Desert Local News March 19 09 virtual edition2 by Desert Local News

DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009 EDITION

PAUL ANKA At Fantasy Springs Casino

Maria Sharapova BNP PARIBAS OPEN

THE BADGE

Raul Sandoval gets badge pinned on ~Photo by Bruce Montgomery

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DESERT HOT SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL REPORT • MARCH 19, 2009

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ANNEXATION BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA“We are on our way towards annexation. Thank you very much,” said Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks as she and the rest of the council voted 4-0 to approve a General Plan Amendment to allow approximately 4,000 acres of land to be considered for annexation to the city limits. The next step is for the city to file its application with LAFCO (Local Area Formation Coalition) within the next ten days. Once accepted, there will be a hearing in June or July that will determine whether or not Desert Hot Springs will be allowed to expand its city limits out towards the I-10 Freeway.

“This will add 30% growth to the city,” said City Manager Rick Daniels. “The city will make money. Plus, there are also some real high value properties in the annexation areas.” The area to be added borders the City of Desert Hot Springs to the north, the I-10 to the south, Palm Drive to the East and Indian Canyon Drive to the West. In the smaller area of 354 acres, there are several hundred people living there, and in the larger 3,646 acre area, there are less than twelve residing on those lands. With six different votes, the City Council voted to apply pre-zoning to the proposed annexation lands.

However, the city also agrees to work with the Coachella Valley Association of Governments (CVAG) to draft an agreement to become a member of the Multiple Species Habitat Conservation Plan (MSHCP), which will protect 1,900 acres of sensitive plant and animal species within part of the proposed lands. A plan of services has also been development to provide to each of the annexation areas. This includes police protection, fire protection, water services, sewer services, code enforcement and schooling.

DESERTDESERT HOT SPRINGS â&#x20AC;˘ DESERT NEWS March 12, 2009 LOCAL NEWSLOCAL MARCH 19, â&#x20AC;˘2009

Russell Betts, Karl Baker Jr., Yvonne Parks and Scott Matas

An Interim City Council Member To Be Selected BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA-

The Desert Hot Springs City Council on Tuesday voted 4 to 0 to begin the selection process of an interim

city council member to replace Alfred Schmidt, who recently resigned to tend to family matters in Northern California. Each of the four remaining members will

select two names to be nominated for the position, and Mayor Yvonne Parks will decide who gets the job at the next meeting to be held Tuesday, April 7th.

The interim member will serve on the City Council until November, when a special election will be held to fill the seat permanently until 2013.

Mayor Yvonne Parks presents Boys and Girls Club Clean up Volunteers with plaques of appreciation

Photo by Bruce Montgomery for more of Bruce great photos go to http://www.flickr.com/photos/rbrucemontgomery

• DESERT LOCAL NEWS MARCH 19, 2009

DHS Recognizes Child Abuse Prevention Month

BY LESLIE ANDREWS

DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- During the first portion of the City Council meeting, Desert Hot Springs Mayor Yvonne Parks presented Judy Shea with a Proclamation for Child Abuse Prevention. “It’s about time somebody steps up and does something about it,” said Shea. “Desert Hot Springs had the highest level of child abuse in the county at one point and now it’s improving.” Shea also is the CEO of the Sober Age Center and responsible for many positive kids’ activities in town like the Day of the Young Child event, which takes place every April. Also, April is National Child Abuse Prevention Month, a time to raise awareness about child abuse and neglect and encourage individuals and communities to support children and families. The National Child Abuse and Neglect Data System (NCANDS) reported an estimated 1,530 child fatalities in 2006. This translates to a rate of 2.04 children per 100,000 children in the general population. NCANDS defines “child fatality” as the death of a child caused by an injury resulting from abuse or neglect, or where abuse or neglect was a contributing factor.

Judy Shea and Mayor Yvonne Parks

CABOT’S PUEBLO MUSEUM MAKES HISTORY DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA More than 2000 people visited the Cabot’s Museum grounds and Cabot’s Trading Post & Gallery in February. Visitors watched Peter Wolf Toth restore his 43’-tall Waokiye Indian sculpture. Toth’s sculptures, The Trail of the Whispering Giants, are in every state and province in Canada. Cabot’s Museum is the only site in California with a Toth totem. “This is history in the making” says Louis Barbo, a volunteer

docent and recently appointed Cabot’s Museum Foundation director. “There is no doubt that Cabot’s Pueblo is the fastest growing tourist destination in the Coachella Valley. I’m glad to be a part of this.” Cabot’s Museum Foundation is a not-for-profit registered 501c3 organization. For more information, call 760-329-7610 or

visit cabotsmuseum.org

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DESERT HOT SPRINGS CITY COUNCIL REPORT

Desert Hot Springs Police Department Welcomes Six More

The swearing in was done by Chief Williams and Interim City Clerk Pat Hammers. Photo by Max for DLNews BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CA- “It’s a great amount of pride and satisfaction to allow five full-time and one reserve officers into our community,” said Chief Patrick Williams as he introduced several new additions to the Desert Hot Springs Police Department Tuesday night at the City Council meeting. Among the new officers include: Raul Sandoval, 33, brings seven years experience having worked with the San Bernardino Police Department and the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department. He also holds a Liberal Arts degree from San Bernardino Valley College. Sandoval was originally from East Los Angeles. Nick Botich holds a Bachelors Science degree in Criminal Justice. He has previously worked for the San Bernardino Police Department. Botich lives in Loma Linda. Miguel Preciado grew up in Fontana. He had worked with the San Bernardino Police Department and has also been a member of the United States Marine

Corps and was stationed in 29 Palms. Preciado also has training in automobile mechanics. Ryan Steinhaus comes to Desert Hot Springs from Irvine. He brings experience working for the San Bernardino Public Defenders office. He holds a Bachelors Science Degree in Business Management and has worked in financial markets. Victor Morales, 43, is from Manhattan, New York. He graduated from the San Bernardino Valley College Police Academy in 2008. He spent many years in the military and has been all over the world. Joseph “J.D.” Stapleton, 28 comes from Fullerton. A graduate of Orange County College, he earned an Associates Science Degree in Taxonomy. He attended the Fullerton Police Academy and is a day trader. He is a Level I Reserve. All six officers received a bouquet of flowers to present to their significant

others as their badges were being pinned. The swearing in was done by Chief Williams and Interim City Clerk Pat Hammers. In addition, two of Desert Hot Springs’ finest received the Golden Bear Awards for their efforts in the area of fingerprint recovery. Gustavo Piaz and Terry Sherman were the recipients this year. In order for one to qualify, one must have had five hits per calendar year. Piaz had eight hits, Sherman had twelve. (Fun Facts: The history of the Police Badge dates back to Ancient Roman times when the shields were first introduced. Some historians speculate that the first police badge ever issued was done so in or about 1845 in London, England where the first police department was established. Incidentally, the fist police badges were made of copper and many believe that “copper” became a nickname for police officers.)

DESERT NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ FEBRUARY 2009 DESERTLOCAL LOCAL NEWS MARCH 4, 19, 2009

These DHS Police Badges are made with precious metals and issued for the first time to these new sworn-in officers, according to Chief Williams.

Gustavo Paiz receives Golden Bear Award Tony Sclafani is recognized for his outstanding work for the Desert Hot Springs Police Department. ~Photo by Bruce Montgomery.

The Golden Bear Award is given to officers who have identified at least five people through fingerprint identification in a calendar year. Gustavo identified eight in 2008. ~Photo by Bruce Montgomery

5 7

DESERT HOT SPRINGS • DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009

Councilman Betts Says “Wait” When It Comes To Purchases Of Property BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CADuring the city council meeting on Tuesday, Desert Hot Springs officials voted 2 to 1 to allow the purchase of two properties in the downtown area with Redevelopment Agency money and to allow $1.7 million into the construction of a low-income apartment complex. “We need to wait until the housing market stabilizes before we could purchase anything,” said Councilman Russell Betts to Desert Local News, explaining why he voted against these purchases. He went on to say that prices may continue to fall in the

near future and that now is not the time to buy just yet. Mayor Yvonne Parks and Mayor Pro Tem Karl Baker approved the purchase of a $377,000 property at the corner of Sixth Street and Palm Drive as well as the purchase of 66-236 5th Street for a price tag of $35,000. Councilman Scott Matas abstained. Also, the city council voted 3 to 1 to allow for an agreement with the Coachella Valley Housing Coalition to provide financial assistance for the Brisas De Paz Affordable Housing Project. Once again, Betts

objected. He stated that it would be better to spruce up older homes in challenged neighborhoods and use those structures as Low Income Housing rather than to build a new complex from the ground up. “By law, 20% of RDA money is to be used for Low Income Housing,” he explained. “Urban Futures came with a different plan. My view is to create mandated low-income housing and to help fix up and transform existing neighborhoods into nice attractive homes. It’s a better use of our RDA funding.”

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Cancer Society Honors Rep. Mary Bono Mack

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT KRAUSE The American Cancer Society held an awards ceremony on Sat. March 7 at Mission Hills Country Club. The person receiving the award was the Honorable Rep. Mary Bono Mack. A reception was held at from 5 to 6 p.m. At about 6:15, introductions of co-chairs Dr. Marvin Brooks and Sally West Brooks started the evening. Marvin Brooks joked he just pays the bills and left the stage. He is one of the five founding members of Eisenhower Medical Center. Sally West Brooks talked about Bono Mack’s many virtues. She mentioned Bono Mack’s work in Congress fighting tobacco, which is the leading cause of cancer in people. Honoring the Congresswoman with the Leadership Award is the highest honor given by the American Cancer Society. Bono Mack is a champion in Congress in the fight against cancer. ’David F. Valeciano, CEO of the California Division of the American Cancer Society, spoke next. He stated that 550,000 people lose their battle to cancer each year. One-third of these cancers deaths are tobacco-related. Bono Mack has also been

involved in legislation aimed at the prevention of cancer. She carried key legislation for children’s health care. She was the first to sign the ‘Cancer Promise’ and is an inspiration for those to working to get children’s health and health care insurance accomplished. Bono Mack took the stage to accept the American Cancer Society Action Network California Advocacy Leadership Award. She said she was honored to receive this prestigious award. She thanked Marvin and Sally West Brook, noting that they have been friends for a long time. Marvin Brooks was her late husband Sonny Bono’s physician and sometimes hers as well. She thanked several other guests too. The Congresswoman said she has been touched by cancer with family members and friends who lost their battle to cancer. Nothing, she said, is more defining in life when someone is diagnosed with this terrible disease.

For more about this event, visit www. desertcitiespeople.com.

DESERT LOCAL NEWS MARCH 19, 2009

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DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009

Paul Anka is no Longer a Lonely Boy

ENTERTAINMENT AT FANTASY SPRINGS RESORT & SPA

STORY AND PHOTOS BY PAT KRAUSE Paul Anka took command of the stage at the Fantay Springs Hotel Resort & Casino’s Special Events Center, Sat., March 14, to the screams of the crowd. He was backed by a 13-piece band that filled the theater like a full orchestra. Anka walked down the aisle, came down about to the seventh row of seats, began to walk from chair to chair and from one aisle to the next as the audience stood to make room for him. He sang and shook hands with many of his fans and then took the stage to tell about and then sing the first song he wrote, ‘Diana,’ followed by another song he wrote at age 17, ‘Ecstasy.’ Anka reminisced about his great friend Bobby Darin and sang Darin’s classic ‘Mack the Knife’ as a tribute to his late friend. Anka joked that another song he wrote became famous about the same time the Dead Sea was just ‘sick.’ Anka had the fans sing along with him on several familiar songs. He told the audience that he wrote the song ‘She’s a Lady’ for Tom Jones and felt honored to have been asked to write the theme song for the movie “The Longest Day,” which he sang in honor of all the men and women in the armed services. The audience got to hear Anka sing some more of his famous songs, including ‘Puppy Love’ and ‘Lonely Boy.’ He mentioned he wrote song ‘It Doesn’t Matter Anymore’ for Buddy Holly before he was killed in a plane crash. The audience sang along to ‘Oh, Lonesome Me’ and ‘Having Fun.’ Anka even obliged someone in the crowd who asked for an Italian song, so he did just that, in Italian!

PHOTOS BY PAT KRAUSE

For more on the Paul Anka concert, go to www. desertcitiesentertainment.com.

REAL ESTATE • DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009

Spring Home Deals are Healthy for Those Who Know the Score Motivated sellers, builders offering deep discounts and incentives, historically low mortgage rates, plenty of inventory and fierce competition for qualified borrowers -it’s

actually a great time to be buying a house. If your credit score is good, you’re in an even better position to negotiate the loan on the home of your dreams this spring. Spring has always been a popular time to buy a new home. More people put their homes on the market when the weather is warm,

and a wealth of inventory is available. With winter thawing into distant memory, home shoppers are ready for a fresh start in a new house. Buying a home in spring will help new homeowners

ensure they move their families during the summer, and not at the beginning or in the middle of the school year. With plenty of housing opportunities and low interest rates currently available, it pays to ensure you’re in a position of power when you go home shopping this spring. Here are some simple tips for ensuring you’re in the

driver’s seat when buying a house: Know Your Credit Score You may not be able to control the economy, but your credit score is a financial reality you do have control over. The higher your score, the more likely you are to be able to negotiate lower interest rates when mortgage hunting. Before you look at a single house, find out what your credit score is. Sites like FreeCreditReport.com give you free access to your credit report -- which will show potential lenders your payment history and help them decide if you’re a good or even great credit risk. Through the Web site, you can also get your credit score from Experian, one of the three top credit bureaus lenders turn to when evaluating the creditworthiness of potential borrowers. The better your score, the better your chances of scoring a great loan, so take steps to improve your score, such as paying off credit cards quickly, paying bills on time and minimizing your use of revolving credit. Errors can occur and if you find some on your credit

report, work directly with the credit bureaus to have them corrected. Know the Playing Field Once you’re confident you have a powerful credit score, research the market where you’re interested in buying. In addition to considering the quality of schools, proximity to work, entertainment and amenities a neighborhood has to offer; consider the number of foreclosures in an area and how much home values have dipped in the past year. Is the neighborhood you’re interested in poised to regain value quickly when the real estate market rebounds? Recovery speed could be an important consideration if you plan to stay in the home only a few years. If you’re in the home for the long haul, you may be less concerned about how quickly home values in the neighborhood will improve. This spring can be a great time to start fresh in a new home. To ensure you’re wellpositioned to take advantage of the great housing deals, visit www.FreeCreditReport. com first to learn about your credit score. Courtesy of ARAcontent

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Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Party Time For The Coachella Valley Coalition TERRY SCHEURER AND WIFE

ARMANDO VALENCIA BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CAA special party took place Saturday evening for the Coachella Valley Coalition at the Agua Caliente Hotel and Spa in Desert Hot Springs. The event was a fundraiser aimed to help stop Green Path North, a project by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to erect large power transmission poles alongside Desert Hot Springs leading all the way into Hesperia.

Food, drinks and live entertainment from Audio Illusion, a two-piece (but big) band from Fontana, California. A total of eighty people showed up to party down with good classic music from all styles, ranging from big band, rock and disco. Also, several prizes were raffled off, including spa packages, hotel stays, jewelry and a luncheon with Police Chief Pat Williams.

Russ Martin, the organizer and master of ceremonies, said that altogether, $2,100 was raised for a worthy cause. Originally, the event was to happen outside by the pool but due to high winds, it was moved to inside the restaurant. (The members of Audio Illusion were Lizann Warner on vocals and Armando Valencia on keyboards.)

DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19 2009

LIZANN WARNER

Sewer and Water Rates To Increase For Mission Springs Water District Customers Immediately

John Furbee, John Brown, Nancy Wright, Mary Gibson and Randy Duncan voted 5-0 to raise rates BY LESLIE ANDREWS DESERT HOT SPRINGS, CACome Sunday, March 15th, rates for water and sewer services throughout Desert Hot Springs and the northwestern Coachella Valley will go up a little bit. The Mission Springs Water District board voted unanimously to approve two increases during a public meeting held Thursday that will affect 30,000 customers. A packed house full of residents and property managers showed up at this standing-room only meeting, mostly to object to the MSWD rate increases, feeling that the increases will not help during tough economic times. Public Comments lasted nearly two hours. Still, despite objections, all five board members defended the need to increase both water and sewer rates. “We cannot go broke,” said Board Member Randy Duncan. Member John Brown added, “We have to have state of the art sewers.” Member Mary Gibson, who has worked for the MSWD since the 1960s and has served on the water board for nearly 20 years said, “We want to have the best rates. It includes us too.” President Nancy Wright explained how Desert Hot Springs has had some sort of sewer system since the 1970s and that nearby Yucca Valley has nothing. “We are saving money. We are a public utility company. It belongs to all

of us,” she stated. The sewer rates will increase by nearly four dollars for single family residences and will increase by three dollars for apartment and hotel owners. The exact dollar amount of the proposed increase depends on the category of the business.

“We cannot go broke,” said Board Member Randy Duncan. Water rates were next on the agenda. The discussion was to raise fees for customers who use 45% more water than the previous year. However, Board member John Furbee made a motion to increase the excess usage rate to $1.69 (per unit in excess of 14 units) instead of $2.00, and was agreed upon by the other four members. (One unit is 748 gallons.) Still, residents mostly objected. Marianne Williams, a ten-year resident

of Desert Hot Springs, opposed, saying that she’s seen too many increases during that time frame. “I had to get rid of my potted plants,” she remarked. Mark Bearhawk, another resident, commented, “This would discourage people who want to maintain their yards. I encourage the district to set a water budget.” Richard Cromwell supported the increases, feeling that they are indeed necessary. “We’re having the biggest deficit in three years. These things are happening all at once. We have the best water in the world. We must protect it.,” he said. Board members defended their stances on the increase. Originally, Brown opposed last year, but this year, he changed his mind. “We should use this money to reduce our debt. There is no such thing as free water,” he commented. “This will not affect normal users. This will discourage water wasters,” said Wright. General Manager Arden Wallum added, “We want to keep these rates as low as possible. We’ve been working on this issue since fall of last year.” He also added that MSWD staff is 18% less than it normally should be. The monthly service fees will increase to $7.77 and consumption rates will go up by fifty cents per tier.

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YUCCA VALLEY

Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce Says Let’s Create Excitement! Grubstake Days Parade May 23, 2009 Memorial weekend.

Flossy is the stylish and flashy quail BY CHERYL NANKERVIS The Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce is working hard to create excitement and pride in our community. One of the best ways to do that is to involve the residents and businesses in the long standing traditions of our Town. This is the 59th year for the Grubstake Days parade. The Chamber is vowing to make this the best parade in a long time, but can only achieve this goal with your help. An entourage of Chamber members, Ambassadors and staff spent the afternoon on Thursday, March 12 going door to door to businesses in the Walmart center inviting them to

Don Thompson of Goin Postal participate in this year’s parade. Don Thompson of Goin Postal is defending his first place Motorized title in the 2008 Grubstake Days parade and challenges all comers. He is anticipating a bigger and better entry this year. Flossy is the stylish and flashy quail mascot from Schantz and Moranda Orthodontic Care. She flew in all the way from the Palm Desert office to help create excitement for the parade by reminding us that braces are for everyone. She distributed tooth brushes and balloons to those we visited and even met a couple of patients out

shopping. The Chamber’s goal is to visit every business along Highway 62 and invite them to participate in the parade, so don’t be surprised if you look up and see a clown, gold miner or a giant quail stop by for a visit. Applications and sponsorship opportunities for the 2009 Grubstake Days parade are now available. Please call the Yucca Valley Chamber office at (760) 365-6323 to receive yours or down-load a copy from our webpage at www.yuccavalley.org.

DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009

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JUST IN... POLICE STORY • DESERT LOCAL NEWS • SHERIFFS REPORT

150 Marijuana Plants Seized By Police In Palm Desert BY VICKI LAWSON

PALM DESERT, CAA Palm Desert Homeowner has been arrested for growing 150 plants of marijuana in his home Wednesday. Deputies from the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department were called to a tip from a neighbor that a cannabis plant growing atop of Dennis Olsen’s roof at residence located inside Hidden Palms. Upon arrival, deputies spoke to a caretaker of the residence who stated the

homeowner was out of town. The Palm Desert Special Enforcement Team authored and served a search warrant at the location. Olsen, 63, arrived shortly thereafter and was arrested for marijuana cultivation and booked into the Indio Jail. All of the marijuana plants were seized. Olsen’s bail is set at $25,000. He is scheduled to appear in court on Friday

Two Suspects On The Loose Wanted For Armed Robbery BY HARRIET BRINDLE

PALM SPRINGS, CAPolice in Palm Springs are searching for two Hispanic men who robbed a group of residents at their home on Tuesday. That night at around 10:44 PM, Palm Springs Police Department was notified of an armed robbery that occurred in the 1000 block of Deepwell Road. The victims, were approached in their driveway by two suspects. One of the suspects was armed with a handgun and demanded money. The victims complied with the demand. The suspects ran north on Manzanita Road. The first suspect is described as a Hispanic male, early 20’s, short with a medium build. His accomplice is described as a Hispanic male, early 20’s, approximately 5’8” / 150 pounds. Detectives are looking into whether this

case is related to a similar robbery which occurred on March 12. Sgt Mitch Spike of the Palm Springs Police Department also issued a statement mentioning a pursuit of a stolen vehicle in the area at about the same time officers were investigating this same incident, but no determination has been made about its involvement. The vehicle was recovered, but the suspects in the stolen vehicle and the suspects in the robbery are still outstanding. The investigation in continuing. If anyone has information about either of these crimes, they are urged to call the Palm Springs Police Department Detective Bureau at (760) 778-8412 or Crimestoppers at (760) 341-STOP.

Blythe Narcotic Enforcement Team Makes A Week Full Of Arrests BY VICKI LAWSON BLYTHE, CAThe Blythe Narcotic Enforcement Team arrested several people last week in the Palo Verde Valley area for drug possession and for conspiracy to sell. On Tuesday, March 10th, the BNET arrested three suspects in the 200 block of North Lovekin Boulevard for transportation of methamphetamine for sales and for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. They were Felipe Maciel (28), Julio Cesar Castillo (23) and Guillermo “Casper” Figueroa (35), all of Blythe. Figueroa was also arrested on a felony warrant for sales of methamphetamine. Investigator seized over six grams of methamphetamine, a scale and other items to show sales of methamphetamine. All three suspects were arrested shortly after being stopped in a vehicle at the location. In the same evening BNET Investigators arrested Victoriano “Victor” Nunez (39) from the 300 block of South Spring Street for possession of methamphetamine for sales. Nunez was found in possession of over an ounce of methamphetamine at his residence. He was also arrested on a felony warrant for transportation of methamphetamine for sales and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. On Thursday, March 12th, BNET Investigators arrested Richard Harris (56) from the 9000 block of East Hobson Way. Harris was arrested on

a felony warrant out of Costa Mesa, CA, for terrorist threats. On Friday, March 13th, BNET Investigators, assisted by Riverside County Sheriff Deputies and California Highway Patrol Officers, served an early morning narcotic search warrant on a residence located in the 300 block of South Spring Street. Audelio “Lelo” Solorio (30) was arrested for possession of methamphetamine for sales, possession of stolen property, illegal possession of credit card information and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Ricardo Mendez Castro (26) was arrested for possession of methamphetamine at the residence. Two other adult males were detained in the investigation and will also be charged with possession and conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine. Investigators seized over 16 grams of methamphetamine and $1,155.00 from Solorio and his co-conspirators. On Saturday, March 14th, BNET Investigators, assisted by Riverside County Sheriff Deputies and California Highway Patrol Officers, served a late evening narcotic search warrant on a residence located in the 700 block of Michelle Street. No contraband was seized from this residence. The search warrant was a continuation of the investigations of Nunez and Solorio, who are brothers, and other suspected co-conspirators.

DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009

NOW AVAILABLE! Online Bill Pay at MSWD Pay Your Bills Online at www.MSWD.org! Did You Know?

There are many ways to pay your MSWD bill:

• Via the Web - visit www.MSWD.org to set up your username and pay your bill online with your debit or credit card. • SafePay Auto Debit your payment may be automatically deducted from your checking account each month. • By Mail - send your check and bill stub to MSWD, 66575 Second Street, Desert Hot Springs, CA 92240 • In Person - pay at the lobby customer service window or drop your payment into our convenient drop box beside the door.

Water... ~ The Jewel of the Desert ~ Treasure it! Conservation - It’s a Way of Life!

BNP 2009

INDIAN WELLS â&#x20AC;˘ MARCOS PALMA REPORTS FROM BNP PARIBAS OPEN

PARIBAS OPEN

Panoramica del Estadio Gardens of Champions during the game Federer vs Gonzalez ~ Photos Marcos Palma MARCOS PALMA Despues de 10 dias de haber comenzado el Abierto de Tenis BNP PARIBAS OPEN, en la ciudad de Indian Wells, lo bueno esta por llegar, los mejores jugadores hombres y mujeres han avanzado a la cuarta ronda de este torneo de talla internacional donde por primera vez esta siendo patrocinado por la Institucion Europea BNP Paribas,

de origen Frances. Particularmente el dia Miercoles 18 de Marzo fue un dia Caliente en el Valle de Coachella, donde los visitantes a estas tierras aridas, disfrutaron del Buen Tenis ademas del clima benevolo, donde la temperatura maxima estuvo oscilando entre los 85 y 90 Grados Farenheit. Uno de los partidos mas

emocionantes del dia de hoy fue el del Chileno Fernando Gonzales contra el Suizo Roger Federer, el primer set fue para el suizo y el segundo para el chileno. Para mala suerte de los sudamericanos, Roger Federer se impuso en el tercer set. 6-3, 7-5 y 6-2.

DESERT LOCAL NEWS â&#x20AC;˘ MARCH 19, 2009

Maria Sharapova BNP PARIBAS 2009

Fanaticos Argentinos apoyando a sus compatriotas en el torneo BNP PARIBAS EN INDIAN WELLS CA

Fanatico de Chile apoyando a Fernando Gonzalez

Amante del Tennis apoyando al Ganso Gonzalez

DESERT LOCAL NEWS • MARCH 19, 2009

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