The Coachella Valley Number ‘One’ Desert Local Newspaper
desert
STAR W E E K L Y
PRESORTED STANDARD US POSTAGE PAID
Registration is now open for Paint El Paseo Pink Walk, see info on page 7.
Desert Hot Springs, CA PERMIT NO 00005
August 8, 2014 Vol. 7 No. 59
P.S. Aerial Tramway Palm Springs Aerial Tramway hits a high note with swiss officials By Pamela Price Exclusive to the Desert Star Weekly Legendary and long alpenhorns were in concert at the residence of Swiss Consul General Jean-Francois Lichtenstern on August 1, at that country’s consular residence in Los Angeles’ Hancock Park. The Consul General greeted
300 guests to the annual Swiss National Day celebration, but this year, there was something different thanks to Greg Purdy communications manager of the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway. “ This event was a diplomatic success on many levels!” said Ali M. Banki, a Tram fan. Arriving guests were surprised to see an 8 x 10 ft
panoramic display of the San Jacinto mountains dominated by a rotating aerial tram captured in a gigantic photograph. Purdy told guests that Palm Springs shared a link with Switzerland since their mighty aerial tram was manufactured in their homeland. “The Tram is an international destination, with spectacular views from the second highest
BURNEY, Calif. (AP) Thunderstorms that brought light rain and increased humidity to Northern California helped fire crews make progress Tuesday against two wildfires that were threatening hundreds of homes, but also raised the possibility of new lightning-sparked blazes in the region. The two fires were burning in the Lassen National Forest. The smaller of the two was within sight of the small Shasta County town of Burney, though officials said it remained about 4 miles away after showing almost no growth overnight. The small town of 3,000 was filled with smoke from the
blaze, but businesses were open as usual. Flames at the top of a mountain crest were no longer visible from a nearby vista point. Crews increased containment on the nearly 45-square-mile blaze from 10 to 20 percent. The fire has destroyed eight homes and was threatening a little more than 700 others, some of which were evacuated. The nearby Bald Fire, which has burned through 62 square miles, forced the evacuation of about a dozen homes. Containment on that fire jumped from 20 percent to 30 percent overnight, U.S. Forest Service spokesman Jim Mackensen
said. He said officials were looking to lift the evacuations, though he didn’t know when residents might be allowed to return home. More lightning was forecast for the area, though Mackensen said he was hopeful the rain and damp conditions would prevent the blazes from starting fires. The Eiler and Bald fires began within a day of each other and expanded ferociously through drought-killed or weakened trees and brush. The Bald Fire was sparked by lightning, but it’s unclear what
Humidity Helps Wildfires
Continues on Page 7
point in southern California ( elev. 10,834 ‘) and welcomes guests from around the world with world-class facilities, from dining to camping and hiking,” he said. Of course, this was a hit with guests, especially when Consul General Lichtenstern announced that two tickets to the tram would be awarded
to the holders of the winning ticket. Additionally, announced was the opening of Switzerland Tourism’s new office in Santa Monica, CA and various cultural events such as 4th annual The Los Angeles Swiss Film Festival at the Harmony Gold Theatre slated for September 7th. Continues on Page 7