The Neighborhood Renewal Program allows DHS residents to apply for up to $15,000 in grant money to improve the exterior of their homes, including weatherization, roofing and landscape programs.

Homeowner Margaret Block joined Mayor Yvonne Parks at the podium on this windy day.

Photos and report by Bruce Montgomery

Tuesday night’s adoption of the plan will lead to a creation of the Downtown Specific Plan to be considered by November or December of this year, said Community Development Director Charles LaClaire. “Even if the plan is adopted tonight any ailment of the plan can be amended due to circumstances at that time,” he explained.

Mark Rhoder from the PMC Consulting Firm led the talks much further. “Your downtown is the most visible aspect. People will want to locate their families here. They are an economic tool for the entire community,” he said, discussing the pros of having a Specific Plan, which many cities in California already have. “Study showed that once a plan was adopted, properties go up 13-14% in value. The blueprint is clear.”

Details of the plan include keeping design relevant to the California Mojave Desert, and to create a community-friendly downtown corridor along Highway 62 (Twentynine Palms Highway) and Adobe Road, which leads to the Marine Base. Two plans were discussed, whether or not the city decides to construct a sewer system or stay septic.

Rhoder added, “The streetscape plan planned for 29 Palms Highway would calm traffic and be pedestrian friendly. I can tell you from first hand experience that crossing 62 would take your life in your hands.” He suggested that the speed limit be around 25 mile per hour.

Council members made a few discussions. Mayor Steve Flock wanted to see more higher end businesses coming to the downtown area. “The businesses downtown are sustained by the businesses in the area. We need a higher end development rather than low income projects and still attract the Marine Corps.”

Rhoder compared an example of a city with a plan, which was the border town of Chula Vista, California. He stated, “We developed a plan for the city of Chula Vista. It was a forgotten area towards the border. I called them 2 years ago and they got the grant. We got $14 million. They were one of the only cities that did a transient oriented plan. By adopting the plan, you put your cards on the table. I would say that you set yourself up for grant awards.”

Jay Corbin, a candidate running for a city council seat, commented, “I agree that our downtown need a plan. I see a lot of positive elements in the plan but there are a couple of things I am concerned about. We have 100 vacant lots. Half of them are commercial. Unless we have people tearing them down, this $11 million burden will be on those property owners. I’m also concerned about a business improvement district. Unemployment has gone to 15%.”

If the city were to go with the sewered plan, fees would be paid by the new businesses and by anybody who hooks into the system, said the Mayor. Much debate was brought up about the sizes of businesses if the downtown area were to go with a sewer system. If septic systems remain in place, businesses would be smaller in size.

Steve Van Dusser, a resident, commented, “It may cost 10 to 100 time more than to do it later than sooner. I think it’s better we do it now before we expand the roads.”

OTHER COUNCIL ITEMS

Council voted 5/0 on Tuesday night to increase the severance pay of the City Manager from 6 months to 12 months and to increase his cell phone allowance from $150 to $175 per month.

Also, a Bike Path named after USMC Petty Officer Steven Collins was approved unanimously by the city council. In 1996, Collins was hit by a car on his way to work by the base. After that happened, several groups and friends of his wanted to honor him.
There will be signs placed in his honor at the base entrance, explaining a little history about Collins.

Finally, after nearly an hour of discussion, the City Council voted 3/2 to approve $120,000 be spent annually for the position of Economic Development/Redevelopment Specialist. However, council also voted to redefine the position’s requirements, which will be discussed more in-depth at a future council meeting.

The city welcomes one new commissioner, Steve Sobotta, and a new alternate, Anthony Colarossi.  This was followed by the selection of John Gerardi to continue as Chair with Elizabeth Versace selected as Vice Chair. 

Hotel San Carlos, a 20- unit hotel on the Northwest corner of Palm Drive and Ironwood received a CPU approval for the re-establishment of this hotel.  It has been vacant for several years; and as stated by Mike Platt, the city needs to get these hotels, large and small back in operation.  This will bring new curbs and gutters as well as a water feature around the front tree with lighting to enhance the entrance. 

Fresh and Easy, a proposed grocery store for the Northwest corner of Palm Drive and Hacienda Avenue, was before the Commission to request a modification to their previously entitled plans.  They are downsizing all 160+ stores to approx. 10,000 sq. ft with addition of specialty stores.  The Desert Hot Springs store has not started construction as yet, so the change will be easier to implement than those stores already built.  There will be a specialty shop added to compliment their business and attract more customers.  The 28 ft height has not changed and the graffiti resistant paint will be used.  Commissioners; having concerns of further delays, stipulated that demo of the building must start within 60 days and a completion of the demo within 120 days. 

As a further condition of the approval, the specialty shop cannot be occupied until after the primary store is occupied.  A representative for the Fresh and Easy store stated that March and April are the key months for their commencement of construction.

Ashburn, of the State Senate district 18, which serves Bakersfield, Twentynine Palms, Needles and Barstow, is the largest in California. The 55-year-old father of four girls has been married in the past and is also a devout Roman Catholic. He had asked those who supported him in the past to pray for him.

Ever since he was elected to the State Senate and other offices 14 years ago, Ashburn always opposed gay rights legislation in the State, including opposing gay marriage. He was outright in favor of Proposition 8, which limits marriage to one man and one woman and took away the right of same-sex couples to marry. He claims that he was voting along with his constituents, who influenced his votes.

On March 3rd, Ashburn took a state-owned vehicle to a gay bar in Sacramento, accompanied by a male companion. After leaving the bar, he was later caught drunk driving and was arrested. His Blood-Alcohol level was 0.14, which is .06 higher than the legal limit. His companion was not arrested.

A week before, Ashburn resigned from KERN radio, as he hosted a weekly radio show on that station. After the arrest was made public, website owners of the KERN station removed his page, citing embarrassment for their reason.

Responding deputies found the juvenile suspect suffering from massive injuries to his right hand. The juvenile was transported by medical helicopter to Loma Linda University Medical Center where he underwent surgery and treatment for his injuries.

Investigation into the circumstances of this incident by Morongo Basin Station detectives and Sheriff’s Bomb and Arson personnel revealed that the suspect had made several homemade explosive devices. One of the devices malfunctioned as the suspect prepared to detonate it, resulting in his injuries. The Bomb and Arson Detail rendered safe a backpack that the suspect brought to the scene that was believed to contain additional unexploded devices.

Detectives subsequently served a search warrant at a residence located in the 56000 block of Navajo Trail, Yucca Valley, where items consistent with the manufacturing of destructive devices were collected. The investigation is ongoing. It is likely that the teen will face criminal charges.

The Art In Public Places program has been through city’s process for the past three years.  It started in the Community and Cultural Affairs Commission, then was determined that it needed to be presented before Planning Commission for recommendation to Council before returning for implementation.  It took several studies by the Planning Commission before final recommendation to Council in 2009. 

There were a few objections against the ordinance as written; then a possible litigation came to light.  The Council decided to do more study before proceeding, to stay off any possible expensive lawsuit.  The BIA (Building Industry Association) objected to the program being implemented at a time of recession with builders having to make severe cuts to stay active.  The BIA also objected to the fees as set.  They wanted the city to consider a stepped-in fee when building would commence again and the ordinance set as a development impact fee (DIF). Then, a meeting was held with a Council member and legal staff in an effort to resolve the issues.  The resolution came after several staff and BIA meetings took place. 

The ordinance did not change in any manner, with the exception of moving it out of zoning and into the Municipal Code as Chapter 164. Councilman Karl Baker stated he had done some research on the Art In Public Places program with cities in the 20-26,000 population size, and particularly in the Coachella Valley. Only approx half of the cities had a program, however not one city carried the fee as a DIF.  Councilman Scott Matas stated this Council was committed to seeing the program a part of our city and had worked hard for a long time to see that happen.

The Ordinance was approved to be added to the Municipal Code Chapter 164, with the addition of review by the Community and Cultural Affairs Commission before going to the City Council, should there be any changes proposed to the ordinance.

The contest will feature several categories in both Division A (New Beards) and Division B (Existing Beards).  Judging will take place at the Grubstakes Community Fair at the Yucca Valley Community Center grounds on Saturday, May 29th, 2010.


At the end of the three-month growing period, competitors’ beards will be judged and awards presented according to various categories including best overall beard, longest beard, thickest beard, best groomed, most original, best mustache, and best effort. Similar criteria will be used for judging the existing beard category.


To learn more about the contest, contact Maureen Randall at the Town of Yucca valley Community Services Office, 760-369-7211.


This is the 60th annual Grubstake days celebration, honoring the rich mining and ranching history of the Yucca Valley area. For information about other ancillary events and about the community contact the Yucca Valley Chamber of Commerce at 760-365-6323.

This recognition was acknowledged by Mayor Yvonne Parks presenting Mike with a Certificate of Recognition to show her appreciation for his efforts and dedication. Mike was an Assistant Principal at the Desert Hot Springs High School in past years and stated it was good to be home again.

In keeping with city pride, Sgt. Larry Essex was promoted in the Police Department. This is especially a very high point as Sgt. Essex is also a returning Desert Hot Springs resident.

George Fisher was recognized for his participation on the Earthquake Preparedness Committee and its success for the Shake, Rattle and Roll demo. Several members of the committee were recognized with thanks from the Mayor. Later George Fisher was sworn in as an alternate on the Community and Cultural Affairs Commission.

Plus, Cabot’s Museum sold $27,000 (that is 27 thousand) worth of merchandise on the weekend the pottery artists were here for demonstrations at the Museum.

The Economic Development Committee had a kickoff meeting with subsequent meetings to be held the 4th Thursday of each month. Anyone interested in participation in this committee should contact Councilman Scott Matas or attend meeting. 6:00 at Carl May Center,

City staff suggested to use the Housing Fund, in which the city will have five years to repay. The letter to the Riverside County Auditor was approved with Councilmember Karl Baker asking if a protest was appropriate and if so to be included in the letter, so that the objection is on record. 

Council also approved the service agreement with the County to provide road maintenance and police protection to an area that is to be included in their next annexation, which was approved by LAFCO in 2006.  This pocket area known as Oasis is surrounded on three sides by the city and will be included in the annexation that is west of Little Morongo, south of Pierson along with the Cholla Gardens area.

Back on January 17th, officers were dispatched to the 67-900 block of Whitney Court reference an alarm activation. When they arrived, they found the rear sliding glass door had been smashed and the home was burglarized. About a month later, on Monday, the victim of the robbery contacted the police because he had some information about some property stolen from his home.

Soon, the victim noticed that the face plate to the stereo installed on his hot tub was missing. He went online to CraigsList and found someone in the Palm Springs area was selling a detachable face plate that matched the one he was missing. He informed police and they followed up on the leads. The subject making the post gave his location out as being in Desert Hot Springs.

Police soon identified this suspect as Darius Griffin. Detectives took this information and located him at his residence on Calle Azteca road. They confronted him with evidence against him, and the suspect turned over the stolen face plate. They went back to the stolen stereo and found that it matched. Griffin was later arrested without incident for possession of stolen property.

The cost of replacing the plate would have been about $100. Griffin, age 18, was later booked into the Riverside County Jail and is held at $5,000 bail.

For the past two months, City officials have been tweaking the ordinance, influenced by public input. Planning Manager Martin Magana explained that this original ordinance was first adopted in 1969 and that the 2010 version is more modernized.

“This is dramatically different and the way it works is that those who participate will be certified for three years. Those who do not go through the program will be given a year to comply. It will go into effect Jan 2011,” he said.

What he means are that property owners who rent two or more units will have to take a class in crime-free housing. These all-day classes would certify these owners for three years to come.

Magana further explains, “It’s about security reasons and this is what the crime-free thing is all about. This educates them on how to be safe and look out after their properties.”

City Manager Rick Daniels adds, “What we’re saying is that minimum standards will not have exposed wiring, sewage leakage to the grounds. There will be running water, hot and cold. We are setting those standards as the minimum standards. We are developing a system that allows us to focus.”

More than a dozen residents spoke during Public Comments against the idea, with fear of their privacy invaded. Lisa Masters, a manager of a 24-unit complex, stated, “We are against them coming into our complex anytime they want. I keep things up in order. On behalf of the tenants, I’m against this completely and don’t want anybody invading my privacy.”

Jim Provence, a renter, commented, “I would like to say thank you for trying to improve the quality of life. This ordinance does not do it and it’s like mixing apples and oranges. It makes a mess. This constant inspection may go to the landlord and it may affect your tenants by raising rents. You’re causing more problems.”

However, two people showed up in support of the ordinance. Jim Jones stated, “I just want to thank the city staff for being cooperative.” Also, Tim Brophy commended the council for their efforts. “I thank Mr. Magana and Ms. Pye for this ordinance. I’m proud to stand here tonight and see that we’re going to be an example. I’ve seen us given a bad rap on things.”

Councilman Karl Baker set the record straight. “There are many rentals that are substandard. There are many good ones,” he said. “The greatest number of phone calls relate to those lousy houses. That’s the only reason parolees rent here. This is an effort by the city to bring the standards up.”

Asking a lot of questions was Councilman Russell Betts. He was not comfortable with the entire agreement. “Where does the costs come from? The city’s taking on the big challenge here,” he asked. He was later told that this is a program that will operate on little or no cost, if any would be generated from fines and fees charged to the owners.

Daniels and Chief Pat Williams explained further that this program will help reduce crime in the city and lessen the load on the police department. Daniels said, “If we can make this affective, this will reduce the number of crime and calls for service. If we get all the landlords to go through with this, that’s a victory for the city.”

In answer to the invasion of privacy concerns sparked by residents, Williams added, “We cannot go into any rental unit without the consent of the tenant. We cannot go in without a warrant.”

And with that, the City Council voted to approve this ordinance, which has been tabled for review during the end of 2009.

Go to the City Council meeting video provided by the City of Desert Hot Springs.