Desert Trail Column - August 30, 2018

Ted Meyers turned 81 this past week, and many family members plus a few “adopted family members” showed up at the house to help him celebrate! A total of 19 people drifted in and out, with the majority staying for delicious barbequed chicken and hamburgers with all the fixings, along  with various salads and snacks. Grandson Tony took over the job of Head Barbeque Chef, leaving Grandpa to relax and enjoy his special day. After dinner, when everyone was too stuffed to move, a birthday cake was brought out with “Happy Birthday to the Old Codger” written on top! Several found a little more room for that and some ice cream. Games of UpWords were played while the Cribbage boards sat waiting for contenders. That’s a first for Ted’s house! Great-grandchildren Ileigh, Easton, Bailee and Peyton had fun, too, and kept everyone laughing and hopping! All in all, it was a great day that Ted won’t soon forget.  

Our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road near Blower Road, will be closed for the Labor Day holiday weekend, reopening on Wednesday, September 5 at 9 a.m. 

The Palms Restaurant and Bar will reopen on Thursday, August 31. All will be good in Wonder Valley once again! 

On September 15, there will be a community meeting at our community center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Representatives from Morongo Basin Ambulance will explain their organization and services and will have an ambulance there for the public to examine.  Mercy Air will also be there, along with one of their life-saving medical transport helicopters. Don’t miss this one! For further information, contact our WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at teresa.sitz@gmail.com or 760-367-9880. 

Since the September birthstone is the sapphire and the flower is the aster, we send out Rainbows-of-Sapphires-and-Asters to Scott Kelso who celebrates his special day this week. Happy birthday, Scott! 

Every Sunday morning, Godwin Christian Fellowship Church, 6389 Godwin Road near Highway 62, holds a Bible Study at 9:00, Worship Services at 10:30 and Children’s Church (for 8 years and younger) at 11:30. On the third Sunday of each month, a free luncheon and celebration of that month’s birthdays is held following the services. For further information, contact Pastor Max Rossi at Mrossi121@yahoo.com or 831-234-6848. 

Handy Hint:  Always in a hurry in the morning? For a very nutritious and cholesterol-lowering pour-eat-done breakfast, buy whole grain cereals that have more grams of fiber than sugar. 

Today’s Thought:  Ever heard of Cherilyn Sarkisian, Shawn Corey Carter, Gordon Matthew Thomas Sumner or Adele Laurie Blue Adkins? Okay, how about Cher, Jay-Z, Sting or Adele? Same people! 

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

Sounds like the firehouse will not reopen.

County Fire took it's Expansion of FP5 show to the Joshua Tree Community Center last week. 

Read more: Plea to fire chief: Don’t move station

Here is a piece of the discussion that pretty much answers the question of whether or not Wonder Valley's fire station will reopen.

“So everyone who lives in an area where they closed a fire station is paying more in home insurance,” Mason said.

She would support the assessment, she said, if the fire department would reopen its more remote stations. 

But Hartwig didn’t hold out hope of that happening. When an audience member asked if any closed stations would be reopened if the new assessment passed, he responded, “No. I’m looking to maintain the service I have now.”

I know many of you (us) figured this would be the case, but it's important to have verification, and this seems to be it.

The County is preparing your webpage.

The next MAC meeting, at 5:30 p.m., Monday, September 10, at the Joshua Tree Community Center, will be dedicated to Land Use Services and the Community Plan that they've been working on for some time.

• Presentation will begin 30 minutes after the open house start time.
• People may drop in to any of the nine regional meetings at any time during the advertised time frame to review material, ask questions, and share ideas with County staff.  Open house materials will be posted in advance on this web page (some material will be posted earlier than others).

Wonder Valley even has a webpage there now - not much to see, still a little sawdust on the floor.
http://countywideplan.com/wondervalley/

But it's there.

You can also upload pictures from Wonder Valley here:
http://countywideplan.com/get-involved/submit-a-photo/

I may not get a ton of stuff accomplished, but I did get Wonder Valley added to the drop down list, instead of being included among *Other/Not Listed. WooHOO!

Thanks to everyone who participated in adding to our profile. It will be interesting to see what they choose to extract from the many entries provided.

Final Ed.it at The Palms

Kevin Bone, the bartender and oh, so much more, at The Palms, wrote, cast, and directed Final Ed.it at last week's Hi-Desert Fringe Festival in Joshua Tree. Local Kate Lee Short and Gray Hill were cast in the play.

Tickets for the event were pricey, and many people couldn't afford them, or the 70+ mile round trip to Joshua Tree, though we cheered from our cabins. Now that the Festival is over, Kevin is bringing the play home, to The Palms.

Boneybone Productions hosts Kevin Bone's "Final Ed.It" from 8 - 9:30 p.m., Saturday, September 15, at The Palms, 83131 Amboy Road, in Wonder Valley.

Don't miss it!

Mojave bird populations have been halved.

An important read.

Climate Change Is Taking Down Birds in the Mojave Desert
New findings suggest increasingly dry conditions have halved Mojave’s bird populations over the last century. It’s a warning for the desert — and the world

Read more: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/science-nature/climate-change-taking-down-birds-mojave-desert-180969893/#BsoAyip3oTvKtSy1.99
Give the gift of Smithsonian magazine for only $12! http://bit.ly/1cGUiGv
Follow us: @SmithsonianMag on Twitter

SBC Countywide Plan

You are invited to attend the Big MAC Meeting starting at 5:30 p.m., on Monday, September 10, at the Joshua Tree Community Center, 6171 Sunburst Street, in Joshua Tree. Land Use Services will be presenting on the Countywide Plan.

Download, or read, the new draft of the COUNTYWIDE PLAN, and see the draft Plan, updated maps, and revised Community Action Guides, below:
http://countywideplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/CWP_CountyPolicyPlan_PubReviewDraft_20180820.pdf

New Community Action Guides are currently being created for the following communities and will be available by the first week of September.

• Devore
• Mountain Communities (Forest Falls & Mountain Home Village)
• Trona
• Wonder Valley
• East Desert Communities (Niption, Rice, Vidal & Vidal Junction)
• High Desert Communities (Spring Valley Lake & Mountain View Acres)
• North Desert Communities (Barstow Heights, Hinkley, Hodge, Kramer Junction, Lynwood & Red Mountain) 
• Route 66 Communities (Amboy, Cadiz, Goffs, Ludlow, Siberia)

Thanks to everyone who contributed to the effort toward making a community action guide for Wonder Valley.

WVCC closed Aug 30 - Sept 4, 2018

The WVCC will be closed for Labor Day, August 30 through September 4, 2018.

We will still be answering the phone, at (760) 367-9880, in case of emergency.

See you again on Wednesday, September 5, 2018.

Desert Quackers at The Palms

Desert Quackers presents:
Lisa Joffrey and LoveyDove

Hosted by:
The Palms in Wonder Valley Live Events and
Boneybone Productions

Saturday, September 8 at 8 - 10 p.m.
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley CA 92277

Desert Trail Column, August 23, 2018

The Weed Show presentation by Ted Meyers was well-attended and very informative and got people thinking about the upcoming Weed Show on November 3 and 4 at the Old Schoolhouse Museum in Twentynine Palms. It is always fun to participate, whether or not you win any ribbons. And just looking at all the creative ideas displayed is fun. Don’t miss it!

We send out Rainbows-of-Peridots-and-Gladioli to Dominick Bruxer and Ted Meyers (81) who celebrate their special days this week. Happy birthday, Ted and Dominick!

 Karen’s Commentary:  Here’s some interesting information for all you Bank of America ATM users. I went to the Yucca Valley BofA and spoke to Operations Manager Fabiola Balladarez. I asked why the ATMs had been torn down and immediately replaced, if the new ones could be “easily moved” as I’ve heard, and if they’ll be installed elsewhere when Starbucks builds. First she said that BofA is under the impression that the Starbucks deal did not go through. Her answers to my questions are that the old ATMs were just routinely replaced with new ones, that they cannot be “moved” at all, and that they will most likely NOT be installed elsewhere in Twentynine Palms if Starbucks does build.

Darlene’s Commentary: I was telling a friend that my rooster had disappeared, and I was heartbroken. All I’d found was a trail of his beautiful tail feathers. A couple weeks later, my friend dropped by with a gift. There stood a huge rooster with the brightest colors and unique features anyone could ever imagine! He has long legs, big feet and fluffy feathers on his body and wings, with colors of cream, gray, yellow and black. His eyes are golden and he sports a huge brilliant red comb about three inches high. If that isn’t enough, the skin on his neck is also brilliant red! When he cock-a-doodle-doos, his neck stretches out about six inches longer than normal!

Tim Candelaria does a fine job on keeping our roads maintained. If you have any comments, compliments, issues, questions,complaints or suggestions, leave Tim a message at 760-367-9880.

Handy Hint: To press and preserve flowers, open a heavy book, line pages to be used with parchment or waxed paper. Arrange flowers face down so they don’t overlap. Close book and leave untouched for seven to ten days, then remove totally dried flowers with tweezers. Use them to make bookmarks or stationery – or fill a picture frame with them.

Today’s Thought: What we have done for ourselves alone dies with us. What we have done for others and the world remains and is immortal.

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

Live music at The Palms

***Weirdo Music at the Palms***

The exquisite trio Sult from Norway comes to town: Guro Moe (double bass), Jacob Felix Heule (drums) plus acoustic guitar. 

Wonder Valley's own Kate Lee Short will give a rare performance on her accordion. Unmissable. 

Daniel Meyer and Adam Zuckerman will play quiet, fragile sounds with acoustic guitars and feedback.

From 7 - 10 p.m., on Saturday, September 1, 2018

The Palms Restaurant

83131 Amboy Road

Wonder Valley CA 92277

Someone cut down the Wonder Valley sign.

Someone (or more) cut down the beautiful "Welcome to Wonder Valley" sign that David Stone fashioned and installed earlier this year.

David fully expected the sign to be stolen and had templated it so another could be fairly easily installed when it happened.

The someone(s) who took the sign did not simply steal it, however, but CUT the posts so another sign cannot be installed. They also signed their work with hearts.

Desert Trail Column, August 16, 2018

The meeting called by the San Bernardino County Fire Department was packed and hot; we hope the County representatives took note of the state of our air conditioner! Fire Chief Mark Hartwig gave a presentation regarding the proposed change in fire department fees appearing on our tax bills, then answered questions from the audience. The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, which is also the San Bernardino County Fire Board of Directors, has written a proposal to charge every parcel served by the SBCFD where there is no contract involved, the same rate of $157.34, which is more than four times what Wonder Valley residents are paying now. There is a 30-day protest period, but it will take the official protests of 25% of the parcel owners representing 25% of the property values of all involved parcels to force the decision to a public vote; 50% of parcel owners and property values to stop it completely. Otherwise, the Board of Supervisors/Directors will make the decision.

At 11 a.m. on Saturday, August 18, at our Wonder Valley Community Center, 80526 ½ Amboy Road, there will be a free presentation about the annual Weed Show. Ted Meyers, who has won more than 30 ribbons over the years will have all kinds of show-and-tell items there. He will pass along ideas, tips and tricks, plus go over the rules and the fun of entering. If you’ve ever thought about participating in the Weed Show, now is the time to get started!

 The USDA Food Distribution will take place on Monday, August 20 at our community center sometime after 10:30 a.m. when the truck arrives. 

On Wednesday, August 22, the Salvation Army Food Distribution will take place at our community center at 11 a.m. Food is from Trader Joe’s and bags will be provided. 

For further information on the above events, call our WVCC Coordinator Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880. 

Handy Hint: Use curtain ring clips to make dishtowels into cute no-sew café curtains 

Today’s Thought: In 1917, Grenville Kleiser wrote the following daily thoughts for August 16.
“Greatness of life is largely the product of definite purpose and lofty ambition. When you have made definite choice of a worthy life purpose, there will come to you a wonderful sense of will set to work for the sole purpose seemingly of helping on your progress. The consciousness at the close of each day that you have made real and substantial advancement toward a great purpose will increase your courage, and larger possibilities will be constantly revealed to you.“ Over one hundred years later, this still makes perfect sense. 

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

WV Community Meeting, September 15, 2018

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and participate in the 

September Wonder Valley Community Meeting, 

from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Saturday, September 15, 2018, 

at the Wonder Valley Community Center, 

80526-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley, CA 92277. 

The WVCC is between the fire station and the palm tree cell tower.

AGENDA HIGHLIGHTS

The procedures to protest the expansion of FP 5 are scheduled to be posted on September 14, 2018, so we hope to have these at the meeting to discuss.

MORONGO BASIN AMBULANCE will give an overview of their services, specifically as they pertain to Wonder Valley, and answer questions. They will bring an ALS (Advanced Life Support) ambulance for us to examine.

MERCY AIR will also be present and will land one of their helicopters somewhere behind the park, if the weather is good, for us to see.

The AGENDA was posted at the WVCC and online at 10 a.m., on September 5, 2018.
https://tinyurl.com/wv09152018

Meeting NOTES posted October 4, 2018
https://tinyurl.com/wv09152018-notes

This invitation is extended to anyone living in the Morongo Basin.

Weed Show Presentation

Come out the the Wonder Valley Community Center from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. this weekend and learn everything you need to know about entering the annual Twentynine Palms weed show, and maybe even winning.

Our presenter, Ted Meyers, has won 33 ribbons over the years, and will share his winning secrets with us.

This is not a hands on class, so you don't need to bring anything other than yourself, and perhaps something to take a few notes on.

I'd love to see Wonder Valley sweep the competition, so please attend the class. Maybe when it's over we can display the entries in the Community Center for a week.

Weed Show Presentation, with Ted Meyers
11 a.m. - 1 p.m., Saturday, August 18, 2018
Wonder Valley Community Center
80526-1/2 Amboy Road, Wonder Valley CA 92277
Call (760) 367-9880 for more information.

Wonder Valley art in Joshua Tree

     Wonder Valley resident, artist and curator, Deborah Tobin met a group of WV artists early last Saturday morning at the Community Center to ferry their artwork to the Beatnik Lounge in Joshua Tree. The theme of the show was Liminality : Doors, Portals, and Thresholds.

Wonder Valley artists submitting work were Ellen Goldin, Jill Reinig-Davis, Chris Carraher, Ken and Teresa Sitz. Also showing was Robin Goudy.

Reinig-Davis’ Clown Therapy was a favorite among the other artists. The show hangs for the month, so go see Wonder Valley art at Joshua Tree at: The Beatnik Lounge, 61568 Twentynine Palms Highway, near Sunset Road.

The photo pictured is of Chris Carraher's, Cabin, a structure of metal, linen, and ceramic, from a private collection.

USDA Food Distribution

The USDA Food Distribution will begin sometime after 10:30 a.m. on Monday, August 20th 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 a neighbor, or they may pick up a box for you, IF you present a signed pick up form. 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 on the door of 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 

(3) email: program.intake@usda.gov. 

This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Salvation Army Food Distribution

The Salvation Army Food Distribution takes place starting at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 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.

Starting in July the distribution will be “shopping style,” so bring a bag, and 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.

A Salvation Army worker will be present to help people apply for Energy Assistance Funds (EAF) in partnership with Southern California Edison and the United Way. This program provides up to $100 towards a SoCal Edison bill for those who qualify. This program is open to anyone in the Morongo Basin, not just Wonder Valley residents. To see if you qualify you will need three things:

• An appointment. There are 10 appointments available this month. Call Teresa Sitz at 760-367-9880 for an appointment. Be sure to keep your confirmation number.
• Your most recent Southern California Edison bill.
• Your most recent proof of income.

Appointments will begin at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, August 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.

County Fire Meeting

County Fire Meeting, from August 8, 2018

From County Fire: Service Zone FP-5

Service Zone FP-5
For more information email us at FP5Expansion@sbcfire.org.

OVERVIEW: The Board of Directors of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District has passed a resolution (2018-99) to expand the boundaries of Service Zone FP-5. PUBLIC INFORMATION: The District’s Board of Directors desires to expand Service Zone FP-5 to include all territories within the jurisdictions of the District that is not currently included in Service Zone FP-5, which currently includes the area of Helendale and the cities of San Bernardino, Needles, Twenty-nine Palms, Upland, and San Antonio Heights. The extension of the boundaries of FP-5 will result in needed revenues to maintain current fire protection and emergency services within the Districts territories.

CURRENT SITUATION
Commitment
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District provides fire and emergency medical services (EMS) to residents throughout the entire County, covering 19,278 square miles and serving more than 60 communities/cities. The only exceptions being cities that have their own fire departments, cities that contract with other fire departments, and areas receiving these services through special districts.

Financial Outlook
The San Bernardino County Fire Protection District is currently operating at a $29 million dollar budget shortfall. The Fire Protection Board of Directors, as well as the County Fire Protection Districts Fire Chief, believe that expanding Service Zone FP-5 is the best way to fill this budget gap while maintaining existing service levels.

Solution
Currently, property tax revenues are insufficient to cover the costs of providing fire and emergency medical services, each legal parcel within Service Zone FP-5 is assessed an annual parcel fee. The current assessment is set at $157.26/year, and can increase up to 3% each year.

Process
The San Bernardino County Board of Supervisors, sitting as the Board of Directors of the San Bernardino County Fire Protection District, has initiated a process to expand the boundaries of Service Zone FP-5 countywide. Included would be:

• All unincorporated county areas, except those already receiving fire and EMS through other districts and except unincorporated areas within the sphere of influence of the City of Montclair.
• The cities of Grand Terrace, Upland, and the Town of Yucca Valley.
• For a legal description of all Inclusions & Exclusions, see Attachment A.

Important Dates

• September 14, 2018: Public Notices mailed to all parcel owners.
• October 15, 2018: Last day to receive mail in protest letters. Must be received by close of business.
• October 16, 2018: Last day to receive walk in protest letters. Must be received by the closing of the public hearing.
• October 16, 2018: Public Hearing 10am, San Bernardino County Government Center, 1st Floor Covington Chamber.

LIST OF TOWN MEETINGS at http://www.sbcfire.org/ServiceZoneFP-5.aspx

Frequently Asked Questions
See answers at: http://www.sbcfire.org/ServiceZoneFP-5.aspx

Q: How will this expansion affect my current property tax bill?

Q: Why is there a need to expand the FP-5 Service Zone in other areas of the County?

Q: How can I be sure the assessment I am paying is going to be used in my community?

Q: Why was my community chosen to be part of this Service Zone expansion?

Q: If my property value increases does that mean this Service Zone fee increases as well?

Q: How does the protest process work?

Q: Can I go to my local fire station to get additional information or pick up a protest form?

Q: People should be able to vote on new taxes. What about our rights under Proposition 218?

Q: I don’t like this process. Can I ask the Board of Supervisors to change it?

Q: I have several parcels. Do I have to pay the assessment fee on each parcel I own?

Q: Who can I contact to obtain my properties Assessor’s Parcel Number?

For more information email us at FP5Expansion@sbcfire.org.

Live Music at The Palms

✹At The Palms✹
83131 Amboy Road
Wonder Valley Ca 92277

(((Music by)))

⁂Victoria Williams
And Danny Frankel⁂ (JT)

☯New Issues☯ (WA)
https://hungryclouddarkening.bandcamp.com/

☽Wildlife Freeway☾ (JT)
https://wildlifefreeway.bandcamp.com/

⇝⇝⇝⇝⇝⇝⇝Music Starts At 7PM, AUGUST 9, Over By 10PM⇜⇜⇜⇜⇜⇜⇜⇜

Wonder Valley rocks Hi Desert Fringe

Wonder Valley's own Kevin Bones has entered a play he wrote in the Hi Desert Fringe festival. Performing in the play are Kate Lee Short, and Grey Hill, both of Wonder Valley.

The festival takes place August 24, 25, and 26, at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center. For times, and tickets, visit:
https://www.hidesertfringe.org/

Three women are producing the festival: Dawn Davis, Miri Hunter, and Ann Van Haney. Dawn Davis occasionally works at The Palms in Wonder Valley, and Miri Hunter is a resident of Wonder Valley.

Thank you, everyone, for sharing Wonder Valley's talent with the world.

COUNTY FIRE MEETING

Folks, before I say anything else I'm going to ask you to 

SHARE this information with EVERYONE you know 

in the unincorporated areas of the Morongo Basin.

Get on the phone, text, the Googles, Facebook..., share like you've never shared before.

Everyone is invited and welcome to attend and participate in a community meeting called by

FIRE CHIEF MARK HARTWIG from 

COUNTY FIRE

(and other public officials)

Who will present on the proposed expansion of Fire Protection District 5, 

which would include a tax of $157.26 per parcel.

4:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 8, 2018

Wonder Valley Community Center

80526-½ Amboy Road (next to the palm tree cell tower)

Wonder Valley CA 92277

For more information, call Teresa Sitz at (760) 367-9889, or

write to teresa.sitz@gmail.com.

County Fire just notified us today, Thursday, August 2, 

so there is not enough time to get the meeting notice into the local paper. 

Therefore it is important that you share this event with everyone you know.

Call someone and tell them about this meeting.