lucerne valley leader: december 24, 2014

By Peter DaySenior reporter

The region is com-ing to realize what Lucerne Valley stu-dents and parents

have known for a quarter century: Middle school his-tory teacher Naomi “Miss O” Oyadomari is one of the most dynamic teachers around.

In October, a consortium that includes Congressman Paul Cook, local radio sta-tions, San Bernardino County Schools and Victor Valley College named Oyadomari its Teachers R Heroes recipient.

Last Friday morning, Mitsubishi Cement Co. plant manager Jim Russell and vice president of operations H.O. “Bud” Biggs surprised the teacher in class with a bouquet of flowers, a balloon and a card.

“Thank you for all you do for the students and our community,” said Biggs.

“You put Lucerne Valley

on the map,” Mitsubishi pub-lic relations consultant Millie Rader told Oyadomari. “Do you guys have an awesome

teacher or what?” Rader said to the students, who respond-

By Peter Day

Senior reporter

Among the reds, yel-lows and browns of fallen leaves are festive green and red Christmas wreaths laid carefully on more than 200 graves of veterans at the Lucerne Valley Memorial Park cemetery.

The wreaths were made over a two-week span by members of the Desert Crossroads Garden Club. A group of hardy club volun-

teers braved the cold on Saturday, Dec. 12 and placed the handmade wreaths on 222 graves in all areas of the cemetery. Finding the veterans’ graves was made easier thanks to a list provided to the club by Sharon Fritz of CSA 29, which manages the facility.

After completing their task, Sara Delperdang, an officer of the club, read a poem honoring the vet-

Wednesday, December 24, 2014 • Serv ing Lucerne Va l ley s ince 1955

lv leaderLUCERNEVALLEYLEADER.Com

Briefs �� 2Calendar �� 3Classifieds �� 7opinion �� 4religion �� 6

News tips: 760-248-7878 [email protected]

advertising: 760-256-4140 [email protected]

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iNSiDe

>> Lucerne Valley youth Project gives backpacks

Page 2

>> Senior reporter Peter Day issues an apology

Page 4

The Lucerne Val ley Leader uses recycled

newsprint.

>> Just Jewelry Craft Show at Senior Center

Page 6

CriMe

See BLOtter • pAGe 5

SHERIFF’S BLOTTER

Garden Clublays wreathsfor veterans

Teaching by exampleMiDDLe SCHOOL teaCHer reCOGNiZeD

Mitsubishi shines light on recent

Teachers R Heroes winner Naomi

Oyadomari

peter DAY / the LeADer

A Christmas wreath rests on a grave of a U.S. navy veteran buried at the Lucerne Valley Memorial park. the Desert Crossroad Garden Club made more than 200 wreaths.

See OyaDOMari • pAGe 3

See rOaDrUNNerS • pAGe 3

Town rallies for Christmas giving

By Peter DaySenior reporter

L U C E R N E V A L L E Y

• Vo l u n t e e r s f r o m t h e L u ce r n e Va l l ey Roadrunners gathered in the Lucerne Valley Elementary School mul-tipurpose room Saturday to assemble large bags of Christmas gifts for 83 needy families.

Billie Stebbins’ volun-teer crew was surround-ed by countless toys and hygiene items for girls and boys that came from a variety of givers from Lucerne Valley and beyond.

“This all starts with the Toy Run,” said long-

tuesday, Dec. 164:16 p.m. An arrest was made in

the 10700 block of Recada Avenue.3:29 p.m. A petty theft arrest was

made in the 32900 block of Highway 18.

2:45 p.m. A petty theft arrest was made in the 32800 block of Old Woman Springs Road.

1:45 p.m. Deputies were called to handle a crisis in the 31500 area of Highway 18.Monday, Dec. 15

7:59 a.m. An arrest was made in the 10200 vicinity of Bessemer Mine Road.Sunday, Dec. 14

9:03 p.m. A drug-related arrest was made in the vicinity of Mesa Road and Foothill Road.

4:34 p.m. A petty theft was reported in the 32600 block of Highway 18.

3:45 p.m. Trespassing was reported in the 30000 block of Rabbit Springs Road.

3:37 p.m. A followup to an earlier incident ended in an arrest in the 5100 block of Neighborly Place.

2:42 p.m. A disturbance was reported in the 30000 block of Rabbit Springs Road.

9:24 a.m. An Alamo Street resi-dent reported a burglary.

7:19 a.m. Search and rescue sup-port was requested on Camp Rock Road.Saturday, Dec. 13

11:54 p.m. An arrest was made in the area of High Road and Falcon Road.

9:43 p.m. Deputies responded to a 5150 situation on Rancho Street.

3:05 p.m. The fire department was called to provide support for a call on Verdugo Road.

9:44 a.m. Lost property was reported by a Sapphire Road resi-dent.

9:05 a.m. Deputies were called to keep the peace at a Cove Road residence.

1:06 a.m. A drug-related arrest was made in the area of Rabbit Springs Lane and Kendall Road.

Friday, Dec. 123:24 p.m. A burglary arrest was

made in the 30000 block of Wilshire Road.

2:49 a.m. A larceny was reported in the 32000 block of Zircon Road.

thursday, Dec. 118:42 p.m. An Ox Bow Road resi-

dent report an auto theft. 1:53 p.m. A commercial burglary

The Leader wishes our readers,

subscribers, advertisers

and all a very Merry

Christmas!

LVES multi-pur-pose room turns

into a Santa’s Workshop of gifts


piles of toys are ready for being put in bags and pre-sented to famlies to give to their children.


Santa Claus (a.k.a. honorary Mayor Lyle thomas) shares some cheer with 4-year-old Victoria parazoo and sis-ter Anastasia, 1, at the Moose Lodge last Saturday. Santa Claus was the star of a party hosted by the Lucerne Valley Youth project. For more infor-mation, see page 2.


Lucerne Valley Middle School teacher naomi oyadomari is all smiles after receiving surprises from Mitsubishi Cement plant manager Jim russell, right, and vice president of operations h.o. “Bud” Biggs.

See WreatHS • pAGe 5

On Dec. 15, the Lucerne Valley Chapter of the FFA held its Chapter Winter Meeting. There, the mem-bers enjoyed many games and contests, from eating contests to guessing mov-ies. Everyone had a great time and cannot wait until the next one.

It is also the day that the freshmen, known as “Greenhands,” got to experience some of the activities that take place during FFA Week: Log Skii and A-Frame. They got their hands painting green, and during sixth period, members had the Greenhand Ceremony where the freshmen got their first degree in FFA and their awards.

impromptu, Job interview, extempo-raneous Speaking

On Dec. 2, Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter took eight students to Apple Val ley High S chool . There, the group com-peted in separate com-petitions; Impromptu, Jo b I n t e r v i e w, a n d Extemporaneous speak-ing.

I n I m p r o m p t u , Alexa Walkovitz took 1st, Keagan Weis took 2nd, Madison Redding took 4th, and Brandi Carrillo took 5th. Job Interview, Georgette Moreno took 2nd. Justin Nichols also took 2nd

place in Extempt. (Alexa Wa l k o v i t z , K e a g a n Weis, Annabelle Fox, Madison Redding, Brandi Carril lo: Impromptu; G e o r g e t t e M o r e n o , Kimberley Morales: Job Interview; Justin Nichols: Extemporaneous).

PAGE 2 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 The Leader

This newspaper is dedicated to being an indispensable source of information and entertainment in our town while promoting the spirit of freedom��

EXECUTIVEPresident Barack Obama (D)The White House1600 Pennsylvania Ave�� NW,Washington, D��C�� 20500Phone: 202-456-1414

U.S. SENATEBarbara Boxer (D)112 Hart Office BuildingWashington, D��C�� 20510Phone: Inland Empire Office — (951) 684-4849Sacramento Office — 916-448-2787

Dianne Feinstein (D)331 Hart Office Building,Washington, D��C�� 20510Phone: 202-224-3841

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVESPaul Cook (R)1222 Longworth House Office BuildingWashington, D��C�� 20515Phone: 202-225-5861Fax: 202-225-6498Apple Valley District Office14955 Dale Evans ParkwayApple Valley, CA 92307

STATE OF CALIFORNIAGov. Jerry Brown (D)State Capitol Building, Suite 1173Sacramento, CA 95814Phone: 916-445-2841

STATE SENATEJean Fuller (R)Represents 18th Senate District (includes LucerneValley)

District Office5001 California Ave�� Suite 105Bakersfield, CA 94248-0001Phone (661) 323-0443Capitol OfficeState Capitol, Rm�� 3063Sacramento, CA 94248-0001Phone 916-651-4018

STATE ASSEMBLYTim Donnelly (R)Represents 33rd AssemblyCapitol Office (includes Lucerne Valley)PO Box 942849Sacramento, CA 94249Phone: 916-319-2033Fax: 916-319-2133District Office15900 Smoketree St��, Room 100,Hesperia, CA 92345Phone: 760-244-5277Fax: 760-244-5447

SAN BERNARDINO COUNTYSupervisor James RamosEmail: SupervisorRamos@ sbcounty��govCounty Government Center385 North Arrowhead Ave��, Fifth FloorSan Bernardino, CA 92415-0110Phone 909-387-4855Fax: 909-387-3018Joshua Tree District Office63665 Twentynine PalmsHighway, Joshua Tree, CA92252Phone: 760-366-1488Fax: 760-366-1489Big Bear District OfficePhone: 909-866-0140

MaKiNG CONtaCt

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WWW.LUCERNEVALLEYLEADER.COM

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Martial Haprov / Editor

Peter Day / Senior Reporter

Angie Callahan / Advertising Director

Harry Pontius / Operations Director

Robert Cabrera / Finance Manager

Todd Bradshaw / Circulation Director

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Deadline for retail advertising is noon Thursdays

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Deadline for classified advertising is 2 p��m�� Mondays

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WHAT’S HAPPENING / NEWS

WHat’S HaPPeNiNG BrieF

FFA holds Winter Meeting

FFa NeWS

LVEDA Tuesday, Jan. 6The Lucerne Valley Economic Development

Association will hold its next regular meeting at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 6 at the Senior Center.

This meeting will be a forum to help draft a uni-fied response to the State’s DRECP and the County’s SPARC (Renewable Energy plans) from unincorpo-rated communities/organizations within the First and Third Supervisorial Districts. Invited will be repre-sentatives from the Morongo Basin west to Oak Hills who are actively involved in protecting our respective communities from these pending plans and dictates.

eight FFA students participated in speaking competitons at Apple Valley high School.


Lucerne Valley Youth project founder pam hardwick, center, checks the names of families expected to pick up backpacks at the Moose Lodge last Saturday.

Youth Project give backpacks

By Peter Day

Senior reporter

The families of near-ly 60 middle- and high school-aged children received backpacks filled with goodies by the Lucerne Valley Youth Project at the Moose Lodge last Saturday.

“ I t ’s f u n s e e i n g those faces light up,” said Lucerne Valley Chamber President Lorane Abercrombie, who helped organizer Pam Hardwick and a crew of volunteers hand

the Lucerne Valley FFA Chapter gathered on Dec. 15 for its Chapter Winter Meeting.

GiViNG

See BaCKPaCKS • pAGe 6

MOOSE LODGE VISIT


Santa Claus made several children very happy during a visit to the Moose Lodge last Saturday. here, he visits with emilenne Godden, 11, and her brother patrick, 10.

The Leader Wednesday, December 24, 2014 PAGE 3COMMUNITY


history teacher naomi oyadomari and students in one of her middle-school history classes were surprised by a visit from two Mitsubishi cement executives — plant manager Jim russell and Vp of operations h.o. “Bud” Biggs.

time volunteer Diane Holland.

The annual October event attracts motorcycle club riders from through Southern California who end up at nearby Pioneer Park to deliver their gifts and enjoy a barbecue buf-fet. For the months that followed, the local branch of First Mountain Bank collected additional toys and matched financial donations up to $1,000.

Despite the town’s g e n e r o s i t y , s o m e Roadrunners were con-cerned that they wouldn’t have enough toys for Lucerne Valley’s large number of children ages 0-12 whose families strug-gle to provide gifts.

“Every year we worry, and then the world comes through and we do it,” said an emotional Jo Richards.

Early Saturday morn-ing, Toys for Tots deliv-ered a U-Haul van full of gifts of all types — Wilson footballs for the boys, dolls, large stuffed ani-mals. It was more than the Roadrunners could have hoped for.

“The gifts kept com-ing and coming and

coming,” Richards said. “Lucerne Valley will have Christmas. There’s such a need, such a need.”

“Blessings to them,” said Woody Hart, an always involved volun-teer and former honorary mayor.

Hart was joined by his Roadrunner wife Pam and their daughter Bekah, a middle-schooler who has learned the value of com-munity service first-hand.

O t h e r v o l u n t e e r s also helped out. Special education teacher Judy Baudoux and several of her students volunteered several hours.

“I tell my students we always remembers we give and we receive,” Baudoux said.

Baudoux’s twin sister Jo Richard, Richard’s son Colby Baruch, an airman home on leave from a U.S. Airbase in Germany, and Baruch’s 9-year-old neph-ew Avary Baruch helped to bag toys.

The next day the bags of toys and hygiene sup-plies were handed out, making numerous chil-dren’s Christmas dreams come true.

“If it wasn’t for the c o m m u n i t y c o m i n g through we wouldn’t be able to do this,” Stebbins said.

ROADRUNNERSFrOM pAGe 1


Billie Stebbins, right, who chairs the roadrunners’ Christmas gift program, is joined by volunteers, from left, Jo richard, Colby Baruch and Judy Baudoux.

ed with an enthusiastic cheer.

For the past eight years, the Mitsubishi Cement Corporation Educational Foundation has provided thousands of dollars in the form of scholarships and mini-grants to Lucerne Valley students and teachers with an emphasis on nat-ural and applied scienc-es. In addition, MCCEF has sponsored the annual Ride in the Rocks moun-tain bike event that rais-es funds while bringing the community together for a half day of vigorous exercise, camaraderie and tasty barbecue.

Lucerne Valley High School-Middle School P r i n c i p a l Pa t r i c i a Courtney said Oyadomari is an excellent example of the caring, engaging instructors at both the

middle school and high school.

“Like many of the staff members, she goes up and beyond,” Courtney said. “She’s truly an example of a lifelong learner. She seeks to grow just like her stu-dents.”

O r i g i n a l l y f r o m Hawaii, Oyadomari has taken a group of middle-schoolers on an educa-tional trip to Washington, D.C. every spring for the past six years. This year, the group will add a New York City leg to the trip.

“This will be a fun, exciting trip with lots to see,” she said last month.

The first year year Oyadomari had 15 stu-dents, but during her second year, which was the 2008 inauguration of President Barack Obama, she oversaw a large group of 28 stu-dents and 10 adults who served as chaperones. Last year, Oyadomari had 15 students, which

included two “scholar-ship” students who ben-efited from the commu-nity’s generosity.

To help defray the costs — the trip costs $2,500 per student — the “D.C. Trip” group holds fundraisers and sends out letters inviting dona-tions. Recently, however, Miss O came up with a special plan to thank the town while raising money for next spring’s trip. Thanks to the gen-erosity of former honor-ary mayor Jerry Bryant, who owns the sprawling Lazy Lizard Ranch, the D.C. Trip group recently held a “Boot, Scoot and Boogie” fundraiser that attracted hundreds of supporters who enjoyed line dancing, food and fun.

All the hard work pays off, however, when the students are able to wit-ness key elements of U.S. history first-hand. Then, the hours of studying books and writing class

papers comes together.“When I see that in

their eyes, the trip is worth it,” Oyadomari said.

Despite the appre-ciation for Oyadomari’s teaching abilities, she certainly is not the only ta lented teacher in Lucerne Valley, according to Courtney. Previously, Teachers R Heroes awards went to Linda Schlenz, a popular LVHS English teacher, and to Troy Van Bavel, who for 20 years has maintained one of the most success-ful FFA programs in the High Desert.

But Oyadomari is a shining example that belongs in that special group of teachers pass along the message that learning is an everyday experience that never ends.

“She exemplifies that,” Courtney said.

OYADOMARIFrOM pAGe 1

By Peter Day

I want to formally apologize to the Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce for my Reporter’s Notebook commentary that appeared in the Leader several weeks ago.

The article on my thoughts about the organiza-tion’s office manager position was wrong-headed, lacking in sensitivity and ill-advised. Most importantly, it hurt the feel-ings of several people who have given their hearts and souls to the organization and our town.

I am sincerely very sorry.The article contained one par-

ticularly egregious error. It stated the Chamber doesn’t pay the office manager for attending functions outside of regular office hours. That statement was false. It does pay its staff member for official functions, such as grand openings and other Chamber-sponsored events.

The Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce is one of the most important civic organizations in town. It directly helps the community, assists local businesses and directs newcomers and visitors to local resources, points of interest and businesses and services.

The annual Honorary Mayor contest brings in dollars that help defray the office manager salary. Current Honorary Mayor Lyle Thomas, who works at the Mitsubishi Cement Co. cement plant, repre-sents the chamber and the town. He can be seen at numerous town events and last weekend donned a beard and a suit of red and white to help brighten the lives of local youth through the Lucerne Valley Youth Project backpack gift program.

Honorary Mayor Emeritus Woody Hart, his wife Pam and their daughter Bekah continue to give back to the community by donating countless vol-unteer hours.

Longtime Chamber board member Jean Magee also is one of those special giving people. She also serves as an appointed member of the Lucerne Valley-Johnson Valley Municipal Advisory Council and bakes dozens upon dozens of cookies and other yummy goodies for event attendees.

Chamber President Lorane Abercrombie and her husband J.L. have always been beacons of light to the community, and to me personally. They were among the first to greet me when I came aboard the Leader last year. I appreciate that greatly.

Like Jean, Lorane wears many hats. She also is an appointed member of the MAC and has served as president of the Lucerne Valley Seniors for sev-eral years.

In many ways the Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce represents the heart and soul of our town. It deserves support from you — and from me.

Peter Day is senior reporter for the Lucerne Valley Leader news-paper. Day can be reached at [email protected].

PAGE 4 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 The Leader

VIEWPOINT / NEWS

PeterDay

rePOrter’S NOteBOOK

An overdueapology

Talkin’ TrashDear Editor,Pe t e r, t h a n k y o u

for taking the time last week to listen to me “talk trash.” I was frustrated about the problem we have with people using our desert as their own personal trash dump, but I don’t think that I was clear as to what I was hoping to achieve in our conversation.

I have been following Daily Press Editor Steve Hunt’s articles concern-ing the Daily Press “Pride Campaign,” where he is using the newspaper to put a spotlight on the problem that Victorville has with the same type of disregard for our des-ert and for other people’s property. By bringing this problem to the forefront, he is bringing people together in the effort to clean up the mess. He is also trying to get our gov-ernment officials to take some responsibility as well.

I was hoping that by showing the massive amounts of junk that have been scattered along the streets of our town, that we might be able to stir up some action from the

agencies that receive our tax dollars.

The day your article came out concerning our conversation; I was taken to task for not sharing the names of the two guys who had been told by their employer to dump construction waste on what was supposed to be property belonging to their employer. I need to say here that those two guys were very polite when I asked them not to dump their load and they did not dump it. When I went down and spoke with their employer, who lives in L.A., he told me that he would have them take the stuff to the dump. I can only hope that they did.

One part of the prob-lem is that according to the www.sbcounty.gov website, State law requires that jurisdic-tions throughout the State divert 50% of the solid waste they generate from the landfills. Thus they charge $55 per ton to receive, sort and recy-cle what they call con-struction and demolition materials.

Local property own-ers pay taxes that should cover their use of our

local landfill, but they still have to pay extra if they are remodeling their homes or cleaning up their yards and actually bring their demolition waste to the dump.

Another problem is absentee landlords, who do not have to look at our deserts, nor do they want to pay extra to use our landfills. They choose to divert their construction waste to the nearest dirt road.

We also have plenty of people who do live here and just do not care. These people don’t even look for a dirt road instead they regularly

throw their bags of gar-bage out along Crystal Creek Road. Someone has even dumped a couch on Oracle Road just north of the Sheriff station, in the middle of town!

So the question is how do we fix the problem? Can we get the County to make the local land-fill more accessible? If we put out community dumpsters would people use them? Somebody out there has the answer. Let’s be proactive like Steve Hunt, take pride in our community and get things cleaned up.

Thank you for your time, millie Rader

LetterS tO tHe eDitOr

Thank youDear Editor,We would like to

thank all who helped with our annual Live Nativity presentation last week. We appre-ciate those who took time to stop to see the Nativity, up close and personal. while enjoy-ing the Christmas goodies provided by the congregation.

We especially want to thank Ted and

Linda Johnson from T E D DY ’ S B E A R S PUZZLES for provid-ing the wonderful tent for the refreshments. We were all blessed to be in out of the cold wind while enjoying the food and fellowship.

Merry Christmas to all and may you enjoy a very Blessed New Year as well.

The Pastors and congregation of

Crossroads Chapel Foursquare Church

To update your listing, email edi-tor@lucernevalleyleader��com, call 760-248-7878 or mail Lucerne Valley Leader, P��O�� Box 299, Lucerne Valley, CA 92356��

age WiseThis is a confidential counsel-

ing service for adults 55 and older, operated by San Bernardino County�� Appointments are set up at homes and community buildings in Lucerne Valley�� Call 800-451-5633��

alcoholics anonymous Lucerne Valley

The groups meet daily at 32774 Old Woman Springs Road in Lucerne Valley Shopping Center�� Call 760-242-9292 for details�� Following is a meet-ing schedule:

Sunday 5:30 - 6:30 p��m��, 12 x 12 Study��

Monday 6-7:15 p��m��, Family Al-Anon and 7:30 - 9 p��m��, Spanish speaking��

Tuesday 7:30 - 9 p��m��, Podium Meeting��

Wednesday Noon-1 p��m�� Participa-tion Meeting, and 7:30-9 p��m��, Guest Speaker/Birthday Chip Meeting��

Thursday 5:30-6:30 p��m�� Spiritual Maintenance Discussion Meeting��

Friday 5:30 - 6:30 p��m��, Open Participation, and 7-9 p��m�� Spanish speaking��

Saturday 7:30-9 p��m�� Big Book Study��

american LegionMeetings are held at noon on the

third Saturday of the month at the V��F��W�� located at 31861 Highway 18�� For more information, call 951-609-5507��

American Legion Women’s Auxil-iary unit No�� 879 meets on the first Saturday of each month at noon

at Jack-o-Landia, located at 32351 Highway 18��

Calvary Bible Church youth group meeting

Calvary Bible Church is hosting a youth group meeting every Tuesday at 5:30 p��m�� at Calvary Bible Church (formerly at Pioneer Park)�� There is live music, a youth lesson and games�� All teens are invited�� For more information, call 760-248-1127��

Celebrate recovery Hunter Harbor, a community

resource center, presents Celebrate Recovery every Tuesday from 6 to 8 p��m�� and every Friday at 6 p��m��

This Christian-based step study program provides support for those dealing with life’s troubles, includ-ing divorce, abuse, co-dependency, domestic violence, anger/emotional issues and addiction��

The group meets at the U-Turn building on the grounds of the Crossroads Chapel, located at 32525 Highway 18 in Lucerne Valley�� Call 760-220-3287 for details��

Chamber of CommerceBoard of Directors meet at 5:30

p��m�� on the second Monday of each month at the Senior Center��

Mailing address: Lucerne Valley Chamber of Commerce, P��O�� Box 401

Physical address: 32750 Hwy 18/Old Woman Springs Road

Phone: (760) 248-7215Fax: (760) 248-2096The Chamber’s new websites are

http://lvchamber��net/ and http://lu-cernevalley��us/

Email: Crossrd@lvchamber��net and lvchamber@lucernevalley��us

For more information, call Lu-

cerne Valley Chamber of Commerce office at 760-248-7215��

Community Hospice (of Victor Valley)

Anyone interested in volunteer-ing should call 760-946-4730��Community table

Lucerne Valley Community Table is a free dinner for the community every Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 p��m�� at St�� Paul Catholic Church, lo-cated at 8973 Mesa Road in Lucerne Valley�� All are welcome to attend, and donations are encouraged�� For more information, call 760-912-3100 or 760-912-4100��

Community theater Group in L.V.

A community theater group is forming in Lucerne Valley�� For fur-ther details, call Pete at 760-248-7171��

Desert Crossroads Garden Club

Meets at 9:30 a��m�� on the sec-ond Thursday of the month at the Lucerne Valley Community Center�� For more information call Sara at 760-248-7614��

High Desert antique Power association

This club for enthusiasts of an-tique tractors and vehicles meets at 7 p��m�� on the fourth Wednesday each month in Hesperia��

For more information, call Larry at 760-249-4259��

His Closet, His Pantry Free MinistriesHis Closet His Pantry FREE Ministries offers free gently used/newclothing for the entire family along with houseware items and furniture��

Our hours are 10 a��m�� to 1 p��m��

Thursdays and Fridays, weather permitting��

The ministry accepts donations and is always in need of clothes han-gars, children’s clothes (especially winter wear) and shoes��

The ministry is expanding and will be closed for remodeling from Oct�� 17 through Oct�� 31��

His Pantry will be open on Oct�� 31 for its Community Food Giveaway��

His Closet is located at 34551 Highway 18 at corner of Locust (toward Big Bear)�� For more informa-tion, call 760-248-7070��Hunter Harbor, a Community resource Center

Workshops offered: Parenting Classes, Parent Project Program, and Anger Management for all ages�� Call 760-220-3287 for details��

Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library

The Janice Horst Lucerne Valley Branch Library is located at 33103 Old Woman Springs Road in Lucerne Valley and can be reached by phone at 760-248-7521��

Hours are Monday through Wednesday 11 a��m�� to 7 p��m��, Thurs-day 10 a��m�� to 6 p��m��, Friday closed, Saturday 9 a��m�� to 5 p��m��, Sunday closed��

Children’s Story Time is on Wednesdays at 3 p��m�� The Book Club for Adults meets the last Wednesday of every month at 2:30 p��m�� Friends of the Library meetings are held at 10 a��m�� on the second Tuesday of each month��

Events held at the library are free of charge unless otherwise noted��

Jubilee Mutual Water Board of Directors meetings for

the Jubilee Mutual Water Co�� are held at 9 a��m�� on the third Saturday of every month in the Jubilee Water Company office at 8828 Joshua Av-enue in Lucerne Valley, CA 92356�� For more information, please call 760-248-7883�� Email: jubileewaterco@gmail��com��

the Love and Compassion Ministries

The food giveaway program is from 3 to 4:30 p��m�� every second and fourth Tuesday of the month and is distributed from Midway Park lo-cated at 34824 Rabbit Springs Road��

Call Beverly Bethune at 562-688-3436��

Lucerne Valley BusProvides transportation from

5:30 a��m�� to 7:30 p��m�� weekdays, and 8 a��m�� to 4 p��m�� on Saturdays�� $2��25 per ride��

Call 760-948-4021 for more infor-mation��LVDrC – Cert meetings

Meetings of the Lucerne Valley Disaster Readiness Council (LVDRC) and the Community Emergency Re-sponse Team (CERT) are held the 3rd Monday each month in the Commu-nity Center at 7 p��m�� A potluck dinner begins at 6 p��m�� which includes a disaster response training session at 6:30 p��m�� For more information call Bryan 760-248-2915 or Ron 760-248-2466�� The e-mail address is - LVDRC@yahoo��com��

Lucerne Valley Community table

Lucerne Valley Community Table is a free dinner for the community every Wednesday from 4:30-6:30 p��m�� at St�� Paul Catholic Church, lo-

cated at 8973 Mesa Road in Lucerne Valley�� All are welcome to attend, and donations are encouraged�� For more information, call 760-912-3100 or 760-912-4100��

Lucerne Valley Domestic Violence Outreach, inc.

Call 760-248-2064 if help is needed��

For assistance with temporary restraining orders, marriage, family and anger management, counsel-ing is available by appointment�� A batterer’s intervention program is also available��

Lucerne Valley economic Development association

LVEDA holds meetings at 5 p��m�� on the first Tuesday of each month at the Lucerne Valley Senior Center, 10431 Allen Way,

off Highway 247 in Lucerne Val-ley, behind the library�� Meetings are open to the public�� For more information, call Jean Magee at 760-953-1513��

Pacific Clinics Club House food give-away

The Pacific Clinics Club House (also known as A Place to Go) holds a food give-away on the first Thurs-day of every month��

The food give-away is sponsored by the Community Action Partner-ship of San Bernardino Food Bank Program and USDA Surplus Com-modities��

Lucerne Valley elementary School

CALENDAR

See CaLeNDar • pAGe 6

erans who served our country bravely and hon-orably.

The local event, which is called “Wreaths for Veterans,” is similar to the “Wreaths Across America” program, which involves volunteer groups across the country that lay a total of 500,000 wreathes in 900 cemeter-ies.

“Our little program here is called ‘Wreaths

for Veterans’ as we are not affiliated directly with ‘Wreaths Across America,’” Delperdang said. “But we have the same goal, to remember and honor our past vet-erans.”

The larger program began in 1992 when a group of veterans’ families donated 5,000 wreaths to place on headstones at Arlington National Cemetery. In 2003, the internet age propelled the movement and the non-profit “Wreaths Across America” was born. This year, more than 200,000

wreaths were placed at Arlington, according to Delperdang.

“These wreaths our garden club has made are dedicated with thanks to not only the veterans who are buried here in this cemetery but include all the veterans of our coun-try’s armed forces, as well as their family members who also sacrifice for us,” she said.

For more information on the Desert Crossroads Garden Club, call Sara Delperdang at 760-248-7614.

was reported in the 32900 area of Highway 18.

10:20 a.m. Authorities were alerted to a dead body in the 30000 block of Pawnee Street.

1:36 a.m. An arrest was made in the vicin-ity of Emerald Road and Mesa Road.

1:32 a.m. A distur-bance was reported in the 30000 block of Emerald Road.

Wednesday, Dec. 109:02 p.m. A drunk

in public situation was reported in the 32600 block of Highway 18.

7:37 p.m. A distur-bance was reported in the 30000 block of Emerald Road.

7:09 p.m. A vehicle theft was reported by a Santa Fe Fire Road resi-dent.

The Leader Wednesday, December 24, 2014 PAGE 5

NEWS

WEEKLY BOOKING LOGSStAFF report

The Leader publishes the names of those who are arrested in Lucerne Valley as well as Lucerne Valley residents who are arrested elsewhere in San Bernardino County, along with the reason for their arrest. All information comes from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

• RESISTING ARREST (BooKING): On

Dec. 11 at 2:19 a.m. in the 32000 block of Emerald, 50-year-old Timothy Bartosch of Lucerne Valley was arrest-ed on suspicion of resisting arrest. He was booked into the Victorville Station, cited and released later that day.

•BURGLARY (BooKING): On Dec. 12 at

5:32 p.m., 36-year-old Fernando Silva of Lucerne Valley was arrested on sus-picion of burglary. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center, and bail was set at $75,000.

•mETHAmPHETAmINE PoSSESSIoN

(BooKING): On Oct. 13 at 1:35 a.m. in the vicinity of Rabbit Springs Lane and Kendall, Theresa Ann Faulkner, 48, of Lucerne Valley was arrested on suspicion of methamphetamine possession and driving on a suspend-ed license. She was booked into the Victor Valley Station and released the same day.

•VEHICLE THEFT (WARRANT): On Oct.

14 at 12:01 a.m. in the area of Falcon and High Road, Steven Anthony Gurule, 32, of Lucerne Valley was arrested on $250,000 warrant for a sentencing enhancement. He also was arrested on suspicion of vehicle theft and a parole violation. Gurule was under post release community super-

vision. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center.

•DRUG PoSSESSIoN (WARRANT): On

Oct. 14 at 4:36 a.m. in the 35000 block of El Dorado St., Nicole Elizabeth Ricci, 40, of Lucerne Valley was arrest-ed on four warrants totaling $40,000. They included warrants for drug pos-session, methamphetamine posses-sion and misdemeanor elder abuse. She was booked into the West Valley Detention Center.

•DRUG PoSSESSIoN (BooKING): On

Oct. 14 at 9:42 p.m. in the area of Mesa Road and Foothill Road, 41-year-old Melinda Marie Obregon was arrest-ed on suspicion of drug possession and driving without a license. She was booked and released the next day.

•mETHAmPHETAmINE PoSSESSIoN

(WARRANT): On Dec. 15 at 2:22 p.m. in the city of Adelanto, Jeffrey Thomas Miller, 61, of Lucerne Valley was arrested on a $75,000 for being under the suspicion of possessing metham-phetamines. He was booked into the High Desert Detention Center.

•DRUNK IN PUBLIC (BooKING): On

Dec. 15 at 5:20 p.m. in Victorville, 58-year-old Vincent Richard Nixon of Lucerne Valley was arrested on suspi-cion of being drunk in public. He was booked into the Victorville jail and released the next day.

•BURGLARY (BooKING): On Dec.

16 at 4:40 p.m. in the 10000 block of Recada Avenue, Thomas Rollins, 30, of Lucerne Valley was arrested on suspi-cion of burglary and receiving stolen property. Bail was set at $75,000 and he was booked into the High Desert Detention Center.

BLOTTERFrOM pAGe 1


Sara Delperdang of the Desert Crossroads Garden Club addresses fellow members during the Dec. 12 dedication of the 222 handmade wreaths laid on veterans’ graves at Lucerne Valley Memorial park.

WREATHSFrOM pAGe 1

WInTEr WEATHEr


Winter came a week early as snow covered mountains above Lucerne Valley in mid-December. the storm brought cold temperatures and rain in town. More than an inch of rain fell, bringing much-appreciated water to a dry region. Above are the snowy peaks as seen from old Woman Springs road near highway 18.

Happy Holidays!

StAFF report

The Just Jewelry ‘Plus’ Craft Show took place on Dec 13 and

14 at the Senior Center.The event featured

local crafters, artisans, jewelers and painters displaying and selling an assortment of items including earrings, necklaces, bracelets and more. Many of the items were one-of-a-kind origi-nal artworks.

Freda Leibrick served as event organizer.

Artisans included Kelly Medici, who sold handmade jewelry. Ophelia Porter, who is the organizer of the annual Pow-Wow event in town, was joined by her son Justice Torres, an officer in the Lucerne Valley FFA.

Porter, an experienced jewelry maker, empha-sizes Native American pieces.

Gem and lapidary expert Dawn Kerns sold unique she created using

an air compressor. The ephemeral nature of Kerns’ art encouraged viewers to decide each piece’s meaning.

Local water colorist and art educator Tina

Oertle sold her works while working on a paint-ing of dog.

But jewelry and art wasn’t all. Two sisters, Shellee and Cindee, sold CDs and DVDs.

Will this be a good Christmas?To lots of kids, the answer may be embedded in the

response to the question: “Whaddja get?”On the other hand, retailers and Wall Street inves-

tors will look to sales and profits.What a pity that the spiritual and

social potential of this holiday can be so easily lost.

Of course, Christmas is a pro-foundly important day of worship to devout Christians, so a “good” Christmas must include a meaningful religious connection with the teach-ings of Jesus.

But for many Christians and non-Christians, there are other dimen-sions to this day.

In fact, Christmas is more than a single day; it’s a season involving weeks of preparation and celebration devoted to fam-ily, friendships and, most important of all, a grand vision of “peace on earth and goodwill toward men.”

To me, a good Christmas is one that helps us become better people so we can have better lives and a better society.

On a personal level, the optimism, good cheer, and goodwill embodied in the Christmas spirit are anti-dotes to selfishness and superficiality. They can help us find purpose and meaning in love, kindness, char-ity, gratitude, and forgiveness.

On a social level, a good Christmas is one where we can say we’ve made meaningful progress combat-ing homelessness, hunger, and poverty. It would also be a good Christmas if we truly overcame the fears, suspicions, and prejudices that may be hindering our expression of goodwill to all men, regardless of their ethnicity, national origin, or personal religion.

So regardless of your religion, I hope you’ll make this Christmas a good one.

This is Michael Josephson reminding you that charac-ter counts.

PAGE 6 Wednesday, December 24, 2014 The LeaderRELIGION/COMMUNITY

Religion

Will This Be a Good Christmas?

CHARACTER CoUNTS MICHAEL

JOSEPHSON

Local artisans display their wares


Artist and lapidary expert Dawn Kerns shows one of her unique art pieces shown at the recent Just Jewelry plus Craft Show.

CAroLine LieBer / For the LeADer

Jewelry maker Kelly Medici displays her items at the Just Jewelry plus Show at the Senior Center.

CAroLine LieBer / For the LeADer

ophelia porter, left, and Justice torres wait for custom-ers during the event on Dec. 13 and 14.

out the gifts.The giving is the cul-

mination of a year of fundraising activities. In addition, the local mines, including OMYA and Mitsubishi, pitched in to help.

E a c h b a c k p a c k — there was a “girlie” patterned, and black and green ones — was stuffed with hygiene sup-plies, clothes and other goodies for teenagers.

I n a d d i t i o n , t h e Youth Project donated 13 back packs to the Roadrunners’ Christmas gift program, which pro-vides gifts to the younger children.

Hardwick credited the Big Lots store in Apple

Valley for making a dif-ference.

During the summer, the organizations send a group of teens for a long weekend camping trip at the Serrano Campground in Big Bear.

The Lucerne Valley Youth Pro ject i s a charitable organization member of the High D e s e r t C o m m u n i t y Organization, which helps 60 non-profits pro-vide to the needy.

Donations are wel-co m e d a n d g re at l y appreciated. Checks may be made to HDCF (High Desert Community F o u n d a t i o n ) w i t h “Lucerne Valley Youth Project (LVYP)” in the memo section. Send to HDCF, 16000 Apple Valley Road C3, Apple Valley, CA 92307.

BACK PACKSFrOM pAGe 2

Booster ClubLocal residents have created a

non-profit organization to help bring money back into the elementary school for teachers and students�� They plan to take care of all the fund-raisers such as Box Tops for Education, Campbell’s soup labels and many more fun projects��

They plan to raise money to help with field trips, school supplies and other classroom needs��

Meetings will be held on the first Monday of every month at 3:30 p��m�� at the cafeteria at Lucerne Valley Elementary School��

Anyone can be a booster member for an annual cost of $5 To be on the board you must have a child enrolled at LVES�� Contact Keri Lindner with any questions at 760-248-2322��

Lucerne Valley Lions Club

The Lions club holds dinner meet-ings at 7 p��m�� on the first and third Thursday of each month at Lions Pride Park�� Follow signs from Rabbit Springs Road and Highway 18�� Call 760-248-7670��

Lucerne Valley Lions Pistol, rifle and trap range

Open to Public�� Rifle, Pistol range open at 8 a��m�� every Saturday - $8 per shooter, all day�� Trap range open at 8 a��m�� Saturdays - $5 per round (a round is 25 clays)�� Trap range open at 5 p��m�� Tuesday under the big lights - $5 per round�� Follow signs from Rabbit Springs Road and High-way 18�� Call 760-248-7670��

Lucerne Valley MuseumThe Lucerne Valley Museum will

be open the last Saturday of each month from April through October�� Hours will be 10 a��m�� to noon�� Any donations can be made at that time as well��

Lucerne Valley

Senior CitizensMeetings are at 12:45 p��m�� on the

second Wednesday of the month at the Lucerne Valley Senior Center�� Center is open from 9 a��m�� until 1 p��m�� on weekdays��

Lunch is served at 11:30 a��m�� for senior citizens and guests, Monday through Friday�� Call 760-248-2248��

Lucerne Valley tOPSLucerne Valley TOPS No�� 1066

meets every Monday at the Lucerne Valley Community Church located at 10375 Ladera (behind the fire station)��

Weigh-in 8:15-9 a��m��, meeting 9 -10:15 a��m�� For more information, call Esther at 760-248-9320 or Sharon at 760-646-3690��

Lucerne Valley Unified School District

Meetings are held at 5:30 p��m�� on the second Wednesday of each month at the district offices on Aliento Road just south of Highway 18�� Call 760-248-6108 for details��

Lucerne Valley/Johnson Valley Municipal advisory Council

Meetings are held at 5 p��m�� on the third Thursday of the month at the Lucerne Valley Community Center�� The public is encouraged to attend��

Agendas are typically posted in the What’s Happening section of The Leader the week before each meet-ing�� For further information, call 760-248-7048��

Moose LodgeThe Moose Lodge is open from

11 a��m�� to closing every day�� Meet-ings are held on the first and third Wednesdays of the month at 7 p��m�� in the newly renovated Moose Lodge�� Guests welcome to call for information�� Monday night burgers, Wednesdays is taco night�� Friday and Saturday dinners call first�� Contact the Moose Lodge at 760-248-6164 for more information��

Outriders equestrian Club

Meetings are at 11 a��m�� on the

first Sunday of the month at the Moose Lodge�� Persons interested in joining are welcome to attend�� For more information, call Marie Scafidi 760-220-2834 or Mary Daugherty at 760-333-5483��

Parents Growth GroupThis parenting group meets the

second Thursday of each month at the Crossroads Chapel on Highway 18 in Lucerne Valley��

Call Heather Otwell at 760-248-9211 or e-mail otwellfam@gmail��com for details��

Pet Overpopulation Coalition

Residents of San Bernardino County are eligible for help, to spay and neuter pets��

Receive $50 per dog and $25 per cat�� Limit of three vouchers at one time per family��

Call P��O��P��C��O at (888) 767-2550 or 760-248-7848��

roadrunnersThis women’s charitable organi-

zation meets on the first Monday of the month at 10 a��m�� at the Lucerne Valley Senior Center�� No lunches will be served��

The group is involved in many charitable events for children throughout the year��

Call 760-248-7215 or 760-248-6176 for additional details��

Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 5551

The Lucerne Valley VFW is look-ing for new members�� Members enjoy savings on cell phone service, education, hotel and car rentals, real estate and mortgage services, healthcare services, commercial merchandise and more�� DD214 required��

Contact the post between 8 a��m��

and noon by phone at 760-248-7484,

by email at VFWPost5551@yahoo��

com or by mail at P��O�� Box 2012, Lu-

cerne Valley, CA 92356�� You can also

stop by the physical location at 31861

Highway 18��

Meetings are held on the third

Saturday of each month starting at

10 a��m��

Hamburgers and tacos are no

longer available��

CALENDARFrOM pAGe 2

“Now the birth of Jesus Christ was as follows:

when His mother Mary had been betrothed

to Joseph, before they came together she was found to be with child

by the Holy Spirit.”

Matthew 1:18

JUSt JeWeLry PLUS SHOW

lucerne valley leader: december 24, 2014

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