The PULSE of the High Desert #1

March 2022 - Issue #1

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT Serving the seniors, families and businesses of our area.

As the headline says, Read all about it.

If you have a talent or expertise our readers would enjoy, have a story or history of our area or have a need we can assist you in receiving, contact us.

Are you a member of a service club, support group or other local entity that has a message to share or an event to promote? Get in touch with us.

Want to advertise with us? Check out Donna’s message on page 3.

Enjoy the PULSE of the High Desert in both print and digital formats. Your home town newspaper.

If you are a small business owner in the High Desert, you owe it to yourself to check out Face2Face, a free and effective business networking group, which meets the first Friday of each month at the Courtyard by Marriott, in Hesperia from 5-8 pm.

The Marriott’s Sales and Events Coordinator, Johnathan Michel, couldn’t be happier with the event, “Thanks to Face2Face, we have booked several other events from those who came to the experience. In fact, we have booked more event business though Face2Face than any other civic or community organization!”

Face 2 Face is the result of the inspiration of Mr. Tom Schibusch, back in 2008, and due to the current pandemic business climate, Tom decided it was time to revive the concept.

Tom is a fixture in the HD business community and has worked

tirelessly for more than 45 years to assist business owners and charitable groups in increasing their bottom line. Tom saw that what was missing locally was a way for business owners to get back to in person business networking. “People do business with people they like, know and trust. But how do you build friends and trust when you are mandated to hide behind a mask, plexiglass or Zoom?”

Tom goes on to say “we could not do this without partnership, and the Courtyard by Marriott has been an integral part of our success. I also want to thank and congratulate Jim Conkle, for inviting us to tell our story on this inaugural edition of The Pulse of the High Desert. Jim has a long history of service, both as a Marine, and community service in the High Desert communities.

I look forward to a long and synergistic relationship!”

Key members of Tom’s Face2Face team include Carol Mileham, Joyce Wood, Michael Crowell, David Bare and Eric Sinclair.

David is excited about the growth of the events, “Since going live, our numbers have doubled at each of the last 3 events! On February 4, we had over 60 participants! In the next few months, we anticipate a capacity crowd!”

The next Face2Face is scheduled for March 4 and is planned for the first Friday of each month thereafter. You can find them on Facebook, @Face2Facenetworking. Tickets are available on Eventbrite.com, and though free, are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

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As the headline says, Read all about it. It being your new news source for information that is important to your life. We will feature articles/advertisements that add value to your life. Dealing in medical, financial, lifestyles, retirement, veterans, growing old, care givers, pet owners and many other areas of interest. Our stories will entertain, enlighten, amuse and educate you.

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The PULSE of the High Desert…what a novel idea for a name!

There are many ways to support your communities.

Business owners, professionals, teachers, nonprofit owners, and all the VOLUNTEERS in a community, increase our quality of life by devoting time and energy to making it better.

Another way to support a community is to recognize a void and fill it with a solution that adds value to our lives. You are reading the first issue of The PULSE of the High Desert. This is our contribution to our local communities.

The PULSE, will be YOUR home town source for news that affects your health and well-being, plus entertainment, humor and more. Our emphasis will be on articles and information that affects all of us, seniors, veterans, families, retired and or working individuals.

This publication is supported by the advertisers and their messages to you, their customers and clientele. We are strong believers in shopping globally but BUYING LOCALLY. Supporting all of us makes our communities stronger and better places to live, work, shop and play.

We are looking for local talent to add to our TEAM. Are you a writer, or want to be one, and/or have a story to share?

Are you the next Erma Bombeck, Dear Abby, Bob Villa, David Sheehan, Charles Kuralt, Mike Rowe or Huell Howser?

Are you involved in a service club, community group, agency that provides a product/service, or hold events on any of the following topics: • Health • Finance • History • Lifestyle • Travel • Homefront • Cooking • Faith • Entertainment • Veterans • Pets/Animals

James Conkle and Donna Drover have literally “stepped up to the plate” to fill a void that has existed for a while, namely, a monthly publication that is focused on our communities.

Contrary to what some might believe, there is more going on in the High Desert besides crime and traffic collisions.

While other “news sources” rely primarily on shock value, The PULSE of the High Desert will focus instead on what makes our communities unique, what makes people choose to live here. I look forward to reading the stories in the monthly publication and will occasionally contribute material myself! That’s what makes this publication unique—the opportunity for citizen-journalists to contribute so that we can have a well-rounded perspective on a variety of subjects. Congratulation James and Donna; I wish you all the best as you endeavor to help enlighten us about our High Desert. Let us all show them our support and gratitude.

Michael Stevens

The High Desert Association of REALTORS® is looking forward to working with The Pulse of the High Desert!

As a REALTOR® Association our REALTORS® are dedicated to working with the community they serve and you are providing a wonderful way to further connect with our community.

Thank You,

The PULSE of the High Desert will be available both print and digital formats. We look forward to hearing from you!

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT P O Box 290066 Phelan, CA 92329-0066

E. Diane Smith

Executive Officer High Desert Association of REALTORS® 11890 Hesperia Rd. Hesperia CA 92345 Phone: 760-244-8841 Cell: 760-403-2558 Email: Diane@hdaor.com Web: www.hdaor.com

James Conkle

Len Nordmann

Publisher jim@motherroadenterpsies.com 1 760 617 3991

Artist lennordmannartist@gmIL.com 1 951 678 5555

Donna Drover

Wendy Walker

Marketing & Advertising Sales 1 909 354 1148 Donna.thepulse@gmail.com

Writer/Photographer wenlywalker@gmail.com

Jorge Leandro Rodrigues Graphic Designer +55 16 99991 0229 leandro.works@gmail.com

4468 Phelan Road Suite C Phelan, CA 92371

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High marks for hospitals and medical centers, but criticism of top officials’ COVID-19 response grows A large majority of Americans (81%) continue to say hospitals and medical centers in their area are doing an excellent or good job responding to the coronavirus.

Ratings are far less positive for the performance of public health officials and elected officeholders at the state, local and federal level.

Half of Americans now say public health officials, such as those at the CDC, are doing an excellent or good job responding to the outbreak, down from a high of 79% early in the outbreak and from 60% last August.

The same share (50%) say their local elected officials are doing an excellent or good job responding to the coronavirus outbreak, and 46% say this about their state elected officials. Ratings for both groups are down since August and are much lower than they were at earlier stages of the outbreak.

Four-in-ten say Joe Biden is doing an excellent or good job dealing with the coronavirus, compared with 60%

who say he is doing an only fair or poor job. Positive ratings for Biden’s performance dealing with the coronavirus have continued to decrease, down 7 percentage points since August and 14 points since February 2021, shortly after his inauguration as president. The share of Americans with a positive view of Biden’s handling of the coronavirus outbreak is now nearing that for Trump after he left office (36%).

instance, in May of 2020, during Trump’s administration, 68% of Republicans and 75% of Democrats said public health officials were doing an excellent or good job responding to the outbreak.

Partisans continue to offer starkly different ratings of Biden’s response to the coronavirus outbreak: 64% of Democrats now say he is doing an excellent or good job, while 89% of Republicans say instead that he is doing an only fair or poor job.

Partisan gaps are more modest in ratings of state and local elected officials, and majorities of both Republicans (76%) and Democrats (86%) say hospitals and medical centers in their area are doing an excellent or good job responding to the coronavirus outbreak.

Republicans are especially critical of the response to the coronavirus outbreak by public health officials. Just 26% of Republicans and Republican leaners say public health officials, such as those at the CDC, are doing an excellent or good job; a majority (73%) say they are doing an only fair or poor job. By contrast, 69% of Democrats and Democratic leaners rate the job health officials are doing as excellent or good.

This contrasts with views of public health officials measured in the early stages of the coronavirus outbreak. For

March 17th

St. Patrick’s Day

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Irish Blessing

Meet the board members who steer Today’s Woman Foundation, a local 501c3.

This board ensures the organization has the resources needed to advance it’s mission and impact, while provi-

ding sound ethical, legal and financial management. The talent and passion these ladies bring to the community is

remarkable. They will be sharing more about upcoming workshops and other events planned for the year.

The Hesperia Wranglers is a family horse club located in Hesperia, California on the high desert.

The Wranglers came into being as an outlet for boundless energy and enthusiasm of a group of young pioneers of the present day Hesperia.

The intent and purpose of this organization is clearly sta-

ted in the Articles of Incorporation – “to provide for the promotion of horsemanship for persons residing in the vicinity of Hesperia and surrounding area”.

“Promote athletic events in which the use of the horse and horsemanship are required.”

“Make available all types and forms of service, infor-

mation organization, or otherwise as may be found from time to time needful, useful, or beneficial to the general public.”

For more information contact Tonii Ventimiglia-Mustaikis @ hesperiawranglers@yahoo.com www.hesperiawranglers.org

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Self-administered cognition test predicts early signs of dementia sooner

Frank Rupnik looks at family photos with his wife, Nancy, in their Delaware, Ohio home. Frank was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and takes the digital Brain Test on a tablet every six months that informs his neurologist about any changes in cognition or needed adjustments in treatment.

Frank Rupnik, who has been diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease, answers cognitive ability questions on a tablet at his home. He’s using BrainTest, which is the digital equivalent of the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) developed by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Many people experience forgetfulness as they age, but it’s often difficult to tell if these memory issues are a normal part of aging or a sign of something more serious. A new study finds that a simple, self-administered test developed by researchers at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, College of Medicine and College of Public Health can identify the early, subtle signs of dementia sooner than the most commonly used office-based standard cognitive test.

This earlier detection by the Self-Administered Gerocognitive Examination (SAGE test) is critical to effective treatment, especially as new therapeutics for dementia and Alzheimer’s disease are being developed and approved.

“New disease modifying therapies are available and others are currently being evaluated in clinical trials, and we know that the earlier cognitive impairment is detected, the more treatment choices a patient has and the better the treatments work,” said Dr. Douglas Scharre, director of the Division of Cognitive and Memory Disorders in the Department of Neurology at Ohio State and lead author of the study published in the journal Alzheimer’s Research & Therapy.Dr. Douglas Scharre reviews the results of a patient’s cognitive test at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. A new study finds the SAGE test he developed accurately identifies early signs of dementia at least six months earlier than standard testing, allowing treatment to start sooner.

While the test does not definitively diagnose problems like Alzheimer’s, it allows doctors to get a baseline of their patients’ cognitive functioning, and repeat testing allows them to follow their memory and thinking abilities over time. “Often primary care physicians may not recognize subtle cognitive deficits during routine office visits,” Scharre said.

The eight-year study followed 665 consecutive patients

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Dr. Douglas Scharre reviews the results of a patient’s cognitive test at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. A new study finds the SAGE test he developed accurately identifies early signs of dementia at least six months earlier than standard testing, allowing treatment to start sooner.

in Ohio State’s Center for Cognitive and Memory Disorders. Researchers found that the SAGE test accurately identified patients with mild cognitive impairment who eventually progressed to a dementia diagnosis at least six months earlier than the most commonly used testing method called the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE).

Among the 164 patients with baseline mild cognitive impairment, 70 patients converted to dementia. This is a 43% conversion rate over three to four years which is similar to rates from other academic center-based studies, Scharre said. The distribution of dementia diagnoses included 70% Alzheimer’s disease dementia, 7% Lewy body dementia, and 9% pure or mixed vascular dementia.

The test can be taken anywhere whenever there are cognitive concerns. It takes only about 10-15 minutes to complete, and the four interchangeable forms are designed to reduce learning effects from recurrent testing over time. The cognitive domains tested with the 11-item test include orientation, language, calculations, memory, abstraction, executive function, and constructional abilities.

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The MMSE does not test abstractions or executive function abilities.

“Any time you or your family member notices a change in your brain function or personality you should take this test,” Scharre said. “If that person takes the test every six months and their score drops two or three points over a year and a half, that is a significant difference, and their doctor can use that information to get a jump on identifying the causes of the cognitive loss and to make treatment decisions.”

Scharre has worked closely with BrainTest Inc SEZC to develop a scientifically validated digital version of the SAGE test called BrainTest that can be taken anywhere on a tablet or touch screen computer. This digital version will also be integrated with the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center’s electronic medical records system to better facilitate self-testing, storing and reviewing results for patients and their health care providers. Frank Rupnik looks at family photos with his wife, Nancy, in their Delaware, Ohio home. Frank was diagnosed with early-stage Alzheimer’s disease and takes the digital Brain Test on a tablet every six months that informs his neurologist about any changes in cognition or needed adjustments in treatment.

“Based on cognitive score changes, clinicians and families may decide it is time to act on safety and supervision needs. This might include, for example, medication oversight, financial assistance, driving limitations, setting up durable Powers of Attorney and other legal arrangements/trusts, change in living arrangements, and enhanced caregiving support,” Scharre said.

More than 6 million Americans have Alzheimer’s disease, and those numbers are expected to rise to more than 13 million by 2050. Deaths from Alzheimer’s and other dementias have increased 16% during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Access SAGE or BrainTest at wexnermedical.osu.edu/SAGE Access BrainTest at BrainTest.com Scharre is a member of the Scientific Advisory Board and is Head of Medical Affairs for BrainTest.

Media Contact: Eileen Scahill, Wexner Medical Center Media Relations, Eileen.Scahill@osumc.edu

California Releases First-Ever Master Plan for Aging

The Newsom Administration has announced the release of California’s first-ever Master Plan for Aging, a comprehensive framework that will prepare the state for significant demographic changes in the years ahead, including the growth of the 60-and-over population to 10.8 million people by 2030.

The Master Plan’s development began with an executive order from the governor in June 2019, directing the secretary of the California Health and Human Services Agency to develop a strategy for promoting the health and well-being of older Californians.

After more than a year of deliberations with stakeholders and the public, and in collaboration with the Governor’s Task Force on Alzheimer’s Prevention, Preparedness and a Path Forward, chaired by Maria Shriver, the final Master Plan for Aging includes a 10-year blueprint for promoting healthy aging, including five proposals for building housing for all ages, improving access to health services, providing inclusive opportunities for seniors to live and work without fear of abuse and neglect, bolstering the caregiving workforce, and increasing economic security for aging Californians.

The final plan also includes more than 100 specific initiatives for addressing issues that have been exacerbated by the pandemic, from staffing shortages in skilled nursing facilities to a lack of broadband access in many communities.

“When I took office, I made it a priority to advance solutions for not just older Californians, but for all of us who love and care for them,” said Governor Gavin Newsom.

At a time when California’s senior population is becoming more ethnically diverse and more likely to be single or childless, live alone, work longer and have lower incomes than in decades past, the Master Plan outlines five bold goals and 23 strategies for leaders in government, business, philanthropy, and community-based organizations to collaborate on creating age-friendly communities for all Californians.

The Plan also sets a series of ambitious targets that will be used to track progress and provide accountability. The Master Plan will be powered by more than 100 action-ready initiatives that have already been adopted by state agencies and are prepared for implementation, in partnership with stakeholders and the Legislature.

The Master Plan for Aging’s Five Bold Goals for 2030 1. Housing for All Ages and Stages. We will live where we choose as we age in communities that are age-, disability-, and dementia-friendly and climate- and disaster-ready. Target: Millions of New Housing Options to Age Well.

2. Health Reimagined. We will have access to the services we need to live at home in our communities and to optimize our health and quality of life. Target: Close the Equity Gap in and Increase Life Expectancy.

3. Inclusion and Equity, Not Isolation. We will have lifelong opportunities for work, volunteering, engagement, and leadership and will be protected from isolation, discrimination, abuse, neglect, and exploitation. Target: Keep Increasing Life Satisfaction as We Age. 4. Caregiving That Works. We will be prepared for and supported through the rewards and challenges of caring for aging loved ones. Target: One Million High-Quality Ca-

regiving Jobs.

Affording Aging. We will have economic security for as long as we live. Target: Close the Equity Gap in and Increase Elder Economic Sufficiency.

“California has the nation’s largest aging population, the largest population of those living with Alzheimer’s and other dementias, and the largest population of those caregiving for these growing and disproportionately diverse communities,” said Shriver. “The Governor knows that we must address the critical needs of these populations, or they will only get worse, especially for women who do the lion’s share of caregiving in our state.”

The full Master Plan for Aging can be seen at http://mpa.aging.ca.gov.

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Seniors Remember the Old Days in ‘One All the Way’

By Steve Pastis Editor The Good Life

For years, Harry Baram, Ron Rauschart and Larry Presta have What Makes a Hot Texas Weiner? spent many evenings out on “hot dog crawls” in the Paterson, New A hot Texas weiner has to be deep fried. The hot dogs used Jersey area. They have hot dogs at a few restaurants where they have to be specially prepared because a regular hot dog will discuss their meals and share memories about the good old days. eventually disintegrate in a deep fryer.

Their stories, as told in the documentary film “One All the Way,” “There are three or four companies that make these hot dogs, also reflect the history of Paterson. and each has their special taste,” said Baram. “Some are more The film’s director, David Baram, Harry’s son, enjoyed working spicy, and some are more tangy.” with his father, although he did not expect that his father would Grill owners all add their secret recipes to their hot Texas weiplay such an important role in “One All the Way.” ners.

“When I originally outlined (the film), it was less about Harry’s “Each grill owner treats their recipe like it is the CocaCola forstory and much more about the grill culture,” he said, “but I go mula,” said Baram. “They keep it locked up.” where the cameras and characters and production take me.

Baram wouldn’t say which restaurant served the best hot Texas “It became clear to me that you couldn’t tell the story of Texas weiweiner, but “the Hot Grill and Giffle Grill have always been my ners without talking about the story of Paterson,” he continued. “I favorites.” wanted to tell the story through a smaller character lens – through Harry’s eyes.”

Filming and Screenings In the film, Harry Baram talks about his experiences at various hot “One All the Way” was filmed “literally weeks before the pandog grills in the Paterson area. He even proposed to his wife in the demic,” according to Baram. booth at one of those eateries.

“Actually, I hoped to get more (filming done), but we had “I think (the film) humanizes him even more than I realized,” said David Baram about his father, noting the scene where he walks by a ballpark and says, enough to go into post-production, research and editing,” he said.

“This is where I played baseball when I was a young man.”

“One All the Way” was finished in 2020 and was screened at various film festivals in 2021 where it received seven film awards. Baram was asked about possible Academy Award consideration.

Paterson, New Jersey “As we point out, Paterson is still the second most densely populated city in the coun- “We’ve been approached, but I said that’s a super-longshot,” he responded. “Certainly, try,” said Baram. “Outside of New York City, it was the number one destination for immi- none of us are holding our breath about that.” grant labor in the U.S. in the 19th and early part of the 20th century. There was a Polish There was also a special screening in Patterson, which was attended by a pioneer in the Paterson hot dog industry. section, a Greek section, a Black section.”

He added that since then, immigrants from Asia, Africa and the Middle East have sett- Chris Betts, 98, who along with his brothers co-founded the Falls View Grill in 1949, was living in an assisted living facility when the movie was shown in Paterson. led in Paterson.

“It’s always been, throughout its history, that it had these pockets of ethnicity,” he said. “He was central to not only the industry but to Paterson,” said Baram, who arranged for Betts to attend the screening. “The first time he saw the film, it was a sold-out house. He probably (posed for) 500 pictures.”

Hot Texas Weiner History

The hot Texas weiner was invented (or at least named) by John Petrellis, a Greek immigrant living in Texas. He moved to Paterson and opened a hot dog stand in the Paterson Hotel in 1924.

“Then it burned down so he opened a place across the street in 1920 – The Original,” said Baram. “One of his employees left and started a place called Libby’s. Another left and started The Olympic. Someone left and started Falls View.”

The film shows a diagram of how the staff at The Original became “the ultimate feeding ground” for Texas weiner entrepreneurs in Northern New Jersey.

But the popularity of the hot Texas weiner never extended beyond a small area in New Jersey.

“The only place we’ve been able to find (hot Texas weiners) is in Paterson,” said Baram.

“You can go to other parts of New Jersey and they have no idea what I’m talking about.”

He estimated that the popularity of hot Texas weiners is mainly confined to a 10-mile radius around Paterson.

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The Next Generation

Despite the nostalgic tone of the film, there are scenes in “One All the Way” that suggest the tradition of hot Texas weiners will continue, at least for another generation. Near the end of film, a group of young people are shown in one of the restaurants.

“The funny thing is that those kids were on a hot dog crawl,” said Baram. “When I learned they were on a hot dog crawl, I said, ‘Get the cameras back in here! We’ve got to get this on film!’”

More importantly perhaps is the scene with Maria and Cristina LaMendola. When their father, Carmen, who owned and operated The Hot Grill for 57 years, passed away, they continued family tradition and took over the business, which surprised some of their employees who had expected that Carmen’s passing meant they needed to find other jobs.

Those who don’t attend film festivals should be able to see “One All the Way” soon, according to Baram.

“My hope is – when we come to the end of the festival cycle – that it will be available on one of the streamers – Netflix, Amazon – very shortly,” he said. “One way or another – maybe on YouTube.”

Baram took time from his busy schedule to talk to us about “One All the Way.” In addition to the film festivals on his calendar, he is currently filming “Ball and Vase,” a movie starring Austin Pendleton about a senior who is a magician. The title refers to a particular magic trick. Shooting was scheduled to start last month.

“My goal is to be ready to submit it to the heart of the (2022) festival season,” Baram said.

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When Living Alone Isn’t Safe My mother is living in her home alone. When I went to visit her for Thanksgiving, her home was a mess. When do I know when it is not safe for her to be living alone?

This year, I received more calls than usual regarding what families found when they visited their parents living alone. Elders can sound fine when you are checking in on them on the phone. It can be very hard to know from a distance when a relative is losing his or her independence.

The following are things to look out for: Missed Appointments: Contact your family members physician’s office and find out if your elder has missed any appointments with them. If your mom or dad did not call-in advance to cancel, and just did not show up, that could be an issue. Memory decline can be playing a part.

Maintaining Proper Hygiene: Are you seeing a decline in their hygiene like unkept hair, lack of bathing, dirty clothing, incontinence or not appropriately dressing for the current season?

Easily Disoriented: Are they not recognizing familiar places, wandering aimlessly around the home without completing any task, or getting lost in a well-known place, like a commonly used grocery store?

Loss of Memory: Is your family member being forgetful about time, place, season?

I am not talking about forgetting where you put your keys. Repetitive thought sharing and confusion could signal dementia or mental illness.

Word Problems: Are they having difficulties recalling a very common word or repeating a sentence that you just said?

Random Check Writing: Are you looking through their checkbook and finding multiple checks to charities or to specific people who you are not familiar with?

Physical Aggression: An elder that attacks someone because they are believed to pose a threat shows an inability to control feelings of distress.

“May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow, and may trouble avoid you wherever you go.”

Irish Blessing

Making Inaccurate Assertions: A sign and symptom of dementia is increased paranoia. “You are trying to steal my money.” Distrust for no reason needs to be investigated.

Unopened Mail: Look around for unpaid bills or other correspondence that has not been replied to.

Spoiled Food: Food left on the counter and not refrigerated is a huge danger. Check cartons of milk to see if they have expired.

Poor Nutrition: Has your elder lost a significant amount of weight? Very often, loss of appetite or unwillingness to cook for themselves is a sign they are not safe at home alone anymore.

Scorched Pots and Pans: This shows that they are no longer able to cook safely anymore. This can pose a fire hazard.

Mysterious Bruising: Unexplained injuries and bruising can be signs of falling.

Car Dents and Damage: This may mean they are no longer safe to drive. While you are visiting, have them drive you around. See if it might be time to have the conversation about hanging the keys up.

With families living in other cities and states, it is very easy to miss out on what is going on at your family member’s home. Adult children are often filled with shock when they see the decline that even one year can make.

I always encourage family members to move their loved ones closer to make sure they are in a safe environment and not endangering themselves.

Kimberly Jensen has been working with Quail Park as a Senior Resource Advocate for over ten years and has helped hundreds of families find solutions to their senior problems. If you have a question, you can send it to her at KimberlyJ@QPCypress.com or call (559) 737-7443.

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Realtors continue efforts to positively impact our communities

the homeless population an interim place to stay while they are transitioning to permanent housing and being reintroduced to the workplace. This is good for the community and good for the individual by bringing them back into the workforce as a productive member of society,” said Brown.

In February the Association successfully participated in a month-long campaign Participation on Homelessness Solutions Task Force helps lead to $28 million grant and donated new socks for men, women and children in the homeless shelter. In addition, the Association was able to donate 100 backpacks filled with school suFor more information contact: pplies to the Assistance League of Victor Valley.

Diane Smith, Executive Officer (760) 244-8841, diane@hdaor.com; “Our Government Relations Committee is made up of a good cross section of our orDon Brown, Lee & Associates (760) 241-5211 extension 228 membership, and we regularly represent the interests of our industry in local and dbrown@lee-associates.com state government affairs and encourage member involvement in support of candidates and issues,” said Glenn Zimmerman, Board of Directors President.

HESPERIA—High Desert Association of REALTORS® continues to use its influence to “Our Association is 1,200 members strong, we live in the communities we serve impact the communities it serves. For example, when the City of Victorville formed and look forward to continuing our tradition of using our influence to make a positithe Homelessness Solutions Task Force in February 2019 to seek solutions to home- ve impact,” added Zimmerman. lessness within the City, the Association was asked to join the Task Force. Represen- High Desert Association of REALTORS® original charter was May 22, 1948. Origited by our Board Secretary Don Brown, it gave our industry a voice on how to make nally named Mojave Valley Board of REALTORS®, in 1958 it became the Victor Valley our city safe and clean for our residents and not let it turn into the slum that we see Board of REALTORS®. On June 1, 2014 the Victor Valley and Barstow Association of in so many other cities.

REALTORS® merged forming the High Desert Association of REALTORS®. Today, the Victorville recently announced it was awarded a $28 million state grant to build a gavel that was presented to the Mojave Valley Board of REALTORS® in 1948 is still Wellness Center Campus. The campus will be the first facility of its kind in San Ber- used at all Board of Director meetings. nardino County. Construction of the 4.5-acre campus, to be located at 16902 First Street, will begin in 2022.

For more information about the Association’s community involvement, contact “Since our first meeting of the Task Force, on behalf of the High Desert Associa- Diane Smith at (760) 244-8841 or diane@hdaor.com tion of Realtors I have advocated that the City needs to clean up our streets, find

Housing Report January 2022 High Desert Overview

$385,000

MEDIAN SOLD PRICE

median sold price & avg. psf

ADELANTO

APPLE VALLEY

$360,000 $221 PSF

$385,000 $208 PSF

BARSTOW

HELENDALE/ SILVER LAKES

50%

10%

3%

33%

355

HOMES ON THE MARKET

261

HOMES SOLD LAST MONTH

22.2%

PRICE INCREASE YEAR OVER YEAR

$214.00

AVERAGE PRICE SF

Call or email a Coldwell Banker Home Source REALTOR® to receive a complete copy of the Housing Report for the High Desert.

Data from HDAOR MLS is deemed reliable, however not guaranteed.

Nominal monthly transactional volume in various communities may not represent cumulative year-over-year performance.

APPLE VALLEY 760.242.6000 JESS RANCH 760.247.6460 CBHOMESOURCE.COM

10

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

Info@CBHomesource.com

$240,000 $174 PSF

$300,000 $185 PSF

JESS RANCH/ DEL WEBB

HESPERIA

46%

33%

$440,000 $238 PSF OAK HILLS

$349,500 $216 PSF PHELAN

37% $556,000 $185 PSF PINON HILLS

36% $408,000 $206 PSF SPRING VALLEY LAKE

37%

29%

$391,000 $248 PSF VICTORVILLE

$435,000 $229 PSF WRIGHTWOOD

$401,000 $216 PSF

$375,000 $276 PSF

27%

BARSTOW 760.256.1033 PHELAN 760.868.8000 @CBHomesource.com

6%

HESPERIA 760.244.1921 VICTORVILLE 760.684.8100 DRE# 01902736

In the month of February, we get the honor of celebrating our marvelous Caregiving Team. The third Friday of February is National Caregivers Day. This is a day to acknowledge all the hard work that caregivers, long-term care and health care professionals put in every day to serve the people around them. Residents at Whispering Winds were able to show their appreciation to the incredible team of caregivers by creating homemade gifts. Each care team member received a resident crafted, bar soap and scented sugar scrub on February 18th this year.

The Ruth and Naomi Project We were honored to attend the ribbon cutting ceremony at the Ruth and Naomi Project, Senior Resource Connection. The Ruth and Naomi project is a non-profit organization that provides safe housing and educational resources that enhance the quality of life for seniors in the High Desert. They are located in the Historical El Pueblo shopping complex at 21810 Hyw 18, Apple Valley, 92307. They can be reached at (760) 503-1288.

Welcome to this awesome group of dedicated, knowledgeable and committed people. Tamah, Robin & Veronica, and their great volunteers, Kathy, Emily, Kathleen, Donna & Becca

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

11

A Brief History of the

Cajon Pass The Cajon Pass is the valley 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.

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

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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 western-most 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 well-fed 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.

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.

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

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.

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

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.

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.

Tai-Chi or Yoga: Which Workout Should You Try? Tai chi and yoga have many similarities. Both are gentle, low-intensity exercises that have been practiced for hundreds of years. Both are good for your mind and body and both have been shown to be beneficial for older adults in particular.

How do you choose one over the other? Several differences can influence your choice.

“Our members will call to ask which class they should go to, says Cynda Henry, Marketing Coordinator. I let them know the benefits of both and invite them to attend all of the classes, many of our members enjoy both!” Senior Kicks Club offers both Tai-Chi and Yoga classes at no charge in Barstow and at two locations in Apple Valley for the High Desert senior community.

Tai-chi focuses on one slow, continuous sequence. Meanwhile, yoga is centered on poses and maintaining these poses for several seconds or minutes.

Benefits of Tai Chi: • • • • • • • • • • • •

Improves muscular strength and definition Improves balance and flexibility Enhances endurance and stamina Enhances aerobic conditioning Can help with weight loss Helps alleviate back pain Boosts cardiorespiratory function Improves cognitive function Improves sleeping patterns Reduces stress levels Helps combat fibromyalgia Decreases anxiety, mild depression, and mood disorders

• • • • •

Decreases pain and stress level as it produces endorphins Helps maintain a healthy sleep cycle Improves balance and flexibility Lowers blood pressure and improves respiration Boosts immune system

To fully gain the benefits of any health program, you need to be consistent with your exercises. Whether you choose to do both or focus on one .. it’s good to know that there are three things at the center of tai chi and yoga: meditation, deep breathing, and motion sequences. Combining all three will provide massive benefits both for physical and mental wellbeing.

To learn more about Senior Kicks Club classes or to view the Tai-Chi and Yoga schedule, visit their website at www.seniorkicksclub.com or contact Senior Resource Center 760.338.0914.

Yoga’s benefits are: • •

Reduces back pain Reduces arthritis discomfort

FACE 2 FACE

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

13

Musician Bill Lopez recalls meeting Lakers’ voice Chick Hearn, the former host of Bowling for Dollars Bowling for Dollars

Apple Valley musician Bill Lopez’s past includes competing in the TV game show Bowling for Dollars with host Chick Hearn, working in radio and teaching kids for over 25 years.

During his multi-decade run as the radio voice of the Los Angeles Lakers, the late-Chick Hearn briefly hosted the popular TV game show Bowling for Dollars.

Hearn led the show for four years beginning in 1972 which aired on KHJ-TV Channel 9, which later transitioned to KCAL-TV. Bill Lopez, a retired school teacher and musician from Apple Valley, said he appeared on the show in 1973, back when he was 19-years-old and was part of a small rock band originally dubbed “Stale Cookies.”

“When I met Chick, I was shocked because I didn’t realize how tall he was,” Lopez, 68, said. “When I watched him on TV, he was usually sitting behind a table so I thought he was average height.”

Chick Hearn

Several online sites list Francis Dayle “Chick” Hearn’s height at 6-feet 3-inches, a stature that earned him a basketball spot with the Amateur Athletic Union.

Some of Hearn’s popular “Chickisms” included “slam dunk,” “air ball,” “dribble-drive,” “throws up a brick,” “finger roll,” “ticky-tack foul” and “no harm, no foul.”

With time remaining in a game, and the Lakers having a big lead, Hearn would say, “The game’s in the refrigerator, the door’s closed, the light’s out, the eggs are cooling, the butter’s getting hard and the jello’s jiggling.”

A member of the Basketball and the American Sportscasters halls of fame, Hearn called a record 3,338 consecutive Lakers games starting in 1965 before missing a game because he had to have an operation in December 2001 for a blocked aortic valve.

Hearn’s career with the Lakers began in 1961 and spanned just over four decades. He retired in 2002 and died in August of that year at age 85.

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Lopez earned his TV spot with Hearn and a bowling ball when his late mother, Jessica Price, sent the show’s producer a requested entry postcard.

According to Lopez, his mother was a game show fanatic, and even attended The Price is Right with host Drew Carey a year before she died in 2020. She was 94-years-old.

“Back in the ‘70s, all it took to get on most game shows was a postcard and a little luck,” Lopez said. “I have to credit my mom for being the instigator that got me on the show.”

With TV cameras and a small studio audience watching, Hearn asked Lopez who accompanied him to the show.

That’s when Lopez replied with, “My band.”

When Hearn asked about the band’s name, Lopez froze because his musical group was nameless. Suddenly, Lopez remembered the homemade cookies that one fellow band member passed out during the road trip to the studio.

“I told Chick that our band’s name was Stale Cookies because that was the first thing that came to mind,” Lopez said. “Next thing I know, I was directed to grab a bowling ball and to play the game.”

As Lopez approached the lane, he noticed that the bowling floor didn’t have a traditional smooth finish, which allows bowlers to slide a bit as they approach their release point.

“With every step, I could feel my shoes sticking, which resulted in a gutter ball,” Lopez said. “That’s when Chick muttered into the microphone, ‘That’s the way the cookie crumbles.’ He was quick-witted and so clever with his words.”

During his second attempt, Lopez nearly got a strike. A week later, the show mailed Lopez a check for $8, one dollar for each pin knocked down.

Lopez’s band was eventually dubbed “Money,” a name inspired from the single of the same name, which appeared in the 1973 Pink Floyd album “The Dark Side of the Moon.”

A 1974 photo of the band “Money.”

Shown (L-R) Ray Lancy, Bill Lopez, Jim Lewis and Larry “Money” Lancy.

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

“We played mostly dances and parties. One year, we played a high school reunion at the Disneyland Hotel,” Lopez said. “I guess our big break was when the Griswold’s Smorgasbord Restaurant in Redlands asked us to play regularly.”

In 1975, the band renamed itself “Iron Horse” and still exists to this day. Lopez is not a part of the band, which is based in Orange County.

In the ‘80s, Lopez studied broadcast journalism at Cal Poly Pomona. One study trip included being part of a TV studio audience of “Hour Magazine” hosted by Gary Collins.

During the same decade, Lopez began working at Crawford Broadcasting’s KBRT 740 AM radio station in Costa Mesa as a master producer of commercial radio spots, mostly for churches.

The radio station airs mostly Christian talk radio programming, which reaches by transmitter Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, Santa Barbara and San Bernardino counties.

“In 1988, the owner of the company offered me a chance of a lifetime, a talk show host gig in Dallas, Texas during afternoon drive time,” Lopez said. “The show was dubbed Talk from the Heart, Dallas. I was 34-years-old, ambitious and ready to take on the challenge.”

The company gave Lopez one week to prove himself. He would earn himself a full-time gig if he drew a radio audience, if not, he was out.

After a week, Lopez could not draw an audience, mostly because he flew solo with no assistant and the radio listeners had their eyes glued to NBC TV, which broadcasted the 1988 Summer Olympics in Seoul, Korea.

“I died a thousand deaths that week,” said Lopez, who also worked at K-Life radio near the Inland Center Mall in San Bernardino. “It’s hard to compete with the Olympics. I also didn’t have a Texas accent, which didn’t help.”

Lopez taught students for nearly 26 years before retiring in 2017 from Excelsior Charter School. He still keeps busy by writing songs, working out and taking classes at Victor Valley College.

He also plays his guitar at churches such as Living Springs Church in Hesperia and Calvary Chapel churches.

He has also ministered in music at places such as the Sterling Commons Memory Care Community in Victorville and Tender Heart Adult Day Health in Hesperia.

A few years ago, Lopez penned the country tune “Cajon Pass” for a gentleman at Tender Heart Adult Day Health Care.

“I was inspired to write the song by my regular drive from the High Desert to Calimesa, where my mother used to live,” Lopez said. “The Cajon Pass is a nightmare and a potential harvest of music ideas.”

His music and interviews can be found on his “Rockville Radio 7.77 Podcast,” which can be found on Apple, Spotify and other podcast streaming platforms.

Reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at HighDesertPeople@gmail.com or on Twitter @HighDesertPeeps

Wildflower Watching in the Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve

By Wendy Walker

The Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve is located in Pinon Hills, just above Highway 138. Nestled between Green road and Sheep Creek wash, the Reserve spans over 400 acres with winding trails of varied habitat. The easiest and most accessible entrance is just a block west of the intersection of Silver Rock road and Sunnyslope road. From there, you can meander up the wash or take a number of side trails marked by vertical, dark brown markers with arrow stickers pointing the way. Since the Reserve is for the preservation of habitat, the trails, while well-marked, are fairly narrow. Wear sturdy walking shoes and carry water.

If you are on the hunt for wildflowers, take care when getting on your hands and knees so that you don’t get poked by wayward pieces of cholla cactus. The best time to see wildflowers is mid-April through May, although you can start seeing flowers appear in March.

The wildflowers, on a good year, are worth the effort to get out of your car and take a walk. Scattered throughout the Reserve are the woolly milkweed. Their pinkish and pale yellow flowers attract many insects. The monarch butterfly depends on the milkweed as it is the only species of plant that its larvae can eat.

The scarlet bugler penstemon attracts hummingbirds with its red, tubular-shaped flowers and are found in the wash area near the entrance. Another important plant in the reserve is the pygmy poppy and you may need a guided tour to see this one since it is so tiny. Several mature plants would fit on a dime. The flowers are white and often confused with the cryptantha which has bristly leaves

but the pygmy poppy has succulent looking leaves and perfect tiny, white poppy flowers with yellow centers. Its habitat is threatened by development, so these populations are important to Then there are the larger, purple flowering desert sage.

The flowers attract honey bees, hover flies, pale crab spiders, bumblebees and butterflies. Take a leaf and smell it. That sage-y odor will wow you! Contrasting the purple sage are the yellow sunflower type flowers of linear-leaf goldenbush and the Acton encelia or brittlebush. Both of these are usually populated with an assortment of ladybugs. Look closely and you will notice there are different ladybug species with varying numbers of spots.

Some have seven spots, thirteen spots or no spots at all.

You won’t know unless you look! On a side note, the seven spot can be found in all of North America and is not a native species. Seven spot ladybugs are sold at garden centers and are known for their voracious appetite for

aphids. Their populations are actually declining in their native European habitat.

If you’re lucky, you may find a bright orange Kennedy mariposa lily. Mistaken for poppies, these are anything but. The three-petaled flowers can be on stems as long as a foot or more when they are growing out of a shrub. After a rainstorm, the cup-like flowers can hold water.

The paperbag bush has inflated flowers that fall off when they die and create little rustling sounds as they blow around, making one think a rattlesnake is chasing them. The flowers are of multiple shades of cream, pink, reddish and purple. The plant itself looks like a bunch of green stems.

If you are lucky enough to see a short-joint beavertail cactus flower, you will be rewarded with its spectacular magenta color. Don’t be surprised if you see bees swimming around inside collecting pollen. They adore cactus flowers and often take naps inside.

There are so many more flowers that I cannot possibly describe them all. If you want to see more photos, go to www.TransitionHabitat.org, click on Project Area, then Puma Canyon Ecological Reserve and then Wildflowers of Puma Canyon. This will take you to Michael Charters’ page and you can better appreciate the rich diversity of flowers in the reserve. If you would like a personal tour, contact Transition Habitat Conservancy at info@TransitionHabitat.org or call 760 868-1400. Transition Habitat has conserved over 7000 acres of land in three project areas spanning two counties.

“May you have warm words on a cold evening, a full moon on a dark night, and the road downhill all the way to your door.”

Irish Blessing

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

15

/////// Barstow Del Taco ///////

Vive la différence

By Rene Ray De La Cruz

Recipe for success

Most High Desert foodies will claim there’s a big difference between food purchased at Del Taco in Barstow and stores elsewhere.

Valerie Forker listed the “quality of the food, the larger portion sizes and nostalgia” as the things that give the three Barstow Del Tacos an edge over other stores.

“The other stores just don’t bring me back to my high school days. It’s when I bite into that Barstow taco that I’m transported back in time,” Forker said. “It’s the flavor of the shell, the way the meat is seasoned and how the ingredients combine.”

Many say the secret ingredient that sets the Barstow stores apart is that they are privately owned and operated by Ed Hackbarth, 89, and his family.

The Del Taco restaurants in Barstow include the store on First Avenue by the bridge, East Mountain View Street near Main Street and Lenwood Road near Interstate 15.

“Under my uncle Ed’s agreement, we can still purchase items through Del Taco,” Hackbarth-McIntyre said. “In our stores, we still cook meat fresh, we have the original recipes and we produce our own meat sauce. We also do things as we have from the beginning — the old fashion way.”

Hackbarth-McIntyre said another secret ingredient is her uncle Ed, who can still be seen regularly talking to customers and cleaning tables at each restaurant.

Some menu items unique to Barstow Del Taco are ice cream, the Bun Taco and regular tostadas, Hackbarth-McIntyre said.

“There’s also the Combo Cup, basically a combination burrito with no tortillas and chips inside a cup,” Hackbarth-McIntyre said. “The Combo Cup came from my late grandma, Caroline Hackbarth, who helped open each store with my uncle.”

Del Taco foodies

The birth of Del Taco

In 1954, Air Force veteran Ed Hackbarth got a job managing Bell’s Hamburgers, owned

by Glen Bell the founder of Taco Bell.

By 1961 Hackbarth was on his own, founding Del Taco in the small desert town of Yermo.

In 1964, Ed Hackbarth and David Jameson partnered to open the first Del Taco in Yermo, with a small menu that included items such as 19-cent tacos, 24-cent cheeseburgers, tostadas and fries.

Julie Hackbarth-McIntyre, the former mayor of Barstow, said her father, Tony Hackbarth, uncle Ed Hackbarth, and Andy Borruel worked together to open the stores on First Avenue and Mountain View.

Businessman Luther Friend later joined the team as they opened the Lenwood store. Years later, Ed Hackbarth decided to buy out his partners.

Jameson and Ed Hackbarth sold Del Taco in 1976 to a group of investors, but maintained ownership and creative rights to the Barstow stores, according to Hackbarth-McIntyre.

In 1964, Ed Hackbarth partnered to open the first Del Taco in Yermo, with a small menu that included items such as 19-cent tacos, 24-cent cheeseburgers, tostadas and fries. (Photo Courtesy Of Del Taco Barstow)

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Anna Stricker of Apple Valley confessed that local ownership can be experienced with every menu item served in Barstow.

“The beans always taste homemade and the tacos and burritos are made like your grandma used to make with enough meat and beans to fill you up,” Anna Stricker said. “It just seems like they take the extra time to make it authentic. Oh and the cheese they use tastes so much better.”

College nursing Lydia Usry claimed the Barstow tacos are bigger and more delicious. She also said she would take her nursing students there when she had them conduct a community assessment.

Victorville resident Paul Longshore said he and his family love the First Avenue Del Taco, which serves “sliced not chopped tomato” and the “best carnitas burritos on the planet.”

“Nothing beats picking up a meal at their First Avenue location and then eating lunch outside on a bench at the old Harvey House as we watch trains pass by and make travel to all parts of our country,” Longshore said.

High Desert native Destiny Alexander claims that in Barstow, the Del Taco food tastes better, the portion sizes aren’t skimpy, the environment is better, and the owner stops in and talks to people.

“I cannot eat Del Taco outside of Barstow,” Alexander said. “My favorites are the Del Beef Burrito with extra cheese and add sour cream; the bean and cheese burrito with green sauce and a Del Beef Breakfast Burrito.”

Amber Gillies confessed that she has driven from the Victor Valley to Barstow just to go eat at the First Avenue Del Taco.

“They obviously have a set of standards at that restaurant they have never wavered from,” Gillies said. “The food is always so much better. You can taste the love. The owners are proud of their history and are involved with the community.”

Gillies said she takes her grandkids to Barstow all the time and admitted that her old-time favorites are the all meat Big Del and nachos with jalapenos that she consumed when pregnant 37 years ago in Orange County.

Texas resident Holly Noel, who grew up in the High Desert, said that in October, she and her husband, Mark Breyman, came back to California for the first time in three years.

“Driving in from Las Vegas, my husband Mark’s first food request was for tacos from the original Del Taco,” Noel said.

Reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at HighDesertPeople@gmail.com or on Twitter @HighDesertPeeps

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

Helpful Ways to Manage your Energy Costs

“Never iron a fourleaf clover, because you don´t want to press your luck.”

Irish Blessing

We understand you may be looking for ways to save, and we’re committed to helping you keep your energy affordable and reliable.

The best way to lower costs is to reduce your total energy use. Follow these 12 easy tips to save costs, lower your bills, and help the environment.

12 ways to SAVE

Annual Savings*

1.

Unplug or recycle your second refrigerator or freezer.

Up to

$500

2.

Give your dryer a break and hang-dry your clothes.

Up to

$155

3.

Use natural light during the day.

Up to

$90

4.

Reduce your water heater’s temperature.

Up to

$45

5.

Unplug electronic devices and chargers when not in use.

Up to

$45

6.

Use computer power-saving modes.

Up to

$30

7.

Turn off lights when not needed.

Up to

$25

8.

Avoid over-drying clothes.

Up to

$25

9.

Shave a minute off shower time.

Up to

$20

10. Set your refrigerator’s temperature between 35°F – 38°F.

Up to

$15

11. Turn off your computer at night.

Up to

$15

12. Adjust the display on your television.

Up to

$10

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

17

San Andreas Fault Tour

By Cliff & Ilene Bandringa

Deep gorge formed by the fault along Big Pines Hwy

California is world-famous 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

PUBLIC SERVICE

Remember folks Daylight Saving Time takes place on March 13th at 2 am.

Be sure to set your clocks ahead one hour.

Most electronic devices such as your cell phone, computer and TV will do this automactlcally.

18

THEPULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT

“May your troubles be less. And your blessings be more. And nothing but happiness come through your door” Irish Blessing

Line marks fault crossing I-15 near Lost Lake

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 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”.

Jackson Lake

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First District Contributes $5.5 Million Toward Affordable Senior Housing

My office was pleased to provide $5.5 million in discretionary funds toward the development of a new, resort-style affordable seniors complex in City of Hesperia.

The 96-unit community, Eagle Villas, will be a gated development for low- to moderate-income seniors ages 55 and up.

Features will include a lap pool, jacuzzi, barbecues, ou-

“May the saddest day of your future be no worse than the happiest day of your past” Irish Blessing

tdoor seating, raised bed planters for gardening, and a dog park. Residents will also have use of the 2,816-square-foot clubhouse decorated with historical photographs of Hesperia, complete with kitchen facilities and a fitness center.

Individual apartment homes include full sized washer and dryers, refrigerators, microwaves, private patios/balconies and ceiling fans. All residential buildings will have elevators and security cameras will be placed throughout the property.

“Supervisor Cook recognized our vision of building affordable housing in San Bernardino County all the way back to when he was in Congress” said Randy Friend, founder of developer Eagle Real Estate Group. “Expanding our Ea-

gle brand into Hesperia provides the potential to develop long-term community relationships and future opportunities serving Inland Empire seniors.”

I’m proud to support this important and much-needed housing project for the seniors of our First District. A groundbreaking ceremony is planned for the development on April 21, 2022.

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The Pulse Of The High Desert is a locally owned monthly publication featuring High Desert hometown events, local resources, and articles of interest for all ages covering the greater High Desert and surrounding areas. This publication is complementary and available in both print and online versions, the digital format can be viewed from any location making readership potentially unlimited. The 12,000 print copies of this publication are mailed to every resident of the Jess Ranch and Del Webb communities as well as all mailboxes in the Spring Valley Lake and Silver Lakes communities.

Additionally, it is distributed in waiting rooms, restaurants, medical facilities, car washes and reception areas in businesses from Newberry Springs/Yermo across the whole HD up to and including the mountain areas of Big Bear and Wrightwood and The TriCommunities.

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For rates and advertising information call:

Donna Drover

909-331-2644

Email: Donna.ThePulse@gmail.com

High Inflation and the Outlook for Monetary Policy Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System Governor Michelle W. Bowman At the American Bankers Association Community Banking Conference, Palm Desert, California

Before we get to our conversation on community banking, I would like to briefly discuss my outlook for the U.S. economy and my view of appropriate monetary policy.1 As I see it, the main challenge for monetary policy now is to bring inflation down without harming the ongoing economic expansion.

Inflation is much too high. Last year I noted that inflationary pressures associated with strong demand and constrained supply could take longer to subside than many expected. Since then, those problems have persisted and inflation has broadened, reaching the highest rate that Americans have faced in forty years. High inflation is a heavy burden for all Americans, but especially for those with limited means who are forced to pay more for everyday items, delay purchases, or put off saving for the future.

I intend to support prompt and decisive action to lower inflation, and today I will explain how the Fed is pursuing this goal.

In the near term, I expect that uncomfortably high inflation will persist at least through the first half of 2022.

We may see signs of inflation easing in the second half of the year, but there is a substantial risk that high inflation could persist. In January, the Consumer Price Index rose to a 12-month rate of 7.5 percent, which, consistent with other recent monthly readings, was even higher than expected. Employment costs for businesses, as measured by average hourly wages, also rose last month. And continued tightness in the labor market indicates that upward pressure on wages and other employment compensation is not likely to moderate soon.

My base case is that inflation will moderate later this year, which will depend, in part, on appropriate actions by the Federal Open Market Committee (FOMC). But with wage growth lagging behind inflation for the past year, many families may find it challenging to make ends meet and continued rising home prices will likely prevent many from entering the housing market. In addition, rising costs and hiring difficulties continue to be burdens for small businesses.

Turning to the labor market, which continues to tighten, indications are that the Omicron infection surge earlier this year has not left a negative imprint on the economy or slowed job creation. I expect to see continued strength in the job market this year, with further gains in employment, and my hope is that more Americans return to the labor force and find work. The strength in job creation is a big positive for those seeking employment and for their families. Even with the improving labor market, I still hear from businesses that qualified workers are difficult to find, and labor shortages remain a drag on hiring and on economic growth.

Now let me turn to the implications of this outlook for monetary policy. In my view, conditions in the labor market have been and are currently consistent with the FOMC’s goal of maximum employment, and as such, my focus has been on the persistently high inflation. In part, the high inflation reflects supply chain disruptions associated with the economic effects of the pandemic and

efforts made to contain it. Unfortunately, monetary policy isn’t well-suited to address supply issues. But strong demand and a very tight labor market have also contributed to inflation pressures, and the FOMC can help alleviate those pressures by removing the extraordinary monetary policy accommodation that is no longer needed.

In our most recent monetary policy statement—which was released following our January meeting—we indicated that “with inflation well above 2 percent and a strong labor market,” we expected that it would “soon be appropriate to raise the target range for the federal funds rate.”2 I fully supported that assessment, and the data we have seen since then have only increased the urgency to get on with the process of normalizing our interest rate stance and significantly reducing the size of the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet. I support raising the federal funds rate at our next meeting in March and, if the economy evolves as I expect, additional rate increases will be appropriate in the coming months. I will be watching the data closely to judge the appropriate size of an increase at the March meeting. In early March, the FOMC will finally stop expanding the Federal Reserve’s balance sheet.

The resulting end of our pandemic asset purchases will remove another source of unneeded stimulus for the economy. In the coming months, we need to take the next step, which is to begin reducing the Fed’s balance sheet by ceasing the reinvestment of maturing securities already held in the portfolio. Returning the balance sheet to an appropriate and manageable level will be an important additional step toward addressing high inflation.

I expect that these steps will contribute to an easing in inflation pressures in the coming months, but further steps will likely be needed this year to tighten monetary policy. Looking beyond this spring, my views on the appropriate pace of interest rate increases and balance sheet reduction for this year and beyond will depend on how the economy evolves. I will be particularly focused on how much progress we make on bringing down inflation.

My intent would be to take forceful action to help reduce inflation, bringing it back toward our 2 percent goal, while keeping the economy on track to continue creating jobs and economic opportunity for Americans.

I appreciate the opportunity to share my views on monetary policy with you this morning. But since we are here to talk about community banking, let’s get back to that important topic. Certainly prior to, but especially over the

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course of the pandemic, we have seen a heightened focus and urgency in incorporating technology and innovation into community banking. The adoption of technology and innovation is really at the heart of the major issues facing community banks. We see banks, fintech companies, and tech firms exploring various technologies to enhance their payments systems, expand consumer access, improve back-office operations, and create new financial products and services.

This interest and the increasing interest in crypto- and digital assets have created a need to work together with the other federal banking agencies to give the industry better and more useful regulatory feedback as banks consider approaches to integrating crypto- and digital asset related activities into their service offerings. Given the popularity of these types of assets, and the growing interest of banks in participating in the market, it’s increasingly necessary for regulators to be able to engage with the industry on these issues.

Evolving financial services, a sharper focus on efficiency and timeliness in the industry, and the rapid increase in technology advances have also led the Federal Reserve to explore the potential benefits and risks of a central bank digital currency (CBDC). We recently issued a discussion paper as a first step in fostering a broad and transparent public dialogue about CBDCs.3 The paper is not intended to advance any specific policy outcome and no decisions have been made at this time. We are genuinely committed to hearing a wide range of voices on this issue. The paper was published earlier this year with a 120-day comment period. We encourage your comments and feedback—generally, and in response to specific questions posed in the paper. As we engage in this dialogue and evaluation process, and throughout this initiative, I intend to keep an open mind about the usefulness of and potential business case for a CBDC. I strongly encourage community bankers and all of the other stakeholders who would be impacted by the creation of a CBDC to submit your comments and views to the Fed by May 20, the end of the scheduled public comment period.

Another area of intense interest is the expansion of financial activities beyond the traditional chartered banking institution construct. We are seeing an increase in the proposal of novel charter types under consideration across the country. These changes, and the coming availability of the Fed Now instant payment service, have the potential to vastly change the landscape of financial services and opportunities in the market. In anticipation of this evolution, our Federal Reserve Banks are receiving an increased number of requests for membership and access to Reserve Bank master accounts from institutions with these novel charters. Recognizing the importance of clarity and transparency in this space, and to facilitate and evaluate these activities in a consistent manner, the Board is in the process of issuing clearer guidance around the application and review process for novel bank charters and account access at the Federal Reserve.

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With spring and warmer days right around the corner, several scheduled events Monster Truck Show are on the High Desert event schedule, including one that celebrates the golden age of The ground will shake when Monster Truck Thunder comes to the SBC Fairgrounds in pirates.

Victorville.

Fans in the Coors Light Grandstands will watch monster trucks flying 30 feet in the air as drivers wrangle their motorized beasts.

The show will include Tuff Trucks, Quad Racers and Monster Truck Rides for the kids.

Advance ticket holders will receive a Free Pit Party Pass, a $10 value, that will be honored at the gate. VIP tickets are $25, general admission $20 and kids 10 years and under $15.

The Monster Truck Thunder show is scheduled from 5 to 9:30 p.m. on March 19, at the SBC Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh Street.

For tickets and general information, visit monstertruckthunder.com.

The 8th Annual High Desert Pirate Renaissance Faire promises two days of swashbuckling fun when the event sails into Hesperia Lake Park on March 19.

The Pirate Faire will include a shipload of revelry and merry-making for all ages who’ll have the opportunity to watch pirate battles, stage acts by characters in pirate gear and learn how to talk like a pirate.

There will be plenty of food from the “four corners of the known world,” and drinks such as ale, wine and mead, organizers said.

The little powder monkeys can have their faces painted or play games and vendors will be on hand with food, trinkets, clothing and all sorts of pirate ware.

The Pirate Faire is scheduled from 10 a.m to 8 p.m. on March 19 and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on March 20 at Hesperia Lake Park, 7500 Arrowhead Lake Road.

For tickets and general information, visit hdpiratefaire.com.

Home Show

No foolin’, the 38th Annual High Desert Home and Garden Show is set to begin April 1 at the SBC Fairgrounds in Victorville.

Railfans get ready! The Great American Train Show will come chugging into the San The spring home show will include four buildings filled with home improvement ideas.

Bernardino County Fairgrounds in Victorville in March.

Visitors can meet vendors, watch demonstrations, chat with contractors and be inspired.

Known as the nation’s only coast-to-coast train show company, the GATS will have so- Scheduled showtimes are from noon to 5 p.m. on April 1, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on mething for all ages, including modelers, hobbyists, families and the just plain curious. April 2 and 3 at the SBC Fairgrounds, 14800 Seventh Street.

Each show features hundreds of tables of trains and accessories for sale, huge opera- Entry for adults is $6, seniors are $1 and children under 18 are free with an adult. For ting exhibits, activities for kids, and more. more information, visit highdeserthomeshows.com.

All scales are welcome as are books, videos, and railroadiana. Don’t miss your chance to be a part of the best train shows in America.

Reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at HighDesertPeople@gmail.com or on The GATS is scheduled from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on March 19 and 20 at the SBC Fairgrou- Twitter @HighDesertPeeps nds, 14800 Seventh Street. For tickets and more information, visit trainshow.com.

Great American Train Show

“May your pockets be heavy and your heart be light, may good luck pursue you each morning and night” Irish Blessing

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California Days at Calico Ghost Town

By Dana Mauer

Just outside of Barstow, the white CALICO sign in the hills is a familiar sight along Interstate 15. For those unfamiliar, a preserved and restored ghost town is nestled below dating back to 1881. As with most ghost towns, when a resource dries up, it’s no longer practical for the inhabitants to stay. At the peak of the Silver Rush though, Calico was the place to be.

The Great Silver Strike

Once prospectors discovered silver in the local calico-colored hills, the town took off. The Silver King Mine opened, backed by San Bernardino County Sheriff John King.

Living in 1880’s Calico, residents had access to a post office, a weekly newspaper, general stores, bars, brothels, restaurants, and more. As the population grew, structure was needed. In addition to Sheriffs and Constables, defining the roles of commissioners, lawyers, and doctors was necessary. Shortly after, a school district, a Wells Fargo office, and telephone and telegraph services were established.

Colemanite was also discovered in the Calico mountains, prolonging the viability of the town. The population soared to 3,500 by 1890, with over 500 operating mines in the area. Life changed for the silver miners that year however, as they watched the Silver Purchase Act drive down the price of silver.

With silver deposits dwindling and the value declining, the mines were no longer profitable. The post office closed first, and school sessions ended shortly after.

Boom Town to Ghost Town

All types of camping are available, as well as hiking and OHV trails. Keep in mind that with over 500 mines at the Borax mining in the area stopped in 1907, leaving Calico officially abandoned. Several original buildings were peak of the Silver Rush, there are still dangerous mines moved to Barstow, Daggett, or Yermo. Attempting to re- in the area that should not be approached for any reason. vive the town in 1915, a cyanide plant pulled silver from unprocessed mineral deposits. King’s nephew, Walter California Days Knott lived nearby and helped the plant build their re- Calico hosts several events throughout the year, most dwood cyanide tanks. Walter and his wife, Cordelia fou- recently celebrating California Days. The annual event is nded Knotts Berry Farm shortly after in the mid-1920’s. held in late February to celebrate early California history Inspired by Calico and other western settlements, Knott and coincides with National California Day on February built his own replica ghost town within Knott’s Berry Farm 22 nd . In addition to the year-round attractions at Calico, in 1940.

California Days also offered gunfighter shows, a Chuck Wagon Chili Cookoff, and 6 live bands across the two days Reviving Calico Following a visit to Calico in 1951, Knott decided to buy this year. Pet owners followed their dogs along a scaventhe town and take on the task of restoration. He tasked ger hunt in honor of U.S. mail dog “Dorsey” and received his art director, Paul von Klieben with restoring the town doggy goodie bags at the end. Families competed in reto the original condition with the help of old photos. Five lays, tosses, pin the tail on the donkey, and even a beard of the original structures are still standing, with several and mustache contest. other restored and replicated buildings dotting the town. With a preserved ghost town so close to the High Desert By 1962, Calico had received California Historical Land- area, it’s easy to make a day trip out of it any time of the mark status and was later dubbed the Official State Silver year. The seasons can be extreme, but the scenery is alwaRush Town in 2005 by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. ys beautiful.

The Old West Experience

Present day, Calico is part of the San Bernardino County Parks system. The park is open every day but Christmas and requires a small entry fee. In town, there are educational displays, tours, western-themed reenactments, shows, shops, and snacks. The area can be explored to get a feel for what life was like for residents in 1890, which would have been particularly harsh in the Summer or Winter. While the walk from the parking area to the ghost town is a bit of a climb, the park is family and pet friendly.

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Senior Kicks Club Join the FUN!

Apple Valley 18564 Hwy 18, Suite 106, AV 19111 Town Center Drive, AV Barstow 555 Melissa Ave., Barstow "Complimentary to All Seniors!

Thanks to Choice Medical Group!"

Call or Visit Our Website for the schedule!

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You do not have to be a Choice Medical Group member to attend classes or to request help in our Resource Center.

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