Hesperia Star: Digital Newsroom

New HesperiaStar.com launched

2006-09-28T16:55:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:45:00.000-07:00

'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?

2006-08-29T12:44:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:44:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:43:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:42:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:39:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:23:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:22:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:21:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-29T12:21:00.000-07:00

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"

2006-08-22T12:52:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-22T12:52:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T12:51:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T12:50:00.001-07:00

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?

2006-08-22T12:50:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T12:48:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T12:47:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-22T12:45:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:41:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:40:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:40:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:39:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:36:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:34:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:33:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:32:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:31:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-15T16:28:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:04:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:03:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:01:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-10T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-10T16:59:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-01T15:05:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-01T15:02:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-01T15:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-01T15:00:00.001-07:00

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

2006-08-01T15:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-01T14:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-01T14:56:00.000-07:00

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

2006-08-01T14:55:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:26:00.001-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:26:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:25:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:23:00.001-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:23:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:22:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-25T15:19:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T18:29:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T17:05:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T17:04:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T17:03:00.000-07:00

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'

2006-07-18T17:02:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T17:01:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T17:00:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T16:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-18T16:55:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-13T11:48:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T10:58:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T10:57:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T10:56:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T10:54:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-12T10:52:00.000-07:00

Hesperia was a very different city in 1991.

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Local veteran competes in Alaska

2006-07-12T10:50:00.000-07:00

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

(Read the rest of the story here.)

Albertson's stores change hands

2006-07-05T17:24:00.001-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:24:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:23:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:22:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:21:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:20:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:19:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:18:00.000-07:00

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

2006-07-05T17:15:00.000-07:00

See the list here.

Dead apparently butchered goat

2006-06-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Plan focuses on roads, downtown revitalization

2006-06-27T16:13:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-27T16:12:00.000-07:00

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.

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Gang sweep nets 77 arrests, 53 suspects are from Hesperia

2006-06-27T16:10:00.000-07:00

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.

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Concrete legacy

2006-06-27T16:09:00.000-07:00

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.

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Chamber to hold second monthly breakfast event

2006-06-27T16:06:00.000-07:00

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

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Neighbors discover 4-foot shark while on daily desert walk

2006-06-27T16:00:00.000-07:00

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

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Bar h Rodeo rocks into high gear

2006-06-27T15:57:00.000-07:00

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.

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Residential burglary, C and Muscatel

2006-06-21T17:09:00.000-07:00

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

2006-06-21T13:08:00.000-07:00

Click the photos to see a larger size version.

Gang-Busters

2006-06-21T12:07:00.000-07:00

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.

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Hesperia to add 61 employees

2006-06-21T12:06:00.000-07:00

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.

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Park board's Hall considers council run

2006-06-21T12:05:00.000-07:00

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.

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Local BMX riders for a cause

2006-06-21T12:04:00.000-07:00

A Dream Realized

2006-06-21T11:54:00.000-07:00

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.

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Lewis Center student to attend conference

2006-06-20T14:21:00.001-07:00

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.

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A heart for giving

2006-06-20T14:21:00.000-07:00

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.

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Star wins state park association award

2006-06-20T14:20:00.000-07:00

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

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Carlee De Mase places second in soap box derby

2006-06-20T14:19:00.000-07:00

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.

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VVC to hold PAC groundbreaking event

2006-06-20T14:18:00.000-07:00

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.

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Local BMXers ride for a cause

2006-06-20T14:16:00.000-07:00

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

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