4, 2019

Desert Trail Column - April 4, 2019

Yoga at The Palms with Lorelei Vox Greene will take place on Saturday, April 6 from 8:30 to 9:15 a.m. These classes are for beginners through advanced, and are donation-based. Call 760-361-2810 for further information.
The Glass Outhouse Art Gallery will host an artists’ reception on Saturday, April 6 from 5 to 9 p.m. Featured artists are Helen Gordon and Mary Best. Come meet the artists, enjoy free refreshments and listen to the Luminators, Mark and Paul. This show will run through April 28. The gallery is located at 77575 29 Palms Highway at Thunder Road. For more information, call Laurel at 760-367-3807.

Since the birthstone for April is the diamond and the flower is the sweetpea, we send out Rainbows-of-Diamonds-and-Sweetpeas to Charlotte Williams who turns 86 this week. Happy birthday, Charlotte!

Darlene’s Commentary: I’ve noticed lots of lost kitties and small dogs in the local newspapers lately. Pets love to romp and play outdoors, meet new friends and explore. I’ve always had pets, but learned quickly that they are very vulnerable as prey for the wildlife here in the desert. Coyotes especially are true masters of stealth, very silent and talented hunters. They do not know they are taking your beloved pet, they are merely looking for needed food. Keep small pets inside or under your complete control at all times when outside, such as in your arms.
Karen’s Commentary: I don’t have room for the entire description of my call to Frontier for phone repair, but just let me say their special repair number included dozens of options that had nothing to do with repair; then Ms. Robot told me we don’t have inside wire maintenance, which we pay for monthly; then, when I called a different number and finally got a live person, she told me she couldn’t talk to me because I’m not listed as an authorized user. I believe “livid” isn’t even a close description of me at that point.
The non-profit 29 Soaring Club meets every Sunday at the Twentynine Palms Airport at 29 Palms Highway and Godwin Road from 11 a.m. to sunset, weather permitting. They own two gliders and a tow plane, and will provide a ride for $20 to $50, depending on altitude desired, cash only. Gift certificates are also available and have no expiration dates. Call Mike at 760-464-2835.


Handy Hint: Hang a clock in your bathroom to just make life easier.
Today’s Thought: Besides Harrison Ford, those who auditioned for the role of Han Solo in Star Wars included Burt Reynolds, Kurt Russell, Nick Nolte, Al Pacino, Tom Selleck and Sylvester Stallone.

Until next time . . . remember to take time to enjoy the WONDERs all around us.

Wednesday, April 3, 2019

Bus to the part free in April.



Wouldn’t it be great if you could get to Joshua Tree National Park WITHOUT your car? Now you can! The Roadrunner Shuttle Bus runs from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays through Tuesdays in April. Not only is there no fee to ride the bus, but the park entrance fee is waived through April.

Get on the bus at the Twentynine Palms Transit Center, on Adobe one block south of the Twentynine Palms Highway, or the Oasis Visitor Center, 74485 National Park Drive at Utah Trail. To find out more call (760) 367-5600, or visit http://tinyurl.com/rrshuttle. The shuttle visits Jumbo Rocks, Ryan Mt, Hall of Horrors, Cap Rock, Barker Dam, Intersection Rock, Hidden Valley, Hemingway, and Quail Springs

Dawn Rowe, new 3rd District Supervisor


If you haven’t had a chance to meet our new Third District Supervisor, Dawn Rowe, she’ll be presenting at the Rotary Lunch, starting at noon, April 10, at the Little Church of the Desert, 6079 Adobe Road, in Twentynine Palms.  Turn onto El Paseo Road, it will be in the hall at the corner at Ocotillo Road. Lunch is $10, and is delicious and hearty -- from Bruce's Coyote Cafe. You'll also get to rub shoulders with the Twentynine Palms influencers, so bring your phone for those Instagrammable photo ops!

RSVP via text message with your name and number of attendees to (760) 362-3642.