Pulse Publications - May 2023

Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce Erects Community Bulletin Board

The Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce saw a need to add a public bulletin board to the Pinon Hills Post Office to try and reduce the clutter on the windows inside the building. Chamber secretary, Ed Greany devised a plan and the members went to work. The new bulletin board will allow the public to post lost and found posters, business flyers and other informational posts. Continue on page 5

A Brief History of the Cajon Pass

The Cajon Pass is the valle y that separates the San Bernardino and San Gabriel mountain ranges. At one time these two ranges were one, formed by the San Andreas fault where two continental plates, the North American and the Pacific plates push against each other. As the years passed a low point eroded by water and helped along by additional faulting formed the valley between the two.

Wrightwood

Continue on page 7

A Peacefull Respite

With the gentle breezes caressing the High Desert on a recent Saturday, Laureen and I decided on an early morning drive to the close mountain community of Wrightwood.

Okay, the winds were howling from the south so intensely that a neighbor’s cow flew past our kitchen window. I thought they were shooting a remake of Twister nearby.

SummerFest aims to support small business

Those interested in supporting local businesses and artists should mark their calendars for the 2023 Gateway Summerfest on June 3, which offers a unique experience for both vendors and residents in the High Desert and surrounding communities.

“Summerfest provides a wonderful opportunity for local small businesses in the community, as it is the only event like this in Piñon Hills,” said Sarah Bailey, owner of Wrightwood Metalworks, one of the participating local businesses.

Continue on page 25

Liberty

Continue on page 26

Park - Page 20

The Griffith Observatory - Page 22

Marcy´s Musings - Page 28

19

Spring has sprung, finally. After an awesome winter, we sure needed all that rain and snow; sunshine-clear skies and warmer weather are welcomed with open arms.

We at Mother Road Enterprises, PULSE Publications, are always open to new ideas on how to best serve our market areas. Some changes are obvious, such as increasing the number of pages in the paper. Another is changing the name/title of this newspaper.

Another service we are offering is one we have been working on longer than we have been publishing this newspaper. It is our PIECES&BITS, see pages 16-17-18, for more information. This new publication will assist businesses in showcasing who they are and their products/services to their communities. Working with local Chambers of Commerce, other agencies and our nonprofits to provide a resource in making our communities a better place to live, work, retire and raise our families.

Over the next few issues we will feature articles and data on what is called the COTTAGE INDUSTRY. These are businesses that work from home and have no noticeable store front. It is these businesses that encouraged us to start Pieces&Bits.

MAY IS MENTAL HEALTH

AWARENESS MONTH so this month’s article will focus on the mental health needs of caregivers. Caregivers often face significant challenges and stress in their role of providing care for someone else. This stress can take a toll on their mental health and well-being. Caregivers often sacrifice their basic needs in the duty of their caregiving so it is little surprise that their mental health needs are often ignored completely. Here are some tips to help caregivers prioritize their mental health:

1. Take breaks: Caregiving can be exhausting and overwhelming, so it’s essential to take breaks when needed. This may involve asking for help from other family members or friends or arranging for respite care.

2. Practice self-care: Caregivers need to take care of themselves as well. This includes getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, exercising, and taking time to do things they enjoy.

3. Seek support: Caregiving can be isolating, so it’s crucial to seek out support from others who understand what you’re going through. This may include joining a support group or finding a mental health therapist.

4. Set boundaries: Caregivers often feel like they need to do everything for their loved one, but it’s essential to set

boundaries and communicate them clearly. This may involve saying no to some requests or delegating tasks to others.

5. Manage stress: Caregiving can be stressful, so it’s essential to find ways to manage stress. This may include practicing relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing or meditation, or engaging in activities that reduce stress, such as yoga or walking.

6. Stay connected: Caregiving can be all-consuming, but it’s crucial to stay connected with friends and family. This may involve scheduling regular time to connect with others or finding online communities that provide support. By prioritizing their mental health, caregivers can better support their loved ones and maintain their own well-being

Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce Erects Community Bulletin

Board

By Wendy Walker

THERE IS A LOCKED CASE TO DISPLAY POST OFFICE HOURS, official messages and community events. Chamber members Robert Blue, Ed Greany and Jim Conkle worked over several days to set the posts, attach the plywood, and paint and seal the wood. Sarah Bailey, from Wrightwood Metal Works will be adding a metal sign to finish it off.

Users are encouraged to remove their posters if the information expires or is no longer relevant and/or if ten days have passed. A revised post can be put up to keep the display looking neat. For better durability and weather-proofing, plastic sleeves or laminated sheets are suggested.

Pinon Hills Chamber of Commerce meets at 6pm on the 3rd Tuesday of each month at 10405 Mountain Road, Pinon Hills. They can be reached at 760 868-5801.

Which of These Costly Homeseller Mistakes Will You Make This Spring When You Sell Your High Desert, CA Home?

High Desert, CA - A new report has just been released which reveals 7 costly mistakes that most homeowners make when selling their home, and a 9 Step System that can help you sell your home fast and for the most amount of money.

This industry report shows clearly how the traditional ways of selling homes have become increasingly less and less effective in today’s market. The fact of the matter is that fully three quarters of homesellers don’t get what they want for their homes and become disillusioned and - worse - financially disadvantaged when they put their homes on the market.

As this report uncovers, most homesellers make 7 deadly mistakes that cost them literally thousands of dollars. The good news is that each and every one of these mistakes is entirely preventable. In answer to this issue, industry insiders have prepared a free special report entitled “The 9 Step System to Get Your Home Sold Fast and For Top Dollar”.

To order a FREE Special Report, visit www.SellersTraps.com or to hear a brief recorded message about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1-833-298-4054 and enter 1000. You can call any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Get your free special report NOW to find out how you can get the most money for your home.

1999

We meet every Saturday morning for interesting speakers, games and celebrations.

The upcoming activities for May, 2023 are:

• May 6th. Mother’s Day Celebration

• May 13th. Bingo

• May 20th. Breakfast at Denny’s

• May 27th. Memorial Day Celebration - Member Pete Salcido will explain Heraldry in the Army.

We meet at 9am Saturday mornings at Trinity Lutheran Church Fellowship Hall, 16158 Molino Dr. Victorville, except for the 3rd. Saturday of the month, when we meet for breakfast at the Denny’s on Main St. in Hesperia at 10am.

If you are a widow or widower we would be delighted if you would join us.

If you have any questions, call Shirley King at 703-526-6421.

Ed Greany, Lori Weston, Robert Blue, Jim Conkle, Wendy Walker

Since

Widows or Widowers of High Desert has been providing companionship and support for the widows and widowers of the Victor Valley.

Old sayings

The other day a not so elderly (I say 75) lady said something to her son about driving a Jalopy; and he looked at her quizzically and said, “What the heck is a Jalopy?” He had never heard of the word jalopy! She knew she was old ... But not that old.

Well, I hope you are Hunky Dory after you read this and chuckle.

About a month ago, I illuminated some old expressions that have become obsolete because of the inexorable march of technology. These phrases included: Don’t touch that dial; Carbon copy; You sound like a broken record; and Hung out to dry.

Back in the olden days we had a lot of moxie. We’d put on our best bib and tucker, to straighten up and fly right.

Heavens to Betsy! Gee whillikers! Jumping Jehoshaphat! Holy Moley! We were in like Flynn and living the life of Riley; and even a regular guy couldn’t accuse us of being a knucklehead, a nincompoop or a pill. Not for all the tea in China!

Back in the olden days, life used to be swell, but when’s the last time anything was swell? Swell has gone the way of beehives, pageboys and the D.A., of spats, knickers, fedoras, poodle skirts, saddle shoes, and pedal pushers.

Oh, my aching back! Kilroy was here,

but he isn’t anymore.

We wake up from what surely has been just a short nap, and before we can say, “Well, I’ll be a monkey’s uncle!” Or, “This is a fine kettle of fish!” We discover that the words we grew up with, the words that seemed omnipresent, as oxygen, have vanished with scarcely a notice from our tongues and our pens and our keyboards. Poof, go the words of our youth, the words we’ve left behind. We blink, and they’re gone.

Where have all those great phrases gone?

Long gone: Pshaw, The milkman did it. Hey! It’s your nickel. Don’t forget to pull the chain. Knee high to a grasshopper Well, Fiddlesticks! Going like sixty. I’ll see you in the funny papers. Don’t take any wooden nickels. Wake up and smell the roses.

It turns out there are more of these lost words and expressions than Carter has liver pills. This can be disturbing stuff! (Carter’s Little Liver Pills are gone too!)

Leaves us to wonder where Superman will find a phone booth.

See ya later, alligator! After while, crocodile! Okidoki.

You’ll notice they left out “Monkey Business”!!!

WE ARE THE CHILDREN OF THE FABULOUS 50’S OR MUCH EARLIER. NO ONE WILL EVER HAVE THAT OPPORTUNITY AGAIN… WE WERE GIVEN ONE OF OUR MOST PRECIOUS GIFTS:

LIVING IN THE PEACEFUL AND COMFORTABLE TIMES, CREATED FOR US BY THE “GREATEST GENERATION!”

By Treasured Nana Community

A Chat About Parkinson’s

By Ann Miner

WHEN MY BURT DIED IN 2008, Parkinson’s was still a relatively unknown disease – mysterious even – to those who had not experienced it personally. I perceived that there were many people who were still uninformed about the disease, and I began to write about it.

I wanted to tell people that the person who stumbles, walks with tiny steps, and perhaps has a sort of blank expression may not be drunk or crazy or strange. That person may have Parkinson’s.

If you have Parkinson’s, if a family member or friend has Parkinson’s, or

if you’re a caregiver for someone who has Parkinson’s, this monthly column is for you. It is meant to facilitate an understanding of, and a response to the person with Parkinson’s, and especially the caregiver. It is meant to make living with PD a little easier.

What it is not intended to do is to help diagnose Parkinson’s disease. It is not to inform about who gets it, why they get it or what the actual disease is.

I’m aware that I was fortunate. My Burt was a gentle soul, mild mannered, and loving. He never got angry or violent, as some patients might.

You will find several scattered pieces in this column about the importance of self-

care for the caregiver. That’s because the caregiver is the most important patient. You will learn what I mean.

Meanwhile, everyone is invited to the monthly meeting of the Parkinson’s Support group on the FIRST MONDAY of every month at 1:00 PM. Come to Choice Medical Center at 19111 Town Center Drive in Apple Valley where you’ll find fun and friendly folks who “get it”.

You may have Parkinson’s, but Parkinson’s doesn’t get to “have you.” I believe Michael J Fox said that.

Ann Miner Author/Speaker

(760) 954-2859 - eannminer@yahoo.com OnTopicSpeakers.com

A Brief History of the Cajon Pass

THE PLATES PULLED AWAY FROM AND AND PUSHED AGAINST EACH OTHER forming new canyons, creeks and springs. More erosion formed what is now known as the West Cajon Valley or amphitheater leaving the slanted Victorville Apron with the headless and dry canyons we see today where the high Mojave Desert ends creating a passage into the inland valleys and basin below. Since we do not know when man first came to the land we can only guess when people first laid eyes on the rift between the ranges. Certainly early on man found his way through the pass in one direction or another in his wanderings many thousands of years ago. The Indians, the Serrano in particular, knew the valley well and lived there for hundreds, maybe even thousands of years before the first European ever found his way into the area. For this same indeterminable time the Indians used this valley and the passes and saddles in the mountains as a corridor to trade.

It may never be known, but possibly the first white man to enter the passageway between the two lands could have been a deserter from the Spanish Army. What is known is that Pedro Fages, who was destined to become the Governor of California, was the first to pass through in search of these men. The deserters were said to have been living with Indians in lands not previously explored. Fages

rode through the area coming from the south and soon after discovering and naming the San Bernardino Valley. He did not spend long in this place. From the Cajon he rode west in the foothills along the edge of the Mojave toward the ranges that come together to form the westernmost wedge of the desert.

Padre Francisco Garces came soon after at the end of his 1775 crossing of the interior Mojave Desert. Some reports claim Garces crossed through one of the mountain passes to the east and others have him descending the pass into the Southern California area. Next was mountain man Jedediah Smith. Disputes are likewise to Father Garces. Soon after Smith, came Antonio Armijo with his mule train blazing what was to become the Old Spanish Trail bringing commerce between Los Angeles and Santa Fe.

As trade developed the route became known and more and more the Pass was

used. The Indians became absorbed into the missions and the village (Muscupiabit) was abandoned nearly completely. The horses bred on the ranchos in the south were beautiful, strong, and wellfed creatures bringing 10 times the price in New Mexico and much more than that in Missouri than could be had for them in Los Angeles. This was attractive to horse thieves. Indians running away from the missions would steal them and ride across the desert. These desparate men would join together with renegades from other bands and mountain men who were looking for a way to make fortunes stealing horses from the Spanish and later on the Mexicans.

Only miles from Southern California proper the Mormon wagons descended Coyote Canyon to find the would have to unload and disassemble their wagons then carry them over the rocks in order to continue.

The most famous of these was a Ute Indian named Walkara who became known as the ‘Greatest Horsethief of all time.’ Walkara, or Walker as some would call him conducted many raids, but was responsible for one raid in which 3,000, maybe even 5,000 horses were stolen. This was the largest raid ever. Mountain men such as Pegleg Smith and possibly several others joined in. One night these volunteers and fifty or so of Walkara’s band of renegades used the Cajon Pass as one of the corridors to make their escape. It was said that the dust of the galloping horses could be seen for 50 miles as they raced across the dry desert plains. The Mormon Battalion disbanded and many crossed the desert to return to Salt Lake. They were the first to bring a wagon up the pass at the beginning of their journey. A year later Captain Jefferson Hunt, familiarized with the trail by this trip was contracted to lead a party of gold seekers across the desert and down through the pass into California. The wagons they brought were larger and much heavier requiring them to be dismantled and carried over the rocks near the bottom of Coyote Canyon as they entered the main portion of the Cajon. This was very troublesome and caused much difficulty. Other trails into and out of the pass were sought and developed.

Maintaining the wagon road was a difficult job. John Brown was contracted to build a toll road affecting a clear path through the pass. The toll road, however became quite controversial and people found ways to bypass it.

The railroad came through the pass in the 1880s. This was a faster more economical way of moving goods to and from the rapidly growing state of California.

The toll road eventually became the alignment for a paved road as automobile travel became more frequent. This road was called the National Old Trails Highway. This highway in turn became the U.S. Route 66. As America became an automobile culture, mobile hotels (motels) and rest stops were developed to make the journey more pleasant. Of course repair services and restaurants were included in the roadside amenities. A cut in the grade to the summit of the Cajon was made and eventually widened to accommodate State Highway 91. In later years the highway was widened again and became what we know today as the Interstate 15 Freeway.

Cajon: the Spanish word for ‘box’ was used as a geographical term to describe boxlike canyons. It is included in the names of five Mexican land grants or claims-all in southern counties. Cajon: Pass, Canyon, Creek, town [San Bernardino]. the original Cajon was el cajon que llaman Muscupiavit

(the canyon that they call Muscupiavit), as it was referred to before 1806, Muscupiavit being an Indian rancheria, the name of which has been spelled in various ways. On November 24, 1819, Padre Nuez named it solemnly el Caxon de San Gabriel de Amuscopiabit, the name appears in the following decades with various spellings. The abbreviated form Cajon Pass, is used on Gibbes’ map of 1852. The town was laid out when the California Southern Railroad (Santa Fe) began operations through the pass in 1885, but a settlement called Cajon had already appeared on Williamson’s map of 1853.

Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce Newberry Springs Chamber of Commerce presents the MAY ROUTE 66 SWAP MEET presents the MAY ROUTE 66 SWAP MEET

As the wagons moved on water was finally plentiful in the creek at the lower narrows. The ordeal was at an end or beginning depending on which way they were heading.

COME JOIN OUR TEAM TODAY!!!

The Following Positions Are Available:

Dining Facility Attendant: General janitorial and other related job tasks are performed. A Food Handler card is required upon date of hire.

Cook I: Position requires knowledge of food preparation and cooking techniques. Performs Cooking duties using recipe. SOP and other related job tasks are performed. Serve safe certificate is required upon date of hire.

Supervisor: Position requires 2yrs min. experience. Duties include adhering to facility policies and food. safety procedures, and delegation of employees in dining facility, A Manager Serve Safe certificate is. required upon date of hire.

We offer competitive employee wages and benefits.

P.O.C. Connie Vigil, Fort Irwin, Ca. 92310. (760) 380-4602 connie-vigil@verizon.net Cell: 760.963.5552

San Andreas Fault Tour

By Cliff & Ilene Bandringa

CALIFORNIA IS WORLDFAMOUS FOR MANY THINGS and one of them is earthquakes. A stones-throw south of Piñon Hills is one of the most famous earthquake faults in the World –the San Andreas. This tour showcases a small section of that infamous fault. Our tour starts in the Cajon Pass and traverses the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains. We’ll explain what there is to see, where to find it and how it is related to the fault.

Our state is covered with earthquake faults. Most people have heard of the dreaded San Andreas Fault yet many of the State’s greatest earthquakes did not happen along the San Andreas. Some of us living in Southern California have heard of other faults like the Helendale, San Jacinto and Elsinore faults but the San Andreas is different. It is a “plate boundary” where the Pacific and North American Plates meet and grind past each other. This grinding action has gone on for millions of years and is what causes earthquakes as well as the features you will see on our tour.

Due to space constraints, we can’t give you all the details for the tour in this article so, for more details, watch our YouTube video or see our blog (see last paragraph).

We start our tour at the southern end of

the Cajon Pass. Use a map or your GPS to get to the intersection of Cajon Blvd (Route 66) and Swarthout Canyon Rd. Reset your trip meter to zero and head across Cajon Creek and the railroad tracks.

At 0.6 miles, you’ll come to the first San Andreas Fault feature - a sag pond. It’s located on the right side, on private property next to a residence, and is difficult to see from the road. A sag pond is formed when underground water seeping along the fault line comes to some sort of blockage, is forced up to the surface at a low spot along that blockage, creating a pond. This blockage is often a fine earth material, such as clay, that has been created by the fault’s grinding action. Continue past the second railroad crossing and at 1.3 miles and you’ll reach the parking area for Lost Lake. This is another sag pond and one you can access. Walk the short distance here to take in the views of this unique body of water. Notice that the pond is long and skinny and that it is oriented in the same direction as Lone Pine Canyon, the long skinny valley you’ll soon be driving up. This pond is right on top of the fault.

Driving on up the dirt road, you’ll pass by a few fault scarps that have been created by numerous earthquakes over the years. A scarp is created in the few seconds

during an earthquake when the earth is pushed up or moved sideways during the quake’s movement. This surface rupture looks like a small step or offset in the land and can be a few inches or many feet high. Unfortunately, most of the scarps along this trip are hidden by vegetation.

Continue up the dirt road to a stop sign. Turn left onto the pavement of Lone Pine Canyon Road and notice how long and skinny Lone Pine Canyon is. This particular fault feature is known as a linear valley and there are many examples similar to this canyon all along the fault’s trace. At 10.7 miles, you’ll cross over a ridge and enter the town of Wrightwood. Before you cross the ridge, however, find a safe place to pull over to look at the view behind you. On a clear day you can see the fault trace run from under your feet all the way to the mountains near Palm Springs, about 70 miles away.

Now we’ll take you into the neighborhoods of Wrightwood. Using your map or GPS, drive to Twin Lakes Rd and Maple St. Here is the Wrightwood Country Club with its nice little lake. But that’s no lake, it’s a sag pond. Yes, here again, you’re right on top of the San Andreas. From here, head downhill into downtown Wrightwood and turn left (west) onto Hwy 2.

About a mile past the first ski area, look

Continued

from page

for a Visitor Center on the right. This is Big Pines. The stone structure next to the Center marks the highest point along the San Andreas and behind the building is a scarp that marks the fault line paralleling Hwy 2.

Drive past the Center and turn onto Big Pines Hwy, following the signs to Jackson Lake, and reset your trip meter again. In about 0.6 miles, you’ll notice some oddly eroded embankments along the road. At 0.8 miles, look for a safe place to pull over and park. You’ll see more erosion of this odd material if you walk across the street (lookout for traffic) and look over the edge. This odd erosion is everywhere. This material is known as “fault flour” and the deep gorge you see over the edge here is the fault.

Down the road at 2.8 miles, you’ll reach Jackson Lake. This is yet another sag pond. Again, notice its orientation. Jackson Lake is popular with anglers and nature seekers alike. This is a great place to have a picnic.

Continuing west from Jackson Lake, Big Pines Hwy intersects with Road N4, which goes to the right. Our tour continues straight and passes by Caldwell Lake at 7 miles. This is again another sag pond marking the path of the fault.

After crossing the fault a few times, Big Pines Hwy passes through the small hamlet of Valyermo. At 14.2 miles, turn left onto Fort Tejon Road and then a quick left onto Pallet Creek Road. Our final stop is at 15.5 miles. Park on the wide turnout on the left side of the road and watch out for oncoming traffic. This is the spot where geologists decided to study a specific spot on the San Andreas. They determined it was a good place to dig into the fault to study different fractures that marked historic earthquakes. A short walk on the south side of the road takes you to the trench where geologists have been digging since 1978. A grid made of string marks (providing it is still there) marks the fractures in the fault.

There is more to see along this stretch of the San Andreas Fault including more sag ponds, scarps and long views. Our virtual video tour of the fault on YouTube includes a 3D view over the terrain and route we covered here, plus what the features look like. It can be found by searching for “San Andreas tour near Wrightwood”. You can also see the expanded version of this article on our travel blog at backroadswest.com/blog and search for “San Andreas”.

We’re proud to offer “Student Stringers” articles from our Lucerne Valley Middle/High School students who are earning community points in their Helping Hands graduation program. These students are mentored by staff teacher David Prouty, who has an English/Journalism background. Each story is vetted and then passed along for publication within the Lucerne Valley section of PULSE PUBLICATIONS, publisher James Conkle.

This partnership is approved by LVUSD, Andrea Moretz Office Manager Helping Hands program, Rusty LaGrange, founder of the project, and owner/publisher of The PULSE PUBLICATIONS, James Conkle. For further Information on this project or for similar ones call 760-617-3991 or email sales@pulseofthehighdesert.info

Lucerne Valley Middle/High School Prepares for Cinco De Mayo Celebration

By Yesenia Cazales & Nathan Bhojwani

THE LUCERNE VALLEY MIDDLE/ HIGH SCHOOL SPANISH CLUB

MEMBERS have been very busy planning a Cinco de Mayo celebration to celebrate the true meaning of Cinco de Mayo. Spanish Club advisor Rene Jaime stated, “One of our major motivations to put on a Cinco de Mayo celebration is to inform people unfamiliar with Latino culture about what it really means to celebrate Cinco de Mayo and to promote Hispanic and Latino culture in the community.” In a recent survey conducted by the heads of the Spanish department at Lucerne Valley Middle/High

School, several people were asked what they thought Cinco de Mayo was and the overwhelming majority of those polled indicated that they thought Cinco de Mayo was Mexico’s “Independence Day.” It is a common misconception that Cinco de Mayo is Mexico’s Independence Day but in reality, Cinco de Mayo is a holiday that commemorates a battle fought in Mexico on the fifth of May in 1862 called the Battle of Puebla. It was a battle that resulted in an unexpected victory for the Mexican army over French forces. This victory is now celebrated on the fifth of May each year.

At this year’s annual Cinco de Mayo celebration, students and staff will have the chance to enjoy some Mexican music and have fun with the games and activities the Spanish Club has been working hard to make possible. In addition, everybody participating will have the opportunity to learn something new. Spanish club member Alexsia Sanchez is in charge of informing people about what Cinco

Events

Tell Us

Share your next event for June.

Hurry! Space is limited. Must be placed by the 20th.

Special Rates with The PULSE

Call Us

de Mayo is truly about during the event, which will take place during the middle and high school lunch. Joely Herrera, the Spanish club secretary, stated, “I am really excited to do this; last year I had so much fun and it was a success and I hope this year and the years to come have the same success.“ Herrera went on to add, “The Spanish club has brought me and my friends together and it has introduced me to all kinds of new people and we are all working very hard for our upcoming event”.

Call directly to the Chamber Office 760.248.7215 to place your free entry inside the calendar.

Three ways to pay: a 2-line listing only $10; a square box ½ biz card only $25 onetime; or your full-sized Biz Card placed around as a frame ad $75.

Call 760-617-3991 or email sales@pulseofthehighdesert.info

MCC proud to sponsor "It's a Gas to Go to Class"

Mitsubishi Cement Corporation (MCC) has been a sponsor and a founding participant in the “It’s a Gas to go to Class” program hosted by Victorville Motors Each year, students who have perfect attendance at participating high schools are invited to the year-end event hosted at the SBC Fair grounds and eligible for raffled prizes, including a brand new car At this year’s event on April 22, MCC’s Human Resources Manager Jeff Dunagan had a display booth featuring materials from our cement manufacturing process and a demonstration of quarry activities with a remote controlled loader and haul truck. Students were challenged to scoop up candy with the loader and transfer it into the haul truck, which was to deposit the candy on a marked end point Students lined up for the chance to meet that challenge Plant Manager David Rib addressed the crowd from the main stage with a few words about MCC’s commitment to the community and announced a few of the event's raffle prizes

NEWS 4 VETERANS

Veterans, Gold Star Families get free lifetime pass to national parks, wildlife refuges, other public lands

ON VETERANS DAY 2023, the National Park Service will unveil a lifetime pass providing free entrance to national parks for Veterans and their families. The Interagency Military Lifetime Pass waives entrance fees for the National Park Service and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and standard amenity recreation fees for the Bureau of Land Management, Bureau of Reclamation, U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Army Corps of Engineers sites for current military service members and their dependents, Veterans and Gold Star Families.

Veterans and their families have free access to approximately 2,000 public locations spread out across more than 400 million acres of public lands, which host activities to fit any lifestyle—from serene to high octane, including hiking, fishing, paddling, biking, hunting, stargazing, camping, and much more.

The Military Pass has been expanded to include a pass that does not expire for Veterans and Gold Star Family members. The National Defense Authorization Act of 2022 authorized a free lifetime pass to national parks and other federal recreational lands for eligible Veterans and Gold Star Families. In recent years, they were able to receive annual passes.

Are you eligible?

For purposes of this program, a Veteran is identified as an individual who has served in the United States Armed Forces, including the National Guard and Reserve, and is able to present one of the following forms of valid (unexpired) identification:

• Department of Defense Identification Card

• Veteran Health Identification Card

(VHIC)

• Veteran ID Card

• Veterans designation on a state-issued U.S. driver’s license or identification card

Gold Star Families are next of kin of a member of the United States Armed Forces who lost his or her life in a “qualifying situation,” such as a war, an international terrorist attack, or a military operation outside of the United States while serving with the United States Armed Forces.

The America the Beautiful –the National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass (Interagency Pass) Program

The Interagency Pass Program includes a free annual pass for active-duty members of the U.S. Military and their dependents. Current Military service members must show a valid (unexpired) Department of Defense ID. Dependents of current service members must show a valid (unexpired) DD Form 1173 AD or DEC.

Other free or discounted passes, including some lifetime passes, are available for persons with permanent disabilities, fourth grade students, volunteers and senior citizens age 62 years or older.

How to get your Interagency Pass

Interagency Passes can be obtained in person while visiting a participating site. Visit Places to Get Interagency Passes for a searchable list and be sure to contact the site before you go, to make sure they are open and have passes in stock. In addition, Military passes, as well as those for seniors and persons with permanent disabilities, are available online through the USGS Online Store with an additional processing fee. Existing passes remain valid. You do not need to obtain a new pass if you already have a Lifetime Senior or Access Pass.

For more information about eligibility and passes, visit Free Entrance to National Parks for Veterans and Gold Star Families (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov).

The participating agencies also offer several fee-free days for everyone throughout the year to mark days of celebration and commemoration. Examples of fee-free days include the birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr., National Public Lands Day, Veterans Day and the signing of the Great American Outdoors Act.

Fee-free days and fee policies vary among the agencies, so it’s best to check the agency website or contact the site you plan to visit in advance of your trip.

How service dogs can help Veterans with PTSD

of dignity and independence a new life with a constant companion who offers no judgement, just unconditional love at the end of a leash.

With a majority of the dogs rescued from high-kill shelters, K9s For Warriors gives a second chance at life not just to Veterans, but dogs, too.

K9s For Warriors rescued Quinton’s service dog Moly after she was seized during an animal cruelty investigation. Moly was in bad shape, scared and distrustful of people, but the procurement team at K9s For Warriors saw her potential. Despite her condition and past trauma, Moly began the road to becoming a service dog, regaining her strength and trust in humans.

K9S FOR WARRIORS IS THE NATION’S LARGEST provider of trained service dogs for Veterans with PTSD, traumatic brain injury or military sexual trauma, and hopes to reduce the number of Veterans who commit suicide.

Service dogs have allowed many Veterans a chance to reunite with their families, head back to school, find renewed enjoyment in life, and significantly reduce their medications.

For U.S. Marine Corps Veteran Quinton, his service dog Moly has given him the gift of living.

When Quinton returned home from combat, he found daily life nearly impossible. His PTSD left him feeling anxious and unsafe when doing everyday activities—tasks we don’t think twice about, like going to the mall or a grocery

store. Desperate for a way to get back to the life he knew before service, Quinton learned about an alternative treatment method: a service dog specially trained to mitigate his symptoms.

Many Veterans who apply to K9s For Warriors have experienced hypervigilance and isolation due to their conditions. They’ve tried everything—pills, therapy, you name it — to combat their PTSD, and after many failed attempts, they turn to K9s For Warriors as a last resort.

Quinton wasn’t sure how a dog could help, but he felt he had nothing to lose. He joined the more than 850 other Veterans across the country who have reached out to K9s For Warriors and applied for a service dog.

Backed by scientific research, K9s For Warriors’ program empowers Veterans who fought for our freedom to live a life

All of Moly’s worries melted away the moment she laid eyes on Quinton. With a K9s For Warriors trainer by her side, the gate to the play yard opened, and Moly immediately took off running into Quinton’s arms. Smiles stretched wide from ear to ear and they both seemed to breathe a sigh of relief. Neither knew it yet, but this moment was only the beginning: Their bond has been unwavering since that day, and for the first time Quinton is excited for the future, and he believes Moly is, too. He says Moly has given him his life back. He can once again go out in crowded places without being anxious or nervous.

”There’s no greater gift than the gift of living,” said Quinton.

Apply for a service dog today, or learn more about K9s For Warriors.

The sharing of any non-VA information does not constitute an endorsement of products and services on the part of VA. Veterans should verify the information with the organization offering.

PIECES BITS&

INSPIRATIONAL, INFORMATIVE AND HUMOROUS

Pinon Hills, CA 92372

Population 7,641

Households 2,566

Elevation avg. 4,173

Area sq mi. 32.10

Origin of name: Spanish for ‘Pine Nuts’

Support our advertisers. BUY LOCALLY.

Husband to wife; ’The doctor said he could have my on my feet in two weeks; Wife to husband; Now did he’ Husband; Yes, I have to sell the car to pay his bill? Does the name Pavlov ring a bell? I used up all my sick days so I called in dead.

Phelan, CA 92371

Population 18,599

Households 5,148

Elevation avg 3,993 ft

Area sq mi. 60.10

Origin of name: Senator James Phelan and his brother JT Phelan

INSPIRATIONAL, INFORMATIVE AND HUMOROUS

PIECES BITS&

CINCO DE MAYO Celebration

By John Wease

THE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE OF NEWBERRY SPRINGS is hosting a Cinco de Mayo celebration on May 6, 2023. The festivities will be at 44560 National Trails Highway in Newberry Springs, adjacent to The Barn. This is the Chamber’s first special event themed Route 66 Swap Meet. The hours are from 8:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. There will be a number of special activities. A bounce house and face painting will be open from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Piñatas at 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m. And, while the youngsters are enjoying the youth activities, the adults can enjoy shopping the offerings of the ever-growing Newberry Springs Route 66 Swap Meet. The Chamber of Commerce will have an information booth with free coffee. New this month will be a food court and a DJ providing music. Entry to shop and enjoy is free, as are the 20’ X 20’ vendor spaces. So, come and have some great family fun, or turn your trash into someone else’s treasure and set up to sell. To sell, be there early enough to be set up by 8:00 a.m. You must stay set up until 2:00 p.m. Check in with the Chamber representatives for your space assignment.

Cinco de Mayo, Spanish for the 5th of May, has been celebrated in California since 1863. The annual festivities have become a celebration of Mexican-American cultural pride. Much like everyone seems to be Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day, the celebration has spread worldwide and far beyond those of Mexican heritage. Many confuse the date with Mexico’s Independence Day, but that date is September 16, 1810, when they became independent of Spain.

Mexico had a civil war from 1858 through 1861 which nearly bankrupted the government. President Benito Juarez declared a two-year moratorium on paying their debts to European creditors. France, Spain, and England sent warships to Veracruz to force payment. England and Spain reached an agreement and withdrew their forces. Napoleon III decided, with the U.S. busy with the Civil War, it was a good time to expand their empire.

The French forces conquered Veracruz and marched for Mexico City. When they reached the hilltop fortifications of Puebla, they literally faced an uphill battle. On May 5, 1862, with some 8,000 well-trained and equipped troops, the French were soundly defeated by a much smaller and poorly

equipped “rag-tag” army. Their victory was a large morale boost and helped to develop a national unity. Defeating an army that had been undefeated for nearly fifty years was no small accomplishment. But the victory was short lived. The following year, with 30,000 troops, the French conquered all of Mexico. In 1864, Napoleon III installed Emperor Maximillian I as ruler of Mexico.

In 1865, with our Civil War ended, the U.S. began supplying arms to Mexican guerilla resistance forces. The never-ending fighting, U.S. threats to enter the war, and the economic strain, caused France to begin a withdrawal in 1866. Maximilian, not wanting to give up his throne, fought on. He was captured and executed in 1867. Interestingly, Cinco de Mayo is not celebrated very much in Mexico. Here of course, it is fully embraced, and celebrated in many parts of the U.S. I read recently that due to promotion by American beer companies in the 1980’s, beer sales for Cinco de Mayo equal those for Super Bowl Sunday.

Most cities have a Chamber of Commerce. They collect a membership fee from the local business owners to fund the chamber activities that promote business and prosperity for the business owners. Newberry Springs, although an unincorporated rural community, is no exception. Or, maybe it is an exception. Of the sixty or so chamber members, something like one third are not business owners at all. They are individuals. Individuals like myself, swept up by the enthusiastic efforts of the Chamber to better the community as a whole.

Their goal is to develop the community as a village. The swap meet has been going on adjacent to the Barn for many years. In the past, it was a typical small-town place to sell your unwanted items. In February of this year, the Chamber of Commerce decided to begin sponsoring the swap meet as a place where the people of the “village” could gather and make a little money selling their items. A place where beginning, home-based “cottage industry” businesses could promote their products. Or service organizations like our local animal rescue could torture us all with cute puppies in need of forever homes.

In February, with vendor spaces marked for the first time, it looked like a real swap meet. Except, they only had six vendors. We stopped by just to check it out and ended up staying there for four hours. Just hanging out and visiting with the vendors, Chamber members, and our village neighbors.

There were a lot more vendors in March and an incredible twenty-nine in April. With the special themed swap meet May 6, there should be even more. Maybe a lot more. The Chamber also organizes the Pistachio Festival. The infectious enthusiasm that has made the Pistachio Festival a popular regional event is apparent at the Route 66 Swap Meet.

So, come on out and enjoy the Cinco de Mayo celebration. It will be a great familyoriented festival. Come and enjoy the music. Come and try the papusas, tamales, and street tacos. Shop, sell, or just hang out. I think you will enjoy visiting our village.

LIBERTY SCULPTURE PARK

By John Wease

AS A RESIDENT OF NEWBERRY SPRINGS, I must make many trips to Barstow, Victorville or “down below” to buy, well, just about everything. I had driven past the Liberty Sculpture Park along the Interstate 15 countless times before I finally stopped in to check it out. The sculptures are quite noticeable from the interstate due to their large size. Up close, they are amazingly detailed and more than a little bit disturbing. All of the art is related to the general theme of fighting for democracy and commemorating the victims of communist oppression.

The Sculpture Park is a nongovernmental nonprofit located at 37570 Yermo Road, in Yermo. The thirty-six acres site is largely undeveloped desert with a meandering dirt road that leads to the sculptures along the freeway. And, the art is placed along the freeway to get maximum exposure. With a daily average of 35,000 cars crossing the border into Nevada on the Interstate 15, that’s a lot of exposure.

The first sculpture was placed in 2017 and titled “The Origin of Freedom Number One”. It is a fifteen feet high head of Chief Crazy Horse, the famous Lakota Sioux war chief. It was placed on the 140th

anniversary of his death in 1877. A brilliant war strategist, he was finally captured and bayoneted by a guard, reportedly for resisting being placed in a stockade cell.

In 2019, the giant 64 sculpture appeared. There was a lot of talk about what “64” could possibly mean. As it turned out, the 30-foot tall 64 represents June 4th, 1989, the date of the Tiananmen Square Massacre in Beijing, China. The base has a relief depicting the clash between the Chinese army and the protestors. In April that year, protestors started gathering in Tiananmen Square and other locations. Mostly university students and factory workers. The Chinese government finally, in the early hours of June 4th, ordered the army to clear the demonstrators from the square. The government, if mentioning the event at all, refers to it as the “June 4th clearing” or the “June 4th event”. It was, technically, a clearing. The square was cleared with the use of automatic rifles and tanks. The number of dead and injured is unknown but, it is believed the deaths were in the hundreds and injuries in the thousands.

“Tank Man” was placed the same year. It is a life-sized depiction of the iconic photograph by AP reporter Jeff Widener, shot from his hotel balcony and smuggled out of China. The photograph captured the image of an unidentified man with a

brief case, standing in front of a column of tanks, leaving Tiananmen Square June 5th. He was never identified and it is unknown if he was ever punished. Many of the protestors were imprisoned. The protest leader that served the longest sentence was Li Wangyang, a labor rights activist.

The sculpture honoring Li Wangyang was the next one created, and shows him defiantly standing, arms in chains. He served twenty-one years in prison for

counter-revolutionary propaganda, incitement, and subversion. When released from prison, he was nearly blind, deaf, and in very poor health due to the years of torture he had experienced. About a year after his release, he was interviewed by Hong Kong’s iCable television. He voiced continued support for the Tiananmen Square protests and democracy for China. He was found hanged in a hospital room soon after. At first it was reported as a suicide, but later it was changed to accidental death. I suppose there are many ways to die in a hospital. Accidental death by hanging by a bed sheet from a hospital window doesn’t seem very likely. His death sparked large protests in Hong Kong.

The Hong Kong sculpture was created in 2020 and shows umbrella wielding protestors in conflict with the police. Beginning in 2014, pro-democracy protestors, carrying yellow umbrellas as a shield against the pepper spray used by the police, occupied the city for seventy-five days. This protest by thousands became known as the Umbrella Revolution or Umbrella Movement. More recent protestors could also be seen using umbrellas.

The most controversial sculpture is the CCP Covid II. CCP, of course, stands for Chinese Communist Party. The original artwork was placed in June 2021 and was made of resin. It depicted the face of President Xi with Covid molecule spikes. One month later, it was destroyed by fire. The artist was scoffed at when he insisted it was burned by CCP agents. He rebuilt it using steel and concrete. He was contacted during reconstruction by a man that claimed to represent a Jewish organization in New York that wanted a monument built. He requested a lot of detailed information on how the CCP Covid II was being built and asked for step-by-step photos. This man was arrested soon after in Florida along with other CCP agents. The burnt remains of CCP Covid I rest next to the replacement. Perhaps as a stark representation of the fight for freedom.

The artist and creator of these amazing sculptures is a gentleman named Weiming Chen. He is every bit as interesting as his art. I recently learned that he was a friend of a new friend of mine and asked her if she could possibly contact him to see if I could interview him. She called him, and a few hours later my wife and I were sipping green tea with him in his living room. Or the living room of the house in Newberry Springs where his studio is.

Mr. Chen, and yes, Chen is his surname. On the signage at the Sculpture Park his name is listed as Weiming Chen in some places and Chen Weiming in others. In China, it would be Chen Weiming, but he has Americanized the order of the names. I do not know what I expected, but Mr. Chen is one of the most amiable persons I have ever met. He was working on his latest work, “Swimming to Freedom,” when we arrived. Commemorating the “Freedom Swimmers” that swam from mainland China to Hong Kong during the anti-capitalism purge known as the Cultural Revolution from 1966 to 1976. It was amazing to see the massive structure of steel with many castcement individual pieces all numbered to know where to place them. I would love to see how they move it the nine miles to the Sculpture Park once it is all mortared and finished.

Mr. Chen immigrated from mainland China to New Zealand in 1988 and became a citizen there. He could have lived a peaceful life as a talented, conventional artist. Living in a free country, he was finally able to see world news. World news, that is, not censored or controlled by the CCP. Tiananmen Square affected him deeply and changed his art focus to democracy and freedom for the victims of communism everywhere. A true believer, he went to Syria to fight alongside of the Free Syrian Army from 2012-2014, fighting with the pro-democracy revolutionary forces against the Russia backed al-Assad regime.

Mr. Chen became a U.S. legal resident and moved here to expand his audience. With New Zealand, population around five million, and California, thirty-nine million, I guess he did. Mr. Chen is going through the permit hurdles now to build a museum at the Liberty Sculpture Park. Two five thousand square foot buildings, one for art, one for historical photos and other information, will hopefully begin construction soon. An art museum would be a nice addition out here, in this end of the High Desert. For now, the Sculpture Park is open every day, and there is no charge to enter. Exit at Calico Road and turn toward Yermo. Turn right at Yermo Road and look for the entrance on the right. There is a nice pavilion that would be a great place for a picnic or just to relax. Maybe we will see you there.

The Griffith Observatory

In 1955, James Dean made this place famous, as one of the most iconic scenes of Rebel Without a Cause was filmed right here at the Griffith Observatory in Los Angeles’ Griffith Park. Since then, it has become a symbol of Los Angeles, being used to represent the city in dozens of films and nearly a hundred television shows. But it is still both a planetarium and observatory first and foremost, and one of my favorite spots here in my hometown City of Angels.

In 1896, Griffith J. Griffith donated the land that would become his namesake park to the city of Los Angeles. As one of the conditions of the land grant,

Griffith mandated that two buildings be constructed here for public use: a Greekstyle theatre and an observatory. The theatre became the aptly named Greek Theatre. In 1935, after two years of construction, the second building opened to the public, the Griffith Observatory.

admission was one of Griffith’s conditions on the observatory’s construction.)

The building itself is stunning, a series of three domes (the largest central dome is the planetarium, while the smaller side domes house the telescope and a set of solar instruments) done in a mix of Greek revival and art deco styles.

Inside, exhibit highlights include a working Tesla coil, actual meteorite fragments, and scales one can stand on to weigh oneself on different planets. (Hint: for self esteem purposes, don’t visit Jupiter.) Planetarium shows are varied, though not free.

It was the country’s third planetarium, and one of the first large telescopes to grant public access. During the first five days of operation, more than 13,000 visitors were logged. To date, more than seven million people have gazed through the twelve inch telescope here, and it is still free to do so nearly every night. (Free

The telescope

The architecture is incredible

Weigh yourself on the different planets!

The central atrium

For me, one of the best places to see inside is the central atrium, which holds a pendulum that demonstrates the rotation of the planet as it gradually knocks over a series of dowels. While it is captivating, make sure to look upwards at the incredible mural covering the ceiling.

Even if you aren’t interested in space, a visit to the Griffith Observatory is worthwhile just for the view. From out in

front, the grounds offer one of the best lookouts on the Hollywood Sign, and the rampart walk around the outside of the building gives vistas of much of the Los Angeles basin. I only wish there was signage explaining what one was looking at.

Admission to the Griffith Observatory is, as mentioned, free, although planetarium shows have a fee. So, too, does parking,

a whopping $10 per hour (prepaid). To avoid this, some visitors choose to park at the base of the hill and hike up. From a trailhead near the Greek Theatre, it is about a 30-45 minute walk.

When people come to visit me in Los Angeles, the Griffith Observatory is one of the top places I suggest visiting. The exhibits are cool, the history is fascinating, and the view is one of the best in the city. Combined, these make for a worthwhile day for locals and tourists, alike.

A great view

SummerFest aims to support small business

INDEED, THE EVENT IS ONE-OF-A-KIND FOR THE censusdesignated place in San Bernardino County “Where the Desert Meets the Mountains.” The Piñon Hills Chamber of Commerce has organized the annual Summerfest since 2007, with the exception of 2020 and 2021 due to restrictions during the COVID-19 pandemic. It’s an event that, at its core, honors and celebrates the history and culture of the Piñon Hills community.

“Desert rural living is not for everyone,” a section of the Chamber of Commerce’s website states. “Within our borders are independent, self-reliant and motivated artists, crafters and weavers. Gifted individuals whose passion and entrepreneurial spirit parallel those early venturing pioneers settling here more than 200 years ago.”

The 2023 Summerfest aims to reignite that entrepreneurial spirit in the region and offer residents a fun, family-friendly space to gather and enjoy a sense of community while supporting local small businesses.

Small businesses are not just drivers of local economic growth;

By Charity Lindsey

they account for 44% of all U.S. economic activity, according to a 2019 Small Business Association report.

“Each of the 33.2 million small businesses in the United States help grow their local economies and create jobs, making it all the more necessary to provide support to the challenges they face as we continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic,” said Deputy Chief Counsel Major L. Clark, III in a 2022 Small Business Association press release.

California is home to 4.1 million small businesses, creating two-thirds of new jobs and employing nearly half of the state’s total workforce, according to a 2020 statement from the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom. However, about 44% of these businesses are at risk of shutting down, according to a 2022 report from the Small Business Majority.

Along with government aid, “consumer support” is essential for small business growth, according to a Forbes article by Martin Rowinski, the CEO of Boardsi, published in March 2022.

“Inexpensive products delivered to your home from Amazon are nice, but also consider supporting small businesses,” Rowinski wrote. “...make an effort to put money back into the main drivers of our economy and look to them for employment opportunities to help them keep their doors open.”

Events like the Summerfest are incredible opportunities for local residents to offer that essential consumer support to small businesses while also enjoying a community event with live entertainment and fellowship. It also offers small business owners in the High Desert a way to be seen by a wider audience.

This year, the Piñon Hills Chamber of Commerce is working with Mother Road Enterprises, the publishers of PULSE Publication, to promote the Summerfest. The Pieces & Bits section of the publication, which aims to “humor, enlighten and inform readers,” will feature all of the Summerfest event sponsors and participating

The 2023 Gateway Summerfest will feature an artisans market, live music, food vendors, carnival games, prize raffles, a dunk tank, and more. It will be held from 2 to 7 p.m. on June 3 at Piñon Hills Elementary, 878 Mono Road. Local residents are invited to attend this free community event and encouraged to share it with

MORE VENDORS ARE WANTED! Food, crafts, and business booths are welcome at the event. Booth spaces cost between $75 and $150 and include an advertisement in PULSE Publication. Those interested in participating may visit www.PinonHillsSummerFest. square.site to reserve a booth space.

EVENT SPONSORS NEEDED! There are three tier levels of sponsorship available, ranging from $200 to $1,000, and all include advertising opportunities. Those interested in becoming an event sponsor and supporting the efforts of the Summerfest may email Summerfest@PinonHillsChamber.info to request more information

Wrightwood A Peacefull Respite

By John Beyer

“THREE STRAIGHT DAYS OF GALE FORCE GUSTS,” I OBSERVED.

“Let’s head for Wrightwood; maybe the San Gabriels will protect us?”

I remember when I moved to the High Desert back in 1987. My new neighbor told me that I’d get used to the winds. He lied. Time to head for the mountains for a respite.

I figured, perhaps the mountains named after the Archangel Gabriel, could possibly buffer the winds we had been suffering from day after day. This angel, according to theologians, played a pretty important role back in the day protecting all sorts of people. Maybe, he’d protect two weary residents from the High Desert from the onslaught of daily 300 miles per hour gusts.

Not sure if it was divine intervention or not, but as we drove into Wrightwood, there were no winds and a very sunny sun above us.

“See, I was right.”

Laureen peered out of the windshield as I found a parking spot. “The mountains act as a barrier; that’s why there’s no wind right now.”

“Ye of so little faith.”

Wrightwood is one of those small towns that beg a visitor just too just Keep Calm and Relax. That could be a great saying on a button. Reminder to self, check marketing on that concept.

Since it was pretty early, the town was just waking up, and parking along Park Drive - appropriate name to park – was easy.

As we exited the vehicle, we both knew that we had overdressed for the outing. The High Desert, with wind gusts of nearly four hundred miles per hour, was a rather chilly 50 degrees below zero, so we had worn parkas, lined jeans, and emus. And this was the beginning of June!

Okay, sweatshirts, jeans and sneakers, but still, with no wind and a bright, cheery sun hovering in the sky, we were suddenly overheated.

“We need to go shopping for shortsleeved shirts,” Laureen stated, unequivocally.

Wow, shopping. That was a surprise.

Wrightwood has a pretty interesting history, as do most places we travel, when you dig into the past.

This beautiful town snuggled into a long valley on the north side of the San Gabriel Mountains is the epitome of human ingenuity.

In the 19th century, the area was utilized

for cattle ranches started by two brothers, Nathan and Truman Swarthout. In fact, the valley in which Wrightwood is now located is the Swarthout Valley, was named after the two brother ranchers.

Later on, a man by the name of Sumner Wright – hmmm, I think there’s a clue here. Wright ended up owning the largest ranch in the wooded area. Wright saw the future of this haven of tall trees and cool temperatures, and began breaking up the ranch into commercial and residential lots. Soon, people were coming from all over Southern California to escape from the heat and crowds from down the hill.

You know, down the hill

By the early 1920’s, a town had formed, and more and more people were flocking to Swarthout Valley. A boom was beginning. Soon, people who loved snow skiing saw

a perfect opportunity on the steep north sides of the San Gabriels and Big Pines Park was developed into a ski resort in 1924. This area, originally was part of a Los Angeles County park.

From there the popularity flourished and the area nearly won the chance to host the 1932 Winter Olympics. There was a big campaign, especially since down the hill, Los Angeles was hosting the Summer Olympic Games, but no – the Olympic committee didn’t believe the area could support all that was needed to be the host of such a well-known world-wide event.

The winner for the winter Olympics of 1932 was Lake Placid, New York. New Yorkers? I mean really. Who wouldn’t rather be in California? They already had the best pizza and hot dogs, then they stole our Olympics. Don’t get me started on New York.

Anyway, Big Pines Park changed its name to the Blue Ridge Ski Area and then eventually to the more familiar Mountain High Ski Resort. This ski area, in the Swarthout Valley is one of the oldest ski areas in the United States. Who’d have thunk it?

We found a couple of shirts (alas, shopping never ceases in my world) and wandered about the town, enjoying the solitude.

A visit to the Veteran’s Memorial on Evergreen Road, was an emotional moment. A beautifully carved memorial

stands proudly at the entrance, and the serene setting behind it offers the visitor or local a chance to thank all those who have served our country - past, present or future.

Towering pine trees line the streets and fill the mountainsides – Jeffery, Douglas-

fir, sugar, ponderosa, Coulter, black oak, and many more pines are there to enjoy. It’s a veritable cornucopia of pine trees. Our favorite is the Jeffery pine. If you stick your nose into the bark, there is a slight aroma of vanilla. Of course, you want to do that on the sly, when no one is looking.

Off of Pine Street is a skate park, and the Hollis M. Stewart Children’s Park. A great place to picnic while the kids run around like crazy, having fun.

Wrightwood is so close to the High Desert, is truly worth the trip, no matter the time of year.

According to a long-time resident by the name of Denice, “Wrightwood is one of those places people love to visit during any season. The winter for the skiing and sledding, and the rest of the year to hike, bike, or just to walk around and relax in our beautiful weather.”

And, Wrightwood is open! Get thee behind us, COVID-19!

“Soon, we’ll be seeing people visiting from all over Southern California again after the virus. On a typical weekend, there are huge crowds enjoying themselves. My husband and I have lived here thirty years, and we love it.”

Loving Wrightwood is easy to understand. For a day, a few days, or living there permanently, it is one of our favorite places to visit. From the desert to the mountains in about a half an hour –come on, that’s the best of both worlds.

I don’t even know what that truly means – but a trip to Swarthout Valley is a must.

Marcy’s Musings

Oro Grande Round-up

THE ROUTE 66 IN ORO GRANDE was the place to be April 15 as the cowboys and cowgirls, a couple of horses, custom cars enthusiasts, food vendors, and all kinds of folks came out to enjoy the beautiful weather and rock and roll music courtesy of DJ

Ken Dog. Visitors could browse the antique stores, check out the booths showcasing all kinds of things to see or purchase, try their luck spinning the prize wheel or buying a raffle ticket or two, watch the shoot-out, enter the costume contest, order a pizza, or just have some good old fashion fun. One popular booth was shared by three non-profits: the Apple Valley Legacy Museum, the Victor Valley Legacy Museum, and the Mohahve Historical Society, all offering loads of vintage items for sale. A big shout-out goes to the sponsors, Cross-Eyed Cow Pizza and Southwest Portland Cement, for putting on such a great family event and showcasing the old Route 66 and Railroad town of Oro Grande!

APRIL 5TH WAS A HAPPY DAY for five MHS board members, who anxiously watched as four Helendale CSD (Community Service District) employees successfully dug up the Time Capsule buried in 1990 at what was at that time Bob Older’s Palisades Ranch. As you’ve undoubted read in past issues of “The Mohahve Muse,” four MHS board members stumbled upon the long-lost Palisades Ranch Museum monument in October of 2021, and it was successfully retrieved and relocated in July of 2022. But one important question remained: Where exactly was the Time Capsule buried, and was it still there??

Thanks to Ron Clark, Board Member of the Helendale CSD, (whose dad worked at the Palisades Ranch), news articles about the time capsule burial and monument dedication, and some up-close photos of the burial from the Bill Bender collection, the exact location was marked. Lee Graham, the very same man who previously used his equipment to relocate three of our monuments, went up and re-graded the washed-out road into the ranch for easy access. And it didn’t take long for expert back-hoe driver Craig Carlton to hit the lid of the neoprene drum, and for three strong guys with shovels, John Escobar, Brian Jeffries, and Richard Latour, to dig it out! Hallelujah! 5000 pieces of memorabilia placed by Helendale students and local adults saved!

This day marked a major step towards the (almost) completion of the MHS monuments restoration project that started with an idea back in the fall of 2020. Three new plaques have been attached, four monuments have been relocated,

the tortoise has been refurbished and rededicated, and all monuments have been sealed. “MHS Monuments” booklet edition #1, published in 2021 was updated with “MHS Monuments” booklet edition #2 in 2022, and it looks like another update will be needed this year.

The next event will be hosted by the Helendale School District: the rededication and reburial of the 100 year Time Capsule, originally buried in January of 1990, to take place in the near future on the Helendale School District campus. Fortunately thanks to two recent generous donors, we have enough money in the monuments account to pay for two more plaques, one for the time capsule, and another for the relocated Palisades Monument. Details to follow! Thanks to all who have been involved in this important project, which fulfills one of the missions of the MHS, placing monuments at important historic sites.

Apple Valley’s Famous Terri Lees

BOY, WAS I ONE HAPPY LADY WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS!

First, the librarian at the Apple Valley Library (whose third location was actually the old Terri Lee Doll Factory building) said he didn’t have display space for a collection of dolls. Next, the person who answered the phone at the Victor Valley Museum said she had never heard of Terri Lee dolls. So the third time’s a charm. When I got the call I answered with an emphatic “Yes!”

I do know what Terri Lee dolls are. “Yes!”

We do have our own display in the Bob Hope Cottage former fireplace. And “Yes, yes, yes!!!” We’ll gladly take them.

So the following day, April 7, just as I was opening the museum and setting the books on the porch, a car backed in with a trunkful of boxes of valuable treasures: 29 Terri Lees, many made right here in Apple Valley at the Terri Lee Doll Factory on Wakita. The building may have been recently demolished, but the dolls live on.

As their previous mother, Teresa Hunt, and her soon-to-be daughter-in-law opened box after box, I couldn’t believe my eyes--six Terri Lees, three Jerri Lees,

two Connie Lynns, three Linda Babies, two Sleepy Times in an hanging basket, two Tiny Terri Lees, and two Tiny Jerri Lees. Best of all, the collection included all of the rare ethnic dolls: two Patty Jos, one Bonnie Lou, two Benjis (all African American dolls), Nanook (an Eskimo doll with a Jerri Lee dressed to match), a Guadalupe (A Hispanic doll), one Tiny Benji, and one Tiny Patty Jo. Most had stands and were in good condition, just maybe needing a button replaced or a patch or two. But several will need to

be admitted to the Terri Lee Doll Hospital, including two with cracked heads, two with loose arms, and two with popped rubber bands just being held together by their clothing. Fortunately one doctor still lives in the Apple Valley Marianas and will hopefully be available for a house call.

The collection also includes two tiny scrapbooks, three Terri Lee story books (one including the hospital admission form), two newspaper articles by Paisley Taylor, one 33.3 RPM record “Terri Time” #2, and the 1988 encyclopedia or all things Terri Lee, entitled “Fashionable Terri Lee Dolls.” This valuable detailed book includes the impact the production of ethnic dolls had on the civil rights movement.

It was hard for me to decide which children to part with to send across the highway to the Town of Apple Valley’s Heritage Room, but I can’t be selfish. Town employee Sarah Kreig will be the new adoptive mother of seven: a Terri Lee, a Jerri Lee, a Patty Jo, a Linda Baby, a Connie Lynn, and a Tiny Terri and Tiny Jerri. She promises to take good care of them and give me visitation rights

April Fools Day Hoe Down

THE APPLE VALLEY LEGACY

MUSEUM ’s 8th Anniversary weekend, including the Saturday night Hoe Down, was a great success, largely due to the support of so many MHS members. From the ticket takers, the raffle ticket sellers, the museum docents, parking attendant, rent-a-hat salesman, odd job ladies, prize handerouters, and actors and actresses, all worked together to pull it off. In addition, I’d like to acknowledge some folks who worked behind the scenes: Patty for selling tickets around town, and Eric and Delvin for handling the exciting jobs of painting picnic tables and moving the all-important outhouse in and out! Another thank-you to all of you who bought tickets and brought your friends and family members.

All volunteer entertainment included an opening set by Boni on the Keys and Dano, the Thunderbird Square Dancers organized by caller Eric Arthurton (that included an audience participation number,) and the Sweet Tidings Gospel Jam, who provided music during dinner,

and closed out the show with a singalong. Of course, the Western skit was the highlight of the show, with community participation by Marina Kranz (Gunslinger #1), Mike Johnston (Sky King), Laureen Byer (Jane Russell), and John Byer (the Tarantula.) You should be able to recognize the rest of the cast members.

Personally I am thankful for many things, including eight fun-filled years of the AV Legacy Museum volunteers sharing history, and hosting and participating in memorable events. I appreciate (more than you know) the many people, both locals and out-of-towners, who continue to support our local history by visiting, attending meetings and fieldtrips, purchasing items, giving monetary contributions, and donating the most unbelievable items for display or auction. Many people participated in the raffle of vintage items, and bid on silent auction items, some returning the following day to pick up more bargains or claim your treasures. I also thank the Lord for blessing us with beautiful weather after a

few months of anything but.

I am most thankful for the movie stars, who showed up right on time to keep me from getting shot by two dangerous gunslingers, and especially for the Tarantula who scared them off. (Actually I am also thankful for the gunslingers, who played their bad-guy parts well.) With all of the negativity going on in the world right now, it is nice to come together for some good old-fashioned camaraderie and entertainment.

Rancho Verde Estates Fieldtrip

THE 17 MHS MEMBERS and 3 guests who attended the March 24 fieldtrip to Rancho Verde Estates (i.e. the Brent Gaddis property) were pretty amazed at what they saw, as I knew they would be. Mother Nature added her touch, as the elusive Mojave River, which mysteriously flows underground much of the time, was raging and beautiful.

Mojave Narrows Regional Park, the Fish Hatchery, Victor Valley College, the Victor Valley Hospital, and the Kemper Campbell Ranch. The part on which we stood was acquired by Apple Valley developer Newton Bass to create the beautiful Apple Valley Ranchos subdivision known as the Rancho Verde Estates.

Next Brent led us down the trail to the river, pointing out along the way the serpent stairway, mining cars on a track, more sculptures, wells, a stone dock, amazing stone horse stables, and much more. It’s one of those “you have to see it to believe it” things.

his beautiful property, and to his assistant Jimmy Yarrow, who became a new MHS member the following week.

After a short check-in and welcome out front, and a look at Brent’s numerous sculptures all over the yard, we stepped through the entry hall and into the pool area. Here attendees heard a brief history of the original 4000 acre Brown Ranch, which became the Verde Ranch, and was later divided into the North and South Verde, with the Campbell family retaining the northern section with the buildings. Further divisions split it into the properties now occupied by Spring Valley Lake,

We then proceeded through a narrow entryway leading to the stone amphitheater to take in the view and a little more history of the area, a most important location on the river where the four trails met before heading down what we now know as the Cajon Pass. We could easily picture the Native Americans who settled here, and the early explorers who passed through the area, at that time full of orchards, cattle ranches, and most importantly water.

This lesson will be continued on our Wed. May 24 fieldtrip to Kemper Campbell Ranch, the northernmost section of the old Rancho Verde, where trains still roar by, cattle still graze, and guests still occupy the rooms of the main house as well as many of the outlying houses and cottages. Our thanks to MHS member Brent Gaddis for the enlightening tour of

Assignment for tour attendees: Email me (mltaylor@gmx.com) or text me (760) 9851918 your name along with your guess as to how many of Brent’s sculptures you think can be found on the property. Assignment for Brent and Jimmy: Count them and let us know who came the closest.

Upcoming Community Events

Mohahve Historical Society Happenings:

May 24- Fieldtrip to Kemper Campbell Ranch 10 AM

May 25- “The Whiteside Family and Flying Tigers” by Gary Whiteside Lone Wolf Colony, doors open 6:30

Community Events:

May 4, 11, 18, 25 Concerts in the Courtyard, Apple Valley 6-8

May 6- Apple Valley Flea Market, Lions Park 8-1

May 13- Santa Fe Trading Co. Crafts Fair, 7th Street, 10-4

May 20- Greentree Extension Ribbon Cutting-Hesperia Rd. 10:30

May 20- Happy Trails Children’s Foundation Banquet, Hilton Garden Inn, 6-9

Heritage Victor Valley Medical Group is excited to announce a new partnership with Victor Valley College. HVVMG Members can now take non-credit classes absolutely free of charge!

At Heritage, we strive to provide you with both a healthy body and a healthy mind! We’re pleased to offer yet another exciting benefit to our members!

For more information about the program, or if you are interested in participating, please email Bryan Liddi at bmliddi@hvvmg.com.