New HesperiaStar.com launched

As long-time readers of this blog likely recall, this blog was launched as a proof-of-concept for a revamped HesperiaStar.com. Today, that revamped site has been launched. Although it's not yet complete -- look for a system of categories about news stories that allows readers to see every story on a major topic with a single click -- it's complete enough to merit shutting down this blog.

Please direct your comments about Hesperia Star stories to http://www.HesperiaStar.com/ and, for the first time, look for the Hesperia Star to offer breaking news as often as five days a week.

Thanks for helping us prepare the way for the new HesperiaStar.com!

Mystery man sends meds, fulfills promise

'There's still human kindness out there,' says local woman

A local woman forced to part with her medication at Ontario International Airport while traveling to Pennsylvania was sent a package containing her pills the next day by a well-dressed mystery Good Samaritan.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Is the casino project over?

The 57-acre casino site up for sale, according to local real estate expert

The troubled Hesperia casino project is history, according to one of the Victor Valley's most-influential real estate analysts.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia poised for commercial real estate boom, Brady tells Chamber crowd

While Hesperia's residential real estate market continues to soften, the commercial market is set to blast off, according to Victor Valley real estate expert Joseph Brady.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia schools have two weapons incidents in two weeks

Teen arrested for handgun possession on Aug. 17 at Sultana; adult arrested for knife possession on Aug. 21 at Hesperia High

The first two weeks of the 2006-2007 school year in the Hesperia Unified School District have been marked with arrests at each of the city's two high schools for weapons charges.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

The return of Mike Lampignano

Former mayor, longtime Hesperian runs for park board

For long-time Hesperians, Mike Lampignano's name will be a familiar sight on the November ballot. But this time around, the former mayor, who served on the Hesperia City Council from 1990 to 1994, is a candidate for the Board of Directors of the Hesperia Recreation and Park District.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

CHP urges drivers to use caution

Speeding fines are doubled in construction areas, CHP officer says

The good news -- at least for hurried commuters -- is that the speed limit on the I-15 in the Cajon Pass will remain 70 miles per hour during the Devore 2 Freeway Rehabilitation project. The bad news: Going over the speed limit will cost you.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Library books go high-tech

Patrons will check out books via radio signal at new library

Forget stamping a card glued to the inside cover of a library book, or even scanning books under a bar code reader: When the new Hesperia Community Library opens in October, patrons will check out books with radio signals at self-service stations.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

For local pastor, trip to Colombia demonstrates Lord's power

Latin American church grows from 250 to 6,000 members in just six months

It was my privilege to travel to Cali, Colombia earlier this month with my friends Paul Earl and Joel Guerra to see first-hand what God is doing in one of the drug capitals of the world.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sheriff's Log

A woman was hospitalized after deputies were called to a location on the 15800 block of Main Street where the woman, who has a history of mental illness, was inserting pesticide into her body cavities in an attempt to kill the insects she believed were infesting her body.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

HUSD School Police Log

Three female Hesperia Junior High School students were cited for possession of methamphetamine.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

City Center: "We're right on schedule and under budget"

Cynics might say the words "government" and "prompt" don't usually belong together, but the long-awaited Hesperia City Center project should defy any doubting Thomas when the community comes together for the October unveiling -- just as planned.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia is tops in High Desert recycling

City recycles more than 50 percent of waste generated

Hesperians are putting less of their garbage into local landfills than any other community in the High Desert and are among the biggest recyclers in San Bernardino County.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Back to school

Sultana High School staff meets the challenge of their largest student body yet

One of the last people leaving Sultana High School's parking lot last Monday morning was Chief Bob Mosley, the head of the Hesperia Unified School District police.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Marching to a different beat

Sultana students protest after band teacher quits; teacher accepts job in San Diego County, according to principal McCollum

More than two dozen Sultana High School band students protested in front of the Hesperia Unified School District building on Main Street Friday afternoon in response to the departure of the band teacher and ongoing problems squeezing extra-curricular activities onto an increasingly crowded campus.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Are you a distracted driver?

Car Care

Here in the High Desert, just keeping your cool can be difficult while driving. With the hot temperatures lately, the growing traffic in our area and back to school time it is hard to stay focused on the act of driving. Other drivers are not always helpful and often drive aggressively and rudely. The construction zones that seem to be everywhere don�t make it any easier and are an added distraction. But the construction and the number of drivers on the road are only going to increase over the next several years, potentially adding to the stress of driving. Do what you can to stay calm and to avoid provoking other drivers. Staying calm will help with paying attention to your driving. Driving is a serious event and unfortunately, most of us do not take driving serious enough.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

This and that

A View from Main Street

Nearly two decades after the fledgling City of Hesperia settled into humble quarters at the corner of Main Street and Seventh Avenue -- the current City Hall location came in the early 1990s -- the city staff is on the verge of moving into its permanent location.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Cantante de Oro

Latin songbird-restauranteur singing song of success

Charo has her guitar, Elvis had his pelvis and Liberace, a glittery chandelier. But latin singer Adela Fernandez of Hesperia is known for something even more off-beat: a regal rooster of red and white that listens intently as she croons "El Gallo de Oro" onstage.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Contest to decide airshow singer

Tryouts are Tuesday, Aug. 29 and Tuesday, Sept. 5 at Spring Valley Lake location

The Hesperia Airport Association along with Victorville Motors Chrysler Jeep Dodge, MotorDealsDirect.com and other companies and individuals is sponsoring a singing contest to find a vocalist for the opening ceremonies at the Hesperia Airport Airshow on Sept. 16.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Bray leaves school superintendent post

Hank Richardson takes over as head of High Desert's largest employer as new school year begins

Monday was the first day of school in the Hesperia Unified School District. And just as students settled into unfamiliar classrooms and rookie teachers greeted their first-ever students, it was also the superintendent's first day on the job.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Boys home may lose its contract with county

The Hesperia licensed boys home run by LodgeMakers of California will likely lose its county contract several months after allegations of sexual molestations between two female staff members and boys living in the home were lodged.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia real estate market vibrant despite area slowdown

City leads in price per square foot at $188.19; Victor Valley has glut of homes for sale

Despite a regional residential real estate slowdown, Hesperia home sales remain among the valley's most vibrant with about one in seven homes listed for sale being sold.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Veteran politicians and newcomers crowd ballots

Two park board members going for city council and ex-councilman going for park board

Hesperians will be choosing among 20 homegrown political candidates when they go into the booth to vote on November 7, including a former city councilman now running for a seat on the park board and two park board members attempting to win a city council seat.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Online activist enters race

PaveRoadsFirst.com creator Bosacki: "This is about paving roads in Hesperia"

Paul "Bo" Bosacki is taking his personal crusade off-line.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Maintaining continuity, confidence is No. 1

A View from Main Street

Detroit is known as the "Motor City." Hollywood is a mecca of entertainment, and Pittsburgh is a town of steel. But our hometown, Hesperia, is all about its schools.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Park district honors Anita Shearer's memory

The Hesperia Recreation and Park District honored city founding mother Anita Shearer with a tree planted in her name last week.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sen. Runner's bill allowing Victorville build faster passes Assembly committee

Senator Runner's legislation to authorize the City of Victorville to use Design-Build passes assembly Appropriations Committee

Senator George Runner's (R-Antelope Valley) legislation authorizing the City of Victorville to utilize the design-build process which will result in the city's ability to build faster recently passed unanimously out of the Assembly Appropriations Committee.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

SBA introduces podcasts for business owners

The U.S. Small Business Administration has announced the arrival of podcasting for small business owners on a range of topics to help entrepreneurs on the road to starting a new business.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Disorientation leads to driver exploration

I sometimes get so disoriented driving on the High Desert that my trips turn into explorative expeditions delivering me to places I had not planned to go. Perhaps this is because, in Hesperia, the mountains are to the south of town instead of to the north as they are on the other side of the hill.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

No-kill animal shelter gets stay of execution

The Precious Pets no-kill private animal shelter will remain open, for now, pending a September decision by the Hesperia Planning Commission.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Ed Pack leads fund-raising pack

Mayor Pro Tem Ed Pack is leading the pack in fund-raising for November's Hesperia City Council election.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Buyer beware

The elderly woman who lives on Danbury had no reason to believe the two workers were not actually repairing her damaged roof.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Candidate Kirk holds fund-raiser

Robert Kirk is a political newcomer, but the science teacher turned school board candidate has already raised the sort of money typically associated with veteran campaigners.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Two-time winner

Larry Vellas only buys $20 of California Lottery tickets every month, but wins like someone spending a whole lot more. According to the California Lottery, the odds of a player going to the Big Spin television show for a chance at up to $150,000 is one in 1,920,000.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Carnival caps off summer reading program at library

After 10 weeks of the "Paws, Claws, Scales and Tales" reading program at the Hesperia Branch Library, participants took a break from the books and wrapped up the summer's reading program with a "Creature Carnival" held Wednesday, August 2, at the library.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

A View from Main Street

Some time ago, Val Shearer, the Hesperia founding father whose wife Anita recently passed away, found a poem under the couple's bed.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia neighborhoods celebrate National Night Out

Five Hesperia neighborhoods took to the streets last Tuesday to present a unified front against crime. A potluck-eating, music-listening, game-playing front, but a front nonetheless.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

No podcast this week

Peter is taking a well-deserved part-week vacation. As a result, there will be no podcast for the August 1 edition of the Hesperia Star. The podcast returns next week.

FBI investigating bribery allegations

FBI agents investigating bribery allegations took documents from City Hall last Thursday afternoon.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Loved ones gather to mourn, celebrate the life of Anita Shearer

Anita Shearer, who along with her husband M. Val Shearer comprised one of Hesperia's most beloved couples, was laid to rest last Wednesday following a memorial service at Kern Chapel, Victorville. A potluck luncheon followed at the Percy Bakker Community Center in Hesperia.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hall runs for council, leaves park board

16-year park board veteran says council does not 'think outside the box'

Richard Hall has made it official: After 16 years on the board of directors for the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, he will not be seeking reelection this November. Instead, he will be running for one of the three contested seats on the Hesperia City Council.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Swanson announces for park race

Wife of school board president: 'The thinking needs to change'

This November will be Rebekah Swansoan's first time with her name on the ballot, but it's not her first time going through the political process: The candidate for the Hesperia Recreation and Park District board of directors is also the wife of the president of the Hesperia Unified School District, Eric Swanson.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

New Hesperia library may see new head librarian

After 34 years, Hesperia's head librarian applying for her own job

When the new Hesperia Community Library opens to the public on October 14, Hesperia may have a new head librarian for the first time in 34 years.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Becky Lihme: the 'go-to' person

She was the person you'd lean on when you really needed to get something done -- fast.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

The real dirt on desert soil

I think I might have learned how early mankind first discovered how to make adobe bricks. I made some inadvertently yesterday. Perhaps the native residents of the High Desert stumbled onto their important innovation by a method similar to mine. After all, they surely didn't learn how to do it from the California History Textbooks as I did.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

The addicts next door

Residents fearful over unlicensed neighborhood group homes

The Silverhawk development on the west side of Hesperia is a two-year-old community of four- and five-bedroom homes and has attracted growing families to the city.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Residential road rage

Woman allegedly attempts to drive over neighbor who asked her to slow down

A resident apparently worried about the dangers posed by a speeding motorist allegedly almost became a hood ornament after saying something.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperians to vote on bed tax hike proposal

The fate of a proposed increase in the city's Transient Occupancy Tax will be in the hands of Hesperia voters in November.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Smitty to run for City Council

Park board director Thurston Smith says he wants to protect park district from city control

Hesperia Recreation and Park District board director Thurston "Smitty" Smith announced that he would be running for Hesperia City Council in this year's election during the council meeting last Wednesday.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Giving in memory

Late Exalted Ruler's widow makes generous donation months after husband died from injuries sustained in a horrific European traffic accident

Those who knew Daniel Bandoszewski were well aware that one of his passions was Hesperia Elks Lodge #2646. A Past Exalted Ruler, he was a leader who enjoyed the company of his Elks brothers and participating in activities that helped the local community.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Scam Alert

Senior fraud is a billion dollar business, and being scammed can happen to anybody -- especially those who grew up in a more trusting time. Here are some warning signs that may help prevent a senior you know, whether a friend or relative, from being scammed:

-- Unnecessary or shoddy home repair: Seniors are losing their homes because they don't understand the loan documents they sign or they agree to exorbitant interest rates for work they might not even need. Worse, they sometimes are coerced into agreeing to more work mid-job. If you see repair work going on, inquire.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Parent Connection BY BRYAN GREESON

Talk to your child about weighty issues, and make a plan

It was a headline in my local newspaper that caught my eye: "Experts debate whether to call kids obese." Then there was the opening question from the Associated Press story: "Is it OK for doctors and parents to tell children and teens they're fat?"

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Leisure League's future is here

Longtime Hesperia organiztion to expand its popular clubhouse

Leisurely wouldn't exactly describe the current pace of Betty Santos, Rosalie Lino and Mack Collings. The trio is busily meeting with architects and contractors and doing whatever it takes to make their dream into a reality. And everything seems to be falling into place for them and their organization, the Hesperia Leisure League, a 44-year-old entity that has outgrown its current digs.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Toughing it out

Khadaphi Proctor wins BCR Amateur World Championship; Hesperia fighter ponders moving to the pro ranks

For once, boxer Khadaphi Proctor had met his match -- well, almost.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Correction: Mission Crest Elementary School and Cedar Middle School

Mission Crest Elementary School and Cedar Middle School, both of which are scheduled to open in August 2007, will not be located adjacent to one another.

Mission Crest Elementary School will be located on the corner of Muscatel and Independence, while Cedar Middle School will be located on the corner of Cedar and Fuente.

Both schools will border the under-construction Malibu Park. The park is a joint project by the HUSD and the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, and when opened, will be utilized by both schools.

Hesperia woman allegedly attempts to run down resident who told her to slow down

A press release from the Hesperia office of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department:

HESPERIA POLICE DEPARTMENT
9393 SANTA FE AVENUE
HESPERIA, CA 92345

Incident: Assault with a Deadly Weapon
Suspect(s): Laura Foster – 18 - Hesperia
Location: Honeysuckle/Pokeberry- Hesperia
Time/date: 9:30 p.m. – 7/16/06

SUMMARY:

At around 9:30 p.m. on, Sunday evening, an assault with a deadly weapon occurred in the area of Honeysuckle and Pokeberry in the west end of Hesperia.

The victim reported that the suspect Laura Foster, was driving fast through neighborhood streets where children were playing. The victim called to her to slow down. Foster drove about two blocks then turned her vehicle around, gunned the engine, and raced towards the victim. The victim was holding his daughter at the time and had to run to prevent being struck by Foster’s vehicle. Several neighbors witnessed the incident.

Foster was located at a residence in the 13900 block of Pinellia Street and arrested for assault with a deadly weapon and booked at the Victor Valley Jail.

Multiple shopping centers, movie theaters proposed for Hesperia in 2007

More than 2 million square feet of retail space planned

If all goes according to commercial developers' plans, Hesperia will look very different in July 2008 - or even July 2007.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Candidates throw hats into ring

Lindley, Pack, Vogler, Swanson, Gogley, others declare intentions to run for city council, school board, park board

Although the starting pistol won't fire until August, all the jockeys hoping to win the city council, school board and park board races in Hesperia have begun lining up at their respective gates.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

State of the city 'exciting'

Presentation made to chamber members

Things are "exciting" in Hesperia today, according to the city's 2006 State of the City Address, presented on DVD to the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce yesterday.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Longtime vacant location to reopen

Bear Valley and Hesperia road parcel receives dramatic makeover; center is expected to open in mid-September

For several years, Bear Valley Road drivers couldn't help but notice it: The former corner gas station on the southwest corner at Hesperia Road was conspicuously vacant, the parcel just waiting for a new day.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

School district unveils Mission Crest Elementary plans

New school set to open August 2007

A new elementary school will open in August 2007, on the corner of Muscatel Street and Independence Avenue.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

New Rotary club formed in Hesperia

Rotary Club of Hesperia Community expects charter later this summer

Rotary Club of Hesperia Community is expected to be chartered by Rotary International later this summer.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

County Blood Bank officials are concerned about blood inventories

Officials at the Blood Bank of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties are concerned with current blood inventories being less than adequate to meet patients' blood needs. The community blood supply continues to hover at dangerous levels while patient blood usage has increased by 6.4 percent over the same period last year.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Peter Day: The Daily Press' July Associate of the Month

Congratulations to Peter, who received a very snazzy award for his desk last night at the monthly staff meeting for the Daily Press family of papers!

Council green lights Frontier on smaller houses

When Frontier Homes begins showing its Barcelona Heights model homes to potential customers around Christmastime, visitors will be seeing something unusual for a new home in Hesperia: There will be homes available smaller than the city's standard 1,800 square feet minimum.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Park board to consider $13 million budget

This month, the board of directors for the Hesperia Recreation and Park District will consider a $13 million proposed budget for the 2006-2007 fiscal year.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

One-stop opportunity center

Out of work and with her only previous employment as a fast food restaurant cashier, Lori's future didn't seem too bright. So she turned to the Employment Resource Center in Hesperia for assistance.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sheriff's Department confiscates thousands of illegal fireworks

The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Arson/Bomb Detail and the Sheriff's Baker Substation, along with the San Bernardino County Fire Department, and the Office of the State Fire Marshall/CDF participated in a joint effort to reduce the amount of illegal fireworks that are imported daily into the State of California across the Southeastern corridor of the state.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia to revise General Plan

Hesperia was a very different city in 1991.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Local veteran competes in Alaska

Darryl Lair, a paraplegic, competes in swimming, handcycling and other sports events

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Albertson's stores change hands

Albertson's bought by Minneapolis company Supervalu; no changes visible to customers, says representative

If company officials have their way, only a small sign on the door of Hesperia's Albertson's grocery store will indicate the store, along with others across Southern California and Las Vegas, has been acquired by a Minneapolis company.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Off-road area could grow

Off-road vehicle enthusiasts who have seen their pastime under attack by suburban sprawl may have reason to rejoice -- at least a little bit.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

In Brief

Bandoszewski widow gives $1,000 to Elks scholarships

In memory of Daniel Bandoszewski, the Past Exalted Ruler of the Hesperia Elks Lodge, his widow, Donita Bandoszewski presented a check for $1,000 to the Gene Shafer Memorial Scholarship Fund of the Hesperia Elks Lodge #2646.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sultana auto sale raised approximately $4,000 for prom

Used cars in the Sultana High School parking lot this summer will lower prom costs for students next spring, bringing costs down by approximately $4,000.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Deputies seek suspect for role in alleged gang rape

Officials: Mentally challenged victim fears for life

San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputies are seeking a member of the Crips in connection with an alleged gang rape.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

A very wrong number

Woman arrested after calling deputy, allegedly seeking to buy meth

Dial the wrong number, go directly to jail, do not pass Go, do not collect an eight-ball of methamphetamine.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Golden Moves

He holds so much promise that Coach Al Piccione says his style is reminiscent of the great Muhammed Ali. And just recently, 16-year-old boxer Trarell Burley lived up to the hype when he won the Southern California Junior Golden Gloves welterweight division title at Lincoln Park in East Los Angeles.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Future of Hesperia Community Park adult softball

Park district making bigger plans following succcess of recent AFA tournament

They strap on the braces -- ankle, knee, elbow and wrist. They put on shin guards and hip pads. They are modern-day gladiators getting ready for the battle, the swords, lances and shields replaced by bats, balls and gloves. They discuss the coming battle in hushed, low tones.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

City lists roads to be paved in 2006-2007

See the list here.

Dead apparently butchered goat

Plan focuses on roads, downtown revitalization

City's $78 million capital improvement plan includes paving 56.5 miles of roads

Hesperia will be spending $78 million of the city's record $181 million budget on capital improvements. The spending includes $28 million on roads, including paving 56.5 miles in the city.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Local politicians get name recognition via non-election signs

Vogler, Smith adopted road signs well in advance of Election 2006

The battle of the ballot booth is fought long before Election Day. And before one can battle for votes, there is the fight for name recognition.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Gang sweep nets 77 arrests, 53 suspects are from Hesperia

More than 50 alleged gang members and other wanted suspects were picked up during a one-day gang sweep of the city earlier this month.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Concrete legacy

Hi-Grade Materials patriarch Robert Hove celebrates 80th birthday

The Robar Enterprises companies all stopped work for a brief period on Friday across the High Desert. Although rock dust still filled the air at the Hi-Grade Materials Company ready-mix concrete company site on Bear Valley Road, there was also the smell of steak, chicken and sausage grilling. Similar cookouts happened at company sites in Lancaster, two locations in Arizona and company quarries across the High Desert.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Chamber to hold second monthly breakfast event

The Hesperia Chamber of Commerce has added a monthly breakfast to its arsenal of regular activities.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Neighbors discover 4-foot shark while on daily desert walk

Neighbors Richard Doornbos and Al Embry have stumbled upon numerous mysteries of the Mojave Desert, but never anything like this.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Bar h Rodeo rocks into high gear

PRCA Rodeo at Shearer Equestrian Center is pure Americana, pure fun

With boots shined and belt buckles sparkling, the local cowboys were looking fine, and the cowgirls even finer. Patrons enjoyed funnel cakes, hot dogs, kettle corn and other tasty goodies.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Residential burglary, C and Muscatel

A press release from the Hesperia station of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department:

Incident: Residential Burglary                                   
Suspect(s):  3 – 17 year old male juveniles – Hesperia
1 – 16 year old male juvenile - Hesperia
Location: Muscatel/C Avenue - Hesperia
Time/date: 11:33 a.m. – 6/21/06

SUMMARY:

On the above date and time, Deputy Swoboda was dispatched to a report of a burglary in progress at the above location.

The victim reported that she was asleep in the bedroom of her apartment when she was awakened by a noise.  She looked up and saw a male standing in her bedroom.  He ran out the door.  The victim got up and noticed the door open and her T.V. and play station missing.

Two witnesses saw the suspect hand the T.V. over the retaining wall of the balcony and get in a pickup truck parked on Muscatel.  The witness followed the truck southbound on E Avenue.  The vehicle stopped in front of a house E Avenue, where the witness saw the suspect unloading the T.V.  The witness got the license plate number, and when the truck left again, the witness followed it to another address on Cactus Street.  He then returned to the victim’s residence.

The sheriff’s helicopter, 40K, was overhead and monitoring the activity from above.  The pilots in the helicopter observed the suspects coming out of the house on Cactus.  Two of the suspects grabbed bicycles and were riding away.  Deputy Swoboda apprehended the first suspect in the area of C and Bodart, and the second suspect at E Avenue and Muscatel.  40K issued commands to the third suspect from the air, advising him to stay where he was.  Sgt. Bowman took the third suspect, who was on foot, into custody. 

The truck the suspects were driving was recovered with the stolen property still inside.

All three juveniles were taken into custody and booked at the Apple Valley Juvenile Detention Center.  One of the 17-year old male suspects is on parole with the California Youth Authority for shooting at an inhabited dwelling.  A fourth suspect is still outstanding.

The witnesses were able to positively identify the suspects.

More photos from Friday's gang sweep

Click the photos to see a larger size version.

Gang-Busters

Deputies and police from the High Desert and surrounding communities turned Victor Valley College into a temporary base of operations Friday afternoon when they rounded up suspected gang members in Hesperia and Apple Valley in a "zero tolerance" sweep.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia to add 61 employees

The city of Hesperia will hire an additional 61 employees, if the proposed city fiscal year 2006-2007 budget is approved as written at Wednesday's city council meeting.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Park board's Hall considers council run

After 16 years on the board of directors for the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, Richard Hall is considering changing elected offices and running for the Hesperia City Council this fall.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Local BMX riders for a cause

After 16 years on the board of directors for the Hesperia Recreation and Park District, Richard Hall is considering changing elected offices and running for the Hesperia City Council this fall.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

A Dream Realized

On a wing and a prayer -- and lots of drive, determination and hope -- the Hesperia Junior High science team that created and developed the Hands-Off Telephone Band cell phone accessory accomplished their golden dream.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Lewis Center student to attend conference

Christopher Manghane, a student at the Lewis Center Academic Academy of Excellence in Apple Valley, has been selected to attend the 2006 Congressional Student Leadership Conference, sponsored by LeadAmerica, at San Diego State University.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

A heart for giving

If you ask what truly matters to Elvyn and Bernice Reeves of Hesperia, a couple who has enjoyed many of the finer things in life, it's very simple. It's a matter of heart.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Star wins state park association award

The Hesperia Star Newspaper has received the 2006 "Best District, Newspaper Coverage" award from the California Association of Recreation and Park Districts.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Carlee De Mase places second in soap box derby

Carlee De Mase of Hesperia took second place in the Masters Division of the seventh annual Greater Los Angeles Soap Box Derby in La Canada Flintridge. The event was hosted by the Kiwanis Club of La Canada and the California Family Soap Box Derby Association.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

VVC to hold PAC groundbreaking event

Victor Valley College will hold a groundbreaking ceremony for a construction of the new Speech/Drama addition to the Performing Arts Center at noon on Thursday, June 29.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Local BMXers ride for a cause

The activity was all fun, but underneath the fast-paced commotion of bicycle motocross was a purpose of strict seriousness.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hamilton will not seek reelection

Decision to not run for reelection signals end to 19 years on school board

After 19 years in office, Jack Hamilton has a new title: "I'll be a lame duck now."

(Read the rest of the story here.)

City looks to add three Oak Hills 'islands'

Hesperia is looking to add three areas of Oak Hills to the city map, but each area is one many High Desert residents likely thought was already part of the city.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

City of Hesperia to Webcast city council meetings over Internet beginning in October

When the Hesperia City Council begins holding meetings in the new city hall in October, residents won't have to drive down to Juniper and 7th Streets to see the new meeting room: It'll be as close as their personal computer.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Each step has purpose for Hesperia marathoner

The idea of long-distance running was foreign to Trisha Kirkey until it became clear that moving her legs could truly make a difference.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Members Only Federal Credit Union celebrates

The Members Only Federal Credit Union celebrated the opening of its Hesperia location at 15885 Main Street with a party and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

The Devil's Punchbowl

Are you interested in hiking or communing with nature this summer? If so, I've got a few prospects in mind that are dillies. The next one will appear next month and all of them are local; you won't need to wear yourself out driving for two hours just to reach it.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Tony Bernasconi -- Bernasconi's Video

Bernasconi's Video has been serving the people of Hesperia for over 21 years, since April 1985. Tony Bernasconi, the owner and manager, also offers the largest movie selection of any video rental in Hesperia. His continued loyalty makes him very worthy of your business.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Fastpitch: unique blend of softball, baseball

The pitcher stares at the catcher, winds up, and in a blink of the eye the ball blasts across the plate, leaving the batter wondering what just happened.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Grammy winner headlines Big Bear event

Grammy Award winner Rodney Crowell is scheduled to perform at Bear Valley Heritage Days this coming Labor Day weekend.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sheriff's Log

Two Hispanic men and a Hispanic woman carjacked a 1991 blue four-door Toyota Corolla near the intersection of 2nd Avenue and Bear Valley Road, deputies were told on June 4.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia Unified School District Police Log

A male Mojave High School student was cited for possession of a locking blade knife.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia Star at Hesperia Business Expo tomorrow

Hesperia Star Reporter Beau Yarbrough and Office Manager Maria Bamba will be manning the Star's booth at the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce's Business Expo. The Expo will take place this year at Epicenter on I Avenue near Hercules Street between 10 a.m. and 5 p.m. Stop by and say hi!

Study: Casinos increase crime

Casinos raise the level of serious crime in a community over time, despite casino revenues spent on additional police, according to a new study.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sherburnes hope court will allow appeal

With her Highway 395-area home bulldozed by authorities, her family business taken away, and a four-month incarceration at the West Valley Detention Center all in her past, Trudy Sherburne has had more than her share of entanglements with the government. But the soft-spoken, petite woman who frequently cites Bible verses says she's not giving up pursuing what she believes is right.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Workers replace Main Street water pipes

Over the next few weeks, workers will be replacing existing decades-old steel water pipes with new, larger-diameter PVC on a stretch of Main Street.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

For Sultana High, school is out, cars are in

It's summer break for the students at Sultana High School and many of them will be working this summer and saving up for their first major purchase of their lives: their first car.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Lindley raises $50,000

Councilman Jim Lindley, who was publicly ambivalent about running for reelection this time last year, has raised approximately $50,000 for a November run for a record third term on the Hesperia City Council.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Carlo's Car Care Corner BY CARLO BERRO

Here in the High Desert, we tend to put a lot of miles on our vehicles. We have to travel a good distance in and around Hesperia and many of us commute down the hill as well. We are all feeling the crunch in our wallets as gas prices are at an all-time high. There is a lot of talk these days about "alternative fuels." But just what are these alternative fuels, and why is everyone so excited about them?

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Couple is sought in connection with area copper thefts

Always a popular target for Hesperia thieves, copper was stolen from construction sites and a local business across the city in a series of burglaries over the Memorial Day weekend.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Art as an ILLUSION

Hesperia High School students in Jennifer Campbell's Advanced Art Class eschewed conventional art paper for a larger, more urban canvas -- a school corridor.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

VVC music event, June 10

The Victor Valley College music department will host a performance of Beethoven's Ninth Symphony in celebration of the 30th anniversary of Dr. Thomas Miller's tenure as director of choral Music at the college.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

E-mail back to normal

OK, our e-mail seems to have been back to normal for several days. You can once again reach us at editor@hesperiastar.com, beau@hesperiastar.com and legals@hesperiastar.com.

We apologize for the inconvenience.

Alternate email addresses

We're sorry for the email address problem. Please send Hesperia correspondence to our alternate addresses:

• Editor Peter Day can be reached at pday@vvdailypress.com
• Reporter Beau Yarbrough can be reached at byarbrough@vvdailypress.com
• Office Administrator Maria Bamba can be reached at mbamba@vvdailypress.com

E-mail problems

If you're trying to e-mail some of the Hesperia Star staff today, you will probably be getting bounce backs, with error messages. Our system administrator knows about the issue and is working on it. We'll let you know when it's resolved.

In the meantime, please call us instead at (760) 956-7827.

Park District shines lights on sports complex

Hesperia's off-the-beaten-path gem, the 50-acre Hesperia Community Park, glistens in the high-watt sports lights officially turned on last Tuesday night.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

HUSD expulsion rate approximately 1 percent

The Hesperia Unified School District's student body grew to a record-setting 20,000 strong in the 2005-2006 school year as students from the Los Angeles area and other regions moved into Hesperia or transferred into the district from neighboring school districts.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia Art Club's 40th is a fashionable affair

One of the community's most enduring institutions, the Hesperia Art Club, celebrated its 40 years of service in style.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia's food establishments get cleaner

Hesperians eating out have more information than ever about how clean the San Bernardino County of Public Health has rated local restaurants and other businesses that serve food. In the year since the information first became easily accessible to the public, the percentage of Hesperia businesses receiving the top grade for health code compliance has jumped 18 percent points, from 58 to 76 percent of Hesperia restaurants receiving an A rating.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Project Care members presented with city proclamation

Hesperia City Manager Mike Podegracz presented Hesperia Senior Campus' Project Care program with a city proclamation, thanking them lending a hand to those in need.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Going Medieval

More than a thousand students, parents, family members and staff from Kingston Elementary School crowded around three sides of a roped-off portion of the school's athletic field, watching the two knights in armor trot back and forth across the grass.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

How small is too small?

A fierce debate erupted at last Wednesday's Hesperia City Council meeting over the minimum required size of a single family home in Hesperia and whether or not the council's previous decision on the matter was legally binding.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Charter grads may face hurdle when seeking financial aid

Parents of rising seniors who expect their children to attend a four-year college after graduation in 2007 have an additional hurdle to leap if their students attend a non-accredited school, including any of the charter schools in the Hesperia Unified School District.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sultana freshman allegedly attacked, raped during lunch

It was the last day of Tonathiu Diaz's public school career. And it may have been the day that shapes the rest of his life.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Their new day

Over the last several years as co-teacher of the school district's Community Day School, Ruth Forman has faced a veritable mountain of minutia that she conquers every day. But in a matter of hours the never-ending to-do list will disappear.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

ExCEL program proceeds mean grants for 31 teachers, 15 schools

The Hesperia Unified School District has been exporting their ExCEL program to school districts around the country and internationally and the profits from training the other districts will have a direct impact in Hesperia's schools in the 2006-2007 school year.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Knights of Columbus to host All-Star game

The Knights of Columbus Victor Valley Council 4228 is making plans to host an all-star football game between area high school seniors to help its high school senior scholarship program.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Assembly candidate Adams makes lower-tax statement at the pumps

Although not exactly the Boston Tea Party, Anthony Adams, a candidate for the 59th California Assembly District, last Thursday made a statement against the gasoline "double tax" at a Hesperia gas station.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia veteran Rod Carbonell competes in Golden Age games

Rod Carbonell, a Navy veteran from Hesperia, was one of more than 600 veterans in their "golden age" who was in Hampton, Va., from May 7-12, competing in the 20th National Veterans Golden Age Games, the largest sporting event in the world for senior veterans.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sultana JV BASEBALL wins league

The Sultana High School Junior Varsity baseball team compiled a 17-3 record to win the Mojave River League championship. Coached by Shane Peters, the team has a combined two-season record of 34-6. With seven shutouts this year, the Sultans went 16-1 against Area-9 schools.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia Star podcast – May 16, 2006

We're on a roll! With the help of office-manager-turned-voice-over-artist Maria Bamba, Beau and I just finished the podcast for this week. Thanks to Maria's new -- and totally cute-- Mac Mini and an inexpensive but effective Logitech USB microphone, we've been able to record, edit and upload our weekly podcasts.

Here's the link.

Hesperia Star podcast for May 16, 2006

-- PETER DAY

Whose space?

There's the lanky poet living in Hesperia whose hero is Stephen, the first Christian martyr. His MySpace page doesn't mention his conviction for annoying or molesting a child.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia to receive $2.4 million from state bonds

Hesperia will receive $2.4 million toward road and other infrastructure improvements following the California State Legislature's approval of $37.3 billion in bonds as part of Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's strategic growth plan.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Violence leads to arrest and juvenile hall

Hesperia students have been arrested for assaults with unusual deadly weapons two weeks in a row, bucking expectations of the district's school chief.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia Airport planning air show next fall

Building on last year's popular open house, the Hesperia Airport is planning a colorful air show that could attract as many as 15,000 or 20,000 visitors.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

College graduate testimonials

Five local professionals talked about their careers with more than 100 middle-schoolers from Hesperia Junior High School and Ranchero Middle School.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Success Tidbits

Rudeness and impatience = self centeredness

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Relay for Life organizers promoting June 3 kickoff

When the third annual Relay for Life of Hesperia takes place next October, participants will walk on the soft grass of Hesperia Community Park. But for now, Suzanne James, the local event chairwoman, is taking to the pavement.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Spring maintenance tips for your car

Here in Hesperia, spring is not only a good time to fertilize the desert plant life, it's an ideal time to correct nagging automotive problems left over from winter. Warmer weather is here, and it can create hardship on your cooling and electrical systems. There are some very basic preventative maintenance things that you can have done in order to avoid problems later on.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Extra images from Mr. High Desert event

A new podcast

Amazing but true! Peter and I assembled a new podcast this week, taking advantage of the latest edition of the Garage Band software for the first time, including putting some funky theme music together on the fly.

The podcast can be downloaded in two parts:

Part one and part two.

Let us know what you think.

Ranchero/I-15 interchange moves closer

Although the Ranchero Underpass under the BNSF railroad is still in the "coming soon" phase, the Hesperia City Council last week moved ahead on the next portion of their plan for the "Ranchero corridor."

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Locals compete for Mr. High Desert title

The Victor Valley's most charismatic high school young men flexed, danced, sang, joked and posed during the annual Mr. High Desert competition held last Friday in Sultan Hall.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Robert Kirk leaves classroom behind, eyes school board

Robert Kirk may not look like a mad scientist, but his Mojave High School classroom definitely looks like the place to find one.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Faithful gather at City Hall for prayer

A small, but mighty group of Hesperia faithful gathered at the flagpole in front of City Hall to commune with God and pray for national, state and local leaders.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Legacy of care

One of the happiest places in town may be on the local campus. But this place isn't where Hesperia's younger set carry books from class to class, it's a homey environment strictly for those on the opposite side of the age spectrum.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Armed standoff ends peacefully

An armed standoff between San Bernardino County Sheriff's Deputies and a local resident ended peacefully Friday morning.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Celebrating latina charm, poise -- and smarts

Natalia Guzman, a Hesperia High School beauty, was crowned Miss Cinco de Mayo 2006 during the second annual Miss Cinco de Mayo Scholarship and Fundraising Pageant last Wednesday at Sultan Hall. The pageant is sponsored by Hesperia High School's Latin American Culture Club.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Cusimano: Officers-to-arrests ratios up

Hesperia's top cop looks back on his first year

Faced with a booming population, Hesperia's deputies have one of the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department's best records for officers-to-arrest ratios, says their captain.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Big on commitment

RV dealer Tommie Adams' road to success began at 13 when he was forced to provide for his family

When Tommie Adams was in seventh grade, he took the keys to the family car and drove to school. It wasn't a joy ride. It was the beginning of a long journey fueled by necessity.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Ranchero design contract approved

The Hesperia City Council on April 19 approved a contract with David Evans and Associates to complete engineering design work for the Ranchero Road Undercrossing project.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

The CCA Audit: One year later

Federal and county law enforcement continue investigation into former California Charter Academy officials

One year after an audit blasted local politicians for their involvement with the failed California Charter Academy chain of charter schools, federal and local law enforcement officials continue their investigations while those named in the audit continue to deny any criminal wrongdoing.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

A pioneer's voice, past and present

In 1954 when Hesperia was just a dot on the map, there was little difference between traffic during the day and nighttime because there just weren't many cars around. Once in a while during the day, a car would venture out from among the 200 residents to pick up mail at Walter's General Store with the post office behind the door. The place was practically a ghost town.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Born to race cars

For the Stauffacher clan, racing the dirt oval of the Route 66 Raceway in Victorville is a lot like going on a family picnic - only with a heck of a lot more horsepower. While cousins, siblings and others work in the pits, those less worried about getting knocked around take to the track.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Canadian lottery scam targets Hesperian

Con men ask for funds to be wired to them before full winnings can be sent

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Council approves lot split

Vote allows property owner to split 2.8-acre property into two equal-sized parcels

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hampton Inn to open this winter

Four-story hotel will be city's tallest building

(Read the rest of the story here.)

CLEANING UP

Advance collects 70 tons of trash during biannual cleanup

(Read the rest of the story here.)

'IT'S ADDICTIVE'

Volunteers hooked on giving are honored at annual Hesperia Recreation and Park District volunteer awards banquet

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Sneak Peek: Hesperia's tallest building

Opening late this year or early next year, the four story Hampton Inn & Suites will be the city's tallest building.

The full story will be in the April 25 edition of the Hesperia Star.

Letters to the editor

You can tell it's an election year when we start getting more, longer and more passionate letters to the editor, but individual stories, sometimes ones that we don't expect, can spike up the number of letters to the editor.

The most letters we've ever gotten about a story -- at least, since I've been here -- was in 2004, when we ran a story about a man being arrested for raising roosters for cockfighting. The pro-cockfighting people were the ones who buried us in letters, and were from all over the country, showing the power of Google News, I suppose.

This week, we've already gotten a good number of letters about Supervisor Bill Postmus' decision to remove an art book from the county library system, and again, it hasn't all been local responses.

BANNED IN HESPERIA

"The last time somebody complained about a book, it was a graphic novel." Anne Marie Wentworth, Hesperia librarian

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Woman awaits lot split decision

Based on her feelings, Peggy Getts expects the Hesperia City Council on Wednesday to approve the proposed lot split of her 2.6-acre property. But she doesn't believe one's feelings should factor into matters of individual property rights. Logic should, she says.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

La Musica Autentica

Not all High Desert youth have an affinity with baseball or soccer. Some hear their calling in a guitarron or vihuela.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Mid-term: Ranchero's Cindy Costa 'on hormones in tennis shoes'

"So far, so good," Cindy Costa says, about her first year as Ranchero Middle School's new principal.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

H.O.T. Solution

Proving that necessity is the mother of invention, a quartet of Hesperia Junior High students has created a cell phone accessory that enables those with special needs to communicate more easily.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

SULTANA SIGNINGS

Battisti signs to play football at Lambuth University; Crider, Finerty and Collins sign with Chadron State

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Florida Siosi: Sultana's triple threat

All year long, when the Lady Sultans stepped out onto the court or the field, Florida Siosi was there. In her second and final year at Sultana High School, she was a triple threat in volleyball, basketball and track and field.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Downtown Hesperia Conceptual Plan

Here's an artist's rendering of the Downtown Hesperia Conceptual Plan, courtesy of the City of Hesperia.

Builder: Industry offers vast opportunities

The construction industry offers a myriad of employment opportunities for anyone with drive and determination, an official for one of Hesperia's most prolific home builders told Mountain View High School students during Career Day last Friday.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

District to hire its own portrait photographers

It's a rite of autumn: school photo day. Students line up, dressed in carefully chosen clothes, for photos that will appear in yearbooks, wallets and Christmas cards.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

City Hall now open five days a week

Residents who have ever carried plan revisions to Hesperia City Hall -- or came to pay their water bill or to get a license for their pet -- only to find it closed on a Friday, never again.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Pack raises $18,000 for re-election campaign

Mayor Pro Tem Ed Pack has raised at least $18,000 for his reelection campaign in November, he said last week.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

McCollum sheds Scorpion skin for Teal Pride

Last year at this time, Robert McCollum still cheered for the Scorpions and was a familiar sight in the halls of Hesperia High School.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Joshua Circle readers receive helicopter reward

The dedicated corps of Joshua Circle Elementary students -- of which there are many -- were given a special treat for their productive hours of reading: a picture-perfect landing by an Air Force helicopter.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Mother Earth Gathering Inter-Tribal Pow Wow next month

The Hesperia Recreation and Park District is sponsoring the 14th Annual Mother Earth Gathering Traditional Inter-tribal Pow Wow on both Saturday, May 6 and Sunday, May 7 from 11 a.m. to dusk. The event will be held at Hesperia Lake Park.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Hesperia disabled veteran skis the Rockies

Navy veteran Darryl Lair participated at the National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic

Darryl Lair, a Navy veteran from Hesperia, is enjoying the challenge of skiing and an opportunity for self-development at the 20th National Disabled Veterans Winter Sports Clinic.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

After weeks or even months without needing a correction ...

Here's another one: Mojave Principal Bill Fagan's last name was spelled incorrectly in last week's lead story.

Sneak Peek: Hesperia Royal Court visits Coffee Club

Several members of Hesperia's newly announced Royal Court paid a visit to the Hesperia Chamber of Commerce Coffee Club on Friday, March 31.

The photos were taken by Maria Bamba, our office administrator.

Student protester photo

This photo of a group of Hesperia High School students protesting the controversial House of Representatives bill, HR4437, was taken on Monday, March 27. It was one of about five photos initially submitted to the Daily Press, which ran a page one story along with two photos the next day. This one didn't accompany the Daily Press story or a Hesperia Star news article published the following Tuesday.

Although this was one of the most eye-catching images, I grappled with whether publishing a photo showing a few students apparently flashing gang signs was appropriate. Ultimately, I decided an image of the gestures wasn't germane to the story.

Do you think the photo should have run in either the Daily Press or the Hesperia Star?

More Miss Hesperia pageant photos

Here are some full-color photos, including ones we did not have room to run in the Hesperia Star, from the Miss Hesperia Pageant. The event took place Saturday, March 25.

HUSD student body population

As of Monday's Hesperia Unified School District board meeting, the total student body at HUSD schools is now a record 20,131 students.

Miss Hesperia switches from a pink hardhat to a rhinestone tiara

Pageant winner roommate with former Miss Hesperia turned Miss Apple Valley

By BEAU YARBROUGH
Staff Writer

What makes Marisa Yepiz an unlikely pageant queen in many ways makes her a perfect Miss Hesperia.

“I’m one of those non-traditional kind of queens,” she said Tuesday, three days after winning the tiara and sash. “How do I explain myself? I work in the construction field. I drive a lifted Chevy truck. I like driving my quad.”

In fact, Yepiz, 22, has only been seriously competing in pageants since 2001, when she accompanied her younger sister Amanda – she’s the oldest of eight children – to a pageant and got talked into competing herself.

Since then, Marisa has competed and won several major titles, including Miss Petite California 2004 – petite in the pageant world means any woman under 5’6” – and Miss Victorville 2004.

“I know it sounds totally odd to have a former Miss Victorville be Miss Hesperia, but I worked hard for [Victorville],” Yepiz said. “I really love helping out for my city and working for the community. ... I really feel like I can make the city proud.”

The Yepiz family has lived in the region once commonly known as the Golden Triangle (shared between Hesperia, Victorville and Phelan) since the early 1980s and Marisa grew up attending school in all three communities.

But her current claim to Hesperia residency comes from the home she shares with roommate Lindsey Merritt. Merritt, incidentally, was Miss Hesperia 2004 and won the Miss Apple Valley 2006 title on March 25 at Hook Junior High School alongside Yepiz.
Leaving aside the sitcom-ready image of pageant queens living as roommates and the question of who had which title when, Yepiz’s coworkers can’t get over the fact that she competes in pageants at all.

“They think it’s kind of funny. ‘You? Wear a dress? Miss tennis shoes and jeans?’”

She does have one daily concession to the sort of femininity most associate with pageant queens: When she goes out onto the construction site where her company is expanding Victorville city hall, Yepiz does wear a pink construction hat.

The Serrano High School and Victor Valley College graduate will be working towards her real estate license this spring and plans to attend Cal State San Bernardino this year and ultimately graduate with a bachelor’s degree in English.

“I’d honestly like to go back to Serrano and teach English, but I’ll probably start at the junior high level,” Yepiz said. She currently teaches Sunday School at Oasis Church on I Avenue. “I just think the teaching is really my calling and really like working with some of the younger kids at the church. I think this what I’d like to do, until they rub paint all over their shirts.”
She got her start helping to corral her seven siblings.

“We’re all really close. It goes 17, 16, 12, 10, 8, 6 and 3. And then me at 22,” she said. “Christmas is a lot of fun. The gifts are just piled up.”

Out of that batch, it seems only two Yepiz girls will be wearing the winners’ sashes and tiaras for the time being.
“It’s just me and Amanda right now. I’ve tried to inspire the others.” Amanda is Pixie Miss Hesperia 2006.

Other winners at the Empire Pageants-run Miss Hesperia, Miss Victorville and Miss Apple Valley pageants on Saturday, March 25, included Teen Miss Hesperia 2006, Michelle Fleming, 16, an 11th grader at Options for Youth charter school. Young Miss Hesperia 2006 is Victoria Luce, 12, a Hesperia Junior High School student. Pre-Teen Miss Hesperia 2006 is Paige Nicole Foraker, a 5th grader at Summit Elementary School. Junior Miss Hesperia 2006 is Rebecca Reynolds, a 3rd grader at Hollyvale Elementary School. Toddler Miss Hesperia 2006 is Allyson Lain Patten, Petite Miss Hesperia is Jayden Dianne Foster and Baby Miss Hesperia is Trinity Rayne Brown.

Yepiz said she hopes more girls will take their shot at the tiara in future years, even if, like her, they aren’t the stereotypical pageant queen.

“There’s so many girls who have so much potential,” Yepiz said. “Even if they don’t want to do pageants, just for training and life training.”

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at beau@hesperiastar.com or by telephone at 956-7108.

Mojave's Fagan named Continuation Principal of the Year

Bill Fagan has gotten his first report card as the new principal of Mojave High School and Desert Trails High School, which combine to form the Hesperia Unified School District’s Alternative Education Center.

Fagan has been named Continuation Principal of the Year by Association of California School Administrators for ACSA Region 12, which includes all of San Bernardino County.

"It’s gratifying," Fagan said last Thursday. "First year, I don’t know that I’ve really done anything to deserve it this early in my principalship, but if it brings honor to the school and the district, I humbly accept."

After years of working with former Alternative Education Center principal Arlene Gluck, Fagan stepped from the on-deck circle to home plate this year after Gluck moved into a position in the HUSD’s central office on Main Street.

"I think it’s going well. We’re having a good year. [There are] challenges with the growth of the city and the schools," he said. "I’m fortunate: I was the assistant principal here from ’99 until this school year."

Prior to that, he was a teacher at the school. The combination has given him a great deal of insight into the new job.

"People know you. Students know you. They know what you’re about," Fagan said. "People know that I have a real commitment and a real concern about alternative education. We have a unique opportunity to help kids in unique ways in a healthy environment."

But there were still surprises in store for him.

"I worked very closely with Arlene Gluck," he said. "She would say we were virtually interchangeable ... however, being the person who is ultimately responsible is very different."

One of those challenges is to keep the needs of both Mojave and Desert Trails students in mind. Each program is run very differently and is designed to meet the needs of different sorts of students.

"My office is sitting in the middle of Mojave High School. What you don’t want is you don’t want anyone to feel left out or feel like you’re not concerned about them," Fagan said. "You try to give everyone their attention they deserve."

One of the changes he’s implemented is creating leadership teams, where experienced staff members are given more authority and "Really relying on your key people, both your teaching people and your non-teaching support staff.

"It’s a different model, but it taps into lots of new ideas and gives people the opportunity to really take ownership of challenges."

One legacy Gluck left behind was an 18-year stretch as principal of the Alternative Education Center.

"I don’t know about the same number of years. I might be retired before that. I’m just enjoying this right now," Fagan said. "Anyone will tell you, this is where education really happens, right here on the school site."

Fagan will formally receive his award from ACSA at a dinner ceremony in San Bernardino on April 24.

Beau Yarbrough can be reached at beau@hesperiastar.com or by telephone at 956-7108.

Man shoots son, second juvenile

A father shot his 16-year-old son and another juvenile with a shotgun, apparently believing the pair to be prowlers.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Balloons help celebrate Juniper's high API scores

Juniper Elementary School is soaring to new heights -- literally.

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Rotary to even the score at Hesperia High

The softball field at Hesperia High School will soon boast a brand new wireless electronic scoreboard thanks to the Rotary Club of Hesperia.

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Students on both sides of House bill 4437 issue face disciplinary measures

A proposed federal bill that would make illegal immigration a felony ignited protests around the nation last week, including repeated incidents involving students at Hesperia's public schools.

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Short Traffic Tips / BY DEPUTY FARRIS SHORT

My name is Farris Short, and I work for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. I am a deputy Sheriff assigned to the City of Hesperia as a traffic officer. I ride a marked Sheriff's motorcycle, and I am an investigator for the Major Accident Investigation Team, otherwise known as M.A.I.T.

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New postmaster is sworn in

When Victor Maldonado was a boy, his father drove a yellow Volkswagen. And his father's song, played on the car's 8-track tape player, was "Please Mr. Postman," by The Marvelettes. His theme song was well-chosen, because Victor's father worked for the United States Postal Service.

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Anonymous donor helps student go to conference

Overcoming the challenges of dyslexia to become a stellar student, Justin Grissom is accustomed to defying overwhelming odds. But coming up with more than $2,000 so he could attend an upcoming Washington D.C. student conference was daunting, but still not too much for the rooted-in-faith Grissom family.

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IN BRIEF

Eleventh Street will be closed between Main Street and Smoketree from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. March 30-31. This closure will allow the contractor to grind and repave Eleventh Street for the new Walgreens development.

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Former supervisor dies

John Joyner, the former county supervisor who conducted a study addressing the feasibility of the High Desert breaking off and forming its own county, died Monday, March 20 at a hospital in Palm Springs. He was 76.

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Marriott Courtyard hotel planned for Hesperia

Hesperia's skyline is about to get a bit taller in 2007.

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Graffiti costs city $150,000 annually

A permanent marker costs less than $2 at area stores. Graffiti clean-up - whether the graffiti comes from markers, paint and other materials - has a somewhat higher price tag: The City of Hesperia annually pays out more than $150,000 to clean up graffiti around the city.

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Hesperia Elks announce scholarship winners and runners

Richard Garcia, Exalted Ruler of the Hesperia Elks Lodge #2646 recently announced the names of the six students who will each receive $800 from "The Most Valuable Student" state program.

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VOICES: Turtle Tales by Margaret E. Furman

Road rage, pipe bombs, potholes, gridlock and high speed chases down the freeway are traffic conditions that are present on the High Desert as they are down below. Only the relative number of incidents and the degree of impact on our life style is debatable. Just reciting the list makes me stress out.

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A VIEW FROM MAIN STREET

It's interesting to see how differently the Mojave Water Agency's board of directors and the Hesperia City Council handled respective controversies regarding one of their own. Recently, MWA director Richard Hall, who is also on the Hesperia Recreation Park District board, was accused of failing to pay up on an employee contract he had with a woman he met on a single's Web site. Although Hall's situation is still being looked at, the MWA board of directors asked Hall to resign his position.

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Frontier Homes celebrates with open house soiree

There was a fountain of chocolate, drinks from the bar, a colorful selection of culinary goodies -- coconut shrimp, bruschetta and pasta primavera, to name just a sample -- and, of course, a long, red carpet.

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VOICES: TAD HONEYCUTT

It wasn't all that long ago that High Desert residents had to pack up the family and drive 45-minutes down the hill to do anything but our most basic shopping. Fortunately, those days have long since passed. Now, instead of going to the shopping centers and theaters down the hill, those retail, dining and entertainment opportunities have, literally, come to our neighborhoods.

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Ready, set ... talk

As a member of the Victor Valley College faculty, Mimi Sawan of Guardian Medical was accustomed to addressing people, but her fear of public speaking never really went away.

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VOICES: GIL ZANK

The Coffee Club resulted from a Regional Ambassador meeting in 1993. There, I met an ambassador from San Bernardino who mentioned a weekly event they had -- at that time 75 to 100 people were attending at 7:30 a.m. -- for free coffee and donut holes. It was very successful.

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SHERIFF'S LOG

Unknown suspects are identified by race only for the purpose of aiding identification.

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Mr. Podegracz (et al) goes to Washington

Hesperia officials are looking to put more of residents' tax dollars to work on major city projects. They aren't looking to raise taxes, however, but to bring some federal tax revenue back from Washington.

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ROOM TO GROW

Hesperia's explosive growth rate has meant local government has had to scramble to keep up with demand for services, whether it's having enough classrooms for students, staff at the city planning department able to meet the needs of builders or a library large enough for a city of 80,000 residents.

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School district moves from portables into former Main Street medical building

For years, the Hesperia Unified School District's administrators, who oversee everything from hiring teachers to what food gets served in the school cafeteria, have been squatting on the edge of Mesa Grande Elementary School's campus.

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Oxford Owls land in their own nest

Hesperia's sixth graders got their own schools this year, separate from the student bodies of the city's elementary and middle schools. But the best laid plans of mice and educators often go awry, and both sixth grade academies ended up living under the same roof due to construction delays.

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Should churches and synagogues be owned and operated by the government? Should church and synagogue attendance be compulsory? Should taxpayers be taxed for the support of churches and synagogues?

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SHERIFF'S LOG

Unknown suspects are identified by race only for the purpose of aiding identification.

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HESPERIA UNIFIED SCHOOL DISTRICT POLICE LOG

* A female person was cited for battery and annoying a child at Ranchero Middle School.

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Another cheerleader photo

Here's an additional photo of the victorious Sultana High School cheerleaders.

Sultana cheerleaders top of the California pyramid

Sultana cheerleading coach Dale Ford's letterman's jacket has arms armored with state championship patches. For the second time in two years, Ford will have to find room for another patch in the shape of the state of California.

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Middle school under lockdown after apparent false tip to CHP

Ranchero Middle School was under lockdown last Friday morning after law enforcement authorities received an anonymous call that a gunman was in a classroom at "Rancho" Middle School. The tip proved to be apparently false.

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ExCEL program means grants for teachers and scholarships for students

The Hesperia Unified School District's ExCEL program not only pays off for students who take part in the program, which provides additional for students based on their specific educational needs, but it's also providing Hesperia's teachers with more resources and, starting this year, graduates with scholarships to help continue their education.

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In Brief

The westbound Main Street #2 lane between 9th and 11th Street will be closed between 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. on March 14-16. The closure will allow for street improvements required for a new development project along the north side of Main Street.

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'Our kids are in very good hands'

After shadowing Hesperia Junior principal Larry Silverman for most of a school day last Wednesday, Alan E. Adams experienced an epiphany: Today's public schools are different than when he was a student decades ago, but that's OK.

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Desert Studies by Richard Doornbos

Are you aware that, sometime on any given night, one can view about forty percent of the night sky? All the constellations and planets that are not too near the Sun at present and after dark can be viewed. Only about ten percent of the sky, in the proximity of the setting or rising Sun, can not be viewed. But not the stars, and constellations normally visible during the daytime.

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School District Police Log

* An unknown suspect removed an unattended MP3 player at Hesperia High School.

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Sheriff's Log

Unknown suspects are identified by race only for the purpose of aiding identification.

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Letter to the Editor

March is Red Cross Month. Each year, the President of the United States declares March "Red Cross Month." This annual event provides a unique opportunity to think about the important role the Red Cross plays every day right here in the High Desert.

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A View From Main Street

When most of us think of heroes we think of brawny firefighters or police officers dressed in handsome blue. We think of the quarterback on our favorite football team, or perhaps a singer who belts out a heartfelt anthem for a generation. But heroes who often go unnoticed are the men and women of the local Citizens on Patrol who give countless hours of volunteer time to supplement the force of San Bernardino County Sheriff deputies stationed here in Hesperia.

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Carlo's Car Care Corner, by Carlo Berro

In our last column, we talked about budgeting for car repairs in the new year. It can be a very difficult decision to make, whether or not to buy a new car or to repair the one you have. For those of you who choose to get a new car, most of your repairs should be covered under a warranty or extended warranty that is offered by the car manufacturers through the dealer. And, for those of you who decided to keep you cars or purchase maybe a pre-owned vehicle, there are still basic maintenance and repairs that you need to have done in order to keep these cars in good shape.

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Door opens for Hesperia Star cartoonist

Cartoonist David Penn II waited so long for this, it wasn't even funny.

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Congratulations to Freedom Award winner Carmen Gutierrez

Carmen Gutierrez, staff writer for the Hesperia Star's sister newspaper, El Mojave, won a 2006 Best of Freedom award for her article "Un Piano, rosas y un amor."

Congratulations, Carmen!

Here's a link to Carmen's award-winning story.

Banana museum slips into Hesperia

Unique collection finds new home at park district-run Harrison Exhibit Center

The city of starry nighttime skies, tumbleweeds a-tumblin' and new houses aplenty is now the official home to one of the most unique attractions in the world -- the International Banana Club Museum.

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School officials call Hesperia campuses safe, monitor Apple Valley abduction scares

In the face of a rising number of apparent abduction attempts around Apple Valley schools, Hesperia Unified School District officials say Hesperia schools are safe and well-monitored by school police and sheriff's deputies.

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In Brief

The Hesperia Sheriff's Station will be hosting the next Citizens on Patrol Academy beginning on April 17. Anyone 18 years or older who is interested in becoming a volunteer is encouraged to contact their local police station for an application. The deadline for applying is March 31. All applicants must pass an oral interview and background investigation.

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Mesquite to be paved... at last

If you were attending Mesquite Trails Elementary School during the 1998-1999 school year, odds are that, seven years later, the quality of Mesquite Road is no longer a major issue for you, now that you're a student at Hesperia Junior High School or Hesperia High School.

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A boy, a skateboard and new hope

Holiday gift prompts sixth-grader to surpass expections of therapists

Therapists at Lucy Siegrist School in Hesperia were beginning to believe that one boy's quest to walk had gone about as far as it could -- until the adolescent was given a skateboard.

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High Desert Science Fair this Saturday

Region's best young minds - including kindergartners - converge on Hesperia High

The High Desert's youngest scientists - many of them too young to drive, some of them too young to see PG-13 movies - will be strutting their intellectual stuff this Saturday morning at Hesperia High School, at the High Desert Science Fair.

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Voices: Beau Yarbrough

Read Across Topaz Elementary

In a city where my wife grew up and my father-in-law runs the family business, everyone knows me, or at least that's how it seems.

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Home builder Centex to open Hesperia truss-building plant

'Significant' new jobs to be created, says official

Hesperia, already in the middle of a home-building boom, will soon be exporting parts for homes outside of the city in mass quantities, once a new factory is built in the city later this year.

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A VIEW FROM MAIN STREET

Victor Valley Union's move is a good first step

The biggest local news, in my opinion, is the "resignation" of Silverado High Principal Susan Levine.

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Ivory Passions

Hesperia High School piano students finding excellence comes sooner than later

With her dark, long hair swooshing side-to-side, body swaying and fingers dancing across an expanse of black and white, classical pianist Sydney Han makes the Baldwin baby grand piano come alive. Except for a tiny hitch in the middle of her demonstration performance, Han's blazingly fast rendition of Bach's "Solfeggietto" speaks of a mature player who has slaved at practice hours each day for many years.

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A well-read article

It's always impossible to know what sort of story will get the most reaction from readers.

In my first month at the Hesperia Star, I wrote a story about a gay church in conservative Hesperia. To this day, not a peep from the readers.

Later, I did a story about a man whose roosters were seized on suspicion that he was raising them for cockfighting. The pro-cockfighting folks from around the country filled my e-mail and voicemail inboxes with outraged responses.

And now, a story about how the Hesperia Unified School District is using early intervention to catch students before they get categorized as learning disabled due to their academic performance and thus having one of the lowest percentages of special education students in the state has had my e-mail inbox swelling to the bursting point again.

This time, though, it's with positive e-mails, with educators from as far away as Scotland wanting to know more. They saw a link to the story in a weekly news round-up e-mail from the Council for Exceptional Children.

You never can tell.

Legislator makes good use of power

State Senator Chuck Poochigian, a Republican who represents Fresno, is helping lead efforts to protect Californians — including us here in Hesperia — from being victims of identity theft.

To those who have never been a victim, or don’t know someone who has, identity theft may just be a buzz phrase you hear on TV. But when identity theft hits home it is one of the most frustrating and angering things that can happen to you. When your bank account is raided or a family member loses money after replying to a “phishing” email, your sense of security can be completely uprooted. If your account was breached by someone observing you enter your ATM PIN at a grocery or convenience store, you may never look at people the same way again.

And that is the true tragedy of identity theft — it strips your trust in humanity. It’s a violation, a form of rape. In 2004, consumers reported losses of $547 million, and it too the average victim an estimated 175 hours and $800 to resolve his identity theft problems. If that isn’t enough anguish, it takes the average victim two to four years to clear their names.

According to Poochigian, the Federal Trade Commission states that identity theft is the fastest growing crime in the nation. California is ranked as the third highest state behind Arizona and Nevade for the greatest number of identity theft victims with 122.1 per 100,000 population.

Poochigian recently introduced a bill package that would give law enforcement the necessary tools to pursue and prosecute criminals who perpetrate these schemes. That includes street-level criminals and those using technology to steal personal information.

“It is past time that California’s legislature makes the punishment for identity theft fit the crime,” Poochigian says.

True, indeed.



The following are bills introduced by Poochigian:
SB 1387 — Increases the penaltites for the theft and trafficking of personal identifying information.
SB 1388 — Creates new criminal penalty for phishing.
SB 1389 — Criminal identify theft.
SB 1390 — Adds identity theft to the California Crime Index.

State Senator Chuck Poochigian is to be congratulated for using his position as an elected leader to do what’s right — solve difficult problems of the day, like identity theft.

Peter Day