Pulse of the High Desert - August 2022

August 2022 - Issue #6

Stories inside

PULSE

OF THE HIGH DESERT

SENIORS, VETERANS, FAMILIES, COMMUNITIES

Daggett Hidden Treasures According to Mark Staggs, President of the Daggett Community Service District, the small town of Daggett has big plans.

“We have big plans,” Staggs stated.

I have always had a soft spot for this little berg, ten miles east of Barstow on Interstate 40. I used the town of Daggett for one of my novels, Operation Scorpion. I spent some time there, doing research for the fictional piece, and met some really nice folks.

Read more on page 6

Check out the events going on in our area this month.

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Lucerne Valley

Many from the High Desert have driven through Lucerne Valley a number of times. Perhaps on the way to Big Bear. Perhaps on the way to Joshua Tree National Park. Perhaps on the way to Landers to experience the Giant Rock. Or perhaps just to stop in Lucerne Valley for breakfast or lunch, on the way for some heavy duty four-wheeling in Johnson Valley.

Read more on page 12

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Inside: Backpack Giveaway at RACE COMMUNICATION in Phelan - page 4 Senior with Inquiring Minds - page 5 HDCWC Holds Writing Workshops at Hesperia Library - Page 18 Celebrating Song With the HDCWC - page 20

Be sure there is a copy in your mailbox.

Palisades Museum Monument - page 21

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Comprehensive Orthopaedic Care

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Minimally Invasive Surgery

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In-Office Arthroscopy

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Computer Navigation

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Joint Replacement

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Editorial

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ELL FOLKS, I HAVE A FEW THINGS TO SHARE WITH YOU THIS MONTH. First is that Donna Drover is no longer with us. We wish her luck and blessings on her future endeavors. Her contributions have been a cornerstone in our success.

Secondly, we are adding a couple folks to our TEAM. First is Tom Schibusch, a real ICON of the high desert. Tom has been a friend for many years and was a consultant in making the PULSE a success. Next is Cary Oldenkott who is coming onboard as our IT expert. Look for a new website and more social media coverage as he takes us forward.

A new concept for our newspaper will be going into effect with our September issue. We are working with some awesome folks to add a Lucerne Valley Edition.

We are also looking to other areas to publish local editions such as Low Desert, Inland Empire, Tri-Communities, Barstow-Daggett-Newberry Springs-Yermo and East Antelope Valley.

We will need advertisers, writers and readers in those areas.

As well as adding members to our TEAM.

C

“Thank You for Being a Friend”

ELEBRATING ITS 66TH YEAR of helping the High Desert, the Victor Valley Community Services Council’s outgoing Executive Director invites you to a “Thank You for Being a Friend” event. The Golden Girls themed bash will be a fundraiser for the non-profit which provides free services to seniors and disabled persons in the High Desert. This event will celebrate and recognizing all who have supported the Council and introduce the new Executive Director, Maxine DiDonato as well as the great staff who work tirelessly to serve the community needs.

le k n o C Jim

PULSE

OF THE HIGH DESERT P O Box 290066 Phelan, CA 92329-0066 4468 Phelan Road Suite C Phelan, CA 92371

James Conkle

Len Nordmann

jim@motherroadenterprises.com

Lennord@motherroadenterprises.com

Jorge Leandro Rodrigues

Lori Weston Lori@motherroadenterprises.com

Leandro@motherroadenterprises.com

Tom Schibusch

Publisher 1 760 617 3991

Graphic Designer 55 16 99991 0229

John Kafides

Military/Veterans Liaison 1 760 987 1600 66jkafides@gmail.com

A minimum five-dollar donation and an RSVP is required to attend the event on August 27th, from 3 to 8pm, graciously sponsored by the Courtyard by Marriott Hesperia at 9619 Mariposa Rd, Hesperia, CA 92345. Entry will include food, music, raffle ticket, fun games and introductions of the great work the Victor Valley Community Services Council continues to offer to High Desert seniors. Attendees must RSVP for a head count but can pay their minimum $5 donation at the door. Please RSVP to midgemn@verizon.net or on the FaceBook invite, with names of attendees and contact phone number. Please do not contact the hotel.

Artist 1 951 678 5555

1 760 680 9472

1 760 559 9403

Tom@pulseofthehighdesert.com

Cary Oldenkott IT and webmaster 1 760 490 1311

online@motherroadenterprises.com

RSVP no later the August 20th OF THE DESERT PULSE HIGH

August 2022

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Backpack Giveaway at RACE COMMUNICATION in Phelan

Backpack Giveaway took placed on Friday July 22 in Phelan. RACE Communications employees handed out over 500 backpacks.

Long line went smoothly as the RACE folks took charge and made everyone feel welcome.

Great job RACE TEAM.

If your business or group is involved in your community please share that with us, so we might share it with our readers. Include dates, future or past, location and type of event. Photos add to your message.

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Senior with Inquiring Minds

Old Town Griz

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.W.I.M. STARTED THEIR 29TH YEAR as a Leaning in Retirement Group with a red, white, and blue themed Potluck on July 7th. Bill Lopez won the bragging rites only for the game they played.

S.W.I.M. meets on Thursdays at 1:00 pm at the Percy Bakker Community Center, 9333 E Avenue, Hesperia, CA one half block South of Main Street. For more information just call Leah (760) 9567581 or Ruth (760) 247-9003, visitors are always welcome.

• • • •

August Programs will feature: August 4 Miki Inbody - Asst. Supt. of Educational Support Services August 11 TBA August 18 Philip Montague - Motivational speaker August 25 Norman Bossom/Bill Lopez - The British Invasion of Musicians

Do not miss receiving future issues of PULSE OF THE HIGH DESERT by subscribing today.

Be sure there is a copy in your mailbox.

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T’S BEEN A LONG TIME COMING, Sterling Inn was finally able to recently enjoy an evening with a guest speaker. “Old Town Griz” was a sight for sore eyes. It didn’t take much arm twisting, over forty of our residents enjoyed his presentation. Griz is Curator for the Hesperia Old Town Museum. He had a captive audience for his portion and then was surprised to learn how many of our longtime High Desert residents have their own captivating stories that they shared.

Although we are still respecting all COVID restrictions, we are happy to be able to again offer our residents some options, like in the “good ol’ days”. Not only are we slowing having guests come in now for entertainment and educational visits, we have also opened our community back up for the Community Hospice Grief Support Group, Bridge Club, and the Spring Valley Post of the VFW. The “light at the end of the tunnel” is approaching. The Sterling staff is grateful for each progressive step we are able to take. Please give us a call if you haven’t been at the Inn for a while. We miss our friends out in the community. Thank you to Griz for kicking off this last leg of the journey. The residents thoroughly enjoyed his company.

Seven Critical Mistakes That Will Cost You Thousands

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HEN YOU SELL YOUR 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 fully three quarters of home sellers 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 an 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 hear about how to order your FREE copy of this report call toll-free 1– 800–596–5137 and enter 1000. You can call anytime 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Get your FREE special report NOW and find out how you can get the most money for your home.

The report is courtesy of www.HighDesertHome-Sales.net and GDR Inc. BRE number 01524222 © 2022

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Daggett Hidden Treasures

By John Beyer

Continued from page 1

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UT, SINCE THE PUBLICATION, I haven’t been back. Sure, I drive by quite often, on my way to here and there along the interstate, but I rarely stop.

So, when I heard Staggs was giving a historical tour of the town, I knew it was time to revisit and learn more about the history of the town.

Staggs is a nice guy – truly nice. He immediately made our little group of tourists feel right at home.

He is one of those fellas who likes to tell a joke, while being serious about the history of the town he truly loves.

Native American hieroglyphics

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Santa Fe street, with the Mercantile, Stone Hotel and Fourts Building

“The history of Daggett isn’t known by a lot of tourists, but we are in the works to change that" Mark Staggs

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Remains of the ten stamp Columbia mill

“The history of Daggett isn’t known by a lot of tourists, but we are in the works to change that,” he shared.

Those are the big plans Staggs had mentioned earlier while conducting a fascinating tour of the Daggett Museum.

For many, Daggett is not known at all. A dot on a map between Barstow and Needles along the black ribbon of a busy interstate. But back in 1939, with the publication of John Steinbeck’s novel, Grapes of Wrath, the small town got a mention. When the Joad family, from Oklahoma, drove through the inspection station just east of town, those refugees from the Dust Bowl had officially arrived in California.

According to the Daggett Historical Society, the town was founded in the 1860s, but did not become known as Daggett until 1883. At this time, the mines were running full steam in the nearby Calico Hills. The residents realized having the mining town of Calico near Calico Junction may be a bit confusing – so, the folks decided that the name Daggett may fit the bill, using the last name of then Lieutenant Governor of California, John Daggett.

It is rumored, and don’t we all love rumors, that the Lieutenant Governor had visited Daggett at some time.

Well, here’s something of note about Daggett which isn’t a rumor. Helen Muir, the daughter of the famous naturalist, John Muir, resided in Daggett. She was instrumental in assisting her father with his writings and correspondence, but being in poor health, the family moved her from northern California to the warmer climate of Daggett.

Other visitors to Daggett during its heyday included Walter E. Scott – better known as Death Valley Scotty, Francis Marion Smith – better known as the Borax King, Tom Mix – better known as Silver Screen Cowboy, and Wyatt Earp – better known as ‘I get around the West a lot.’

There is a lot of history in this town.

After the museum tour, Staggs offered a hands-on tour of the area.

Actually, it wasn’t exactly hands-on, but more of a drive-by and get out of your vehicle sort of visit to the numerous historical sites in and around Daggett.

According to Staggs, there were quite a few indigenous peoples who had lived in the area, long before the settlers arrived looking for rich minerals or good lands for farming and grazing.

“People have been living here for thousands of years,” he stated. “In fact, the Vanyume, or Desert Serrano were some of the Native Americans first encountered by the Catholic missionaries in the late eighteenth century.”

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Old town water tower

As to point this out, Staggs had us drive approximately a mile or so to the north of Daggett, where, behind a tall chain link fence, was a huge pile of dark colored rock. Upon those rocks were dozens of petroglyphs.

“We’re not really sure who created these glyphs, but we know they are hundreds of years old.”

“I know they’re at least older than nineteenforty-seven,” I replied. “Some local carved his name and date on one of the rocks.”

Staggs nodded. “And, thus the reason for the fencing.”

The town of Daggett kept growing as more and more silver was being mined out of the ground in Calico. The ore was shipped to Daggett, where it awaited a mill with ten heavy stamps, ready to start breaking up the ore and releasing the precious metals.

In fact, there was so much ore being ground

Horse buggy

up in Daggett that property values started rapidly increasing. So, when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe (ATSF) railway were contemplating a location to build a heavy rail yard, the company decided on a small place named Barstow, since the land in Daggett was too expensive.

Daggett continued to prosper and became a populated and happening town. At its peak in the late 1890s, it had three stores, two restaurants, three saloons, three hotels, a lumberyard, and many other establishments which would interest miners, visitors and locals.

I followed Staggs to where remains of the Columbia stamp mill can still be seen. A large structure, nestled next to a hill, and when looking northeast, the viewer can easily see the ghost town of Calico.

“They used wagons pulled by mules to bring the ore from Calico to here for crushing,” Staggs explained.

It could take sometimes two days to reach Daggett for milling, depending the amount of ore being towed in the wagons behind the mules. That’s a long time for a mere seven miles.

“Let’s speed up, Roger,” one drover may have been heard yelling at his partner on another ore wagon.

“We’re going as fast as we can,” Roger may have replied. “Ole, Bessy is moseying at her top speed.”

As it usually occurs with mining camps, the silver or gold ore eventually runs out. This

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The Ski Lodge Roof House

was the case for Calico – once a rich and rowdy mining camp, it soon turned into a deserted dwelling. And in the late 1890s, the population of Calico dwindled until it became a ghost town.

But one of the by-products which was found while mining in Calico was the substance, Borax.

Turns out, Borax had many uses which made being human even more enjoyable. It can be used in toothpaste and as a laundry additive. It can be used for acne cure, skin creams, and lotions. It can be used for paints and ceramic glaze. But, most importantly, it can be used for making slime for kids.

This product was a wonder find.

So, in 1891, Francis Marion Smith – the Borax King - moved to Daggett from Death Valley and installed mining operations at the Borate mine, a few miles east of Calico. It was such a successful venture that in 1898, the Borate and Daggett Railroad was built to move the Borax to Daggett, which was

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Alf's Blacksmith shop

easier and cheaper than the twenty mule team wagons which were being used.

Unfortunately, in 1911, richer Borax finds were located back in Death Valley, and the Borax King left.

The population and economy of Daggett soon decreased through the years, to its present day figure of two hundred citizens.

Lawrence Vintus, a member of the Daggett Historical Society and employee of the Community Services District, believes there is a rebound coming for the town in which he was born and raised.

This is a pretty ambitious belief for a young man who graduated high school in 2020. His love of Daggett is evident in every word he uses when discussing his hometown.

“We’re going to make this town a tourist destination,” Vintus announced, while showing the tour group around Alf’s blacksmith shop, built in the late 1800s. His family has owned the property, where the shop is located, for decades – a lot of decades.

As I walked through the tall dusty wooden doors into the interior of

the blacksmith shop, I felt as if I had just walked back in time. Tools, from the late 1890s were lined up everywhere around the shop. It was though the blacksmith had just left for an afternoon break.

“This is how my grandfather left it for us,” Vintus said. “Now we want to share it with everyone.”

Staggs nodded. “Mugwumps is being renovated as a visitor’s center, with a restaurant, gift shop, and a place tourists can visit to understand the importance Daggett.”

Standing there, in the blacksmith’s shop, looking at these two men, it was hard to imagine they would fail at their dream of making Daggett a must go place to see.

When I wrote my novel, I used Daggett as a place for the protagonist.

There was a reason he had to go there. There was a reason I had to write about it. And, now it is a place for all with a love of history should venture to.

For more information for tours – 760-927-9155

Mugwumps - site of future Visitor Center

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Lucerne Valley

By John Beyer

Continued from page 1

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ND PERHAPS, ACCORDING TO “Didn’t you stop by here years ago?” Don IMDB.COM, to film some of the asked. following movies – Valkyrie (2008), “Yes, of course. You recognize me, since I Green Lantern (2011), and Alpha II don’t age,” I responded.

“What do you want?”

(2918).

There are so many more films, television Did I mention Don is a pretty straight shooting series, and commercials that have been shot kind of guy? in Lucerne Valley – but, I just got lazy, and Of course, being the social butterfly I am, decided mentioning the three most popular Don and I hit it off immediately again.

“You know, I was in a music video, here in films was enough to make my point.

But, Don Henry, owner and awesome artist, Lucerne Valley.” He told me. “The Hollywood of ‘Art by Henry’, had something to add to types always use this part of the desert for commercials, music videos, and the like. those few I mentioned.

Laureen and I had stopped by Henry’s We’re remote, and I guess viewers like studio years ago, at the corner of Highway remoteness.”

18 and Trade Post Road, on our way to Big “I like remoteness,” I replied.

Bear. Bought a couple of pieces of art from He just looked at me. the gentleman and then left.

Turns out that Don Henry, was one of the While I was back in town, I stopped by his actors in the music video by Kranium, filmed business again. in Lucerne Valley in 2015. Kranium’s Kemar 12

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Donaldson, is a Jamaican reggae star. The video shot in Lucerne Valley was for his 2013 hit single, ‘Nobody Has To Know’.

He played his role down though. “I was the guy in the video cooking and waving at the crew when they left. Not much of a part, but nice folks and very professional.”

Well, that part was more than I had in my bag of memorable moments with reggae singers.

I listen to Bob Marley on Sirius – that’s all I have.

But, I wasn’t in Lucerne Valley to discuss stardom with Don Henry. Nope, a reader had written to ask if I had ever heard of Chimney Rock, just west of the town limits of Lucerne Valley.

I know what a chimney is. I have plenty of fires during the winter, but no – not a chimney rock in Lucerne Valley.

Research, Watson, research.

Chimney Rock historical marker

Welcome to Nelson Studios

Turns out that Chimney Rock is an important part of the history of the Mojave Desert.

On February 16th, 1867, a group of Native Americans found themselves fighting for their lives against a posse of settlers at Chimney Rock.

It is historically known as the last battle between immigrant settlers and Native Americans in the Mojave Desert.

As with all history, there are two perspectives.

Pioneers in the valley and up in the mountains near modern day Big Bear, had had enough of some of the local tribe members stealing their cattle, stealing their horses, burning down saw mills, burning down houses, killing a settler here and there, and just overall being aggressive.

Then, on the other side of the proverbial coin, the Native Americans didn’t like the settlers coming into the area carving up large amounts of territory for themselves. Erecting fences, constructing houses, creating more roads for more settlers, building towns, and having the overall effect of destroying their hunting grounds.

Not a positive situation for anyone concerned.

The matter was settled at Chimney Rock. This was the final camp of the natives, and they were surprised by a posse who had been following them for months.

There was a shootout, and the natives retreated to the desert areas.

People of both parties were wounded and killed, and that was the last violent resistance in the Mojave Desert, according to historical sources.

I had driven to Lucerne Valley to investigate the site of Chimney Rock. It was easy to find. At the junction of Highway 18 and Rabbit Springs Road, there are two stone markers indicating the site of the last struggle between natives and settlers.

“That was easy to find,” I said, as I pulled over and saw the markers.

“Now what?”

I took some photos of the hills northwest of the markers and peered through a metal tube on the marker on the right. Looking through the tube, a person has a perfect sight to where chimney rock is.

“Hey, that looks like a chimney,” I stated, wishing Laureen was there to respond – instead of sounding like an idiot talking to myself. “Wish Laureen was here.”

Cafe 247

“Stop talking to yourself.” I said.

I had brought a metal detector for some searching around Chimney Rock. Never know what a person may find at the site of the last struggle between Native Americans and settlers. Bullet casings, belt buckles, or even a bucket of gold.

It was windy, chilly, and the hike would be well over a mile from where I was parked. And, there probably would be no pot of gold, so I decided to drive into Lucerne Valley and have a look around.

When in doubt, take the easy route – another great motto.

Entering the town, I passed another place we had driven by many times in the past but never explored. ‘Nelson Studios’.

The location is easy to pinpoint on the north side of Highway 18, and the water tower with the name of the studio emblazoned on it, was a dead giveaway. The entrance is guarded by beautifully decorated stone walls with two ornate iron gates.

Very impressive, but there is no film studio.

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Columns still standing at the Nelson Studios

Why was this place deserted? I took out my phone, and asked Mr. Google.

A little research led me to an article from the Daily Press, published on September 22, 2016. It was written by none other than Matthew Cabe.

His piece, This Desert Life: My Nelson Studios Obsession, is a must read. Fascinating, and full of research on how this place came about and the demise.

Detailed and precise. That’s his style – facts matter.

My take: he got it wrong.

As I walked through the deserted grounds of the Nelson Studios, what I experienced was tumbled down Roman columns, Roman tubs, Roman walkways, Roman benches with all those fancy curly kind of designs they were known for.

“What do you want on that fountain?”

“Some curly rock carved things. What do you think?

“I like curly fries.”

“Sorry, we’re two thousand years before they are invented.”

It was eerie, each step I took around the grounds I expected a Roman Centurion to come at me asking my business.

“Draw your sword,” he would demand.

“I have a camera with a flash,” I would threaten.

And, where was Matt wrong?

I’ve traveled a lot in the desert over my years. Met great people from all the places I never knew existed.

So, in those travels and listening to what I’ve listened too, perhaps there is another reason for all the Roman stuff laying around the Nelson Studios.

Could Julius Caesar have stopped by Lucerne Valley to build a new empire?

He was powerful, egoistical and had desired world domination.

“What do you think, Crassus? Should Lucerne Valley be our next conquest?”

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“I don’t think that’s how it happened,” Don Henry told me. “What I understand is that the studio was actually manufacturing things for Hollywood films. Like you saw as you walked around today.”

That meant Cabe’s research was more accurate than mine! Foiled again.

The day was spent, and so was I. Lucerne Valley is not a place to drive through from here to there. It is a place to stop. There is so much history, that it would take hours, if not days to take it all in.

Businesses are open, so take a moment and spend some time.

Perhaps, like me, you may see the ghost of Gaius Julius Caesar hanging around, near Nelson Studios.

If not, how about a burger at Café 247? They are real. And tasty.

Oh, also stop by and chit-chat with Don Henry at his art studio. He has some real interesting items there, and is a local history book on legs.

Art by Henry

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HANKS TO THE MHS MEMBERS who once again came over to the Apple Valley Inn to attend and help with community events. Our June 25 “fieldtrip” was to the Bob Hope Cottage to pay tribute to an important Apple Valley landmark, the Historic Hilltop House. Due to publicity by the Apple Valley Inn office staff and members of the Apple Valley Historic Advisory Committee, MHS members were joined by a large number of locals who enjoyed a warm and only slightly breezy night celebrating local history. With Eric supervising parking, Delvin handing out raffle tickets, Mary handling sales, Bryan welcoming guests to the museum, Apple Valley Legacy Museum volunteer Peggy sharingof displays, and 3 members of the Inn staff providing and serving refreshments, everyone was taken care of.

Guests visited the museum, and browsed porch displays of the Hilltop House construction, the showplace of Apple Valley Ranchos, photos of its current condition, news articles over the years, photos of the teenagers being arrested for the destructive fire, architectural plans of the Apple Valley Legacy Trail committee, and more. A 2014 slide show presented the history and future of the site, including the structure and the hiking trails.

The main event was a showing of “Saturday Night Bath in Apple

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Valley,” which first debuted in 1965 at the El Rancho Theatre in Victorville. We had a superstar in our midst, an Apple Valley man named Barry Bryan, who was in the movie as a fourth grader attending Mariana School. His classroom and classmates were chosen for the school scenes. He was a good sport who brought his family members to enjoy his celebrity status, pointing himself out as “the kid in the plaid shirt.” Despite the ridiculous plot of the movie, the warm night, good company, and every scene filmed in a recognizable place (The Apple Valley Inn, the Hilltop House in all its glory, the Western village at Dead Man’s Point, St. Joan of Arc Church on 6th Street in Victorville, and George Air Force Base) the audience members thoroughly enjoyed themselves.

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CALENDAR Aug. 13

Apple Valley Flea Market- 8-1:00 Lions Park, 20701 Highway 18, AV Legacy Museum booth

Aug. 17

State of the Town, an evening event open to the public- 6:30 pm Town Hall, 14975 Dale Evans Parkway, historic displays

CELEBRATE

Aug. 27

Mohahve Historic Society fieldtrip to Wrightwood Museum- 10 am 6036 Cedar Street, call (760) 985-1918 to join the group

Sept. 17

Santa Fe Trading Co. Crafts Fair- theme Rockabilly- come visit our booth outside Victor Valley Legacy Museum 15492 7th Street

Sept. 24

Mohahve Historical Society fieldtrip to 20 Mule Team Museum in Boron, 10 am 26962 20 Mule Team Rd., followed by trips to Space Museum and other sites, call (760) 985-1918 to join the group

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HDCWC Holds Writing Workshops at Hesperia Library

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HE HIGH DESERT BRANCH OF THE CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB (HDCWC) conducted a free writing workshop at the Hesperia Library Community Room recently entitled “Write The Story You Always Wanted to Tell.”

The session, well-attended by the public, is one in a series of three classes that are conducted by local published authors who are members of the HDCWC. “How to Begin Your Memoir” was taught by Dr. Mary Langer Thompson. HDCWC President Dwight Norris illustrated from his personal collection of family memoirs how important and easy it is to produce a valuable book to record some of one’s family history.

The HDCWC is scheduled to meet again at the same location of Monday August 29 and Monday, September 25 from 5 to 7 pm for further workshops that are open to the public at no charge.Reservations are not necessary.

The club meets monthly at the Community Church at Jess Ranch in Apple Valley on the second Saturday of each month. The purpose of the CWC is to assist writters at all levels of the craft to write, publish and market their work. The public is invited and welcome to attend meetings at no charge.

For more information about the club, visit www.hdcwc.com or call 760.221.6367.

Dr. Mary Langer Thompson teaches how to begin a memoir.

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Let PULSE be the voice and the door knocker for your business!!

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St. Mary Medical Center in Apple Valley receives high marks for specialty care

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ROVIDENCE ST. MARY MEDICAL CENTER officials announced that the Apple Valley facility earned “high performing” ratings from U.S. News & World Report for the treatment of six serious conditions.

Located on Highway 18 in Apple Valley, the hospital was recognized for its treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), diabetes, heart failure, kidney failure, pneumonia and stroke, according to data released today.

“Each of these conditions is extremely serious, and our doctors and caregivers – despite overwhelming numbers of COVID-19 cases over the past 2 ½ years – have continued to provide excellent care to all our patients,” said Randy Castillo, the hospital’s chief executive. “Our caregivers have sacrificed so much, and they put their own health and well-being on the line throughout the pandemic to ensure the High Desert continues to receive leading-edge care. They truly live our Promise: Know me, care for me, ease my way.”

Castillo said shared expertise, research and innovation across Providence Southern California have helped raise the level of care across specialties across the organization.

U.S. News announced its Best Hospitals rankings and ratings based on data from 4,500 hospitals nationwide, 415 in California.

The annual Best Hospitals rankings and ratings, now in their 33rd year, are designed to assist patients and their doctors in

By Rene Ray De La Cruz

making informed decisions about where to receive quality care for challenging health conditions or elective procedures.

“Providence is committed to its long-standing tradition of outstanding quality and exceptional care for our patients and their loved ones,” said Kevin Manemann, chief executive. “Thank you to Providence St. Mary for the exceptional care you provide to the High Desert community.”

U.S. News evaluated each hospital’s performance using a variety of measures such as survival rates, complication rates, patient experience and level of nursing care. The Best Hospitals methodology factors in data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, American Hospital Association, professional organizations and medical specialists.

About Providence

Providence is a national, not-for-profit Catholic health system comprising a diverse family of organizations and driven by a belief that health is a human right.

With 52 hospitals, over 1,000 physician clinics, senior services, supportive housing, and many other health and educational services.

The health system and its partners employ more than 120,000 caregivers serving communities across seven states – Alaska, California, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Texas, and Washington, with system offices in Renton, Washington and Irvine, California.

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

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

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Celebrating Song With the HDCWC

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HE HIGH DESERT BRANCH OF THE CALIFORNIA WRITERS CLUB (HDCWC) will highlight the talent of writing lyrics on Saturday, August 13 at the Jess Ranch Community Church located at 11537 Apple Valley Road in Apple Valley. The meeting begins at 10 am. The public is welcome and invited to attend free of charge.

The HDCWC, composed of local writers, will honor the genre of writing lyrics by reading and sometimes singing favorite songs.

Members are invited to play an instrument or just talk about music and its impact on their lives. It will be an Open Mic for music.

Members and guests wanting to sign up to participate may request a 5 minute spot by emailing HDCWC@aol.com. Time allowing,

guests will be able to participate in the Open Mic for music, however members will be given first priority.

Member authors are invited and encouraged to bring their published work to offer for sale at this meeting. The audience may want to do some early Christmas shopping at this event, buying original work from local authors and musicians.

The California Writers Club is a century-old nonprofit that is the largest professional organization of writers west of the Mississippi. Its goal is to assist writers at all levels of the craft to write, publish and market their work. The High Desert Branch meets in person on the second Saturday of each month.

For more information, call 760.221.6367 or visit www.hdcwc.com.

HIGH DESERT MARINES Monthly Breakfast Meeting

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Friday, 5 August 2022

Serving the seniors, families and businesses of our area.

0800 Spring Valley Lake Country Club 13229 Spring Valley Parkway Victorville, CA

Breakfast Buffet: $20

See you there! ************

HIGH DESERT MARINES Will celebrate the 247th Birthday of the US. Marine Corps With a splendid Birthday Ball 10 November 2022 1730-2230 (5:30 pm - 10:30 pm

Call me for a no obligation consultation Adolph Collaso

Hilton Garden Inn 12603 Mariposa Road Victorville, CA

Loan Officer | NMLS# 249695 O: (760) 242-8822 M: (760) 987-1959 acollaso@ccmclending.com CherryCreekMortgage.com/acollaso

Tickets on sale at

Breakfast Meeting, Friday 5 August 2022 $70 each Table of 8: $560 Table of 10 $700

18409 Highway 18 | Suite 5 | Apple Valley, CA 92307 Cherry Creek Mortgage, LLC NMLS #3001. Licensed by the Department of Business Oversight under the California Residential Mortgage Lending Act, License #4130289. This material is not from HUD or FHA and the document is not approved by the Department of HUD or any Government Agency. Our company is not endorsed by nor acting on behalf of or at the direction of the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Federal Housing Administration, the US Department of Agriculture or the Federal Government.

Info: Pat Hagler (909)238-3157

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IS A REVERSE MORTGAGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

OF THE DESERT PULSE HIGH

Palisades Museum Monument

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INCE DISCOVERING OUR MISSING PALISADES Museum Monument lying under a bush at the Palisades Ranch (formerly Silver River Ranch) in Helendale last October, several Mohahve Historical Society board members had been negotiating with the Mojave Desert Land Trust (current owners of the property) to get permission to retrieve it.

Originally located on the National Trails Highway (Route 66) just north of the northern branch of Bryman Road, the monument directing people to Bob Older’s Palisades Ranch Museum sat on public property. Who removed it more than ten years ago is still unclear. Many Helendale residents remembered that at some point it “just disappeared.”

Bob Older, known for flying the nation’s largest United States

By Marcy Taylor

flag, planned a museum in a building on his property, the site of the well- publicised 1990 Time Capsule burial, a combined effort of the Mohahve Historical Society, the Helendale School Distorict, and the Bob Older family. Both the time capsule burial and the monument placement were well-documented, as photos captured the many people in attendance for both celebrations: Mohahve Historical Society members, Helendale school employees and students,the Bob Older family, as well as Mayor Joe Manners of Oro Grande, artist Bill Bender of Helendale, and other recognizable locals.

On Monday July 25, 2022, MHS board members Rick Schmidt and Marcy Taylor accompanied Ozzie and Jesus Diaz of Diaz Landscaping to the site. Since the bridge over the river at Bryman Road had been washed out years ago, entrance means going north to Silver Lakes, then back south down a dirt road to the property.

The group was met by resident Adrian Baca and his daughter, and the fun began! It’s not easy to lift a 2000 pound block of stone, but Ozzie’s skillful maneuvering in his Bobcat made it look like child’s play. He loaded it up onto Rick’s flatbed, and we were off!

Unloading the monument and getting it into the correct position in the pre-dug hole proved to be a bit more challenging and dangerous. But after several frustrating attempts, a bit of ground leveling and clean-up, the job was done!

Five days later, Saturday July 30, 18 proud MHS members and four guests, including Apple Valley Mayor Kari Leon, cut the ribbon to celebrate the occasion. The monument was extremely happy to finally be standing proudly upright, where once again its message could be appreciated, after ten long years of abandonment! You can find more of the story on the soon-to-be-published MHS Monuments booklet, Edition 2, which will be available at the Apple Valley Legacy Museum and all MHS meetings and fieldtrips.

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OR THE LAST SEVERAL YEARS four historical societies, Wrightwood, Highland, San Bernardino, and Mohahve Historical Society, have been working together on creating a welcoming stopping place and chance to learn some history on Wagon Trail Road in the Cajon Pass. The spot just past the McDonalds on the 138 exit off the I-15 marks the location of the historic Camp Cajon, that provided a much needed respite for weary travelers driving this treacherous stretch of the Route 66 back in the 1920’s era. The first project was the completion of the Camp Cajon replica monument, dedicated July 4, 2019, exactly 100 years after the dedication of the original monument July 4, 1919.

Unfortunately a horrible flood put an end to Camp Cajon, and the road was realigned to bypass the spot.

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N JUNE 23 MARCY TAYLOR presented “The Amazing Influence of Dale Evans” at the Lone Wolf Colony. Attendees were treated to a powerpoint presentation which covered some lesser known facets of the personality and accomplishments of this long-time Apple Valley resident. To learn more consider purchasing a copy of “The Touch of Roy and Dale” Volume 1 (one used copy still available), or Volume 2 (3 new copies available.) See Marcy’s contribution on pages 212-216, Past President John Bascom’s story on page 255, and grandchildren’s contributions throughout the book.

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the progress. Keep stopping periodically and soon you will see all four educational and informative panels, with ten authentic road signs on top. This is our history, so let’s pay attention and embrace it!

Phase 2 of the historical societies’ project was the relocation of one of the original Camp Cajon concrete tables back to the site. Fortunately all of the concrete tables survived the flood, and had been safe and sound in parks in San Bernardino and Lytle Creek for many years. It was quite a chore to move one of them, the Lucerne Valley table, back home. The third and current project is the creation of a four-panel kiosk, that will provide travelers (or interested locals) with a map, and a good dose of the history of the area. So far, one panel is in place.

So the next time you drive either up or down the pass, and maybe get hungry for a McDonald’s hamburger, why not drive about a block further down the road and check out

July 12 at the Friends of the Apple Valley Library regular monthly meeting her topic was “The Green Book” highlighting Apple Valley’s Murray and Raglan Ranches. It is interesting that along the whole Route 66 from Chicago to Los Angeles the only guest ranches available for minority travelers were both in what was at that time known as “the outskirts of Victorville.” MHS member Bruce Hollenbeck added to the presentation with his tale of riding his bike (with his dog in the basket) over to the Murrays, at that time owned

by Pearl Bailey and her husband Louie Belson. After frequent visits, he was hired OF THE DESERT PULSE HIGH

by Pearl to take care of the plants and animals whenever they were out of town.

Now that’s quite a job for a little small-town kid!

Thanks to the MHS members in attendance, of course FAVL members Mary Dutro, Carol Johnson, Bruce Hollenbeck, Dennis and Stephanie Hom, Jan Myers, and Tricia Douglas, as well as visitors Mary Ann and Gene Christy, Patty Hedges, and Marcy Taylor. There have been some requests for Candacy Taylor’s “Overground Railroad” book, on which this presentation was based, so I may order some more in the near future.

August 2022 Tai Chi

Yoga

Tai Chi

Yoga

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

8:30 Senior Lounge

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

8:30 Senior Lounge

Yoga

Tai Chi

Yoga

Tai Chi

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

3:30 Town Center

Tai Chi

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

10:00 Town Center

Craft

1:00 Senior Lounge

Yoga

8:30 Senior Lounge

Tai Chi 10:00 Town Center

Yoga

Yoga 8:30 Senior Lounge

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

10:00 Town Center

Yoga 3:30 Town Center

Tai Chi 8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

Tai Chi Craft

1:00 Senior Lounge

Yoga 8:30 Senior Lounge

Tai Chi

10:00 Town Center

3:30 Town Center

Tai Chi 8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga 9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga 3:30 Town Center

10:00 Town Center

10:00 Town Center

Tai Chi

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

8:30 Senior Lounge

Tai Chi

10:00 Town Center

10:00 Town Center

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

Yoga

Yoga

3:30 Town Center

Tai Chi

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Tai Chi

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

Yoga

8:30 Senior Lounge

Tai Chi 10:00 Town Center

10:00 Town Center

Tai Chi

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

Yoga

8:30 Senior Lounge

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Tai Chi

Yoga

10:00 Town Center

10:00 Town Center

Yoga 8:30 Senior Lounge

Tai Chi

10:00 Town Center

Tai Chi

8:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

9:00 Barstow Sr Ctr

Yoga

Yoga 8:30 Senior Lounge

Senior Kicks Club Hot-Nutritional

LUNCH SERVED DAILY! 60+ Seniors 11:30am - 12:30pm Senior Lounge Dine In or Take Out Senior Lounge - 18564 Hwy 18, Suite 107, Apple Valley Town Center - 19111 Town Center Drive, Apple Valley Barstow Senior Center - 555 Melissa Avenue, Barstow RSVP required on Craft Classes & Workshops! 760.338.0914

BECOME A SENIOR KICKS CLUB MEMBER CLASSES ARE COMPLIMENTARY! 760.338.0914 Choice Medical Group membership not required to attend classes and utilize the Senior Resource Center services.

Provided & Sponsored by...

Tai Chi

10:00 Town Center

10:00 Town Center

3:30 Town Center

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