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BIG

WEEKEND

2019 Saturday, August 24,

• (760) 365-3315 Yucca Valley, California

JUDGMENT DAY

ON THE FRINGES

By Jenna Hunt

Explore non-traditional, thought-provoking theater at the Hi-DeF Fringe Festival today and Sunday at the Joshua Tree Retreat Center.

Original performances, concerts and sessions on play. $5-$60 for locals. www.hidesertfringe.org

Hi-Desert Star

— YUCCA VALLEY venSigns, unauthorized a dors and people with able message will not be to share with the masses inside the town’s summer concerts in the future.

The Town Council voted on Tuesday to enforce stronger rules and regulaYucannual tions at the ca Valley Summer Music

STARGAZING

at Take a telescope look two double stars, galaxies, Jupiter and Saturn at a star party 8:3010:30 p.m. tonight at the Sky’s The Limit in Twentynine Palms. Free. www.skysthelimit29.org

BARGAINS

Signs and flyers banned at concerts

$1

Hi-Desert Star Festival.

(92 cents plus tax)

was in-

People you know, The new policy Counnewsinyou Town thecan cluded trust since agenda and was 1957

Murder trial begins today

Yucca Valley, California • (760) 365-3315

Star JENÉ ESTRADA Hi-Desert

cil’s consent passed without much public Thursday, August comment or discussion.

8, 2019 Keeping a safe and orthe derly atmosphere at top concerts is the town’s Earpriority, said Sue nest, community services

manager. of first-de“You want to curtail any guilty on two charges The fall library sale morning after being found distractions and disrupis open to the public from the courthouse Thursday an for using a firearm.

Rafael Aikens is escorted tions,” Earnest said in sentence enhancements from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. gree murder along with interview after the meeting. the today at the Twentynine “This addresses stuff for Palms library, 6078 future.”

Adobe Road. Get print During several concerts and audio books, DVDs, this summer, locals demonwith CDs and magazines. strated their views out (760) 820-2551 By Jené Estrada signs and a few passed and religious flyers Hi-Desert Star the business that Aikens committed and promotional materials.

BEYOND MUSIC JOSHUA TREE — Afbeyond a reason800 to murders estimated An ter two preparatory of JenéofEstrada Byyears Experimental music able doubt.

1,000 people attend each hearings, Star of Rafael the trial Hi-Desert After hearing the ver- the summer concerts at the makers will give a Ari Aikens is scheduled JOSHUA TREE to— The dict, judge Rodney Cortez Yucca Valley Community concert to benefit the begin with Rafael Ari opening is in. stateA fixed-wing the jurors for their Center, with higher numthanked aircraft Morongo Basin Coali-ments verdict from Calthem guilty this afternoon.

Fire drops retardant was found MIKE MARKS nearby service for reminded and“Cal Aikens Saturday.

JuPHOTO on night bers on opening homes as a brush tion for Adult Literacyrors will Fire provide on top of it!” counts of be askedoftotwo could fire burns court wrote Thursday deterthe said. the that photographer at Earnest mine if Aikens is murder for the at 7 p.m. tonight Mike Marks. they July 4, first-degree guilty of counseling for them if “A lot of this restates murdering Sun Alley stage, 61871 two of Christy McKissic Twentynine deaths needed it due to the brutal what is in the park’s ordiPalms women Twentynine Palms HighMetcalf. in 2017. who and Renee nature of the case. nances,” said Earnest,

By Stacy Moore 24, wasannounced way, Joshua Tree. Do- Aikens, Jurors escorted Thurs“We’re all human beings, did not speak about the topen that Hi-Desert Star Joshua nations at the door. into the day morning Tree they had finhe said. so there are difficulties by winds, the meeting. ic during aid agreements. . Monday totheir courthouse we Fire Cal when you spacecowboybooks YUCCA upon took ished hear adeliberations, someone if bring command we MESA — A list In the future, of witnesses totook less “The two of the case incident of the blogspot.com fire destroyed into fire was threatenwhich be calledthan have the seeks entry 25.6nature sign counwith aand acres on,”fireheengines ing structures in by the prosecution ready to were of desert vegetation just sat ty the Flain the hours, andand from that you off the concertsmingo theYucca one of Old defense, a list their McKissic Mesa, Heights Christy recognize verdict. The jury Yucca Woman you be area, hope read of evidence may Valley, “I Springs so said. Road and person we used Neper Metcalf Rafael JENÉ ESTRADA park, thatJoshthat will be presented wom- AriRenee Aikens, ua comHi-Desert Star Tree and La Brisa Drive role that 24, sits the Cal Fire aircraft was made up oftoeight Twentynine the important to leave or discard Monday Saturday Palms asked — the fixed-wing all as attorneys go in a Joshua Tree the jury and more. no DNA evidence courtroom and in the While as well afternoon. tankers en and four men Jury 23, 2017. evidence and witnesses. entrance. to munity members play on March over theWonhomestarted signasatthe dropping retardant Judge appeared der Valley engine be Caucasian.selection was found linking Aikens system.”

Rodney to Wednesday Battalioncriminal chooses the trial, the Cortez and crew personhelicopters Chief justice and continues that now Throughout Scott the prosecution will preside over find the decrimes, today. excused in “Ifdowntown doing the jury Tuttle from San “We the their jurors werestationed TheBernardiargued that Aik- the case, to leave or discard testimodrops,” Tuttle said. water which includes Twentynine of the offense prosecution and fam- notPalms provided witness no County two guilty fendant be perthe courtroom charges fromsaid who Fire had traveled to their they will all not It crews of responded. of murder ofwith took about an hour from two Marines they wrote on ens McKissic, sign, were called murder,” enhancethe event, that evening and ny blaze just and said toilythemembers mitted to enter and ments on each with Aikensbefore which was home late minutes to get the The Bureau verdict thecount to15hold 2 p.m. Metcalf and Aikens gathered forform, of Land in some form of sex- served told him something the continue but may fire under use of a gun.read aloud in the courtroom. engaged tears. Management and NationThetesof thecontrol. first tooutside with McKissic he had murders. One arrivein their sign outsideCal foundgladal that the “The penalty, found that the ual activity Park it’s They Service joined the investigators to Fire if italso “I’m gets firearm in before shooting her in the about that Aikensa well-establish ed theaccording told him fire just event area,” driv- fight are trying to determine that far, is life a Eli Kahi, tified under their defendant withoutused over,” said Crystal the as he hovered on top mutual possibility ofboth causeisthe blaze. murders, which skull he’d killed two people.

McKissic’s staff report. if what of the parole,” a person Coralso who is aunt to of her.

Similarly, attorney district tez said on Monday. like The enhancement was is a special “This The prosecution said provided ballistics on Aik- daughter. “Christy a second gathering signatures inside is not a death result in additional the and will a sister, Renee was penalty Metcalf then ran into the gated area, that person case.” .45 caliber Rock Island time on his sentence.

They was shot twice, ens’ ex- mom to me.” will be asked to stop. verdict, the room and Christy McKissic, pistol that, a weapons With this Across the hall from gather signa32, that Aikens, once in the leg and once in and her mother, pert said, was used to shoot Kahi, Aikens’ mom, Artel- can, however, of the event jury agreed Renée tures outside Metcalf, 62, were killed Chris- the back. both women.

24, shot YUCCA shot and Both Metcalf and McKisto 32, and her this was VALLEY —Wolfgang Day A2 area. death March 24, The jury agreed McKissic, JudgmentGadson ty 2017, Jr., 39, were shot in the head as enough evidence was chargedSee in to prove the Twentynine with eight felonies started in 2016.

Renee Metcalf, 62, sic mother, this week relating Palms the assailant left the room. COURTESY Gadson was arrested ChristyPalms to home they shared McKissic, Twentynine PHOTOS in theirwith for oral copula32, left, was a hair a child. The Yucca sexual molestation of tion of a Renée child under stylist while mom Valley resident pleaded McKissic’s then not guilty to all 10-year- aboard Metcalf, 62, right, was manager attorney’s office filed 10, but the district charges in Joshua old daughter. Days Classified ads B4 at the Staff Club court the Marine base, several more charges Tree against him. then tended Tuesday. later, Lottery A2 bar at the Virginian.

He is currently charged detectives called Aikens a Sheriff’s two with A4 counts deputies from the person of interest Neighborhood News 42 Morongo copulation of sexual penetration A6 Basin station arrested 62, Number in the or oral with McKissic in on a child 10 or Obituaries A8 investigation andVolume Gadson Sunday the year morning after investigating younger and pages McKissic’s six charges of lewd 16arrested leading up to her him.

Service Directory B5 daughter de- he or lascivious acts death. was suspected of performingreports that a child.

Copies are complimentary scribed with B1 seeing a man shoot InStar a 2019 preliminary hear- Sports Deputies saidAll contents © Hi-Desert sexual acts on a child under 10 Aikens her grandmother.

After he A2 and making that had a sexual relationship ing in August 2017, sher-Weather perform sexual acts child Judge John pleaded not guilty Tuesday, Mailing label iff’s detectives testified on him.

Burdick set bail that at $500,000 According to and scheduled Gadson’s See Murder trial A2 it was reported the Sheriff’s Department, Aug. next hearing for 14. Gadson is being that the abuse may held in West Valhave ley Detention Center.

■ 12-year-old girl said found guilty nsto witness elwillAike Rafa shooting be put on stand ee murders

of two first-degr

Flames destroy 25

acres

Man charged with felonies for mole eight station

Law officers welc

By Jenna Hunt

DIGITAL MEDIA

Films from around globe show in JT

Inside today

ome public at Nati

onal Night Out

“It reminds you Star how community supports the YUCCA VALLEY each — other.”

Law enforcement and The event was moved the community connected the to Yucca Valley Commuduring National Night Out nity Center $1 (92 cents plus at its new location tax) at the Mart parkingfrom the WalTwentynine Palms, Yucca Valley Community lot this California • (760) to allow more activities,year 367-3577 Center Tuesday. especially indoors.

National Night Thursday, August Out 1, 2019 “This is the first year an annual campaign is it’s to been here promote public safety by to host and we’re happy helping build a it,” said Sue Earbond be- nest, community services tween residents and local manager law enforcement. with the town government.

Hosted by the San BerA 26-year-old nardino County horse Sheriff’s named Department, the free event rongo Zuli with the Mois geared toward Basin Equestrians bringing on Patrol

By Kurt Schauppner law enforcement unit and com- iff’s Departmentof the SherThe Desert Trail “They flew over munity members was one of the Wonder Basin together.

Valley Municipal Advisory TWENTYNINE “It’s a great turnout,” the most popular parts of PALMS — were Community Center as we cil, said Counthe night.

Two Marine helicopters leaving said Capt. Trevis he went out to see Newport, his hoofs Zuli could rest the report- the valley,” at 2, then circled helicopters edly landed at the commander of the on dirt instead of and found Sitz reported after base of Pole- spotting Moron- concrete Marines were training out the line Road north of go Basin sheriff’s this the helicopters.

Naborly here in the station. shade options,year and had wilderness area.

Monday afternoon, “When we turned too.

July 29. north on The California Highway “It’s Gehr we saw a big “There much helicopters They Marine better here,”training were JENNA STEVEN Patrol’s HUNT Hi-Desert seen Star puff of dust. derness were up in the wilREYES mascot,

by Teresa When the National to The Desert Chipper, Vice Poleline in the Twentynine Trail Sitz, Commander Night Out Tuesday. Special greets we gotJENNA who works during families home Road Linda as the Wonder we HUNT Monday,liams, sawStarthey threat area. They were not a Pictured Hi-Desert land are Children clamber July 29.

Fisher said.

10, Ted Williams, Palms area nearKelly were theon Valley to anyone. It Williams, two Community big helicopters.”

11, and Susie Williams, some Reese Wilplayground Centerequipment coorAlong with informationsee them training,” was nice to 7dinator, Steven monthsand at the Reyes, old.some friends.

Sheriff’s whoDeparthe said. represents National Night Out ment’s National al booths on crime WonderNight “In my eyes it was charity Valley preven- announced Out. on the a positive Morongo tion, there were displays this month that thing.” emergency equipment of more than 16,000 commuvehicles. Free health and nities across the country care have registered 38 million screenings were offered Desert Oasis Health by people participating. and Participating groups Route 62 Cruisers in Don Teeter, bers displayed cars. mem- the Morongo Basin includTheresa Greer ed the California Families enjoyed Highway and Linda Fishand free hot dogs, games Patrol, Morongo Basin er stand with and drinks provided chips Healthcare District, couna 26-year-old Sheriff’s Department.by the ty Supervisor Dawn Rowe, horse named Yucca Valley “It’s another great Zuli. All are way cheer squad High School to break bread Bymembers members and Stacy Moore together,” the Morongo Basin Newport said.

Hi-Desert Starof the Morongo Basin munity Emergency ComNow in its 36th year, JOSHUA ReEquestriansTREE the sponse Team. on — The solution Patrol unit to homelessness of the is housing.

Sheriff’s For Don Smith, diDepartJENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star rector ment.of the county’s Pathways to Housing, it’s that

By Jené Estrada basic.

SGT. A Hi-Desert Star people caught littering Marine with Scout Sniper Platoon ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps “That doesn’t mean Marine in 1st Battalion, and dumpRegiment observes ing illegally. people don’t have some SAN BERNARDIN The boardthe 25th alsorange accepted Saturday, O — The menthe Mo-JulyA 27. county board of rongo Basin Active tal-health issues, The Park Boulevard previous ordinance supervisors on Transportatio does not giveor addicreconstrucn code enforcement Tuesday moved forward tion project will resurface Plan, which identifies tionthe issues, or are irresponauthority with a re- from potential fine the road bike and to construction project sible, but those are people caught pedestrian on Park Bou- tynineAlta Loma Drive to Twenlittering and secondlevard in Joshua the Morongo Basin. routes within the board voted ary Palms Highway. issues,” Smith to repeal Tree. The board said. that ordialso discussed changing nance, opening a To solve that The board Moving into the discussion STACY MOORE door for littering Hi-Desert Star basic issue Don an ordi- tion contract awarded a construc- tion of por- to be considered— nance to allow county Smith explains the meeting, the supervisors get homeless for nearly $1.3 a to violation code enforce- for

By Sgt. ment to dole county code. into homes in the people landlords, tenants how the project to Matich million discussed code enforcement’s out Andy Martinez — Smith and Corpora- in punishing role for tion in San Special to punishments assistance programs and Code Enforcement The Desert Trail Wayne Chief Bernardino. people Hamilton can Andyhosted a work together. illegally dump trash who litter or MCAGCC — Reserve landlord fair Tuesday, in the county.

Marines July from the northeastern 30,See in the Sportsman’s Club Classifieds Littering U.S. are join- B3 They money is earmarked ing forces with where they toldA2 Obituaries A7 their active-duty Crossword B8 property to help counterparts Volume 62, owners about Opinion A6 Number 37 in a training Faith and programs or stay people get housing exer-Values A4 56525 11151 16 pagescise that began that can help more in their homes.

Sheriff’s Calls A7 8 July 25, andFocus people ends A8 All contentsAug. “No matter what afford rentals.

22 atStarthe © Hi-Desert Marine Corps Sports B1 2019 Milestones Air A6 problem is, we will their Ground Combat Hamilton, who Center in TwenTV listings B8 try to works find tynine Palms. a way with Focus homeless families ilton said. to help,” HamA8 The Reserve Marines through Morongo come from Unified 1st Battalion, 25th He can’t help everyone; School District, recently Marine got Regithe ment, headquartere new grant provides a grant from the d Homeless vens, Massachusett in Fort DeEmergency Aid s, and is comProgram. prised of Marines See Landlords A2 from all over the northeastern area of the After training in country.

Twentynine Palms, 1/25 will be activated and deploy to the Indo-Pacific region for the first time.

They will conduct training exercises A Marine with Scout SGT. ANDY countries to improve in numerous training at the combatSniper Platoon fires an M40A6 MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps Sniper Rifle their combat center in Twentynine readiness and strengthen Palms Saturday, during TWENTYNINE PALMS interna- Warrant July 27. tional relationships.

29 Palms Art Gallery — Fifty-seven artists Officer 2 Sean Doel, in have September. the ercise Forest information management “We have a couple been selected for Light. We also have different ex- 1/25. officer for iterations the jurercises we will support,” Joshua Tree artists “One ied exhibition at the said Chief Self-Defense is with the Japanese exercises of Fuji Viper and other seJoshua lected are Tree National Park that will be taking Forces supporting Art Ex- noff, MarciaBenjamin Allaplace exposition 2019 in September.

Geiger, See Snipers A2 Hernandez, Alane Louis Five jurors met Levinand sohn and judged 347 works submit- Matt Collins,photographers ted by 137 artists Doug Dolde, from David McChesney, across the U.S. and Mitch Canada Miller, Saturday, July 20.

Kevin Powell and Jim Smart.

After nearly seven Yucca Valley artists of deliberation, the hours are jury se- Janis lected 57 artists Commentz, Laurie and art Schafer, pieces for this year’s Esther Shaw, Trashow, vis Usher, featuring artwork Nichole Vikdal depicting and photographer Tami or inspired by Joshua Tree Roleff.

SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ National Park or its culturSgt. Matthew Janzen U.S. Marine Corps Twentynine Palms al history. is a scout A MarineSGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps will sniper team leader. be represented by with 1/25 conducts SGT. Categories this artists call- Lance Cpl. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps for-fire drills. will be two-dimensioyear Whitney Gardner, ElisaNick Johnson, a scout nal, beth Pollnow, sniper, observes three-dimensional the range. and pho- and Timothy Mark Spicak tography. The Warren. exhibition will be on display at the See Artists A2

By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail The chief said firefighters traveled parallel to the WONDER VALLEY flooded road to Wonder Valley residents — Two get to the couple, then pulled were them res- from the vehicle cued by county firefighters and got them to Thurs- safe, dry day night, July 25, land. after Mustang was stranded their Ford The incident was by rising storm-related the only water on Barbara assist Lane north of Amboy Road. performed, according firefighters to An 8-inch wall of The monsoon storm Viloria. water drenched the man and woman’s overtook some parts of the Morongo Basin vehicle as while they headed home leaving others dry in the wake of and mildly a summer storm, cloudy.

Battalion Chief Donny Viloria said.

Twentynine Palms was one of the hardest hit communities.

The water caused City to stall and settled their vehicle crews closed Split that filled the road into a puddle Tamarisk Avenue, Rock Avenue, from Ocotillo Avethe other and extended one side to nue, Bullion Mountain Road, Bagroad for three quarters along the dad Highway, Joe Davis Drive and of a mile, El Rey Viloria said.

Avenue because of flooded washes.

With the stormwater reaching the bottom of the Around 2 inches vehicle’s doors, of rain fell in the couple called 911 for help. Fire- some places in Twentynine Palms fighters were dispatched and more than a half-inch of rain to the in Joshua scene at 9:15 p.m.

Tree, according to San Stormwater Bernardino County. turns a JUSTIN TOMAJCIK Thursday afternoon,dry wash into a raging river in TwentynineHi-Desert Star July 25.

Palms Hi-Desert

Marine helicopte land in Wonder Valrs ley

Sniper Landlords are allies in push to platoon help homeless hits the Putde teeth ser intotlittering rules, coun ty boar Reserve Marines before deploymenttrain in 29 to Okinawa

d says

Inside today

6

Summer Music Festival Scenes

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Artists from across continent get ready the celebrate national to park

Firefighters rescue

PRINT

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56525 11161

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couple threatened

Volume 84, Number 5 18 pages

All contents ©The Desert Trail

2019

Classified ads B3 Community columns A8 Faith and Values A4 Horoscopes B10 Milestones A6

Obituaries A7 Opinion A5 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B10

by flood

Monks host Buddhist ceremony A4

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$1 (92 cents plus tax)

2019 Thursday, August 1,

• (760) 367-3577 Twentynine Palms, California

Marine helicopters land in Wonder Valley

24, 2019 Saturday, August • (760) 365-3315 Yucca Valley, California

www.hidesertstar.com

CounBasin Municipal Advisory “They flew over the Wonder cil, said he went out to see the as we Valley Community Center and found out the then circled helicopters were training in the — were leaving at 2, TWENTYNINE PALMS Sitz reported after Marines area. report- the valley,” wilderness wilTwo Marine helicopters Pole- spotting the helicopters. of “There were up in the on edly landed at the base “When we turned north They were not a here of dust. derness area. to line Road north of Naborly Gehr we saw a big puff to anyone. It was nice 29.

Monday afternoon, July home we saw they threat training,” he said.

Teresa When we got see them They were seen by a positive the two big helicopters.” was it were eyes my Wonder “In the Sitz, who works as Steven Reyes, who represents thing.” to The Desert Trail coorSTEVEN REYES Special Morongo Valley Community Center Wonder Valley on the area land near dinator, and some friends. in the Twentynine Palms Marine helicopters training 29.

July Poleline Road Monday,

By Kurt Schauppner

BIG

The Desert Trail

2019 Thursday, August 1,

• (760) 367-3577 Twentynine Palms, California

$1 (92 cents plus tax)

Marine helicopters land in Wonder Valley

Sniper platoon hits the Murder trial desert

Hi-Desert Star

CounBasin Municipal Advisory “They flew over the Wonder cil, said he went out to see the as we Valley Community Center and found out the then circled helicopters were training in the — were leaving at 2, TWENTYNINE PALMS Sitz reported after Marines area. report- the valley,” wilderness People you know, wil-can trust since Two Marine helicopters Pole- spotting the helicopters. the you news 1957 of “There were up in on edly landed at the base “When we turned north They were not a here Yucca dust. derness area. to big puff of • line Road north of Naborly saw a California (760) 365-3315 Gehr weValley, to anyone. It was nice 29.

Thursday, August 8, 2019 Monday afternoon, July home we saw they threat training,” he said.

Teresa When we got see them They were seen by big helicopters.” positive two a the was it were eyes Wonder “In my Sitz, who works as the Steven Reyes, who represents thing.” to The Desert Trail coorSTEVEN REYES Special Morongo Valley Community Center Wonder Valley on the area land near dinator, and some friends. in the Twentynine Palms Marine helicopters training 29.

July Poleline Road Monday,

By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail

$1

(92 cents plus tax)

$1

Murder trial lords are Land allies in push to Sniper begins today less ■ 12-year-old girl said to witness help shooting will be put on stand

platoon hits the desert

By Stacy Moore

eight

EVERY WEDNESDAY AND THURSDAY Law officers welcome public at Nationa

l Night Out

Saturate the Morongo Basin communities with your marketing message in all 3 of our local threatened by flood Firefighters rescue couple newspapers, as well as readers in over 110 park communities throughout the Cochella Valley.

30,000+ weekly readers Monks host Buddhist ceremony

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Put teeth into littering rules, county board says RATE AD SIZE OPEN Teaser Ad $153 Business Basic $262 1/8 Page $385 1/6 Page $502 1/4 Page $732 1/3 Page $966 1/2 Page $1,354 Jr. Full Page $2,035 Full Page $2,598 Front Page Post-It $375 Trail 2019 All contents ©The Desert

By Jené Estrada

people caught littering and dumpThe board also accepted the Moing illegally. rongo Basin Active Transportation SAN BERNARDINO — The The Park Boulevard reconstruccounty board of supervisors on Plan, which identifies potential tion project will resurface the road Tuesday moved forward with a rebike and pedestrian routes within from Alta Loma Drive to Twenconstruction project on Park Bouthe Morongo Basin. tynine Palms Highway. levard in Joshua Tree. The board Moving into the discussion porThe board awarded a construcalso discussed changing an ordition of the meeting, the supervisors tion contract for nearly $1.3 million nance to allow county code enforcediscussed code enforcement’s role for the project to Matich Corporament to dole out punishments for in punishing people who litter or tion in San Bernardino. illegally dump trash in the county.

Hi-Desert Star

Inside today

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56525 11151

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Volume 62, Number 37 16 pages

All contents © Hi-Desert Star 2019

Classifieds B3 Crossword B8 Faith and Values A4 Focus A8 Milestones A6

Obituaries A7 Opinion A6 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B8

A previous ordinance does not give code enforcement the authority to fine people caught littering and the board voted to repeal that ordinance, opening a door for littering to be considered a violation in the county code.

Code Enforcement Chief Andy See Littering A2

Summer Music Festival Scenes Focus A8

All Rates Include Color - $15 Off For B&W

Marines MCAGCC — Reserve are joinfrom the northeastern U.S.

By Jené Estrada

Flames destroy 25 acres

ON THE FRINGES

By Stacy Moore Hi-Desert Star

JOSHUA TREE — The is solution to homelessness dihousing. For Don Smith, rector of the county’s Paththat ways to Housing, it’s basic.

“That doesn’t mean some people don’t have mental-health issues, or addiction issues, or are irresponsible, but those are secondary issues,” Smith said.

To solve that basic issue — to get homeless people and into homes — Smith a Wayne Hamilton hosted July landlord fair Tuesday, 30, in the Sportsman’s Club where they told property owners about programs that can help more people afford rentals.

Hamilton, who works with homeless families through Morongo Unified got recently School District, a grant from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program.

Star STACY MOORE Hi-Desert

how Don Smith explains and landlords, tenants can assistance programs work together.

Artists from across the continent get ready to celebrate national park

Man charged with eight

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people caught littering and dumpThe board also accepted the Moing illegally. rongo Basin Active Transportation SAN BERNARDINO — The The Park Boulevard reconstruccounty board of supervisors on Plan, which identifies potential tion project will resurface the road Tuesday moved forward with a rebike and pedestrian routes within from Alta Loma Drive to Twenconstruction project on Park Bouthe Morongo Basin. tynine Palms Highway. levard in Joshua Tree. The board Moving into the discussion porThe board awarded a construcalso discussed changing an ordition of the meeting, the supervisors tion contract for nearly $1.3 million nance to allow county code enforcediscussed code enforcement’s role for the project to Matich Corporament to dole out punishments for in punishing people who litter or tion in San Bernardino. illegally dump trash in the county.

Business Basic Inside today

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56525 11151

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Volume 62, Number 37 16 pages

All contents © Hi-Desert Star 2019

Classifieds B3 Crossword B8 Faith and Values A4 Focus A8 Milestones A6

1/8 Page

Obituaries A7 Opinion A6 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B8

— YUCCA VALLEY venSigns, unauthorized with a dors and people be able message will not masses to share with the summer inside the town’s concerts in the future. votThe Town Council to enforce ed on Tuesday regulastronger rules and Yuctions at the annual Music ca Valley Summer Festival.

STARGAZING was inThe new policy Counlook at Take a telescope cluded in the Town was and galaxcil’s consent agenda public two double stars, passed without much ies, Jupiter and Saturn comment or discussion. orat a star party 8:30and at the Keeping a safe 10:30 p.m. tonight at the Twenderly atmosphere Sky’s The Limit in town’s top the is concerts tynine Palms. Free.

Sue Earpriority, said services www.skysthelimit29.org nest, community Hi-Desert Star manager.

JENÉ ESTRADA any BARGAINS “You want to curtail charges of first-dedisrupfound guilty on two distractions and morning after being The fall library sale in an courthouse Thursday a firearm. tions,” Earnest said escorted from the is open to the public meeting. ts for using Rafael Aikens is interview after the for the p.m. with sentence enhancemen from 10 a.m. to 3 gree murder along “This addresses stuff today at the Twentynine future.”

Palms library, 6078 During several concerts print demonlocals Adobe Road. Get this summer, DVDs, with and audio books, strated their views out passed CDs and magazines. signs and a few flyers and religious (760) 820-2551 the business that Aikens committed and promotional materials.to 800 a reasonAn estimated murders beyond BEYOND MUSIC of people attend each able doubt. ver- 1,000

By Jené Estrada at the Experimental music summer concerts After hearing the Hi-Desert Star Cortez the makers will give a — The dict, judge Rodney their Yucca Valley Community the JOSHUA TREE for with higher numAri concert to benefit thanked the jurors them Center, verdict is in. Rafaelguilty night for Coaliservice and remindedprovide bers on opening Morongo Basin was found Aikens could said.

Literacy 4, Earnest counts of that the court tion for Adult if they July lot of this restates Thursday of two at the for the “A counseling for them brutal at 7 p.m. tonight ordifirst-degree murder the 61871 McKissic needed it due to what is in the park’s who Sun Alley stage, deaths of Christy Highnature of the case. beings, nances,” said Earnest, topTwentynine Palms and Renee Metcalf. Thursthe “We’re all human Dodid not speak about Jurors announced way, Joshua Tree. are difficulties that ic during the meeting. finthere had so they door. day morning when we nations at the , In the future, if someone we bring upon you into ished their deliberations spacecowboybooks. of the case a sign seeks entry than two have the nature blogspot.com on,” he with the concerts in the which took less of ready to that you just sat hours, and were recognize one that person may be Christy McKissic The jury said. “I hope you Metcalf read their verdict. that com- park, to leave or discard the wom- Renee Neper the important role asked was made up of eight While no DNA evidence members play in the sign at the entrance. and all 2017.

Aikens to munity justice system.” en and four men chooses home on March 23, the was found linking “If that person criminal excused their appeared to be Caucasian.

Throughout the trial,Aik- the crimes, the prosecution The jurors were the denot to leave or discard argued that “We the jury find perwitness testimo- from the courtroom and famthey will not be the offense prosecutiontraveled to their provided Marines who fendant guilty of McKissic, sign, to enter the event, had wrote on ens ily members of and ny from two mitted of murder,” they to hold with Aikens and said Metcalf and Aikens gathered home late that evening continue served was may sexwhich of but something in some form the verdict form, outside of the in tears. he had told him courtroom. engaged with McKissic One tes- outside it’s their sign according to the read aloud in the the ual activity about the murders.

“I’m just glad that area,” They also found that in before shooting her in the tified that Aikens told him Eli Kahi, event over,” said Crystal firearm staff report. is he hovered on top he’d killed two people. defendant used a to McKissic’s which skull as Similarly, if a person also who is aunt both of the murders, of her.

“Christy was like The district attorney signatures inside prosecution said provided ballistics on Aik- daughter.Renee was a second gathering area, that person is a special enhancement The additional the gated into the Island a sister, and will result in Metcalf then ran stop. They ens’ .45 caliber Rock will be asked to ex- mom to me.” was shot twice, time on his sentence. the hall from can, however, gather signathe room and pistol that, a weaponsshoot Across in verdict, once and this to With Artelthe leg the event pert said, was used Aikens, once in Kahi, Aikens’ mom, tures outside of jury agreed that Chris- the back.

McKis- both women.agreed this was A2 area.

24, shot and killed Both Metcalf and The jury See Judgment Day and her in the head as to prove ty McKissic, 32, 62, sic were shot enough evidence left the room. mother, Renee Metcalf, Palms the assailant in their Twentynine

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Put teeth into littering rules, county board

By Jené Estrada

Hi-Desert Star

Hi-Desert Star

nd guilty Rafael Aikens foue murders of two first-degre

They money is earmarked to help people get housing or stay in their homes.

“No matter what their to problem is, we will try find a way to help,” Hamilton said.

He can’t help everyone; the new grant provides

for molestation MID-WEEK felonies POWER COMBO

Signs and flyers banned at concerts

By Jenna Hunt

Explore non-traditional, thought-provoking theater at the Hi-DeF Fringe Festival today Joshand Sunday at the ua Tree Retreat Center. s, Original performance concerts and sessions loon play. $5-$60 for cals. www.hidesertfringe.org

Landlords are allies in push to help homeless

active-duty ing forces with their exerJOSHUA TREE — Afcounterparts in a training ends and ter two years of preparatory cise that began July 25, Corps Air hearings, the trial of Rafael See Landlords A2 Aug. 22 at the Marine in TwenAri Aikens is scheduled to MIKE MARKS PHOTO A fixed-wing Ground Combat Center aircraft from Cal Fire drops retardant on homes as a brush begin with opening statenearby Saturday. “Cal Fire on top tynine Palms. of it!” wrote photographer Mike Marks. fire burns from ments this afternoon. JuThe Reserve Marines come Regirors will be asked to deter1st Battalion, 25th Marine Dein Fort mine if Aikens is guilty of ment, headquartered and is commurdering two Twentynine vens, Massachusetts, the over all Moore Palms women in 2017.

By Stacy prised of Marines from en by winds, he said. aid agreements.

Hi-Desert country.

Aikens, 24, was escorted northeastern area of the Star Cal Fire took command “The fire was threateninto the Joshua Tree courtTwentynine MESA — A of the incident and Art Gallery in After training inYUCCA U.S. Marine Corps Palms 29 MARTINEZ coun- ing structures SGT. ANDY house Monday to hear a list in the Rifle be activated TWENTYNINE PALMS September. destroyedand Fla- during 25.6 acres ty fire engines from Palms, 1/25 will fire Yucca fires mingo region off an M40A6 of witnesses to be called HeightsSniper of desert vegetation area, so Platoon — Fifty-seven artists have Old Mesa, July 27. deploy to the Indo-Pacific Joshua Tree artists seYuccaSniper with Scout Valley, JoshSaturday, jurA Marine we usedPalms conductRoad by the prosecution and the Cal Fire aircraft They willSprings in Twentynine been selected for the and at combat uathe for the first time. Woman Tree and center lected are Benjamin AllaTwentynine — the fixed-wing training JENÉ ESTRADA Hi-Desert Star defense, a list of evidence Rafael numerous La in Brisa tankers Drive Saturday ied exhibition at the Joshua noff, Marcia Geiger, Louis exercises Ari Aikens, 24, sits in a Joshua Tree Palms as well as the Won- dropping training Light. We also have Exthat will be presented to Monday courtroom retardant afternoon. their combat the ercise Forest and Tree National Park Art to improve Sean Doel, as attorneys go over evidence and and other Valley2 engine countries Officer Hernandez, Alane Levincrew now iterations of doing Fuji Viper Warrantder the jury and more. witnesses. internaBattalion water position 2019 in September. sohn and photographers Chief Scott stationed officer for helicopters Jury selection started Wednesday readiness and strengthen in downtown will be taking place information management and continues thatsaid.

Tuttle Judge Rodney Cortez today. Tuttle exercises Five jurors met and Matt Collins, Doug Dolde, Japanese drops,” Bernardi- “One is with the tional relationships. from SanexPalms Snipers A2 all 1/25. Twentynine It took about anSee will preside over the case, no County different hour Fire said crews judged 347 works submit- David McChesney, Mitch supporting exhave a couple responded.

“We Forces Self-Defense from and 15 which includes two charges minutes to get the were called said Chief and ted by 137 artists The Bureau of Land fire under ercises we will support,” to the blaze just Miller, Kevin Powell of murder with enhancecontrol. before 2 p.m. across the U.S. and Canada Jim Smart.

Management and NationCal Fire investigators ments on each count for the The first to arrive found al Park Saturday, July 20.

Service joined the are trying Yucca Valley artists are use of a gun. to determine a well-established fire driv- fight After nearly seven hours Janis Commentz, Laurie under their mutual what cause se“The penalty, if it gets the blaze.

Traof deliberation, the jury art Schafer, Esther Shaw, that far, is life without the lected 57 artists and vis Usher, Nichole Vikdal possibility of parole,” Corpieces for this year’s show, and photographer Tami tez said on Monday. “This featuring artwork depicting Roleff. is not a death penalty Tree or inspired by Joshua Twentynine Palms will case.”

National Park or its cultur- be represented by artists Christy McKissic, 32, Elisaal history.

Gardner, Whitney and her mother, Renée YUCCA VALLEY —Wolfgang Gadson Categories this year beth Pollnow, Mark Spicak started in 2016.

Metcalf, 62, were shot to Jr., 39, was charged with eight will be two-dimensional, and Timothy Warren. felonies U.S. Marine Corps Gadson was arrested forSGT. death March 24, 2017, in ANDY MARTINEZ phothis week relating to sexual molestation oral copulaU.S. Marine Corps three-dimensional and of MARTINEZ tion of SGT. ANDY a child under Johnson, a scout the Twentynine Palms Nickdistrict COURTESY PHOTOS 10, Cpl. but the a child. The U.S. Marine Corps call- Lance Christy ANDY MARTINEZ Yucca Valley resident pleaded tography. The exhibition conductsoffice See Artists A2 with 1/25attorney’s the range. home they shared with Renée McKissic, 32, left, was a hair stylist while momSGT. not filed severalobserves the more charges guilty to a scout sniper, is all charges AinMarine will be on display at Joshua Tree against him. He is currently Matthew Janzen Sgt. Club drills.

McKissic’s then 10-year- aboard Metcalf, 62, right, was manager at the Staff for-fire charged with court Tuesday. the Marine base, then tended bar sniper team leader. at the Virginian. old daughter. Days later, Sheriff’s deputies from the Morongo two counts of sexual penetration or oral copulation on a child 10 or younger detectives called Aikens a Basin station arrested Gadson and Sunday six charges of lewd or lascivious person of interest in the with morning after investigating reports acts with McKissic in the year McKissic’s that a child. daughter de- he was suspected investigation and arrested leading of performing sexual acts up to her death. scribed seeing a man shoot on a After he pleaded not guilty Tuesday, him. child under 10 and making that child travIn a preliminary hear- her grandmother. firefighters said Judge chief John The Burdick Deputies said Aikens ing in set bail at $500,000 perform sexual acts Kurt August 2017, sherSchauppner the flooded road to By on him. to next and scheduled had a sexual relationship iff’s Gadson’s eled parallel According to the Sheriff’s Trail them detectives testified that pulled for Department, Aug. 14. Gadson thenhearing couple, See Murder trial A2 it was reported The Desert is being get to the held in West Val- to thatWONDER the abuse VALLEY them got may have —leyTwo and Detention the vehicle fromCenter. were resWonder Valley residents Thurs- safe, dry land. only cued by county firefighters Ford The incident was the their assist firefighters day night, July 25, after by rising storm-related

By Jenna Hunt Mustang was stranded according to Viloria.

“It reminds you how the north of performed, Hi-Desert Star drenched water on Barbara Lane community supports each The monsoon storm YUCCA VALLEY — other.” of the Morongo Basin Amboy Road. overtook some parts Law enforcement and An 8-inch wall of water others dry and mildly The event was moved to vehicle as while leaving the community connected the the man and woman’s Yucca Valley Commuwake of cloudy. during National Night Out nity one of they headed home in the Center from the WalTwentynine Palms was City Chief at its new location at the Mart a summer storm, Battalion parking lot this year the hardest hit communities.

Yucca Valley Community to allow Avenue, said.

Split Rock Donny Viloria more activities, esvehicle crews closed Center Tuesday.

The water caused their pecially indoors.

Avenue, Ocotillo Avea puddle Tamarisk National Night Out is Mountain Road, Bag“This is the first year it’s to stall and settled into one side to nue, Bullion Joe Davis Drive and an annual campaign to been here and we’re happy that filled the road from along the dad Highway, because of flooded promote public safety by to host the other and extended it,” said Sue Earhelping build a bond be- nest, of a mile, El Rey Avenue community services road for three quarters washes. tween residents and local manager fell in Viloria said. with the town Around 2 inches of rain Hi-Desert Star law enforcement.

JUSTIN TOMAJCIK reaching government.

Twentynine Palms With the stormwater Palms doors, some places in Hosted by the San Bera raging river in Twentynine A 26-year-old horse the bottom of the vehicle’s Fire- and more than a half-inch of rain turns a dry wash into nardino County Sheriff’s named help. according to San Stormwater Zuli with the Mo25. the couple called 911 for Department, the free event rongo to the in Joshua Tree, Thursday afternoon, July Basin Equestrians fighters were dispatched Bernardino County. is geared toward bringing on Patrol unit of the Sherscene at 9:15 p.m. law enforcement and com- iff’s Department was one of Obituaries A7 munity members together. the most popular parts of Classified ads B3 Opinion A5 “It’s a great turnout,” the night.

Community columns A8 said Capt. Trevis Newport, his hoofs Zuli could rest Sheriff’s Calls A7 on dirt instead of Faith and Values A4 A4 commander of the Moron- concrete Sports B1 Number 5 B10 this year and had 84, Horoscopes Volume go Basin sheriff’s station. shade TV listings B10 options, too.

A6 JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star 18 pages Milestones The California JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star mascot, Trail 2019 Chipper, “It’s much better here,” the National Highway Patrol’s ©The Desert 1 7 greets families All contents 5 1116 during 5 6 5 2Pictured Children clamber on some playground Night Out6Tuesday.

Vice Commander Linda liams, are Kelly Williams, Reese Wilequipment at the Sheriff’s Depart10, Ted Williams, 11, and Susie Williams, 7 months old.

Fisher said. ment’s National Night Out. Along with information- National Night Out charity al booths on crime preven- announced this month that tion, there were displays of more than 16,000 commuemergency equipment and nities across the country vehicles. Free health care have registered 38 million screenings were offered by people participating.

Don Teeter, Desert Oasis Health and Participating groups in Theresa Greer Route 62 Cruisers mem- the Morongo Basin includand Linda Fishbers displayed cars. ed the California Highway er stand with Families enjoyed games Patrol, Morongo Basin a 26-year-old and free hot dogs, chips Healthcare horse named and drinks provided by the ty SupervisorDistrict, counDawn Rowe, Zuli. All are Sheriff’s Department.

Yucca Valley members of the “It’s another great way cheer squad High School members and Morongo Basin to break bread together,” the Morongo Basin ComEquestrians on Newport said. munity Emergency RePatrol unit of the Now in its 36th year, the sponse Team.

Sheriff’s DepartJENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star ment.

Hi-Desert Star

Flames destroy 25 acres

Man charged

7

U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ

Trail Special to The Desert

Hi-Desert Star

with Artists from across the continent get ready to celebrate national park

56525 11161

Thursday, August 8, 2019 Battalion, 25th Sniper Platoon in 1st 27.

A Marine with Scout the range Saturday, July Marine Regiment observes

By Sgt. Andy Martinez

felonies for molestation FULL MARKET COVERAGE

6

People you know, news you can trust since 1957

Yucca Valley, California • (760) 365-3315

Marines train in 29 Reser begins toda y vedeplo yment to Okinawa

Hi-Desert Star

in 29 Reserve Marines train awa before deployment to Okin

Hi-Desert Star

before ■ 12-year-old girl said to witness shooting will be put on stand

home

JOSHUA TREE — The is solution to homelessness dihousing. For Don Smith, JOSHUA TREE — Afrector of the county’s Pathter two years of preparatory that ways to Housing, it’s hearings, the trial of Rafael basic. A fixed-wing Ari Aikens is scheduled to MIKE MARKS PHOTO aircraft from Cal Fire drops retardant doesn’t mean some “That nearby on homes as a brush fire burns begin with opening stateSaturday. “Cal Fire on top of it!”

U.S. Marine Corps wrote photographer Mike Marks.

SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ people don’t have menments this afternoon. Ju25th tal-health issues, or addicrors will be asked to deter- Scout Sniper Platoon in 1st Battalion, July 27.

A Marine with tion issues, or are irresponmine if Aikens is guilty of observes the range Saturday, Marine Regiment Star murdering two sible, but those are secondTwentynine STACY MOORE Hi-Desert said.

Smith issues,” Palms women in 2017. ary

By Stacy Moore how explains en by winds, he said. basic issue Don Smith that Star aid agreements.

Hi-Desert To solve Aikens, 24, was escorted and Fire took can people landlords,Caltenants command homeless MESA “The fire was threateninto the Joshua Tree court— to get YUCCA programs — A of assistance the and incident and coun- ing structures in the — Smith house Monday to hear a list into homes fire destroyed Fla25.6a acres ty fire engines from Yucca mingo work together. hosted of witnesses to be called Heights area, so WayneofHamilton desert vegetation Julyoff Old Mesa, Yucca Valley, Josh- we used Cal fair Tuesday, by the prosecution and the Fire aircraft Woman landlord earmarked Springs Club Road and money They ua Treeis and Twentynine — the fixed-wing JENÉ ESTRADA Hi-Desert defense, a list of evidence Rafael La Sportsman’s 30, housing Star in the Brisa Drive Saturday tankers people Ari Aikens, 24, sits in a Joshua Tree Palms to help as get well as the Won- dropping retardant they told property that will be presented to Monday courtroom whereafternoon. and their homes. as attorneys go over evidence and derinValley or stay enginetheir crew now helicopters doing water about programs the jury and more. witnesses. owners Battalion Chief Jury selection started Wednesday matter what

By Sgt. Andy Martinez stationed in downtown people Scott “No and continues today. more drops,” Tuttle said.

Trail help Judge Rodney Cortez Tuttle try to that can from San BernardiSpecial to The Desert is, we willPalms Twentynine problem all It took about an hour will preside over the case, Marines County Fire said crews affordnorentals. a way to help,” HamMCAGCC — Reserve works find responded. and 15 minutes to get the which includes two charges are joinwere calledwho Hamilton, to the blaze just The Bureau of Land fire under from the northeastern U.S. ilton said. of murder with enhancecontrol. homeless active-duty 2 p.m. families with before can’t help everyone; Management He ing forces with their and NationUnified Cal Fire investigators exerments on each count for the Morongo first to arrive throughThe provides found grant al new Park counterparts in a training ends Service the joined the are trying to determine got and use of a gun. a well-established District, recentlyfire School driv- fight under their mutual cise that began July 25, what cause the blaze.

Corps Air “The penalty, if it gets a grant from the Homeless See Landlords A2 Aug. 22 at the Marine that far, is life without the in TwenEmergency Aid Program.

Ground Combat Center possibility of parole,” Cortynine Palms. tez said on Monday. “This from The Reserve Marines come is not Regia death penalty 1st Battalion, 25th Marine case.” in Fort Dement, headquartered and is com-Christy McKissic, 32, vens, Massachusetts, the her mother, Renée YUCCA VALLEY —Wolfgang Gadson all overand prised of Marines from started in 2016.

Metcalf, 62, were shot to Jr., 39, was charged with eight country. felonies northeastern area of the Gadson was arrested for oral copuladeath March 24, 2017, in this week relating to sexual molestation Art Gallery in Corps After training in Twentynine Marine of U.S. tion of a child under 10, but 29 Palms the COURTESY PHOTOS SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ and Twentynine Palms Christy aTWENTYNINE child. The YuccaPALMS Valley resident pleaded attorney’s office filed several the district 32, left, Palms, 1/25 will be activated was a Rifle during hair stylist Sniper home they shared with Renée McKissic, have September. while mom —not more charges region an M40A6 guilty to artists all charges seFifty-seven Metcalf, fires in Joshua artists him.

62, right, 27.

Tree against Tree Scout Sniper Platoon was manager deploy to the Indo-Pacific conduct Joshua He is currently charged with at July Saturday, the Staff A Marine Club court Tuesday.for the jurPalms then with 10-year- aboard will McKissic’s Twentynine in Marine Allabase, then tended bar at the Virginian. been selected combat centerthe two counts for the first time. They at thelater, lected are Benjamin of sexual penetration or oral old daughter. trainingDays Sheriff’s deputies at the Joshua numerous from the Louison ied exhibition have copulation Marcia Geiger, training exercises in noff,Morongo detectives called Aikens a a child 10 or younger and Art Ex-Gadson Forest Light. We also Basin combat stationPark arrested National Levin-of lewd Tree Sunday Alane 2 Sean Doel, the ercise six charges countries to improve their person ofWarrant Hernandez, or lascivious acts with of Fuji Viper and other interestOfficer morning after in the with officer in September. internainvestigating reports for initerations the year McKissic’s that photographers place de- position 2019 a child. management McKissic readiness and strengthen investigation daughter information and sohn and that will be taking and arrested heFive was suspected leading up to her exercises jurors met of performing Dolde, sexual death. acts Doug scribed See After Collins, tional relationships. seeing he pleaded not guilty Tuesday, him.ex- 1/25. “One is with theIn Japanese Snipers a manA2 Matt shoot on a child works 10 submitand making that child a preliminary exjudged 347under hear- her grandmother.

Judge Mitch “We have a couple different Deputies Forces supporting John Burdick set bail at $500,000 David McChesney, said Aikens perform ing in August 2017, sheracts on from said Chief Self-Defense 137 artists him. by sexual and ted Powell scheduled ercises we will support,” had a sexual relationship iff’s Gadson’s next hearing for Miller, Kevin and According toand the Canada detectives testified that Sheriff’s Department, the U.S. across See Murder trial A2 it Smart. Aug. 14. Gadson is being held in West Valwas reported that the abuseJim July 20. are may Saturday, have artists ley Detention Center.

Yucca Valley After nearly seven hours Janis Commentz, Laurie seTraof deliberation, the jury art Schafer, Esther Shaw, lected 57 artists and vis Usher, Nichole Vikdal

By Jenna Hunt pieces for this year’s show, and photographer Tami “It reminds you how the Hi-Desert Star featuring artwork depicting Roleff. community supports each Tree YUCCA VALLEY — other.” or inspired by Joshua Twentynine Palms will Law enforcement and National Park or its cultur- be represented by artists The event was moved to the community connected the al history.

Yucca Valley CommuWhitney Gardner, Elisaduring National Night Out nity Categories this year beth Pollnow, Mark Spicak Center from the Walat its new location at the Mart will be two-dimensional, and Timothy Warren. parking lot this year SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps phoand l Yucca Valley Community MARTINEZ Corps Marine U.S. three-dimensiona SGT. ANDY to allow more activities, esJohnson, a scout Marine Corps Center U.S. Tuesday. call- Lance Cpl. Nick tography. The exhibition conducts SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ pecially indoors.

See Artists A2 Marine with 1/25 the scout A sniper, observes the range. is aNational Night Out will be on display at “This is the first year Sgt. Matthew Janzen an drills.is it’s annual for-fire campaign to been here and we’re sniper team leader. happy promote public safety by to host it,” said Sue Earhelping build a bond be- nest, community services tween residents and local manager with the town law enforcement. government.

Hosted by the San BerA 26-year-old said firefighters travThe chief horse nardino County Sheriff’s named Zuli withparallel Schauppner

By Kurt to the flooded road to eled the MoDepartment, Trailfree event rongo Basin them The Desertthe to the couple, then pulled Two getEquestrians is geared toward bringing — to VALLEY them on Patrol unit WONDER vehicle and got of the Sherres- from law enforcement and residents com- were iff’s Department Wonder Valley land. dry one of safe,was munity members together. firefighters theThurswas the only most popular cued by county incident of Theparts Ford “It’s a greatJuly 25, after their the night. night, turnout,” could rest assist firefighters storm-related said day rising Zuli Capt. Trevis stranded his by hoofs to Viloria. on dirt insteadaccording Mustang wasNewport, of commander north ofthis performed, of the Laneconcrete MoronBarbara storm drenched year water on andmonsoon had The go Basin sheriff’s Basin too. parts of the JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star Amboy Road. station. shade options,some TheMorongo California Highway Patrol’s mascot, overtook JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star Chipper, greets families during better here,” others dry and mildly An 8-inch wall of water “It’s much Children clamber on some playground vehicle as while leaving the National Night Out Tuesday. Pictured are Kelly Williams, the man and woman’s Vice Commander Reese Wil- equipment at the Ted of cloudy. Linda liams, 10, wake Sheriff’s Depart11, and Susie Williams, 7 months of oneWilliams, Fisher said. old. they headed home in the ment’s National Night Out. Twentynine Palms was City Chief Along with the informationcommunities. a summer storm, Battalion hardest hitNational Night Out charity al booths on crime prevenAvenue, Rock this Donny Viloria said. announced crews closed Split month that Avetion, vehicle there were displays ofAvenue, The water caused their more Ocotillo than 16,000 commuTamarisk a puddleequipment emergency Road, Bagand Mountain to stall and settled into nities Bullion across nue, the to one sideFree Drive andcountry health care Joe that filled the road fromvehicles. the haveDavis registered Highway, 38 along weredad screenings of floodedmillion because by people the other and extended participating.

Rey Avenue Eloffered Don Teeter, of a mile, Desert quarters Oasis Health three for and road Participating groups in washes.

Theresa Greer Route 62 Cruisers fell in of rainBasin mem- 2 inches the Morongo Viloria said.

Around Hi-Desert Star and Linda FishJUSTIN TOMAJCIK bers reaching displayed cars.

PalmsincludWith the stormwater edTwentynine the California Highway some places in doors,enjoyed in Twentynine Palms er stand with Families of rain a half-inch Patrol, wash into a raging river the bottom of the vehicle’s Morongo more than and games a 26-year-old Stormwater turns a dry andhelp. Firehot dogs, to SanBasin chips Tree, according Healthcare 25. the couple called 911 for free District, counhorse named Thursday afternoon, July and to the in Joshua by the County. ty Supervisor Dawn Rowe, fighters were dispatcheddrinks provided Zuli. All are Bernardino Sheriff’s Department.

Yucca Valley scene at 9:15 p.m. members of the “It’s another great way cheer squad High School A7 members Obituaries Morongo Basin and to break breadClassified ads B3 together,” the Morongo BasinOpinion Equestrians on Com-A5 Newport said.

A8 munity Community columns Emergency Patrol unit of the Calls A7 Sheriff’sReNow in its 36th year, A4 Valuessponse Team.

Faith and the A4 Sheriff’s DepartSports B1 5 Number B10 JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star Horoscopes Volume 84, ment.

TV listings B10 18 pages Milestones A6

By Jené Estrada

(92 cents plus tax)

WEEKEND

Y JUDGMENT DA

says

A previous ordinance does not give code enforcement the authority to fine people caught littering and the board voted to repeal that ordinance, opening a door for littering to be considered a violation in the county code.

Code Enforcement Chief Andy See Littering A2

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GARBAGE DISPOSERS, 1/7/20. Call to identify tique Closeout Bid! Licensed 760- 228JEWELRY SILVER, ction of e l Electrie s E A/C, ETC. G & U H Heating 530-338-6873 DRAIN CLEANING, Clean- 1958 760-365- 3510 or & COINS, AND clothing, shoes, & acTwo English Springer cal, Room Additions, LANDSCAPING 760-408-5001 removal, tree 29 Palms # 760-362Missing Dobie named cessories for everyone.

Spaniel pups, 8 weeks Patio & Garden Rooms, up, weed SCRAP JEWELRY remov- 1229 Dozer in Landers.

Cowboy boots, vinold, male. $500 ea Kitchens. Senior Dis- trimming & trash Call Reward $300. Seen on tage, modern and clasCALL JACK: 760-835-6138 counts. (Lic#808440) al. FREE estimates MUSICAL INSTRUMENTS TILE & STONE Acoma (562) 322-0456 sic styles. Dirt cheap B-1 Bonded & Insured. Kris 760-406-1777 760-217-2179 or People you know, news you can trust since 1957 Specialize: Tile Design prices! Misc. and small 760-610-4141 SELL / TRADE 760-365-7887 LANDSCAPING - Sod & In-Set’s. Custom 7203 furniture. Sat 1/18th 951-924shade trees & showers, Floors, natuWANTED!! VINTAGE 8am-2pm at 6655 SunALSO T I O N / install, dec$1boulders, (92 cents plus tax) Thursday, August 8, 2019 Yucca Valley, California • (760) 365-3315 MUSICAL INSTRUTelescopes-6” Refrac- C O N S T R U C ral Stone and Mosaics. set Rd in JT! shrubs, August 1, 2019 Thursday, WE DO ESTATE MENTS Violins, Syntor&10” Schmitt-Newto- ELECTRICAL-Repairs. orative gravel, irrigation Lic#1039394 thesizers, keyboards, nian $1k 7603670127 or Remodeling, • (760) 367-3577 SALES & AUCTIONS cleanups. FREE es- 760-221-4190 APARTMENTS 760- California Palms, Electrical, Plumbing, & guitars, amps, etc.

7608193001 Twentynine Desert Green Painting, Stucco, Car- timates.

885-1066 $1 (92 cents plus tax) 760-364STATEWIDE ADS pentry, Concrete, Flood Landscaping Gated 1bd/1ba spaTREASURE HUNT LEGAL SERVICES Damage. 10% Senior 3019 (Licensed). cious townhouse New CARS ame& Dis, 20+yrs. Exp. J.L.C upgrades –Irri- ANNOUNCEMEN TS BooBoo is a LOST nities made. Rudy Brief Diapers $7 per bag Construction 760-774- LANDSCAPING + Daytona long haired, female gation systems, tractor OrlandoFlorida Vaca8609 (Licensed).

7606173753 760-910-1067 Beach plants, cat, all white, age gravel, Enjoy 7 Days and e a t , service, 2, with blue eyes, 7’ floral Sofa $75 760- D R Y WA L L - N trimmings, toppings, tion! with Hertz, female missing since LEGAL DOCUMENT Clean & Quick! Drywall, tree removal, clean-up 6 Nights or Alamo Car 365-4985 SERVICES Dec. 10, 2019 in YucPopcorn Texor Enterprise ASSISTANCE Ceilings, Weekly Only hauling. & Mirror w/ 6dr Dresser ca Valley on Antelope tures, Stucco, Remov- monthly service avail. Rental Included 12 mo to use - FAMILY LAW $45 (760) 365-4985 Trail/ Cholla Ave & al, Painting, Plumbing, Alex at Alvarez Land- $298.00.

BACKHOE SERVICES 1-866-903-7520. (24/7) Hwy 62 area. Very Electrical. Instant Free *GRADING, *DEMO, Coun366-0167 Advisory - PROBATE scaping (760) week Municipal 2001 Ford Taurus (Cal-SCAN) pretty cat. 442-347- 7 days aBasin *MAJOR EXCAVATING, Quotes SERVICES Wonder Visa, or 760-668-1740 Low Mileage Apout to see the “They flew over the 8836 *TRENCHING, * LAND Local references.

- EVICTIONS Water Damage to Your as we cil, said he went Kurt Schauppner CLEARING, *SPECIALTY

By Only prox. 55,000. out the Community Center Mastercard, Discover LANDSCAPING Valley and found –IrriHome? Call for quote of /HEATING - Evap. then helicopters DIRT WORK. Free Est!!

Wizard Desert Trail 1 owner. $1800 circled gravel The Call - WILLS - DEEDS — A/C & Re-2, accepted. in the gation systems, for professional cleanup leaving at training were Service, 760-228Cooler 15 years in the High Cooper ATTORNEY Walls 760-220-7499 after Marines& were POWER OFPALMS metal reported curbing, turf & grass, & maintain the value TWENTYNINE Sitz Low Desert. All Credit valley,”24+ the Installation 0001 area. trimmings, top- of your home! Set an report- pairs, Yrs (unlic.) wilderness plants, NOTARY & MORE duct fabrication Cards accepted. Call Two Marine -helicopters the helicopters. in the wilup removal, spotting pings, weretree appt. today! Call 1-855Sr Disc. Advanced ELECTRICIAN SAM CANTU @ S.C. the base of Pole- Exp. at760-366-1941 north onSolar, “There & hauling. a 7069 (Cal-SCAN) turnedUpgrades, 18 clean-up we(760) were not 401“WhenMike RV’sedly landed They CALL 760 BACKHOE SERVICES area. or here Mechanical monthly ser- to dust. derness All Weekly of experience.

(Licensed). line Road north of Naborly saw a big puff 228-2934 years 760-808-3077 It was nice at Become a Published 365-3315 Gehr we anyone. avail. Francisco ac- tovice 29. threat theycards to sawcredit major - we Monday afternoon, July By Jené Estrada Landscaping we got home he said. Author. We wantDorTO PLACE Combo Washer/Dryer Desert ElecWhen SERVICES *DESERT OASIS* Hitraining,” ANIMAL Chandlersee Teresa them by cepted.

Book! seen Your 760Splendide or were MH Read / waste They Hi-Desert Star a positive 366-0167 for RV LANDSCAPING (760) Poop two big helicopters.”

YOUR AD the K-9 it was were trical Services. Ron eyes 110V Wonder King “In my rance Publishing- TrustMondaywhoChandler ModelWDC1024 668-1791 Bushes, trees, hedgrepresents 760- 401Management Sitz, who works as the Reyes, JOSHUA TREE — TODAY! Steven

by Authors Since Desert TrailBrand New) ed Afto The($1200 & removal. es, trim thing.”

Friday. Call for STEVEN REYES Special C-10 Lic 975508 Morongo 1182 Community Center coor- thru - DUDRA’S on the $495 1920 Book manuscript MASONRY ter two years of preparatory MIKE MARKS PHOTO haul. 760ASKING near Valley Wonder tractor &Palms schedule and toValley area land 509-637AND submiss- ions currently Rates (760) friends.

0518 Link, MASONRY and some 459-2414 dinator, in the Twentynine hearings, the trial of Rafael A fixed-wing aircraft from Cal Fire drops retardant on homes as a brush fire burns appointments. FENCING - Chain your REPAIRS. being reviewed. ComMarine helicopters training 29.

Field & Wood Fencing. HOME nearby Saturday. “Cal Fire on top of it!” wrote photographer Mike Marks.

Ari Aikens isCHIMscheduled to sive Services July 760-412-7137 prehenPoleline Road Monday, Horse Corrals, Orna- FIREPLACE & Call stateConsul- tation, Producbegin with opening HOMES 4 RENT CLEANING. NEY BACKHOE SERVICES mental Iron & Electriand DisHOMES 4 RENT job too Phil at 760-228-0842 ments this afternoon.tion, Ju-Promotion - *GRADING, *DEMO, cal Gates. No Lic. # tribution. Call for Your Fencing & 818-599-6943 will be asked to deter*MAJOR EXCAVAT- small. Fatty’s 760-668- orrors Free Authors Guide Call 702827 or visING, *TRENCHING, Supplies. mine if Aikens is guilty of 1-877-538-9554 (Lic).

RE- it http://dorrance info. * LAND CLEARING, 3525

By Stacy Moore HOME en by winds, he said. aid agreements. murdering two Twentynine MOBILE T TwenTynine Palms com/Cali (Cal- SCAN) * S P E C I A LT Y D I R $45 Re-LevHi-Desert Star FIREWOOD – Alvarez PAIR Cal Fire took command “The fire was threatenPalms- women in 2017.

WORK. Free Est!! 15 Firewood, 1/2 Cord or el Special!! Deluxe DONATE YOUR CAR, 20ft ft 8 Train, & YUCCA MESA — A of the incident and coun- ing structures in the Fla8-3 Tractor, Aikens, 24, was escorted YUCCA VALLEY 1/1 $695 Moving Sale! Feb 1-2 Bullion Mtn Rd 760-367- years in the High full cords available. Construction “We do it BOAT OR RV to receive 7428 CHEROKEE ‘D’ 1/1 $695 fire destroyed 25.6 acres ty fire engines from Yucca mingo Heights area, so intoSenior the Joshua Tree courtLow Desert. All Credit Free Delivery. Call Alex all” Buildings, Saddle 2650 Discounts. a major tax deduction.

7434 CHEROKEE ‘B’ 2/1 $795 7945 of desert vegetation off Old Mesa, Yucca Valley, Josh- we used Cal Fire aircraft BondCards accepted. Call 760-228-0409 or 760- Lic#808440 B-1 to 7391 CHURCH ST house Monday hear aHelp list homeless pets.

2/1 $850 58758 MESA DR SAM CANTU @ S.C. 668-1740 Local, IRS Recognized.

2/1 $895 Woman Springs Road and ua Tree and Twentynine — the fixed-wing tankers Insured. 760-610of to be called ed &witnesses Joshua Tree 7384 DUMOSA AVE ‘C’ Value Guaranteed.

2/1 $1050 BACKHOE SERVICES

By Stacy Moore 924-7203 andTop / 9514141 La Brisa Drive Saturday Palms as well as the Won- dropping retardant and JENÉ ESTRADA Hi-Desert Star the prosecution 3861 CONDALIA AVE FIREWOOD – Avoca- by 2/1 $1050 ree Estimate and Fthe Star E. 7614 PALM AVE Closeout Sale. HUGE 760-808-3077 Hi-Desert do, orange, eucalyptus, defense, a - list der Valley engine crew now helicopters doing water 2/1 $1095 Rafael Ari Aikens, 24, sits in a Joshua Tree courtroom afternoon. of evidence Pickup.LAPETSALIV Yard and Resale Boutique & accessories for ev— TheFree PAINTING Excellent 55825 ANTELOPE TRL TREE 2/2 $1250 JOSHUA & mixed.

CLEANING - Mike’s Olive Exteri- ORG Battalion Chief Scott stationed in downtown drops,” Tuttle said. selection of clothing, shoes, Interior Monday as attorneys go over evidence and witnesses. that be&presented to 1-833-772-2632 58285 D ELANO T RL Prep! will for carpet to homelessness is 3/2 $1295 vintage, modern and classic Call Isaias: Insured. (Cal-SCAN) 55769 P UEBLO T RL eryone. Cowboy boots, Misc. and small furniture. Janitorial Comm. solution or Delivery!

It took about an hour 3/2 $1295 or. Bonded Jury selection started Wednesday and continues today. Tuttle from San Bernardi- Twentynine Palms all the jury and& more.

R cleaning.

56662 A NACONDA D 951-487-8508 styles. Dirt cheap prices!6655 Sunset Rd in JT! Don Smith, di@ Quality DONATE YOUR CAR, 4/3 $1750 Brian Rodney housing. For Call and 15 minutes to get the no County Fire said crews responded.

Residential windows, Judge Cortez 58037 JOSHUA DR Sat 1/18th 8am-2pm at 4/3 $1995 (760)of the (760) 365- TRUCK OR BOAT TO - Your Painting county’s Pathand more! Call FIREWOOD rector 57230 JUAREZ DR The Bureau of Land fire under control. were called to the blaze just preside over the case, for fire- will HERITAGE FOR THE it’s that 367-7685 2538 (Licensed). premier source JOSHUA TREE 2/1 $795 ways to Housing, Management and NationCal Fire investigators before 2 p.m. charges BLIND. FREE 3 Day 6418 CENTER ST ‘A’ - wood. Locally owned/ which includes two 2/2 $1295 Call DeductTax LVD B COMPRESSORS ARK basic.

P Vacation, 7006 The first to arrive found al Park Service joined the are trying to determine Call to place ofPLASTERING murder with enhance3/2 $1450 operated. mean some of your stuc- ible, Free Towing, All When Quality & Good 7725 ELWOOD ST us for ALL “That doesn’t a well-established fire driv- fight under their mutual what cause the blaze. your order 760-219- ments on each count for the Matters!

Remodels, Paperwork Taken Care Corps Service men-760- co needs. $895 U.S. Marine have MORONGO VALLEY 2/1 (9663), WOOD SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ people •Parts don’t use of a gun. ser- of. Call 1-844-491-2884 •Service 11091 CHOLLA AVE $1095 3/2 •Sales re-stucco, “We repairs, (6453) 25th addicOUSE RD H or ANYON C Battalion,•Rentals •Air tal-health issues, 49387 Systems 219-MIKE (Cal-SCAN) con“Theorpenalty, it gets even new if Sniper Platoon in 1st place to call home” the right vicing, “Helping you find a 27. are irresponA Marine with Scout Installation or firewood exp. the issues,sell tionComthe range Saturday, July design &State that far, is36+ lifeYrs without struction.

FINANCIAL SERVICES way” JoshuaTreeFire• YUCCA VALLEY are secondMarine Regiment observes Golden Lathing Dparole,” & MOORE 55569 29 PALMS HWY A of Star Over $10K in Debt? Be sible, but those NLINE.COM Insured.

Hi-Desert possibility Corwood.com STACY 48 951-453-6051 AFFORDABLERENTALSO to pressor 760-366- debt free in 24 Smith said.

Plastering, & said & ary issues,” how - In- tez on explains Monday. “This DOORS APTS 4 RENT Authorized Boge Smith GARAGE months. No upfront fees issue Don (Lic).

APTS 4 RENT that basic and Sales, Installa- is 8908 not a death Curtis Distributor To solvedustrial, APTS 4 RENT tenantspenalty to enroll. A+ BBB ratpeople APTS 4 RENT Debt From can yrs exp.landlords, homeless 20 National get Call to repairs ed. l l — tion, A PLUMBINGcase.”

E programs CONCRET and assistance &/or Relief 1-888-508-6305. guaranteed.

Smith faucets work leaky into homesAll — YUCCA VALLEY —Wolfgang Gadson started in 2016.

Christy McKissic, 32, phases of Concrete together. a work to major re- (Cal-SCAN) Precision Garage hosted Doors Sewers Stamping Walkways Wayne Hamilton Jr., 39, was charged with eight felonies Gadson was arrested for oral copulaher mother, Renée 760-369-4911 and 1 BEDROOM 1 BATH & Gates. pairs. Call Mike the Struggling With Your / Driveways Grading. fair Tuesday, July Metcalf, landlord (Licensed). this week relating to sexual molestation of tion of a child under 10, but the district 62,Day were shot to Nite earmarked or is money Comm. & Residential.

Plumber, They ONLY $729 /MO. Private Student Loan in the Sportsman’s Club (6453) 30, 760housing a child. The Yucca Valley resident pleaded attorney’s office filed several more charges death 24, 2017, in MIKE get Dillon Concrete COURTESY PHOTOS Payment? New relief 760-219people - Roofto helpMarch HANDYMAN reduce in- programs canMcKissic, told property 362-3196 (Lic).where they Twentynine Palms Leak, Christy 32, left, was a hair stylist while mom not guilty to all charges in Joshua Tree against him. He is currently charged with homes. theirsewer Swamp cool-the inVideo Repair, programs or stay tank your payments. Learn septic - Full about spection, their Renée Metcalf, court Tuesday. two counts of sexual penetration or oral shared owners CONSTRUCTION what with Good 62, right, was manager at the Staff Club P a i n t i n g , Ya r dhome matter

By Sgt. Andy Martinez “No they Re- e r s , more locating. your options. people electronic then Trail Bathroom, Kitchen try to Sheriff’s deputies from the Morongo copulation on a child 10 or younger and 10-yearthat can help aboard the Marine base, then tended bar at the Virginian. not necessary.

Maintenance, Clean-McKissic’s we will credit Special to The Desert Dis& Senior &problem modeling, service calls,rentals.

Military is, Marines Call the Helpline 866Basin station arrested Gadson Sunday six charges of lewd or lascivious acts with Hamlater, afford interior Up, Hauling, Rental &old daughter. help,” evaluato Days Room additions, a wayFree MCAGCC — Reserve counts!

Out find works 05-5862 (Mon-Fri R. Property whoClean are joinmorning after investigating reports that a child.

Hamilton, called Aikens a39am-5pm alteration. Call J. Lic.#920049.

Eastern) (Caltions. said.

20+ Yrs.detectives from the northeastern U.S. ilton Refurbishing. families 50+ COMMUNITY Stant Co. 760-408-3026 active-duty After he pleaded not guilty Tuesday, with McKissic in the year McKissic’s daughter de- he was suspected of performing sexual acts of interest inon theSCAN) with homeless everyone; FREE ES-person He can’t “We are ing forces with their -help exp. (unlic).Unified ROOFING exerMorongo on a child under 10 and making that child Judge John Burdick set bail at $500,000 leading up to her death. scribed seeing a man shoot investigation and arrested training WHITE. through ATFree HEALTH/MEDICAL grant roof” provides TIMATES. TOM got • Near Restaurants of your counterparts in a thetopnew MOBILE HOMES recently and ends and scheduled Gadson’s next hearing for perform sexual acts on him.

In a OXYGEN preliminary hear- her grandmother. him.E s t i m a t e s J o h n s o n TENTION: School District, 760 780-2540 • Gated Community cise that began July 25, NEW Inthe Homeless 760USERS! Corps Air According to the Sheriff’s Department, Aug. 14. Gadson is being held in West Valing inThe August 2017, shersaid AikensA2 (Lic’d). a grant from • Covered Parking RoofingSee Landlords - All Terrain Deputies Aug. 22 at the Marine HAULING One G5. 1-6 flow Program.

760-835- ogen in Tweniff’s detectives testified that had 361-2069. a sexual relationship See Murder trial A2 it was reported that the abuse may have ley Detention Center.

EmergencyBobAid Cat, Dump Trailer settings. Designed for Ground Combat Center NEW OR REFURBISHED for small jobs, 18 wheel- 9132. Credit Cards 24 hour oxygen use.

• Spacious Rooms tynine Palms.

Valley from • Tons of Indoor Storage Compact and Lighter for the Big Jobs. No accepted.

• Secure • Yucca The Reserve Marines come a Free Info • Onsite Laundry job too big or small! ROOFING - Re-Roofs, weight. Get1-844-359Regi• Near Golf Course HALTER SUNSET VILLAGE 1st Battalion, 25th Marine De• Section 8 accepted Break & Take every- New Construction Re- kit today: • Reasonable Rates in Fort 6036 SUNSET ROAD 3976 (CalSCAN) ment, headquartered thing. Yard clean up. pairs, Leaks, Etc. All CA 92252 comTREE, is 760.365.2265 and JOSHUA removal, tree Grading,

By Jenna Hunt “It reminds you how the vens, Massachusetts, FAIRWAYMOBILEESTATES.COM SUNSETVILLAGE@VERI ZON.NET all over the Hi-Desert Star om for more info 760-366-3218 community supports each prised of Marines from

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ANTIQUES, ART, MILITARY ITEMS, Watches, Musical Instruments, Old Photos, Jewelry, HIGHEST PRICES LOCAL. I’LLTRAVEL 2 U! 760-8193819

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Moving Sale! Feb 1-2 ft 8-3 Tractor, Train, 8 20ft Buildings, Saddle 2650 Bullion Mtn Rd 760-367-7945

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■ 12-year-old girl said to witness

Hi-Desert Star

Flames destroy 25 acres

Man charged with eight

OR

RENT

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continent get celebrate national park

www.halterhousing.c Call or Visit country. northeastern area of the After training in Twentynine U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ and Palms, 1/25 will be activated Rifle during region fires an M40A6 Sniper 27. deploy to the Indo-Pacific conduct A Marine with Scout Sniper Platoon Palms Saturday, July will for the first time. They the combat center in Twentynine numerous training at have training exercises in Forest Light. We also combat 2 Sean Doel, the ercise countries to improve their of Fuji Viper and other interna- Warrant Officer officer for iterations readiness and strengthen information management that will be taking place the Japanese exercises tional relationships.

See Snipers A2 ex- 1/25. “One is with different “We have a couple Forces supporting exsaid Chief Self-Defense ercises we will support,”

YUCCA VALLEY — other.”

Art Gallery Law enforcement and in The event was moved to 29 Palms TWENTYNINE PALMS theSeptember. community connected the Yucca Valley Commu— Fifty-seven artists have duringJoshua artists Tree National Night Out se-nity Center from the WaljurAlla-Mart parking lot this year been selected for the Benjamin at lected its neware location at the ied exhibition at the Joshua Yucca Geiger, Louisto allow more activities, esMarciaCommunity Ex- noff,Valley Tree National Park Art Center Tuesday. Alane Levin-pecially indoors.

Hernandez, position 2019 in September. National “This is the first year it’s Out is photographers sohn andNight Five jurors met andan Matt Doug Dolde, annual campaign to been here and we’re happy Collins, submitworks 347 Mitchto host it,” said Sue Earjudged promote safety by McChesney, Davidpublic ted by 137 artists fromhelping nest, community services Powell build a bond be- and Kevin Miller, across the U.S. and Canadatween residents and local manager with the town Smart.

Jim Saturday, July 20. government. law enforcement.

Yucca Valley artists are After nearly seven hours Hosted Laurie A 26-year-old horse by the San Berse- Janis Commentz, Traof deliberation, the jury nardino named Zuli with the MoCounty Sheriff’s Shaw, Esther art Schafer, Vikdal lected 57 artists and Department, rongo Basin Equestrians theNichole free event vis Usher, on Patrol unit of the Sheris geared toward bringingTami pieces for this year’s show, and photographer iff’s Department was one of law enforcement and comfeaturing artwork depicting Roleff.

Tree the most popular parts of munity members together. or inspired by Joshua Palms will Twentynine the night. Zuli could rest great turnout,” National Park or its cultur- “It’s by artists be arepresented said Capt. Trevis Newport, his hoofs on dirt instead of al history.

Whitney Gardner, Elisaconcrete this year and had commanderPollnow, of the Mark Moron-Spicak Categories this year beth go Basin sheriff’s station. shade options, too. will be two-dimensional, pho- and Timothy Warren.

“It’s much better here,” three-dimensional and A2 Commander Linda tography. The exhibition See Artists Vice the Fisher said. will be on display at Along with informational booths on crime prevention, there were displays of emergency equipment and vehicles. Free health care screenings were offered by Desert Oasis Health and Route 62 Cruisers members displayed cars.

Families enjoyed games and free hot dogs, chips and drinks provided by the Sheriff’s Department.

“It’s another great way to break bread together,” Newport said.

Now in its 36th year, the

AD SIZE U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ

is a scout Sgt. Matthew Janzen sniper team leader.

U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ

callA Marine with 1/25 conducts for-fire drills.

U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ

a scout Lance Cpl. Nick Johnson, sniper, observes the range.

Firefighters rescue couple travThe chief said firefighters road to eled parallel to the flooded them then pulled — Two get to the couple, and got them to WONDER VALLEY were res- from the vehicle Wonder Valley residents Thurs- safe, dry land. only cued by county firefighters Ford The incident was the their assist firefighters day night, July 25, after by rising storm-related Mustang was stranded according to Viloria. north of performed, drenched water on Barbara Lane The monsoon storm of the Morongo Basin Amboy Road. overtook some parts An 8-inch wall of water others dry and mildly leaving while as vehicle the man and woman’s wake of cloudy. one of they headed home in the Twentynine Palms was City Chief communities. hit a summer storm, Battalion the hardest Split Rock Avenue, Donny Viloria said. vehicle crews closed The water caused their Avenue, Ocotillo Avea puddle Tamarisk Mountain Road, Bagto stall and settled into one side to nue, Bullion Joe Davis Drive and that filled the road from along the dad Highway, because of flooded the other and extended of a mile, El Rey Avenue road for three quarters washes. fell in Viloria said.

Around 2 inches of rain reaching Twentynine Palms With the stormwater doors, some places in the bottom of the vehicle’s Fire- and more than a half-inch of rain help. according to San the couple called 911 for to the in Joshua Tree, dispatched were fighters Bernardino County. scene at 9:15 p.m.

By Kurt Schauppner

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56525 11161

Volume 84, Number 5 18 pages

Trail 2019 All contents ©The Desert

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JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star

Children clamber on some playground equipment at the Sheriff’s Department’s National Night Out.

Don Teeter, Theresa Greer and Linda Fisher stand with a 26-year-old horse named Zuli. All are members of the Morongo Basin Equestrians on Patrol unit of the Sheriff’s Department.

Add $10 flat for color JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star

Put teeth into littering rules, county board says Hi-Desert Star

Monks host BuddhistInside today A4 ceremonyVolume 62, Number 37

56525 11151

8

16 pages

people caught littering and dumping illegally.

The Park Boulevard reconstruction project will resurface the road from Alta Loma Drive to Twentynine Palms Highway.

The board awarded a construction contract for nearly $1.3 million for the project to Matich Corporation in San Bernardino.

The board also accepted the Morongo Basin Active Transportation Plan, which identifies potential bike and pedestrian routes within the Morongo Basin.

Moving into the discussion portion of the meeting, the supervisors discussed code enforcement’s role in punishing people who litter or illegally dump trash in the county.

Obituaries A7 Opinion A6 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B8

Added Value: Class Display Ads are included in Law officers welcome public at Nationa l Night Out The Weekender edition online

THE NEWS - THURSDAYS The News reaches 11,000+ weekly readers throughout the low and high deserts.

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A previous ordinance does not give code enforcement the authority to fine people caught littering and the board voted to repeal that ordinance, opening a door for littering to be considered a violation in the county code.

Code Enforcement Chief Andy See Littering A2

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Classifieds B3 Crossword B8 Faith and Values A4 Focus A8 Milestones A6

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By Jené Estrada

SAN BERNARDINO — The county board of supervisors on Tuesday moved forward with a reHi-Desert Star JUSTIN TOMAJCIK construction project on Park BouPalms in Twentynine levard in Joshua Tree. The board wash into a raging river Stormwater turns a dry also discussed changing an ordi25.

Thursday afternoon, July nance to allow county code enforcement to dole out punishments for

Obituaries A7 Opinion A5 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B10

Classified ads B3 Community columns A8 Faith and Values A4 Horoscopes B10 Milestones A6

JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star

The California Highway Patrol’s mascot, Chipper, greets families during the National Night Out Tuesday. Pictured are Kelly Williams, Reese Williams, 10, Ted Williams, 11, and Susie Williams, 7 months old.

National Night Out charity announced this month that more than 16,000 communities across the country have registered 38 million people participating.

Participating groups in the Morongo Basin included the California Highway Patrol, Morongo Basin Healthcare District, county Supervisor Dawn Rowe, Yucca Valley High School cheer squad members and the Morongo Basin Community Emergency Response Team.

Man charged with eight felonies for molestation

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Thursday, August 8, 2019

JOSHUA TREE — After two years of preparatory hearings, the trial of Rafael Ari Aikens is scheduled to MIKE MARKS PHOTO A fixed-wing aircraft from Cal Fire drops retardant on homes as a begin with opening statebrush nearby Saturday. “Cal Fire on top of it!” wrote photographer Mike Marks. fire burns ments this afternoon. JuBy Stacy Moore rors will be asked to deterHi-Desert Star mine if Aikens is guilty of JOSHUA TREE — The is murdering two Twentynine solution to homelessness diPalms women in 2017.

By Stacy Moore housing. For Don Smith, en by winds, he said. aid agreements.

Hi-Desert Star PathAikens, county’s 24, was escorted the of rector Cal Fire took command that “The fire was threateninto the Joshua Tree courtYUCCA MESA — A of the ways to Housing, it’s incident and coun- ing structures house Monday to hear a list fire destroyed 25.6 acres ty fire in basic. engines from Yucca mingo Heights the Flasome of witnesses of desert vegetation off Old Mesa, area, so to be called “That doesn’t mean Yucca Valley, Josh- we used Cal by the prosecution and the Fire aircraft Woman Springs Road and ua U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ people don’t have menTree and Twentynine — the JENÉ ESTRADA Hi-Desert Star defense, a list of evidence Rafael fixed-wing tankers La Brisa Drive Saturday Palms Battalion, 25th tal-health issues, or addicAri Aikens, 24, sits in a Joshua Tree as well as the Won- dropping Sniper Platoon in 1st that will be presented to Monday courtroom afternoon.

27.

A Marine with Scout tion issues, or are irresponas attorneys go over evidence and der Valley engine crew now helicopters retardant and the range Saturday, July the jury and more. witnesses. doing water Battalion Chief Scott stationed Marine Regiment observes Jury selection started Wednesday Star sible, but those are secondin downtown drops,” Tuttle said.

STACY MOORE Hi-Desert and continues today. Tuttle from San Judge Rodneyhow Cortez Bernardi- Twentynine Palms ary issues,” Smith said. explains all Smith It took about an hour Don will preside no County Fire said crews responded. over the To solve that basic issue tenantstwoandcase, and 15 minutes to get the which includes landlords, were called to the blaze just charges The Bureau of Land fire under can — to get homeless people programs of murder assistance control. and before with 2 p.m.

Smith enhance— Management and Nationinto homes together.

Cal Fire investigators a workments on each count for the The first to arrive found al Park Wayne Hamilton hosted Service joined the are trying use of a gun. to determine a well-established fire driv- fight July under their mutual what cause landlord fair Tuesday, earmarked is money They “The the penalty, blaze. if it gets 30, in the Sportsman’s Club to help get housing that people far, is life without the where they told property or stay in theirofhomes. possibility parole,” Corowners about programs what their matter

By Sgt. Andy Martinez “No tez said on Monday.

Trail to that can help more people problem will try “This Special to The Desert is notis, awedeath penalty Marines afford rentals. a way to help,” HamMCAGCC — Reserve findcase.” are joinHamilton, who works ilton said.

Christy McKissic, 32, from the northeastern U.S. active-duty with homeless families everyone; and He can’t her help ing forces with their mother, YUCCA VALLEY —Wolfgang Gadson Renée exerthrough Morongo Unified theMetcalf, provides started in 2016. new grant counterparts in a training ends 62, were Jr., 39, was charged with eight got shot to and felonies School District, recently Gadson was arrested for oral copuladeath March 24, 2017, in cise that began July 25, this week relating to sexual molestation Corps Air A2 of tion of a child under 10, but a grant from the Homeless See Landlords the Twentynine COURTESY PHOTOS Aug. 22 at the Marine a child. The Yucca Valley resident the district Palms Christy McKissic, 32, Aid Program. in Twenpleaded left, was a hair stylist while mom not Emergency Center Combat home they Ground shared with Renée guilty to all charges in Joshua Tree attorney’s office filed several more charges against him. He is currently charged McKissic’s then 10-year- aboard Metcalf, 62, right, was manager at the Staff Club court Tuesday. tynine Palms. with the Marine base, then tended bar from at the Virginian. old daughter. Days later, The Reserve Marines come Sheriff’s deputies from the Morongo two counts of sexual penetration or oral RegiMarine copulation on a child 10 or younger 25th detectives called Aikens a 1st Battalion, Basin station arrested Gadson and Sunday six charges of lewd or lascivious in Fort Deperson of interest in the with morning after investigating reports ment, headquartered acts with McKissic in the year McKissic’s that a child. and is comdaughter de- he was suspected investigation and arrested leading vens, Massachusetts, of performing up to her the sexual death. acts all over scribed seeing a man shoot on a After he pleaded not guilty Tuesday, him. prised of Marines from child under 10 and making that child In a preliminary hear- her grandmother. country.

Judge John Burdick set bail at $500,000 Deputies said Aikens ing in perform sexual acts on him. northeastern area of the August 2017, sherand scheduled Gadson’s next hearing in had Gallery a sexual Art Corps relationship After training in Twentynine According Marine U.S. Palms for to 29 iff’s the Sheriff’s Department, Aug. detectives testified that SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ and 14. Gadson is being held in West ValSee Murder trial A2 it was reported TWENTYNINE PALMS September.

Palms, 1/25 will be activated Rifle during that the abuse may have ley Detention region fires an M40A6 Sniper Center.

— Fifty-seven artists have 27. deploy to the Indo-Pacific conduct A Marine with Scout Sniper Platoon Joshua Tree artists sethe jurPalms Saturday, July for will selected Twentynine They in Allabeen time. center for the first the combat lected are Benjamin numerous training at ied exhibition at the Joshua noff, Marcia Geiger, Louis training exercises in Light. We also have Excombat Tree National Park Art Doel, the ercise Forest Alane Levincountries to improve their Viper and other Hernandez, By Jenna Fuji Warrant Officer 2 Sean of Hunt September. in internaiterations 2019 “It reminds you how the position officer for readiness and strengthen Hi-Desert sohn and Star photographers information management that will be taking place Five jurors met and Matt Collins, Doug Dolde, community supports each the Japanese exercises tional relationships.

See Snipers A2 YUCCA VALLEY — other.” ex- 1/25. “One is with Mitch judged 347 works submit- Law supporting ex“We have a couple different McChesney, Forces David Self-Defense enforcement from andand The event was moved to said Chief ted by 137 artists Powell Kevin connected ercises we will support,” theMiller, community the Yucca Valley Commuacross the U.S. and Canada during Jim Smart.

National Night Out arenity Center from the WalSaturday, July 20.

Valley artists at its Yucca new location at Laurie the Mart parking lot this year After nearly seven hoursYucca Commentz, Valley se- Janis Community of deliberation, the jury Center Esther Shaw, Tra-to allow more activities, esTuesday. art Schafer, Vikdalpecially indoors. lected 57 artists and Nichole National vis Usher, Night Out isTami “This is the first year pieces for this year’s show,an and it’s photographer annual campaign to been here and we’re happy featuring artwork depictingpromote Tree Roleff.public safety by will or inspired by Joshua Palms to host it,” said Sue EarhelpingTwentynine build a bond nest, community services artists National Park or its culturby between represented be residents and local manager with the town Elisaal history.

Gardner, law enforcement.

Whitney government.

Categories this year Hosted Spicak Mark by the San beth Pollnow, BerA 26-year-old horse will be two-dimensional, Warren.

U.S. Marine Corps nardino Timothy Sheriff’s and County SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ phonamed Zuli with the MoU.S. Marine Corps three-dimensional and Department, the free a scout SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ event rongo Basin Equestrians Lance Cpl. Nick Johnson, U.S. Marine Corps A2 tography. The exhibition SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ Artistson is geared toward See with 1/25 conducts call- sniper, observes the range. bringing the Patrol unit of the Sheris a scout A Marine will be on display at law enforcement and Sgt. Matthew Janzen for-fire drills. com- iff’s Department was one of munity members together. sniper team leader. the most popular parts of “It’s a great turnout,” the night. said Capt. Trevis Newport, his hoofs Zuli could rest on dirt instead of commander of the Moron- concrete this year and had go Basin sheriff’s station. shade options, too.

JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star travThe California The chief said firefighters JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star “It’s much better here,” the National Highway Patrol’s mascot, Chipper, greets families during Children road to

By Kurt Schauppner Night Out Tuesday. Pictured are clamber on some playground eled parallel to the flooded them Vice Commander Linda liams, Kelly Williams, Reese Wil- equipment The Desert Trail 10, Ted Williams, 11, and Susie then pulled at the Sheriff’s DepartWilliams, 7 months old.

Fisher said.

— Two get to the couple, and got them to ment’s National Night Out. WONDER VALLEY Along with information- National were res- from the vehicle Night Out charity Wonder Valley residents Thurs- safe, dry land. al booths on crime preven- announced this month that cued by county firefighters Ford incident was the only The tion, there were displays of more than their 16,000 commuassist firefighters day night, July 25, after emergency equipment and nities by rising storm-related across the country Mustang was stranded according to Viloria. vehicles. Free health care have north of performed, drenched registered 38 million water on Barbara Lane The monsoon storm screenings were offered by people participating. of the Morongo Basin Amboy Road.

Don Teeter, Desert Oasis Health and overtook some parts Participating groups in An 8-inch wall of water others dry and mildly Theresa Greer Route 62 Cruisers mem- the vehicle as while leaving Morongo Basin includand the man and woman’s Linda Fishbers displayed cars. wake of cloudy. ed the California Highway one of er stand with they headed home in the Twentynine Palms was City Families enjoyed games Patrol, Chief Morongo Basin a 26-year-old a summer storm, Battalion and free hot dogs, chips Healthcare the hardest hit communities. horse named Split Rock Avenue, Donny Viloria said. and drinks provided by the ty SupervisorDistrict, counvehicle crews closed Dawn Rowe, Zuli. All are The water caused their Avenue, Ocotillo AveSheriff’s Department. a puddle Tamarisk Yucca Valley members of the Mountain Road, Bagto stall and settled into “It’s another great way cheer squad High School one side to nue, Bullion Joe Davis Drive and members and Morongo Basin that filled the road from to break bread together,” the along the dad Highway, because of flooded Morongo Basin ComEquestrians on the other and extended Newport said. of a mile, El Rey Avenue munity Emergency RePatrol unit of the road for three quarters Now in its 36th year, the sponse washes.

Team. fell in Sheriff’s DepartViloria said.

Around 2 inches of rain Hi-Desert Star JUSTIN TOMAJCIK reaching JENNA HUNT Hi-Desert Star ment.

Twentynine Palms With the stormwater Palms doors, some places in half-inch of rain Twentynine in river vehicle’s the raging of a the bottom than a turns a dry wash into help. Fire- and more according to San Stormwater 25. the couple called 911 for to the in Joshua Tree, Thursday afternoon, July fighters were dispatched

By Jené Estrada Bernardino County. people caught littering and dumpscene at 9:15 p.m.

Hi-Desert Star The board also accepted the Moing illegally.

A previous ordinance does not give Obituaries A7 rongo Basin Active Transportation SAN BERNARDINO — The code enforcement the authority to Classified ads B3 The Park Boulevard reconstrucOpinion A5 county board of supervisors on Plan, which identifies potential tion project will resurface the road fine people caught littering and Community columns A8 Tuesday moved forward with a rebike and pedestrian routes within Sheriff’s Calls A7 from Alta Loma Drive to Twenthe board voted to repeal that ordiFaith and Values A4 A4 construction the Morongo Basin.

Sports B1 project on Park Bou- tynine Palms nance, opening a door for littering Highway.

Horoscopes B10 Volume 84, Number 5 levard in Joshua Tree. The board Moving into the discussion porTV listings B10 to be considered a violation in the The board awarded a construc18 pages Milestones A6 also discussed changing an ordition of the meeting, the supervisors Trail 2019 tion contract for nearly $1.3 million county code.

5 6 5 2 5 1 1 1 6 1 7 All contents ©The Desert nance to allow county code enforcediscussed code enforcement’s role 6 for the project to Matich CorporaCode Enforcement Chief Andy ment to dole out punishments for in punishing people who litter or tion in San Bernardino. illegally dump trash in the county.

See Littering A2

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Marine helicopters land in Wonder Valley

CounBasin Municipal Advisory “They flew over the Wonder cil, said he went out to see the as we

By Kurt Schauppner Valley Community Center and found out the The Desert Trail then circled helicopters were training in the — were leaving at 2, TWENTYNINE PALMS Sitz reported after Marines area. report- the valley,” wilderness wilTwo Marine helicopters Pole- spotting the helicopters. of “There were up in the on edly landed at the base “When we turned north They were not a here of dust. derness area. to line Road north of Naborly Gehr we saw a big puff to anyone. It was nice 29.

Monday afternoon, July home we saw they threat training,” he said.

Teresa When we got see them They were seen by two big helicopters.” a positive the was it were eyes my Wonder “In Sitz, who works as the Steven Reyes, who represents thing.” to The Desert Trail coorSTEVEN REYES Special Morongo Valley Community Center Wonder Valley on the area land near dinator, and some friends. in the Twentynine Palms Marine helicopters training 29.

July Poleline Road Monday,

Murder trial Marine helicopters ey land in Wonder Vall begins today

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Marine helicopters land in Wonder Valley

CounBasin Municipal Advisory “They flew over the Wonder cil, said he went out to see the as we Valley Community Center and found out the 2, then circled helicopterswere training in the — were leaving at TWENTYNINE PALMS Sitz reported after Marines area. report- the valley,” wilderness wilTwo Marine helicopters Pole- spotting the helicopters. of “There were up in the on edly landed at the base “When we turned north They were not a here of dust. derness area. to line Road north of Naborly Gehr we saw a big puff to anyone. It was nice 29.

Monday afternoon, July home we saw they threat training,” he said.

Teresa When we got see them They were seen by big helicopters.”

Wonder were the two “In my eyes it was a positive Sitz, who works as the Steven Reyes, who represents thing.” to The Desert Trail coorSTEVEN REYES Special Morongo Valley Community Center Wonder Valley on the area land near dinator, and some friends. in the Twentynine Palms Marine helicopters training 29.

July Poleline Road Monday,

By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail

Sniper platoon hits the desert

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U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ

Battalion, 25th Sniper Platoon in 1st 27.

A Marine with Scout the range Saturday, July Marine Regiment observes

in 29 Reserve Marines train before deployment to Okinawa

By Sgt. Andy Martinez

Trail Special to The Desert

Marines MCAGCC — Reserve are joinfrom the northeastern U.S. active-duty ing forces with their exercounterparts in a training ends and cise that began July 25, Corps Ai Aug. 22 at the Marine

Artists from across the continent get ready to park celebrate national in 29 Palms Art Gallery

TWENTYNINE PALMS September.

— Fifty-seven artists have Joshua Tree artists sejurbeen selected for the lected are Benjamin Allaied exhibition at the Joshua noff, Marcia Geiger, Louis ExTree National Park Art Hernandez, Alane Levinposition 2019 in September. sohn and photographers Five jurors met and Matt Collins, Doug Dolde, judged 347 works submit- David McChesney, Mitch ted by 137 artists from Miller, Kevin Powell and across the U.S. and Canada Jim Smart.

Saturday, July 20.

Yucca Valley artists are After nearly seven hours Janis Commentz, Laurie seTraof deliberation, the jury art Schafer, Esther Shaw, lected 57 artists and vis Usher, Nichole Vikdal pieces for this year’s show, and photographer Tami featuring artwork depicting Roleff.

Tree or inspired by Joshua Twentynine Palms will culturits or Park National be represented by artists al history.

Whitney Gardner, ElisaCategories this year beth Pollnow, Mark Spicak will be two-dimensional, and Timothy Warren. phothree-dimensional and tography. The exhibition the will be on display at

3 PAPER BUY d by flood

threatene Firefighters rescue couple

By Kurt Schauppner The Desert Trail

— Two WONDER VALLEY were resWonder Valley residents Thurscued by county firefighters Ford their day night, July 25, after by rising Mustang was stranded north of water on Barbara Lane

travThe chief said firefighters road to eled parallel to the flooded them pulled get to the couple, then them to from the vehicle and got

safe, dry land. only The incident was the firefighters storm-related assist Viloria. performed, according to

drenched The monsoon storm of the Morongo Basin Amboy Road. overtook some parts An 8-inch wall of water others dry and mildly vehicle as while leaving the man and woman’s wake of cloudy. one of they headed home in the Twentynine Palms was City Chief a summer storm, Battalion the hardest hit communities.

Split Rock Avenue, Donny Viloria said. vehicle crews closed The water caused their Avenue, Ocotillo Avea puddle Tamarisk Mountain Road, Bagto stall and settled into one side to nue, Bullion Joe Davis Drive and that filled the road from along the dad Highway, because of flooded the other and extended of a mile, El Rey Avenue road for three quarters washes. fell in Viloria said.

Around 2 inches of rain reaching Twentynine Palms With the stormwater doors, some places in the bottom of the vehicle’s Fire- and more than a half-inch of rain help. according to San the couple called 911 for to the in Joshua Tree, fighters were dispatched Bernardino County. scene at 9:15 p.m.

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Marine helicopters land ins Wonder Valley acre Flames destroy 25 PHOTO MIKE MARKS

as a brush fire burns retardant on homes r Mike Marks. from Cal Fire drops — AfA fixed-wing aircraft Fire on top of it!” wrote photographe JOSHUA TREE “Cal nearby Saturday. ter two years of preparatory of Rafael hearings, the trial to Ari Aikens is scheduled

By Kurtaid Schauppner state“They flew over the Wonder Basin Municipal Advisory Counagreements. begin with opening Juen by winds, he said. The Desert Trail “The fire was threaten- Valley Community Center as we cil, said he went out to see the ments this afternoon.deterFla- were leaving at 2, then circled helicopters and found out the

By Stacy Moore in the — to TWENTYNINE PALMS Cal Fire took command rors will be asked coun- ing structures Hi-Desert Star guilty of Two Marine report-so the valley,” Sitz reported after Marines were training in the Heights area, of the incident and Yucca mingohelicopters mine if Aikens is MESA — A from YUCCA Fire engines wilderness area. edly landed at theCal base of aircraft Pole- spotting the helicopters. acres ty fire murdering two Twentynine Josh- we used fire destroyed 25.6 off Old Mesa, Yucca Valley, line “When we turned north on “There were up in the wilRoad of Naborly tankers here the fixed-wing —north Palms women in 2017. and Gehr we saw a big puff of dust. derness area. They were not a and Twentynine afternoon, July of desert vegetation retardant 29.

Aikens, 24, was escorted Road and ua Tree well as the Monday Won- dropping water When we got home we saw they threat to anyone. It was nice to courtWoman Springs as They helicopters were seen doing

by Teresa Saturday Palms into the Joshua Tree a list now engine crew La Brisa Drive hear Valley derSpecial see them training,” he said.

Sitz, whodrops,” worksTuttle as thesaid.

Wonder were the two big helicopters.”

STEVEN REYES to The Desert Trail Hi-Desert Star house Monday to JENÉ ESTRADA hour in downtown an called afternoon. be about to stationed “In my eyes it was a positive Valley Community It took Center coor-the Steven Reyes, who represents Marine helicopters training in the Twentynine Palms area land near Scott courtroom of witnesses Palms all get Battalion Chief in a Joshua Tree and the 15 minutes Wonder Valley on the Morongo thing.” dinator, and friends.to andsome Poleline Road Monday, July 29.from San Bernardi- Twentynine witnesses.

Ari Aikens, 24, sits by the prosecution Tuttle evidence Rafael as attorneys go over evidence and control. defense, a list of Land fire under continues today. no County Fire said crews responded. s to Monday Wednesday and The Bureau of Cal Fire investigator blaze just that will be presented NationJury selection started were called to the Management and are trying to determine the jury and more. Cortez 2 p.m.

Service joined the what cause the blaze. before Park al Rodney found Judge The first to arrive under their mutual the case, fire driv- fight will preside over a well-established charges which includes two enhanceof murder with for the ments on each count use of a gun. it gets “The penalty, if the that far, is life withoutCorpossibility of parole,” “This started in 2016.

By Stacy Moore for oral copula—Wolfgang Gadson tez said on Monday.

Gadson was arrested but the district penalty YUCCA VALLEY Hi-Desert Star with eight felonies is not a death child under 10, Jr., 39, was chargedsexual molestation of tion of a JOSHUA TREE — The several more charges case.” to 32, attorney’s office filed this week relating charged with solution to homelessness is Christy McKissic, Valley resident pleaded against him. He is currently Renée a child. The Yucca penetration or oral housing. For Don Smith, diin Joshua Tree and her mother, COURTESY PHOTOS two counts of sexual 10 or younger and guilty to all charges shot to rector of the county’s Pathchild Metcalf, 62, were while mom not Tuesday. copulation on a acts with 2017, in was a hair stylist court ways to Housing, it’s that from the Morongo six charges of lewd or lascivious death March 24, Palms Christy McKissic, 32, left, at the Staff Club Sheriff’s deputies 62, right, was manager basic.

Gadson Sunday the Twentynine the Virginian. child. with Renée Metcalf, then tended bar at Basin station arrested reports that a not guilty Tuesday, “That doesn’t mean some home they shared the Marine base, SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps After he pleaded 10-year- aboard at $500,000 morning after investigating sexual acts bail set people don’t have menMcKissic’s then Burdick performing of John A Marinethat with ScoutJudge Sniper Platoon in 1st next Battalion, for later, hearing25th child he was suspected makingRegiment Gadson’s tal-health issues, or addicold daughter. Days andMarine daughter deobserves the range Saturday, 27. Valand scheduled Aikens a in West on a child under 10 held July the year McKissic’s tion issues, or are irrespondetectives called seeing a man shoot perform sexual acts on him. with McKissic in 14. Gadson is being the Aug. scribed in . up to her death. person of interest Sheriff’s Department, ley Detention Center. sible, but those are secondAccording to the arrested leading preliminary hear- her grandmother have investigation and ary issues,” Smith said.

In a that the abuse may STACY MOORE Hi-Desert Star A2 it was reported August 2017, sherhim.

To solve that basic issue Don Smith explains how See Murder trial Aikens ing in that Deputies said — to get homeless people landlords, tenants and iff’s detectives testified had a sexual relationship into homes — Smith and assistance programs can Wayne Hamilton hosted a work together. landlord fair Tuesday, July

By Sgt. Andy Martinez 30, in the Sportsman’s Club They money is earmarked Special to The Desert Trail where they told property to help people get housing how the “It reminds you owners about programs or stay in their homes.

MCAGCC — Reserve Marines supports each

By Jenna Hunt community “No matter what their that can help more people from the northeastern U.S. are joinHi-Desert Star — other.” to problem is, we will try to afford rentals. ing forces with their active-duty YUCCA VALLEY and The event was moved Hamilton, who works find a way to help,” Hamcounterparts in a training exerLaw enforcement Yucca Valley Commuconnected the with homeless families ilton said. cise that began July 25, and ends from the Walthe community Out nity Center lot this year He can’t help everyone; through Morongo Unified Aug. 22 at the Marine Corps Air during National Night at the Mart parking activities, esSchool District, recently got the new grant provides Ground Combat Center in Twenat its new location to allow more a grant from the Homeless tynine Palms.

Yucca Valley Community pecially indoors. it’s Emergency Aid Program.

The Reserve Marines come from See Landlords A2 Center Tuesday.

“This is the first year Out is we’re happy 1st Battalion, 25th Marine RegiNational Night to been here and an annual campaign by to host it,” said Sue Ear- ment, headquartered in Fort Desafety services public promote community vens, Massachusetts, and is combond be- nest, with the town prised of Marines from all over the helping build a and local manager tween residents northeastern area of the country. government. horse law enforcement.

A 26-year-old After training in Twentynine BerHosted by the San Zuli with the Mo- Palms, 1/25 will be activated and Sheriff’s named Equestrians Basin nardino County deploy to the Indo-Pacific region SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps free event rongo unit of the Sher- for the first time. They will conduct A Marine with Scout Sniper Platoon fires an M40A6 Sniper Rifle during Department, the TWENTYNINE PALMS 29 Palms Art Gallery in bringing on Patrol was one of is geared toward July 27.

September.

Hi-Desert Star — Fifty-seven artists have and com- iff’s Department parts of training exercises in numerous training at the combat center in Twentynine Palms Saturday, JENNA HUNT law enforcement the most popular been selected for the jurJoshua Tree artists setogether. rest countries to improve their combat Hi-Desert Star on some playground JENNA HUNT munity members clamber the night. Zuli could Children Doel, during the ercise Forest Light. We also have readiness and strengthen interna- Warrant Officer 2 Sean Depart- ied exhibition at the Joshua lected are Benjamin AllaSheriff’s “It’s a great turnout,” his hoofs on dirt instead of tional relationships. at the greets families Chipper, equipment information management officer of Fuji Viper and other Tree National Park Art Ex- noff, Marcia Geiger, Louis Wil- iterations Newport, Reesefor Patrol’s mascot, Night Out. this year and had Williams, Highway said Capt. Trevis National are Kelly ment’s that 1/25. “One is with theold.

Japanese exercises will be taking place “We California have a couple different ex- Pictured The position 2019 in September. Hernandez, Alane LevinMoron- concrete Tuesday. too. commander of the 7 months Night Outsaid Williams,Forces the National Self-Defense supporting exwe will support,” Chief station. shade options, better here,” ercises Five jurors met and sohn and photographers See Snipers A2 and Susie go Basin sheriff’s Ted Williams, 11, “It’s much judged 347 works submit- Matt Collins, Doug Dolde, Linda liams, 10, Vice Commander ted by 137 artists from David McChesney, Mitch Night Out charity Fisher said.

National across the U.S. and Canada Miller, Kevin Powell and Along with information- announced this month that Saturday, July 20.

Jim Smart. prevenDon Teeter, commual booths on crime Greer of more than 16,000 country After nearly seven hours Yucca Valley artists are Theresa displays were the tion, there and nities across and Linda Fish-of deliberation, the jury se- Janis Commentz, Laurie emergency equipment care have registered 38 million er stand with lected 57 artists and art Schafer, Esther Shaw, Travehicles. Free health by people participating. a 26-year-old pieces for this year’s show, vis Usher, Nichole Vikdal in offered screenings were Participating groups and horse named featuring artwork depicting and photographer Tami Desert Oasis Healthmem- the Morongo Basin includZuli. All are or inspired by Joshua Tree Roleff.

Highway Route 62 Cruisers ed the California members of theNational Park or its culturTwentynine Palms will bers displayed cars. games Patrol, Morongo Basin Morongo Basinal history. counbe represented by artists Families enjoyed on Healthcare District, Rowe, chips Equestrians dogs, Categories this year Whitney Gardner, ElisaDawn and free hot unit of the by the ty Supervisor SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S.Patrol Marine Corps School will be two-dimensional, beth Pollnow, Mark Spicak and drinks provided Valley High U.S. Sgt. Yucca Matthew Janzen is aand scout A Marine with 1/25 conducts call- Lance Cpl. Nick Johnson, Sheriff’s a scout Departthree-dimensional and pho- and Timothy Warren. members Sheriff’s Department. way squad cheer ment.

Star team leader.Basin Comfor-fire drills. sniper, observes the range. tography. The exhibition Hi-Desert “It’s another great sniperthe JENNA HUNT Morongo together,” Rewill be on display at the See Artists A2 to break bread munity Emergency Newport said. the sponse Team.

Now in its 36th year,

By Jené Estrada Hi-Desert Star

Sniper charged with eight Man estation platoon felonies for mol hits the desert

Landlords are allies in push to help homeless

Reserve Marines train in 29

Law officers welc

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d says ty boar Firefighters rescue couple threatened by flood rules, coun Put teeth into littering

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give ordinance does not to the Mo- A previous the authority accepted

By Kurt Schauppner The board alsoThe chief said firefighters travcode enforcement and dumplittering and Transportation littering Desert Trail people eled parallelpotential to the flooded to caught fine road rongo Basin Active people caughtThe ordiidentifies voted to repeal that which get

By Jené Estrada the board ing illegally. to the couple, then pulled them WONDER VALLEYPlan, — Two within reconstrucroutes a door for littering Boulevard opening Hi-Desert Star The Park Wonder nance, from the vehicle and got them to Valley residentsbike wereand res-pedestrian NO — The a violation in the resurface the road the Morongo Basin.

SAN BERNARDI to be considered tion project will land. cued by county firefighters Thurs- safe, dry to Twensupervisors on Drive the discussion por- county code.

Alta Loma Moving county board of was the only day night, July 25, after their Ford into Thetheincident with a re- from supervisors Chief Andy Highway.

PalmsMustang of the meeting, Code Enforcement Tuesday moved forward storm-related assist was stranded tion by rising role firefighters on Park Bou- tynine board awarded a construc- discussed code enforcement’s The construction project or to Viloria. water on Barbara Lane north of performed, according See Littering A2 Tree. The board for nearly $1.3 million in punishing people who litter tion contractAmboy levard in Joshua The monsoon storm drenched Road. ordicounty.

Corporaan the in Matich trash to the project An also discussed changing some parts of the Morongo Basin 8-inch wall of waterillegally overtookdump code enforce- for in San Bernardino. tion nance to allow county the man and woman’s vehicle as while leaving others dry and mildly punishments for ment to dole out they headed home in the wake of cloudy.

Obituaries A7 Twentynine Palms was one of a summer storm, BattalionA6Chief Classifieds B3 Opinion the hardest hit communities. City Donny Viloria said.

Focus A8 Crossword B8 Calls A7 Sheriff’s A4 The water caused their vehicle crews closed Split Rock Avenue, Faith and Values Sports B1 a puddle Tamarisk Avenue, Ocotillo Ave37 Focus A8to stall and settledTVinto listings B8 Volume 62, Number that filled the road from one side to nue, Bullion Mountain Road, BagMilestones A6

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the other and extended along the road for three quarters of a mile, Viloria said.

With the stormwater reaching the bottom of the vehicle’s doors, the couple called 911 for help. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 9:15 p.m.

Star 2019

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Volume 84, Number 5 18 pages

All contents ©The Desert Trail 2019

Classified ads B3 Community columns A8 Faith and Values A4 Horoscopes B10 Milestones A6

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Around 2 inches of rain fell in some places in Twentynine Palms and more than a half-inch of rain in Joshua Tree, according to San Bernardino County.

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Murder trial today begins said witness to Sniper

The Desert Trail

STEVEN REYES Special to The Desert Trail

Marine helicopters training in the Twentynine Palms area land near Poleline Road Monday, July 29.

TWENTYNINE PALMS — Two Marine helicopters reportedly landed at the base of Poleline Road north of Naborly here Monday afternoon, July 29.

They were seen by Teresa Sitz, who works as the Wonder Valley Community Center coordinator, and some friends.

“They flew over the Wonder Valley Community Center as we were leaving at 2, then circled the valley,” Sitz reported after spotting the helicopters.

“When we turned north on Gehr we saw a big puff of dust.

When we got home we saw they were the two big helicopters.”

Steven Reyes, who represents Wonder Valley on the Morongo

■ 12-year-old girl shooting will be put on stand

platoon hits Flame thes destroy 25 acres desert

By Jené Estrada Hi-Desert Star

MIKE MARKS PHOTO

brush fire burns JOSHUA TREE — Afdrops retardant on homes as a A fixed-wing aircraft from Cal Fire ter two years of preparatory of it!” wrote photographer Mike Marks. nearby Saturday. “Cal Fire on top hearings, the trial of Rafael Ari Aikens is scheduled to begin with opening statements this afternoon. Juaid agreements. rors will be asked to detersaid. he winds, by en

By Stacy Moore “The fire was threatenmine if Aikens is guilty of Cal Fire took command Hi-Desert Star structures in the Flamurdering two Twentynine of the incident and coun- ing SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps so YUCCA MESA — AAMarine mingo Heights area, Yucca Palms women in 2017. with engines Scoutfrom Sniper ty fire Platoon in 1st Battalion, 25th fire destroyed 25.6 acres we used Cal Fire aircraft Aikens, 24, was escorted Marine Regiment Valley, JoshYuccaobserves the range Saturday, July tankers 27. of desert vegetation off Old Mesa, fixed-wing into the Joshua Tree courtTree and Twentynine — the Woman Springs Road and ua retardant and house Monday to hear a list as well as the Won- dropping La Brisa Drive Saturday Palms doing water of witnesses to be called JENÉ ESTRADA Hi-Desert Star der Valley engine crew now helicopters said. afternoon.

Tuttle drops,” courtroom by the prosecution and the Tree downtown in Ari Aikens, 24, sits in a Joshua Battalion Chief Scott stationed It took about an hour defense, a list of evidence Rafael as attorneys go over evidence and witnesses.

Palms all Tuttle from San Bernardi- Twentynine minutes to get the 15 and today. that will be presented to Monday continues and Jury selection started Wednesday no County Fire said crews responded. control. the jury and more.

The Bureau of Land fire under were called to the blaze just Cal Fire investigators Judge Rodney Cortez Management and NationBy Sgt. Andy Martinez before 2 p.m. to determine will preside over the case, Service joined the are trying Special to The Desert Trail The first to arrive found al Park the blaze. which includes two charges under their mutual what cause well-established fire driv- fight MCAGCC — Reserve aMarines of murder with enhancefrom the northeastern U.S. are joinments on each count for the ing forces with their active-duty use of a gun. gets it if counterparts penalty, in a training exer“The cise that began July 25, and ends that far, is life without the Corparole,” of Aug. 22 at the Marine Corps Air possibility Ground Combat Center in Twentez said on Monday. “This tynine Palms. is not a death penalty started in 2016.

YUCCA VALLEY —Wolfgang Gadson The Reserve Marines come from case.”

Gadson was arrested for oral copula39, was charged with eight felonies the district Christy McKissic, 32, 1st Battalion, 25th MarineJr., Regiof tion of a child under 10, but charges week relating to sexual molestation thisDement, headquartered in Fort and her mother, Renée attorney’s office filed several more The Yucca Valley resident pleaded charged with Metcalf, 62, were shot to vens, Massachusetts, COURTESY PHOTOS and isa child. comTree against him. He is currently or oral not guilty to all charges in Joshua mom death March 24, 2017, in while prised Marines from two counts of sexual penetration all over a hairofstylist the was left, 32, McKissic, Christy and the Twentynine Palms northeasternthe Staff Club court Tuesday. copulation on a child 10 or younger Metcalf, 62, right, was manager at area of the country. acts with Sheriff’s deputies from the Morongo home they shared with Renée at the Virginian.

After bartraining in Twentynine station arrested Gadson Sunday six charges of lewd or lascivious then tended base, Marine the aboard Basin McKissic’s then 10-yearPalms, 1/25 will be activated and after investigating reports that a child. morning old daughter. Days later, After he pleaded not guilty Tuesday, deploy to the Indo-Pacific region acts sexual performing of $500,000 ANDY MARTINEZ de- he was suspected set bailU.S.atMarine Corps detectives called Aikens a Burdick daughter Judge John SGT. for the first time.

They will that child conduct makingSniper Marine and Scout McKissic in the year McKissic’s 10with Platoon fires an M40A6 Snipernext shoot on a childAunder Riflehearing during for Gadson’s a man in person of interest in the with seeing scheduled and scribed training exercises death. numerous her to him. up training on at the combat center in Twentynine PalmsisSaturday, in West perform sexual acts 27. Valinvestigation and arrested leading Aug. 14. Gadson being heldJuly her grandmother. to improve their combat In a preliminary hear- countries According to the Sheriff’s Department, ley Detention Center. him. have may interna- Warrantthat August 2017, sher- readiness and strengthen the abuse Officer 2 Sean Doel, the ercise Forest Light. We also have Deputies said Aikens ing in See Murder trial A2 it was reported detectives testified that tional relationships. information management officer for iterations of Fuji Viper and other had a sexual relationship iff’s “We have a couple different ex- 1/25. “One is with the Japanese exercises that will be taking place ercises we will support,” said Chief Self-Defense Forces supporting exSee Snipers A2

Reserve Marines train in 29 before deployment to Okinawa

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Man charged with eight felonies for molestation

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nal Night Out Law officers welcome public at Natio

By Jenna Hunt Hi-Desert Star

YUCCA VALLEY — Law enforcement and the community connected during National Night Out at its new location at the Yucca Valley Community Center Tuesday.

National Night Out is an annual campaign to promote public safety by helping build a bond between residents and local law enforcement.

Hosted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department, the free event is geared toward bringing law enforcement and community members together.

“It’s a great turnout,” said Capt. Trevis Newport, commander of the Morongo Basin sheriff’s station.

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Landlords are allies in push to help homeless

By Stacy Moore

Hi-Desert Star

JOSHUA TREE — The solution to homelessness is housing. For Don Smith, director of the county’s Pathways to Housing, it’s that basic.

“That doesn’t mean some people don’t have mental-health issues, or addiction issues, or are irresponsible, but those are secondary issues,” Smith said.

To solve that basic issue — to get homeless people into homes — Smith and Wayne Hamilton hosted a landlord fair Tuesday, July 30, in the Sportsman’s Club where they told property owners about programs that can help more people afford rentals.

Hamilton, who works with homeless families through Morongo Unified School District, recently got a grant from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program.

See Landlords A2

Artists from across the continent get ready to celebrate national park

TWENTYNINE PALMS — Fifty-seven artists have been selected for the juried exhibition at the Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition 2019 in September.

Five jurors met and judged 347 works submitted by 137 artists from across the U.S. and Canada Saturday, July 20.

After nearly seven hours of deliberation, the jury selected 57 artists and art pieces for this year’s show, featuring artwork depicting or inspired by Joshua Tree National Park or its cultural history.

Categories this year will be two-dimensional, three-dimensional and photography. The exhibition will be on display at the

29 Palms Art Gallery in September.

Joshua Tree artists selected are Benjamin Allanoff, Marcia Geiger, Louis Hernandez, Alane Levinsohn and photographers Matt Collins, Doug Dolde, David McChesney, Mitch Miller, Kevin Powell and Jim Smart.

Yucca Valley artists are Janis Commentz, Laurie Schafer, Esther Shaw, Travis Usher, Nichole Vikdal and photographer Tami Roleff.

Twentynine Palms will be represented by artists Whitney Gardner, Elisabeth Pollnow, Mark Spicak and Timothy Warren.

Firefighters rescue couple threatened by flood

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rules, county board Inside g today Put teeth into litterin Classified ads B3

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says

ordinance does not give Community columnsthe A8 Mo- A previous also accepted Opinion A5 The board littering and dumpenforcement the authority to code Sheriff’s people caught Faith Transportation and Values A4 Active Volume 84, Number 5 rongo Basin Calls A7 littering and caught ing illegally.18 pages potential fine people identifiesB10 Horoscopes Sports 6 5 6 5 2 5 1 1 1 6 The Boulevard reconstruc- Plan, which votedB1to repeal that ordi1 Park 7 All the board routes contents ©The Desert Trail 2019 Milestones SAN BERNARDINO — The bike and pedestrian A6 within listings B10 a door for littering nance,TVopening tion project will resurface the road the Morongo Basin. county board of supervisors on to be considered a violation in the from Alta Loma Drive to TwenMoving into the discussion porTuesday moved forward with a reHighway. code.

Palms county tynine Boution of the meeting, the supervisors construction project on Park Code Enforcement Chief Andy The board awarded a construcrole levard in Joshua Tree. The board $1.3 million discussed code enforcement’s nearly for contract tion or ordiin punishing people who litter also discussed changing an See Littering A2 for the project to Matich Corporaillegally dump trash in the county. nance to allow county code enforcetion in San Bernardino. ment to dole out punishments for

By Jené Estrada Hi-Desert Star

Inside today 56525 11151

STACY MOORE Hi-Desert Star

Don Smith explains how landlords, tenants and assistance programs can work together.

They money is earmarked to help people get housing or stay in their homes.

“No matter what their problem is, we will try to find a way to help,” Hamilton said.

He can’t help everyone; the new grant provides

“It reminds you how the community supports each other.”

The event was moved to the Yucca Valley Community Center from the WalMart parking lot this year to allow more activities, especially indoors.

“This is the first year it’s been here and we’re happy SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps to host it,” said Sue EarSGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps Sgt. Matthew Janzen is a scout A Marine with 1/25 conducts nest, community services call- Lance Cpl. Nick Johnson, a scout for-fire drills. manager with the townsniper team leader. sniper, observes the range. government.

See Artists A2 A 26-year-old horse named Zuli with the Morongo Basin Equestrians on Patrol unit of the Sherof one iff’s Department was

By Kurt Schauppner The chief said firefighters travthe most popular parts of The Desert Trail eled parallel to the flooded road to the night. Zuli could rest HUNT Hi-Desert Star WONDER VALLEY — Two get toHi-Desert Star the couple, then pulled them JENNA JENNA HUNT his hoofs on dirt instead of playground some on Wonder Valley clamber residents were Children resfrom during vehicle and got them to concrete this year and had Chipper, greets familiesthe Departmascot, Patrol’s cued by county firefighters The California Highway dry Willand. equipment at the Sheriff’s Reese Williams,safe, shade options, too. are KellyThursTuesday.

Night Out. Night Outday night, Pictured 25, after their Ford old.The incidentment’s was National the only “It’s much better here,” the National Williams, 11, and July Williams, 7 months Susie Mustang was 10, Ted stranded by rising storm-related assist firefighters Vice Commander Linda liams, water on Barbara Lane north of performed, according to Viloria.

Fisher said.

Night Out charity Amboy Road.

The monsoon storm drenched Along with information- National this month that An 8-inch wall of water overtook some parts of the Morongo Basin al booths on crime preven- announced 16,000 commuthan the man and woman’s vehicle as while leaving others dry and mildly tion, there were displays of more Teeter, Don country the across they headed home in the wake of cloudy. emergency equipment and nities Theresa Greer registered 38 million a summer storm, Battalion Chief Twentynine Palms was one of vehicles. Free health care have and Linda Fishparticipating. Donny Viloria said. the hardest hit communities. City screenings were offered by people in er stand with Participating groups The water caused their vehicle crews closed Split Rock Avenue, Desert Oasis Health and a 26-year-old Morongo Basin includto stall and settled into a puddle Tamarisk Avenue, Ocotillo AveRoute 62 Cruisers mem- the horse named ed the California Highway that filled the road from one side to nue, Bullion Mountain Road, Bagbers displayed cars.

Zuli. All are Morongo Basin the other and extended along the dad Highway, Joe Davis Drive Families enjoyed games Patrol, members of the and counDistrict, road for three quarters of a mile, El Rey Avenue because of flooded and free hot dogs, chips Healthcare Morongo Basin Rowe, Dawn Viloria said. and drinks provided by the ty Supervisor High School washes.

Equestrians on Yucca Valley With the stormwater Sheriff’s Department. reaching Around Patrol unit of the 2 inches of rain fell in members and bottom of the vehicle’s doors, some places in Twentynine Palms “It’s another great way cheer squad Basin the Sheriff’s DepartComMorongo theRecouple called 911 for help. Fire- and more than a half-inch of Hi-Desert to break bread together,” the ment.

JENNA HUNT rain Star munity Emergencyfighters were dispatched JUSTIN TOMAJCIK Hi-Desert Star Newport said. to the in Joshua Tree, according to San Stormwater turns a Team. dry wash into a raging river in Twentynine Palms Now in its 36th year, the sponse scene at 9:15 p.m.

Bernardino County.

Thursday afternoon, July 25.

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Basin Municipal Advisory Council, said he went out to see the helicopters and found out the Marines were training in the wilderness area.

“There were up in the wilderness area. They were not a threat to anyone. It was nice to see them training,” he said.

“In my eyes it was a positive thing.”

8

Volume 62, Number 37 16 pages

All contents © Hi-Desert Star 2019

Classifieds B3 Crossword B8 Faith and Values A4 Focus A8 Milestones A6

Obituaries A7 Opinion A6 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B8

Summer Music Festival Scenes Focus A8

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to witness ■ 12-year-old girl said on stand shooting will be put

PHOTO MIKE MARKS

as a brush fire burns retardant on homes r Mike Marks. from Cal Fire drops — AfA fixed-wing aircraft Fire on top of it!” wrote photographe JOSHUA TREE “Cal nearby Saturday. ter two years of preparatory of Rafael hearings, the trial to Ari Aikens is scheduled stateaid agreements. begin with opening Juen by winds, he said.

“The fire was threatenments this afternoon.deterBy Stacy Moore to Cal Fire took command ing structures in the Flarors will be asked Star counand Hi-Desert of incident guilty Heights area, so — A of the mine if Aikens is from Yucca mingo aircraft YUCCA MESA we used Cal Fire acres ty fire engines murdering two Twentynine fire destroyed 25.6 off Old Mesa, Yucca Valley, Josh- — the fixed-wing tankers Palms women in 2017. and Twentynine of desert vegetation retardant and Aikens, 24, was escorted Road and ua Tree well as the Won- dropping courtWoman Springs as doing water Saturday Palms into the Joshua Tree a list crew now helicopters said.

La Brisa Drive hear der Valley engine drops,” Tuttle Hi-Desert Star house Monday to JENÉ ESTRADA hour in downtown afternoon. be called It took about an the Scott stationed courtroom of witnesses to Palms all Battalion Chief to get in a Joshua Tree and the and 15 minutes witnesses.

Ari Aikens, 24, sits Bernardi- Twentynine by the prosecution and San Rafael from evidence Tuttle over evidence control. today. attorneys go crews responded. defense, a list of Land fire under to Monday as started Wednesday and continues no County Fire said just The Bureau of Cal Fire investigators blaze that will be presented NationJury selection were called to the Management and trying to determine are the jury and more. Cortez the Service joined before 2 p.m. what cause the blaze. found al Park Judge Rodney The first to arrive under their mutual the case, fire driv- fight will preside over a well-established charges which includes two enhanceof murder with for the ments on each count use of a gun. it gets “The penalty, if the that far, is life withoutCorpossibility of parole,” “This started in 2016. for oral copula—Wolfgang Gadson tez said on Monday.

Gadson was arrested but the district penalty YUCCA VALLEY with eight felonies is not a death child under 10, Jr., 39, was chargedsexual molestation of tion of a several more charges case.” to 32, attorney’s office filed this week relating charged with Christy McKissic, Valley resident pleaded against him. He is currently Renée a child. The Yucca penetration or oral in Joshua Tree and her mother, COURTESY PHOTOS two counts of sexual 10 or younger and guilty to all charges shot to child Metcalf, 62, were while mom not Tuesday. copulation on a acts with 2017, in was a hair stylist court from the Morongo six charges of lewd or lascivious death March 24, Palms Christy McKissic, 32, left, at the Staff Club Sheriff’s deputies 62, right, was manager Gadson Sunday the Twentynine the Virginian. with Renée Metcalf, Tuesday, that a child. then tended bar at Basin station arrested home they shared the Marine base, he pleaded not guilty investigating reports acts aboard After after 10-yearmorning bail at $500,000 McKissic’s then of performing sexual John Burdick set later, he was suspected next hearing for that child Judge old daughter. Days daughter deunder 10 and making and scheduled Gadson’s held in West ValAikens a in the year McKissic’s shoot on a child being is man him. a detectives called on McKissic Gadson acts seeing with 14.

Aug. scribed in the perform sexual . up to her death. person of interest Sheriff’s Department, ley Detention Center.

According to the arrested leading preliminary hear- her grandmother the abuse may have investigation and In a was reported that it sherA2 2017, trial August him.

See Murder Aikens ing in that Deputies said iff’s detectives testified had a sexual relationship

By Jené Estrada Hi-Desert Star

Flames destroy 25

acres

eight Man charged with estation felonies for mol

Law officers welc

ome

HI-DESERT STAR | CIRCULATION: 5,000 - 5,500

l Night Out public at Nationa

how the “It reminds you each community supports — other.” to YUCCA VALLEY and The event was moved Law enforcement Yucca Valley Commuconnected the from the Walthe community Out nity Center lot this year during National Night at the Mart parking activities, esat its new location to allow more Yucca Valley Community pecially indoors. first year it’s the is Center Tuesday.

“This Out is we’re happy National Night to been here and an annual campaign by to host it,” said Sue Earsafety services public promote community bond be- nest, with the town helping build a and local manager tween residents government. horse law enforcement.

A 26-year-old BerHosted by the San Zuli with the MoSheriff’s named Basin Equestrians nardino County free event rongo unit of the SherDepartment, the bringing on Patrol was one of is geared toward and com- iff’s Department parts of law enforcement the most popular together. rest Hi-Desert Star JENNA HUNT munity members the night. Zuli could families during “It’s a great turnout,” his hoofs on dirt instead of Chipper, greets Newport, Reese WilPatrol’s mascot, this year and had said Capt. Trevis The California HighwayTuesday. Pictured are Kelly Williams, Moron- concrete too.

Out commander of the 7 months old. station. shade options, better here,” the National Night and Susie Williams, go Basin sheriff’s Ted Williams, 11, “It’s much Linda liams, 10, Vice Commander charity Fisher said.

National Night Out Along with information- announced this month that prevencommual booths on crime of more than 16,000 tion, there were displaysand nities across the country emergency equipment care have registered 38 million vehicles. Free health by people participating. in offered screenings were Participating groups and Desert Oasis Healthmem- the Morongo Basin includHighway Route 62 Cruisers ed the California bers displayed cars. games Patrol, Morongo Basin District, counFamilies enjoyed chips Healthcare and free hot dogs, by the ty Supervisor Dawn Rowe, School and drinks provided Yucca Valley High Sheriff’s Department. way cheer squad members and great Comanother Basin “It’s Morongo together,” the Reto break bread munity Emergency Newport said. the sponse Team.

Now in its 36th year,

By Jenna Hunt Hi-Desert Star

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on some playground Children clamber Sheriff’s Departequipment at the Night Out. ment’s National

Don Teeter, Theresa Greer and Linda Fisher stand with a 26-year-old horse named Zuli. All are members of the Morongo Basin Equestrians on Patrol unit of the Sheriff’s Department.

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PUBLISHED EVERY WEDNESDAY give ordinance does not to the Mo- A previous the authority The board also accepted code enforcement and and dumpTransportation people caught littering ordirongo Basin Active people caught littering that potential fine which identifies board voted to repeal littering

By Jené Estrada ing illegally. reconstruc- Plan, routes within the door for Hi-Desert Star The Park Boulevard the road bike and pedestrian nance, opening a O — The a violation in the SAN BERNARDIN tion project will resurfaceto Twen- the Morongo Basin. por- to be considered supervisors on Alta Loma Drive Moving into the discussion county code. county board of with a re- from Chief Andy the supervisors Palms Highway.

Code Enforcement tion of the meeting, Tuesday moved forward s role on Park Bou- tynine board awarded a construcenforcement’ project code The discussed construction or See Littering A2 Tree. The board people who litter for nearly $1.3 million levard in Joshua an ordi- tion contract to Matich Corpora- in punishing in the county. illegally dump trash for the project also discussed changing enforcecode tion in San Bernardino. nance to allow county punishments for ment to dole out Obituaries A7 Opinion A6 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B8

Summer Music Festival Scenes Focus A8

By Kurt Schauppner

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37 Volume 62, Number 16 pages 2019 All contents © Hi-Desert

Star

Classifieds B3 Crossword B8 A4 Faith and Values Focus A8 Milestones A6

Thursday, August 1, 2019

Marine helicopters land in Wonder Valley

says rules, county board Put teeth into littering

STEVEN REYES Special to The Desert Trail Marine helicopters training in the Twentynine Palms area land near Poleline Road Monday, July 29.

Sniper platoon hits the desert

“They flew over the Wonder Basin The Desert Trail Municipal Advisory CounValley Community Center as we cil, said he TWENTYNINE PALMS — were leaving at 2, then circled helicopters went out to see the Two Marine helicopters reportand found out the the valley,” Sitz reported after Marines were training in the edly landed at the base of Polespotting the helicopters. wilderness area. line Road north of Naborly here “When we turned north on “There were up in the wilMonday afternoon, July 29.

Gehr we saw a big puff of dust. derness area. They were not a They were seen by Teresa When we got home we saw they threat Sitz, who works as the Wonder to anyone. It was nice to were the two big helicopters.” see them training,” he said.

Valley Community Center coorSteven Reyes, who represents “In my eyes it was a positive dinator, and some friends.

Wonder Valley on the Morongo thing.”

Landlords are allies in push to help homeless

By Stacy Moore

Hi-Desert Star

MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps A Marine with Scout Sniper Platoon in 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment observes the range Saturday, July 27.

SGT. ANDY

Reserve Marines train in 29 before deployment to Okinawa

By Sgt. Andy Martinez

Special to The Desert Trail

MCAGCC — Reserve Marines from the northeastern U.S. are joining forces with their active-duty counterparts in a training exercise that began July 25, and ends Aug. 22 at the Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center in Twentynine Palms.

The Reserve Marines come from 1st Battalion, 25th Marine Regiment, headquartered in Fort Devens, Massachusetts, and is comprised of Marines from all over the northeastern area of the country.

After training in Twentynine Palms, 1/25 will be activated and deploy to the Indo-Pacific region for the first time. They will conduct SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps training exercises in numerous A Marine with Scout Sniper Platoon fires an M40A6 Sniper Rifle during training at the combat center in Twentynine countries to improve their combat Palms Saturday, July 27. readiness and strengthen internaWarrant Officer 2 Sean Doel, the tional relationships. ercise Forest Light. We also have information management officer for iterations of Fuji Viper and other “We have a couple different ex1/25. “One is with the Japanese ercises we will support,” said Chief exercises that will be taking place Self-Defense Forces supporting exSee Snipers A2

SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps

Sgt. Matthew Janzen is a scout sniper team leader.

SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps

A Marine with 1/25 conducts callfor-fire drills.

SGT. ANDY MARTINEZ U.S. Marine Corps

Lance Cpl. Nick Johnson, a scout sniper, observes the range.

JOSHUA TREE — The solution to homelessness is housing. For Don Smith, director of the county’s Pathways to Housing, it’s that basic.

“That doesn’t mean some people don’t have mental-health issues, or addiction issues, or are irresponsible, but those are secondary issues,” Smith said.

Artists from across the continent get ready to celebrate national park

TWENTYNINE PALMS — Fifty-seven artists have been selected for the juried exhibition at the Joshua Tree National Park Art Exposition 2019 in September.

Five jurors met and judged 347 works submitted by 137 artists from across the U.S. and Canada Saturday, July 20.

After nearly seven hours of deliberation, the jury selected 57 artists and art pieces for this year’s show, featuring artwork depicting or inspired by Joshua Tree National Park or its cultural history.

Categories this year will be two-dimensional, three-dimensional and photography. The exhibition will be on display at the

Firefighters rescue couple threatened

By Kurt Schauppner

The Desert Trail

WONDER VALLEY — Two Wonder Valley residents were rescued by county firefighters Thurs-

THE NEWS | CIRCULATION: 3,500 - 4,500

day night, July 25, after their Ford Mustang was stranded by rising water on Barbara Lane north of Amboy Road.

An 8-inch wall of water overtook the man and woman’s vehicle as they headed home in the wake of a summer storm, Battalion Chief Donny Viloria said.

The water caused their vehicle to stall and settled into a puddle that filled the road from one side to the other and extended along the road for three quarters of a mile, Viloria said.

With the stormwater reaching the bottom of the vehicle’s doors, the couple called 911 for help. Firefighters were dispatched to the scene at 9:15 p.m.

PUBLISHED EVERY THURSDAY

Inside today Volume 84, Number 5 18 pages

Classified ads B3 Community columns A8 Faith and Values A4 Horoscopes B10 Milestones A6

Obituaries A7 Opinion A5 Sheriff’s Calls A7 Sports B1 TV listings B10

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All contents ©The Desert Trail 2019

29 Palms Art Gallery in September.

Joshua Tree artists selected are Benjamin Allanoff, Marcia Geiger, Louis Hernandez, Alane Levinsohn and photographers Matt Collins, Doug Dolde, David McChesney, Mitch Miller, Kevin Powell and Jim Smart.

Yucca Valley artists are Janis Commentz, Laurie Schafer, Esther Shaw, Travis Usher, Nichole Vikdal and photographer Tami Roleff.

Twentynine Palms will be represented by artists Whitney Gardner, Elisabeth Pollnow, Mark Spicak and Timothy Warren.

See Artists A2

by flood

The chief said firefighters traveled parallel to the flooded road to get to the couple, then pulled them from the vehicle and got them to safe, dry land.

The incident was the only storm-related assist firefighters performed, according to Viloria.

The monsoon storm drenched some parts of the Morongo Basin while leaving others dry and mildly cloudy.

Twentynine Palms was one of the hardest hit communities. City crews closed Split Rock Avenue, Tamarisk Avenue, Ocotillo Avenue, Bullion Mountain Road, Bagdad Highway, Joe Davis Drive and El Rey Avenue because of flooded washes.

Around 2 inches of rain fell in some places in Twentynine Palms and more than a half-inch of rain in Joshua Tree, according to San JUSTIN TOMAJCIK Hi-Desert Star Stormwater turns a dry wash into a raging river in Twentynine Palms Bernardino County.

Thursday afternoon, July 25.

NUMBER OF INKS

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STACY MOORE Hi-Desert Star

To solve that basic issue Don Smith explains how — to get homeless people landlords, tenants and into homes — Smith and assistance programs can Wayne Hamilton hosted a work together. landlord fair Tuesday, July 30, in the Sportsman’s Club They money is earmarked where they told property to help people get housing owners about programs or stay in their homes. that can help more people “No matter what their afford rentals. problem is, we will try to Hamilton, who works find a way to help,” Hamwith homeless families ilton said. through Morongo Unified He can’t help everyone; School District, recently got the new grant provides a grant from the Homeless Emergency Aid Program.

See Landlords A2

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