2013 Local News Archive Stories

It was the opportunity of a lifetime for one Hesperia detailer. And this project was a bit bigger than his usual clientele. Tommy Salazar, who owns and operates One Way Mobile Detailing in Hesperia, was one of a dozen hand-picked, high-end Pacific Coast detailers chosen to help in the detailing process of a historical World War I

No one expected much from Hesperia’s only team in the National Junior Basketball league. Next year, maybe they’ll think twice. Competing against teams from Nevada, northern California and Orange County, the Hesperia Hoopsters just took fourth place in a national all-star tournament. “They like to win,&rd

Relay For Life of Hesperia is kicking off the “Paint the Town Purple” campaign this week, which runs through April 20. Businesses, schools and residents will be decking out their locations in as much purple as possible to support the community’s cancer survivors — and to get ready for the American Cancer Society&r

Fresh & Easy Neighborhood Market last week announced nine schools in Hesperia earned $3,097 through its fifth-annual “Shop for Schools” fundraising program. More than 2,700 schools actively participated in Shop for Schools this school year, earning more than $2.1 million collectively. Schools located within a thre

Dan Dalton loves to share his love of motorcycles and Bicycle Motorcross racing — more commonly known as BMX — with his children and the community. Dalton grew up in Hesperia riding motorcycles until 1982 when his father said he’d support him with BMX racing instead, because riding motorcycles was becoming too expensive

By Amy Zillner HESPERIA STAR The students of Cottonwood Elementary School were in for a winning sight as they returned to school Monday from spring break: a trophy which their principal, teachers and family members won after running 131 miles at the Run4Kids 24-Hour Ultramarathon, Relay and Big Running Party in Corona on

When Nyna Gray and others volunteered in 1995 to answer phones for a pregnancy hotline in a residential home, they realized they’d be more helpful if they could speak to women face to face. This realization gave birth to the Call for Life Pregnancy Help Center. The center offers free counseling, pregnancy tests and educatio

Communication is key for students at two local high schools who are working to help other students through problems. Peer counselors at Oak Hills and Hesperia high schools say they’ve found they’re able to communicate best with their fellow students as they work through their teenage years together. At both high schoo

With an ever-growing drive among policy makers, non-profit organizations and progressive businesses to promote sustainability, one Southern California Wastewater Agency has passed a resolution to specifically address environmental stewardship. The Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Authority’s Board of Commissioners unanimously p

Oak Hills High School varsity and junior varsity cheerleading squads won the 2013 State Championship title at the Sharp International State Championship competition on Feb. 23 at Knott’s Berry Farm. Together the squads also achieved the title of Grand State Champions. This isn’t the first time OHHS squads have won the state c

A disaster can occur without warning but the city of Hesperia offers residents a chance to prepare through hosting its free 20-hour Community Emergency Response Team program. Residents learn about terrorism, disaster psychology, fire safety, search and rescue and basic first aid during the program, led by emergency services coordinator B

‘Blooms for a Cure’ begins next week Acacia’s Country Florist owner Jane Wolf and Linda Canfield, “Educators for a Cure” team captain for the American Cancer Society Relay for Life, have partnered to once again present “Blooms for a Cure.” This event will promote the sale of daffod

The Percy Bakker Center transformed on Saturday into a central location of information for seniors, current and future caregivers, and soon to be seniors at the second annual Senior Resource Faire sponsored by High Desert Primary Care Medical Group and hosted by the Hesperia Parks and Recreation District. “It’s nice to have s

Local author Suzanne de Board will bring her pen, books and answers to the Hesperia Library on Thursday for adults and children alike. Fans and newcomers are invited to interact with de Board from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday where she will autograph books, answer questions and read out loud from her books. “The Gift,” “Pe

An emotional Janet Gibeault walked on stage to accept the 2011 Legacy Award on behalf of her late husband, Ernie Gibeault, as Hesperia Chamber of Commerce members cheered at the chamber’s Annual Awards Ceremony on Feb. 19. The Gibeaults were praised for their many years of volunteering, including preparing the turkey dinner for sev

LAS VEGAS • A popular folk singer who sang the praises of Hesperia, and who once appeared on stage with Lawrence Welk and Betty White, has died. F.X. McDonald, known for his “Headin’ For Hesperia” tune, died at age 84, according to his friend and local historian Gary “Old Town Griz” Drylie, who was reac

When a loved one dies, it can affect the whole family. The Mourning Star Center, a California Visiting Nurse Association program in Hesperia, provides free grief support for children and teens ages 3 to 18 and their families, giving them a place to express their grief with their peers. “It’s a message of hope: ‘You will

As prom season quickly approaches, the anticipation of this most traditional teenage rite of passage comes with the expense of formal dresses, tuxedo rentals and prom tickets. Rena’s Dresses is in its second year working with the community and high schools to help provide the prom experience for seniors whose families’ financ

A Hesperia High School graduate said learning to write during her days at the school helped drive her to publish her debut novel. Anna Abner graduated from the school in 1995. Now, she’s published “Spell of Summoning,” the first volume in her budding “Dark Caster” science fiction and romance series.

Heather McKernan has been in cheerleading since she was 5 years old and loves the way being focused on cheer helps relieve stress, said McKernan. Now at 17 years old, one title she won’t need to stress on winning is 2013 Cheer Pros Calif. All-State All-Star Cheer Team — a feat she achieved Jan. 26 at the Cheer Pros Calif. Sta

The Hesperia Chamber of Commerce on Friday presented a check for $1,700 to Hesperia Christian School, according to a chamber news release. Chamber president and CEO Yvonne Woytovich handed the check to the school administrator Cindy Harmon at the chamber’s weekly networking event, Friday Morning Coffee. The chamber holds the meetin

Volleyball coach Rebecca Lewis encourages players and corrects stances, straightens bent arms and moves fingers to better grip a ball, amidst thuds of volleyballs and players shouting, “I want it!” Lewis said one must coach all aspects of volleyball: offense, defense, passing, setting, hitting and spiking. She and her husband

A recycled water plant in Hesperia that’s getting closer to fruition could put the High Desert on the map of sustainability. The plant is just one part of a new sustainable resolution that the Victor Valley Wastewater Reclamation Agency has instituted ensuring the agency makes a decision that is environmental sound and sustainable

The Hesperia City Council will have to wait a little longer before they can get back nine firefighters, after they came across a roadblock from San Bernardino County on Tuesday night. The council and Hesperia Fire Protection District were scheduled to look at the requirements of the federally funded fire and emergency response award, whi

The Hesperia City Council will look at placing nine firefighters back on the streets during tonight’s meeting. The council and Hesperia Fire Protection District will look at the requirements for the federal Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response award, which if confirmed, may increase the fire district by nine positions.