Lucerne Valley Leader

By KRIS REILLY
Editor

High winds left some of Lucerne Valley without power over the weekend, but local authorities received no reports of injuries or major damage.

The only major incident during the Jan. 21 windstorm was a fire that burned an uninhabited cabin on Baker Road, though authorities were uncertain if the fire had anything to do with the wind.

Gusts estimated to be at least 50 miles per hour kicked up during the night, damaging a power line in southern Lucerne Valley and leaving 479 households without power at about 1:40 a.m. Saturday.

By BEATRIZ E. VALENZUELA
Staff Writer

Roberto Espinoza has been recognized for what he’s done to help young people elsewhere in the High Desert, and now he’s hoping to help the youth of Lucerne Valley.

A small-business owner and a father of five, Espinoza volunteers at two different Police Activities League boxing programs.

“These kids need structure and someone there for them to keep them out of trouble,” Espinoza said. “And for them, the discipline of boxing is the answer.”

By KRIS REILLY
Editor

A Lucerne Valley man who allegedly used the victim’s own gun in a robbery last year was transported back to San Bernardino County last week after serving time in state prison for an unrelated domestic violence conviction.

Gary Lee Taber, 23, was arrested last May after he allegedly took a loaded gun, cash and other items from a house on Midway Avenue.

Authorities said the victim came home and found Taber in the house. Taber allegedly pointed the gun at the victim and left with the cash and personal items.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The booking logs and sheriff’s blotter have been combined so our readers can find all of our weekly crime reporting in one place. The most recent incidents are listed first, and each entry has a short lead-in describing the type of incident. Also, the Sheriff’s Blotter will now be available online at LucerneValleyLeader.com in addition to the print edition. All information comes from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

By KRIS REILLY
Editor

San Bernardino County Third District Supervisor Neil Derry has vowed to be interactive with the people of Lucerne Valley. He’s ready to start making good on that promise next week.

Tonight's (Jan. 24) meeting of the Municipal Advisory Council will feature a town hall meeting with Derry, the new supervisor for the Lucerne Valley area.

The public is encouraged to attend the meeting, which will take place tonight at 5 p.m. at the Lucerne Valley Community Center.

By KRIS REILLY
Editor

As of press time on Monday, local authorities were still searching for the suspect in a stabbing that occurred in Lucerne Valley on Jan. 2.

The victim was stabbed twice in the side of the chest and may have sustained damage to one of his lungs but he was expected to survive, San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Detective William Badger said.

The victim claimed he was putting air in his tires on the night of Jan. 2 at the Valero gas station on Highway 18 when an unknown male came up to him and uttered a racial slur, instigating a fight.

Mustangs dominate Bishop Union, look forward to Kern Valley on Thursday

By KRIS REILLY
Editor

The Lucerne Valley High School wrestling team stayed unbeaten in dual meets with a 54-14 victor over Bishop Union High School last Thursday night at the LVHS gym.

Team captain Isaac Aguilar got a victory in 58 seconds at 113 pounds, while 152-pounder Emmanuel Dimas, a junior, got a pin in 20 seconds.

Senior Matt Beans (138 pounds) got his victory in 43 seconds.

EDITOR’S NOTE: The booking logs and sheriff’s blotter have been combined so our readers can find all of our weekly crime reporting in one place. The most recent incidents are listed first, and each entry has a short lead-in describing the type of incident. Also, the Sheriff’s Blotter will now be available online at LucerneValleyLeader.com in addition to the print edition. All information comes from the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department.

BY JO RICHARDS
Special to the Leader

I’m going to use this space for something a bit different this week. I’ve had several people stop me to say they enjoy Chapter 14, and some have said it’s nice that I’m “taking Pat’s place.”

I could never take Pat Judkins’ place. She has been dearly missed by this community since her death, and we will continue to miss her for all time. “My Word,” the column she wrote for The Leader for many years, was unique and much more professional than anything I could ever do.

More local debate on renewable energy issue

Linda Gommel (in a letter published in the Jan. 11 Leader) states that “... the green energy push to be based on the fraudulent theory... as global warming”, and that “American people are being manipulated and controlled with guilt in the name of doing good to the environment ...”